Key West-need officiate, photog, flower advice

[laho]

Hi,

 

My name is Lara and I'm getting married in Key West on 12/6/09. I guess I'm not a typical destination bride in that I am very familiar with Key West, I lived in Miami (where I met my fiancé) for 6 years and went there every chance I got. On a short trip there last December I got most of the wedding planned, however, I still need an officiate, a photog, and flowers. I have NO idea how to go about selecting them w/o any recommendations.

 

A. Officiate

 

- How do you know if their a good one?

-What questions do you ask?

-Is it shallow to reject one off hand just because you don't want to look at their goofy hair cut in your pictures for the rest of your life?

 

B. Photographer- I have a ton a questions here. I'm having a sunset ceremony (KW is known for its amazing sunsets) and I really want the pictures to be amazing, I don't want to skimp on a photog b/c it's not like you get a do over of your vows if the pictures aren’t great. I've looked at some websites where the photogs have really amazing portfolios but, they charge a ton for packages.

 

-Do I really need an hour of coverage of me getting my hair and make-up done? Is this the norm?

 

-From the ceremony we will be going to a restaurant for dinner, do I really need pictures of people sitting and eating?

 

-From dinner we will be going to a bed and breakfast we rented out where a lot of my family will be staying. It has a lovely garden with a nice pool, this is where I want to have the cake and toasts. It will be pretty casual (self serve bar, play list programmed on ipod) , I would really like some pictures of this time but is it worth it to pay a photog for all those hours?

 

-I know they have those disposable wedding cameras you can leave around but, some of my family are really good photogs and have really nice digital cameras (better for quality, editing, sharing etc.) Is it way too tacky to ask them to bring their cameras and get some shots?

 

C. Flowers

 

-How do you know they will deliver what they promise? That your getting the best quality for the price?

 

Any and all input would be very much appreciated.

 

Thanks,

Lara

[TammyB]

HI Lara, and congrats on your upcoming wedding. I'll try to help with some of your questions, the best I can.

 

A. Officiate

 

IMO I would just try to find someone that you really click with, regardless of what they look like, I mean really, there really aren't too many pictures that focus on the Officiate, so I wouldn't be worried about things like that, instead try to find someone that you feel will give you the wedding ceremony you really want.

 

B. Photography is such an important thing. I had a very small wedding, I didn't really do getting ready shots, but my photographer was there for about 30 minutes to take some photos of me in the room, LOVED those shots, I think an hour would give you some really great shots and memories. Looking back I wish I would have done that, plus I wish I would have had more shots of just my hubby as well.

 

I'm a little confused with the dinner and then leaving to another location for the bed and breakfast. SO you guys aren't doing a toast or cake at the dinner place? just sitting there and eating? Usually if you hire a photographer you have them for a certain time period (unless you pay to have someone come from out of state, then they are usually with you for a couple days, where this won't be a probem) Even if you don't want pictures of you eating, I'm sure your photographer would enjoy the break and eat with you guys as well, then everyone could head over to the B&B and he/she could do photos again there. Maybe you could ask the photographer if they would not charge you for the time during dinner, since everyone will be eating and your not wanting pictures at that time.

 

Disposible cameras, IMO aren't really that great. You might get a couple shots that you like, but most of them are going to be the same thing, I really wouldn't waste the money of them. Plus your photographer should get shots of your guests, so let him/her do that for you.

 

Flowers, Well I guess you don't know unless you can speak with pervious brides. But more then likly everything will turn out fine. I ordered my flowers from my WC, I had no clue where she was going to get them and what the end product would look like, but they turned out better then I could have expected. You just need to relax a little and I'm sure everything will turn out fine. :-)

[Kathie]

Hi. Welcome to the forum!

[sunstarsmoon]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. There is lots of information here hopefully you will be able to find your answers

[dinogomez.com]

Welcome to the forum and congratulations!! You've come to the right place; here you can find all the info you need for a fun, smooth and successful planning!! Enjoy!!!

[dolfinluck]

Congrats and welcome to the forum!!!

[TATrisha]

Welcome!!! I'm not very familiar with Key West, but I'll try to help in any way that I can.

Quote:

Originally Posted by laho A. Officiate - How do you know if their a good one? -What questions do you ask? -Is it shallow to reject one off hand just because you don't want to look at their goofy hair cut in your pictures for the rest of your life? When I got married in Mexico this was such a concern for me because obviously they don't speak English, or mine didn't at least. So I simply asked for the readings and then I asked if I could add my own touches. So I had family friends do readings and a sand ceremony. Then I knew that the ceremony would be nice. As for rejecting someone because of their hair cut... that makes me giggle, but I'd probably do the same thing!!!   B. Photographer- I have a ton a questions here. I'm having a sunset ceremony (KW is known for its amazing sunsets) and I really want the pictures to be amazing, I don't want to skimp on a photog b/c it's not like you get a do over of your vows if the pictures aren’t great. I've looked at some websites where the photogs have really amazing portfolios but, they charge a ton for packages. This is always tough. Alyssa's photographers were AMAZING and from Florida, but I think they are from northern Florida. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t32118 it still might be worth looking into. Otherwise, if you have photographers that you love their work, ask them if they'll travel. Some photographers will travel for the cost of accomodations/airfare. Others will charge just a small fee. It's very possible you could get your dream photographer with all weekend coverage for a fraction of the cost   -Do I really need an hour of coverage of me getting my hair and make-up done? Is this the norm? I love these photos. I think they really capture the emotion leading up to the ceremony. It's also a fun time with your bridesmaids/mother and I think that's special to capture.   -From the ceremony we will be going to a restaurant for dinner, do I really need pictures of people sitting and eating? Not necessarily, however will there be toasts? Most people give toasts during dinner... or even just photojournalist style photos of you having a good time with your family and friends.   -From dinner we will be going to a bed and breakfast we rented out where a lot of my family will be staying. It has a lovely garden with a nice pool, this is where I want to have the cake and toasts. It will be pretty casual (self serve bar, play list programmed on ipod) , I would really like some pictures of this time but is it worth it to pay a photog for all those hours? Not necessarily ALL the hours, but you will definitely want professional photos from this portion of the evening.   -I know they have those disposable wedding cameras you can leave around but, some of my family are really good photogs and have really nice digital cameras (better for quality, editing, sharing etc.) Is it way too tacky to ask them to bring their cameras and get some shots? your family and friends will take photos no matter what... but I would not rely on them to be your photographers. The advanced editing, the dedication to getting the perfect shot, and also the ability to capture the entire group is really priceless.   C. Flowers   -How do you know they will deliver what they promise? That your getting the best quality for the price? You dont! But then again, you don't know that even when you have a wedding at your home town. My sister had her wedding right here in Wisconsin and her flowers were HORRIBLE. My wedding was in Mexico where i had no control over quality, but they were amazing!! The best advice I can give is go with a floral company who you trust and have good communications through, and hope for the best.

I hope that helps a little.

[Jeremy_Gilliam]

Welcome to the forum, you have come to the right place for help!

[Sascha Gluck Photography]

Hi, welcome to the Forum and good luck with everything....

[bellalucefoto]

You've gotten some great advice so far! As a bride, we got married young and skimped on the photography and I really regret it. You can't go back and get those images again. Alot of photographers will travel for a great price and you get more coverage than using someone local.

 

It is better to have the photographer take candids during the reception and dance since your guests are concentrating on having a good time and the photographer is always watching for great moments to capture. The equipment and lights a photographer may bring are also much more capable of creating great images in difficult lighting situations like receptions and dances.

 

Good luck and best wishes!

 

Katie