TerraDawn

Congratulations!!! Have fun on the forums and in your planning!!! Dreams Tulum is stunning....a great choice!

Whew!! 1st step: Do you have a glass of wine and a fav movie popped into the dvd player while you search the forums. THIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT STEP!! lol.

2nd step: Just breath. You'll be fine!!! You're planning something exciting and all about you and your fiance. I recommend going with the date and venue first. Most photographers can not book you until you have those two things. After those two are done, then yup...I photographer is definitely a great continuation.

Good luck!! Have fun with it!!

oh goodness, I can see why you can't choose!! lol. At least it's a good choice.

Good luck with everything and welcome to the forums!!

Congratulations!! Wow! That's going to be beautiful!! I just found these forums as well, and no doubt they will be super helpful for you.

Good luck, have fun, and congratulations!!!

Excellent article!! And bravo to the writer who posted her images next to the other shooter's.

She definitely has a talent in writing!! lol. Very fun to read and informative.

Check out Boudoir Divas as well! They have some awesome inspiration!! I recommend coming up with a list of 10 different ideas you would like to do. Of course, you probably won't do all 10, but if your subject doesn't feel comfortable with a pose, you can move right along.

I shot a fun boudoir idea a few weeks ago. I'd be more than happy to share!! lol. I went to staples and bought a white binder and some paper and colored markers. When I got to the studio, as I was setting up, I had her draw on the paper things like, Mrs...blah blah. You know, like when you were in high school and used to scribble your first name with the last name of the guy you were crushing on? I thought it was cute.

Feel free to steel it, if you like it.

As far as what they should wear, their outfits for the honeymoon are obvious, but I also recommend she bring two shirts from her fiance's closet. A work shirt, game jersey, t-shirt, jacket....anything will do. Guys love seeing their girls wearing their clothing. lol.

High heals in a neutral color and also a fun color are usually a great idea. Also, find out what she likes to do in her spare time. If she plays guitar, have her bring her guitar. If she loves to paint...do something with a canvas and paint brushes. I love shooting boudoir!! It's one of my favs....

Good luck and have fun!!

I second the Hay-Adams suggestion. Absolutely stunning! I shot a wedding there a couple of weeks ago. You seriously have the perfect view of the white house on the roof.

I've also, personally, always wanted to see a wedding in Meridian Park. I always thought it would be amazing...with all of the water falls and ponds. I don't know how you would go about procurring that location, though.

Oooo....I second the Japanese Suggestion. It's fun, and different and taaaaasty...(I think I know what I may be getting for lunch today!).

Picture : ruptured

Another thing to consider, when deciding to choose a photographer either close to you, one who works at the location you are having your wedding, or coming in from another state is the ease of working with them AFTER your wedding. Just b/c you are married, doesn't mean your work with your photographer if finished. You will still have to look through your images to order prints, let them know your favs for the album, and even possibly use them for future needs!

Also, the more comfortable you are with your photographer, the better your images will come out on your wedding day. GUARANTEED! A huge part of being comfortable with your photographer is your engagement shoot. If you hire a photographer in Tuscany, and you live in Chicago, you won't meet your photographer until the day of the wedding. They may take great photos, but how do you know your personalities won't clash. Remember, you have to hang out with your photographer ALL DAY. (Sometimes for three days!!)

So, a local photographer is definitely a benefit for those reasons. You may have to pay for their travel and lodging, but it will be worth it just for the ease of communication, face to face meetings, and your photographer really can become your friend.

All of this does tie in to pricing...I swear. lol. Their are benefits to hiring locally, from the wedding destination, or from another area altogether. I just really promote locally, as a great photographer will always value the clients as both clients and friends. So, the extra money towards travel and hotels is worth it.

If you do decide to hire a photographer at the wedding location, I recommend making sure you can determine the personality of the photographer through his/her blog, website and emails. It really is super important.

Good luck!!

Terra Dawn