The Tamesis
“Photo booths are getting an upgrade. Instead of enclosed settings and fancy props, couples are opting for live portrait stations with professional photographers. Clean backgrounds, good lighting, authentic orientation. Guests end up with beautiful photos they really want to keep.” ——Tori Smith
nostalgic celebration
Photo: Brett Warren
“Couples draw inspiration from history, art movements, heirlooms, old world entertainment, but interpret it with a modern lens. It’s nostalgic without being nostalgic, respecting what was before while making it feel unmistakably now and unmistakably them!” ——Jove Meyer
“There is incredible power in hosting a celebration in a place that already holds memories. When a space has meaning before we design it, the event instantly feels authentic. Weddings are increasingly being held in childhood homes or family estates, rather than newly purchased or formal venues, rooted in nostalgia, intimacy and personal history. These celebrations prioritize emotional connection over grandeur, transforming familiar spaces into elevated yet deeply personal settings. The result is a sense of authenticity and warmth that cannot be replicated elsewhere.” —Brian Rafanelli
“A return to simple, nostalgic cuisine with a playful twist. As we prepare for 2026 When designing menus, we saw customers move away from the once-much-loved multi-course meal. Now, think about it: French fries served in a mint-chilled wine glass served tableside for extra points. Who doesn’t want a big bowl of pasta tossed in a rich red sauce?” —Lynn Easton and Dawson Mitchell
latest news
traditional wedding cake
“Towering traditional wedding cakes are taking a back seat in favor of something entirely new. This shift is not about doing away with tradition, but rather about rethinking scale, form and intention. Instead of oversized, highly formal desserts designed to fill the entire room, couples are gravitating towards smaller, more sculptural cakes that feel expressive and design-driven Feel. We see an embrace of asymmetry and imperfection, such as low rectangular silhouettes, handcrafted textures, intentional designs, uneven icing and forms that feel closer to works of art. Often, these cakes are designed for couples while guests enjoy or pass dessert elsewhere, and the result feels more intimate and thoughtful, yet elegant. ” —Jennifer Zabinski
Early morning after brunch
“Sunday morning at 10am is brunch time (or brunch in general – that would be a pool or beach party). To-go breakfasts are also accepted!” —Tori Smith
Social media moments about the guest experience
“Designed for social media moments. If a detail is just for photos and doesn’t add to the guest experience, it loses relevance. Couples will prioritize the feel of their wedding over how it will look online. Do it because it means something to you, not because you think others online will like or like it!” ——Jove Meyer
one-time details
“Disposable decorations and one-day-only items are disappearing, replaced by longevity and intention.” ——Michelle Norwood
Overexposed wedding destinations
“The most memorable destination weddings are now happening in places you haven’t been a hundred times before. We’re seeing the over-exposed destination wedding quietly retreat, replaced by something more compelling: discovery. Locations that have become synonymous with weddings, no matter how beautiful, are starting to feel familiar, even expected. For couples with a global perspective, the appeal now lies in places that feel subtle and less immediately identifiable.
