Surprise wedding: a good or bad idea? This couple chose to surprise their guests.

Her, I’ve known her forever. She’s my cousin—and how can I put it… she’s the most beautiful, the sweetest. She’s open-minded, patient, and fair. I could go on for a long time about her qualities, because I truly see her as someone deeply good and beautiful—both inside and out.

Him, he’s a kind guy, with a great beard and a friendly look. He’s sincere and sensitive beneath his tough exterior. He takes care of her, and their love is truly beautiful to witness.

A surprise wedding, or how to surprise your guests

To tell you about this beautiful—and surprising—wedding, let’s start from the beginning. You see, L & S didn’t want to do things like everyone else. Which I find wonderful. So they invited everyone to L’s birthday party. The theme of the wedding… oh no, sorry—the birthday—was the 1970s. As L’s witness and the photographer for the day, I was of course in on the secret.

What stress during the six months leading up to the big day. Once everything was ready and the guests had arrived, the two lovebirds slipped away to change outfits, then made a general announcement: they were actually GETTING MARRIED—and we were all heading to the town hall together!!!

An explosion of emotion

Needless to say, the crowd was completely stunned! Mouths wide open… and once the information sank in, emotion quickly replaced surprise. The 45 guests burst into joy and, one by one, wrapped the couple in their arms.

I’ll let you discover all of this—and what followed—through images. A wedding I will never forget.

3 tips for planning a surprise wedding

Planning a surprise wedding may seem intimidating, but with good preparation, it can become an unforgettable experience for everyone. Here are three tips to help you succeed:

Confidentiality is essential

Make sure to keep the secret until the very last moment. Involve only trusted people, such as witnesses and close family members, to avoid leaks. Carefully choose who can keep the secret without raising suspicion.

Coordination is key

Create a detailed plan to ensure a smooth transition from the fake event (like a birthday party) to the real surprise wedding. Plan outfit changes, announcements, reveal moments, and logistics so everything runs seamlessly. Work closely with vendors—venue, caterer, musicians—so they’re aware of the plan and can adapt accordingly.

Create a magical atmosphere

A surprise wedding is a unique occasion, so focus on details to create a magical ambiance. Choose décor that reflects the couple’s personality and the occasion. Add surprising elements—like fireworks or special performances—to heighten the sense of wonder.

With careful planning and thoughtful execution, your surprise wedding will be unforgettable for all your guests.

Photographer, cousin, and witness to this surprise wedding

As the photographer, cousin, and witness, I had to juggle several roles to capture every special moment of this unique day. Being both family and service provider requires a delicate approach and great attention to detail.

I was lucky to know the couple intimately and understand their personalities and love story. This allowed me to capture authentic moments and their natural connection.

I also witnessed the entire planning process and the secret preparations. This perspective helped me anticipate key moments and document them discreetly.

My role as a professional photographer

My goal was to tell this unique story through my images. I focused on capturing the reveal moments—when surprise and joy swept through the guests. I froze in time the joyful looks, warm embraces, and spontaneous laughter. Each image reflects the electrifying energy that filled the air throughout this day of surprises and emotion.

As photographer, cousin, and witness, I was able to combine the affection I have for my cousin and her partner with my passion for photography. This surprise wedding will stay etched in my memory forever, and I’m honored to have played a key role in preserving a day filled with love, connection, and surprises.