The minute most girls get engaged, their minds start racing (if they haven't already!) about the laundry list of wedding details that will engulf their life over the next few months. What kinds of flowers will we use for our centerpieces? What color bridesmaids dresses? The food? Entertainment? Venue? The list goes on and on and on... Seriously, it never ends :) But before you dive into all the details, we suggests you take a step back and figure out how you can infuse your personality and love story into your wedding day decor. We asked Sarah Chancey, Owner and Lead Designer of luxury event firm Chancey Charm Weddings to share how she creates personalized weddings for each and every one of her couples!

Image by Haley Sheffield Photography via Chancey Charm

"At the beginning of every consultation I always start by asking the couple to share their love story. It’s such a key look into their personality, lives, and love. Every story is unique and every love special. It’s part of the job that I truly savor. Getting to know couples in such an intimate way is such a privilege, learning about their families, favorite restaurants, and what they do in their free time. As we dive into the planning process, there is one thing almost every modern couple is craving at their big day, them. They don’t want a cookie cutter wedding day like their parents. They want their day to tell their story and be overflowing with their personality. And so, the journey begins.

Image via Melissa Schollaert via Chancey Charm Weddings

There are a few keys to creating a wedding that reflects a couple’s story and personality, while remaining classy and timeless. The first is to sit down and really dig deep into who they are as a couple. We have a fabulous questionnaire that all of our full planning and design couples fill out, that really helps them not only think about the kind of wedding they want, but it also asks them some personal questions from which we can draw information for thoughtful details throughout the wedding. We learn about their favorite places to vacation, pets, where they got engaged. These are all places from which we can gather elements that reflect who they are as a couple. I’ve included some of the questions we use below.

Image via Twin Hearts Photography via Chancey Charm

It honestly took a really long time to get to the place where we realized how important this process was. At first we relied on the couples themselves to provide information freely. But, talking about yourself can be difficult for some of our sweet couples who are stunned by the sudden spotlight on their lives. From the questionnaire, we start searching for concepts, ideas, and inspiration, adding in key elements throughout the design and details of their wedding that reflect them. It’s so exciting when we hit a home run with a couple on a concept they love! A few details we’ve used to reflect a couple’s personality and story in past weddings include, grits from a local farmer in the town they live and love and the bride’s favorite coffee (pumpkin spiced latte, of course!) as a midnight treat. It’s so exciting to see the couple and guests enjoy these details day of!

Image by Lauren Carnes via Chancey Charm Weddings

The last tip that I’ll share is to avoid the word theme! I literally cringe when I hear a couple start to go off the deep end with cliche themes they’ve discovered on Pinterest. Items created to fit pre-set themes are often overdone and extremely impersonal. A vineyard theme wedding, at a vineyard is not personal or surprising in the least. While it can be beautiful, it’s not going to leave your guests with a lasting impression of who you are as a couple. But, a specialty cocktail at the bar, that incorporates the name of your alma mater or favorite spot to vacation, now that’s memorable!"