MarieSamSanchezPhoto

"Don't just do a regular First Dance, that's so booooorrrrrriiinggggg!" Yes that's what my own mother told me as we were planning our Wedding. She urged, no actually pretty much begged, that we do something fun to surprise our guests. Well, little did she know we had already been planning to do a surprise dance, but in order for it to be a true surprise, I had to keep it a secret from her too. So instead, I did my best to make her believe a surprise dance was just too time consuming to plan and I just didn't have time for it. Let me tell you -- mama was disappointed LOL. But lo and behold, because we flew into Mexico a week before our wedding, we were able to spend a few nights choreographing and practicing our first dance surprise in our room when everyone was asleep (we stayed in a villa property that housed 30 members of our family). My husband and teenage daughter even spent about an hour in the pool teaching me how to Dougie (hahahaha, I'm serious!). And guess what, when the time came to do our first dance, I remember seeing my mom at the corner of my eye kinda roll her eyes and pout in her seat because according to her, we were just "so booooorrrriinnnnggggg." But when our slow dance music cut into some booty shaking music and we broke out into our routine, all of our guests went wild -- including mama, she was probably cheering the loudest. Yes, we gave them a show and it was pretty darn awesome to see everyone cheering and giving us a standing ovation. I say all this because if you're contemplating the idea of doing a surprise First Dance -- JUST DO IT. It will honestly be the best gift you can give your guests and well, the photos and video will be priceless for decades to come! Click here to see some surprise first dance inspiration on YouTube! Are you planning any surprises for your guests on the Wedding Day? Share your ideas and plans in the comments section! - - - 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.

Wedding Vows -- they are the words that will seal the deal on your Big Day, and the words your sweetheart will have etched in his/her heart when he/she thinks about the day you shared I Dos. So it's only fitting that your wedding vows be written in a special place aside from just a simple scrap of paper you found in the hotel room the night before your Wedding Day Right? A few months ago I came across a ton of little wedding vow books on Etsy and absolutely fell in love with the idea of having a set of His & Hers Wedding Vow books. What a perfect gift for an engagement party or bridal shower! And best of all, what a wonderful way to preserve your vows after the Big Day has passed. Click here to view some incredibly cute Wedding Vow book options in every style, size and color 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!

When people ask me why I decided to get married in Akumal, all I have to do is show them a photo of the beach I got married on and that pretty much wraps up that conversation. One of the best things about having a destination wedding is being able to share your little slice of paradise with your guests. So when it comes to finding ways to save while you're planning your destination wedding, it can be summed up in three little words: KEEP IT SIMPLE. Yes, I'm talking to you extreme detail bride. You who wants to match your flower colors to the exact hue of your reception decor and centerpieces ... and shoes for that matter. (Full disclosure: I was that bride. Yep, me the extreme detail oriented bride ) All that said, here are a few ways you can cut down on the costs of planning a destination wedding. Use all or some of these ideas, but most of all, choose what works best for you. And if you have any other suggestions to give, please share them!!! -- Cut Back on Decor: I cannot emphasize enough the need to remember that your destination location is going to be epic. A sight worthy of traveling hundreds/thousands of miles for. A beautiful location worthy of a vacation, but so amazing it warrants being the place you say your I Dos. If you're getting married outdoors -- especially on the beach -- you don't need to deck out each corner with decor. Save those pennies by letting the scenery speak for itself. -- Keep Your Flowers Simple: This ties in with the tip above. Choose flowers that are local to the area so they are bountiful and easily accessible, helping to cut down on costs. You may also want to consider using artificial flowers for bouquets and boutonnieres that you can purchase at home and bring with you. Then, double purpose those bouquets by popping them into vases on your reception tables to serve as centerpieces. Flowers are beautiful ways to add color to your ceremony and reception, but you don't need much to impress. Remember, keep it simple! -- Serve a Simple Wedding Cake: If food is your thing, feed your guests well! But after serving them a delicious meal, think about keeping your Wedding Cake simple. Wedding cakes can be elaborate and fancy, but more details usually means a higher expense. If you want a beautiful cake for photos, consider a small decorated cake for you and your hubby to cut for photos. But then serve guests with a simply frosted cake without all the fancy details. Cake is delicious with or without the pretty decor -- trust me, I have the thighs to prove it Check back soon for the next installment of Ways to Save! - - - 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.

Let's face it. Weddings are expensive! And when you factor in the costs of travel/lodging destination weddings can be REALLY expensive. But having been married for close to six years now after having an epic destination wedding in Akumal, Mexico, I can tell you that had I opted for a local wedding here in Southern California, the wedding bill probably would have been triple what was spent in Mexico. And I wouldn't have glorious beach photos to go with it All that said, here are a few ways you can cut down on the costs of planning a destination wedding. Use all or some of these ideas, but most of all, choose what works best for you. And if you have any other suggestions to give, please share them in the comments section!!! -- Consider Time of Year: If you aren't dead set on a particular wedding date, consider the fluctuating costs of airfare/lodging based on the time of year. With a little research, you'll soon find that picking the right time of year (the low travel season) can save you hundreds, if not thousands, on travel and accommodations. -- Research Resort/Wedding Deals: With destination weddings becoming more and more popular, resorts in popular areas are offering a lot more promotions and discounts/deals to draw in potential brides and grooms. Reach out to a travel agent and see if they have the scoop on any awesome travel promotions. The official travel agency for the BDW wedding forum, Wright Travel Agency, is constantly in the loop when it comes to incredible deals for destination wedding couples. And guess what, when you turn to their expertise and book your travel plans through Wright Travel, it doesn't cost you anything extra, but you will certainly rack up on the savings! (Click here for a list of travel promotions and deals posted in the BDW forum). -- Cut the DJ, Use an iPod: If having a great DJ isn't on your "Must Have" list, then think about using an iPod programmed with your favorite songs instead. Yes it will take some time to load up an awesome playlist and you'll need to confirm with your reception venue that they have the equipment to play your iPod, but if you're willing to do the work ahead of time, it can really cut back on the costs. Check back soon for the next installment of Ways to Save! - - - 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.

Do you believe in wedding superstitions? If so, then you're probably scampering for something blue to make sure your marriage is blessed with lots of good luck. Here are a few blue-inspired ideas that will have you strolling down the aisle with all the luck you'll need on the Big Day! 1. Blue Flowers: Sprinkle some blue hues in your bouquet. It gives you the perfect touch of color to ensure a life of happiness with your sweetheart. 2. Blue Jewelry: If you think blue jewels or stones on your necklace or bracelet are a bit too much, consider an anklet or maybe a beautiful ring. Jewelry is the perfect way to meet your blue quota on the Wedding Day! 3. Blue Shoes: My personal fave! As a photographer, I love seeing that pop of blue shoes peeking out from the bottom of a bride's dress. And with so many online shoe retailers, you can scour the internet for the perfect pair of blue hues for your feet. 4. Blue Bouquet Charm: These charms are a cute little accent for your Wedding bouquet. And it's a perfect little keepsake that you can keep locked up in a jewelry box or perhaps use as a charm on a bracelet or necklace for years to come. 5. Blue Garter or Undergarments: Be discreet with your something blue and opt for a little blue on your bridal garter or perhaps on your bra or panties. It's a fun way to get that blue touch but also a sexy little surprise for your new husband to discover on your Wedding night! - - - 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.

You will soon be able to get married at sea on Norwegian Cruise Line starting this fall. The legal ceremonies at sea, which will be performed by the ship’s captain, are available on Norwegian Breakaway, Getaway, and Escape, according to company President and COO Andy Stuart. The company had initially offered legal wedding ceremonies only while the ship is docked in its embarkation port or in various destinations. All NCL weddings include a wedding planner and on-site coordinator. Legal same-sex ceremonies are also available at destinations where they are legally recognized. With starting prices at $2,199, the new wedding package includes the ceremony, bouquet and boutonniere, cake, champagne toast, bistro dinner for two, three bottles of wine, chocolate-covered strawberries, canapés delivered to stateroom, priority tendering and debarkation, and one hour of photography services, according to TravelPulse.com. Packages for onboard symbolic ceremonies conducted during days at sea are priced from $1,799 and includes the ceremony, bouquet of 12 ivory roses and matching boutonniere, pre-recorded music, six-inch cake, bottle of sparkling wine, champagne toast, an 8x10 photograph in engraved frame, keepsake certificate, and canapés and chocolate-covered strawberries delivered to stateroom, the website added. Couples can also partake in vow renewal ceremonies starting at $499, which include the ceremony performed by a ship’s officer, a red rose, a cake, champagne toast, an 8x10 framed photograph, certificate, and bottle of sparkling wine, chocolate-covered strawberries and canapés in stateroom. Click here for more details on Norwegian’s wedding options.

We tossed around the idea back and forth -- do we do a money dance at our wedding or not? Ironically it was my parents and my aunts and uncles who strongly said, "Yes, it's a tradition!" My family urged me that it was a custom at Filipino weddings. Of course, my hubby-to-be didn't balk at the thought of being pinned with bills by our guests. You get decorated with bills just for dancing with your guests? Heck yeah, he was all for it LOL. But there was always a feeling of guilt when we thought about the money that our guests were already spending (travel, lodging, vacation expenses, etc.) just to be a part of our special celebration. (By the way, I've dubbed these guilty feelings as "Destination Wedding Expense Guilt" aka DWEG syndrome -- it exists I tell you in the minds of brides and grooms, the struggle is real!) In the end, we decided to go ahead and do the money dance. But guess what? When it came down to the night of our wedding reception, we didn't do it. Why? Not because we let DWEG get to us, but rather, we were having so much fun just enjoying the night, we nixed a lot of wedding traditions -- no bouquet toss, no garter toss and no money dance. Instead we danced, drank and celebrated the night away. And ... IT. WAS. AWESOME! I say all this because sometimes we stress over every little detail that comes with the Wedding Day. And in the end, I promise you, none of it really even matters. What is ultimately important is that you celebrate the day and fill it with love, laughter and moments you'll always remember. Love your Wedding Day and enjoy it to the fullest -- this is the only tradition that truly matters Are you planning to do a Money Dance at your wedding? - - - 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.

Loverly and Splash have teamed up to offer brides free wedding websites designed to help keep them organized while also making wedding planning easier and fun as they approach their Big Day. The websites offer the ability to post wedding info, collect guests' addresses, take RSVPs, food orders, and share the couple’s love story. After the wedding, the platform can pull Instagram photos from the couple's designated hashtag so that the celebration's images can be found all in one place. The mobile-friendly, customizable websites are offered in five themes, keeping specific bride types in mind: modern, boho, vintage, classic and elegant. Brides can also add extra features to their sites by paying for upgrade options. To get started on a wedding website, powered by Splash and Loverly, click here.

I cannot tell a lie, one of my favorite parts of being a bride was the cake tasting. Full disclosure: I am a certified cake addict, so yeahhhh, there's that. Is a Wedding Cake just not in your budget? Or perhaps cake just doesn't make your world go round like it does for me? No worries Here are some dessert ideas that you'll guests will love just as much as you do: 1) The Donut Cake: Donuts aren't just for early mornings anymore. With donut shops offering flavors galore, your guests will enjoy every delicious crumb of an assortment of donut delights. And don't forget the bride & groom donut cake topper! 2) The Cookie Cake: Pile your favorite cookies high and maybe offer some milk to go with that. Oreos are easy to stack up and best of all, they're super affordable so you'll be saving a ton of money with this cake alternative. And honestly, who doesn't love the sweet cream in the middle of of an Oreo? 3) The Cupcake Tower: Can't decide on the flavor of your cake? Indulge in some variety with a cupcake tower. With this nifty alternative, you'll still have the wedding cake taste and feel but with a whole lot of variety, and you can also offer these up as to-go gifts for your guests! 4) Mini Pies: There are cake people, and there are pie people. If pie is the apple of your eye, how about a variety of pies displayed beautifully on your dessert table? Your guests will love a sweet slice of pie to end the night. Or if you'd like to splurge a little, how about a mini pie for each person? 5) Cake Pop Cake: Cake pops will allow your guests to take their treat on the move and never miss a beat on the dance floor. Wouldn't cake pops designed with your wedding colors in mind look amazing? Or how about an array of different colored cake pops to make your dessert table sing with color? - - - 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. I am the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife Wedding & Portrait Photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.

As a wedding photographer, it is without a doubt one of the questions I get most asked by my brides and grooms when it comes to their engagement photos, "What should we wear and bring to our engagement session?" Here are a few tips I share with my couples when it comes to prepping for their engagement photos: HAIR + MAKEUP: Get your make-up and hair professionally done. A clean finished look can really "complete" your photos, which should be a treasured keepsake for years to come! But make sure your hair and makeup are styled in a way that you feel comfortable. Don't do something extravagant and so completely "not you" -- any worry you carry will show in your images. If there's anything I am a strong proponent of when it comes to makeup, it is making sure you wear lashes. Lashes can make such a huge difference in making your eyes pop in the photographs. But because most women aren't prone to wearing fake lashes daily, it's good to have a "trial run" if possible to ensure you are comfortable wearing them and most importantly, to make sure you aren't allergic to the lash glue. Also, if you'd like to showcase your fabulous engagement ring in any of the photos, having clean or manicured nails is important. CLOTHING: You don’t have to settle for the matching jeans and tops look, instead wear something that reflects your personalities and style but again, make sure you are comfortable. Bringing 2 or 3 outfits usually gives you a good mix for a session last about two to three hours. Some quick tips … Think about layering your clothing – this will give you different looks in a single outfit. Wear outfits that are complimentary in style, color and level of dressiness, but not too matchy. Most couples bring two outfits to change into – one dressy look, one casual look. Remember that busy patterns go out of style quickly and your background will usually have enough textures and patterns to fill your photograph. Wear shoes you love. For the ladies, colorful shoes always make photos pop and of course a great pair of heels always compliment a cute dress! But if you plan to wear heels, make sure you are comfortable wearing them because you may need to move to different locations OR bring an extra pair of comfy shoes just for walking, like flip-flops or sneakers. Bring and wear accessories!!! Dressing up is always fun and accessories can really make a difference – whether it be jewelry, different shoes, hats, scarves, or flowers for your hair. Accessories can add that special little touch to your photographs. STYLED SHOOTS + PROPS: Styled shoots are awesome, so if you have a theme you’d like to streamline throughout your session, do it to your heart’s content! To help portray the style or theme you’ve chosen, bring props, backdrops, décor, etc. If you serenade your sweetheart with a guitar every night, incorporate it in a few shots. Or if you consider yourselves a bit quirky, romantic or fun, you could bring a bunch of balloons, cupcakes, a picnic baskets, your own cameras, a suitcase, books, a kite, a bouquet of flowers, a bicycle built for two - the sky’s the limit! It's always a wonderful addition when people infuse their personalities into the session. IN A NUTSHELL … Just love each other and have fun! This session is all about capturing your love -- so relax, smile, laugh and enjoy this special time with your sweetheart. - - -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. I am the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife Wedding & Portrait Photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world.