Whatever You Do, Don’t Do This if You’re Planning a Destination Wedding

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Morgan’s Author Profile on Fodor’s Travel

A complete lists of do's and don'ts for anyone planning a destination wedding.

Planning a destination wedding can be tricky. Who pays for what? What is expected? What do you need to consider when picking a wedding destination? With wedding season in full swing, we’ve interviewed two wedding planning experts, asking them questions on etiquette, their hot takes on invitations, tips on managing the costs, and everything else needed to throw a memorable celebration.

When to Send Your Save the Dates

You’ve probably found yourself searching online for a definitive answer on the best time to send your Save the Dates, only to discover the answers vary. According to Amanda Virga of AMV Weddings and Laura Ritchie of Grit & Grace Inc, it’s better to send your Save the Dates earlier than later.

“People are super busy and catching up from a backlog of COVID,” explains Ritchie. “This is one of the busiest travel years, and people have busy lives. Your Save the Dates need to be sent out ASAP. That means 12 months before the wedding, if it involves flights and international travel.” In short, if you’re planning a destination wedding, send your Save the Dates pronto.

How to Help Your Wedding Guests Plan a Trip to Your Wedding

Once you’ve sent out Save the Dates, the next step is to put yourself in your guest’s shoes. For some guests, planning travel is fun and exciting. For others, planning travel causes stress-induced stomach aches and hair-pulling while trying to purchase an affordable plane ticket. To be helpful, you’ll want to overcommunicate and send out your wedding website with as many details as possible as soon as possible.

“Have all the information at the ready on your [wedding] website and make suggestions that guests fly to this particular airport, book with this recommended shuttle company, use this link for the hotel block, and include the concierge number at the resort,” advises Ritchie. “[Your wedding website] should be a one-stop shop for them.”

In addition to travel resources on your wedding website, you should include an outline of wedding events with start and end times, safety information, weather considerations, and details on whether Uber operates in the area. It’s also helpful to offer dress code tips, such as suggesting sandals over stilettos for beachfront ceremonies. Ritchie encourages brides to create dress code design boards with ideas.

With all this hand-holding, it may be tempting to hire a travel agent and direct guests to them, but don’t go overboard. Virga and Ritchie agree that you should let guests book their travel. With people traveling from different airports, trying to coordinate flights will be a mess. Let guests choose their own modes of transportation and dates. Destination wedding guests typically extend their travel plans and continue to explore the area beyond your wedding.

Being Considerate of Your Wedding Party

If you go the traditional route, your wedding party is invited to a few different events, including the bridal shower, the bachelor/bachelorette, the rehearsal dinner, and the wedding itself. The wedding party has a lot on their plate, so it’s important to consider how to thoughtfully include them in your celebrations while respecting any financial or vacation time limitations.

Our experts offer a suggestion: poll your friend group to gauge their preferences and comfort levels. Opening up a line of communication and discussing the events with your friends can help you understand what they are comfortable participating in, Virga suggests. Additionally, Ritchie suggests considering adding a few days leading up to the wedding.

“You’re already abroad and making special memories,” Ritchie says, but it’s important to consider the financial aspect and the time commitment required. Ultimately, it’s your job to read the room and be considerate of your friends.

Deciding Who Gets a Plus One

When it comes to invitations, who gets a plus one?

“People don’t like to travel alone and you might need to be a little softer with plus ones than if you’re hosting a wedding in your city,” Ritchie says. “If Bob is your coworker and doesn’t know anyone else at the event, he can bring a guest. If your cousin has a different girlfriend at every holiday event and your whole family is there he doesn’t get a plus one.”

Virga adds that a plus one should not be automatically given. It’s important to consider the length and depth of the relationship.

“Would you travel with someone after just a few months of dating?” she asks. Traveling can be stressful, especially for new relationships. Another pinch point is the venue capacity and limited numbers. Virga suggests being aware of the maximum capacity of your venue and determining if you are nearing that limit or if you have room to be more generous with plus ones.

As a thoughtful bride-to-be, it may seem considerate to share with guests an estimated cost for attending your wedding. However, our experts strongly advise against this approach.

“It’s really hard to estimate a budget, and costs are unpredictable that far ahead. Flights will double in price and then drop,” Virga warns. When it comes to costs, it’s best to provide clear and upfront information only about room rates. If you’re concerned about the cost of accommodation, Ritchie suggests talking with the resort about subsidizing the negotiated rate.

Our experts unanimously agree that you should never ask your guests for money.

“If you want to host a boat day, you are hosting and paying. You should never put your name on an activity and tell people to come if you’re not footing the bill,” advises Ritchie. You can suggest optional excursions like a Tuscan wine tasting or a visit to nearby ancient ruins, but let the guests book those activities themselves through the hotel.

Follow the Rule of Three

If your guests have made the effort and commitment to attend your wedding festivities, they deserve some face time with you. They’ve traveled this far, so not getting some quality time would be in poor taste. Ritchie and Virga both agree that three days should be standard. The total length should complement the travel time it takes to get there, so Europe could warrant more than three days. You want guests to have “a great mix of events and free time to explore the destination you’ve chosen. Guests can explore the organic reason you fell in love with it,” Ritchie says.

For a three-day event format, think: welcome reception, wedding, then sendoff. A welcome reception could be as simple as drinks in the hotel bar or a full beach bash BBQ. Ritchie explains there needs to be an initial event that anchors your guests to you. Virga points out that this format is also a great way to weave in local culture during your time with guests. Consider a Tuscan wine tasting, a French perfume tour, or entertainment as a great way to honor the culture. Virga remembers an evening at Lake Como with Italian tenors singing over dinner and “grown men just in tears.” Then comes the wedding day. Then plan a sendoff touchpoint for people to say goodbye. Ritchie says that the sendoff is very important because you want the weekend to have “bookends.”

However, be mindful of flight arrival and departure times. If you schedule a pickleball tournament for Friday morning but flights to the island don’t arrive until 3 pm, you may not have any players. Similarly, if your Sunday brunch coincides with the first flight home at 11 am, you may find yourself eating eggs Benedict alone. Ultimately, it’s crucial to prioritize convenience and consider your guests’ travel arrangements when mapping out your wedding weekend schedule.

Forego Gifts When Having a Destination Wedding

In regard to bringing gifts to destination weddings, Virga doesn’t see it being common.

“Physical gifts are silly to travel with back and forth,” she says. Sometimes there will be cards with cash, or maybe someone will buy a shower gift but perhaps not a wedding gift. “Their presence may be the gift,” she says. A tangible gift is less common and less expected for a destination wedding.

Should You Invite Kids to Your Wedding?

As a wedding photographer, I’ve observed many instances where children are brought to a wedding, only to become unsupervised chaos during the reception. From sliding across the dance floor during the first dance to getting their hands on the wedding cake. When thinking about whether or not to invite kids to your celebration, consider if you’re ok with an extra element of surprise that may ensue on your special day. If your guests are determined to bring their children, I recommend suggesting that they arrange for babysitting services through the concierge desk. Their little ones can have a great time jumping on hotel beds, watching movies, and ordering room service while the adults enjoy an elegant evening out.

Don’t Plan Your Wedding for the ‘Gram

While having a hashtag gorgeous wedding day is important, it’s equally important to remember that the purpose of gathering your loved ones in a far-flung locale is to spend time with them. When thinking about your budget, it may be tempting to create Instagram-worthy floral arrangements with five different bridal looks, but consider how some of that budget might enhance your guests’ comfort and experience. This could be subsidizing a portion of their accommodation costs, providing transportation services, arranging an extra activity or entertainment showcasing the local culture, or leaving a welcome basket in your guest’s hotel rooms. For example, if you’re getting married in a tropical area, consider including bug spray and sunscreen in the welcome basket. These “creature comforts,” as Ritchie aptly describes them, may seem less glamorous but are highly appreciated by your guests. Remember, wedding planning isn’t necessarily about extravagance but about being thoughtful.

Wedding Photography Checklist

Logan & Dru’s Fun Oxford Fˆete

Springtime Wedding in Oxford

Every April I feel the excitement and anticipation of wedding season kickoff, and Logan and Dru’s gorgeous Spring ceremony was the perfect start!

High school sweethearts Logan & Dru chose Oxford as their wedding destination because this quaint town holds a special place in their hearts- it was here they spent their weekends when they began dating, here they moved for college, and now it will always be a special place they can revisit with their future children.

“I chose my venue because my husband and I grew up going to Oxford on the weekends. When we started dating it was our favorite weekend trip. Eventually we got to move there and go to Ole Miss for college. When looking at many different venues we decided on the chapel on campus and the Lyric. Dru made a great point that we will always go back to the Ole Miss campus and the Square and see these places. He said it’s cool that one day our kids will get to visit these places and we can just be like “hey that’s where we got married.””

Paris-Yates Chapel

The couple decided to do a first look at the Memory House, also on campus. “I was very nervous and overwhelmed until our first look. I was so glad me and Dru decided to do a first look because as soon and I was with him all of the nerves left me and I was just overjoyed to be marrying him.”

The ceremony took place on the beautiful Ole Miss campus at Paris-Yates Chapel. As the couple exchanged their vows, their closest friends and family watched on with happy tears. The wedding party was made up of their best friends (and hype team) and those who had been by their side through thick and thin.

When it was time for the kiss, Dru pulled out all the stops with a dip and the couple exited to an upbeat Elvis song- their favorite.

“The guests raved about our first kiss and our exit! We are huge Elvis fans and the fun upbeat music when we were leaving was a blast!” Logan noted.

Lyric Theater Reception

The reception was held on the Square at the historic Lyric Theater, which provided a stunning backdrop for the celebration to continue. Logan was thrilled with how customizable everything was and her best friend and maid of honor Maddie, who is also a wedding planner, helped her every step of the way. The bride's color scheme of pretty blues, navy, champagne, and white was a hit, with everyone noting how beautifully the colors came together.

“I think the most special thing that we did was the dinner we had between our ceremony and reception [at the Lyric]. It gave us some time in private to relax on our big day before having to enter the reception!” Logan said.

The dance floor was packed all night long as the newlyweds and their guests danced the night away. Hugs were shared as people congratulated the happy couple and the love for the couple was easily felt by all.

As the reception came to an end, guests lined the street with sparklers to send off the newlyweds. The perfect way to end a perfect day. The party continued on the Oxford Square, and everyone was excited for Logan & Dru’s happily ever after.

“We actually stayed up until 4 am just reflecting on how much we loved the day. We didn’t have a single complaint because every vendor did an amazing job and our guests had so much fun!” Logan said. “I am so excited to see our reception photos! I can’t wait to see the shots of everyone having fun!”

It was a beautiful celebration of two people who have been in love since high school and have now become one. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Lots of love and cheers,

Morgan

Vendors

Photographer Morgan Newsom Venue The Lyric Oxford Church Paris-Yates Chapel HMUA The Studio Dress Boutique Vows Bridal MS Bridesmaids Show Me Your Mumu Tux Jos A Bank Florist Oxford Floral Catering Taylor Grocery Catering DJ 5150 Rentals @detailsrentals Ceremony Coordinator Ellen Thomas Event Design

Caitlin & Will’s Chic Downtown Wedding- Kansas City, MO

The Couple

Caitlin and Will have been together for 10 years. Caitlin’s twin sister introduced them in college! The couple have spent the last decade supporting each other, sometimes long distance.

The Ceremony

Love was in the air in downtown Kansas City as Will and Caitlin tied the knot in a beautiful traditional Catholic Church ceremony. The happy couple exchanged vows in front of their closest friends and family, surrounded by the stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows of the church.

Caitlin, a nurse with a heart of gold, walked down the aisle in a breathtaking gown that perfectly captured her timeless style. Her look was completed by a pair of delicate earrings that belonged to her late cousin Hayley, adding a sentimental touch to her already elegant bridal attire.

“I wanted a dress that was less trendy & more timeless. I never saw myself in a strapless gown, but the silhouette made me feel confident and almost like an old Hollywood style,” Caitlin said. “ It felt so serendipitous my late cousin, Hayley, picked such a beautiful art deco style of earrings for her own wedding. It was an honor to wear them in her memory on my wedding day.”

Will looked dapper in his tuxedo, his face lighting up as he saw his beautiful bride walking down the aisle towards him. As they exchanged their vows, the couple couldn't help but steal glances at each other, a testament to their deep connection and devotion to each other.

“Reciting my vows to Will was so special and momentous for me. It felt surreal to be married to the man who has supported me through so many major life experiences over the past 10 years. The images of our ceremony were so special to see. Will is a rare crier and to see his emotion caught on camera was amazing.”

The Reception

After the ceremony, the party continued at The Bardot, an Art Deco venue chosen by the couple for its classic style but more elevated from just a basic ballroom. The newlyweds and their guests were treated to a night of music and celebration, complete with delicious food, and plenty of dancing. The couple also planned a rooftop cocktail hour that overlooked downtown, giving their guests a stunning view of the city that Caitlin calls home.

Although the couple lives in Memphis, Caitlin's hometown of Kansas City was the perfect setting for their wedding day. The city's energy and charm perfectly reflected the couple's fun-loving personalities and their love for each other.

The night was filled with joy and laughter, as friends and family came together to celebrate the newlyweds.

“Our guests made our day so special. We had a large wedding party for 30+ year-olds, but I'm so grateful we were surrounded by such a fun and loving group for the entire day. A large portion of our guests traveled for our wedding and it was so special to see their commitment to us as a couple and be there to celebrate. It was truly a weekend of celebrating with a large rehearsal dinner, welcome party, and wedding. Guests raved about the food and the band. We were so thrilled to have our closest friends & family on the dance floor the entire night,” Caitlin said.

Congratulations, Will and Caitlin, on a stunning wedding day filled with love, joy, and memories that will last a lifetime. May your future together be as bright and beautiful as the lights of downtown Kansas City.

-Lots of love and cheers,

Morgan

This wedding was featured in Wed KC Magazine for their Spring/Summer 2023 issue.

Vendors

Photography: Morgan Newsom Photo Planner: Thirty One Thirty Events Videography: Show Flow Media Hotel: Loews Hotel Venue: The Bardot Church: Our Lady of Sorrows Hair: Frances Rodriguez Makeup: Samantha C Dress Salon: The One Bridal Dress Designer: Sassi Holford Bridesmaids Bella Bridesmaids Tux: Generation Tux Florals: Botanical Floral Design Catering: Hefter Catering Cake: Sugar Whipped Band: KC Flo Invitations: Minted Rings: Mednikow Rings: Meierotto

Jessica & Jonathan’s Intimate Summer Garden Wedding- Heartwood Hall, Memphis

Wedding Planning

From the moment Jessica and Jonathan met, they knew they were meant to be together. They also knew that they wanted to work together to plan their dream wedding, complete with a romantic, fun, outdoor theme that would capture the beauty of their love.

After choosing a date based on Jonathan's coaching schedule, the couple set out to find the perfect venue for their special day. As soon as they set foot on the picturesque grounds of Heartwood Hall, they knew it was the ideal location for their wedding celebration. Jessica was particularly enamored with the lush gardens and stunning scenery of the property, which perfectly matched the romantic summer theme they had in mind.

With their hearts set on Heartwood Hall, the couple wasted no time in tackling the rest of the planning together. They wanted to ensure that every detail of their big day reflected their love and commitment to each other, while also providing a magical experience for their family and friends.

From the elegant floral arrangements to the blush pink bridesmaid dresses, every aspect of the wedding was carefully chosen to create a romantic and intimate atmosphere. The couple exchanged their vows in a picturesque outdoor ceremony, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of their family and friends.

The FIrst Look

One of the most special things on wedding day was the first look Jessica said. “It was a moment that we both highly anticipated and there were a lot of raw emotions leading up to it and during it. Such a sweet and intimate moment!”

“The first look images are probably our favorites just simply because the moment was so special and the facial expressions were so good. But every picture in our gallery was exciting to see because every picture was intentional and authentic,” Jessica said.

Wedding Emotions

“I tried to take in every moment to the fullest. It was such a fast day filled with so many special moments. But I would tell myself throughout the day to stay calm, not sweat the small things and to just take it in. It was a day that we had put so much time and preparation in for plus it was such a special day for us!”

“I felt the overall vibe was relaxed, fun, intimate and very warm. I overall felt calm despite the heat and the day going by so fast. Morgan gave us pep talks and reassurance throughout the day and came prepared for the heat and many photos.”

The Reception

After the picturesque outdoor ceremony, the reception was a lively and joyous celebration of the couple's love. The evening was filled with laughter, dancing, and heartfelt speeches from family and friends.

But the highlight of the reception was when Jonathan's friends surprised Jessica with a dance during the garter toss. The dance was a fun and playful way for the groomsmen to show their support for the couple and to welcome Jessica into their close-knit group.

The surprise dance was a big hit with everyone at the reception, and it was a moment that Jessica and Jonathan will always cherish. It’s still the talk of the evening!

The rest of the reception was just as lively and memorable, with the couple and their guests dancing the night away under the cafe string lights in the barn. From the delicious food to the heartfelt speeches, every moment of the reception was filled with love, laughter, and joy.

As the night came to a close, Jessica and Jonathan looked back on their wedding day with overwhelming happiness. Their wedding at Heartwood Hall was a true celebration of their love, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the love of their family and friends.

“We felt very loved and celebrated by our guests! They complimented the food, our venue, and the overall wedding!” Jessica said.

Jessica and Jonathan’s summer day was the perfect mix of fun and class, sweet moments and joyful laughs. Thank you to the couple for allowing me to celebrate with you!

-Lots of love and cheers,

Morgan

Vendors

Photography: Morgan Newsom Photo Venue: Heartwood Hall Hair: Halo Salon, Maddie Merwin Makeup: McClain Craig Dress: Miranda Marie Bridal Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Birdy Grey Groomsmen Looks: Josabank Rings: RI Jewelers Florals: CJ Lilly & Co Catering: Heartwood Hall Cake: Cakes By Carolyn DJ: Perfection DJs Invitations: Postable Videography: BN Photo and Video

Hamswell House- The perfect English Estate for your garden wedding.

Visiting Hamswell House, Bath, England

During a recent trip to England, I called upon a wedding venue near Bath, UK in the Cotswolds. A general Google search of “Cotswold wedding venues” turned up plenty of options but something about Hamswell House stood out so I decided to inquire about a tour.

“I’m an American wedding photographer and I think my brides would be interested in learning about your venue. Can I come tomorrow on short notice?” Since it was the Easter holiday weekend I expected the reply to be a simple “no,” but the owner/ manager/ author/ steward welcomed me. And that was when I knew why Hamswell House was different. Rupert Legge.

The History Of Hamswell House

“In AD 921, Athelstan, the first king of all England granted Hamswell manor to the Priors of Bath, who held the moot here until the dissolution of the monasteries in 1535. Robert Whittington, a relative of the Dick Whittington of pantomime fame, took a lease on the manor house in 1543. His descendants lived there for nearly 400 years. The battle of Lansdown was fought nearby in 1643,” as chronicled on the venue’s website.

But the recent history of Hamswell House is just as impressive. It’s home for Rupert Legge and his family.

Rupert and his wife Victoria bought the estate 35 years ago. They have been hosting weddings for the last 15 years. Rupert says that it is “home first” and not a wedding factory. That is part of the reason it feels so special. Besides the beautiful views, pristine gardens, classical architecture, Hamswell House has a feeling of love surrounding it. Kids have grown up here, marriages have started here, family gatherings have been hosted here. Rupert is right; it’s not a wedding factory nor does it feel like one at all.

Hamswell House Architecture

When I arrived for my tour I was greeted with a cup of tea in the Orangery, and Rupert and I quickly fell into a conversation about fly-fishing and sharing photos of who’s fish was bigger…. I was star struck by the view and gardens beyond the Orangery. Rupert was just hanging out in his living room that occasionally is also used as a wedding ceremony site. But the beauty and history of Hamswell House isn’t lost on him.

Over the last few years the Legges have taken on major restoration projects that are part of owning such a historic manor home. The 100 yard long canal was restored during covid. The gardens need endless maintenance (Rupert’s son was working during my visit). A masonry project lasted 2 years to repair the stone walls. I’m sure the Legges have completed more repairs than they care to remember, but to steward such a beautiful piece of history, and to share the property with others must be a labor of love.

After finishing our tea and deciding that Rupert’s fishing trip to Cuba should be on every fisherman’s bucket list, I was ready to explore the grounds.

“Hamswell House as it stands today is 16th century with 17th and 18th century remodelling. The early Jacobean façade is a fine example of the English Renaissance. The garden façade is Queen Anne with a stone shell hood on brackets carved with acanthus leaves and beasts above the door. The Orangery with high arched windows and Cotswold stone roof was added in the 18th century. The extensive gardens are terraced with a network of decorative stone walls and feature a pergola, an ornamental canal and a knot garden. The house is set in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the end of a long drive and has commanding views over the Hamswell Valley.” Hamswell House Website

English gardens

Situated on 50 acres, the house has gardens on every side. Herbs, flowers, hedges, water features, panoramas, and everything is fed by the natural spring on site. The gardens are artwork themselves.

The arbor has one of the oldest wisteria vines in England, over 200 years old. The 400 year old ancient lime tree is the perfect place for a ceremony with 200 seated guests. The Orangery can be a backdrop for a smaller ceremony or cocktail hour on the terrace with a 20 mile view. The canal has 8 varieties of giant lilies, and a statue of Neptune that Rupert found outside Milan is the perfect focal point. The marquee can be setup on the croquet lawn for the most romantic covered outdoor reception.

My visit to Hamswell House left me amazed (and very disappointed with my little garden and potted herbs back at home). But I would hardly expect to find a wedding venue with this amount of history, charm, and beauty in the US anyway. It cannot be compared and it cannot be reproduced. If you truly want the “English countryside garden wedding” then you need to do it right and go to the real place. Hamswell House checks all the boxes for location, ease of travel, wow factor, and providing a destination wedding experience to remember. If this is what it looks like on a quiet Friday, I would love to see how it comes alive on wedding day!

Thank you Rupert for the cup of tea, the afternoon chat, and sharing your beautiful home with me. I hope to return soon. -Morgan

Book Hamswell House for your english wedding.

Wedding season at Hamswell House runs Easter - mid October before the weather turns too cold.

Consults and virtual tours can be arranged with Rupert Legge through the venue’s website. In person tours can also be scheduled if you are in the area (like I was).

The website details more information about planning your wedding at Hamswell House as well as a brochure about preferred vendors and pricing.

Hamswell House is located 5 miles from Bath, 10 miles from Bristol, and 100 miles from London. Convenient accommodations are available in Bath or the nearby Cotswold villages.

www.hamswellhouse.co.uk

A Simple Timeless Wedding on the Collierville Square

My consult meeting with bride Julianne

Planning a wedding is a big task and choosing the best photographer for yourself can feel daunting. "How do I pick a style? Which photography collection is the best fit? How do I start a photo timeline?" When I meet with someone about wedding photography I try to put all these questions at ease. 

I met with Julianne and her mom to get ice cream. That's one way to take the wedding stress away! They contacted me and I always think an in-person meeting is a great way for us to find out if we're on the same page, I can deliver what you're looking for, and if our personalities are compatible. I feel like the three of us hit it off.

Julianne and fiancé Will were planning a family wedding around the Collierville Square. They had concerns about a photographer being too over-the-top, pushy, or controlling with their group. They were looking for a photographer that would make little to no interference with their wedding ceremony and time with their family. "Unobtrusive" Julianne and her mom kept saying. "Respectful of the moment. Candid. Put their guests at ease."

I told them that I was very happy with those descriptions because I knew I could deliver that for them. In journalism school I was taught to be the observer, the recorder, not the center of attention or to stir up the moment. If my classmates or I had done that for a story it would have been unethical and not a reflection of the actual events. I continue to take this approach on wedding day. 

Wedding day should be focused on the couple and their love story. It's the first day of their marriage and life together. Why would any photographer want to change the essence or meaning of those wedding day moments? We were all in agreement and ready for Julianne and Will's big day!

Morton Museum Collierville

The cutest little church is just on the edge of the Collierville Square. The Morton Museum can now be rented for events and parties but was once a Christian church. I love the white Gothic design, the huge stained glass windows, the way it sits on the corner, and that is has been there since 1873. It is the perfect quaint church to have a wedding ceremony.

Getting Ready Photos

Julianne is very close with her mom and sister. When we talked about the wedding day timeline she knew she wanted to get ready at home with their help. It was very relaxing being there. I always think it's a great idea to minimize stress however possible on wedding day. Being at home in a familiar place, not worrying if you forgot lipstick because you can just run upstairs and grab it, wake up and shower in your own place- there's a calmness of routine to that. It was a nice way to start a Saturday. And of course the family pet came to hang out too.

Bridal Portraits in the Garden

Julianne's dad has a major green thumb and his shade garden is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. Julianne wanted to continue hanging out at home and take her bridal portraits there. The landscaping, the hydrangea blooms and rock paths made me so happy. I think the setting was the perfect compliment to Julianne's bridal look and was a meaningful place to her.

Groom Portraits at the Church

For Will's groom portraits I met him at the church. I love the structure of his suit with the structure and shape of the stained glass window. It felt very gentleman-ly to me. And of course the white outside walls created the perfect backdrop for more casual photos.

The Wedding Ceremony

The inside of the Morton Museum is just timeless. Warm hardwood floors, painted glass, crystal chandeliers, the feeling of history all around you. I wonder how many wedding ceremonies have taken place there over the past 100 years?

The stained glass window was the perfect focal point for the wedding ceremony. Because of the amazing details and symmetry no other decorations were needed. It felt very clean and Old-World. Julianne and Will's ceremony was so warm and glowy.

Reception at The Quonset

After family photos everyone was invited to The Quonset, also just near the Collierville Square. Dinner by candlelight and tons of sweet treats were waiting for their guests. I learn a lot about a family during reception time. The amount of love for each other, who has travelled the farthest and would never miss out, which groups of cousins grew up together, who the jokester is, who the matriarch or patriarch is... I love watching family dynamics. 

Reception Exit

At the end of the day we all lined up outside to send off the newlyweds. Another classic touch- rose petals as they walk into their new life together. Lots of love to Julianne and Will!!

How To Choose Your Wedding Photographer

Planning a wedding is a full time job that no ones tells you about, no one pays you an hourly wage, and outsourcing this once in a lifetime opportunity sounds like the worst idea ever for us type-A personalities (ahhhh!!!). BUT it's the chance for you and your fiancé to create a day that focuses totally on you as a couple and celebrate your marriage! The planning definitely pays off the moment you're walking down the aisle, you lock eyes with your soon-to-be spouse, and everything else around you fades. Oh I get chills thinking about walking down the aisle! Nothing else matters after that. Making sure you planned well up to this moment and have a great vendor team to back you means that you can focus on the day. Let the professionals take care of all those little details that you don't need to stress about anymore! Professionals = peace of mind.

where should i look for wedding photographers?

DO NOT skimp on this!!!! Your neighbor may have a tent you can borrow, the tween you used to babysit may be able to play one song on their violin during your ceremony, but I repeat, DO NOT skimp on photography. Uncle Bob and his "fancy camera" just won't capture your wedding day the way that a seasoned pro will. (And do you really want Uncle Bob downing beers on the dance floor when he's supposed to be shooting your reception? I swear this happened at a friend's wedding when I was a guest.)

So, where should you start your photography expedition? Instagram is a good place because there are a bazillion options when you search #weddingphotographer. This approach works if you are clear on your style, what you like/don't like, and can weed through feeds quickly. What if you don't know your style preference, or you want more of a connection with the person behind the camera? My advice- ask those brides that have gone before you! Referrals are the NUMBER 1 way that I book new couples. Past brides are quick to tell you all the details of their photography experience plus it's coming from someone that you trust and has your best interest in mind. Or if you've been a bridesmaid you have firsthand experience with some photographers and how they roll on wedding day. Ask around in your circles and hear some past experiences!

what am i looking for in regards to photography style, vision, & approach?

There isn't a right or wrong answer to this. There is only "what fits you as a couple?" Be honest with yourself. You don't HAVE to book the same photographer as your sister, y'all have different tastes. Since there is a huge range when it comes to style and approach I'm just going to help with some keywords. Choose the ones that stand out to you and pay attention if a potential wedding photographer mentions your keywords on their website or in your meeting. I've highlighted my style and approach below.

---

traditional natural light

photojournalistic studio light

candid dark & moody

posed light & airy

editorial true colors

dramatic retouched/ photoshopped

clean, minimalistic true to the moment

photographer directs scene photographer blends in

stylistic storytelling

things to notice when viewing a portfolio or wedding gallery

Now that we've talked about style, let's talk about photography elements in a portfolio. Again, this is also your preference and every photographer has their own shooting twist.

1. What do they concentrate on? Wide shots, close up, details, people, decorations?

1. How do they crop? Full length, mid length, close up, is anyone missing limbs or half a head in final images?

2. What angle do they shoot from? Eye-level, from the ground pointing up, from overhead pointing down?

3. Composition- are the images empty, clean, feel like they have the right amount of breathing room, or cluttered?

4. Do they use a filter on everything or change the color cast?

5. Are the colors adjusted or how they look in real life? Pay attention to the greens, oranges, and blacks.

inquire with a few photographers

Congratulations! Now you know exactly what images speak to you and what kind of photographer you're looking for on wedding day! Time to reach out.

Most photographers have a contact form on their website with the need-to-know details. Please, please answer all the questions on the contact form. It helps us get to know you and how we can serve you. Filling out all the little boxes may seem tedious but it will get you a lot farther along than leaving it blank. And we love hearing those details, it's exciting for us! Every photographer does a happy dance when they get an inquiry form. If they say otherwise they're lying....

Since you have a trained eye now I would suggest inquiring with your top 3-4 photographers to see if they have your date available. You've done your research about the best fit, you don't need 15 different quotes.

aspects of a wedding collection or photography quote

I like to work with every couple to hear about their photography needs and photo wish list. My collections are customized for each couple because I know that one size doesn't fit all. After an initial phone call with me I put together a few sample collections for us to start with and then tailor a collection to fit your budget and needs. I love my "work together" approach and knowing that my couples are getting exactly what they want! This phone call is also a great time for you to ask "what are the pros and cons of having that?"

1. engagement session

2. bridal session

3. rehearsal dinner coverage

4. bridal luncheon

5. send off brunch

6. hours of wedding day coverage

7. second photographer

8. wedding album

9. parent albums

10. guest book

book your photographer and do a happy dance!

Booking your photographer is a BIG step on the to-do list. You should feel confident and thrilled that you chose the best photographer for your wedding day! I hope this post helped you weigh through all the options and gave you clarity on who you want to work with.

Hybrid Wedding Photography

Why I can’t get away from Film

Digital & film cameras

During this time of digital improvements, technology advances, and instant gratification seeing your image on a screen, what would someone "go backwards" and photograph using film? It almost sounds like I'm fighting growth or advancements and choosing to be outdated or old-school. But for me, film photography is more about being pure and grounded.

I remember buying my first digital camera. I was a freshman in high school and had big plans to use it to document school dances, football games, and anything else I felt was important at 14 years old. I loved its screen, the menus, sending AIM attachments, and burning a CD for each year of high school memories. Everyone in my friend group was super impressed with the things it could do.

But I also remember my first film camera. I was about 8 years old and was taking a kids' summer class about photography and darkroom. I was "sent on assignment" to photograph subjects around my grandparents' yard and the lake across the street. My dad's camera and a few rolls of black and white film got me through the summer class. That film camera also helped me get accepted to 1 of 25 spots in the photojournalism program at the University of Montana. Guess which camera I still have and use occasionally.... my dad's film camera that was built before I was born.

What is special about film photography?

So what is it about film and why can I never completely quit it? Film is the original, the tried & true, the OG, the timeless and classic medium that every digital camera is based off. Manufacturers create new digital cameras every year, update or improve this or that. But when was the last time Fuji said "we're going to fix this film stock." There would be an uprising by all film shooters because you just don't mess with something that is perfect.

Film Photography is the most pure form to me. You have to be intentional. You have to be confident. You have to slow down and wait for the 1 second to come along and get the 1 frame. Film photography takes patience and connections with your subject to get the results you want. Someone can take 20 shots with a digital camera and hope that 1 turns out or they got lucky. Someone with a film camera may wait and take 1-2 frames but know that everything lined up perfectly, was real in the moment, and won't be manipulated later on a computer. The purest image.

Film is magic

I shoot film to keep me grounded. It makes me slow down. It reminds me to allow things to come together in time, connect with the moment, and not rush the magic. Film is timeless. All the editing and filter companies are trying to figure out how to market and sell making digital "look like film." My answer is to skip the middle work and just go back to the original magic and goodness.

Mixing Film & Digital during weddings

This is why on wedding day you will see me with 2-3 different cameras. I always shoot a couple rolls of film on wedding day and I love bride and groom portraits the most on film! The skin tones, colors, and just that little bit of film grit are the perfect pairing for portraits. My film camera is the perfect tool when we want to slow down the moments and be intentional. My digital camera is the perfect tool at dimly lit receptions with crazy DJ lights bouncing around. Each camera has their pros, which is why I end up mixing on wedding days. But there's nothing like hearing the film rewind in the camera after you've finished a roll and you know that little cylinder holds magic.