engagement session tips, timeline guidance, vendor recommendations & more!
edding Guide
MORGAN TAYLOR ARTISTRY
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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 am so excited to be working with you and we can’t wait to get to know you better over our time together! I know photography is one of the larger investments you're making for your wedding day and I am so honored you chose to work with us!
Even 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.
Having photographed more than 130 weddings over the past few years, we tend to get asked the same things over and over again. So I thought it would be beneficial if we put together a guide that walks you through everything from timelines to engagement sessions and inclement weather.
A NOTE ABOUT THIS GUIDE
elcome
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plan your session
I am a huge fan of engagement sessions for a few reasons. Not only do they allow you to get comfortable in front of the camera, they also give you the opportunity to showcase your personalities in a more casual setting that is significant to the two of you. I have created an entire page dedicated to outfit tips, location ideas, timing considerations and more!
ngagement Session
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RIngs
Transportation
Pet sitters
Stella Fatale
Ariel Katrina Hair
Bridal By Natalie
SY Bridal Styles
Bardot Bridal Hair
Top Knots By Aimee
Hair
The Jess Press
Lenka Calligraphy
Hillary Carr Calligraphy
Alli Cat Calligraphy
Caitlin Jane Calligraphy
VG Custom Artwork
CALLIGRAPHY
Invitations
White Glove Rentals
Lovely Luxe Rentals
Curate A Vine and Oak Company
Dovetail Vintage
Adams Rental
Party Rental LTD
RENTALS
WEDDING DRESS
CAKES
MAKEUP
DJ Nick Spinelli
DJ Paul Knox
Pat and Sean Kelly
SCE Event Group
Elegant Music Group
Spinners Entertainment
DJ Entertainment
Sage Catering
Jamie Hollander Gourmet
Peach Tree Catering
Perfect Setting
Karen Spire Catering
Dolce and Gelato
CATERING
Hillside Film and Photo
Tone Media
Willow Tree Films
Visual Rose Films
PGP Weddings
Hello Darling Films
Sweet Start Films
ViDEOGRAPHY
Whisper and Brook Flower Co
Pridemore Floral Design
Vine and Oak
NT Designs
Peonies To Paintchips
Pink Dahlia Floral Design
Winsome Floral
FLORAL DESIGNERS
Courtney Space Events
AMV Weddings
Britt Jones Co
Arielle Fera Events
Jennifer B Events
Your Sweetest Day Events
Harlow Events
WEDDING PLANNERS
Over the years, I have learned the important role quality vendors play in creating a stress-free wedding day. I have worked with many of the vendors below and we can't recommend them enough! This is not a paid list - I chose these vendors from the heart for both the quality of their work as well as their professionalism on the actual wedding day.
WHO WILL MAKE YOUR DAY INCREDIBLE
endors
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BANDS + Musicians
Hank Lane Music
Jordan Kahn Music Company
Jelly Roll BVT Live
Bachelor Boys Band
The Essential Jason Nelson
additional vendors
Dress
Undergarments
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces and jewelry
Session Checklist
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, another great thing to keep in mind is the weather. In order to avoid being too hot during the summer months or too cold during the winter months, we highly recommend Spring and Fall. However, we'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 use of their getting ready room and other venue services. We typically have to work with the venues on times, but we love to shoot bridal portraits in the afternoon as late as we can to get that softer afternoon light. However, if your venue has strict hours, we are happy to work with their allotted times.
Make sure to bring your jewelry, your veil and your shoes to your bridal portrait session!
There's a big difference between looking at yourself in the mirror at a hair and makeup trial and actually seeing how that hair holds up in the elements and how that 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, we recommend a full trial run of hair, nails, makeup and your bouquet. We typically spend 1-2 hours shooting at bridal sessions and 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, we recommend using locations that are well manicured, clean, and have great variety in indoor and outdoor locations.
Gorgeous Photos + practice run for the big day
ridal Portraits
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That moment you see each other for the first time on your wedding day is magical. And this is true whether you choose to wait until walking down the aisle or choose to do a “first look’ prior to the ceremony.
First looks—a private moment you get to spend together prior to the wedding ceremony—This has become more popular over the last few years. Over half of my couples from this year to the previous years have chosen 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’:
IF YOU'RE WONDERING WHETHER A FIRST LOOK IS RIGHT FOR YOU, STOP HERE
irst Looks
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view a full wedding gallery
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 had pictures done in advance.
And reason 3b is for all you cryers out there. If you know the tears are going to fly the first time you see your other half the day of your wedding, 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 special.
First Look
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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 round everyone up. Next up is full bridal party, and then bride and groom portraits. This generally will take up the entire cocktail hour unless there is a gap between your ceremony ending and cocktail hour.
A first look opens up time prior to the ceremony for full bridal party pictures, it allows more time for your portraits, and immediate family photos. This allows you to get the most out of cocktail hour, which makes the rest of the evening feel less rushed as well as allowing your family and friends to enjoy all of cocktail hour with more portraits of you both and it allows for more family photos. Any family that isn't there prior to the ceremony can be captured afterwards.
It makes more time for pictures without sacrificing cocktail hour
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Avoid possible bad weather and/or have time to freshen-up after the first look
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 on all this day means before your day takes off.
Wedding days can be a whirlwind and they tend to fly by. There’s much to do, and a lot of people to see and to catch up with. 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.
A first look cuts through the chaos of the day
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If you're doing a first look, photos can be done all at one time, taking an average total of 2 hours to 2.5 hours pre-ceremony (although I also LOVE grabbing just the two of you for a few additional bride and groom photos at sunset!)
If you choose a traditional aisle reveal, all I ask is that you keep your ceremony time in mind when planning your wedding and know that you will receive less portrait time.
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 for your families, bridal party and your couple portraits. Making sure I have enough time while the sun is up is a great way to make the traditional ceremony work.
Whether you choose to do a first look or the traditional "first look down the aisle" I will work with you on making sure you have the best timeline and plan for images.
If you're choosing to go traditional, you'll need two different sets of photo times: images taken before the ceremony with your bridal party + family and images taken after the ceremony.
You'll need to plan for about one hour of pre-ceremony bridal photos (bridesmaids and bride's family) and about one hour of pre-ceremony groom photos (groomsmen and groom's family) at separate times. You'll also need 15 minutes of combined bridal party portraits, 15 minutes of combined family portraits and at least 30 -45 minutes of couple's portraits after the ceremony if you're not doing any portraits together until after the ceremony.
tips for a seamless wedding day timeline
timeline
Wedding Day
building the perfect
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is starting to wrap up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
Morgan arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and begin by capturing the "details"
12 p.m.
12:00pm
We begin to take robe photos, followed by getting dressed, and then a first look with your bridal party
1:00 p.m.
1:00pm
Bride and bridesmaids depart for ceremony location.
2:30 p.m.
2:30pm
Note: The First Look can take place at the getting ready location, ceremony, or reception location. It’s up to you! Although we’re happy to make recommendations. Depending on the location we may add 15 minutes to set up the first look!
The first look takes place.
1:45 p.m.
1:45PM
Bride & Groom + bridal party portraits.
2:15 p.m.
2:15pm
Next up is your bride and groom portraits and followed by family photos!
2:45p.m.
2:45PM
Pre-Ceremony
Note: This is the part where we tuck you away before the guests start to arrive. They will most likely be arriving early and we do not want them to see you! I usually give 30 minutes for this, but some venues would prefer to tuck you away 45 minutes prior.
4:00 p.m.
4:00pm
Ceremony
Note: If there are any details we should know regarding the ceremony we will get that information from you prior. If you have any additional family photos that need to be taken afterwards it is a good idea to have your officiant to ask those family members to stay seated afterwards.
4:30 P.M.
4:30pm
Cocktail Hour
Note: The great thing about doing a First Look is that it gives you more time at cocktail hour. We’ll grab some pictures of your guests while you enjoy the hour. At this time we will capture your reception details and guests during cocktail hour.
5:00 p.M.
5:00pm
Introductions & First Dance
6:00 P.M.
6:00 PM
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
6:30 P.M.
6:30pm
Sunset Portraits
If your timeline allows for it we’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day! If this is a priority to you make sure to schedule formalities accordingly!
7:00 P.M.
7:00pm
7:30 P.M.
Dancing begins
7:30pm
Cake cutting and a night shot if you wish!
8:15 P.M.
8:15pm
Photographers Depart. We are more than happy to stay until the end, but I recommend atleast having us up to 2 hours into your reception!
9:00 P.M.
8:00pm
Morgan arrives at Bride’s getting ready location and begin by capturing the "details"
Note: Ideally by the time I arrive, hair and makeup is starting to wrap up. If something is going to delay the beginning of the day, it’s often HAMU.
1 2p.m.
12:00pm
We begin to take robe photos, followed by getting dressed, and then a first look with your bridal party
1:00 p.m.
1:00pm
Ideally if you are not doing a first look and do not have a gap between your "ceremony" and "cocktail hour" we will do bride with bridesmaids and bride with family during this time before the ceremony
2:15 p.m.
2:15pm
The ceremony takes place.
3:00 p.m.
3:00PM
3:30 p.m.
Family portraits.
Note: We do 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.
3:30pm
3:45 P.M.
Bridal Party and Bride & Groom Portraits
Note: Depending on what was taken before the ceremony, this normally takes about an hour total. I highly recommend an hour and a half cocktail if you choose to have no first look!
3:45pm
Introductions & First Dance
4:30 P.M.
5:30pm
Welcome toasts & salads followed by speeches and entrees.
5:00 P.M.
6:00pm
Sunset Portraits
7:30 P.M.
We’ll make sure to grab you two about 45 minutes before the sunsets. This is usually the best light of the day!
7:30pm
Dancing begins
8:00 P.M.
8:00pm
Cake cutting followed by a night shot
8:30 P.M.
8:30pm
Photographer’s Depart
9:00 P.M.
9:00pm
If you're not working with a planner (which I HIGHLY recommend) 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 the saying is old and true that a rainy wedding day is good luck, I we can also put a plan in place to ensure a beautiful day and beautiful images.
Rainy day weddings may require a little more flexibility and creativity, but there isn't any reason why they can't be as beautiful and as joyful as sunny weddings!
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 Rea and Scotts Wedding Day. It rained throughout, but luckily they had a first look + a gorgeous indoor space for portraits.
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.
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.
ain Tips
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I absolutely love capturing all the little details you've carefully chosen to be a part of your wedding day! Once I arrive at your wedding, I need about an hour 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 wonderful and create a more seamless experience if you could put all of your rings, jewelry, shoes, veil purse, perfume, invitations and other keepsakes together in one spot for me. Please unwrap your dress but don't worry about styling it - we'll hang it in a beautiful spot! And don't worry you will receive a full list of the items needed one week prior to your wedding day!
Details
Wedding Day
Dress
Dress Hanger (a pretty one! if you don't have one don't worry I do!)
Rings (both engagement and wedding bands, yours and his)
Shoes
Veil
Bouquet
Ring
Hair pieces
Jewelry
Invitation Suite (2 full sets with envelopes + stamps)
Any other paper stationary you may have like program cards.
Vow Book
Any other sentimental keepsakes you would like to include
I once had a bride bring her grandmother's hand mirror. This is completely optional - but if you have something sentimental you'd like styled with your details, we love including family heirlooms in our detail shots.
Perfume
Bonus: I'd love to have a few cuts of the florals you'll be using throughout your wedding day. If your florist will supply us a small bucket of extra pieces we can incorporate those in your detail shots.
print this checklist
BRIDAL DETAILS CHECKLIST
print this checklist
His shoes
Socks (if they're special)
Cuff Links
Tie or Bow Tie
Pocket Square
Boutonnière
Vows Book
Cologne
Anything else he'll have that is special or sentimental.
Groom DETAILS CHECKLIST
I always try to take a photo of your rings while you're getting ready. So PLEASE 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 20 to 40 minutes. Then gently brush the stone with a soft toothbrush, rinse and repeat if needed.
The Rings
Please note that this list is just a starting point and that we're happy to take any requested family portraits as long as time allows!
print + adjust this checklist
Bride + Groom + Bride's Extended Family
Bride + Groom + Bride's Parents + Siblings + 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 + Siblings + Grandparents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents + Groom's Siblings
Bride + Groom + Groom's Parents
Bride + Groom + Groom's Siblings
Groom + Mom
Groom + Dad
Family Formals Checklist
For family portraits, I will send you a questionairre prior to the wedding day asking you to list the family groupings you'd like captured.
It is important to make sure both sides are equally included while also keeping the photo list to no more than 20 groupings. To be 100% transparent this can be one of the more chaotic parts of the day (even with an organized list + letting everyone know ahead of time) So please be mindful of that while putting the list together.
When I send out the pre-wedding questionnaire, I'll also ask if there are any special situations (such as divorces or handicapped family members & more) Please read carefully and list the family photos in the specific format requested.
your entire family, dressed up and together
Family Formals
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.
And 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 am sure one of the last things you want on your wedding day is for our photos of your ceremony to be filled with obtrusive iPhones, iPads and relatives standing in the aisle with their own cameras. In order to help us do the best possible job capturing your wedding, we recommend asking guests to unplug during the ceremony.
ONSIDER UNPLUGGING
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If your reception is at a separate venue, add some "fluff time" so that we can run over to the venue to capture it while it's still "untouched" by guests.
Fluff Time
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If you're planning on having a first look with your bridal party or a parent make sure they know to be fully dressed and ready for this part of the timeline. Often dad is unsure what this means so please explain to him thoroughly about when and where he needs to be!
First looks for parents
04
Make sure and have your bouquet 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. It is also helpful to order an extra boutonniere just in case it dies from the heat!
Extra Florals
03
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. I love hand held fans too!
Prep for the heat
02
If you're getting married in the summer months, a "not-so-heavy" snack or lunch time before portraits is always a good idea for you and your bridal party to avoid hungry bellies and passing out!
Don't forget the snacks
tips
Additional
01
I'd love to help you plan your timeline. If you'd like our input, don't hesitate to email or call!
We're here to help
09
During the cocktail hour and the reception, we'll follow you around. Anytime you'd like a photo with someone, grab our attention. We love being your personal paparazzi!
Photo anyone?
08
Family portraits go smoother when both sides of the family have a chance to have their input on what portraits they'd like before the wedding. If you supply us with a list ahead of time, we can go over it and make sure we shoot things in an order that is efficient and won't leave anyone out.
Make a list
07
I always insist the bride go into hiding at least 30 minutes before the ceremony at the absolute latest. Guests typically arrive early to weddings.
Pre-ceremony/ Hide the bride
06
I am a big believer that images aren’t meant to solely exist in a digital space. One day, most likely, Instagram will be gone, your phone will be replaced and images that you can physically hold in your hand will be the best way to remember those precious moments we captured.
Think about this fact: twenty years ago, if I had delivered you digital images, they would have been on a floppy disk. With the fast updates to technology, you would have no way to access those images today. Even the online galleries we deliver will eventually fade away.
One of the best ways to make your wedding memories last is by ordering an album. These high quality professionally designed albums come in a variety of linen & leather colors. These aren’t the same albums your parents' wedding photos came in. They’re modern, lay perfectly flat and look incredible on a coffee table.
THE PERFECT WAY TO REMEMBER YOUR WEDDING DAY
andcrafted Albums
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After I deliver your wedding gallery, I'll work with you to order prints and design an album that will become an heirloom for your family.
Albums must be prepaid before design begins and typically take between 6 to 8 weeks to complete (including revisions).
With the exception of printing errors, all albums are non-returnable. Albums may be ordered anytime before or after the wedding day. The holiday deadline for beginning an order is October 20th.
(8x8, 30 pages, 15 spreads)
Additional 2-page Spread: $75 each
DUPLICATE PARENT ALBUMS
30 pages, 15 spreads, 10x10 album
PRICING
Wedding albums are available a la carte or as part of your wedding collection.
more about albums
I cannot wait to start planning with you and getting to know you! I will be in touch soon to schedule your engagement session and get it on the books!
If you have any questions or would just like to chat, I am here for you. I hope this guide helps make the process of planning your wedding details much easier and less stressful. I cannot wait to see you soon! Thank you so much for taking the time to read through our guide!