Wedding Planning - Beach Bride

Surprise Proposal in Santorini, Greece

By Jenn

Of the many beautiful and romantic beaches around the world, Greece holds a spot in the list of top beach wedding destinations. No wonder why Qing took Yingxue to Santorini to propose! Mind you, this amazing future hubby planned all this all the way from Singapore – thanks to WhatsApp and email! Before popping the question, they took a stroll by the large Skaros Rocks in a village called Imerovigli. The place features a magnificent view of the sea. Their photos are very convincing. I can hear the sound of the waves and the smell of fresh air. Andrea Gallucci Photographer did an incredible job capturing the lovebirds’ photos and video. Add the scenic view of the Cycladic Islands and we got this perfect surprise proposal! Also, check out some words of advice to other couples from the bride herself below!

From The Bride

Let’s start at the beginning. How did you two first meet?

We first met at a basketball game; he plays basketball, while my dad coaches basketball. Our first encounter was not very friendly (haha!) because he was playing on the opposing team that my dad’s team was going up against. We only knew of each other’s existence on this very day and had a few innocent eye contacts. Things only started picking up a few months later (with the help of social media).

Give us all the details about the proposal. How and where did it happen? Was it a surprise? What was the planning process?

It happened in Santorini, Greece! And yes, it was definitely a surprise. He made me hike (a mini one) in a dress to Skaros Rocks after dinner (a huge one if I may add). I wasn’t feeling up for it because I was feeling really bloated from all the delicious Mediterranean food, and the time difference was not helping either. Throughout the entire hike, he was constantly on his phone, and that added to the frustration. I then later knew he was trying to coordinate with Andrea, our photographer. We finally arrived at the end of Skaros Rock, with an unblocked view of the Aegean Sea. Andrea, whom I thought was a tourist (kudos to his great acting), offered to take a picture for us, and that was when my fiancé popped the question. I was not expecting it to happen but I am definitely glad it did.

Are you excited to start planning your wedding day? Do you have any ideas in mind yet?

Yes, but definitely with a tinge of anxiety. I guess it’s inevitable to feel a little nervous, but I have gotten a lot of advice to embrace the process. For the wedding, we have decided to keep the traditions, but stay away from the conventions. Most importantly, to enjoy ourselves and have fun!

Check out their video too…

Associated Vendors

Professional: Positano Proposal | Cinema and Video: Andrea Gallucci | Photographer: Andrea Gallucci Photographer

Jazzed Up With Tropical Colors

By Jenn

Just because 2020 forced the world to stop celebrations, doesn’t really mean Adriana and Michael have to give up their wedding plans. The pandemic didn’t stop them from starting a life together. Thanks to their entire wedding team’s exceptional skills, they managed to pull off a fresh and tropical vibe on their minimalist beach wedding. The tablescapes were decorated with pineapples, green, and carefully selected pieces to achieve the desired look and feel. Even the wedding cake complemented the whole setup. The couple looked undoubtedly delighted by all the details, as captured in the photos by Salvador Robles Photography. Check out the stunning set and wallow in the beauty of this special day!

Associated Vendors

Cake Designer: sweets by the bay | Makeup Artist: Art by Izzy | Floral Designer: Izas Flowers Inc. Reception Venue: Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa | Photographer: Salvador Robles Photography

5 Must Ask Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before You Hire

By Bonnie

Hiring a wedding photographer is easy. Hiring a wedding photographer that you absolutely love, on the other hand, is very challenging! Use these questions to weed out the average photographers from the stellar ones, so that you can be thrilled with the finished photographs.

Five Questions To Ask Your Photographer In Person

Before meeting with your photographer in person, you should familiarize yourself with their work. Investigate the prices that they offer, and read the information provided through the their website. If you do this research before hand, you can use the in person interview as a time to dig deeper. Here are a list of questions to cover:

1. Can I see a full album?

You have already seen the portfolio that the photographer shares through their website, but this question will get you some more information. The portfolio is comprised of stand-out photos that the photographer is proud of. A full album will give you a glimpse into what a full range of shots looks like as a whole.

2. Who will be at the shoot?

Your photographer may arrive with one or two extra shooters. Be sure that you ask about all of the photographers who will be present, not just the lead photographer.

3. How would you describe your shooting style?

This question will help you determine if the photographer will be proactive and aggressive about getting shots, or if they will prefer to blend into the background. The mix that many couples prefer is a photographer who is kind, courteous, and comfortable with leading and directing so that necessary shots are accomplished in a timely manner.

4. What scheduling needs do you have on the wedding day?

Allow the photographer to explain what kind of a timeline will allow them to do their work the best. If a photographer is rushed, you won’t see the results that you hope for. Give them time to test the light, arrange beautiful compositions, and capture all of the colorful and fun details that fill your special day.

5. Do you have any advice for me?

This open-ended question can become a gold-mine of information. Wedding photographers have been to many weddings, and see the same mistakes or successes over and over. By asking for the photographers advice, you will pick up nuggets of wisdom, such as tips for brides and grooms about timing. For example, did you know that the best time for outdoor ceremonies is one to two hours before sunset?

Ask your wedding photographer these deep-digging questions so that you can sort out the average photographers from the amazing ones. In addition to finding the perfect match for your toes-in-the-sand wedding, you will also learn some valuable information in the process. Have you interviewed any potential wedding photographers yet? Did it go well, or horribly? Share in the comments below.

Your Destination Wedding: When To Pay For A Guest

By Bonnie

Are you stressed out about who and what you should pay for when it comes to your enchanting destination wedding? I want you to think of a seesaw (like you might see on a playground). On one side, you have your budget. On the other side, you have “etiquette”. Now that you have your seesaw in mind, imagine what will happen if you lean too heavily on either side. The seesaw will no longer work as it is supposed to! In order to make decisions about what expenses to cover, you need to understand that you must keep this seesaw balanced.

You Don’t Want Grumbling Guests

Your Destination Wedding: When To Pay For A Guest — Source: hvmag.com

Etiquette is a code of behavior that society has agreed on which has to do with being polite. If the word etiquette sounds irrelevant or intimidating, substitute it with “kindness” or “thoughtfulness”. Basically, rules about etiquette help us act in ways that are considerate of others.

Because wedding budgets vary so much, it is impossible to give hard and fast rules about what the bride and groom (and their families) need to cover. The rules of etiquette give us a starting off point, and then we have to wiggle and squirm until the rules fit with our budget.

Etiquette dictates that the couple needs to cover a welcome party, the rehearsal dinner, the reception, and a morning-after brunch. This is considered customary, and if you decide to leave your guests high and dry at one of these wedding time-line events, you might receive some raised eyebrows in the very least. Since no one wants to hear grumbling guests, I advise you to feed and offer refreshments to your guests at these times.

No one is telling you what to feed them! It could be an affordable pizza party rehearsal dinner on the hotel roof! You don’t have to break the bank in order to fill these obligations.

The Wedding Party Deserves Special Treatment

In addition, etiquette dictates that the bride and groom should pay for lodging for attendants. The bride and groom should think carefully about how many people they want in their wedding parties if they plan on paying lodging. Hotel room fees can add up quickly!

When you are deciding whether or not to follow this rule, try putting yourself in your bridesmaids or groomsmen’s shoes. Think about their individual situations and whether you think they can bear the financial burden that you will be asking of them if you don’t cover lodging.

Close friends who are struggling financially won’t want to let you down, and will likely foot the bill with a smile plastered on their faces. Is that what you want? If this perspective makes you see that it will be hard for them to pay, than scrimp and save in other areas, and foot the lodging bill for those special few who you have asked to be a part of your wedding party. Close friends are worth it!

Everyone Else Gets To Choose

You do not have to worry about every single guest that you invite, and whether they will be comfortable paying for the expenses that will come along with your destination wedding. Once you have carefully considered your VIP list (parents, perhaps grandparents, and your wedding party), you should stop there. If a guest is excited to come to your fun, exotic location to help you celebrate your union, they will make it happen! They are free to politely decline.

Keep your seesaw balanced between budget concerns and acting kindly. This way you will see that the choices you make have to keep both ends of the balance in mind! Think about costs from your guest’s perspective. Your guests, especially your wedding party, should be looking forward to your tropical-bliss gathering, not resenting you for the work-out you are giving their wallet.

Do you think these rules sound fair, or do you disagree?

“Just Us” Destination Wedding: 5 Reasons To Cut Your Entire Guest List

By Bonnie

Are you someone who loves alone time, and gets overwhelmed in crowds? A ‘just us’ destination wedding, or elopement, might be perfect for you. Not everyone likes to be the center of attention. For many introverts especially, a crowd can seem to take away the magic of the moment. Here are five reasons why eliminating all of your guests could be the perfect choice for you!

1. Focus On Romance

Just Us Destination Wedding: 5 Reasons To Cut Your Entire Guest List — Source: intimateweddings.com

Couples that host large weddings often spend more time greeting and socializing with guests than they do in intimate moments together. If you cut your entire guest list, your ceremony will be all about you and your man.

2. Budget Limitations

Destination weddings, as well as large events, can start to get expensive quickly! If you have a limited amount to spend, opting for a beautiful beach elopement could really ease your mind. Cutting your guest list will certainly free up some funds! Use your money to buy a gorgeous gown or travel to a really exotic and special location.

3. Less Stress

The daunting task of arranging every detail of a wedding party can paralyze some. Because of this, they put off their wedding and wait for that day when they will have the time and mental energy to plan it. Instead of putting it off, move forward with your relationship by keeping your nuptials simple!

4. Celebrate Later

If the thought of excluding your friends and family is weighing on you, consider this: you can always celebrate later. Parents who want to plan a big event for you certainly can. It will just be a celebration party rather than a wedding! This gives you a great way to include friends and relatives.

5. Intimate Event

A ‘just us’ wedding is inherently personal and private. If you value intimacy, this route could be much better suited to you than a wedding with guests.

These reasons may or may not tip the scales for you! I personally would have loved to have a ‘just us’ destination wedding, except for the fact that I always imagined hugging my sisters after saying my vows. Sometimes being surrounded by your tribe is worth the stress and cost of event planning. The joy of being with your loved ones can be more important that protecting intimacy. What do you think?

Is a ‘just us’ wedding the perfect solution, or do you think you would regret it later on?

Who needs guests anyways? Drop a comment below!