If you’re planning a wedding and scrolling social media for your inspo, there’s a good chance you’re seeing a TON of trendy content everywhere you look, and honestly, finding it hard to keep track of everything. Staying up to date gets tricky! But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. This Italian-inspired wedding I shot as a Northern California wedding photographer is bringing all the best inspiration for your 2026 wedding trends, so that you can curate your own wedding aesthetic that’s on point and still feels like you. 

The 2026 Wedding Trends We Saw From Deema and Bilal’s Italian-Inspired Wedding

Okay, this wedding day?! Iconic. The style, the decor, that Italian wedding feel (without ever having to deal with traveling)… It all made a stunning day that couldn’t have been more perfect for Deema and Bilal. They incorporated so many things that we’re already seeing trend for 2026, and I can’t wait to share them all with you! 

Elements That Feel Like Europe

First, we’re seeing a ton of European-inspired elements. People are craving that carefree, effortless, Italian wedding feel, and I’m so here for it. This European inspiration is seen throughout most of the other 2026 wedding trends I mention, too! 

Florals All Over

There’s just something about wedding florals that can really take your wedding up a level, and the best way to do it: florals everywhere! Large wedding arrangements, cascading bridal bouquets (like Deema’s, which I’ll never be over), unexpected floral installations, and more. I also have to mention calla lilies here, because they’re truly the it-girl flower right now (for good reason!). 

Ballgown Dresses (😍)

Brides want to make a statement more than ever, and it’s seriously a dream. The top way they’re doing it? Ballgowns. And I’m in love with the princess-y, elegant vibe of it all. I mean, Deema’s dress (by Nicole + Felicia, you’re welcome) was insane. I’ve never seen anything so beautiful! 

Here are a few designers to check out if you love the dramatic ballgown look:

• Hayley Paige
• Ines de Santo
• Saint Bridal

… And Statement Veils With Those Ballgowns

Going hand in hand with the ballgowns, brides are using veils to make a statement, too. And not only does it look gorgeous, but it makes for some epic photo ops! Blusher veils are back, and it’s a wedding photographer’s dream.

As a fashion girlie myself, I have to link some of my faves: 

• Here’s the Nicole and Felicia veil that Deema was wearing (with the matching dress!)
• A fun bow veil for a pop of pink!
• The Astaire Veil from Evie Young Bridal

Live Music

Another 2026 wedding trend that’s coming back in style: Live bands! It’s a nod to that European-wedding feel, and also just elevates a wedding so much. It’s fun, it’s classy, and it’s a crowd pleaser. Plus, there’s nothing like hearing a violinist or cellist play while the bride walks down the aisle. It gives me chills every. single. time.

Big Furniture Pieces

I can’t lie, this is one of my faves. It’s something funky and unexpected that also adds some class and elegance, and how better to make a statement than that?! For example, Deema and Bilal rented a couch to overlook the dance floor as their sweetheart table. And trust me, I used the heck out of this for pictures! 

Mismatched Pastel Bridesmaid Dresses

A trend that’s here to stay? Pastel bridesmaid dresses. They seriously get me every single time. I’ll never not be obsessed with them! 

Parasols, Parasols, Parasols

Okay, this is another one of my favorites. From the perspective of a California wedding photographer, the photo ops are just too good with parasols. Whether they’re for guests, for decor, or just for photos, I am HERE for them! 

A Huge Focus on Your Guests Living it Up

Guest experience has been huge recently. Couples want to go beyond just the typical guest experiences like dancing and the bouquet toss, and include them in unexpected ways. It’s such a fun and unique way to incorporate your favorite people and make unforgettable memories with them! I’ve seen this done through games, different guestbooks, food stations (like the gelato cart at Deema and Bilal’s wedding, a personal fave), leaving a disposable camera on each table for your guests, and so much more! 

Deeply Personal, Sentimental Touches

Another 2026 wedding trend that focuses on the guests: personal touches. Whether it’s a handwritten note to each guest or using old love letters as decor, it’s something that sets your wedding apart by making it extra sentimental and full of love.

Bringing the Fun Back to Cake Cuttings With Sheet Cakes

Sheet wedding cakes are one of the biggest 2026 wedding reception trends, and you can see why. I mean, look how fun this cake cutting was! Not only was the cake insane, but Deema and Bilal got to have a super fun moment decorating it themselves. More of this, please!! 

Editorial and Documentary Style Wedding Photos

Okay, editorial style wedding photos?! My jam. Documentary style wedding photos?! Also, my jam. I’m forever in love with an editorial wedding aesthetic, and making you feel like you’re in a magazine, without having to pose you or make you feel unnatural, is kinda my thing. Want proof? Here’s my portfolio. 

Deema and Bilal’s On-Trend, Italian-Inspired Wedding

If you can’t tell, I’m in love with this day. It was full of style, sentimental moments, and love that you wait your entire life for. The couple wanted this to feel like an Italian destination wedding, but didn’t want to go through the trouble of actually planning one (and can you blame them?!), so they found the most amazing venue, Rosewood Sand Hill, which was giving Italian villa. 

Deema and Bilal also wanted their wedding to feel like their own, so it wasn’t your traditional, run-of-the-mill wedding. And honestly? That made it so special. My favorite thing that clients do is make their weddings feel true to them instead of feeling constricted by traditional wedding “rules.” 

And let me just say: The vendor team absolutely nailed it. All the praise to: 

Videographer: Films by Ry

Florist: Petite Posy 

Coordinator: Floral Fantasy

DJ: DJ Ahmed

MUA: Asmaa Altamo

Hair: Vero Beauty Pro

Grace Thao | Northern California Wedding Photographer

Planning a wedding with all your favorite 2026 wedding trends? I’d love to join your vision. If you’re looking for a film-inspired, documentary wedding photographer to capture the big and small moments of your day artfully and thoughtfully, you can inquire about booking me here! I’d be honored to tell your story.

While you’re here, check out a few more blog posts for even more wedding inspiration!:

Cavaignac, A Country Estate: A Northern California Wedding Venue That’s Bringing All The Charm

Jinny and Mike’s Simple & Sunny Wedding at a Gorgeous San Jose Wedding Venue

How to Plan a Luxury Wedding That Still Feels Like You, From a Northern California Wedding Photographer

Client Love:

“It was love at first sight when I came across Grace’s photography, and it’s been an absolute joy working with her for both our engagement shoot and wedding day! Grace is your ultimate hype woman — she brings such infectious energy, positivity, and genuine passion to every moment. She has a remarkable eye for capturing the most precious, candid, and emotional shots that truly tell a story.

Grace instantly understood the vision we were going for and made the entire experience so much fun. Her talent, creativity, and warmth made us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. The photos turned out beyond what we could have imagined. I cannot recommend Grace enough — She’s truly one of a kind and you will not be disappointed. I’m already so excited for more photo sessions together in the future!”