Make no mistake, planning a wedding when you are a photographer yourself is a wild ride. You have seen every timeline, every detail shot, every “Pinterest-perfect” setup. But what happens when the lens turns around and it is your own wedding day?
In this episode of The Bridal Education Podcast, I sat down with Kaitlyn from The Storm and Me, a wedding photographer turned newlywed, to chat about what really goes on behind the scenes of planning, surviving, and actually enjoying your big day.
From timelines and trends to toddler meltdowns and meat tray raffles (yes, really), this episode is one every future bride needs to hear.
🎧 Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/6vJlKpNuhsrroBbgofkCWr?si=0fa988861aa54c16
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE
- How to make your wedding feel personal, not Pinterest-perfect
- Why timelines matter more than you think
- Tips for stress-free “getting ready” photos
- The truth about trends, traditions, and what to skip
- Real talk on food, fun, and flexibility
GUEST: KAITLYN FROM THE STORM AND ME
Kaitlyn is a wedding photographer based in Central Queensland and the creative behind The Storm and Me. After years of capturing other couples’ love stories, she recently stepped into the bride role herself, and she is sharing what it is really like to plan your own big day while working in the industry.
WHEN A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BECOMES THE BRIDE
Being a photographer helped Kaitlyn with timelines, lighting, and planning shots, but it also made things harder.
“Because I have seen so many weddings, I had too many ideas,” she laughs. “We started off planning an elopement and ended up with a big wedding. It was beautiful, but I had to keep reminding myself to focus on what really mattered to us.”
Her biggest advice: do not do things because they are trending. “If it is not you, it is not timeless,” she says. “Your photos will always look better when your day feels like you.”
TRENDS THAT STAY TRUE TO YOU
Black and white was the theme for Kaitlyn’s wedding, a modern, moody look that reflected her and Jeremy’s style.
“I see couples do things because they saw it on Pinterest, but you have got to ask if it fits you. For us, it did. But if it does not, do not force it.”
And yes, she is living proof that you can have fun with trends. “We do not drink champagne, so instead of a champagne tower, we had a Coke tower,” she laughs. “It is still a photo op, but it is us.”
MAKE IT YOUR DAY, NOT JUST YOURS
When planning, Kaitlyn realized how often grooms get left out of the details.
“I actually said to Jeremy, this feels like my wedding, not our wedding,” she says. “So we added things that reflected him, like his car, and yes, the meat tray raffle.”
You read that right, a meat tray raffle at a wedding. Guests donated to enter, and the winner got a giant tray of meat.
“It started as a joke but ended up being a hit,” she says. “Everyone loved it. It broke up the speeches and got people laughing. It was perfect for us.”
THE POWER OF GOOD PREP (AND GOOD BRIDESMAIDS)
One thing Kaitlyn learned fast, your getting-ready space matters.
“It is not just hair and makeup photos,” she says. “You need good light, enough outlets, and space for everyone to move. I booked a big Airbnb because I knew it would make things easier.”
She also swears by having a small, reliable bridal party.
“My bridesmaids were amazing, they helped with my daughter, steamed dresses, and just kept me calm. That is what bridesmaids are for. They are there to support you, not just pose for photos.”
TIMELINES THAT ACTUALLY WORK
Kaitlyn and I both agree, timelines are everything.
“The biggest thing I did right was working backwards,” she says. “Start with sunset, then plan the ceremony, travel time, hair and makeup, and photos from there.”
As a photographer, she also emphasizes wiggle room. “Things will go wrong, they just will. And that is okay. Leave space in your timeline for surprises so you are not stressed when something runs late.”
STAYING CALM WHEN CHAOS HITS
Every wedding has a curveball. For Kaitlyn, it was her three-year-old daughter, Sylvie, waking up mid-prep from a nap, cranky and tearful.
“I was about to have a meltdown,” she admits. “So I sent everyone out of the room, took a breath, and just said, ‘I am going to marry your dad now.’ And she calmed right down.”
The result: some of the most heartfelt, raw photos of the day. “They are my favourite photos now,” she says. “It is real. It is me as a mum and a bride.”
THE DRESS THAT STOLE THE SHOW (AND ALMOST HER SANITY)
Kaitlyn’s dress was massive, stunning, but a challenge.
“I bought it emotionally,” she admits. “It did not fit at first, but my seamstress literally saved the day. She showed me how to walk, sit, and move in it. Spend money on your seamstress, it is worth every cent.”
Her best advice: do the sit test, the walk test, and if you are wearing a strapless gown, make sure it stays up. “You do not want to be pulling at your dress all night,” she says.
FOOD, FUN, AND FLEXIBILITY
Kaitlyn skipped the massive dance floor trend and focused on what mattered to her and Jeremy, good food and a relaxed vibe.
“We are not big dancers, so we wanted the night to feel chill,” she says. “We had amazing food, heaps of drinks, and ended with a McDonald’s run and a spontaneous last dance by the fire. It was perfect.”
Her takeaway: stop chasing trends and focus on how you want to feel on your wedding day.
PLANNING YOUR OWN WEDDING?
If you are getting married in Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Toowoomba, or anywhere in between, I would love to help capture your story too. You can:
👉 Explore my wedding photography collections
Because it is not just about looking beautiful on your wedding day. It is about feeling it, owning it, and remembering it forever.
FAQS ABOUT WEDDING PLANNING
How do I start building a timeline for my wedding day?
Start with your sunset time and work backwards. This gives you the most flattering light for photos and helps you plan ceremony and prep times effectively.
Do I need to plan for a “getting ready” location?
Yes. It sets the tone for your morning photos. Choose a bright, clean, spacious area with enough power outlets and natural light.
What if something goes wrong on the day?
It will, and that is okay. Delegate, take a breath, and focus on the big picture. No one will remember the small hiccups, they will remember the joy.
Should I follow wedding trends?
Only if they feel true to you. Kaitlyn’s advice: if it is not your vibe, skip it. Authenticity always looks better than imitation.
