Wednesday, October 26, 2011
While we love Nashville weddings, we understand that many of you will choose another destination for your big day. Choosing vendors can be difficult when you live in a different city, or even country, than where your wedding will take place. But, you can hire many of your favorite and trusted Nashville wedding professionals and take them with you, especially photographers and planners.
Myrick of Myrick Studios is a Nashville wedding photographer that many brides hire for their local or destination wedding. After you see his destination wedding photos, you will understand why. His ability to shoot anywhere is demonstrated in his portfolio.
Whether you choose to hire a Nashville wedding pro of someone from your destination location, there are factors to consider to help you hire the right photographer, wherever you wed. We talked to Myrick, who is clearly an expert, to get some insight on how to choose the best photographer for your destination wedding.
WHO TO HIRE
ABG: How should a couple hire their destination photographer? Is it better to bring a photographer with you from your hometown or to hire someone who is familiar with the area you will be getting married in?
MYRICK STUDIOS: I think its better to hire someone to bring with you from your hometown, or someone that you know as opposed to someone from the area you will be getting married in. If you go with someone from home, you are able establish a relationship beforehand, which adds a trust factor. The relationship between the couple and the photographer is the most important thing in getting great photos.
ABG: What are the advantages to doing it that way?
MYRICK STUDIOS: A pro to bringing someone with you from home is the amount of time you are able to spend with the photographer before the wedding day. For destination weddings that I am hired for, I like to spend a lot of time with my clients. I meet with them and get to know them before we leave, and then once we are there I will attend the rehearsal, the wedding and sometimes we do "day after" sessions as well. If you hire someone on location they will usually just show up for the wedding, do the job and leave.
ABG: What type of questions should a couple ask as they interview each photographer?
MYRICK STUDIOS: Important things to ask different photographers are: how long they have been in the business, do they work with an assistant or alone, do they use lighting (if so, what type), and will you receive all of the images on a DVD. I always offer a DVD of the images with all of my packages.
HOW TO PREPARE
ABG: What things should a couple talk to their destination photographer about before the wedding day?
MYRICK STUDIOS: Once a photographer has been chosen, your timeline is an important thing to talk about. Its important to know how long I will be at the destination with the couple to know how much time we will have together. When I shoot a destination wedding, I ask that I can stay where the family and bridal party are staying for the night of the rehearsal and wedding. This helps me get to know the whole wedding party outside of the wedding day format, which helps me get to know their personalities better and how the family relates and interacts.
ABG: You’ve done many destination weddings before – how do you have to prepare differently than when you shoot a wedding at home?
MYRICK STUDIOS: Having the travel plans laid out is really important. Making sure I have my passport ready, if necessary, along with any other travel documents is key. I also try to get to the destination a day or so early to make sure I know the area well in case something comes up. This also gives me time to get my computer set up and make sure that I have everything I need. Once the bride and groom arrive, I touch base with them to make sure we are all on the same page for what they are wanting.
ABG: What advice would you give a bride and a groom who are planning a destination wedding to get the absolute best photography they can?
MYRICK STUDIOS: When you're investing the money, you want to make sure the photographer knows how to use natural light and artificial light. They should know how to make the best of the location you have chosen (sunshine, sunset, etc). Spend time researching and looking up photos that you want or styles that you like and share those with photographers you talk to.
ABG: What are some of the most common problems that can occur during a destination wedding? How can couples be prepared ahead of time to avoid those?
MYRICK STUDIOS: Not having back up gear can be a big problem. I've had lights go bad while I was shooting but fortunately I had back up lights with me. There is also more opportunity for travel issues to come up when you are away from home. The best way to prepare is to just make sure that everyone is aware of everything they need to get to the destination and be on time for the events that have been planned.
YOUR DESTINATION WEDDINGS
ABG: What are your three favorite destinations/destination weddings to date?
MYRICK STUDIOS:
Dominican Republic.
Ecuador. I spent a week here with the bride/groom and their families. It was such an amazing opportunity to shoot not only the wedding, but their engagement portrait two days before their wedding!
Cancun & Aruba. I shot at both of these locations last month, and in both places it was myself, my assistant, and the couple. We were not only the photographers, but also the witnesses!
ABG: What is your dream location to shoot a destination wedding?
MYRICK STUDIOS: Bora Bora…simply breath-taking.
Follow his blog at blog.mikecowart.com to see more of his incredible portfolio. To book Myrick Studios for your next wedding or event, visit their website at myrickstudios.com. Remember, our readers receive $500 off of your package. Just mention ABG when you first contact Myrick Studios.
All photos courtesy of Myrick Studios.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Photography
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Welcome back! We hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend.
Isn't it interesting how a vacation makes you long for the next? And for many of you, your next vacation will be your honeymoon! However, if your schedule only allows for a few days off right after your wedding, consider a minimoon; it's a wonderful idea. My husband and I only had time for a minimoon after our wedding and where did we stay? Aloft in Cool Springs!
Aloft's modern and innovative design is a vision of W Hotels. The sleek and warm environment is just one of the great aspects of the hotel, and they offer one-of-a-kind service. If you want something, chances are you can have it, at any hour! Perfect for a home-away-from-home minimoon for modern brides and grooms.
The contemporary lounge areas are magnificent, and great for getting some fresh air.
One great feature is the 24/7 pantry, Re:Fuel. Any and every snack item you will ever want is stocked fresh in Re:Fuel. You grab what you want, when you want it! Every time you "check out," it's charged right to your room number, so no waiting in lines to pay. I had ice cream late one night during my minimoon. (Yum!) And the best part was we didn't have to go anywhere. They also have a latte machine. Coffee lovers can make all the lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos their hearts desire. Talk about convinence!
A latte machine + snacks = a-mazing!
If your wedding is in the winter, no worries, you can still swim in Aloft's indoor swimming pool! The water is refreshing and you will feel relaxed in no time. It features comfy seating, and Wi-Fi for those who just want to hang out by the pool.
Aloft adds a chic vibe to just hanging out by the pool with this oversized seating area. Perfect for cuddling with your new spouse!
Right beside the pool area, Aloft Cool Springs has a state-of-the-art work-out facility.
The w xyz bar provides beverages and cocktails that you won't want to miss. Happy Hour is always a-buzz at Aloft. Wine, spritzers and speciality drinks are always on the menu!
Aloft features PURE rooms, which are allergy friendly rooms! Now you don't have to worry about sleepy in a 'stuffy' hotel room. Aloft covers every last detail when it comes to your stay with them. From their Facebook page: “A PURE room has all bedding and pillows encased in protective yet comfortable cover that is mold-proof, spore-proof, hypoallergenic, dust and dust mite proof.” I just love how ahead-of-the-game Aloft is in their amenities!
The rooms are, as you guessed it, just like a loft! The entry way, sink, and closet is open into the bedroom area. The bathroom features a space saving sliding door. So great!
Don't forget to turn off the alarm! It's your minimoon!
To book your minimoon, check out Aloft's website below. You won't regret your refreshing, ultra-calming stay with Aloft! Aloft is also great for wedding room blocks for your out of town guests. Contact Kristen McBryde at 615-221-6515 to discuss rooms for your out of town wedding guests.
{Aloft Cool Springs is an ABG advertiser. All photos via Aloft Cool Springs Facebook Like Page.}
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Guests, Gifts & Favors, Wedding Resources
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Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Once some of the big wedding details are figured out, many couples start looking into planning the honeymoon. There are so many options out there, and depending on what kind of trip you are looking for, it can be very overwhelming. We talked to Mary Alice Sublett of A Delightful Day Event Planning to get some advice on honeymoon planning. Not only does Mary Alice plan amazing events in the Nashville area, she is also a Sandals Certified Travel Specialist, which means she can help couples with every last detail, down to the honeymoon!
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ABG: How far in advance should a bride and groom begin planning the honeymoon?
Mary Alice: Depending on your engagement and the amount of time prior to your wedding, I would suggest booking a honeymoon anywhere from 6-9 months in advance, sometimes further in advance depending on the location, resort, and size of the resort that you’re most interested in. Also, when considering different locations, consider the season for that location and if hurricanes would be an issue at all. Resorts and airlines will not reimburse you for this should you not be able to travel, and there is honeymoon insurance, however Sandals does now offer hurricane insurance should this be an issue for your travel dates. This gives you the ability to travel on alternative dates, if needed.
ABG: What types of things should a couple think about when choosing a destination?
Mary Alice: When choosing the right location for you and your soon to be husband/wife, consider what locations you both or individually have been to at one time or another. Do you want to revisit one of those locations? If not, what areas of the world are you both interested in? Also, consider how much time you both have off of work, as you might not want to go to a location that requires extensive travel therefore taking time out of your relaxation time. When your time of the year has been chosen, also consider if the location you want to go to is prone to hurricanes. The typical hurricane season time is June 1st through November 30th, however there is never a guarantee that a hurricane will hit during those specific dates. One other thing to decide is whether you want a location that is all about relaxation with beach, cocktails, and spas, or do you want something adventurous.
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ABG: What are the most popular destinations?
Mary Alice: With the couples that we have choosing Sandals resorts, a lot of them are most traveling to St. Lucia, Antigua, and Jamaica. Other couples are choosing locations such as the Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Belize.
ABG: Are there certain times of year that are more popular for honeymoon travel? Are there times that are cheaper to travel?
Mary Alice: Certainly the most popular times are those that coincide with the most popular wedding dates, May-July and you will have your popular Fall dates as well. For cheaper times of travel, that will depend on the location and it’s always good to invest in a travel agent that can make suggestions on cheaper times to travel depending on air fares and an on or off season time for the location.
ABG: Is it OK to plan a honeymoon without a travel agent? What are the benefits to using an agent?
Mary Alice: It is certainly okay to plan without a travel agent, however they can certainly be a guide as to what locations to choose and when, if someone has had a bad experience at a location, and can provide guidance for discounted or reduced rates at different resorts and times of year.
ABG: You are a Sandals Certified Travel Specialist – what makes Sandals resorts more desirable to honeymooners?
Mary Alice: Being that the Sandals resorts are all-inclusive, that is their biggest selling point! A groom can contact us and say these are the dates of travel and this is the location we want to go to. From there, the honeymoon is planned with ease. He can choose excursions that the couple would like to partake of, romantic dinners on the beach, couples massages on the beach or in their suites, spa trips for his new bride, etc. With the resorts being all-inclusive, there isn’t a need to go off site for things other than excursions. When you have had the stress of planning a wedding for months at a time, you want the simple ease of your honeymoon and not having a stressful travel experience. Sandals takes care of the stress that planning a honeymoon could involve.
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ABG: If a resort is all-inclusive, what does that generally include? And what types of things might cost extra?
Mary Alice: For the Sandals resorts, the all-inclusive pertains to your lodging, food/beverage, and tips. Most all-inclusive resorts operate under this inclusivity. Under the Sandals resorts, if your reservation/room is in the Butler category, this also includes your butler tips. Also, if you’re at a Sandals location that includes exchange privileges with another Sandals resort, you have the ability to enjoy other genres of food and nightlife under your all-inclusive incentives. Other extras to consider would be: transfer from airport to resorts, water sports, spa trips, and any off resort or off island excursions.
ABG: Are there different levels of Sandals resorts? If so, what are the differences between them?
Mary Alice: There are a variety of Sandals resorts and they each have their own individual incentives and themes. The resorts are located in Jamaica, St. Lucia, Antigua, and the Bahamas. For the resorts, they each have their own particular levels of stay, however the levels are mostly the same at all resorts. There are some resorts that are butler category only, meaning that you have a butler available to you 24/7 for the remainder of your stay. They offer one-bedroom suites, villas, and plunge pool suites, beach-front suites, and the Millionaire suites for those have no limit to their honeymoon budgets.
ABG: What papers or documents should a couple take with them on their honeymoon?
Mary Alice: Every location is going to be different, so certainly make sure to check with your destination location to see if they require something different. However, for the Sandals resorts and their honeymooners privileges you need to have a copy of your marriage certificate and/or fax a copy of your wedding invitation, as this will get you a night of turndown service and a breakfast in bed. For all overseas/out of the country traveling you need to take with you a copy of your marriage certificate, passports, visas (if needed), some locations will require vaccinations, travelers cheques to prevent cash or cards being stolen, any foreign currency if needed, all of your flight and honeymoon confirmations printed, and any travel guides/books that you might need. Also, be sure to share all of your itinerary and travel information with several people at home so that they know where you are and what you’re planning to do for “just in case”.
ABG: You are a Sandals Certified Travel Specialist – what makes Sandals resorts more desirable to honeymooners?
Mary Alice: Being that the Sandals resorts are all-inclusive, that is their biggest selling point! A groom can contact us and say these are the dates of travel and this is the location we want to go to. From there, the honeymoon is planned with ease. He can choose excursions that the couple would like to partake of, romantic dinners on the beach, couples massages on the beach or in their suites, spa trips for his new bride, etc. With the resorts being all-inclusive, there isn’t a need to go off site for things other than excursions. When you have had the stress of planning a wedding for months at a time, you want the simple ease of your honeymoon and not having a stressful travel experience. Sandals takes care of the stress that planning a honeymoon could involve.
ABG: What things should a couple keep in mind when traveling internationally?
Mary Alice: It’s always good to research ahead of time about the location that you’re traveling to and any tips/suggestions to keep in mind. I think some good tips would be; respect the land, people, and customs of the country that you’re traveling in; be cautious about who you travel with and who you trust to get you from place to place; make sure to fill in your emergency information in your passport and travel information should it be needed; talk to your insurance companies about overseas insurance, as you never know when an accident or sickness might occur; familiarize yourself with their local laws; don’t make yourself a target, don’t carry large amounts of cash or wear lots of jewelry, as that can only entice.
All image courtesy of Sandals.com
ABG: What do you think about travel registries instead of gift registries?
Mary Alice: Sandals offers a honeymoon registry option for their guests and I certainly think it’s a great idea, especially if you’re a couple that is older and has a lot of the “household” items you might receive from family and friends, or have already lived together for a while and have made your home, and you want to have a wonderful honeymoon instead! It gives you the ability to know that you have cash to spend while you’re away or use it for activities or paying for portions of your honeymoon.
We hope this information will help you plan the honeymoon of your dreams!
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Advice & Planning, Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Grooms, Groomsmen & Tuxedos , Wedding Planners & Coordinators
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Friday, April 22, 2011
Did you think we only covered Nashville weddings? No! If you are a Nashville-area bride and choose to take one of your favorite wedding pros to your favorite destination, we'd love to follow you there too:). (We'd prefer to go with you but we can relive it though your pictures.)
For today's wedding feature, Pack your weekend bags and get ready for a virtual trip to Savannah, Georgia, thanks to Lotus Blossom Photography. Savannah is such a lovely city with its Spanish moss, old buildings and its naturally vintage feel which lent itself perfectly to this bride and groom's style.
Bride & Groom ~ Julie Smith and Jamie Ganz
Wedding date ~ April 2, 2011
Ceremony ~ Davenport House Museum
Reception ~ Harper Fowlkes House
Savannah, Georgia
Guests ~ 75
Tell us a little bit about the couple
Julie and Jamie are one of those rare couples who are not only gorgeous on the outside, but on the inside as well. Their love for each other made our job easy all day long! Julie is from a small town called McKenzie, TN and Jamie is from Ohio. The two met and fell in love while in college at Austin Peay or as Julie says, “He played baseball, I ran track, and the rest is history!”
Julie on her personal style: “I guess I would say my personal style lately is a mixture of me trying to be a professional adult and still a trendy teenager ☺ Jamie describes my style as “grandma,” but I like to think of it as more vintage-y or shabby chic! I like mixing old, vintage things with normal, classy things…in my wardrobe, my house, my wedding...everything. Which I guess is why I’ve always thought Savannah is the perfect city for my wedding… It’s artsy, fun, and modern with old Southern charm! I’m also a huge fan of natural elements… I mostly wear soft, earthy colors and our house is filled with greens, blues and browns…and lots of trees!“
Theme: Vintage/Shabby Chic
Details used to enhance the theme
Lots of old bottles and boxes, romantic florals
Any highlights/special moments of the wedding day: There were so many highlights to this very special wedding!! A few of my favorites include when their dog Layla, the ring puppy, escorted Jessica, one of the MOHs down the aisle, during the ceremony when the officiant read aloud excerpts from their letters to each other, and the bride’s father doing the “Soulja Boy” at the reception.
Wedding Vendors
Music (ceremony and reception): DJ provided by First City Events
Cake: Art Cake
Caterer: Paul Kennedy Catering
Photographer: Lotus Blossom Photography
Florist: Harvey Designs
Planner/Coordinator: First City Events
Lighting: First City Events
Rentals: Savannah Special Events
Transportation: Old Savannah Tours
Other: Spa Blue for Hair and Makeup
What a beautiful wedding in such a beautiful city. Here's wishing all the best to Jamie and Julie! For more pictures and details from the day as well as tons more pictures of weddings and engagement shoots, visit Lotus Blossom Photography's Blog.
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Posted by Tabitha |
Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Real Nashville Weddings
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Friday, February 25, 2011
It's daunting enough planning one wedding, but Terri Ann and her fiance (now husband) Berchaun planned two weddings while still living in New York City - one wedding in South Africa and another here in Nashville at Historic Cedarwood. How'd she do it? She relied heavily on AshleysBrideGuide.com (yay!) and other online resources to find the perfect plan and resources for her wedding.
Thanks to Historic Cedarwood, Phonix Capture {South Africa) and Daniel Meigs Photography {Nashville) who all played a role and allowed us to share this wonderful wedding journey.
First, they wed in South Africa...
I absolutely LOVE this couple! When you meet them, you just want to know more. In fact, I remember asking Shannon of Southall (where Terri Ann works) "who are they"? They are so sophisticated, stylish and cool all around, that I noticed from afar. But once Terri Ann shared her wedding story, I could't wait to see their wedding photos!
They had the guts and vision {kudos} to wed in a completely different continent and found amazing wedding resources - including their photographer {Phonix Capture}. They were aided by Guided Safaris who Terri Ann mentioned was soo helpful and took care of so many details.
Read all the details on Terri Ann and Berchaun's African wedding via Cedarwood's blog.
Then, they celebrate with family in Nashville...
Cedarwood's blog has the full story on this fabulously exotic wedding. Intrigued? Want inspiration? Check out part 1, part 2 and part 3!
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: Destination Weds & Honeymoon , Luxury Nashville Wedding Finds, Real Nashville Weddings
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