Year Two of Un-Traditional Weddings: Anxiety, Creative Shoots, and Why We're Loving the Journey

Maaaaaan, what a FUCKING year!

It wasn't our busiest, sure. But for only year 2 of our little very niche business, I'm fucking loving the journey.

This Is Just Me Talking....

I have no idea if anyone actually reads these blogs… I don't check the analytics. So maybe this is just more of an outlet for my mental health, or maybe it's a chance for you to get to know a little bit about me (Stef) and reflect on what Un-Traditional as put out into the world in 2025.

Learning to Take Up Space in Un-Traditional Weddings

"Refuse to let anxiety and pointless overthinking prevent you from enjoying your life." Florence Given

I’ve had to keep saying this sentence to myself throughout the year.

I don’t think it comes as a surprise that I have major anxiety and imposter syndrome. There are so many fabulous suppliers out there, and I was doubtful that we would become established, or if what I wanted to achieve would be too out there for the wedding industry.

Every time I saw another incredible vendor pop up on the 'gram, the little voice would whisper,

"You're too weird. You're too spooky. Just give up now."

I spent most of early 2025 trying to shrink myself and fit into a box I was never meant to be in.

After the year that we have had though, I honestly don’t think that we are too much for the couples we really want to connect with.

And that has been the biggest and most beautiful realisation of the year: Un-Traditional Wedding Stylists doesn't exist to please everyone; it's to find our couples.

What I've Overcome (And the People Who Made It Worth It)

At the start of the year, Brainstorm Calls absolutely filled me with dread. Even though I was running on an absolute HIGH that a couple had even considered me to design their wedding décor.

The joy when I got the inquiry would instantly turn into panic. My mind would race: What if I can't deliver? What if they realise I'm super new to this?

Even with Rosie’s support on them. I feel like I waffle and create made up words, because my heart beat’s going a mile a minute. My Husband calls these ‘Stef-in-isms”.

But I think it's because I really give a shit.

I want couples to have the day they really want, without breaking the bank or having to compromise because their relatives will give them funny looks.

And honestly? That fear melts away when we're an hour in and we all just can't stop laughing. The WhatsApp groups that are full of wild ideas and jokes are now my favourite things. It feels like a genuine connection, like I'm designing my mates wedding, not just a transaction.

Speaking of support, I have to give a massive shout out to Rosie. Not only has her confidence grown this year, but her crafting is just absolutely incredible. Honestly, I don't think I'd be able to pull off all my crazy wild ideas if she wasn't there creating them while I'm tied up working on other things. Or sitting next to me on the long drives, and when I panic because the car decides that the lights on the dashboard don't want to turn on.

And to my husband James, for sometimes driving us about, carrying the stupidly heavy ladder, hanging stars, and being a huge, huge support.

Pushing the Creative Boundaries (And the Speed Limit)

2025 wasn't just about calls and décor, it was about pushing the boundaries of what 'Un-Traditional' actually means.

We were part of incredible weddings this year, and every single one helped sharpen our vision.

But the styled shoots? That's where we really got to throw the cliche term ‘rulebook’ out the window.

We went full Cowboy, brought the energy at The Asylum (a personal favourite, honestly), and Swearing on Signage was a huge, glorious hit on TikTok. We even managed to push our style into a more modern concept at The Orangery shoot, proving we can be un-traditional in any setting.

One thing I don’t love though is driving. I’m not the most confident on the roads - I’m a safe driver but everyone else scares me! Haha, and I am always in fear that we will break down. But after 5 days away working weddings up north, Rosie and I learned it’s all solvable. And that the 'Purple Palace' is our place to stay - sorry Travel Lodge!

The most valuable lesson learned on the road?

Service stations absolutely have the best McDonald's Nuggets. Fact.

The Shoot That Really Mattered

Amidst all the wedding excitement, we put together a shoot for The Teenage Cancer Trust. This was so personal to me and I'm so over the moon that we managed to raise over £500 in memory of my little brother-in-law. My wear a band t-shirt shoot concept really could’ve flopped. But I had an incredible team and the public went crazy for it. So I will be forever thankful. I won’t go into that now. You can read more about that on another blog I’ve written hahaa.

ALSO, the recognition we got was incredible, and seeing that emotional and important work get picked up by Rock n Roll Bride was a massive career high.

It was a sharp reminder that this business isn't just about raking in money and making things look cool and pretty. It's about people and purpose. We are already thinking about what charity we can support next year and have downsized the list to two incredible causes, so if we get time, watch this space.

Lessons Learned: Saying Yes

The thing about being a small business owner is that you feel like you have to be on all the time. But this year taught me a crucial lesson that goes against the hustle culture mantra.

I learned to not say no, unless I absolutely have to.

Say yes to the coffee, yes to the wild idea, yes to the late night session, but also learn to say no to the things that actively drain the energy and joy out of the work. If it lights us up, we say yes. If it doesn't align with finding 'our people,' we say no, and that's okay.

The Uncomfortable Act of Showing Up

You know, the biggest irony? I used to be a singer in a band. I thought taking headshots and being visible would be second nature to me. My favourite ever photoshoot was when my band shot in a circus! But standing in front of a camera now? It's just not the same. I’m an absolute puss.

I bet it would come as a surprise too, that I used to be a social media manager. I absolutely learned all the rules about what I should be posting, but do I ever put it into practice for myself? Hell no.

I am so not active or present on social media, in part because I absolutely hate my face, and I think I am an absolute CRINGE FEST. But I know that it’s important to show up when I’m having a slight confidence boost, haha.

Or maybe it's just that sweet, sweet hangover magic that makes me not overthink it.

But when you have the same few vendors who support every post, heart every story. That's when the confidence actually grows. And I really hope I’ve been able to give that support back to them, too.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Time to Level Up

Next year's resolutions:

• I really want to wear my heart on my sleeve with my couples.

• Be more confident driving as I'm throwing myself all around the country – October is insane.

We've got so many incredible styles coming up. Sure, we’re keeping the emo vibes strong, but we’re also creating a wedding based on 'If Frodo was a Goth' and giving a modern edge to Victoriana concepts.

I'm going to miss hanging out with my husband (although he is coming on a few weddings next year!), my cats, having one too many beers on a Friday night and singing my head off. But it's all going to be worth it as we move into our busiest year for weddings; helping and bringing so much bloody happiness to our couples.

Here’s to another year of being a little too weird, a little too spooky, and completely in love with the Un-Traditional journey. Have a fabulous Christmas and drink waaay to much on New Years for me!