Posts Tagged "outdoor weddings"
Outdoor Wedding Essentials: Have a Backup Plan!
Photo Credit: Adrienne Maples
Editor’s Note: In light of the Hurricane Irene, I have decided to re-post this article to remind those of you planning an outdoor wedding or beach wedding ceremony to create a back-up plan. It is not too late in the planning process to implement some of these recommendations. Original blog post published in April 2009. Please note content has been modified.
Today, I want to talk about the importance of having a back-up plan for inclement weather. Here in the eastern region, the biggest thing to take into consideration is hurricane season. Hurricane season for the Eastern North Carolina is from June to November. Our official hurricane month is September and this is the time when tropical storms are most likely to occur. That said, if you are planning to host your wedding during this time, it is imperative that you have a backup plan. Some practical tips are as follows:
- Choose an outdoor location that also has an indoor facility. For example, if you are getting married on the beach. Choose a hotel venue that has a designated beachfront area to host your nuptials as well as a ballroom that you can reserve in the event it storms on your celebration. For the most part, my outdoor wedding clients have hosted just their ceremony and maybe cocktail hour outside, but held the reception indoors. This is ideal, but if you wish to host your entire event outdoors then another option, if your outdoor wedding site does not have an indoor facility, is to reserve a nearby chapel. Some chapels do have both ceremony and reception facilities available. This will cost you some extra money, but it is well worth it if you want the festivities to continue, that is if it is safe to continue.
- Monitor the weather forecast the week of your wedding. If you have chosen an outdoor wedding location that has an indoor facility and the site manager calls you up and tells you that it is going to storm and ask if you would like to go ahead and set everything up inside, then do so. Especially, if you can see the storm coming with your bare eyes and the meteorologists has predicted in his or her forecast that there is a high percentage that it is going to rain. There is no need to inconvenience your guests, because you are hoping that the storm will miraculously move in the opposite direction. You are not that special. You can read our featured “rainy day advice” on Randi Martin’s blog to learn why I am saying this.
- Send out rain cards with your invitations. First up, your guests should be aware that your wedding will be taking place outdoors. In addition to this, you need to let them know of your backup plan in the event that inclement weather occurs. This is especially important if your outdoor wedding site does not have any indoor facilities that can accommodate you and your guests and you have arranged for an alternate location. Rain cards are an enclosure that you can include in your invitation set and they are the best way to inform your guests of your backup plan should it rain. In this way, they will know ahead of time where to go if it rains as opposed to having to call and or wander around trying to figure out where to go.
- Take precautions even if you are having a tent wedding. Tent weddings can be really nice, but you still need to be prepared ahead of time should it rain or storm. Tents for the most part serve their purpose of providing shade from the sun and shelter in case it rains. In addition, they are pretty sturdy and actually have to be inspected upon setup to make sure they are in compliance with your city’s wind and fire codes as mentioned previously. But, what if heavy rain occurs and you do not have at least flooring? Well, the ground will soak even if you have a tent. So, my advice here is to consider at the very least adding flooring for the entire dimension of the tent if your budget permits you to do so. Imagine having to walk around in wet and muddy shoes (and feet).
- Take Out Wedding Insurance. Considering that you absolutely do not have control over the weather, it is a wise idea to insure your wedding. In the event that extreme weather conditions do occur that will prevent you from having your wedding, such as a hurricane, you will be able to recoup some costs. To learn more about wedding insurance, please click here.
The key thing to remember is to “think logically and act smartly” and don’t inconvenience your guests. In addition, I would also like to add that it’s a good idea to have some umbrellas on standby in case it rains, in this way your hosts can quickly distribute them to guests or have them in a place where they can quickly grab one.
Happy Planning!
Read MoreInspiring Beach Wedding Ceremony Design
Having a wedding on the beach is already majestic in and of itself, but to add the unexpected to such a setting is bound to captivate your wedding guests. Have a look at this beautiful beach wedding ceremony set up designed by Karen Tran Floral. What is so unexpected about this wedding design?
Photo Credit: Pamela Scott Photography
It is not everyday that you see manzanita tree branches adorned with phalaenopsis orchids on the beach and have it look as if it was meant to be there. I just love this beach wedding design, it looks so simple and elegant, yet it makes a very dramatic statement to me. Get Inspired!
Read MoreRustic Barn Wedding Tablescape Inspiration
I was just browsing on Etsy looking for some fall wedding inspiration, but instead stumbled upon this stunningly beautiful tablescape, designed by Stage Right, Etc. I am so inspired by this “shabby chic” tablescape from the rustic barn setting, to the sheer ceiling canopy, to the hanging lanterns, to the moss table runner, which is available at Bragging Bags’ Etsy store, well everything in this mockup design, including the hay on the floor.
If you are planning a barn wedding and are looking for a bit of inspiration on how to add a touch of elegance to your rustic wedding venue, please be sure to check out more details of this “shabby chic” wedding mockup, photographed by Jessica Zais Photography. Get Inspired!
Read MoreVendor Chat with Lisha Myers Photography
Vendor Name: Lisha Myers
Company Website: www.lishamyersphotography.com
Company Blog: www.lishamyersphotography.blogspot.com
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to interview Lisha Myers, a destination wedding photojournalist who is a new transplant from San Francisco to the Raleigh, NC area. Today, I would like to feature that interview as well as the Lake Tahoe destination wedding of Amanda and Richard, that Lisha submitted to us. First up is the interview.
TD: What’s the story behind Lisha Myers Photography?
LM: It all started when I was in college and all my close friends were becoming engaged and married and [they] started asking [me] to take their engagement photos because they wanted to be comfortable in front of the camera and have the photos represent a true picture of them as a couple. I, of course jumped at the opportunity and I guess it spread like wildfire. Before I knew it, I was taking photos left and right for friends and their families.
TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?
LM: I love to get that chance to sit down with a cup of coffee and conversation and hear about their story. I love weddings: every aspect of it. My career lets me capture their memories, relationship, wonderful wedding, and more importantly, a sense of who they are.
TD: What is your style of photography?
LM: I try to shoot as natural as I can. I like the raw, uninhibited, photojournalistic feel of photography. I want others to get drawn in and captivated by my work and leave with a sense of emotion and admiration for the couple.
TD: How many people shoot for Lisha Myers Photography?
LM: Our studio is Husband and Wife run. My husband is extremely talented and can always find a shoot that I would otherwise pass up on. Between the two of us, we capture every angle and moment of the couple’s day.
TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?
LM: Look for a photographer’s style that you just can’t get enough of. Fall in love with their work and also their personality. Make sure you see plenty of work before making a decision and don’t be afraid to ask too many questions!
TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings?
LM: I prefer late afternoon, evening lighting for weddings. The light that time of day is wonderful and so romantic. I cannot think of one person that does not look beautiful in that lighting.
TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?
LM: Coffee.
Now a few photos from Lisha Myer’s clients, Amanda and Richard’s Lake Tahoe destination wedding.
Lisha thank you for reaching out, interviewing with me, and submitting this destination wedding. Again, welcome to the east coast and especially to the Tarheel state. North Carolina brides and grooms, please be sure to check out Lisha Myers Photography and blog and to view more details from this wedding, please click here.
Read MoreDay After Wedding + Vendor Chat with Lindsay Corrigan
Vendor Name: Lindsay Ann Corrigan
Company Website: www.onceuponatimephotos.com
I am excited about today’s post for a couple of reasons. I had the opportunity to interview the fabulous Lindsay Ann Corrigan and I am featuring a few photos from my first clients who actually had a trash the dress or day-after wedding photo session, which were photographed by Lindsay. Why the excitement?
We are breaking ice in Eastern North Carolina (ENC). You see, although the popularity of “trash the dress” sessions are increasingly popular among brides across the country, in ENC it is still relatively new despite our numerous destination wedding locations. Translation, most of my clients have not been interested in trashing their wedding gowns. Seriously, you would think it was a taboo to suggest it.
Perhaps after viewing a few images of Kristi and Joe’s “day-after wedding” photo session, (actually it took place after their honeymoon) more of you Carolina brides will be interested in booking what Lindsay calls her “All Dressed Up” day-after wedding photo shoot, which is ideal for brides who do not mind having some fun and getting a wee bit dirty, but without fully tarnishing their wedding gowns. Say in natural setting with lush greenery, sand, and water?
The Interview
I first met Lindsay at a bridal show back in February. Let me say, she has such a warm and genuine spirit that just draws you in. Don’t you just love it when you get that feeling upon first meeting someone? I do.
Okay, here is my interview.
TD: What is the story behind Once Upon a Time Photographic Artistry?
LC: I worked as a newspaper reporter and photojournalist for a short time during college and fell in love with capturing the amazing stories people have to tell, especially the ones filled with joy and emotion. The idea of a portrait career had just started to form in my mind when a friend of a friend asked me to photograph her wedding. I was smitten! It was a dream come true to be able to capture and retell over and over with my camera all the symbolic details, emotions, expressions, and events that made up their wedding story. So I added weddings to my portrait idea and Once Upon a Time Photographic Artistry was born.
TD: Can you tell me about your approach to working with brides?
LC: I sit down with the couple and get to know their story: the first date, the proposal, special memories, wedding dreams, anything they are willing to share with me. Then I envision how I will bring out who they are as a couple in their photographs. On the wedding day, I do my best to help the couple enjoy their wedding day, and I stay on task to ensure I accomplish their wishes.
TD: What about your style of photography?
LC: I enjoy using artistic elements, such as unique angles and contrast. I tend to lean toward non-traditional portrait journalism technique, which incorporates candid shooting and guided posing to create a natural look. My subjects are the focus and my goal is to capture their true beauty. I also like to incorporate locations, architecture and props that are unique or meaningful to bring out their personalities.
TD: How many people shoot for Once Upon a Time Photos?
LC: I am the only photographer at Once Upon a Time Photos, but there are three other photographers that I hire as second shooters on a regular basis.
TD: What advice would you offer to brides when selecting their wedding photographer?
LC: Look for a photographer with a style that you love! Make sure to see a handful of entire wedding collections by each photographer you consider, meet with the photographer before signing a contract and get references from former brides.
TD: What is your favorite time of the day to shoot weddings?
LC: Late afternoon weddings work the best because we can shoot portraits during the early evening, which offers the most romantic and appealing lighting.
TD: Lastly, what is the one thing you cannot start your day without?
LC: Prayer!
TD: Same here…love it!
Now a few photos from my clients’ “day after wedding” photo session. Their session took place in the historic town of New Bern in a secluded park located on the Neuse River, which is located in the Crystal Coast region of North Carolina.
Kristi also invited her sister, Kara, who was also her maid of honor along to join in on the fun. As you can see, Kristi did not get in the water with her actual wedding gown. She was willing to do the sand, but she changed into a bridesmaid dress and trash it with her maid of honor. Talk about fun! I love that she got her sister involved.
Actually, this got me thinking, “why not ask your bridesmaids to join in all the fun?” Think about it. Are they likely to wear their gown again? Probably not. If so, a little water may not necessarily cause any damage depending on the fabric. Kristi told met when they got home, they
…threw them into the washing machine–after all they were already trashed, so if the washing machine ruined them, who cares–they came out PERFECTLY clean! I steamed them with my fabric steamer and they’re good as new again!
I hope you enjoyed the interview with Lindsay, owner of Once Upon A Time Photographic Artistry and are encouraged to live it up a little and book a trash the dress or day-after wedding session. Trust me you will have a ton of fun and you will have the memories captured in time to share with your grandchildren some day. Please leave us some comment love. To view more photos from this session, please visit and subscribe to Lindsay’s photography blog.
Read MoreDestination Weddings – Bald Head Island, NC
Fourteen miles of unspoiled pristine beaches, Bald Head Island is one of the hidden treasures of Eastern North Carolina. Located a couple of miles from the Cape Fear River and between there and the Atlantic Ocean, the only access to this island is by a passenger ferry boat or a private yacht.
That’s right! There are no cars on Bald Head Island. The only means of transportation while on the island are golf carts,bikes, and of course “pat and joe” (your feet), making it an ideal place to host both an intimate and eco-conscious destination wedding among your closest family and friends.
As soon as you and your guests arrive onto the island, you will suddenly feel the slow pace of life as you leave your worries all behind you. Just imagine all the memories and the unforgettable time you and your guests will have in this unique little paradise.
Featured in the above photograph is the Bald Head Lighthouse, which is North Carolina’s oldest standing lighthouse and affectionately referred to by the locals as “Old Baldy”. The lighthouse is the most popular place on the island for outdoor wedding ceremonies. This historic lighthouse is just gorgeous as it is nestled between live oak trees and lush greenery.
What do you do in wedding destination that is unspoiled and has no car pollution?
- Relax and past time on the beaches with your bridesmaids
- Sooth your mind, body, and spirit at Island Retreat Spa and Salon
- Golf seaside at the Bald Head Island Club
- Explore the island by hiking the maritime trail, kayaking the tidal creeks, wind-sailing
- Climb the “Old Baldy” Lighthouse for a complete view of the island
- And of course you can wine, dine, and shop while on the island
Whether you chose to host a destination wedding and/or your honeymoon on Bald Head Island, you truly leave it all behind and enter into your own world of fun, romance, and complete relaxation. I have included a promotional video of Bald Head Island that I found on YouTube to entice you a bit.
Are you enticed and interested in hosting a destination wedding on Bald Head Island?
If so, please contact us and do not forget to subscribe to my blog as I will continue to feature the beauty I have grown to love here in my home state as well as in my travels.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Van Atta Photography, a destination wedding photographer based in Wilmington and Asheville, NC. Please be sure to visit his website and blog.
Read MoreWhy Choose North Carolina for Your Destination Wedding
Photo Courtesy of Chris Van Atta Photography
The obvious reason is that we have the best of two-worlds—majestic mountains in the western region and a beautiful coastline in the eastern region. However, North Carolina also offers many other things in between making it an ideal wedding destination for both Carolina brides and out-of-state destination brides.
The allure of North Carolina is in part because of its southern charm and hospitality, which is the icing on the cake. Of equal appeal, North Carolina is the home to a host of private estates, including historic plantations and venues, vineyards and wineries, botanical gardens, farms for barn weddings, and a few secret jewels that are all perfect for hosting a weekend long of wedding events with your closest family and friends.
I was born and raised here in Eastern North Carolina and through the years have grown to appreciate the beauty of my native, especially our beaches. I have decided to re-launch a blog series where I will introduce you to places to host a destination wedding in North Carolina.
Tomorrow, I will introduce you to an island here on our coast that was once one of our best-kept secrets. However, destination brides are becoming to privy to this treasure. Can you guess what island I am referring too? If so, take a guess by commenting.
Photo Credit: Chris Van Atta Photography, a destination wedding photographer based in Wilmington and Asheville, NC. Please be sure to visit his website and blog.
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