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Whether you're in the bridal party or a wedding guest, you should be prepared when it comes to attending a destination wedding. Depending on the location, the comforts and ease of going to a store or shop nearby might not be an option so it's important to pack accordingly. Here are three essentials you should bring with you to any destination wedding: 1) Sunscreen and Bug Spray: Not all sunscreens and bug repellent sprays are created equal. Bring what works for you and don't rely on buying these types of things at the destination location or resort you're staying at unless you're willing to fork up at least double what you'd normally pay. Plus nothing ruins a good trip more than a bad sunburn or being tattooed with insect bites! 2) Medication: This one is obvious but bringing your own personal prescriptions as well as any other "just in case," medications such as aspirin, allergy tablets, cold/cough medicine is an absolute must. I even make sure to bring cough drops and hydrocortisone because you never know what you'll need. Oh and don't forget a first aid kit! 3) Wedding Attire: It's hard to believe but people sometimes forget that the reason they're going on this trip is to attend a wedding. If you're headed to a beach destination, of course you don't want to forget your swimsuit and flip flops but while you're packing your bags, make sure the first thing you set aside is proper wedding attire. Check and see if the bride and groom have made any special requests on what to bring or wear -- some couples will ask their guests not to wear white or light colored tones and of course you'll also need to dress accordingly in terms of the overall mood -- casual, semi-casual, formal, etc. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

One of the great things about planning your own wedding is that you have complete control of your vision. When it comes to details and decor, you can go the traditional route, or you can make it all your own and be completely unique. Instead of having your guests sign the traditional Wedding Guest Book, here are a few alternative ideas sure to give your wedding a special little touch. 1) Wishing Tree with Leaves: Consider having guests write special messages, and of course, their names on paper leaves which they can then hang on a wishing tree. You can then either display your wishing tree inside your home or take the leaves off the tree and place them in a special scrapbook. 2) Rocks or Seashells: Ask your guests write their well wishes on flat rocks/stones or perhaps even on the inside of a smooth shell interior. Then collect those in a glass vase as a lovely and unique keepsake. 3) Thumbprint Tree: Have your guests leave their stamp on your wedding with their thumbprints. Pen a tree trunk with empty branches on a beautiful scroll and have your guests place their thumbprints and names along the branches to create an incredible tree of wishes. 4) Snapshot Photo Book: Create a photo station equipped with polaroid or fuji instant cameras. Your guests can snap a simple portrait of each other, glue it on the pages of an empty guests book and of course add their well wishes. That way you'll have sweet photos to go along with the kind words shared by your guests. Whatever option you decide to go with, just make sure your coordinator or perhaps even your DJ, reminds your guests to visit the "guest book" at some point during the celebration to ensure that you've got all your guests accounted for! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

Planning your Wedding will likely be one of the biggest "projects" you take on during your lifetime. So ensuring that your wedding details and decor mesh correctly can often be a cumbersome and costly task. But making sure your wedding celebration is picture perfect, doesn't always have to break the bank -- as long as you carefully craft your details and put your money where you can get the most bang out of your buck. Here are some decor/details ideas that make a huge impact when it comes to setting the scene: 1) Your wedding colors: Color is the most impactful way to set the tone for your wedding. Stream your wedding colors throughout your dress, decor and details -- think about it, color doesn't cost a thing. So choose your colors carefully and run with it. When I got engaged, one of the first things I did was run to the paint section of my local hardware store to pick my color palette. From there on out, I kept my swatches close at hand whenever it came to choosing decor/details. 2) Lighting: Lighting is everything, and I'm not just saying that because I'm a photographer But light truly sets the scene like no other details -- be it natural light from the sun, the glow from candles that line your tables or the string lights that hang above your reception area. Light conveys a mood and sets the scene for your celebration from beginning to end and this is especially true if your celebration takes place in the evening. Just remember, lighting matters! 3) Ceremony arrangement: Yes, it's true -- you don't have to have a traditional wedding aisle. There are so many different ways to give your ceremony setting a different feel. While you can certainly go the traditional route, have you thought of perhaps creating a circle of guests chairs around your ceremony area to give it a more intimate feel? Or if it's on the beach and you know the ceremony will be quick and simple, your guests may align the area standing. Chairs setup in a half circle can also give your ceremony a different feel. Consider a variety of ceremony setups that will go best with your ceremony length, style and setting. 4) Table arrangement and Reception layouts: How will you arrange your tables at your reception? This is another simple but easy detail that can create a huge impact on the entire vibe for your reception. Will you have a sweetheart table or have a long table in the front with your bridal party by your sides? Will guests sit in assigned seats or is it open seating to allow more guests to mingle with each other? These days couples are also looking into having long tables to allow for a more formal feel and it also allows for amazing tablescape decor. Also consider how your tables will be setup with the dance floor in mind. The layout for your tables is an important aspect that will create the mood/feel as you celebrate the night away! 5) Decor/Guest Favors: Consider implementing guests favors into your tablescape decor. It's an easy way to give dual purpose to your details -- for instance, line your tables with tiny candle vases that your guests can take home. Or perhaps use floral touches that also double as guests favors. This is a simple way to give your decor some pizazz while at the same time thinking of your guests! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

As Zika continues to spread, the Centers for Disease Control has issued travel notices throughout the Caribbean, Central America and South America -- encompassing popular destination wedding and honeymoon locations like Mexico, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Barbados. But what exactly are the key facts one should know when it comes to the Zika virus? According to the World Health Organization (WHO): Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. People with Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash (exanthema) and conjunctivitis. These symptoms normally last for 2-7 days. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites. The virus is known to circulate in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific. Other important facts travelers should be aware of: The CDC report was out of an 'abundance of caution' NOT the result of a specific incident. Zika is not a new virus and has been around for many years in other countries. Only recently did Brazil believe to have found a link between Zika and birth defects, but it is apparently isolated, and the results are still preliminary. Infection is through mosquito bites which can be avoided. Less than 1% of mosquitoes are believed to be carriers. Only 20% of those infected become sick. Prevention is Key: While there is no vaccine currently available, experts say the best prevention is to protect oneself from mosquito bites using the following methods: using insect repellent wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows sleeping under mosquito nets WHO also advises that special attention and help should be given to young children, the sick or elderly when it comes to taking protective measures. Zika Virus Infection and Pregnancy Studies are underway to determine whether there is a correlation between pregnant women infected by the virus giving birth to babies with birth defects and experiencing pregnancy problems. But until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant: Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip. Zika Not Deterring Destination Wedding or Honeymoon Travelers Yahoo.com reports that a survey conducted by Travel Leaders Group, shows that travelers are not being deterred by Zika outbreaks or the resulting issued travel notices. According to the survey, nearly 94% of travel agents have had no cancellations for their destination wedding clients. And similarly, roughly 93% have had no cancellations for their honeymoon clientele. Are you worried about the Zika virus? Have your destination wedding guests expressed any concern?

As brides we spend so much time trying to craft the perfect Wedding Day. We often obsess over every little details, ensuring that everything blends well together while at the same time making sure that our guests are well taken care of and having a good time during your wedding celebration. Realistically, weddings never go exactly as planned. Sure, it may seem like it was the perfect day. But there is always something that doesn't go as planned -- big or small -- but at the end of the day, you just roll with it and make the best of it. And if you were like me, after our wedding experience ended, I took some time to reflect (and laugh) at all the little things I really shouldn't have stressed out over. Of course it's always so much easier to do this in retrospect So to all past brides, if you could do it all over again, what would you do differently when it comes to your destination wedding?

Your wedding invitation often sets the theme of your destination wedding celebration, so it's no wonder why so many couples spend extensive time and money picking and choosing their official wedding invites. Here are a few destination wedding invitation ideas/themes to help get you started: -- The Passport Invitation: If you're inviting your guests to an international location, then get the travel vibe started with a unique passport invitation. A passport cover in the colors of your wedding with lots of wedding information on the pages inside are sure to get your guests excited about the adventure that awaits! -- The Boarding Pass Invitation: Sharing your nuptials abroad but still want to keep it simple? How about a boarding pass invite? If you're crafty enough and have the time, it's definitely got some DIY possibilities (just do a search in the forum and you're bound to come up with templates from past BDW brides!). The boarding pass can be simple or intricate -- either way it will get you and your guests pumped up for your destination celebration. -- The Postcard Invitation: It's a simple but sweet way to get your invites out. Think of a postcard -- one side is a gorgeous photo and the other side has your text. Get your info out to guests in an easy way that doesn't involve much hassle or thought. It's also a very cost-friendly option that screams, "let's go on an adventure!" -- The Beach-Themed Invitation: If you're planning to tie the knot with sand in between your toes and the waves crashing in the background, then start the beach escape with a beach-themed invite to your guests. Think seashells in a box or perhaps a bottle filled with sand -- hey, who doesn't love a beach party?! -- The Nature-Inspired Invitation: Think graphics of birds, fish, butterflies, flowers or greenery. Anything that conveys nature and all its beauty! -- The Glam & Glitz Invitation: If you're having more of a chic or fancy celebration, perhaps glitz and glam is the way to go. With metallics all the rage this wedding season, you can't go wrong with gold, silver, copper or rust touches. Or perhaps you want to go completely blinged out with jewels or pearls. These invitations are sure to impress and let your guests know they're in for a glamourous affair. -- The Eco-Friendly Simple Invitation: Think linen or ecru with shades of neutral accents. Are you whisking your guests away to an eco-friendly location and decorating your celebration with lots of light colored hues? If so, this may be the way to go. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

Question: Should I plan a trip to my destination wedding location prior to the Big Day? If so, how many visits would you advise? Answer: According to Preety Jaswal, Destination Wedding Specialist of Platinum Travel & Destination Weddings: "You can always plan a trip to view a few resorts if you have not yet decided on your final choice. This is great if you have not been to that destination or if you're not familiar with all-inclusive resorts. Your travel agent can help arrange this with transportation to view a couple over a period of a few days. If you have booked your wedding date then the resort can arrange meetings with vendors & a tasting (if arranged ahead of time) during your visit of a couple nights. Your 3-night stay can either be at a discounted price or if booked at regular price, then it may be deducted from you master account for your wedding. Every resort varies but most have options available. I would recommend if you have the option to visit definitely go once - whether to determine which resort works best or if you have your resort booked then to meet with the vendors. Both will help tremendously with your wedding plans and ease any stress of the unknown. Not all of my clients do not have the means to do this so trust the choice they made and rely on their travel agent to help understand the resort options and wedding locations. If you are unable to travel prior to your wedding then I would highly recommend for the couple to arrive at the resort a few days prior to their guests the same week of their wedding to go over everything in person in destination." - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.

According to wedding resource expert, The Knot, this year's wedding trends are all about personalization. "Weddings are more personalized than ever, with couples putting their own unique touches on classic traditions," says Kellie Gould, editor in chief of The Knot. "Couples are taking entertainment up a notch by hiring contemporary choirs that will sing an a cappella version of their first dance song, and upgrading the signature cocktail to satellite bars featuring specialty drinks with engraved glassware and elaborate garnishes. Guys are even upping their grooming game and stepping into the spotlight more with custom suits and accessories." Here's a list of The Knot's 2016 wedding trends: 1. Two-in-One Dresses & Fashion-Forward Florals: brides are opting for convertible dresses that combine a formal ceremony gown and a fun reception frock in one. Flowers are being infused beyond the bouquet and centerpieces -- flower dress accents and flower crowns are among some favorites. 2. Wedding Concierge Pros: Wedding planning is getting easier because now there's either a pro or an app to hire/use to execute any element of the day. 3. Satellite Bars: personalize the party with your favorite libation, or even serve a tasting of preferred wines. Set up a bar that highlights your preferred drink, like champagne or a specialty gin. 4. Contemporary Choirs & Late-Night Karaoke: Surprise guests by hiring a marching band or gospel choir and have them perform a favorite rock ballad for the walk down the aisle or an a cappella version of the first dance song. And if you're hosting an after-party, karaoke is king. 5. Sweet Endings: The wedding cake is here to stay, but it's no longer the only dessert on the menu. Passed treats, especially of the frozen variety like shaved ice or fruit-infused ice pops with the couple's names on the stick, are trending along with installations like doughnut walls. 6. Wow-Worthy Websites: Couples are hiring design gurus to create a completely custom site with a unique URL, bespoke details and personalized illustrations. 7. Total Personalization: The new wedding tells a couple's story, meaning a complete customization of details. From serving the couple's favorite dish from a local restaurant or having an ordained family member officiate the ceremony, elements will reflect their favorite tastes and interests, making their wedding day uniquely their own. Couples are even choosing original themes that represent the two of them. 8. 3-D Printing: Paper will always have a place in weddings, but couples are creating memorable 3-D save-the-dates that set the vibe for a modern celebration, and even making a 3-D printed cake topper that looks just like the bride and groom. 9. Food-Inspired Floral Elements: Artichokes and Kale vs. Roses: Bouquets and centerpieces are getting a style boost thanks to untraditional floral elements, like fruit and vegetables. 10. Stylish Grooms: Guys are now looking for a second look, opting for a unique reception look too. Custom suits with embroidered monograms, velvet loafers and personalized cuff links give guys more style options than ever before in 2016. 11. Locally Sourced Food: The new wedding menu will mimic the offerings at your local farm-to-table restaurant. Forget standard chicken or beef and say hello to "free-range Happy Days Farm hen." Good food, both in taste and provenance, is playing a greater role in dinner fare. 12. Metallic Palettes: It's all about shimmer and shine this year. Don't be afraid to mix silver and rose gold or gunmetal and gold—metallics play well together. The addition of luster elevates any look, giving a couple's wedding style an extra-special feel.

Question: Does a travel agent help with just lodging, or can they help with transportation, airfare and other trip details as well? Answer: According to Agent Wendy of Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agency of BDW: "Agents can certainly assist with not only a guest's stay, but also quite typically will assist in booking transfers from airport to resort, and airfare, as well if desired. Agents can also assist with booking optional tours and excursions for guests while they are onsite. An agent who is well versed in the area a client wishes to visit can also suggest local sites, museums, day trips or restaurants that should not be missed." Looking for a Travel Agent? Try one of the BDW Travel Agents who specialize in destination weddings. You can contact Wright Travel HERE! - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.

Wedding details -- you either love em or hate em. In my case, they consumed tons of my wedding planning because I wanted every detail big or small to perfectly mesh together. And I wanted my details to be unique. When it came to a lot of our floral details, we opted for artificial ones because it was more economically feasible for us and well, I wanted to make sure our flowers were exactly how I envisioned them. One of my favorite finds was our groomsmen boutineers! We had these specially made through an Etsy creative and till this day, I still love them! Handcrafted boutineers via Etsy is a great way to add style and a touch of uniqueness to your wedding party without breaking the bank. Click here to view some incredibly cute wedding boutineer options in various styles, sizes and colors to fit your taste! * Wedding Finds is a BDW feature that will highlight special little finds or ideas that may help you along during your wedding planning journey. If you have a special wedding find to share, feel free to add your suggestions in the comments section!

It's time to say goodbye to the year that has been and open your arms to the year that begins. New Year's resolutions aren't for everyone, but if you're a bride-to-be, here's a couple of resolution ideas that will help you get your year off to the right start as you come closer to the Big Day ... 1. Get organized and have a plan. Jot down everything you need to get done before the Wedding Day and draft up a to-do list that outlines your plans monthly, weekly and daily. Yes, putting everything down will help give you a better picture of what deadlines need to be met and what plans of action need to take place before you run out of time. While your Wedding Day may seem like it's far out, it will creep up on you before you know it. Remember, there are certain aspects of planning a wedding that generally need to be done way in advance (booking a venue, ordering a dress/suit, etc.) and other duties that you can reserve for the final month (alterations, meeting with vendors to finalize details, creating a wedding day timeline, etc.). Nothing feels better than putting a checkmark next to things on your to-do list! 2. Create a budget and stick with it. It would be nice to have a unlimited budget wouldn't it? But unless your name is Kim Kardashian, you've probably got a budget like the rest of us! Regardless, it's wise to create a budget (even if it's a general range) to help keep you on track so you can really narrow down what you want for your Big Day. Trust me, there can be such a thing as "too much." Simple can be wonderful, but if you want details galore roll with that and just remember to stay in line with your budget -- it will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run! 3. Relax and don't freak out. There will be things that don't happen the way you want them to as you plan your Wedding. Maybe it's that one of the bridesmaids can't make it to your bachelorette party, or perhaps one of the groomsmen forgot to pick up the right colored shirt. Stuff happens and for the sake of your own sanity (and that of your soon-to-be spouse), don't let things get you stressed out. Take a deep breath and remember, things may not always be perfect, but everything will work itself out. Keep your heart set on what matters the most -- you are getting married to the one you love! 4. Implement a healthier diet and workout plan. Making healthier changes to your diet and exercise regimen is a common theme for most people come each new year, but when you're a bride, looking your best come your Wedding Day can be especially important. Whether your changes are drastic or gradual, create a plan that is feasible and doable. Remember every change you make no matter how big or small is making a difference for your overall health and well-being. 5. Spend quality time with your sweetheart, family and friends. Sometimes as busy brides-to-be, we forget to take care of the relationships in our inner circles. While you may be swimming in things to do leading up to the Big Day, don't neglect the one you love, or your friends and family for that matter. Try to dedicate time each week/month for your loved ones. Even it's something as simple as going out for coffee or ice cream, or maybe spending time watching a movie out or even at home. Take time to "simply be" with the ones you love. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

Did Santa bring you more than just gifts this year? Are you one of the many who just got engaged over the holidays? Share your Engagement story with us in the comments section! We'd love to share your experience with the other BDW members!

If you're one of the many brides who've decided they want an unplugged wedding aka "dear family and friends please put down your smartphones/cameras/tablets and just enjoy being present," now you must decide how to firmly but tastefully share your wishes with your guests. Here are a few ideas how you can convey to your guests that they need not play the role of wedding paparazzi and that you'd much rather have them be present, in the moment and enjoy the festivities: 1. Make a small mention of it in your wedding invitation: Yes you can give them an early heads up that this will be a wedding that you want them to fully enjoy -- meaning they need not worry about brushing up those photography skills. It's never too early to let your guests know that this will indeed be an unplugged wedding. 2. Put a can't miss sign up at your ceremony and on your reception tables: The professional photographers you hire will love you for this. It's a firm but creative way to let your guests know that you want them to put their cameras and devices down. There are so many creative and endearing ways to word your thoughts, just check out these sample signs on Pinterest for a few ideas: Unplugged Wedding Sign Ideas 3. Put a note in your wedding program: The OffBeat Bride blog offered these two great options for wording in your program: A short and sweet version: "The bride and groom have asked that you share in their wedding fully and not through the lens of a camera or cell phone." A little more in depth version: "We ask you to kindly turn off your ringers during the wedding ceremony and refrain from taking photos. We have professional photographers on hand to capture all the special moments and are excited to share their photos with you." 4. Have your Officiant make an announcement prior to the ceremony: Yes, some people won't bother to read the program or may simply ignore your note. So having your officiant make an announcement prior to the ceremony will officially put everyone on public notice. A simple, "The bride and groom have kindly asked that all their guests put their cameras and phones away and simply enjoy the ceremony!" 5. Ask your DJ make an announcement when the reception begins: If you want the unplugged rule to roll over to your reception, don't hesitate to have your DJ/Emcee or even a family member express your wishes. Remind everyone that your professional photographers are there to capture all the special moments and that you'd love for them to party the night away and enjoy the celebration without having to think about snapping photos. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

Question: Should You Use a Travel Agent When Planning an Indian Destination Wedding? Answer: According to Preety Jaswal, Destination Wedding Specialist of Platinum Travel & Destination Weddings: "100% YES - having the right resort is everything. Not all resorts/venues can perform Indian Weddings even if they say they do. Also most importantly a lot of resorts are getting particular on having a final guest list/count. The resort needs to know final numbers prior to each event so they can set up accordingly. The problem resorts face is when guests book on their own and they are not accounted for with the wedding events so then the resort staff on-site is running around to adjust each of these guests. When you book a large group of over 100+ guests and about 30 booked outside the agent -- that is food, decor, tables, centrepieces, chairs not planned for, which can even alter the wedding location if it cannot accommodate all the extra guests." - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.

When I began planning my wedding, my then fiancé (now husband) and I agreed that a few aspects were absolutely necessary no matter where we got married: good food, good music and good photography. Fortunately, we nailed every single one of those details. But as we inched closer to our wedding date, I began to wonder if I should hire a videographer too? Honestly, I didn't even consider it when we first began the planning process two years before our Wedding date. Frankly, I was akin to only cheesy wedding videos and wanted no part of it. But then I remember clicking on another bride's wedding video and becoming completely enamoured with the fact that it wasn't cheesy at all -- it was cinematic, it was set to beautiful tear-inducing music and it was like reliving the day and actually being there. Suddenly I found myself putting good wedding videography on my must-have list. The problem of course became, the sudden necessity to increase our budget when everything had already been planned out. It was going require that we put aside at least another additional $2,000 and that was a huge investment for us. So I began cutting out other expenses just to find a way to accommodate my want/need for a kick ass wedding video. And I can tell you right now, it was the best decision I could have made. When our videographers (Playa Weddings video based in Riviera Maya) delivered our highlight film, I remember watching it with my husband and laughing and crying at the same time. It was just like I had hoped for -- we were reliving the day with beautiful music in the background and remembering how magical our day was. It was incredible and brought back so many wonderful memories. And I can tell you, in that first year, we watched that film at least 150 times Not even kidding a little bit! The importance of having incredible wedding photos and wedding video became even more apparent to us three years after we tied the knot. You see, that's when my husband lost his father after a 7-year battle with colon cancer. To have his vibrant smile captured so beautifully in our photos and to hear his laughter and special speech to us in such an incredible wedding video is priceless. It is worth every single penny to have these precious moments captured on film. That is the crazy thing about photos and video -- with time their value grows, especially when it comes to preserving memories shared with those who have passed on. So when you wonder if you should hire a wedding photographer or videographer for your wedding day, the answer is a resounding YES. Find a quality photographer and videographer who fit your style and price point range -- and if it's not in your immediate budget, if possible, find a way to cut expenses elsewhere. When it is all said and done, you will have a few things to remember the Wedding Day you have so lovingly planned: each other, your rings, your photos and your wedding video. Don't let the significance of these important details be forgotten. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

For many brides, the Wedding Day look includes more than just the dress, it's also all about the shoes! But your shoe choice also depends a lot on your wedding location, obviously heels aren't the best idea if you're planning on getting married on the sand. So there's plenty to consider when you're planning your shoe game in terms of setting, style and comfort. Here are some Wedding shoe photos (taken by yours truly of MarieSam Sanchez Photography) to connect you with your inner Carrie Bradshaw! (Click here to check out Part 1, click here to check out Part 2 and click here to check out Part 3). - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

Question: What Kind of Budget Should I Set Aside When Planning an Indian Destination Wedding? Answer: According to Preety Jaswal, Destination Wedding Specialist of Platinum Travel & Destination Weddings: "This all depends on the guest count, how many events the couple will have, how elaborate each event should be and what vendors they will bring to their destination. For most Indian weddings, the couple may bring down their own DJ, photographer/videographer, Priest, and sometimes makeup artist. All of these play a huge factor in wedding costs." - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.

For many brides, the Wedding Day look includes more than just the dress, it's also all about the shoes! But your shoe choice also depends a lot on your wedding location, obviously heels aren't the best idea if you're planning on getting married on the sand. So there's plenty to consider when you're planning your shoe game in terms of setting, style and comfort. Here are some Wedding shoe photos (taken by yours truly of MarieSam Sanchez Photography) to connect you with your inner Carrie Bradshaw! (Click here to check out Part 1 and click here to check out Part 2) - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

For many brides, the Wedding Day look includes more than just the dress, it's also all about the shoes! But your shoe choice also depends a lot on your wedding location, obviously heels aren't the best idea if you're planning on getting married on the sand. So there's plenty to consider when you're planning your shoe game in terms of setting, style and comfort. Here are some Wedding shoe photos (taken by yours truly of MarieSam Sanchez Photography) to connect you with your inner Carrie Bradshaw! (Click here to check out Part 1) - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.