From Campus to Celebration: Incorporating Your Alma Mater Into Your Wedding Weekend
There’s something special about honoring the place where it all began, or simply a school that shaped you. Whether you met in a college classroom or just share a deep love for your alma mater, weaving that connection into your wedding or rehearsal dinner adds a personal, meaningful touch we absolutely love to photograph.
Here are a few ways we’ve seen couples pay homage to their alma mater in style:
The Groom’s Cake Moment. From mascot-inspired cakes to stadium-shaped sweets, a groom’s cake is one of the easiest and most playful ways to bring in your college pride. It’s a guaranteed crowd favorite, and always makes for a fun photo.
Custom Cocktail Napkins or Bar Menus. A nod to your alma mater in your bar signage or napkin design is a subtle and chic way to add personality. We’ve seen college crests, hand-drawn campus buildings, or phrases from beloved school traditions tucked into cocktail hour.
Colorful Details. Incorporate your school colors in thoughtful ways like ties or pocket squares, custom ribbons around florals, or even bridesmaid getting ready outfits. It’s understated, but full of heart.
Fight Songs & Toasts. We’ve photographed more than one rehearsal dinner where the night ended with a surprise fight song sing-along or toast that started with a nod to campus life, and those are the moments people talk about for years.
Signature Drinks Inspired by Your College Town. From a local brewery’s beer to a cocktail named after your favorite dive bar, incorporating a drink that reminds you of your college days is a fun, meaningful detail guests will love.
Photo Displays & Guest Books. If you’ve been together since your college days, showcasing a few throwback photos is always a sweet addition to your welcome table or guest book station, and a reminder of how far you’ve come.
At the heart of it, weddings are about your story, and for many couples, that story starts with shared classes, football games, and late-night study sessions. Whether your alma mater gets a bold spotlight or just a quiet nod, we love capturing the ways you celebrate your roots as you begin your future.
