After photographing more than 100 weddings in the Monroe / West Monroe area, I created this Wedding Planning Guide to help future brides plan their Monroe / West Monroe wedding.  Please know...I am not a wedding planner!  I've been to a lot of weddings and have experienced what makes a fun and dare I say, a stress-free wedding day.

WHO I AM
Hello, I'm Kim Wilhite.  I'm a sucker for knowing (and capturing) what happened behind the scenes while you were getting ready for your wedding day.  My husband, Brian, also knows because he is my second shooter and is at every wedding with me.  He's the talker, I'm the worker.  Together we create your wedding memories.

My instagram ~ https://www.instagram.com/kim.wilhite.photography

| THE GUIDE |

WEDDING PLANNING
What season do you want to get married, then choose a few different dates.  The best venues are usually pre-booked 1-2 years in advance.  Don't loose out on your dream venue by just sticking to one date, focus on a season instead.

The Best Wedding Venues
in Monroe - West Monroe Area

Here are a couple of my favorite wedding venues in the area.  They are in no particular order.

White Oak Venue

White Oak Venue gives you the outdoor space for those who want a natural style wedding but with so many amenities like getting ready suites for the bride and groom and an open air wedding chapel.

White Oak Venue is located approximately 30 miles from Monroe-West Monroe with easy access from the interstate.

Molto Bella Weddings

I love well done landscaping and I believe Molto Bella has the best.  There are photo opportunities sprinkled around every corner at this wedding venue.  It is located in Calhoun, right outside of West Monroe.  Whether you want an outside or indoor ceremony (I would highly recommend outdoors!), either choice is good and Molto Bella will make sure you and your guests will have a great wedding celebration.

Other vendors worth checking out:
Bella Rouge Venue - has indoor & outdoor options, bridal suite, and 300 guest capacity.
Afton Villa Gardens - if getting married with a lush garden feel, this is your place.
Venue de La Chute - located in Shreveport, an estate property with southern charm.

Where to Take Wedding Pictures in Monroe - West Monroe

The great thing about each of the venues mentioned is that you don't need to leave the property for amazing photos.  Each wedding venue has wonderful locations for First Looks, and Family & Wedding Party photos.

For more ideas...(or Engagement session location) one of my favorite spots is Downtown Monroe.  I love walking around the city finding great light and pockets of quiet locations.

Wedding Day Timeline

I always include a Custom Wedding Day Timeline for each wedding.  Whether you decide to do a First Look or not, the rest of the day usually requires 15 minutes with each family, 30 minutes with the Wedding Party, and 20 minutes of Bride and Groom portraits.

Having a First Look does get all of the pictures completed before your ceremony and you can rush off to the reception immediately.  

An ideal summer wedding with a First Look goes like this:
3:15 Bride & Groom First Look
3:30 - 4:30 Wedding Party & Family Portraits
5:00 Ceremony
5:15 Reception / Introductions & First Dances
7:15 Sunset Portraits (Bride & Groom)

Flowers

Working with fine folks. is never a disappointing experience.  Let Lindsey create your floral dream!

Hair & Makeup

I have worked with each of these artists and highly recommend each one.
MUA - Brittany Dye
MUA - Victoria Alexander
Hair - Claire Hollis

I hope I have helped in someway with your wedding planning!  Selecting the very best vendors based on their work and experience will add to your stress-free wedding day.