Can We Please Stop Calling These “Luxury” Weddings?

Jul 24

Can We Please Stop Calling These “Luxury” Weddings?

Let me just say it—I've never loved the term “luxury wedding.” It feels like something a magazine came up with. A category for the sake of categorizing. Because the reality is, most of the clients I work with who would technically fall into that “luxury” tier? They don’t think of themselves that way at all.

They’re not trying to be flashy. They’re not looking to impress anyone. What they’re after is a meaningful, thoughtful, curated experience that feels like them from top to bottom. That’s not luxury in the old sense—it’s boutique. It’s bespoke. It’s personal.

And that’s the difference.

I said this on the Six Figure Photography Podcast with Ben Hartley and Noella Andrés, and I’ll say it again:

💬 “Most of the people spending real money on their weddings don’t want to feel elite—they want to feel understood.”

The couples who invest in high-end weddings today aren’t chasing some outdated idea of opulence. They’re looking for an experience that reflects who they are—not just what they can afford.

And that’s exactly what Raelyn and John David’s wedding was all about.

A Day That Felt Like Art (Not Like a Production)

Raelyn and John David were incredibly intentional with every single decision they made. From the guest list to the color palette, from the energy in the room to the shape of the florals—nothing was accidental.

They worked with Amanda Reed Weddings, who brought calm, clarity, and vision to every layer of the day. But this wasn’t just Amanda’s vision—it was a collaboration. A whole creative team aligning around a single mission: to make the experience feel immersive, emotional, and effortless.

The cake from Shelby Lynn’s Cake Shoppe was a literal showstopper—massive, ornate, and somehow still timeless.
Silks a Bloom brought in floral designs that didn’t just decorate a space—they transformed it.
And LightWorks made a massive ballroom full of nearly 500 guests feel like an intimate, glowing dinner party.

This wasn’t a wedding that “looked expensive.” It was a wedding that felt like home—if your home was filled with candlelight, elegance, and the people you love most in the world.

💬 “Emotion is the luxury. Connection is the design. Everything else is decoration.”

What Makes a Wedding Feel Truly High-End?

Let’s shift the focus from price tags to purpose. Here are 10 things I see over and over again in truly boutique weddings:

Florals that follow the flow of the space—installed, not just arranged
Lighting design that shapes the atmosphere, not just the brightness
Planning that’s more about experience than logistics
Thoughtful print pieces—menus, place cards, programs—that feel like part of the brand
Intentional guest experiences—from arrival to final dance
Photography that captures intimacy, not just aesthetics
Design continuity—from the invitation suite to the dance floor
Space to breathe in the timeline—nothing rushed
Emotional presence from the family—not just attendance
Celebration that feels earned—a dance floor that feels like a release

5 Overlooked Details That Make All the Difference

Some of the most powerful details at high-end weddings are the ones you don’t even consciously notice.

Shaded welcome areas and signage that guide without overwhelming
Cohesive light transitions—sunset doesn’t happen in a flash, and neither should your lighting design
Comfort for vendors and guests alike—happy people create better energy
Well-paced entrances and exits—moments that feel cinematic
A soundtrack that matches the mood—music as emotional glue

If You’re a Photographer Who Wants In

Working in this space isn’t about having a fancier camera—it’s about refining how you see, how you show up, and how you serve.

Start with energy. Calm, kind, confident. It changes the whole room.
Know your space. Scout. Test the light. Visualize the story.
Work with the planner. Be an extension of their vision—not a distraction.
Look for layers of connection. Great photos are about people, not poses.
Make the experience as meaningful as the gallery. You’re not just capturing it—you’re part of it.

💬 “You don’t get invited into someone’s most sacred day by being the best photographer—you get invited by being the most trusted human.”

Real Talk: This Is Always About People

Whether you’re photographing a black-tie ballroom reception or a barefoot vow exchange on a mountaintop, the assignment doesn’t change: love them well.

Build relationships. Be present. Tell stories that matter. The rest is just gear and time.

Raelyn and John David’s day reminded me of this over and over again. I watched the way her family wrapped around her. I saw the pride in her brother’s eyes. I felt the weight of it all through my viewfinder—and it reminded me that this job, at its best, is personal.