Not a Fan of Cake?
Weddings are about celebrating your story, your way — and that means letting go of traditions that don’t speak to who you are as a couple. As a Western Mass wedding photographer, I’ve been lucky enough to document celebrations that trade in the expected for the meaningful. One of my recent favorites took place right in the heart of Deerfield, Massachusetts, at the charming Deerfield Inn — where the couple made a beautiful decision to skip the traditional cake cutting and instead share an intimate champagne toast before their ceremony.
If you’re not a fan of cake or if you’re looking for fresh, personalized wedding inspiration, this story might be just what you need.
Saying Goodbye to Cake (and Not Missing It One Bit)
The couple’s decision to pass on the cake wasn’t about being rebellious — it was about staying true to the tone of their day. They were planning a very small, intimate wedding at the Deerfield Inn, with only their closest family and friends present. It was important to them that every moment felt genuine, not just something done because it’s what “everyone does.”
For them, the traditional cake cutting didn’t quite fit the atmosphere of their celebration. Instead, they wanted something quieter, more personal, and more reflective of their relationship. So they created their own version of a shared moment — one that felt just as special (and, in my opinion, even more memorable).
A Pre-Ceremony Champagne Toast: A Private, Personal Moment
Before guests arrived and the ceremony began, the couple met in a peaceful spot on the Deerfield Inn’s historic grounds. The light was soft and golden, the air buzzing with gentle anticipation. There, just the two of them (and me behind the lens, quietly capturing the moment), they opened a bottle of champagne.
They did it all themselves — from popping the cork together to pouring each other a glass. With quiet laughter and full hearts, they raised their flutes, looked into each other’s eyes, and said simply: “Cheers.” A toast to the day ahead. A toast to their future. No audience. No pressure. Just love.
These are the kinds of moments I love capturing most — raw, meaningful, and completely unfiltered.
Deerfield, MA: The Perfect Setting for Small and Meaningful Weddings
There’s something so special about getting married in Deerfield, Massachusetts. The town’s colonial charm, timeless architecture, and serene countryside provide the perfect backdrop for weddings that feel warm, relaxed, and personal.
The Deerfield Inn itself is a gem — cozy, elegant, and full of character. Whether you’re planning a microwedding, elopement, or intimate celebration like this one, Deerfield offers the perfect canvas to make your vision come to life.
It’s a place where tradition meets authenticity — and where moments like a pre-ceremony champagne toast feel right at home.
Rethinking Traditions: Make Your Own Wedding Moments
As a wedding photographer based in Western Mass, I’ve seen more and more couples opt for moments that feel personal instead of picture-perfect traditions. I absolutely love it — because it allows me to capture images that are full of emotion and story, rather than just checking boxes.
Here are a few wedding traditions you might want to reinvent:
1. Cake Cutting → Custom Toast
If you’re not into sweets (or the pressure of a photo op with frosting), consider doing a toast that fits your style. Champagne, wine, espresso shots, craft beer, mocktails — anything that feels like you. Make it personal, and make it yours.
2. First Look → Private Connection
You don’t have to do a dramatic first look to share a meaningful pre-ceremony moment. A letter exchange, a quiet walk, a first-touch or a toast like this couple shared can be even more powerful and grounding.
3. Reception Schedule → Go with Your Flow
Ditch the traditional reception timeline if it doesn’t suit your style. Maybe you’d rather dance first, toast mid-meal, or skip the formal entrances altogether. Your guests will love the personal touch.
4. Guest Book → Audio or Polaroid Station
Personalize your keepsakes! Set up a vintage phone audio guestbook, or let guests snap Polaroids and write notes. There’s no wrong way to remember your day.
Capturing What Matters Most
The beauty of non-traditional moments is how emotionally rich they are — and that makes them incredible to photograph. That champagne toast at the Deerfield Inn was filled with so much heart: the quiet anticipation, the clink of glasses, the way they smiled at each other with butterflies in their stomachs. Those are the images that tell your story.
As a solo photographer (with the help of amazing second shooters when needed), my goal is always to document your day as it truly unfolds — not just the big, expected moments, but the little in-between ones that make it unforgettable.
If you’re planning a wedding in Deerfield or anywhere across Western Massachusetts, I’d love to help you capture a day that feels true to you.
A Note to Couples: Traditions Are Optional
Your wedding day should reflect your love story — not someone else’s expectations. You don’t have to do the cake, the garter toss, the bouquet throw, or any of the “standard” moments unless they matter to you.
This Deerfield couple didn’t skip the cake just to be different. They skipped it because it didn’t feel them. And what they did instead — that quiet, meaningful toast — ended up being one of the most heartfelt parts of the day.
So if you’re planning something a little offbeat, low-key, or intentionally different — know that there’s beauty in doing it your way. And your photos will be all the more meaningful for it.
Why I Love Photographing Weddings in Deerfield, MA
Deerfield has quickly become one of my favorite places to shoot weddings. There’s a calm, grounded energy here that lends itself to intentional celebrations. Whether it’s the gardens around the Deerfield Inn, the historic streets of Old Deerfield Village, or the vibrant colors of fall in the Pioneer Valley, every corner is photogenic.
More importantly, the couples who choose Deerfield tend to want something real and relaxed. They aren’t trying to impress — they’re trying to connect. And that makes my job as a photographer even more rewarding.
If you’re looking for a photographer who values storytelling, emotion, and capturing your day with care, I’d be honored to be part of it.
Final Thoughts: Let Your Day Be Yours
You don’t need cake to have a perfect wedding day.
What you need is connection, intention, and moments that feel like you. Whether that’s a quiet champagne toast before the ceremony or dancing barefoot under string lights after dinner — your love is enough to carry the day.
So raise a glass (of whatever you love most). Here’s to non-traditional weddings, heartfelt moments, and celebrating your story your way.
Planning a wedding in Deerfield, MA or anywhere in Western Massachusetts?
I’d love to be there to capture it — from the big moments to the smallest details. Whether you’re eloping at the Deerfield Inn or hosting a backyard celebration in the Pioneer Valley, let’s connect and create something beautiful together.
