Maine & NH Wedding Photographer | How to Incorporate the Special People in Your Life on Your Wedding Day

Your wedding day isn’t just about you and your partner — it’s also about the people who’ve been there through all the messy, beautiful, hilarious parts of life that led you here. Family, chosen family, lifelong friends — the ones who’ve had your back since day one.

There are so many ways to include the people who mean the most to you in your day, beyond just sticking them in a seat or slapping “bridesmaid” or “groomsman” on them.

Here are some of my favorite ways I’ve seen couples do it:

Brides, do a first look with your dad or siblings
These moments always get me. There’s something about that raw emotion when a dad sees his daughter or a brother sees his sister all dressed up — it’s pure gold. It’s quiet, meaningful, and gives you both a moment before the chaos of the day kicks in.

Make Grandma the flower girl
Hands down one of my favorite trends ever. There is nothing more heart-melting than Grandma tossing petals down the aisle like she’s in her prime. It’s sweet, it’s funny, and it’s the kind of moment everyone will remember forever.

Have someone special read during your ceremony
If you’ve got a best friend, sibling, or mentor who’s been a big part of your story, let them read something meaningful during your ceremony. It could be a poem, a passage, or even a short personal note. It’s such a simple way to make your ceremony feel personal and connected.

Do a dance with your mom
Brides, don’t sleep on this one. Everyone expects the father-daughter dance, but a dance with your mom? That hits different. It’s emotional, unexpected, and such a beautiful way to honor her.

Grooms, do a first look with your mom
This one always gets the tissues going. There’s something incredibly tender about a groom sharing a quiet first look with his mom. It’s a quick, intimate moment that says “thanks for everything” without needing a single word.

Weddings are full of tradition, but they’re also yours to shape. Include the people who make your world better — whether that’s your parents, siblings, grandparents, or your ride-or-die best friend.

Because at the end of the day, your wedding isn’t just the start of your marriage — it’s also a celebration of all the love that got you there.