Welcome

A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE

I'm so excited to be working with you and can’t wait to get to know you better over the next several months. I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day, so I'm honored you chose to work with me.

If you're working with a wedding planner or you're planning a simple wedding, there are likely still a lot of moving pieces left leading up to your big day. 

Over the past years, I have accumulated photo advice gathered into one handy little resource. My guide is written to help you get the most out of your investment in photography and maximize what we're capable of creating together. It’s complete with my curated list of local vendor recommendations, example timelines, and advice for preparing for your engagement session. 

-Megan

Thank you again for choosing to work with me and please don't hesitate to let me know if I can offer any additional guidance throughout the wedding planning process!

I'm a big fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. They allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, and give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I've created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!

Engagement Sessions

plan your session

Vendors

Who will make your day incredible.

Over the years, I've learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I've worked with many of the vendors below and can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on a wedding day.

Events by La Fete
Kast Events Co.
C&D Events
Stephanie Shaul Events
Sally Oakley Weddings

WEDDING PLANNERS

Wylde Flowers
Once Gathered
English Garden Weddings
Hathaway Floral Design
Watered Garden Florist

FLORAL DESIGNERS

Live View Studios
Thomas Blake Films
Twenty One Films
Point 200 Films

ViDEOGRAPHY

Rocky Top Catering
Empire Eats Catering
Catering Works
Unforgettable Food Affairs

CATERING

Bunn DJ Co.
Oak City Entertainment
The Dickens Band
Night Years
The Band Punch

DJ & BANDS

Wink Hair and Makeup
Makeup by Ashley Mooney
The Makeup Culture
Mena Garcia Beauty

HAIR & MAKEUP

The Cupcake Shoppe
Ashley Cakes
Sugar Euphoria
Duck Donuts
Edible Bakery

CAKES

Lana Addison Bridal
Gilded Bridal
Costal Knot Bridal
Maggi Bridal
Alexia's Bridal Boutique

WEDDING DRESS

Greenhouse Picker Sisters
CE Rental
Cottage Luxe
The Prettiest Pieces

RENTALS 

Em Paper Co.
Ive & Linen Design
Minted


Invitations

Calligraphy by Carole
Meriweather Designs

CALLIGRAPHY

Weddings by Heidi
Perry Hardison

OFFICIANT

There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how your hair holds up in the elements and how your makeup photographs. When it comes to being confident in your choices on your wedding day, photos are invaluable!

If you're considering a bridal portrait session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, makeup, nails and your bouquet. We typically spend about 1 hour shooting at a bridal session. I suggest investing in a practice bouquet because it's nice to have something to hold to make your hands feel a little less awkward. 

When it comes to choosing a location for your bridal portrait session, I recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have great variety in indoor and outdoor locations.

Bridal Portraits

One of the biggest advantages of a bridal portrait session is that it serves as a practice run for the big day!

Wedding venues are usually a wonderful place to start - especially historic homes and resorts that have well manicured areas. We want to keep your dress as clean as possible and still get a lot of amazing images inside and outside.

When it comes to selecting a date for your bridal portrait session, I highly recommend choosing a time during the Spring or Fall. However, I'll shoot anytime and anywhere there's great light!

Many venues charge a fee for portrait sessions. Although inconvenient, the fee is often worth it in order to have access to the getting ready room and other venue services. I love to shoot bridal portraits in the late afternoon utilizing the soft afternoon light. However, if your venue has strict hours, I am happy to work with their allotted times. 

Don't forget the items listed on your session checklist.

Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Engagement Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry

Bridal Portrait Session Checklist 

The moment the Bride and Groom see each other for the first time on their wedding day is magical. And this is true whether the couple chooses to wait until the Bride walks down the aisle or chooses to do a 'first look’ prior to the ceremony.

First looks are a private moment couples choose to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony. They have become more popular over the last few years. A majority of my couples choose to do a first look.

While I consider myself a person who values tradition, there are definitely a few good reasons to consider a first look. Here are 3 reasons to consider a first look:

Is a First Look Right for You?

If you're wondering whether a first look is right for you, stop here.

Once the ceremony begins, the day takes off quickly. A first look is an opportunity to enjoy some quiet time alone, enjoy each other’s company and reflect before your day takes off.

Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. I always encourage my couples to take a few minutes every so often during their wedding to stop and soak in everything that’s happening.

1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.

When there is no first look, the majority of the pictures have to be taken after the ceremony. Family pictures are generally done as soon as the ceremony ends because it’s the easiest time to locate family members. Next up, is full bridal party portraits then Bride and Groom portraits. This generally runs into cocktail hour.

A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party portraits and (sometimes) for a few Bride and Groom portraits. This allows the couple to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed.

2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.

If you’re expecting poor weather on your wedding day, it might be best to plan on a first look because it gives you more options for pictures. If it’s pouring rain after the ceremony, you’ll be thankful you completed portraits in advance.

For all the cryers out there: if you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see each other, a first look will give you time to freshen up before the ceremony.

First look or not, the first time you see each other on your wedding day will be a cherished moment that you'll never forget.

3. Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after crying.

Wedding Day Timeline

building the perfect

Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional 'no see before the ceremony' I will work with you to create the most efficient timeline.

If you're choosing to go the traditional route, you'll need two different sets of photo times:  images taken separately before the ceremony and images taken together after the ceremony.

You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (Bride, bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (Groom, groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. After the ceremony, you'll also need twenty minutes of combined family portraits, twenty minutes of combined wedding party portraits and at least thirty minutes of couple's portraits.

Whether you're planning a first look or sticking with tradition and not seeing your Groom until you walk down the aisle, I have tips to help make planning your timeline as easy as possible!

If you're doing a first look, we can take a majority of the photos before the ceremony begins. You'll need to plan for about two hours of combined pre-ceremony photos. This includes  bridesmaids, groomsmen, wedding party, immediate family, and Bride & Groom portraits. I typically like to schedule a second round of Bride & Groom portraits after the ceremony as well. Having two collections of Bride & Groom portraits is another perk to utilizing a first look.

If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind. If you're planning a sunset ceremony or an evening ceremony, it's best to do all photos before the wedding, as daylight is crucial to getting amazing portraits.

View Example Timelines

view the timeline

WEDDING TIMELINE WITH A FIRST LOOK

view the timeline

WEDDING TIMELINE WITHouT A FIRST LOOK

1:00 p.m.

Megan arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and begins taking detail photos

1:00pm Details

Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.

2:00 P.M.

The Bride steps into her gown

2:00pm Getting Dressed

Note: Please be sure that whoever will be helping you into your wedding dress knows to be completely dressed by this time.

2:30 p.m.

First look then Bride & Groom portraits

2:30pm First Look

Note: The first look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although I'm happy to make recommendations.

2:45 p.m.

Bride and Bridesmaids portraits

2:45pm Bridesmaids portraits

Note: Bridesmaid portraits, bridal portraits and individual shots with each bridesmaid will happen at this time.

3:15 p.m.

Groom and Groomsmen portraits

3:15pm Groomsmens portraits

Note: Groomsmen portraits, groom portraits and individual shots with each groomsmen will happen at this time.

3:45 p.m.

Wedding party portraits

3:45pm wedding party Portraits

5:00 p.m.

The ceremony takes place

5:00PM Ceremony

Note: You can expect guest to arrive 30-45 minutes before the ceremony begins.

5:30 p.m.

Family portraits

5:30pm  Family Portraits

Note: I capture family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. I'll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day. 


6:00 P.M.

Bride & Groom sunset portraits

6:00pm Sunset Portraits

I'll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before sunset.

6:15 p.M. 

Cocktail Hour

6:15pm Cocktail Hour 

Note: The great thing about doing a first look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. I'll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour.

6:30 P.M.

Introductions and First Dance

6:30pm Introductions

6:45 P.M.

Welcome toasts and salads followed by speeches and entrees 

6:45pm Dinner

7:45 P.M.

Dancing begins (oh yeah!)

7:45 Dancing

8:15 P.M.

Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss

8:15pm Traditions

10:00 P.M.

Grand Exit

10:00pm Photographers Depart

1:00 p.m.

Megan arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and begins taking detail photos. I will also photograph any ceremony and reception details that are ready to be photographed at this time.

1:00pm details

Note: Ideally by the time we arrive, hair and makeup is already wrapping up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.

2:30 p.m.

The Bride steps into her gown

2:30pm Getting dressed

Note: Please be sure that whoever will be helping you into your wedding gown knows to be completely dressed by this time.

3:00 p.m.

3:00pm bridesmaids portraits

Note: Bridesmaid portraits, bridal portraits and individual shots with each bridesmaids will happen at this time. We will make sure our paths do not cross with the Groomsmen.

Bride and Bridesmaids portraits

3:45pm Groomsmen portraits

3:45 p.m.

Groom and Groomsmen portraits

Note: Groomsmen portraits, groom portraits and individual shots with each groomsmen will happen at this time. We will make sure our paths do not cross with the Bridesmaids.

5:00 p.m.

The ceremony takes place

5:00PM Ceremony

Note: You can expect guest to arrive 30-45 minutes before the ceremony begins.

5:30 p.m.

Family portraits

5:30pm Family Portraits

Note: I capture family portraits right after the ceremony because everyone you need will be easy to grab. If you can give your family notice that we’ll be taking pictures immediately after the ceremony, that will also ensure that no one wanders off. We’ll help you create a list of family portraits before the big day. 


6:00 P.M.

Wedding party portraits

6:00pm wedding Party Portraits

6:15 P.M.

Bride & Groom portraits

6:15pm bride and groom portraits


6:45 P.M.

Introductions and First Dance

6:45pm Introductions

7:00 P.M.

Welcome toasts and salads followed by speeches and entrees 

7:00pm Dinner

7:45 P.M.

Dancing begins (get your grove on!)

7:45pm Dancing

8:45 P.M.

Cake cutting followed by bouquet toss

8:15pm Traditions

10:00 P.M.

Grand Exit

10:00pm Photographers Depart

If the forecast is calling for rain, fear not because rainy days can still be beautiful! If you don't believe me, just take a look at these wedding days. It rained the entire day and it was still stunning!

If rain is in the forecast, I recommend ordering a few clear umbrellas on Amazon. It also might be good to re-evaluate portrait locations to make sure we can still shoot in natural light - even if it means heading offsite. 

Rain Tips

If you don't own a pair of cute rain boots, now may be a great time to order a pair - even if you're just wearing them in between shooting locations. 

If you're not working with a planner, it might also be a good idea to check in with your entire vendor team to make sure they're aware of the weather. Hair and makeup may need to be tweaked to withstand humidity and if your wedding is outdoors, DJs and bands may need to take extra precaution to protect their gear. A quality rental team can also minimize the amount of mud at outdoor events.

While I can't guarantee that rain on your wedding day is good luck, we can put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.

Pro Tip: If you’re not already familiar with this Southern wedding tradition, Southern folklore says if you bury a bottle of bourbon at the site where the Bride and Groom are to be married it won't rain on their wedding day. According to many believers, this must be done exactly one month before the wedding, the bottle must be completely full, and it must be buried upside down to ensure maximum weather persuasion!


Wedding Day Details

I love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! When I arrive, I need about forty-five minutes to capture and style details. I recommend choosing a getting ready location filled with natural light and, if possible, please keep the space free from trash and clutter.

It would be ideal if you could collect all of your bridal details including; rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - I'll hang it in a beautiful spot! 

Dress
Dress Hanger
Rings (both engagement and his/her wedding bands)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Perfume
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.

Bridal DETAILS Checklist 

His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cufflinks
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
His Vow Book
Personalized bar details, such as cozies or cocktail napkins.
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.

His/Her Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include.
For example, I had a bride include her grandmother's hand mirror and blue sapphire ring. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, I love including family heirlooms in your detail shots.
Bonus: I love to use florals. Ask your florist to supply a small bucket of extra pieces (greenery & blooms), so that I can incorporate those in your detail shots.

GROOM DETAILS Checklist 

When I can, I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. If possible, try to have your engagement ring cleaned or clean it yourself. To clean at home, soak your ring in warm water with dishwashing soap for twenty to forty minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.

The Rings

For family portraits, I'll place you in the center of a large group photo with all of your grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, etc. Then we’ll remove the extended family so it’s just grandparents, parents and siblings.

We’ll keep removing family members and switching family members in and out so we get various photo combinations. Then we’ll repeat the process with your spouse's family. Family portraits move quicker if you let family members know how the portrait process will work ahead of time.

When I share your pre-wedding Google Folder, I'll ask you for a list of specific groupings and special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members). However, if you want to start brainstorming photos in the meantime, you'll find my typical list below. 

Family Formals

Your entire family, dressed up and together. Take advantage
of this opportunity.

Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family 
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings + Bride's Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Bride's Siblings 
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents
Bride + Groom + Bride's Siblings
Bride + Mom 
Bride + Dad 
Bride + Groom + Groom's Extended Family 
Bride + Groom + Groom's  Parents + Groom's  Siblings + Groom's  Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's  Parents + Groom's Siblings 
Bride + Groom + Groom's  Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom 
Groom + Dad 

family Portrait Checklist 

Please note that this list is just a starting point and that I'm happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!

Consider Unplugging

If you've been to a wedding recently, you may have seen a sign from the happy couple asking for their guests to remain 'unplugged' during the ceremony. 

While it might seem like a strange requests to ask guests to put down their phones, there's a pretty good reason for it! You made a big investment in photography and I'm positive you don't want your professional photos filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help us do our best job, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.

1. A light snack or lunch before portraits is always a good idea for you and your wedding party. We want to avoid hungry bellies.

2. If it's going to be hot, a cooler of cold waters and frozen washcloths can help keep a wedding party cool - especially if your men are wearing lots of layers. Small handheld fans are also extremely helpful to help stay cool.

3. Make sure and have your bouquet is delivered in time to make an appearance for the detail shots and for your first look. Often they are delivered in water and need to be dried off before use. Having towels handy can help.

4. If you're planning on doing a first look with your wedding party or a parent, they often feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire. 

5. If you are traveling to multiple locations throughout the day, I recommend hiring a travel service to keep everyone together. I also suggest building in extra time for unexpected travel delays.

Additional Tips

After shooting over 150 weddings,
I'm happy to share a few additional tips

6. I always recommend the Bride go into hiding thirty minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.

7. To help make family portraits go smoother, it's best to have a breakdown of what portraits you'd like. It's really wonderful if both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. Supplying a list ahead of time, allows us to review it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.

8. During the cocktail hour and the reception, my second shooter and I will follow you around. This is a great opportunity to take photos with friends who are not apart of your wedding party. We love being your personal paparazzi!

9. I would love to help plan your timeline. If you'd like my input, don't hesitate to email or call!

10. Trust in your vendors. Relax, enjoy, and soak up every moment- it goes by fast!

I can't wait to start planning with you! If you haven't scheduled your engagement session yet, let's get that in the books. Feel free to email me any time at megankernsphotography@gmail.com.

If you have any questions or just want to talk, I'm here for you. I hope this guide helps make wedding planning easier. I can't wait to see you soon. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my wedding guide!

THANK YOU!