Welcome to Love Language!

Hey everyone, welcome to Love Language — the podcast where we talk all things weddings, marriage, and real-life love stories, with heart, humor, and genuine advice. I'm Mikayla, your host and full-time wedding planner, and today’s episode is all about something every couple dreams of: a peaceful, joyful wedding day.

To help us dive deep into this beautiful topic, I’m joined by one of my favorite people in the industry: Ashlyn from Ashlyn Victoria Photography.

https://ashlynvictoriaphoto.com/ Ashlyn has captured hundreds of once-in-a-lifetime moments and knows better than anyone how to help couples create a day that feels calm, smooth, and filled with real joy.

Working with Vendors: Setting the Tone Early

We kicked off the conversation by talking about one of the most important pieces of a smooth wedding day: choosing the right vendors.

Ashlyn shared valuable advice about finding vendors who don't just "show up" but truly understand the vibe couples want. She emphasized that working with people who are calm, flexible, and organized behind the scenes allows the magic to happen naturally — without taking away from the moment.

Choosing the right team is the first big step to a day that feels effortless.

Creating a Supportive Wedding Party & Navigating Family Dynamics

Next, we got into the people side of weddings — wedding parties and family relationships.

Ashlyn pointed out that the most supportive wedding parties are those that focus fully on the couple's happiness, offering both emotional support and practical help without adding stress.

We also discussed ways couples can make their wedding party feel relaxed and included — small gestures of appreciation go a long way! Ashlyn's favorite moments to capture are often the unscripted laughs and hugs between friends and family before the ceremony.

When it comes to tricky family situations, like divorced parents or family tensions, Ashlyn’s advice was to plan ahead, communicate clearly, and stay focused on what matters most: celebrating love. Her calm presence ensures all the important shots still happen, no matter the dynamics.

Keeping the Day Centered on Love & Joy

One of my favorite parts of our conversation was hearing Ashlyn's tips for helping couples stay present throughout the day.

Her best advice? Pause, breathe, and savor the little moments.

She also shared that some of her favorite photos are the ones couples don’t even think to ask for — small, genuine interactions that radiate pure emotion. As Ashlyn explained, the energy couples bring to their day naturally shows up in their photos, making authenticity even more important than perfection.

Timeline Tips That Keep Things Calm

We couldn't talk about a smooth wedding day without diving into timelines!

Ashlyn revealed that photographers play a big role in setting a relaxed atmosphere, even when things get a little tight. Her secret? Building in intentional breathing room in the schedule so couples never feel rushed.

One of the timeline decisions couples often overlook is the value of a first look — it creates a pocket of calm, intimacy, and beautiful photo opportunities before the whirlwind begins.

We also chatted about the myth of "too much planning." Ashlyn believes thoughtful structure is key, but flexibility is the magic ingredient that keeps the day joyful, even if things run a little behind.

Capturing the Calm: Real Moments & Final Advice

In our final section, Ashlyn shared some of her favorite candid moments: the quiet deep breaths before walking down the aisle, the teary smiles during private vows, the laughter in between formal shots.

For couples who want their photos to reflect real joy, her advice is simple: trust your photographer, be yourselves, and let go of the tiny worries.

Ashlyn ended the episode by encouraging couples to focus on what matters most — not the timeline, not the guest list, but the love that brought everyone together.

Her favorite photo? A candid shot of a bride and groom lost in laughter, surrounded by their friends, completely unaware of the camera — the purest snapshot of joy.

Thank You for Tuning In!

We loved having Ashlyn on this very special first episode of Love Language — and we hope you leave feeling inspired to create a wedding day that's not just beautiful, but peaceful, joyful, and authentically YOU.

Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll dive even deeper into building a marriage that lasts long after the last dance. 💍

Until then, keep speaking your love language — and thanks for listening!