Choosing A Photographer

Once you have set your wedding date, you have a lot of fun ahead planning your special day! We all know there are many decisions to make, and a professional photographer should be just as important as choosing your wedding dress! When choosing a photographer, there are a few things you should consider...

In the age of digital technology, most people have their own digital cameras and if they don't, everyone has a cell phone! You might be tempted to cut corners and let your friend or family member, who may be a great hobby photographer, capture your wedding. Please consider yourself warned!

There is a reason why reputable wedding photographers have earned their title!

Remember that you are putting your friend or family member under a lot of pressure to come up 'with the goods' and no disrespect to their ability, there is a difference between amateur and professional.

For one, you have to be aware that they will not be able to enjoy your wedding as a 'normal' guest as they will be working and are not able to dance or mix up with your other guests. Whilst I am sure that he or she will only have the very best intention, unfortunately, they often miss important key moments of your wedding because they may get caught up in a conversation with other guests and don't want to cut another family member or friend short. Often they simply don't know where they should be at what time, what questions they need to ask your providers, how to scout out different backdrops, not to forget that there is always a certain lack of authority if you are too close to your family or friend 'photographer'. Its always easier to turn down the request of a family member or friend when asked to hurry up or go to another location than to a stranger and you may miss out on some great shots.

Another big question is the lighting. Is your 'nominated' photographer familiar with the lighting at your wedding? Can he or she calculate how much time is necessary for your getting ready photos, for the ceremony, congratulations, reception, etc? Unless you have professional equipment, a mere ordinary flash is not going to be sufficient if you are covering an entire reception. Remember that shooting a wedding is a huge responsibility and you need to carefully consider if it's worth losing a friendship over in case things don't work out...

It goes without saying, that at the end of the day, the only thing that you have left as a physical reminder from your wedding day are your wedding photos! Photography can be a hard investment to make - it is difficult to purchase something "intangible", as you really don't know what your pictures are going to look like - until, perhaps it is too late...

It is not just a matter of price, although there is no doubt that for most of us this is probably the major deciding factor. Although the internet makes it easier to locate suitable candidates to capture your wedding, it also makes matters a lot more confusing. Competition is stiff and each photographer seems to offer 'bigger and better packages' than the next to get your attention. Don't be fooled!

Photographers often lure with big packages of prints, slide shows, other extras and so on. Wonderful! However, 'more' does not necessarily mean 'better'! It is the quality you should be looking for, not quantity. What good are 300 photos when you really only like 20 of them? True professionals only shoot about 35 'good' photos per hour - that puts the photographer who offers you 300 prints per hour into perspective! Most couples only use actual prints these days if they want to frame a photo; They prefer the beautiful coffee table books over a traditional album with photos, so a package with 300 prints is great, but then you have to find a place where to put them. If you want to get a nice album for your wedding photos, it will set you back a few hundred dollars, so that's not actually a saving but additional cost that most have not calculated.

Check out various photographer's websites that you are interested in and compare various styles. Even though a flashy website, a simple one or a badly designed one is not necessarily a good indicator of whether or not a photographer is good or even great, it will shed some light on his or her personal taste and style, irrespective of whether they designed their own website or not. Most photographers these days will give you some information about themselves and the opportunity to view a 'complete wedding' and not just snapshots of various weddings. If they don't and you are interested, ask to see a complete wedding. Never feel embarrassed to ask for qualifications or awards if its important to you. The website will only give you an idea of a photographer's style, his or her ability to compose a photo or use lighting but in reality, most websites are usually not a lot more than a first impression and should be treated accordingly. Its the 'real' person that counts behind the website and if you want to find out more, you have to dig deeper.

Another point to consider is if you 'click' with the photographer. How willing are they to listen to your requests? Are they open and communicate well with you or do they appear aloof and have a tendency to have an attitude? Trust me, I've seen it all! If you are working with someone who thinks he or she is superior and who shows attitude, they are no fun to work with! 

It is difficult to compare which photographer offers the best value for money as there are many deciding factors:

• Cost
• What is included
• The actual photographer and where applicable his/her team
• Equipment
• Service
• Photography style
• Testimonials or reviews from others

The most unusual proposal...

If you want to propose to the one you love, do it properly!

We have many grooms-to-be who contact us for ideas on how they can propose to their beloved. The most common request is to arrange a beautiful candle light dinner for 2 on the beach but the possibilities are limitless...

The list on how to create a romantic or original proposal is literally limitless and there are always new and creative and unique ideas...  

We've had grooms that called their fiance in the room to come down to reception immediately and propose to her in the lobby with the hotel staff bringing a bottle of champagne and taking photos, we've had photo sessions and the ring happened to be found on the beach or in some flowers in the garden, divers who came out of the ocean and surprised the lucky lady, a message in the bottle that was washed up on the beach, a small plane with a banner popping the question, engagement rings frozen into an ice cube, the list goes on and on.... but nothing prepared me for this young man! Talk about being creative and think outside the box! 

I just had a young man from Austria who contacted me because he wanted to propose to his girlfriend. He was eager to come up with something different so we discussed various options over a coffee at Starbucks. Everything was set for the morning of the following day. 

He decided that he wanted to take her for a walk on the beach and hide the engagement ring in a big conch shell. So that nobody would take the shell, I sat nearby pretending to be a sunbathing tourist to could keep an eye on things and take some photos when the moment arrived....

I waited and waited but 'my' couple was nowhere to be seen....

Contemplating on what to do next, I eventually saw the groom-to-be running alone towards me around 30 minutes later. He doubled over to catch his breath, then he looked at me and just blurted out, "Plan abandoned, she's sick!"

Worried what had happened I asked him if she was all right. 

He explained that they all went out the night before and unfortunately the lady of his dreams had a few tequilas too many and was suffering from a monster hangover. 

I told him that I was really sorry to hear that and was just about to tell him that we could postpone it all until the next day when he replied interrupted me breathlessly, "Not a problem, I've just come to get the ring. It's not all down the pan but I didn't want to wait any longer, so whilst she was sleeping, I took her lipstick and wrote on the inside of the toilet lid 'Will you marry me?' She got up when she felt sick again and when she opened the toilet lid she saw the question, moaned and said 'yes' before returning to the bathroom... so I've just come back to get the ring.... but she's much better now!"

I am happy to say that I let them be after supplying him with some aspirin and some rehydrating drinks from the pharmacy...

Although he didn't plan it like this, I guess the most important thing for any proposal is that it comes from the heart! She seemed to agree because they called me up today freshly engaged, happy and feeling great to book their wedding with us next year - No tequilas though!

Tell us about your proposal!

If you are planning to propose to your loved one whilst on vacation, contact Cancun Wedding Center. We are happy to offer suggestions and arrange everything for you!

Beach Wedding Tips

Planning a beach wedding in Mexico is a little bit different to having a wedding at home! 

There are different things to think about and many couples have never been to the location where they're tying the knot, so they don't know what to expect... 

The easiest way is to employ a wedding planner who speaks both languages, knows the area and the vendors and who is familiar with common little 'quirks' that are common in every country. If you prefer to do things on your own but still want someone to oversee that things run smoothly on your big day, contact Cancun Wedding Center, they will help to find the right person for your needs! 

We have put together a few things that you may wish to consider for a destination wedding in Mexico:

Bridal Gown

A traditional big gown looks fantastic but its not necessarily what you want to wear on a really hot day! The perfect dress for a beach wedding should be light, flowing and not too hot and clingy. Why not try something different and go for a 'tea length' dress or transform yourself into a Greek Goddess with a flowing halter neck gown?  

Check out some styles that are perfect for a beach wedding:

 Images and Gowns by www.lightweddings.co.uk

Veil 

Even if you haven't considered a veil, there is no doubt that veils do look great for a beach wedding! They add a bit of romance and blend in perfectly with the flow of the waves, the sand and the blue sky... plus they are also a great extra 'prop' to play with when it comes to your wedding photos! 

There is usually a nice breeze on the beach, so long veils can become difficult to handle, whilst short veils are often difficult to control. The best option is a medium size veil that flows nicely in the wind, which isn't too heavy and can be held back if need be! 

Look for a veil that has a heavier border to give it a bit more stability and don't by shy to pick one with a bit of sparkle, - the bling reflects beautifully in the sunlight and adds a nice little sparkle! 

Tiaras

Tiaras can look great with or without a veil and for a beach wedding they are great because they can help to keep your hair under control! Avoid too much bling though if you don't want to look like a prom queen on your wedding day! 

Choose something that suits your dress and the shape of your face but don't overdue the bling - you want to accentuate your dress but not overshadow it! 

Parasol & Fans

It is such a shame that hardly any bride uses a parasol these days! A parasol looks absolutely fabulous for a beach wedding! If you have opted for a simple but elegant dress you can pep it up with a beautiful lace parasol to add a bit more romance or you can add some ribbons in the color of your wedding scheme for an extra touch! Get the matching fans and you're all set! Your bridesmaids will also love a parasol and did we mention that photographers love parasols?

Images by itsabrideslife, budgetdreamweddings and Tommy Colbert

Wedding Hat 

If you're opting for an elegant, vintage or retro style wedding, a hat should be an absolute must for the confident bride! It is one of those wonderful accessories that can completely enhance your wedding dress or add a great twist to it depending on the style you choose! European brides seem to be more confident and adventurous when it comes to wearing a hat on their big day!

Images by onewed, bestontop, cariadproductions, belovedweddings, advantagebridalsociety, societybride and qcweddings

Bridesmaids Dresses

If the ceremony is on the beach or overlooking the ocean, choose bright or pastel colors that offer a great contrast to the ocean. Black is too formal for a beach wedding and autumn or some natural colors can look a bit drab too. Keep in mind that your bridesmaids will probably have a tan by the time your wedding day arrives, so looking at really pale colors might look 'dreary' in the shop on a dark, rainy day but it will look great on the beach with the colors of the ocean and a nice tan! 

Images Jessica's Bridal, Classiccleaners, voguemagz and laurengabrielson

Shoes

Most women have a shoe fetish but.... walking in high heels on grass or on a beach is no fun! Choose whatever you like and whatever is comfortable for your reception and make sure you wear your shoes in before the big day arrives! There's nothing worse than blisters or achy feet on your wedding day! I love the 'natural barefoot look' if the ceremony is on the beach but there are some great alternatives if you don't want to walk 'bare'... Many companies offer cool looking flip flops with bling, stencils underneath, etc. but there are also other great alternatives available! Check these out:

  

Images by bellabeachwedding, advantagebridal, weddingbee, etsy, womanbuying and artfire

Hair & Make up

Up or down or a bit of both? Decisions, decisions! It all depends on whether you wear a veil, a tiara, what style of dress you have and the shape of your face! Try out various options before your big day, even try out styles that you might not be too keen on initially, you may be in for a surprise! Bear in mind that the humidity is very high in Mexico and that there's usually a breeze on the beach!

Natural make up is great but bear in mind that the camera tones make-up down by a few shades, so wearing very natural make up can easily give you a complete 'nude' look in your wedding photos. It's ok to accentuate your eyes and lips are bit more than you would usually. If you feel uncomfortable, try it out a few times before your big day so you're already used to it! 

If your make-up artist is not with you for the entire day, make sure you have an 'emergency make-up kit' at hand so you can touch up as and when you need it! Also remember the heat and the high humidity, the products you usually use at home may be too heavy for this climate! Invest in some blotting paper that will soak up any sweat and keep some refreshing water-based spray, sunscreen and deodorant in your 'emergency kit'! Another one to remember is that perfume often smells different in another climate! Try out your favorite perfume beforehand so you can opt for something else if need be! 

Men's wear

Wearing a tux on the beach looks totally wrong.... Beach weddings give men the opportunity to try out a completely different look! Most men wear a nice pair of slacks with a guayabera (the Mexican shirt that is worn above the trousers) but there are other styles that can also look great. A white linen suit or smart Bermuda trousers with a short sleeved shirt and a bow tie can look fabulous! Here's some ideas for the men:

 

Images by pinterest, wedkilag, weddingomania, 

Embrace your roots! - How to make your wedding unique...

When I talk to wedding couples they often ask me where I'm from... 

Once I tell them, they are usually eager to share with me that their grandma or granddad comes from Poland, Ireland,  England, Rumania, Russia or whatever country. 

It always fascinates me to hear these stories and I have often wondered why couples don't try to embrace their roots and use some of the old wedding traditions as a homage to their ancestors?

Weddings are about leaving your old life behind and starting a new life together, so what could be more fitting than keeping some of these old traditions alive? 


Every wedding tradition has a meaningful origin. We often 'keep up with tradition' even though we often don't even know where these traditions originate from... they just have become 'standard protocol'. Some of the commonly used traditions we use nowadays do not even have a 'flattering' reason.....  



Did you know, that traditions like the groom not being allowed to see the bride before the wedding, the bride wearing a veil over her face and the dad walking his daughter down the aisle all stem from the days when marriages were arranged? 

The groom often never saw his bride until the ceremony so all these 'precautions' were taken so that the groom couldn't change his mind and make a detour if he didn't like the look of his wife to be and equally, the dad escorting the bride down the aisle prevented her from escaping if she didn't like the groom. Not exactly a 'flattering tradition', is it? 

I have often wondered why especially these traditions are still going strong even though we're living in a day and age when we pick our own partners and set our own date... On the other hand we have forgotten other traditions that are truly meaningful and beautiful.... 

2013 has seen a huge increase in 'vintage style' weddings. A trend that still seems to be going strong for this year and 2015... so why not also incorporate some of the old traditions to make your wedding even more special and unique? 

Here are a few traditions from around the world that are meaningful, fun and provide some unique photo opportunities:

CUTTING THE LOG

Origin: Europe (Austria/Germany)

The freshly married couple has to cut a log of wood together 

Meaning: 

An old custom that symbolizes teamwork and equality. Cutting the log jointly represents harmony in the marriage, attentiveness, good communication and overcoming hurdles with each other's help

This custom can also be adapted. The wedding guests can draw a heart with the couple's names on a big white cloth and block the couple's way, either as they walk out from the ceremony or when the couple enters the reception. The sheet is held up or fixed in a door frame so that the couple has to 'cut their way free'. 

Another variation is at the ceremony for all guests that sit at the aisle either side to hold a piece of ribbon so that the couple's path is blocked and they need to cut their way free.... 

BREAD & WINE

Origin: European (Polish/German) but also in Jewish and Russian traditions

During or after the ceremony the couple jointly cut or break bread, feeding each other a piece and feed each other a sip of wine. 

Religious Meaning: 

At the last supper Jesus told his disciples to eat bread and drink wine as symbols of his body and blood 

Symbolic Meaning: 

The bread symbolizes that the couple will never run out of food, which could also mean money, creative 'food' to keep their marriage interesting and so on. The feeding each other symbolizes caring for each other. The wine represents bitter sweet things and therefore sharing the good and the bad times but also as a sign to stay positive in that the glass is always half full....

WEDDING TREE

Origin: European (Holland)

Guests are given a piece of paper with a colored ribbon either before the ceremony or at the reception to write down a wish for the couple. The wishes become the 'tree's leaves'.

Meaning: 

The tree stands for a strong, solid relationship, the wishes ('leaves') for constant renewal but also for harvest (successful marriage) and blessings as well as a new family tree

You can also adapt the wishing tree by using a canvas with a tree and people 'leaf' their fingerprint and their name 

HANDFASTING

Origin:  Pagan Worldwide

Meaning: 

Symbolizes everlasting love and fidelity. 'Tying the knot' originates from hand fasting

The rope or ribbon can be made of one or various colors. 


Each color represents a different meaning:






Red:         Fertility, passion, strength, lust
Orange:   Kindness, attraction, encouragement, plenty
Yellow:    Joy, balance, confidence and charm
Green:     Fertility, prosperity, charity, finances, health
Blue:        Patience, devotion, sincerity and tranquility
Purple:    Sentimentality, spirituality, power and piety
Black:      Wisdom, vision, success and strength
White:     Peace, purity, meditation and concentration
Grey:      Balance, neutrality and compromising
Pink:      Romance, happiness, truth, unity and honor
Brown:  Grounding, earth, home and talent
Silver:   Values, creativity, inspiration and treasure
Gold:    Wealth, energy, intelligence and longevity


BREAKING THE GLASS (PLATES)

Origin: Jewish, Russian, various other countries

At the end of the ceremony Jewish tradition calls for the groom to break a thin glass wrapped in cloth with his foot. In other traditions the couple jointly smash plates and glasses and jointly tidy up 

Religious Meaning: 

In Jewish religion breaking the glass means the destruction of the Holy Temple, i.e. of the self. Before a person is born he or she and their soulmate are one. Smashing the glass breaks both in half separating them but under the chupah the two soul mates have found each other again and start their life as one soul... 

Symbolic Meaning:  

Breaking the glass/porcelain plates is symbolic for the fact that glass/porcelain is fragile and so are relationships. It acts as a reminder to the couple to always treat their relationship with great care but breaking glass also means good luck! Tidying up afterwards means that the couple works together, helps each other and trusts each other...


JUMPING THE BROOM

Origin:  African, Caribbean, Wales, Scotland

At the end of the ceremony the couple jumps over the broom. It is said whoever jumps higher will be the decision maker in the marriage...




Meaning:

All the past problems and evil spirits of the old life are swept away so that a new clean life together can start. In Wales and Scotland the broom is held like a hurdle and if the couple make it without falling or the broom dropping their marriage is meant to be, if not...
It also means jumping for joy!