Got Originality?
I have to get a little something off my chest as I sit her viewing yet another unbelievably gorgeous wedding on a gorgeous wedding blog (which I do ALL the time and often wonder this SAME thing). This morning I’m just putting my thoughts out there.
Here’s my thing: does every bride want to outfit her girls in the most non-traditional (albeit beautiful) bridesmaids dresses? Does every groom think Chucks actually look good with a tux? And what about decor…… all I’m seeing is vintage… which is fine if you truly are vintage! But, I have to think that not every couple wants an old stack of books, or tea cups, or a type writer, or Mason jars, or burlap, or a chalkboard, or to be married in a field…. or in a barn. I think I hang out with some pretty random and awesome people, but I don’t know a single one whom I would consider truly vintage with the eclectic style I see time after time on all the wedding blogs.
My point…. since I suppose you’re wanting me to get to it…. BE yourself! (the other point could be that quite possibly all these wedding blogs are showing are the vintage/rustic weddings).
My husband I didn’t have any vintage touches at out wedding…. (would possibly have died if we did)…. because that’s just not US. We are city people, I’m a designer… we figured out what was “us” and ran with it. We didn’t care if it got us onto a wedding blog or featured in a magazine, we did it because WE liked it.
If you find yourself making decisions on your wedding day with the full intention that it’s unique enough to land yourself on a pretty wedding blog, maybe you should rethink things. Reflect on what makes your wedding day unique to YOU… not what the rest of the wedding community thinks is trendy at the moment. At the end of the day, you and your significant other are all that matter. Not that you graced the pages of the trendiest blog.
(Getting off my soapbox now….)
Wendy
I think we have been seeing the same images. Its a little strange seeing images like that when they don’t match the couple or when they’ve just been ripped from someone elses wedding altogether.
I couldn’t agree with you more. Be original. Be true to you and at the end of the day; have fun!
Stephen, you are SO right about images not matching up with the couple. There have been times recently when it’s been so obvious. You’re right, have fun and be yourself, that’s what should be important!
I could not agree more. I got so annoyed with all of the weddings on the blogs starting to look the same. None of them inspired me or fit our personality yet I kept them on my reader and checked in daily to see if MAYBE there would be a clean/modern wedding I could draw some inspiration from. Instead all I got was “vintage” crap and people were less and less original. I am so glad to finally have removed the wedding blogs from my reader.
I couldn’t agree more. I hope couples start doing what’s true to them and I find it hard to believe there are so many vintage lovers out there. Who knows, maybe I’m wrong!
very well said wendy. thank you for sharing your thoughts on the current trends in the wedding industry. it’s especially interesting to hear your perspective since you are not a photographer. love your candid honesty.;-)
Thanks Tiffani! This was the first time I was candidly honest on my blog, and it’s nice to see there are people who are on the same page as me. Thanks for sharing on Facebook too :) You rock!
Or MAYBE, just maybe – there are different blogs to read. :o) I’ve never photographed a wedding in a barn, or with mason jars or filled with vintage stacks of books. I wish I did – because those things are all very much ME! But the beautiful and wonderful brides I’ve been fortunate enough to work with, have had very beautiful, but traditional weddings. In churches and wineries.
http://willowdawnphotography.com/blog/wedding/beautiful-wedding-at-the-historic-mankin-mansion-richmond-virginia-wedding-photographer
Oh, I did have one in a field, on a bluff, overlooking Puget Sound.
http://willowdawnphotography.com/blog/family/a-perfect-wedding
You’re right! There are tons to read, but I find that a large majority have this common theme, again and again. Your pictures are stunning… and that bluff overlooking Puget Sound totally doesn’t count as a field.. .that’s breathtaking! Thanks for commenting.
Thank you for the compliments – IMO the wedding the field, on a bluff, overlooking the sound – is a PERFECT wedding – as it totally reflected the couple and their values. Both are amazing people without pretense or need for grandeur. Their special day was a true reflection of them.
And I absolutely agree – that when couples (who am I kidding – brides) chose elements that are trendy but not necessarily a reflection of who they are – it shows. They look uncomfortable. And it’s not just choosing trendy elements but also those decisions made just to please family.
Thank you, Wendy, for this impossibly true sentiment. If I see another “groomsmen pulling up pants legs to reveal argyle socks” photo again, I’m going to scream. I think much of the blame lies with wedding blogs though. A certain blog (which shall not be named) only shows the same elements over and over and over again. It’s gotten to the point that I no longer visit their site, because I feel like I’m looking at the same wedding again and again.
Abby, so glad my comments hit a commonality within the wedding community. I too think blogs need to reflect on their posts and make sure they are hitting themes for everyone…. not just what they deem “cool” or trendy. Bree is on the right track with that and I wish more people out there did things like she did!
thanks wendy for sharing your opinion – i totally agree with the need for originality in weddings … or like you said, that couples just BE themselves. my own wedding had groomsmen in chucks, but my husband’s closet and my closet are adorned with chucks, so that’s just us!
as a blogger – i am trying to do what Abby mentioned – variety and authenticity! i hold it just as dear.
i also think it’s important for bloggers to put their opinions out there. keeps us aware that we are all human and we all have thoughts to share.
you rock lady! :)
I just commented to Abby that you are one of the few bloggers that I feel is aware of this and is on the right track in covering what ALL people might want. I am so glad your blog is available for DC area peeps to see some cool ideas that are just as beautiful as the “trendy” ideas we so often see. And you’re talking about a girl who owns several Chucks…. best. shoes. ever! Keep up the good and inspirational work on your blog!
AMEN Babe!!! Our wedding was totally traditional…becuase that’s how I have always seen my wedding. No photos in a barn…photos at an alter…that’s us. Glad you are using your blog to be YOURSELF. xoxo
Thanks Tanya!
Just be with your self and you can have a trendy one out with your own.