Your wedding day flies by—seriously, one minute you’re saying “I do,” the next you’re dancing, laughing, and cutting your cake. There’s so much happening, and it can feel like the day is just a whirlwind of moments. That’s why a cocktail hour is one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s that sweet little pause where you can take a breath, soak it all in, and enjoy some of the best parts of being newly married. Here’s why it’s such a game-changer…

We know that “getting ready” photos are a popular part of a wedding day—but let’s be honest, they can sometimes feel a little awkward or overcomplicated. What are you even supposed to do? The truth is, the best photos happen when you stop worrying about the camera and just focus on each other. Instead of stressing about how the photos will look or how you look, our biggest tip is simple: be present. Talk, laugh, cry, reminisce—just soak it all in. This is the only time you’ll ever have this exact moment together.