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One8 Lab
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NGUYEN + DAN

KEEP UP WITH ME ON INSTAGRAM @felipecalladophotography

1. Be Hands-On with the Planning Even if your part

1. Be Hands-On with the Planning
Even if your partner takes the lead, showing up and helping out means everything.
2. Get Your Suit Tailored
A well-fitted suit looks 10x better than something straight off the rack.
3. Write Your Own Vows (If You’re Doing Them)
Make it personal, heartfelt, and genuine — it’s worth the effort.
4. Don’t Skip Haircuts and Grooming
Plan ahead so you look sharp without looking too freshly cut.
5. Plan a Gift or Note for Your Partner
A small, meaningful surprise the morning of the wedding goes a long way.
6. Practice the First Dance
Even 10 minutes of practice helps you feel way more confident on the dance floor.
7. Assign Someone to Handle Your Belongings
You don’t want to worry about your phone, wallet, or jacket during the day.
8. Be On Time (Seriously)
The whole day flows better when the groom isn’t scrambling last-minute.

Trust me, doing these small things makes a huge difference in how your day feels.

Still thinking about what an incredible day Ashley

Still thinking about what an incredible day Ashley and Connor had!
From the moment I arrived, you could just feel the excitement in the air — the kind of energy that only happens when two amazing people bring all their favorite people together in one place.

Ashley and Connor truly made their wedding their own in every way. From the meaningful little details to the way they were fully present with their friends and family, everything felt personal, effortless, and full of life.
One of my favorite memories? When they asked me to capture their guests rocking sunglasses — it instantly turned into this fun, laid-back moment that felt so authentically them.

It’s these little memories that remind me why I love doing what I do. Capturing the real emotions, the genuine laughs, the way your best people show up for you — those are the moments that will matter for decades.

And this was just part one of Ashley and Connor’s celebration.

One of the fun requests Ashley and Connor had for

One of the fun requests Ashley and Connor had for their wedding day was to capture all their guests wearing sunglasses — and honestly, it couldn’t have been more perfect for their vibe.

Everyone was having the time of their lives, and little moments like this made the celebration feel so full of personality and joy. It’s always the small, thoughtful details that make a wedding feel truly you.

Ashley and Connor, you threw an unforgettable party — so grateful I got to be there to document it all!

1. Long Gaps Between Ceremony and Reception When g

1. Long Gaps Between Ceremony and Reception
When guests are left with hours to kill and nowhere to go, frustration builds fast. Try to keep the flow of events smooth!
2. Complicated Transportation or Parking
If getting to your venue feels like a scavenger hunt, it’s not a great first impression. Make it simple (or offer a shuttle!).
3. Bad Food or Long Dinner Waits
Guests will remember the meal — and they’ll definitely notice if it’s cold, bland, or takes forever to arrive.
4. Lack of Seating or Shade
Especially during outdoor weddings! Standing around in the sun (or rain) makes guests tired and grumpy.

Little details make a huge difference in how your guests experience the day!

1. Start with your non-negotiables Your immediate

1. Start with your non-negotiables
Your immediate family and closest friends are the foundation. Begin with the people you can’t imagine the day without.
2. Don’t invite out of guilt
Just because someone invited you to their wedding, or your parents “think you should,” doesn’t mean they need to be on your list. Your budget and vibe matter more.
3. Consider who actually knows your story
Focus on people who’ve supported you, know your relationship, and will genuinely be excited for you—not just acquaintances.
4. Create two tiers: essential and optional
This helps if you’re waiting on RSVPs or venue capacity. Tier 1 gets the first invites. If you have room later, move on to Tier 2.
5. Think about your venue size and guest experience
A full guest list might sound great until your dance floor is packed and the bar lines are 20 minutes long. Keep guest comfort in mind.
6. Set boundaries with family early
Especially if they’re contributing financially. Be clear about how many seats they can fill and that it’s still your wedding.
7. Factor in travel and logistics
Will guests need hotel blocks or transportation? Will they actually make it if they live far away? Be realistic.
8. Don’t assume people will RSVP
People forget. Build in buffer time to follow up and be clear in your communication (especially for destination weddings).
9. Ask yourself: “Would I take this person out to dinner and pay for it?”
Because essentially, that’s what you’re doing—except at wedding prices.

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Guest lists are emotional and tricky, but being intentional will save you so much stress later.

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