Real love stories don’t come with a template.

Your wedding ceremony should feel like slipping into your favorite cozy sweater—not stiff, generic, or pulled from a template you found on Google at midnight. As a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed the full range: from black-tie ballroom “I dos” to mountaintop vows with hiking boots and windblown hair.. The most magical ones? Always the most personal.

Here’s how to craft a ceremony that’s unapologetically you (and gets everyone ugly crying in the best way).

Vows That Sound Like You

Vows are the heart of your ceremony—the moment everyone leans in a little closer and reaches for a tissue. They’re also the perfect space to let your personalities shine.

Don’t feel boxed in by what you think vows should sound like. Mix the romantic with the real. Talk about the little things: how they make your coffee just right, the way they support your weirdest ideas, or that time you both got lost on your second date and ended up having the best night of your lives.

Tell your story—the messy, magical, hilarious, honest version. Your guests will feel like they’re part of something truly intimate, and you’ll have a moment that actually feels like you, not a wedding blog post you copy-pasted at 2am.

Not into public speaking? No problem!

• Write a letter and read it privately to each other before the ceremony.
• Share your vows during the first look.

Tips for Killer Vows:

• Write from the heart—but don’t be afraid to be funny.
• Keep it to about 1-2 minutes max per person.
• Practice reading it out loud. Do the words sound like you, or like a wedding vendor wrote them?
• Avoid clichés unless they truly mean something to you.

Your Wedding Party, Your Way

Who says your wedding party has to follow tradition? Forget the “rules”—your crew should be made up of the people (and pets) who’ve been there for the laughs, the ugly cries, and the pre-wedding chaos.

Make Grandma the Flower Girl:

There’s nothing more iconic than a grandma strutting down the aisle, tossing petals like she invented it. Sparkly sneakers and sass encouraged.

Dog of Honor or Best Pup:

Whether they’re trotting down the aisle in a bow tie, carrying the rings, or just popping in for a quick tail wag and treat, dogs make everything better.

Beer Boys Are a Vibe:

Have your friends hand out beers (or bubbly!) before the ceremony starts—it’s fun, unexpected, and makes for the best photos. Think fanny packs, dance moves, and crowd hype.

Mix Up the Wedding Party Titles:

Your people, your titles! Whether it’s a best girl, man of honor, groomsmaids, or bridesmen, go with the crew who makes you feel like your best self—not just who fits a label. Bonus points for letting them rock outfits they feel amazing in.

Tie the Knot (Literally or Figuratively)

Unity ceremonies aren’t just about candles or sand. You can get creative with this moment to reflect your story.

Fun Ideas:

• Make a cocktail together (hello, signature drink!)
• Tie a knot with rope or ribbon (literal symbolism!)
• Water a plant that you’ll take home and grow together
• Paint a canvas—messy, fun, and totally you

Blending Cultures, Blending Hearts

Weddings are more than just pretty dresses and cake—they’re an opportunity to celebrate where you’ve come from, who raised you, and the cultures that shaped you. Blending traditions from your backgrounds (or creating new ones together!) makes your ceremony feel not just personal, but powerful.

Incorporating meaningful rituals can be a beautiful nod to your family, heritage, or shared values. These small moments often become the most emotional and unforgettable.

Ideas to Try:

• Handfasting – An ancient Celtic ritual where hands are tied together to symbolize unity.
• Breaking the glass – A Jewish tradition that symbolizes the fragility of relationships and the commitment you're making.
• Multilingual vows or blessings – Including your family's languages during the welcome or vows adds meaning and accessibility for guests.

Photographer Tip: These cultural moments often happen quickly, so make sure your wedding photographer knows in advance to capture the rituals in detail.

Let a Friend Officiate (Yes, Legally!)

One of the best ways to add genuine heart—and a few hilarious moments—is to have someone you love officiate.

Letting a friend or family member lead your ceremony adds a personal, warm touch that a hired stranger simply can’t replicate. They’ve seen your relationship grow, know your quirks, and can speak to your story with real emotion and connection. Plus, it’s usually way more fun.

Pro Tips for Friend-Officiated Weddings:

• Pick the right person. Choose someone who’s comfortable speaking in front of a crowd and who knows your relationship well. Bonus points if they can mix humor with heartfelt moments.
• Work on the script together. Help them create something that flows, reflects your personalities, and includes a few personal stories. (Hint: leave space for natural emotion!)
• Handle the legal stuff early. They’ll need to be ordained (online is usually fine!) and should check what’s required in your state. A quick call to the county clerk never hurts.
• Practice, practice, practice. A rehearsal—or at least a read-through—can smooth out nerves and ensure everything goes off without a hitch (except the two of you, of course).

Photographer Tip: Tell your wedding photographer who your officiant is so we can catch their reactions too! Friends-as-officiants tend to show more raw emotion—and that’s gold in your gallery.

Your Story Deserves Center Stage

Your love story isn’t a copy-paste situation—so your ceremony shouldn’t be either. Whether it’s handwritten vows, your grandma tossing petals, or your pup in a bowtie, these are the kinds of details that make your day feel authentically you.

As a wedding + elopement photographer, I’ve seen how meaningful, quirky, and creative ceremonies create the most unforgettable photos—and even better memories. So don’t be afraid to shake things up. Your guests will love it, and you’ll walk away with a ceremony that actually feels like yours.

Sound like your vibe? Let’s connect and start planning a ceremony that feels like it was made for you—because it is.