What an Intimate Micro Wedding Can Look Like | Faith & Anthony
Huntington Central Park • California
Stephanie Ip Photography
Table of contents
Southern California Proposal & Wedding Photographer
We’re Stephanie and Bryan— a husband-and-wife duo who believe that life’s most meaningful moments deserve to be captured and cherished. Stephanie is the creative force behind the lens, and Bryan, a software engineer by day, is her biggest supporter in every endeavor. Together, we bring a dynamic blend of creativity, precision, and teamwork to every session.
What Defines an Intimate or Micro Wedding?
Micro weddings and intimate weddings are becoming increasingly popular — not because couples want less meaning, but because they want more intention.
This intimate micro wedding in Southern California is a perfect example of how couples can honor faith, family, and personal values without hosting a large wedding or booking a traditional venue.
In this post, we’re breaking down why this approach worked so well and what other couples can learn if they’re considering a small, meaningful wedding day.
An intimate or micro wedding typically includes:
- Immediate family only (often under 20 guests)
- A strong focus on the ceremony itself
- Minimal or no reception elements
- Intentional choices over traditional expectations
That was exactly the case here.
The couple didn’t want a big celebration, décor-heavy setup, or a full wedding timeline. Instead, they chose to center their day around the ceremony and their families — nothing more, nothing less.
A Faith-Centered Ceremony Outside of a Traditional Church
One of the most meaningful aspects of this micro wedding was that it remained deeply rooted in the couple’s faith — without taking place inside a church.
Their church pastor officiated the ceremony, bringing familiarity and spiritual grounding, while the location itself allowed for a quieter, more personal experience.
This is something many couples don’t realize is possible:
You can have a faith-centered wedding ceremony without needing a traditional religious venue.
For couples who value spirituality but want flexibility, this hybrid approach can be incredibly freeing.
Choosing a Public Space That Still Feels Intentional
When couples ask us for ideas for intimate or micro wedding locations, we often encourage them to think beyond venues and instead focus on how a space feels.
For this wedding, the ceremony took place at the amphitheater within Huntington Central Park.
The setting offered:
- Natural structure for a ceremony
- Easy access for both sides of the family
- A calm, open environment without feeling overwhelming
After the ceremony, the groom’s mom came up to thank us for suggesting the location — a reminder that thoughtful planning impacts the entire family experience, not just the couple.
Why There Was No Fancy Setup (and Why That Matters)
There were no installations, arches, or elaborate décor elements — and that was completely intentional.
Instead:
- The bride made her own bouquet and groom’s boutonniere
- The ceremony space was left largely untouched
For many micro weddings, simplicity isn’t a compromise — it’s a choice. When the focus stays on the vows, the people present, and the meaning of the moment, the experience often feels more grounded and emotionally present.
Family Presence Is the Heart of a Small Wedding
Both sides of the family were present and fully supportive of the couple’s decision to keep the wedding small.
That support shaped:
- The emotional tone of the ceremony
- The ease and warmth during family portraits
- The overall flow of the day
For intimate weddings, family dynamics matter more than timelines or décor. When everyone feels aligned, the day naturally feels calmer and more connected.
How Photography Coverage Works for Micro Weddings
For this intimate wedding, photography coverage was intentionally focused.
We documented:
- Wedding portraits before the ceremony
- The full ceremony itself
- Family photos afterward
There was no reception coverage and no extended timeline — allowing the couple to stay present and avoid the pressure of a traditional wedding schedule.
This approach works especially well for:
- Micro weddings
- Faith-centered ceremonies
- Couples who want meaningful documentation without a full-day event
What Couples Can Learn From This Intimate Micro Wedding
If you’re planning a small wedding and wondering what’s truly necessary, this wedding offers a few key takeaways:
- Intimate weddings don’t need traditional venues to feel significant
- Micro weddings can honor faith, family, and personal expression at once
- Public spaces can feel meaningful with the right location choice
- Simplicity often leads to deeper emotional connection
- Photography coverage can be focused and intentional — not all-day
Final Thoughts
Micro weddings and intimate weddings aren’t about doing less — they’re about choosing with clarity.
Whether your ceremony takes place in a park, a private space, or somewhere deeply personal, the most important part is that it reflects your values, your relationships, and your version of meaning.
If you’re planning an intimate or micro wedding and want guidance that balances logistics with emotional intention, this kind of thoughtful approach can make all the difference.
"Stephanie was absolutely wonderful and easy to work with. Both my husband and I are new to posing for pictures but she directed us in a way that made it feel very natural and comfortable. She was also able to give us some photos early so we could print thank you cards which we appreciated a ton. I love her style of editing and overall it was a great experience."
Helpful Tips
📍 Huntington Central Park, California
📆 June 17th ☀️ Sunset at 5:42am
🎬 Start time at 11am
🌡️ Bright sunny weather
Ready to Plan Your Own Intimate Wedding?
If you’re planning an intimate or micro wedding
and want guidance that balances logistics with meaning,
we are happy to help!
