A lighthearted, honest read, perfect for a quiet moment by the pool, or a quick pause between appointments.
For many, summer is synonymous with artisanal ice cream and nights that linger until dawn. But for me, it’s also high season: a period when everything intensifies, when calendars overflow, and every weekend feels like a new destination.
Yet, it's within this creative buzz that I find those small moments of serenity and softness. These are the precious pauses I encourage my couples to cherish, the necessary deep breaths, the luminous certainties.
Here are the seven I hold most dear.
1. The perfect morning ritual: iced coffee and visual inspiration
My days often begin barefoot, in the cool, dappled shade of a garden tree. With a gentle click, I open my laptop, revisiting a moodboard in that perfect morning light and catching up on a few messages while the city is still quiet. It's in these suspended moments that the most beautiful wedding inspirations truly take shape. I've noticed so many of my couples embracing this very ritual: an iced coffee in hand, Pinterest board open, and that simple, pure joy of envisioning their perfect day.
2. That first visit of the venue that changes everything
I've lost count of the times a couple has turned to me and said, "This is it," without a single word of a sales pitch being spoken. More often than not, this profound realization strikes in the summer. The trees are in full bloom, the expansive terraces are bathed in light, and dancing shadows create delicate patterns on the ground. It's not always about the most spectacular wedding venue; sometimes, it’s a specific quality of light or a particular atmosphere that resonates. That undeniable feeling of "home" settles in, and you just know.
3. The emotion of the first outfit sketch
There's always a hushed, respectful silence when a couple first lays eyes on the sketch of their wedding dress, suit, or celebratory outfit. This is the moment where the dream becomes tangible. We transition from the virtual world of inspiration boards into something deeply personal and intimate. And with summer’s gentle, forgiving light, the moment feels even more memorable.
4. Those cherished summer evenings for two
The most genuine and heartfelt wedding ideas often emerge not from formal meetings, but from quiet evenings on a terrace, a drink in hand as the day softly fades. I always encourage my couples to protect these moments. Don't meticulously plan every detail; instead, talk about your wedding like you would an extraordinary trip, without excessive pressure, without a single spreadsheet in sight.
5. That reassuring message
Sometimes, a few thoughtful words are all it takes to put everything back into perspective. A gentle message, a reassuring voice note, a swift reply to a question asked in the rush of the evening. My role isn't just about planning; it's about alleviating worries. And I know for a fact that certain messages sent during these hazy summer days have been game-changers, allowing my couples to exhale and release tension at just the right moment.
6. That outdoor tasting that reveals everything
The first bite of a dish you've never tried. The delicate rustle of leaves in the trees. A natural linen tablecloth, a chosen glass of wine, and spontaneous laughter replacing the studious note-taking. I always advise my couples not to over-analyze the tasting experience. Instead, surrender to it completely. It’s often a moment of extraordinary connection, far more meaningful than they could ever imagine.
7. That summer playlist that takes shape
I often suggest taking advantage of this special season to tackle some of the lighter, more spontaneous elements of wedding planning. Think of it as creating a custom wedding playlist for different parts of your celebration, one for getting ready, another for the guest welcome, a third for a relaxed cocktail hour. When a song moves you, or you hear a track with that perfect vibe, simply add it to the list. A small tip: set your Spotify playlist to private to keep your musical gems under wraps until the big day.
A Gentle Invitation to Disconnect
Beyond these creative milestones, I urge you to truly disconnect, from obsessive moodboards, comparative Instagram feeds, and endless vendor searches.
Carve out generous, unscheduled time for yourselves.
Live this engagement season fully, without constantly checking off tasks.
Because preparing for a wedding is also this: reconnecting with one another in the unique sweetness of summer.
My key summer wedding tips for couples:
Don't feel pressured to finalize everything during these months. Pressure has no place in this special time.
Use the summer atmosphere to approach planning differently - with a sense of ease and natural inspiration.
Disconnect from social media to rediscover your true desires - the ones that come from the heart, not from fleeting trends.
Allow ideas to emerge organically, without forcing or scheduling every moment of reflection.
And above all, savor this time together. It's a precious chapter in your shared story.
At The Vows, I'm here to guide you with care, precision… and a little iced tea, should you need it.
