What is an instant photo journal?
Memories of a special event are priceless. Capturing them in written words or photographs can revive their details, transporting us back to another time and place.
An instant photo journal combines both of these methods—writing and photography—to bring our memories to life in as much detail as possible. Any instant camera will do! The spontaneity of instant photography lends a certain authenticity to the process, but you can always print your favorite photos after the fact if you prefer. Meanwhile, writing about the moment offers an irreplaceable firsthand perspective.
Below, we’ve listed the top ways you can use a Leatherpress notebook as an instant photo journal for your engagement season or wedding day. (Scroll to the end for a brief summary of ideas!) Whether you’re giving them as bridal party gifts, commemorating your engagement, writing your vows, or storing a photo taken by guests at the reception, you’ll have a beautiful place to preserve your most treasured memories.
How to create an instant photo journal for wedding planning
Wedding planning is supposed to be enjoyable, but let’s be honest: it’s not always easy. Staying organized across endless meetings with vendors can certainly pose a challenge. A photo journal helps add the fun back into the process.
For this, dedicate a page or two to each “step” along the way. Then take a picture to commemorate it and write about the experience. For example, brides, you can add the dates you choose your dress, have your cake tasting, decide on your photographer, meet with your florist, or do your hair and makeup trial. Take a photo (or more than one!) at each event, paste it on the corresponding page, and journal your thoughts. How did you feel finding the perfect dress? How did you choose just the right cake flavor or hairstyle out of all the possibilities?
Grooms can write the day they picked out the ring and the date of the engagement. Then, they can tape in photos and fill each page with reflections on how they felt getting ready to propose. Or perhaps they can share a little about how they knew their fiancée was the one.
How special will it be to look back on this time with fresh eyes and a firsthand view—not only for yourself and your spouse, but also for any children and grandchildren!
Give an instant photo journal as a bridal party gift
Our notebooks make wonderful bridal party gifts for both bridesmaids and groomsmen. Whether you choose Tuxedo Black, Quartz Pink, or any of our other selections, the full-grain leather makes them long-lasting and luxurious.
Make them extra memorable by taking a picture with each friend sometime during the engagement season and pasting it in the front. Underneath it, write a letter about how much their friendship has impacted you. Not only will each gift be unique, but the letter and photo will emphasize the special bond you share.
You can also take an instant photo with each bridesmaid or groomsman at the wedding. They can paste it inside, preserving it to look back on for years.
Create an instant photo journal as a place to write your vows
Like marriage, your vows are meant to endure.
Take photos with your fiancee throughout the engagement process. Write your vows in the first pages and tape the pictures inside. They’ll add emotion to your words as you read them during the ceremony or simply to each other. You’re promising your lives to each other—every detail should feel special and personalized.
The following pages will provide room to journal about your first months of marriage. How have you “made a house a home?” What have the best moments been, and what advice would you share with your future selves?
Create an instant photo journal as an in-the-moment wedding scrapbook
An instant mini photo journal can serve as an in-the-moment wedding scrapbook—a way for all the guests to collaborate in sharing the day from their perspective.
Have an instant camera or two out on a table at your wedding reception. (Ask a friend to lend you one if you need!) Allow guests to take pictures during the reception: selfies, photos of the dancing, cutting the cake, and more. Have them tape the photos in a Leatherpress notebook—a Heritage notebook or Creator’s Journal would work well here. Below each photo, they can write notes of congratulations or well wishes for your life ahead.
However you decide to use your instant photo journal, your memories are sure to last in beautiful detail. Relive your favorite moments forever with all the emotion, depth, and nostalgia they hold.
Perhaps you’re not the one getting married, but you know someone who is. Give the gift of a Leatherpress notebook so they can create a photo journal to capture this cherished season.
At Leatherpress, our high-quality leather journals and acid-free, wood-free papers ensure your memories stay safe for decades to come. Shop all of our full-grain leather journals here.
Below is a quick summary of ways to use your Leatherpress notebook as an instant photo journal for your wedding season:
Engagement:
- Photo of the Ring: Grooms, take a picture the day you buy the ring (or receive it in the mail). Brides, take a photo of it the day you get engaged, sparkling on your hand. Then pair these next to each other on a spread, and document your experiences from both days.
- Photo of the Day of the Engagement: Grooms, take a picture as you get ready the morning of the day you propose. Brides, take a picture at the engagement. Write about all your emotions surrounding the moment.
- Photo of Everyone Present at the Engagement: If you have friends or family with you at the engagement, take a photo together. Have everyone write a sentence or two about the day in your journal.
- Photo of the Engagement Site: Snap a picture of the site where you get engaged. Describe the setup. Grooms, write about how you chose that location and its significance. Brides, describe how you felt walking up to the site.
- Photo of Engagement Party: If you’re headed out to celebrate, grab a picture of the guests, location, and decorations. Describe how special it was to celebrate with your loved ones.
Wedding Planning:
- Photo of Cake Tasting: Take a picture the day of your cake tasting. Write about your time deciding between the flavors. It’ll be fun to look back on—a sweet memory in more ways than one!
- Photo of Florist: Snap a photo the day you decide on your flowers. Tell how you selected the color scheme and styles.
- Photo of Picking Out your Dress: Take a photo of the day you pick out your dress. Include shots of any important people who have joined you — your mom, sister, or friends. How did you know that was the dress for you?
- Photo of Hair and Makeup Trial: Snap a pic at your hair and makeup trial. Talk about the inspiration behind your bridal look.
- Photo of Picking Up your Marriage License: Take a pic with your soon-to-be-spouse picking up your marriage license. What an important moment!
Celebrating the Bridal Party:
- Write Letters to your Bridal Party: Give a Leatherpress notebook to each of your bridesmaids or groomsmen. Snap a picture of them to tuck in the front, and write them a letter about how much their friendship means to you.
Wedding Day:
- Have Everyone Take and Share Photos from the Reception: Set an instant camera or two out at your reception. Have all your guests take photos and tuck them in a Leatherpress notebook with a note of congratulations.
- Document First Year of Marriage: Write about your first year of marriage. Snap pictures of important moments you don’t want to forget, and tuck them throughout with thoughtful captions.