Planning the perfect wedding for 2026 or 2027? You need to read this.

Three-time Wedding Photographer of the Year, Wes Simpson, lifts the lid on common wedding misconceptions — and explains why the magazines have got it wrong.

Before you disappear any further down the Pinterest rabbit hole, stop and read this. It’s one of the most important wedding blogs I’ve ever written.

As a multi-award-winning wedding photographer who has documented hundreds of weddings across the UK and around the world, I’ve had a front-row seat to love, chaos, joy, and everything in between. I’ve seen weddings that looked flawless on paper — and others that unravelled beautifully in real life.

Which raises the question:

What actually defines the perfect wedding?

The Myth of the Perfect Wedding

Open any wedding magazine and you’ll see it.

Couture gowns.
Designer shoes.
Immaculate florals.
Tables styled within an inch of their lives.

And yes — details matter.

I love a good party.
I adore cake.
I like matchy, matchy bridesmaid dresses.
I enjoy photographing beautiful flowers, expensive watches, designer shoes and every thoughtful touch that make the wedding.

But none of those things creates the perfect wedding.

That’s the backdrop. The real story is elsewhere…

The perfect wedding photo, bride crying with her mum

Why I Really Do This – After 100’s of Weddings

I do this to photograph your parents crying together in the front row.

To capture your sister dancing with the man she’ll marry three years from now.

To document the children who will grow up faster than you can imagine.

To quietly photograph your grandfather, who may sadly pass next spring.

I do it – to capture your first kiss as husband and wife.
The flower girl asleep under a table (who will grow up too quickly)
And even to capture your ex holding on to a hug just a second too long.

That’s where the perfect wedding lives.

Not in the chair covers.
Not in whether the napkins match the flowers.

But in the memories. In the photographs.

They become part of your family history.

You’ll look at them when your children are born.
When you have the biggest argument of your married life and need reminding of why you chose each other in the first place.
When your parents are no longer here, and you realise the last time you danced with them was at your wedding.

What the Magazines Want You To Think Is The Perfect Wedding

Over the years, I’ve submitted photographs from real weddings to magazines and online blogs. The pictures contained real emotions. Real moments. Real love.

The response was often the same:

“The images are beautiful — but we need more details. More table settings. More florals. Brides want inspiration for the perfect wedding.”

And I understand.

Magazines sell advertising. Vendors need visibility. The wedding industry runs on aspiration.

But aspiration isn’t the same as reality.

The purpose of most wedding magazines is to market suppliers — venues, florists, planners, and even photographers — to thousands of couples planning their version of the perfect wedding.

I’ve been featured.
I’ve advertised.
I’ve played the game.

But after photographing hundreds of weddings, one truth remains:

Every wedding is perfect.

Not because it’s styled impeccably.

Because it’s real. Because of the people.

The Truth About The Perfect Wedding

I have nothing against beautiful details – or magazines and their endless pursuit of perfection.

Please — throw the party of your lives.
Obsess over the playlist.
Choose the flowers you love.
Make it yours.

But understand this:

The reason you’re planning this wedding isn’t to obsess over stationery. It’s the person who will be standing opposite you.

There’s a line from the film Blow:

“Life passes most people by while they’re busy making grand plans for it.” – Jonny Depp.

Planning the perfect wedding can easily become one of those grand plans.

So close the magazine for a moment. Log off the internet. Look at the person you’re about to marry.

That’s the reason. That’s the perfect wedding.

And when the day arrives, celebrate. Properly. Messily. Fully.

Stop worrying about whether everything looks perfect.

Because when it’s all said and done, you’ll be married — surrounded by the people who love you most.

And that is, without question –

The Perfect Wedding.

If you’re planning your own perfect wedding and you value people over perfection, we’ll get along just fine.
Contact me to check availability.