The Most Beautiful Weddings Are Often the Simplest
There’s something about photographing weddings that never gets old. Each one is unique — different couples, different locations, different emotions — and yet, every now and then, one really sticks with you. One makes you pause and think, this… this is what it’s all about.
Recently, I had the honour of photographing one of the most beautifully simple weddings. It wasn’t held in a lavish venue. There were no towering floral arrangements or dramatic entrances. There wasn’t even a strict timeline or a flurry of wedding vendors buzzing around. Instead, I was invited to meet a family at the base of a waterfall, where two people were ready to say “I do” in the most heartfelt, uncomplicated way.
Just them, their kids, and their immediate family. Nature as their backdrop. The sound of the water cascading behind them. The kind of setting that didn’t need decor — because the love between them was more than enough to fill the space.
They exchanged vows that came straight from the heart. There were tears, laughter, and so many quiet, tender glances. It was the kind of wedding where you could feel every word that was spoken. There were no distractions — just intention, meaning, and love.
Afterward, they celebrated with cake in the park. No reception hall, no catering staff, no seating plan. Just a beautiful cake, shared with the people who matter most. Kids were running around, adults were laughing and reminiscing, and the couple — well, they looked like they were floating on air.
As I stood there snapping photos, I found myself quietly reflecting. If I had to do my wedding all over again… would I do it this way? Maybe one day we will — a vow renewal, perhaps. And if we do, I think this is exactly how I’d want it. Simple. Meaningful. With zero pressure to perform.
What stuck with me most that day was how relaxed and present everyone was. It was simply a celebration of love — raw, real, and deeply personal.
It reminded me of something I think we all need to hear more often: it doesn’t have to be complicated to be beautiful. You don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to create a “perfect” day. You just need the people you love, a little space to breathe, and the freedom to focus on what matters most — your vows, your connection, your story.
As a photographer, I’ve captured weddings of every size and style — grand affairs with hundreds of guests, rustic barn celebrations, intimate backyard ceremonies.
They’re all special in their own way. But this one, this simple waterfall wedding, quietly stole my heart.
It was a reminder that the magic of a wedding doesn’t lie in the price tag or the Pinterest board. It lies in the why. Why you’re standing there. Why you chose each other. Why this moment matters.
Thank you for letting me be a part of it. You reminded me — and hopefully others — that the most unforgettable days don’t have to be extravagant. Sometimes, all it takes is a waterfall, a few loved ones, and a promise that lasts a lifetime.
— Kelly
Kevin & Kelly Photography
