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What’s The Right Wedding Photography Style For You?

You’ve found the perfect wedding dress: Check!

Booked your destination wedding at a great Caribbean destination: Check!

You have an amazing wedding planner that will help you with every aspect of your big day: Check!

It’s time to choose your wedding photographer. But, you’ll soon realize, this is not such an easy task.

You’ll find there are many different wedding photography styles. Each photographer has their unique flair, and the options might make you feel overwhelmed. Same goes for photo studios or brands: each identifies with a wedding photography style.

Keep in mind that connecting on a personal level, as long as you like their portfolio, can be enough…

But still, where should you start? What wedding photography style is right for YOU? We’ll help you figure it out.

Photojournalistic Wedding Photography

As it happens with most trends, photojournalistic wedding photography had its moment. It used to be the next new thing around 5 years ago. Back then, many photo reporters transitioned to weddings looking for a different outlet. Or, sometimes, a higher salary as well. These journalistic photographers brought their unique perspective to the wedding industry. Still, you should be careful since the term gets thrown around a lot these days.

The style relates to photographers who use a unobtrusive approach towards documenting the day. They follow the couple and limit posing directions. They capture the story of the day as it unfolds. They don’t force the couple or create situations for the sake of the pictures. Watch for words like “natural” on their website and messages. Many of them use available light; so if your wedding is during the evening or indoors they might not be the best fit.

Their pictures might not all be perfect frames ready to hang to your wall. Yet, when you look at the sequence of pictures they captured, there’s always a sense of unity. A story behind. Images tend to be natural and honest, with a sense of emotion that shines trough.

Photojournalistic wedding photography IS for you if…

You do not want your wedding day photos to be just like everyone else’s. You hate posing in front of the camera or following directions. You’ll have an intimate wedding. You don’t want the photographer to interrupt any special moments. Your wedding will be in a nice natural setup, and most of it will take place during the day.

Photojournalistic wedding photography is NOT for you if…

Portraits and formal (posed) kinds of shots are must-haves for you. You want a photographer who will capture details and setups in a traditional style. You expect “regular looking” images.

Fine Art Wedding Photography

This style is, as the name says it, means that you get something more “artsy” than what you would expect. Fine Art wedding photography is partly inspired by editorial fashion photography.

These photographers focus a great deal of their efforts in making “award winning” images. But, as always, there are great exceptions to the rule. But, in general, these photographers focus more on themselves and the photography they create.

They usually have education backgrounds and emphasize photo awards and accolades in their website. Fine Art wedding photographers use unique angles, creative, dramatic lightning and unconventional compositions. They have a real artistic flare. Some Fine Art wedding photographers might work with film and charge high rates.

Fine Art wedding photography IS for you if…

You are open to visual experimentation in your images and want the results to be breath taking. You wish for unique photos and you don’t mind playing the “find the bride & groom game” on some of your pictures. You appreciate art and don’t mind some images to have an abstract element.

Fine Art wedding photography is NOT for you if…

You have a traditional in style and appreciate old-school wedding photography. You expect most of your images to feature the subjects looking into the lens of the camera. Getting a “WOW” image is not as important to you as capturing the natural & candid moments of your day. You are not interested in images that won’t show the uniqueness and originality of your day.

Traditional Wedding Photography

Traditional wedding photography is, well… just that. Traditional. These photographers are a rare species these days, since the new trends are the norm. Yet, you might find them in small towns, or in more mature wedding photographers of trade.

They concentrate on capturing the details of the day and won’t deliver “funny-looking” images. Or artistic ones. They are hands-on during the day and will act almost as a kind of “coordinator”. They will rearrange the schedule and “guide” guests throughout the day.

They focus on posing the couple more than they do on capturing natural moments or candid shots.

Traditional wedding photography IS for you if…

You don’t mind your photos to look something like your parents. You are into classic images and a clean look. You want your photographer to be in charge of the day. Give posing instructions and move guests around. Its important for you to get posed portraits and pictures of the details of your wedding.

Traditional wedding photography is NOT for you if…

You get bored by looking at the typical images of social events. You don’t want all your pictures to look the same. It is important for you that your images reflect the emotions of the day. You like artistic imagery. You dread falling within the “cliche” more than anything.

We described each style as an “extreme” version of it. Bear in mind that most photographers will get formals, posed portraits and details, regardless of style. Review the portfolio of the photographers that interest you and talk with them, connect. The most important aspect of choosing the right one is just that. To connect.

Author Bio

WeddingDayStory is a family of photo & video specialists based out of Playa del Carmen, México. We are loved by natural, adventurous and intimate couples. Our photography style mixes photojournalistic photography with a hint of fine art. We know that each COUPLE is important, not just the event.

We believe intimacy is the most important ingredient in romance, and that a day in the sun is better than a life in the shade. And, that there’s no better way of spending our lives than to Celebrate the Simple Romance of Weddings in the Sun.

Visit out our Blog for a weekly dose of photography inspiration and great beach wedding tips from the experts!

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5 Tips to help you plan a big wedding

So, you’ve begun the challenging job of cutting your 300+ something guest list short, and it doesn’t look like most of the people are going out of it. What do you do?

You have a big wedding!

Well, it wouldn’t be true if I said that it was no big deal, but throwing a big wedding isn’t as impossible as it may seem. All you need are a few tips to start you off, and you will be soaring forward with your wedding plans in no time. So, what are you waiting for. It’s time to plan that big wedding you want, with this important advice.

#1 Start with the guest list and plan your budget, and not the other way around

For a small wedding, the ideal approach is to fix your budget and then decide how much money goes where. Forget this for a big wedding. First plan your guest list. Then look at affordable venues that can accommodate this head count, and caterers who will serve a decent meal, without breaking your bank. Do your calculations along the way, and see what you end up with. If it is more than what you can afford, it may be time to look at vendors who charge less, or think again about what you want.

If you’re thinking of selling your old collections, you can start selling them on different platform like eBay or any other similar platform. You can sell your sports card collections here, or do some research on which platform will be best for your specific collection. Keep in mind that for selling things online, you need to put some effort into it and be patient, as it may take a while.

#2 Hire a professional planner

Small weddings are stressful enough, imagine perfecting the details for a large one! Unless you are a super-organized, cool-headed, planning perfectionist, planning the details of a big wedding can be huge stress. Hire a professional to take on the task, and it will be money well-spent.

#3 Ditch all that which isn’t necessary

Check out this wedding at A Practical Wedding Blog. The sensible couple left out centerpieces, by opting for an informal buffet style reception. With this arrangement, there was no need for elaborate floral arrangements on the tables. Instead, they splurged on the caterer who supplied a delicious spread and also hired an amazing band that kept the huge wedding party on their toes.

#4 Make sure you hire an experienced vendor

Don’t sign a contract unless your vendor has previously worked with a party just as big as yours. The same goes for the venue you choose. Can it accommodate so many people? Do they have enough bathrooms, so your guests won’t spend all day in a queue to the loo? Check out these details before confirming.

#5 Keep your calm and let some things go

It may seem impossible at times, but just remember that all this is definitely worth the effort. You will be surrounded by everyone you always wanted at your wedding. So, who cares if you couldn’t gift them personalized favor bags, or you had to make do with a simple cake with no fancy flavoring! Everyone’s had a bash in the end, and your memory will forever be remembered. Isn’t that worth it?

Find a splendid wedding dress for your big wedding at Best for Bride, and also look through our services for affordable options that will help you sort out your wedding shopping at an affordable price.

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Add a creative touch to your wedding décor with chalkboards

Chalkboards are springing up everywhere. Once limited to the school environment, these are now found in hotels, houses and any other place you can think of. There is a rustic and playful touch to it, which makes it an interesting addition to any venue.

Chalkboards are the perfect choice to add a cheerful, DIY touch to your wedding too. You can use it for anything, from the wedding programs, to seating charts, place cards and even more. Not only is it one of the most inexpensive choices, it also allows you to add a personal touch to your wedding and switch it up or down, should your preferences change along the way. It is reusable, versatile and allows you to get creative. Let us explore more on how you can incorporate this interesting element into your wedding day décor, and make the most of it.

Chalkboard welcome sign and wedding program

Perfect for a shabby, chic wedding ceremony, display your welcome sign on a big chalkboard in a distressed wood frame. Handwritten displays have an endearing charm, and your guests will feel warmly welcomed to the party and feel at ease immediately, when they set sights on this welcome sign.

Chalkboard direction signs

If your venue is big, and your guests are likely to lose their way between the various locations on-site, consider using chalkboard signs to direct them to where each function is to be held. They are unobtrusive, yet noticeable, so will be the perfect addition to your décor.

Chalkboard Seating chart

Display the seating arrangements at your wedding using chalkboard. Apart from having a big board with the entire seating arrangement displayed, you can also mark the table numbers and use smaller boards as place card holders. There is an added advantage to this. Should any last minute changes in plan erupt, you can easily change it on your chalkboard. It will be minimal fuss, and easy to implement.

Chalkboard buffet dish labels

Individual mini-chalkboard display boards can be used to display the dish names at your wedding reception buffet. The same can also be employed at your dessert buffet. Choose the frame according to the rest of your décor, and you will have an interesting display element that will contribute to the overall effect of the arrangement.

Chalkboards on beverage jars

This is a great idea that has become very popular at weddings these days. Beverage jars have mini-chalkboards stuck to them, allowing the guests to write their names down when they pick their drinks. This way, the jars will not get mixed up, even after the guests return to take a sip after a round on the dance floor.

Random sayings and poems

If you are choosing chalkboard displays, you might as well go all the way. Put up a few interesting quotes and poems at random places. It will amuse the guests immensely.

Do you have any more ideas of how to use chalkboards at your wedding? If so, do let us know by adding it to the comments below. For more trends and wedding related tips and advice, continue visiting us on Best for Bride.

Posted on by Olga Pomeransky — 4 Comments

Fashion trends for bridegrooms

The bridal world of fashion is always buzzing with fresh and interesting trends. Every season brings forth several new ideas and unique designs, that are entirely different from what had been trending in the previous season.

Fashion for grooms is not far behind. The summer and spring catwalks brought us some equally interesting and dashing designs, all for the man in love. Let us take a look at what is in store for this season and next in wedding fashion for the grooms.

Light and bright tuxedos

The signature look of the bridegroom in a black or dark colored tux, with a light shirt inside is being replaced with lighter and more cheerful colors. The fitted tux is also going for an overhaul, with the latest being loose fitting baggy style tuxes and trousers. This is not only more casual, it looks stylish and dashing too.

Stripes and prints

With the wedding dress taking on new forms and looks with vivid patterns and prints, men are also introduced to fresh and fun suits that sport stripes and prints. Inspired by high street style, groom fashion is moving away from the traditional wedding look and is now more relaxed and casual. Let your personality shine through on your big day through your choice of a suit in patterns or stripes that are a reflection of the real you. Choices range from subtle textures and prints in gray and black, to bright and vibrant accents in red, orange, camel and brown on darker suits.

Soft, yet formal

Tweed jackets bring out the perfect blend of a formal look with soft touches. Suitable for both traditional and modern style weddings, you can even experiment with colors. Who said colors were for women? It’s your day too, so go for superbly tailored softly textured tweed jackets and woolly suits in interesting colors like navy or burgundy. Read more about how to rock this trend at the Rock My Wedding website.

Three-piece suits

This is a great hit this year. The addition of the waistcoat to the traditional tux adds a whole new degree of sophistication. You do not have to match it entirely to your tuxedo and trousers. Color contrasts and interesting combinations are all the rage, and this allows you to experiment with different price tags and fabric finishes to achieve the look that is just right for your personality. The other great thing about three-piece suits is that it also opens up a world of accessories to match your attire to. We are thinking cool hats and pocket watch chains; what do you say?

Boho vests

Now, for the cool dude who is getting married in a tropical paradise; bright colors and loose shirts effortlessly paired with casual khakis are beckoning you. For a semi-formal look, that is still appropriate for the wedding, mix and match printed and patterned boho vests are the top choice. Checkered shirts, bow ties and suspenders are all in style, so make your pick.

Don’t you just love these looks? I think groom fashion is getting better every year. For more interesting updates on what is hot and happening in the world of wedding fashion, and for all your shopping needs, come visit us at Best for Bride.

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