Destination weddings offer couples the opportunity to celebrate their love in breathtaking locations while also embracing the rich traditions and customs of the region. By weaving cultural traditions and elements into the celebration with intentionality and respect, these events become more than just weddings—they become deeply personal and meaningful experiences. Taryn Stark Wyant, an expert destination wedding planner, and Sandra Åberg, a luxury destination wedding photographer, share their insights on how to strike the perfect balance between honoring traditions and creating a modern, aesthetic-driven wedding experience.

Recently, the duo collaborated in Ireland to educate others in the wedding industry and created a photoshoot to honor Irish traditions in style. Shot on-site at the famed Cahernane House Hotel, they skillfully integrated Irish customs with contemporary elegance.

“We intentionally incorporated elements that celebrate Irish heritage, such as hand-fasting ceremonies, traditional Celtic knot motifs, and an elegant whiskey bar as a nod to Ireland’s rich distilling history,” Taryn explains. “These were modernized by integrating contemporary design elements—like minimalistic, clean floral arrangements paired with lush greenery—and presenting traditional components in luxurious, elevated ways.”

For Sandra, capturing the essence of a destination and highlighting its uniqueness is always a fresh experience. “Every place I visit is uniquely special, with its own distinct energy, light, and atmosphere,” says Sandra. “The feelings I get from each location vary, and sometimes a place will remind me of another. However, Ireland is one of those places that stands out as truly unique. It requires a fresh, curious perspective to truly capture its essence. I always strive to show what I see through my lens and bring others along on my journey.”

Balancing Aesthetic and Tradition

Couples often wonder how they can stay true to their design vision while honoring the customs of their destination. According to Taryn, the answer lies in intentionality.

“Start by identifying the cultural elements that resonate most with your story and the location, then incorporate them seamlessly into your design,” she advises. “For example, if you’re hosting a destination wedding in Ireland but favor a modern aesthetic, consider pairing traditional Irish table linens with sleek, contemporary tableware. Choosing elements like a locally inspired menu or a culturally significant ceremony backdrop allows you to honor the tradition without compromising your vision.”

Extending Traditions Beyond the Wedding Day

A destination wedding weekend provides countless opportunities to weave cultural traditions into the overall celebration. Taryn suggests hosting meals that let the local cuisine take center stage, but don’t stop there. “Complete a celebration with live cultural performances to immerse your guests in the locale,” says Taryn. “In Ireland, we incorporated traditional activities like a carriage ride through Killarney National Park, a whiskey tasting, and a falconry lesson to give guests an authentic experience. Each event can serve as a reflection of the destination while providing meaningful and memorable touches.”

For the Ireland workshop, Sandra adjusted her photography style to highlight the country’s natural beauty.

“I always adjust my approach based on the environment, and Ireland was no exception. Typically, I shoot with a narrow depth of field, focusing on close-up details, but in Ireland, I found that the landscape itself demanded a broader view. The stunning backdrop of rolling hills, lush greens, and dramatic skies were so breathtaking that I wanted to include more of the scenery in the frame to truly showcase where we were. The green is truly a part of Ireland. Ireland’s natural beauty is simply too magnificent to leave out, so I made sure to incorporate it more prominently into the images in color and view.”

Honoring Multiple Cultures

When couples come from different cultural backgrounds, blending traditions can add a unique depth to the celebration.

“Focus on finding moments where traditions can harmonize, rather than compete,” Taryn suggests. “For example, if one culture emphasizes family blessings and another includes a symbolic unity ceremony, you can design a ceremony that incorporates both, ensuring each is equally celebrated. Another approach is to dedicate different parts of the day or weekend to each culture—perhaps one during the ceremony and the other at the reception—so every tradition has its time to shine.”

When it comes to photography, Sandra prioritizes getting to know her couples and what is important to them from a tradition and cultural standpoint. “I have a deep appreciation for different cultures, and I’m naturally very curious. Before every event, I make it a point to ask my clients plenty of questions to truly understand them—not just their preferences, but what traditions hold significance to them. I believe the key to great photography is making that connection, so I can integrate their culture, values, and personal story into the images,” she explains.

Capturing the Culture Regardless of the Destination

With years of experience planning weddings all over the world, Taryn spent much of it in Hawaii, a place she called home for many years. Emphasizing traditions and honoring those was of paramount importance to her events.

“In Hawaii, we focus on celebrating the culture through genuine and respectful experiences. Partnering with local artisans and cultural practitioners is key,” she explains. “For example, incorporating an oli (Hawaiian chant) or traditional lei exchange into the ceremony allows couples to honor Hawaiian traditions authentically. We also source decor and florals locally to support the community and reflect the island’s beauty.” 

In May, Taryn and Sandra plan to have an educational workshop on the island of Maui to continue inspiring and educating vendors in the luxury wedding space. “Our upcoming Maui Retreat emphasizes education around cultural intentionality to ensure couples and vendors alike understand the depth and meaning of these traditions, allowing for a celebration that is deeply respectful and truly special.”

No matter the destination, couples can integrate modern staples into old-world traditions. Michael and Anne worked with Taryn for their destination wedding in Germany and did exactly that. “The guest favors were Bavarian steins that were customized with our wedding date and names,” says the couple. “They were on display with a flower wall that had ‘Party to the End of Stein’ signed on it, signifying our love of German beer and a farewell to the bride’s maiden name: Orenstein. We wanted it to be a party and a celebration— very lively, lots of drinks flowing and people dancing,” they say. 

Integrating cultural traditions into destination weddings requires thoughtful planning and a genuine respect for the customs being honored. With expert advice from planners like Taryn Stark Wyant and photographers like Sandra Åberg, couples can create a celebration that is not only stunning but also deeply meaningful—a true reflection of their love story and the cultures that inspire them.

Vendors: Planning + Design: Taryn Stark Wyant; Venue: Cahernane House Hotel; Photography: Sandra Åberg; Cinematography: Backstory Wedding Films; Entertainment: The Foxy Hen; Florals: Yesca’s Flowers, Moss Floral Atelier & JG Signature Weddings; Calligraphy: Lenka Calligraphy; Hair & Makeup: Lauren Shea Artistry; Attire: Emily Kaye Bridal Boutique