Let’s talk about morning weddings.
Not accidentally-happened-to-be-early weddings. Not “this was the only slot available” weddings. I’m talking about intentional, golden-lit, fresh-air, tea-on-the-porch-vibes morning weddings. The kind that used to be the norm not too long ago. And honestly? I think they’re due for a major comeback.
There’s something in the air in the morning—literally. The light is different. The sounds are softer. The energy is full of potential. And as a photographer, I can’t help but say it: the light is everything. The sun is on the opposite side of the sky compared to a typical afternoon wedding. Shadows are longer, the light more tender. Cameras love that kind of light. And so will your memories.
Morning Weddings Don’t Happen on Accident
A morning wedding is a choice. A vibe. A whole different rhythm to the day. Maybe you won’t know why the couple chose it—but you’ll feel it. You’ll be living inside that reason.
It can be intimate (yes, yes, we’ll come back to that overused word in a second), or it can be a garden soiree on a sprawling lawn with live string music floating through the air and soft breezes rustling linen dresses.
Brunch isn’t just a meal—it’s the new party. Think: a Bloody Mary bar. Fresh pastries. A string quartet softly playing while guests decorate sun hats or parasols. Games like chess, cornhole (admittedly not the classiest name), or dice at shaded tables on the terrace. Elegance doesn’t have to mean stiff.
Let the Vibe Match the Time
Here’s where I get spicy: stop trying to make a “day vibe” stretch into the night.
It’s the same reason your grandma told you how to “take your makeup from day to night” by layering on some liner and a deeper lipstick. We know when something doesn’t quite fit the time of day, and weddings are no different.
If you want to transport your guests—and yourself—to a world of elegant bliss, maybe the key is starting early. A wedding ceremony followed by brunch sets a tone: uplifting, stylish, unrushed. Add some morning cocktails and the energy is high but not wild.
And then…
after a nap
or a change of shoes…
The After-Party That Hits Just Right
That night, you take the party crowd—sans grandma and your five-year-old niece—to a wild little after-party at the venue of your choice. You’ve got the best of both worlds: soft light and sweet tears in the morning, loud music and dirty martinis by night.
And If You Really Want to Pop Off?
Have a farewell brunch on Sunday. I’ve experienced this personally, and it sealed the weekend in a way I’ll never forget. It’s slow and soft. Everyone’s a little tired, but deeply happy. There are hugs and long goodbyes and coffee shared over leftover wedding stories… as evidenced in the Polaroids of yesterday. The threads that connect you all? Braided tighter than when you arrived.
See how that feels? Now that is intimacy.
That’s what I want to photograph. That’s what makes a wedding a memory.
And you, dear bride, you can create that—just by choosing brunch.
Curious what I suggest for your wedding?
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