We’re teaming up with MFL Photography to give you a personalized photo shoot styled just for you.  That’s right Precious Nuptials & Destinations will style your photo shoot backdrop and the talented Prashant of MFL Photography will document!  Three finalist will be featured here on our blog for our readers to decide on a winner.  With less than two weeks to go (deadline: midnight on August 31st), hurry here for all the details.

Precious Nuptials & Destinations is teaming up with MFL Photography to bring to you a fantastic giveaway – a photo shoot captured by MFL Photography and styled by us!  We are excited to be working together with Prashant, the owner and head photographer, who is full of creativity, fresh ideas, and passion for the wedding industry.

CONTEST DETAILS:

This contest is open to any couple who will be available in the Houston area on the afternoon/early evening of Sunday, September 26, 2010.  You can be engaged or married, as this shoot will be either an engagement shoot or an anniversary shoot.  The prize will be a one-hour photo shoot captured by MFL Photography and styled by Precious Nuptials & Destinations, along with 20 digital images and two 8×10 prints.

HOW TO ENTER:

1. We want to hear your story!  Email me at dionne@preciousnuptials.com in 250 words or less either how you two met or how he proposed.  Make sure that in the Subject Line of your email you put “Photoshoot Giveaway”  and then both your names (eg. Photoshoot Giveaway: Alexandra & Jason) or your entry might not be included.

2. Please also include a brief sentence or two about your personal style and tastes so that we can start thinking about how we’ll style your photo shoot if you win (eg. “we both like bright colors, the beach and picnics, and quirky movies”).

3. Also make sure to attach a photo of the two of you together.

4. “Like” Precious Nuptials & Destinations and MFL Photography on Facebook.

CONTEST DEADLINE:

The submission period ends Tuesday, August 31st 2010 at 12 midnight.  Any emails received after then will not be entered into the contest.  Then from there we will review each story received and pick our three favorites, and then post them here on the blog and Facebook for the world to see on Tuesday, September 7th, 2010.  At this point, the contest is in the hands of blogland.  Readers will have one week to vote for their favorite story by “liking” the couple of their choice’s post on Facebook, or by emailing me at dionne@preciousnuptials.com with the couples’ name as the Subject Heading (i will repost how to vote when we get to that stage).  The winner will be emailed and announced here on the blog no later than Friday, September 17th, 2010.

Good luck!

Understanding that each couple’s needs and desires will differ, so will the vendor selection process.  At Precious Nuptials & Destinations, we believe that images captured should be somewhere at the top of your priority list.  After all, once your day is done, other than memories, this will be your only source of reflection.

What options are available when selecting a destination wedding photographer?

Fly in your own destination wedding photographer ::

We have access to many fabulous local and/or area wedding photographers.  Many of these photographers are destination wedding photographers.  This simply means that they are available to travel to your wedding location.  Hiring a domestic destination wedding photographer allows you the greatest flexibility in finding a photographer unique to your style.  Once you have hired your perfect match, have your photographer arrive the day prior to the start of events and depart a day or two after.  This will allow time to document and capture additional gathering images such as a group welcome party, rehearsal dinner, day after brunch, and possible post wedding images.   We give this option three stars for obvious reasons.  This will be the most costly option.  However, you’ll come away with a larger number of images (possibly digital copies depending on your agreement).  You’ll also have time to become relaxed and get to know the person behind the lenses documenting your journey.

Hire a photographer local to your destination ::

If you’re allowing for planning trip(s), this can be an option to consider.  Resorts, hotels, and local wedding vendors will be a good resource to obtaining a good referral list of destination local photographer options.  Depending on the depth of work performed, you may not receive your final product until after you’ve returned home.  This will mean that much of your communications will be done from a distance.  However, if you are planning an extended honeymoon, extended area stay, or booked a photographer that does not offer extensive edits, chances are your order will be ready to take home as you depart.  We give this option two stars.

Use of the resort provided photographer ::

Resorts offer their photography as part of their wedding packages or as an upgrade option.  With this option you’ll receive X amount of images from your wedding day.  Rather small in number and usually only in printed form, we give this option one star.  Resorts usually train thier staff of photographers through their select training program (i.e. Kodak Event Photography).  This option may be better suited for a couple only elopement.  This is not a bad option.  It’s simply not the best option available.

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]

16 :: Bring In Service Providers You Can’t Live Without

Just because you’ve having a destination wedding doesn’t mean you have to forgo using local vendors that you’ve come the know, trust, and love!  Other than the wedding planner, we think you should absolutely bring in your favorite photographer.  Photography is such a beautiful art.  Your destination wedding should be captured by an exceptional artist who’s craft meshes best with your style.  Mark Eric, Brooke Schwab, Christine Tremoulet, and Clint Shuttlesworth are wonderful examples of remarkable photography.  Each bring their own unique style of photography wrapped in beautiful packaging that’s yours to keep.  It’s simply priceless!  Review the dynamic photographers listed on Modern Photographers to seek your artistic genius.  After all, when everything is said and done, your memories along with tangible images will be the only reference of your day.  Bring along service providers that will make the best that much better.

17 :: Insurance, Insurance, and More Insurance

You invest in car insurance.  You invest in homeowners insurance.  You invest in personal property insurance.  All of which are hefty investments.  Your wedding should not be any different.  We like to example that planning a wedding is the third biggest expense next to raising a family and purchasing a homestead.  The difference is that you will endure the cost of the first two over a span of years.  Contrary, your wedding will be paid for over the course of eighteen months or less.  Why would you not invest in wedding insurance?  Protect your destination wedding investment and don’t skimp when it comes to wedding event insurance (as discussed on this previous post) as well as travel insurance.

18 :: Confirmed Service Providers

Any good destination wedding planner and/or travel agent will offer this as part of  their services.  If by chance you are handling the planning yourself, confirming your vendors as well as your travel plans is certainly necessary.  Your final payment will not serve as service confirmation.  You will need to make personal contact to confirm the details of the services outlined on all agreements.  Don’t forget to log all date, times, and names of each person you speak with.  Success is all about being proactive instead of reactive.

19 :: Organization

Available at your fingertips, are 20 elements or tips towards planning your very own successful destination wedding.  Believe me when I say, there are so many more.  Stay on track by staying organized.  It’s that simple.  If you work best with hard copies, create a binder.  There are many shelf copies marketed to brides, but the best planning binder will be the one developed by you with your needs in mind.  You’ll be able to add as little or as much to stay on track with your destination wedding road map.  If you prefer electronic organization, find a software you’re willing to marry or create your own electronic system.  Terrica showcased this iPhone/iTouch iWedding application on Cocktails & Details last Friday.  Find a system that will work for you and be sure to back up electronic data on a separate piece of hardware.

20 :: Graciously Thank Your Guests

We know it’s all about you, but it’s so thoughtful to show an abundance of appreciation to all that was able to participate and attend.  Plan a farewell brunch before you escape to your honeymoon location.  Once you return home, thank them again.  Sacrifices were made by your guests because of the love and support they were determined to share as you begin a new chapter in your life!

We hope you found useful information and enjoyed this series as much as we enjoyed sharing it with you!

[To your precious nuptial :: Cheers!]