Destination Weddings

Every bride wants her wedding to be one-of-a-kind. Having a wedding at a fabulous resort is one way to make your event more memorable and it is becoming more and more popular with couples planning a wedding.

A wedding is a wonderful celebration that brings family and friends together. These days, however, weddings often require travel for many of the guests because people are spread out across the country. If many guests have long distances to travel to begin with, why not choose an exotic location and turn your wedding into a more memorable event for everyone?

Location, Location, Location...
Choosing the right place for your wedding should be first on your "to do" list. This day should be perfect from start to finish - that is why finding the right place should be first on your 'to do' list. The place where you and your fiancee will exchange vows will set the mood for your whole wedding celebration. Whether you choose to have your first kiss as a married couple on the beach, or dancing in a ballroom like Cinderella, there are many beautiful locations throughout the world to choose for a destination wedding.


One of the drawbacks of a destination wedding is the expense of flights and the added expense of accommodations that guests would need to pay for. Keep in mind that a lot of your guests may decide not to attend based on these factors. If you have problems with a guest list that is getting out of control, a destination wedding may be the answer to your problems.

Helpful Tip - send invitations early so that your guests will have enough time to make travel plans

Start planning early and book ahead. If you book six months ahead you get better rates on hotels and flights. American Airlines has a special wedding desk (1-800-545-8193) and can offer a special rate if you book for ten guests or more at the same time.

Helpful Tip - Keep in mind that there can be hidden costs such as hotel taxes and/or exchange rates if you are getting married in a foreign country.

According to one recent survey of brides, more than 20% of couples planning a wedding are choosing a destination wedding. One reason the destination wedding has become so popular is that combining your wedding and honeymoon can save money. Destination weddings may also cost less per guest than having your wedding stateside in an elegant ballroom. Finally, be sure to ask about complete wedding packages which are offered by many of the big resorts and cruise lines.

If possible, hire a wedding coordinator at your location (check references) and visit if possible beforehand. Sandals Resorts, for example, have offered a test-drive your honeymoon package from time to time that allows couples to fly in for a weekend and "try them out." If a couple decides to book a honeymoon or wedding and honeymoon package, the cost of the weekend trip is applied to their honeymoon. Of course, specials like these are subject to change and may not always be available, but its worth looking into.

Before you go be sure to check on local marriage license laws and any paperwork you will need to bring - visa, birth certificate etc. If you are getting married outside on the beach, have a back-up plan if the weather is not cooperating. If you plan to marry in the Caribbean you may want to avoid hurricane season. :)

www.crystalimagephoto.com

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The Changing Face Of Wedding Photography

When your grandparents got married they may have had a few photographs taken of them that were then placed of walls or shelves. Possibly these photos were snapped by a friend or relatives and they may not have been very professional looking. They were probably black and white photos and may not have been of good quality. By the time your parents were getting married they may have had a selection of colored pictures taken. These photos were always posed and most were group pictures. These may have been put in a plastic album that they took out for family reunions and other occasions.

Are you wondering what options you will have for your wedding?

 Photography has come a long way since your parent’s day. You will not only have better equipment that will be used, your choice for photos; albums and even online sharing will be something grandma never imagined. Technology has changed so much in the last twenty five years. You will be glad that you are getting married in this age of high tech digital cameras. Your wedding photographer will know if they have captured the best shots of you in each frame. They will be able to keep snapping until they know that they have captured the proper shot. In the past, photographers had no way of telling if the picture they were taking was of good quality or not. They had to wait until the photographs were developed before they knew the results.

A photographer today will ask you what group pictures you would like to take at your wedding. This is a great idea because you won't want to miss having a picture with that favorite aunt. Photographers, however, now take more photos that are not posed. Your photographer will be constantly taking pictures, telling the story of your wedding day. Candid and random photos are often amazing and can capture the feeling and emotions of your important moments. Having videos of your wedding may not be necessary if your photographer takes a series of photographers depicting the complete picture of your wedding day. Many photographers are experts at this and a professional photo album can be made of your wedding. From getting ready to the throwing of the rice your wedding can be captured. 

Photography today is more exciting than ever. From digital cameras to new methods of putting these photos in albums, today's photography has come a long way from grandma’s day. You have great options to create memories that will last a lifetime take advantage of all of the possibilities.

How to Plan Your Wedding Photography - 4 Steps to Memorable Wedding Pictures

 As one of the most important decisions you will make concerning the big day, planning your wedding photography should be considered with care. Follow these four steps to ensure your wedding pictures capture these priceless wedding day memories.

1) Select Your Photography Style

How do you envision your wedding photographs? Wedding Photographers generally fall into three stylistic categories: traditional, photojournalist, or a combination of both. Traditional photographers are practiced in obtaining great portraits and posed shots. For more candid shots that document the day's emotions and all the behind-the-scenes action, you may lean towards the photojournalistic style of photography (a hot trend for today's weddings). For brides who simply cannot decide, seek a wedding photographer who can offer the perfect mix. (that’s us) J

2) Consider the Cost

This really is one area in which you should avoid cutting corners, as your photographs will be one of the few keepsakes you can actually take from your wedding. Expect to allocate at least $1000 to your wedding photography budget (the bottom line in metro areas will be higher). If budget is a concern, consider ordering the most basic package, but avoid hiring an inexperienced photographer to save money.

3) Hire your Wedding Photographer

Do your research, and compile a list of potentials and commence the "meet and greet." When meeting with potential photographers, be sure to review his or her work and remember to consider the importance of personality. Your photographer will capture some of the best shots behind the scenes, so you must feel comfortable in working with this person and inviting them backstage. Trust your instinct: if you find anything disagreeable about working with this person, keep looking. And don't forget to get everything in writing.

4) Plan the Wedding Pictures

Well before your wedding day, make sure you have considered the must-have photography shots and their execution. You should discuss these details with your photographer so that he or she will be familiar with the site location, the VIPs of the wedding (attendants, parents etc.), and the best and most un-obtrusive way to get these important shots.

Consider every aspect of your wedding day and how you would like it captured. From the pre-ceremony preparation, to your walk down the aisle, to your "I Dos," to your first dance and finally to your departure, make sure to discuss the perfect shots for each special moment. Throughout the planning process, be in the lookout out for images that catch your eye, and consider bringing clips to your photographer. Browse this gallery of creative wedding pictures for inspiration.

Now that you know the basics, this complete wedding photography guide will walk you the rest of the way towards planning your wedding day pictures.

www.crystalimagephoto.com

Wedding Photography Prices Guide: How to Set Your Photography Budget

 How much does professional photography cost for your wedding? Well, not $300 as one bride told me she thought it would cost!

 Learn how to set a realistic photography budget with this guide to wedding photography prices and rates.

The Going Rate for Professional Photography

When determining your wedding photography budget, keep in mind that you get what you pay for.(read my other post on Why Choose A Pro) You should expect to spend at least $1000 on having a professional wedding photographer document your wedding (not including the actual prints and other extras). Rates, of course, will vary depending on skill level, experience and geographic region (metro areas are usually considerably higher). The size of your wedding can also affect the photography cost, as additional people may increase the amount of time that the photographer must spend at your event.

Comparing Photographer Rates

Most wedding photographers will give general pricing information over the phone or on their websites, so you can use an initial online search or phone call as your first step towards finding a photographer that suits your budget. In comparing photography costs, remember that different photographers offer different packages - so initial rates can be misleading. Some rates only include the photographer's time, while prints and albums are extra. Other photography packages may include proofs, a set number of prints and an album. Determine what services and options you want first, then compare photographers' rates for providing those specific options to determine which professional works within your wedding photography budget.

Once You Have Chosen a Photographer:  Photography Contract Points

When reviewing your contract with a potential photographer, make sure that it is specifically clear in what it covers. Consider these questions:

•             Do you need to make a deposit?

•             What is the cancellation policy? Will you get anything back?

•             Is any travel time considered an extra or included in the bill?

•             Are you entitled to final prints only, or can you obtain all of the proofs?

•            Do you have all the printing rights to print any photos you get on CD/DVD?

The question that opened my photography studio

 What would you do if you knew that you could not fail? Someone asked me this once and I thought that it was a completely bogus question. If you knew you could not fail, you would do whatever it is that you wanted to do. I think the more appropriate question is, what would you do if you were never afraid to fail? The answer is just as simple as from the other question, but it is much more realistic. The answer to this question is, you would take a chance even if you would fail more times than you would succeed.

This is the question that drove me to opening my photography studio in Downtown Farmville. All I heard for months prior to opening was, it is to dangerous to start a business these days. The economy is bad. No one has money to spend. The risk outweighs the reward. Don't do it!!! But what would I do if I was never afraid? That is the only question I could think about. So I took that chance, left a full time job of 17 years and now I get to live my dream of taking professional photographs every day. Wedding photos, Senior Portraits, Families, babies, and I am shooting it, and I could not be happier.

Crystal Image Photography started off very small but has grown over the years. From photographing weddings right down the street to across the country.  

Granted it is not easy to start up a photography studio, much less any other type of small business. Hours and hours of hard work are put into making a dream a reality. No shortcuts, no early days! In order to succeed in this market, you have to go further then anyone else is willing to go. Photography is my dream; it is what this company is based on. That, and sharing the talent God blessed me with. Going after what other people would not because they are too afraid to try.

Don’t be afraid to try whatever it is you dream of. You never know just how far you can go until you TRY!

See how our photography has changed and developed over the past few years.

www.crystalimagephoto.comwww.crystalimagephoto.com

Leave Us A Review & Be Entered For a Chance to WIN A $50 Victoria's Secret Gift Card! Plus A Chance at $1000 From The Knot!

 If Crystal Image Photography photographed your wedding in the past year or even a few years ago take this opportunity to give us a shout out on The Knot and The Wedding Wire.com for your chance to win a $50 Victoria's Secret Gift Card from CIP and a chance at $1000 from The Knot!

From now until April 30, 2012 all of our wedding customers who leave us a review on theknot.com and weddingwire.com will be entered into the contest for $50 Victoria's Secret Gift.

The lucky winner of the portrait session will be announced on May 1, 2012.

Reviews help us know what we’re doing right and maybe what we’re not doing right. So, here is your chance brides and grooms. Give us your feedback and get a chance to win a portrait session with CIP and maybe some cool cash for The Knot!

Click Here to leave us a REVIEW ON THE KNOT

 Click Here to leave us a REVIEW THE WEDDING WIRE

More on The Knots $1000 Giveaway

2012 Brides Lock In Your Rates Now!

If you are considering Crystal Image Photography as your wedding photographer for your upcoming 2012 wedding now is the time to book!.

From now until Dec. 31 book your 2012 wedding and you can lock in the 2011 rates.

Rates will increase effective Jan. 1, 2012

2012 dates that we are already booked for:

April 7

April 28

May 19

May 20

June 2

June 23

July 7

July 23

Aug 11

Sept. 1

Oct 13

Call or email us today for more information on our wedding photography and/or to book your wedding!

Want to see some of our latest work? check us out on facebook www.facebook.com/cip4you

The Value of Professional Prints

When you hire a professional photographer such as Crystal Image Photography, the professional touch doesn't just begin and end with the images themselves. It extends to the entire package, the prints and the albums too. Many times, I get calls from people who want my expertise as a photographer but who want to print the pictures themselves, or send them to a regular vacation-snapshot printing type of service to have them printed. I know what's going to happen next; several months later, I'll get a frantic call from the same person who is now very unhappy with the quality of the prints. She'll call me to fix them and she'll end up spending twice as much money to have them printed later.

A professional photographer hones her craft through many years of hard work and study. When I take images, either in the studio or on location, I'm thinking about lighting, angles, background and position of the subject. When I sit down with the final images, sometimes they need a little color touch up here or a crop there to make them perfect. I have access to the best laboratories in the country – places only professional photographers go – to print your images. And the results are beautiful albums and portraits that you'll enjoy for a lifetime.

So while it's fine to drop your vacation disk off at the drugstore or email them to an internet photo lab to be printed, don't take chances with your wedding, baby's first pictures, or senior portraits. Choose professional services from start to finish and you'll get professional results every time.

Planning Your Wedding Day? - Come See Us At This Sunday's Bridal Show!

Planning your wedding day?

Join us this Sunday, February 21 for the
Forever Yours Dream Wedding Showcase

1PM-4PM

Richmond Marriott West

4240 Dominion Blvd

Glen Allen, VA 23060

Tickets are $10 at the door; $7 with advance purchase
Click here for more info

Crystal Image Photography will be showcasing some of our award
winning wedding and bridal photography during this bridal expo!

Stop by our booth to view our photography and new
wedding albums and register for a FREE 16x20 bridal portrait.

Come with your wedding thoughts & leave with your wedding planned!
Both Crystal and Jenifer will be available to discuss your wedding photography needs.

We hope to see you there!
- Crystal

For more information on our wedding and bridal photography services
click here

Crystal Image Photography is a Virginia based award winning wedding photography and portrait studio available for nationwide and destination wedding coverage.

www.crystalimagephoto.com