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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Friday, October 14, 2011
ABG Welcomes Jenn Cady Design Photography to our team of Nashville wedding resources!!
If you dream of wedding photos that you will cherish for a lifetime, Jenn Cady Design Photography should be one of the first places you look. Jenn has assembled a dream team to help capture your day with quality and that special touch that even stars come calling for (check out her galleries that include Thompson Square, Jessie James, and so many more).
We love Jenn for her work in wedding photography and her ability to make a bride into a star through her images; but, interestingly enough, this star expertise comes from remarkable experience with Miss America. Not only has Jenn photographed Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen, but she has also been a sponsor of pageant competitors. Mostly through this work, she has been featured in many national magazines, including full page spreads of her work. Pretty impressive, right? Oh, I forgot to mention, she was also crowned Miss West Virginia in 1994. Now, Brides, don’t you want someone who can capture you like a supermodel?
About Jenn Cady Design Photography:
Company Name: Jenn Cady Design Photography
Main Contact: Jenn Cady, Jarrett Gaza, Tina Biship (Studio Coordinator)
Phone Number: 615-265-8806
Email Address: info {at} jenncady {dot} com
Website: http://jcgweddingphotography.com
Twitter: @JennCady
Like their Facebook fan page: Jenn-Cady-Design-Photography
How many years have you been in business?
5 years as a professional photographer
How did you get started in weddings?
I was a professional Wedding Coordinator at a private club for two years before becoming a Wedding Photographer. My profession as a wedding coordinator introduced me to the wedding industry and I quickly became a specialist of the wedding experience and flow of the wedding celebration. I can bring distinguished artistry and credible experience to your day. Master Photographer Jarrett Gaza, team member and mentor of Jenn, has been an Elite Entertainment photographer for over 25 years and has photographed stars along the lines of Carrie Underwood, George Strait and Tim McGraw. Jarrett and I have teamed up together to shoot creative weddings that have a unique and “star quality” flare.
What do you like most about weddings?
We love taking the couple’s unique vision and fusing it into a composition that will last that couple a lifetime of memories. We make each and every wedding event personal and we love finding that “wow” factor in every wedding or photo shoot. We love when the couple opts to do the “First Look”. We find this moment to be without words and best described through the emotions captured by our lens.
What's your favorite wedding picture and why?
We love this picture of a bride just walking the church isle before her ceremony in anticipation of the “first look”. It was an amazing moment where the light hit her back perfectly. It is just a simple but BEAUTIFUL picture.
What is your service philosophy?
A photographer must record the emotional content of this special day along with the ritual of events. We love to grasp and capture the unseen moments by most and create a visual montage that reflects your individual personality as a couple.
We truly have a passion for what we do and we find so much joy in it. There is nothing more gratifying than the rite of passage of a wedding day and we could hardly call it just another day at the office. We are simply there for YOU!
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
With a unique combination of a highly experienced team, artistry, skill and anticipation, we have a very unique gift of telling your story through our lens. Plus, we really like to have fun and bring out your best with an unobtrusive approach in documenting your moment. Expect a treasured collection of images that will bring the essence of your wedding day to life, for you and your family for generations to come.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors - helpfulness, professionalism, style?
We love working with:
Studio157 (studioonefiftyseven.com)
Faboo Cakes (faboocakes.com)
The BIG TO DO (hair - facebook.com/pages/The-BIG-TO-DO/241082177327)
Regalo Design (http://www.regalodesign.com)
Opryland Hotel (GaylordOpryland.com)
For beautiful wedding photos that you will love for a lifetime, contact Jenn Cady Design Photography today at http://jcgweddingphotography.com. And, if you book now, you will get a Formal Bridal Session for FREE! Just remember to mention ABG when you first contact Jenn Cady Design Photography.
All photos courtesy of Jenn Cady Design Photography.
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Posted by Newlywed Sara |
Filed under: Our Featured Advertisers!, Photography
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Friday, October 7, 2011
Nashville is home to some of the best photographers in the business. With so many options, it can be hard to stand out. But Myrick Cowart of Myrick Studios has found a way. One look at his photos will help you understand why so many Nashville couples hire him as one of their most trusted vendors for their big day. His laid back but fun personality keeps his couples relaxed, while he turns their wedding day memories into a work of art. (Note - Our readers receive $500 off of your package. Just mention ABG when you first contact Myrick Studios.)
About Myrick Studios:
Company Name: Myrick Studios
Main Contact: Myrick Cowart
Phone Number: 615-586-2642
Email Address: myrick {at} myrickstudios {dot} com
Website: www.myrickstudios.com
Twitter: @myrickstudios
Facebook fan page: facebook.com/myrickstudios
Number of years in the business:
Almost 7 years
How did you get started in weddings?
I started off just shooting friends and family with my Mom’s point-and-shoot camera. I finally went out and bought a real camera, shot my first wedding and fell in love with it.
What do you like most about weddings?
Shooting a wedding is a total adrenaline rush for me. I am a total romantic at heart and I love being a part of someone’s story and getting caught up in the whole thing. Plus, I love going to parties and being around people, so it’s the perfect job for me.
What’s your favorite wedding picture to take and why?
My favorite moment of weddings to shoot is the father/daughter dance. I have a 9-year-old daughter and I always imagine what that is going to be like for me. I also love the first dance between the bride and the groom because I love to dance.
What is your service philosophy?
I really want to make sure that the brides that I work with are happy. I am extremely laid back but I can also take charge when I need to. I offer a standard package to my clients, but if someone says that they have a certain budget, and they want certain things, I will try to work with them to customize it towards their budget. And my goal is to always try to be done with the photos by the time a couple returns from their honeymoon.
What are your strengths compared to others in your category? Why should a bride hire you?
Personality wise, I love to have fun and make people laugh. I put people at ease and help them relax and have fun while I am photographing them. I really enjoy capturing the fun moments along with the tender ones that happen throughout the day.
I also use many different types of lighting, which I really enjoy. The lighting can really make things pop and change the look of a photo. I do not use a camera flash in most of my reception images - I like to use off-camera lighting when I can. I am able to tailor the lighting and style of the photo to the couple and the vibe they are going for.
Who are your 5 favorite Nashville wedding vendors – helpfulness, professionalism, style?
2Duce2 Videography – Eugene & Heather Brown (2duce2.com)
CJ’s Off The Square (cjsoffthesquare.com)
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens (cheekwood.org)
Schermerhorn Symphony Center (nashvillesymphony.org)
Belle Meade Plantation (bellemeadeplantation.com)
What is your favorite thing about working with brides (and grooms)?
Every bride and groom that I’ve worked with have become my friends. I make new friends every single week - its what I love about my job. I get to be with them on their special day and then continue having a relationship with them after the wedding is over.
Where can we find you when you’re not working with a bride/groom?
At home hanging out with my kids (and editing lots of photos).
Follow his blog at http://blog.mikecowart.com to see more of his incredible portfolio. To book Myrick Studios for your next wedding or event, visit their website at http://www.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: Our Featured Advertisers!, Photography, Wedding Resources
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Thursday, September 22, 2011
We are delighted to announce the arrival of The Collection's newest wedding photographer, Sarah Richmond! Sarah is offering the first 5 brides that secure her for their wedding a Premier Wedding Photography Package for only $1900 (vs $2800). If you have started searching for your wedding photographer, you probably have learned that finding a full photography package for less than $2000 is nearly impossible. So, take advantage of this very rare opportunity - get great photos and save!
Special Offer Includes:
~ 6 hours of wedding day coverage with 2 photographers and 1 assistant
~ Wedding Day Image Collection Disc w/ Certificate of Reprint Rights
~ Facebook uploads of select images
~ Online slideshow of select images
~ Secure lifetime archival of all wedding day images
~ All images placed on Pictage.Com...and all for $1900 vs $2800
Who is Sarah:
Quite literally a small town girl, born and raised just south of Detroit. Since her childhood, Sarah has had an inherit love for a simple story and 80's power ballads. Photographing moments in the lives of her clients over the past two years, Sarah has discovered renewed inspiration to capture the beauty in the simplest of life's details.
These days Sarah lives in Franklin, TN with her best friend/husband Rob and their ridiculously entertaining children- none of whom share in her appreciation for an epic love song. When not busy photographing, Sarah and family love spending time together at the beach, reading good books, and most importantly eating large amounts of chocolate ice cream.
Her Portfolio:
Click here to see Sarah's wedding portfolio and bio. Please enjoy some of my favorites from her portfolio below.
Only the first 5 couples that hire Sarah will get the special promo so contact The Collection asap. {Phone: 615.915.0093 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)}
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Posted by Ashley of Ashley's Bride Guide |
Filed under: DIY & Budget Wed Finds, Photography
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Friday, September 9, 2011
Meagan and Kristopher were married on a boat! It's not every day that you see a wedding held on a boat in the Tennessee area. We're excited to share their wedding story, as told to us (and photographed) by Jonathon Campbell Photography.
Meagan & Kristopher
Wedding Date ~ October 23, 2010
Ceremony + Reception ~ Pates Ford Marina, Smithville, TN
About The Couple:
Kris and Meagan are such a fun couple. Kristopher, a talented singer-songwriter, is a strong and loveable guy. He is the kind of guy everyone wants to know because he cares about people. Meagan, an up and coming Nashville hairstylist, is a great friend to everyone. They care deeply about each other, their friends, and their families, and always find time for laughter. They are always giggling about something when they are together. They love each other so much. If you are lucky enough to know Meagan and Kris, you will see it by the way Meagan looks at Kris when he sings and the way Kris’s songs are often written just for her.
Describe their theme:
Lake wedding and lakeside reception
Details used to enhance the theme:
Pink and more pink flowers! A huge arch full of flowers covered the spot where ceremony took place on the boat. They had white votive candles and white lanterns for the cake table.
Describe any highlights/special moments of the wedding day:
Meagan bought Kris an amazing Taylor Guitar that he had been coveting forever. He had no idea that she was even giving him a gift.
Wedding Team
Gown: One of two dresses - The Bride Room
Bridesmaids: David’s Bridal
Groomsman: Tommy Bahama
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock (New York)
Photographer: Jonathon Campbell Photography
Florist: All -O- Kasions in Smithville, TN
Transportation: 4 Luxe Houseboats on the lake
Sharon, of Jonathon Campbell Photography, told us that Meagan had two dresses that day! I'm a big fan of her short dress for the reception.
Meagan & Kristopher's wedding day was gorgeous and unique; thank you for sharing, Jonathon Campbell Photography. Be sure to check out more here: jonathoncampbell.com.
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Posted by Bethany |
Filed under: Photography, Real Nashville Weddings
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