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Wedding Advice and Ideas

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Best Ways to Customize Your Wedding Budget

If you're looking for unique ways to get the most out of what you spend for your big day, you're in luck. Here are some tips to help put some of your wedding expenses in perspective while still having a day you'll look back on happily for years to come. 

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Wedding Florists in Kentucky

Whether it’s classic or inventive, colorful or neutral, a stunning floral design can create a swoon-worthy atmosphere that sets the scene, makes a memorable impression, and creates a backdrop for beautiful photos.

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Most Unique Wedding Venues in Kentucky

If you and your soon-to-be spouse are seeking a ceremony and reception space that is a little more out of the box and farther away from the norm, we've got you covered. Take a look at some of the top unique wedding venues in Kentucky...

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7 Moments Your Wedding Photographer Shouldn't Miss

Moments Your Wedding Photographer Shouldn't Miss Must-Have Wedding Photos

Whether you're in the beginning stages of planning your big day or you're only a few weeks away and are starting to go over your day-of timeline with your wedding photographer, there are a few key pieces of the celebration you'll want to have on camera. Some of the following moments are probably obvious, but be sure to consider the ones you might not have thought about yet — and will surely miss down the road if they aren't captured on your wedding day.. 

Getting Ready with the Bridal Party

7 Moments Your Wedding Photographer Shouldn't Miss Getting Ready

When brides and grooms are getting ready for the ceremony with their closest friends and family, there are several fun and emotional moments you'll want to remember after the day is over. Even if you're a more laid back couple, the wedding is likely going to fly by so quickly. When all is said and done, you'll want to enjoy looking back on the day from the beginning. 

Getting Ready Wedding Photography Images

And if you're really hoping to get the most out of your getting ready photos, bring some gifts to give to the bridesmaids and groomsmen, or pop a few bottles of champagne to kick off the day! 

Lexington Wedding Photographer
Lexington Wedding Photographer

All the Small Details

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Louisville Wedding Photographer

After spending months planning such a big event from top to bottom, there are a dozen small details you'll want photographs of to remember down the road, especially for your wedding album. Although mostly about your love for one another, a wedding is also a combination of careful planning and characteristics that speak to who you both are as a couple. 

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Louisville Wedding Photographer

If you have a theme, setting or style that says a lot about you and the love of your life, have these factors captured on camera — especially anything with significant meaning! From any family heirlooms worn on the day-of and letters written to your parents, to the gift you give to your soon-to-be spouse, ask us to be there for the moments you'll cherish for years to come.

Louisville Wedding Photographer

First Look 

First Look Wedding Photographer Kentucky

Whether you plan to do a formal "first look" moment or you want a traditional first look down the aisle, this is one of the most emotional times of the day and surely one that shouldn't be missed! And it's also one you should have two photographers present for (such as us!), since you'll definitely want to have both of your reactions captured on film. 

First Look Wedding Photographer Kentucky

Also, be sure to have your photographer capture your first look with your dad, bridesmaids, and/or mom. Sometimes, these can be very emotional and are very worth capturing! Dads especially are often very emotional about their "little girl" growing up and getting married.

Dad first look wedding photographer

First Kiss

First Kiss Wedding Photography Kentucky Wedding Photographer

Although an obvious one, this moment is a beautiful tradition at the end of the ceremony you'll want at least one great photo of. You might even talk to your fiancee in advance to talk about your plans for your first kiss "style" — will you do a simple, emotional embrace or a dramatic kiss to get everyone cheering? 

Exiting the Ceremony

Ceremony Exit Lexington wedding photographer

And right after the ceremony ends, there's nothing quite like that feeling of leaving the altar hand-in-hand with your true love! Be sure to ask your photographer to be ready as you exit the ceremony, but also don't be afraid to raise those hands, kiss again or dance your way to the reception. 

Spontaneous Moments with Family & Friends

Reception Photos Wedding Photographer

The rest of the event should feel less about posed images and more about the celebration with those you love the most. One of the things we love most about wedding receptions is capturing images from a fly-on-the-wall perspective, without your guests ever realizing we were taking photographs of those moments.

Reception Photos Wedding Photographer

The laughs, the tears, the hugs . . . there's a lot of great emotion happening on this day and you should be happily surprised to see them in your wedding photo gallery!

Reception Photos Wedding Photographer

Grand Exit

Grand Exit Sparkler Exit Wedding Photographer

If you're using flower petals, sparklers or any other fun grand exit style, tell your wedding photographer about it! We love to prepare for these exciting and scenic traditions so that we make sure to capture photos you'll love looking back on and sharing with others from the big day. 

Have another moment you think wedding photographers shouldn't miss? Let us know in the comments!

Contact a Lexington Wedding Photographer Team

We’re Jeff and Michele, a husband and wife wedding photographer team based in Louisville, Kentucky. Your engagement and wedding photography experience is our top priority — we want you to cherish it forever!

We’d love the opportunity to be your photographers. Reach out to us online or give us a call at (502) 551-5799. We look forward to hearing from you!

Learn more about Louisville Wedding Photographers and Lexington Wedding Photographers, Jeff & Michele by clicking here!

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Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Louisville Ky

Best Outdoor Wedding Venues in Louisville

Have you always dreamed of having an outdoor wedding or can't imagine not enjoying beautiful weather for your special day? Luckily, there are several outdoor venues in Louisville, Kentucky to celebrate with all of your loved ones! 

Not only do we love these locations for the abundance of natural light, but being familiar with a venue before the wedding day allows us to get more creative and plan in advance of the celebration for some of the photo locations we'd love to take our couples to.

If you're in the early stages of planning an outdoor wedding in Louisville, we highly recommend taking a look at some of the most stunning outdoor wedding venues in Louisville, Ky that we've listed below. 

BONUS: Want a free consultation with us to see which venue is best for your style? Schedule a free consult by clicking here!

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens

A very popular location is the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens . It's a stunning natural setting, with dozens of rare flower gardens and truly unique architecture that's just perfect for organic, boho or romantic styled weddings. The venue even has a castle on site that offers a really beautiful stone background for portraits!

If you'd like to see more Yew Dell Wedding Photos, be sure to check out one of our weddings at Yew Dell!

Want to chat with us for tips about having your wedding at Yew Dell? Schedule a free consult with us by clicking here!

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Oxmoor Estate & Gardens

The Oxmoor Estate is a historic plantation in Louisville, as well as a beautiful Louisville wedding venue. With gorgeous gardens, a 16,000 square foot home, and a jaw-dropping grand library, The Oxmoor Estate is definitely one of the most highly revered outdoor wedding venues in Kentucky. 

If you're searching for an elegant venue with rich history and opulent offerings, look no further than The Oxmoor Estate & Gardens as your wedding venue!

Peterson-Dumesnil House Wedding Venue

The Peterson-Dumesnil House is truly a landmark in Louisville, and a lovely venue for outdoor weddings. There interior rooms are large enough to host your getting ready for both the groomsmen and bridesmaids.

The mansion is filled with eclectic, vintage decor and is spacious enough to host guests as well as your getting ready.

If you'd like your reception to be outside, there's a plot designed to host a tent.

Peterson-Dumesnil Wedding Louisville Wedding Photographer
Peterson-Dumesnil Wedding Louisville Wedding Photographer
Peterson-Dumesnil House Outdoor Wedding Ceremony Location

While the lawn offers a wide space for ceremonies (complete with a brick pathway down the aisle!), the outside porch is a great option for those wanting a covered area without having to put up a large tent. It definitely brings a warm and inviting vibe for your guests as they arrive!

Peterson-Dumesnil Wedding Louisville Wedding Photographer

Whitehall Estate Gardens

There's something so elegant about a classic mansion with a lot of history, and the Louisville wedding venue Whitehall Estate fits this description perfectly. The gardens at this venue include stunning archways, colorful blooms throughout the year, and stone covered pathways just waiting for your walk down the aisle!

Whitehall Estate Wedding Louisville Wedding Photographer
White House Gardens Wedding Bride and Bridesmaids
Louisville wedding venue, Whitehall House & Gardens outdoor reception area with tent

Hermitage Farm

About 30 minutes northeast of Louisville is the Hermitage Farm, which is a great space if you're looking to have an outdoor wedding venue with the ability to have some of your guests stay overnight. When you book this location, you also have access to the indoor areas for small gatherings, as well as sweeping views of green rolling pastures on the grounds.

Gardencourt Wedding Venue

This gorgeous location is not only over 100 years old and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, but Gardencourt is also a stunning wedding venue. With brick-lined pathways through manicured gardens, a fountain in the courtyard, and elegant furnishings inside like the marble fireplaces and a grand staircase, there's lots to love about this venue.

Gardencourt Wedding Ceremony
Gardencourt Indoor Outdoor Wedding Venue Louisville

One of the best perks of Gardencourt? You have your choice of saying your vows outside in the Rose Gardens or South Lawn, or, if you want an indoor option, you can also book Caldwell Chapel, which is on the same campus.

Photo of bridesmaids standing outside during a Louisville wedding at Caldwell Chapel Gardencourt on a summer day in Louisville Ky

21C Museum Hotel Wedding Venue

One of our favorites is the 21C Museum Hotel for a variety of reasons. If you're looking to make your wedding easy and relaxed, you can have your getting location, ceremony, and reception all in one place!

It houses a private rooftop penthouse and open/outdoor rooftop overlook with beautiful views of Louisville and the Ohio River! Between exposed brick walls, unique architecture and an outdoor rooftop area, it's a venue that's hard to beat.

21C Museum Hotel Wedding
21C Museum Hotel Wedding Reception Bride and Groom

The Olmsted Wedding Venue

Another elegant option for an outdoor ceremony location with an indoor backup option is the historic Olmsted. You can say your vows outside on the lawn underneath some of the tall oak trees, and celebrate with your closest friends and family in a dining hall that still has lots of natural light (and some gorgeous chandeliers!).

If you'd like to see more The Olmsted Wedding Photos, be sure to check out a blog post of one of our weddings at The Olmsted!

Wedding photo taken at The Olmsted of Bride & Groom

Wedding photo taken at The Olmsted of Bride & Groom

Indoor ceremony setup at The Olmsted, Louisville Ky

Indoor ceremony setup at The Olmsted, Louisville Ky

The Ice House Wedding Venue

And last (but definitely not least!) is the Ice House, which is the perfect space for indoor/outdoor weddings of almost any size! You can have your ceremony outdoor on the East Terrace and easily allow your guests to head straight into Main Hall for an indoor reception. Or you can use their Rooftop Garden, with a truly unique "green space" that has a view of Downtown Louisville!

Did we miss a venue that you think would fit well on this list? Let us know in the comments!

Talk with a Husband Wife Wedding Photographer Team in Louisville Ky!

Once you've selected a date and venue, you should start looking for the right wedding photographer (or photographers!) for you. We’re Jeff and Michele, a husband and wife wedding photographer team based in Louisville, Kentucky. Your engagement and wedding photography experience is our top priority — we want you to cherish it forever!

We’d love the opportunity to be your photographers. Reach out to us online or schedule a quick consult with us! We look forward to hearing from you! 


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Jeff and Michele's Favorite Engagement Session Locations

Best Engagement Photography Session Locations in Louisville

While there are dozens of locations to choose from for your engagement session, it's best to find ones that offer a variety of spots and backdrops to use for portraits and all within a close range to one another. Our couples often ask for suggestions when it comes to engagement session locations, so we wanted to offer some insight about our favorite places to determine which might be a great fit for you! 

Bernheim Arboretum Engagement Session

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

One of our all-time favorite locations for engagement sessions is the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest -- for many reasons. Not only does the Bernheim have over 15,000 acres of land, including a 600-acre arboretum, there is a lot of gorgeous natural light to match the endless amounts of space there.

It's also a fantastic choice for a spring or summer engagement session with a natural or organic vibe, since the endless varieties of flowers and shrubs offer beautiful backdrops for engagement photos.

There is a $5 per carload fee that Bernheim charges visitors. Sessions do not have to be scheduled with a Bernheim representative.

Historic Whitehall House and Gardens

For a more elegant engagement session, one of our top recommendations is the historic (and beautiful!) Whitehall Mansion and Estate Garden. The mansion itself is a classy two-story building with tall white pillars that give off a timeless vibe we just love. And when you combine the home with the arboretum and gardens, there are few places in all of Kentucky that match the romantic ambiance of this place. We have loads of unique floral and greenery backdrops to play with for engagement sessions here, and we simply can't rave about it enough!

Whitehall charges a $100 fee and requires that sessions be scheduled in advance.

Falls of the Ohio Engagement Session
Falls of the Ohio Engagement Portraits

Falls of the Ohio

Although this one isn't actually within the Kentucky state borders, the Falls of the Ohio State Park is so close to Louisville (right across the Ohio River on the Indiana riverside) and is an option we love to suggest to our couples! Most people come here to look at the fossil beds, but we come here for the walking trails and the riverside views, which are perfect settings for scenic and fun engagement sessions!

Falls of the Ohio Engagement Photographer

Falls of the Ohio charges no fees to use the ground at the time we're writing this article! However, if you're coming from Kentucky to the Falls, there is an avoidable toll bridge. Sessions do not have to be scheduled with a Falls representative.

Best Engagement Session Locations in Louisville Kentucky

Yew Dell

Are you sensing a theme here? What can we say: we love gardens for engagement sessions!

Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is another top-choice engagement location in the Louisville area that we can't get enough of. Between the abundance of natural light, colorful plants, fountains, and brick pathways -- not to mention a simple yet stunning stone castle! -- there is a lot to love about this engagement session option.

Yew Dell does charge a $75 fee to host an engagement session. All session must be scheduled in advance.

Greenhouse Wallitsch Garden Center Engagement

Wallitsch Garden Center

For a great indoor option on a rainy day, we love using the Wallitsch Garden Center! The greenhouses on site have a nice balance of giving an outdoor feel and natural light, all while being "inside" so we won't have to worry about a gloomy day.

Wallitsch hosts our engagement sessions at their discretion and must be verified in advance.

Waterfall Destinations

If you're interested in finding a more epic and scenic location to make an adventure out of your engagement session, please message us. We have a few waterfall places that are perfect for engagement portraits, and would love to bring a couple adventurous souls to our secret spots!

Louisville Engagement Photographer
Louisville Engagement Photographer

Want to try another spot?

We like to pick locations that allow us to shoot in various lighting conditions. A location with high trees or buildings that also has areas that aren't surrounded allow us to shoot with plenty of good light, regardless of where the sun is. With that said, we're open to any sentimental, destination, or other types of locations you have in mind. 

If you have a spot that you'd like to try out, let us know!

If you enjoyed reading about our favorite engagement session locations, head on over to read another great blog post, How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session

Looking for an engagement photographer? Contact us!

We’re Jeff and Michele, a husband and wife wedding photographer team based in Louisville, Kentucky. Your engagement and wedding photography experience is our top priority — we want you to cherish it forever!

We’d love the opportunity to be your photographers. Reach out to us online or give us a call at (502) 551-5799. We look forward to hearing from you!

Learn more about Louisville Wedding Photographers and Lexington Wedding Photographers, Jeff & Michele by clicking here!

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