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WEDDING GUIDE
Megan Kerns PHOTOGRAPHY
engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
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.
Sally Oakley Weddings
Harmony Weddings
C&D Events
WEDDING PLANNERS
Once Gathered
Hathaway Floral Design
Watered Garden Florist
Kelly Odom Flowers
English Garden Weddings
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
Night Years
The Band Punch
DJ & BANDS
Wink Hair and Makeup
Makeup by Ashley Mooney
The Makeup Culture
Mena Garcia Beauty
Wedded Kiss
HAIR & MAKEUP
The Cupcake Shoppe
Ashley Cakes
Sugar Euphoria
Duck Donuts
Edible Bakery
CAKES
Lana Addison Bridal
Alexia's Bridal Boutique
Gilded Bridal
Costal Knot Bridal
Maggi Bridal
WEDDING DRESS
Greenhouse Picker Sisters
CE Rental
Cottage Luxe
The Prettiest Pieces
RENTALS
Invitations
Calligraphy by Carole
Meriweather Designs
CALLIGRAPHY
Weddings by Heidi
Perry Hardison
OFFICIANT
There’s a big difference between looking in the mirror at your hair and makeup trial - and actually seeing how everything photographs in natural light and holds up in real-life conditions. Bridal portraits are not only a beautiful keepsake, but they’re also incredibly helpful in giving you confidence about your wedding day look!
If you’re considering a bridal portrait session, I recommend a full trial run of hair, makeup, nails, and bouquet. We typically spend about one hour shooting during the session. I always suggest bringing a practice bouquet- it gives your hands something to do and adds a natural, polished touch to your portraits.
When choosing a location, I recommend somewhere with clean, well-manicured spaces and a mix of indoor and outdoor options. Wedding venues are a great place to start.
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 - especially historic homes, gardens, or resorts that offer variety, charm, and good light. These locations not only photograph beautifully, but they also help keep your dress as clean as possible before the big day.
As for timing, I suggest scheduling your session in the spring or fall when the weather and natural light are most favorable. That said, I’m happy to shoot anytime and anywhere there’s beautiful light!
Many venues do charge a fee for portrait sessions. While it’s not always ideal, having access to your venue’s getting-ready spaces and grounds often makes it worth the cost. I love photographing bridal portraits in the late afternoon when the light is soft and flattering - but if your venue has strict hours, I’m happy to adjust to their availability.
Finally, don’t forget to review your bridal session checklist before the day. Having everything prepped and packed ahead of time will help the session feel relaxed and fun!
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Engagement Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Extra makeup and hair products for touchups
Bridal Portrait Session Checklist:
The moment a couple sees each other for the first time on their wedding day is always unforgettable. Whether it happens at the end of the aisle or during a private ‘first look’ before the ceremony, it’s one of the most emotional and meaningful parts of the day.
A first look is a quiet, intentional moment shared between the couple before the ceremony. Over the past few years, it’s become an increasingly popular choice - and the majority of my couples opt for one.
While I deeply value tradition, there are a few thoughtful reasons to consider doing a first look. Here are three of the biggest benefits:
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 moves fast. A first look offers a rare chance to pause, be fully present with one another, and take a deep breath before everything begins. It’s a quiet, meaningful moment to connect, reflect, and truly savor the excitement of what’s to come.
Wedding days can feel like a whirlwind - they go by in the blink of an eye. I always encourage my couples to build in intentional moments throughout the day to slow down, take it all in, and be fully present with each other. A first look is a beautiful way to start that rhythm.
1. A first look cuts through the chaos of the day.
When there’s no first look, the majority of portraits - family, wedding party, and couple photos - need to happen after the ceremony. We typically begin with family portraits right away. From there, we move into wedding party and then bride and groom portraits, which often takes up most (if not all) of cocktail hour.
A first look, on the other hand, allows us to take many of these portraits before the ceremony. That usually includes full wedding party photos and often some couple portraits as well. This gives you the chance to be more present during cocktail hour, enjoy time with your guests, and ease into the rest of the evening without feeling rushed.
2. IT MakeS more time for Pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour.
If the forecast is calling for rain on your wedding day, having a first look can give you more flexibility. If it’s pouring after the ceremony, you’ll be glad you took the opportunity earlier in the day to get beautiful portraits.
And for all the emotional couples out there - if you know the tears will be flowing the first time you see each other, a first look gives you a chance to share that moment privately and then freshen up before the ceremony begins.
Whether you choose to do a first look or wait until the walk down the aisle, the moment you see each other for the first time will be one you’ll remember forever.
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 stick with the traditional “no peeking before the ceremony,” I’ll work with you to build the most efficient and stress-free timeline possible.
If you’re choosing the traditional route, we’ll plan two separate photo blocks before the ceremony - one for the bride, bridesmaids, and bride’s family, and one for the groom, groomsmen, and groom’s family. Each of these typically takes about one hour. After the ceremony, we’ll need time for:
• 20 minutes of combined family portraits
• 20 minutes of full wedding party portraits
• At least 30 minutes of bride and groom 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 opt for a first look, we’re able to take most of the portraits before the ceremony begins. You’ll want to plan for around two hours of pre-ceremony photography, which includes:
• Wedding party photos (bridesmaids + groomsmen)
• Immediate family photos
• Bride and groom portraits
I also like to schedule a second, shorter session for couple portraits after the ceremony. That second set, often taken around sunset, adds even more variety and gives you a few quiet minutes together after the vows. It’s one of the hidden perks of doing 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 begin by placing the two of you in the center of a large group photo with your extended family -grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings, godparents, everyone! From there, we’ll gradually remove extended family members to focus on immediate family: grandparents, parents, and siblings.
We’ll continue rotating family members in and out to capture a range of meaningful groupings. Then, we’ll repeat the same process with your spouse’s family.
To keep things efficient, it helps if family members know the plan ahead of time. Before the wedding, I’ll send a Google Folder with a questionnaire to gather your desired groupings and note any special considerations.
To the right is an example of a family portrait checklist.
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
f you’ve attended a wedding recently, you may have noticed signs asking guests to remain “unplugged” during the ceremony.
While it might seem unusual to request that guests put away their phones, there’s a good reason for it. You’ve made a significant investment in professional photography, and it’s important to avoid distractions like phones, tablets, or relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. To help us capture the best possible images, we recommend kindly asking your 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. Keeping everyone fueled helps avoid hungry bellies and keeps energy up.
2. If it’s going to be hot, consider having a cooler stocked with cold water and frozen washcloths to help keep your wedding party comfortable - especially for those wearing multiple layers. Small handheld fans can also be very helpful.
3. Make sure your bouquet arrives in time for detail shots and the first look. Since bouquets often come in water, they may need to be dried off before use. Having towels on hand can make this easier.
4. If you’re planning a first look with your wedding party or parents, keep in mind that many people feel more comfortable being fully dressed in their wedding attire for these moments.
5. If your day includes multiple locations, I recommend hiring a travel service to keep everyone together. It’s also wise to build in extra time for any unexpected delays.
Additional Tips
After shooting over 200 weddings,
I'm happy to share a few additional tips
6. I always suggest the bride find a private space at least 30 minutes before the ceremony begins. Guests often arrive early, and this helps keep the moment special.
7. To help family portraits run smoothly, it’s best to have a clear list of desired groupings. It’s helpful if both families have input beforehand. Sharing this list with me ahead of time allows me to organize an efficient shooting order and ensure no one is missed.
8. During cocktail hour and the reception, my second shooter and I will capture candid moments with friends and guests who aren’t part of the wedding party. Think of us as your personal paparazzi.
9. When we’re building your timeline, one of the biggest considerations is your ceremony time, especially if you’re having an outdoor ceremony. Natural light plays a huge role in how your images look, so I always recommend considering the sunset time on your date.
10. Trust your vendors, relax, and soak in every moment. The day goes by quickly, so savor it as much as you can.
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 at megankernsphotography@gmail.com.
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!
