Let’s talk about something I see all the time—and honestly, it’s something I wish more couples knew from the start.You create your Pinterest board. It’s dreamy. It’s full of soft light, stone courtyards, olive branches, and long wooden tables under string lights in a golden field. Maybe it leans toward Italian villa, French countryside, or modern editorial.But then… the wedding venue you book is a ballroom downtown. Or a rustic barn. Or a hotel space with patterned carpet and low ceilings.

And listen—every venue has the potential to be beautiful in its own way. There’s no “wrong” venue. BUT—when there’s a disconnect between the aesthetic you’re dreaming of and the space you’re getting married in… it shows in your photos. And not just in a tiny way. In a foundational, shapes-the-entire-day kind of way.

Your Wedding Venue is the Backdrop to Everything

Think of your venue as the canvas for your wedding painting. It’s not just one element—it’s every element. From your getting-ready suite to your ceremony backdrop, portraits, cocktail hour, and reception space… all of it unfolds in and around your venue.

If your dream wedding vibe is warm, editorial, and European-inspired, but the space around you says classic and traditional… it creates a visual disconnect. And that disconnect can leave you feeling like the final gallery just doesn’t match what you had envisioned—even if every moment was beautiful in its own right.

You Can’t Fully “Decor” Your Wedding Venue Into a Different Vibe

This one’s big. While thoughtful design—florals, rentals, color palettes, textures—can absolutely elevate your space, it can’t completely transform the feeling of the architecture, light, or landscape.

For example, if you’re dreaming of a Tuscan al fresco dinner but your venue only offers an indoor ballroom setup, it’s going to be tough to recreate that warm, open-air magic. You can add candles, you can bring in wooden chairs, but that overhead lighting and four walls will still shape the final result.

Pinterest Boards Are a Tool—Use Them Wisely

I love when couples send me inspiration boards. They’re such a helpful way for me to understand your taste, your priorities, your style.

But I also want you to use that vision when you’re choosing your venue—not just when you’re styling your tables. If your board is full of natural stone, rich textures, and soft outdoor light—but your venue has none of those elements—it’s worth pausing to ask: Does this space actually support the look and feel we want to create?

Photos Reflect Reality (With a Little Magic)

Here’s where I come in: my job is to find the most flattering light, the dreamiest angles, the real moments. I can absolutely make the most of any venue. I know how to get creative and how to lean into the best parts of a space.

But photography isn’t sorcery. I can’t change the structure, the lighting situation, or the setting. What’s there—the colors, the shapes, the mood—is what your images will reflect.

And if your space doesn’t match the mood you’ve been dreaming of? The final gallery might feel “off,” even if it’s technically perfect.

So—What Should You Do?

• If you’re just starting to plan, here’s my advice:
• Bring your inspiration board with you when you tour venues.
• Picture yourself in those spaces. Can you see your vision coming to life there?
• Think about natural light, color tones, textures, and the surrounding environment.
• And ask your photographer (hi, that’s me 👋) if you’re unsure how a space will translate in photos. I’m happy to help you navigate this.

You don’t need a villa in Italy to create an intentional, beautiful wedding that reflects you. But being honest about what’s most important to you—how it feels, how it looks, what you’ll remember when you see the photos—is key to creating a wedding that’s not only stunning but deeply aligned with your vision.

If you’re getting married in Tennessee, I put together a roundup of My Favorite Wedding Venues in Nashville—full of spots that bring all kinds of dreamy aesthetics to life. You just might find your place there.

If you’re still looking for a wedding photographer who cares deeply about how your day feels and how it all translates into images you’ll love forever… let’s chat.

x B