Redefining Greatness: The Real Measure of a Wedding

In the grand tapestry of life's milestones, weddings often take center stage, adorned with a flourish of social media posts, professional photographs, and elaborate décor. In our quest for the perfect wedding, it's easy to get lost in the details: lavish venues, world-renowned photographers, and high-fashion ensembles. But here’s the pressing question: is a wedding truly great simply because it gets featured in a popular publication?

The more I ponder this dilemma, the more I find myself reflecting on what constitutes a truly remarkable wedding. Is it the budget? The glitz and glamour? Or is there something far more profound underpinning this celebration of love? If you were to ask the guests at a typical wedding, their answers would likely underscore the joy of shared experiences—the food, the entertainment, and yes, often the open bar! It’s a simple truth that resonates: we attend weddings to celebrate the love between two people, to wear our most comfortable heels (or unbearable ones, as the case may be), and to bask in the joy of their union.

Now, enter the professionals—the wedding industry’s dynamic artists. Here, perspective shifts. While we share the same passion for love and celebration, our lens sharpens towards artistry and creativity. A “great” wedding, in the eyes of a wedding professional, is often measured by its visual spectacle, its uniqueness, and its ability to push the envelope of traditional wedding norms. But let’s be real: should the splendor of a wedding hinge solely on its potential to be visually stunning or feature-worthy?

What happens to the beautifully intimate celebrations—the ones lacking drone shows and extravagant floral arrangements? Are they diminished because they don't fit the high-profile mold? Absolutely not. Every wedding holds significance, whether wrapped in a bow of grandeur or simply adorned with authentic love and connection.

My journey as a bridal stylist has been a fascinating exploration of this dichotomy. After years in the bridal industry, I discovered my passion lies not just in the impeccable gowns or the perfect aesthetics, but in the brides themselves. Guiding them through the maze of choices, alleviating stress, and ensuring they feel their most radiant is where my heart truly lies. Yet, in the whirlwind of social media, it’s easy to find oneself questioning one’s worth based on the company one keeps or the projects one lands.

Let’s be candid: not every wedding will grace the pages of Vogue, and that’s perfectly okay! Each celebration is valid, valuable, and wonderful in its own right, whether it’s a grand affair or a cozy gathering surrounded by loved ones. My aspiration is to create an experience for couples that resonates with who they are—through styling and support on their special day.

In the end, weddings are a celebration of love, life, and hope. They remind us what really matters: the emotional connections and cherished moments that define our humanity. So, let’s embrace the true essence of weddings beyond the criteria for publication. Let’s celebrate every love story, every joyful “I do,” because in the eyes of those who matter most, every wedding is a masterpiece.

Let’s redefine what it means to have a great wedding—not by the glitter we leave behind, but by the love we carry forward.

photo credit: #linashteyn for @iralippkestudios