As an Orange County wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand how the right wedding trends can take a couple’s special day from beautiful to absolutely unforgettable. There’s something magical about capturing moments that are both visually stunning and deeply meaningful—and 2025 is shaping up to deliver plenty of those moments.
These trends aren’t just about decor or design—they’re about creating memories that truly reflect your love story. From the intimate to the grand, my passion lies in documenting every detail, ensuring the quiet emotions and lively celebrations are preserved forever.
I’d love to help make your wedding as magical as possible. At Jenny Chou Photography, I focus on capturing the unique details that make your day one of a kind. If you’re ready to create memories that will last a lifetime, head here to learn more about my services or contact me to start planning.
Wedding Trends I’m Loving for 2025
2025 wedding trends are all about elevating your celebration with meaningful moments and breathtaking visuals. Here are some of the most standout trends that are perfect for creating stunning photographs (in my humble opinion as an Orange County wedding photographer).
1. The Garden Wedding Aesthetic Is Taking Over (In a Good Way)
The garden wedding aesthetic is blossoming into a major trend, and it’s taking over in the best possible way! Couples are fully embracing natural, lush garden vibes, incorporating elements that feel organic yet elevated. From “cake gardens” that transform dessert tables into verdant displays of cascading florals to innovative ceremony designs like asymmetrical arches or free-standing floral pillars, these details add an air of romance and whimsy to any venue.
This 2025 wedding trend isn’t just about the aesthetic either—it’s about creating an atmosphere that feels serene, timeless, and connected to nature. Whether indoors or outdoors, couples are leaning into the beauty of the garden aesthetic to create weddings that are as stunning as they are enchanting.
2. Bouquets are Shrinking (& Adding More Texture)
Speaking of the garden aesthetic, another trend gaining momentum is the shift toward smaller, more refined bouquets. These petite arrangements exude elegance and allow for a more minimalist, understated approach to floral design. That said, couples are still finding ways to make these bouquets stand out by incorporating unique and unexpected elements, like feathers, dried florals, or bold, textural greenery. These details add personality and flair to the arrangement, making it a memorable statement piece while complementing the overall natural, garden-inspired vibe. Smaller bouquets with distinctive accents strike the perfect balance between modern sophistication and timeless romance.
3. Tradition is Back!
Tradition is making a heartfelt comeback! After a noticeable shift where many couples chose to forgo nearly all traditional elements of weddings, we’re now seeing a revival of meaningful customs. This past year, I’ve photographed Chinese Tea Ceremonies, a Korean Paebaek ceremony, and more. While I love the idea of ditching traditions that don’t feel particularly special to you, the sentimental side of me loves witnessing all of these incredible moments.
4. Fur Babies Are Invited Party Guests
As an Orange County wedding photographer, one of the delightful trends I’m noticing for 2025 is couples finding heartfelt ways to include their beloved dogs in their big day. Many are opting to bring their furry friends in person, dressing them up with charming bow ties, floral collars, or even designating them as honorary ring bearers.
For those unable to have their pups present, creative alternatives are gaining popularity, such as honoring their dog with signature cocktails named after them, custom signage, or even incorporating their image into cake toppers or wedding stationery. I personally love these ideas because these touches not only celebrate the special bond between couples and their pets but also add a layer of personality and warmth to the celebration, making the wedding uniquely theirs.
5. Shorter Wedding Dresses (& Second and Third Looks!) Are Continuing to Be Popular
While it’s a trend that’s been around for a while, it’s worth repeating—brides are embracing multiple looks for their wedding day, and it’s showing no signs of slowing down! I recently photographed a bride who pulled off an impressive four outfit changes, each one more stunning than the last. One standout trend within this is brides raising their hems or switching to a more casual and playful ensemble for their second look. Whether it’s a chic silk dress, a flowy jumpsuit, or a modern two-piece set, these outfit changes allow brides to infuse more of their personal style into the day and stay comfortable for the reception’s festivities. It’s a fun way to surprise guests and make the day feel even more dynamic!
6. Stationery Is The New Favorite Splurge
Stationery is making a big comeback as a splurge-worthy element of weddings in 2025. During the pandemic, stationery often took a backseat—guest counts were unpredictable, and supply chain challenges made sourcing materials trickier. Now, couples are prioritizing their guests’ experience, and that means investing in tangible, beautifully crafted pieces that set the tone for their big day. From luxurious full invitation suites with intricate details like custom wax seals and hand-illustrated designs to personalized place cards and day-of signage, stationery has become an art form again.
It’s all about creating meaningful touchpoints that make guests feel special and add a cohesive, polished look to the wedding aesthetic. I’m also seeing guests prioritize big statement signage, from seating charts to ceremony welcome signs.
7. Veils Are Getting the Attention They Deserve
Last but certainly not least, at least in my opinion as an Orange County wedding photographer, veils are finally getting the spotlight they deserve! In 2025, brides are embracing veils as statement pieces that elevate their wedding look, and the creativity is inspiring. From intricate embroidered patterns that tell a personal story to dramatic cathedral-length veils that command attention, and even pearl-encrusted designs that add a touch of glamour, veils are becoming showstoppers in their own right. These details allow brides to infuse personality and artistry into their attire, making the veil more than just an accessory—it’s a highlight of the ensemble. As a photographer, I’ve loved capturing the magic of these veils, and I expect this trend to continue dominating the bridal fashion scene.
Planning a Wedding in Orange County
Your wedding day is a reflection of your love story, and theses top 2025 wedding trends? Are just the beginning. As an Orange County wedding photographer, I firmly believe that I’m not just there to take pictures—I’m there to help you tell your story. From finding the perfect angles to capturing the energy and emotion of your celebration, I’ll make sure every moment is preserved in timeless photographs.
If you’re looking for a wedding photograph in SoCal, I would be honored to be considered. You can find out more about my services, or reach out to me here to confirm availability. In the meantime, I would love to invite you to follow along on Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses and even more 2025 wedding inspiration.
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