By Tami Hughes | Hughes Photo & Video | Wedding Photographer & Videographer Based in Minnesota & Beyond

Your wedding day is one of the most unforgettable moments of your life—but when the confetti settles and the cake is gone, there are a few common things couples wish they had done differently.

As a wedding photographer and videographer based in Minnesota (who travels all over capturing love stories!), I’ve had the honor of documenting countless weddings. I’ve also had those honest conversations with newlyweds after the day has passed. Here are the four biggest regrets I hear most often—plus some tips to help you avoid them.

1. Not Hiring a Videographer

So many couples tell me after the fact: “We wish we had a video of our ceremony” or “I’d give anything to hear our vows again.”

Photos freeze moments in time, but video lets you relive them—your partner’s laugh, the sound of your first dance song, the way your voice cracked reading your vows. It’s truly the closest thing to going back in time. If you’re on the fence, this is one thing you’ll never regret investing in.

Pro tip: Look for a photographer and videographer team (like us!) to ensure a seamless experience and cohesive storytelling.

2. Not Scheduling Enough Time for Portraits

Weddings fly by—and when the timeline gets tight, photo time is often the first thing to get cut short.

I always tell my couples to build in some buffer time for portraits (especially those golden hour shots that make your heart skip a beat!). You’ll never regret having more photos of just the two of you soaking in the day.

Bonus: Sneaking away for a few minutes with your new spouse gives you a rare private moment to breathe and connect.

A couple in wedding attire dance and twirl on a rustic metal bridge surrounded by bare winter trees.

3. Trying to Please Everyone Else

It’s your day. Repeat that as many times as you need.

So many couples later say they regret letting outside opinions influence their choices—venue, guest list, even their outfits. The truth? The best weddings are the ones that feel authentic to you, not a performance for others.

Whether you're eloping on a mountain, dancing under the stars in your backyard, or tying the knot at a downtown venue—do what feels like you.

Couple shares an intimate moment while sitting together on wooden church pew near cross and stained glass window.

4. Not Being Present Enough

Between timelines, vendors, and a million questions flying at you—it’s easy to go into autopilot.

One of the biggest regrets I hear is not taking time to truly be present. Be intentional about pausing. Take it all in. Laugh. Cry. Dance like no one's watching.

As your photographer and videographer, I’ll make sure you're not just in the moment—but that you’ll have stunning visuals to relive it all for years to come.