How to Find a Wedding Photographer

Since your wedding is important to you, you must look into finding a good wedding photographer who can capture it all in the right way. This article will provide you with basic things to keep in mind, while shopping around for a wedding photographer. The key thing is to find the wedding photographer who will best meet your needs and whom you can honestly trust. They need to be able to listen to your opinions, while also using their own styles.

It's good to ask around, to see who other people are using. You can ask family, friends, and wedding planners. Go online and search for wedding photographers in your city. Take a good look at their photography site, and view their work. If you don't like the look of their photos, then scratch them off the possible list. Photographers tend to post some of their best work on their sites for others to see. If you aren't happy with what you see, then move along and continue researching.

If you find a photographer that you like, schedule a time to meet with them in person. This way, you can see how you get along with the photographer. If you are unable to trust them, you will not feel fully comfortable in them photographing your big day. Ask them what styles of photos they specialize in. Do they have recommendations for your wedding? Would they be okay accepting ideas of yours? Ask them about prices, but do not be too concerned about the price of the packages. This is a mistake many people make, thinking that there will be no big difference in the quality of the photos. However, there is a reason that many photographers charge the amount they do, and that is because their quality is better than others. Also, find out if they are connected with other photographers in your city. This can show that they have made a name for themselves in the wedding photography niche.

It's important that you can connect and form a relationship with your wedding photographer. Don't take too much control over what they photograph. You hired them to use their techniques and skills to photograph your wedding, so there's no need to for to be too demanding over their work. If they're experienced, then they should have no problem taking the photos that you'll love. Besides, this is a very special occasion for you, so relax and enjoy your wedding day!

Congrats Ashley!

I just wanted to say congrats to my friend Ashley!!!!!! OMG! Her boyfriend of 3 years asked her to marry him. Obviously, she said yes. They don't know of any details yet, but they're not the type of people who stress things like that too much. I'm looking forward to helping her get things planned right. I'll prob share some of that stuff here too =P

I was looking around today and found another useful looking blog that provides Nashville wedding tips.

Again, grats to Ash for finally getting that ring =P

The Nashville Wedding Scene

There are a lot of fun blogs and sites that cover the Nashville wedding scene, but one of my favorites is Ashley's Bridal Guide. Her blog is a lot of fun to read and I really enjoy. Recently she published her A-List with some of the best wedding vendors in the Nashville Area. So if you're looking for a wedding planner or a wedding venue here in Nashville, you should really check out ashleysbrideguide.com.

Some other cool things I found this week was this great wedding video of a wedding here in Nashville. I love the music used in it and you should check out the Nashville wedding photographers responsible for it.

Picking a Wedding Photographer Tips

Selecting a wedding photographer can be a challenging choice. There are many things to consider when looking at different Nashville wedding photographers. Selecting a photographer who will capture you and your significant other's day you like you want, is very important. Not only should you look at their work, but consider how well you relate with them. I'm a firm believer that passion and love and be illustrated in one's work.

The first factor to consider is the photographer's experience level. Is this a hobby of theirs, or something they're really passionate about and do for a living. Next, consider their style. You'll hear phrases like photojournalistic, classic, and even candid. Take some time looking at their portfolio to get an idea of their photography style.

There are a lot of great photographers in Nashville, but there are some shady characters too. Ask around and get an idea of your photographer's reputation. It is important to find an ethical and truthful photographer to work with.

Although everyone hates discussion money, your photographer's price is a key selling point. As I mentioned in a previous post, it is important to find a photographer that fits your budget. It is a trade off of what you want, vs what you can afford. You also need to consider other business aspect like delivery and a contract. Do you need to sign a contract and how are you required to pay. Spend extra time on this and ask around for advice.

Finding the right photography can be a task, but there are many great photographers here in Nashville, which you can use. I took a long time to decide, but I was really happy the the photographers I picked.

Wedding Invitations

Whether you are trying to stick to a smaller budget, or if you simply want to inject a more personal note into your wedding preparations, making your own wedding invitations can be an excellent idea. There are so many options for buying pre-made wedding invitations, but the possibilities for making your own are virtually endless!

Choosing Colors

As always, your color choices for the wedding invitations you design and make yourself should reflect the colors you have chosen for the wedding itself. Not sure how this works? Simply look at the colors of bridesmaid dresses, jewelry and other accessories to determine your color options for the invitations.

Generally, you are going to pick a main color for your wedding, and this should be reflected in elements such as bridesmaid dresses, and decorations. Accent colors for jewelry and other minor elements should also be considered.

With these colors chosen, you can then apply them to your invitations. You can use the main wedding theme as the principle invitation color, either by applying it to the invitation, the card stock, the envelope liner, or card sleeve. Then use your accent colors for ink and other decorative additions.

Shapes and Sizes

What about shape and size? Most pre-made invitations are square or rectangular, but if you are making your own invitations, you can choose any shape you like. You can stick to these traditional shapes if you prefer, but really, there is no limit to the possibilities apart from the practicalities of posting them. If your invitations are going through the mail, it is usually best to choose standard shapes, sizes, and weights, to keep your postage costs to a minimum and to ensure that your invitations arrive at their destinations in good condition.

However, while your envelopes should be of a normal shape, the invitations themselves can be any shape, as long as they fit inside the envelope. If you choose a heavy, thick envelope paper, or use a card backing inside the envelope to protect the invitation, you can choose any shape at all.

Adding Decorations

With the invitation completed, why not consider adding some extra decorative elements? These can be created for just pennies per invitation, and very easily, in many cases. Consider these ideas:

• Purchase some inexpensive ribbon and cut off lengths that are around two and a half to three times the width of the finished invitation. Tie a length around each invitation, making a pretty bow or knot with the ends.
• If you have designed foldout invitations, buy sealing wax in a color that matches your invitation and melt the wax to seal the invitation. Use a heart-shaped cutout to stamp an impression in the wax.
• Look for some inexpensive silk or paper flowers, or save dried flowers and leaves, to use as decorations and glue a single flower to the top of each invitation.
• Buy or print patterned paper in complementing colors, and cut out envelope liners to insert in your invitation envelopes.

Alternatives to Traditional Card and Envelope Invitations

If you would like to design a truly original wedding invitation, why not abandon the traditional card-and-envelope format altogether. Your invitations do not necessarily have to involve an envelope with an invitation inside!

Destination weddings, beach weddings, and other non-traditional events are the perfect excuse to design a unique and unusual invitation, providing your guests with some insight into the tone of your wedding at the same time as you wow them with your creativity!

When thinking of invitations in this way, pretty much anything goes. From message-in-a-bottle invitations for a beach wedding, to extra-special wedding invitation boxes containing not only the invitation, but also extras such as confetti and rose petals, fragrant cinnamon sticks, or hand-made paper ornaments, you are limited only by what you can imagine.

Why not add a photograph to your invitation, or make a framed photo the invitation itself? These can serve as a great introduction to distant relatives and old family friends who may not have met both members of the happy couple. Photographs are a highly personal option to consider. These can be personalized even more by using photos that depict you and your fiancé sharing a hobby you both enjoy, walking on the beach, or just enjoying each other's company.

For a really special invitation, consider a CD/DVD containing not only a wedding invitation and other relevant information, but also photographs, music, and images. Another idea is a montage of photos of your time together as a couple before the wedding. A fantastic reminder for your wedding guests, this is a keepsake that should be treasured long after the wedding itself. With some creativity, you can create some amazing wedding invitations that your guests can hold onto for many years. This also gives them an excellent idea of what to expect at the wedding.

I hope this will help you design a wedding invitation. I suggest learning more about wedding invitation etiquette before you start. You want to make sure you get everything right for your wedding.

Wedding Ring Tips

Finding the best wedding rings can be a challenge for many men. It is important to find a high quality rink that she’ll love while trying to stay within your budget. To keep you on track and to help you find the right ring, here are some tips for finding the perfect wedding ring.

Don’t Shop Online
Although online stores can provide great deals, it is important to to get first hand experience. Go to the store and take the time to look at times in person. This knowledge will help with selecting the ring and you’ll know exactly what you’re getting.

Trust Yourself
Don’t buy a ring you don’t feel comfortable. Don’t let anything pressure you into buying a particular ring. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for engagement rings or a wedding band. This is an important purchase, buy what you want.

Get Service From Professionals
Consult a gem professional to evaluate the diamond you are look at. Also look for a jeweler who specializes in diamonds.

Buy the Diamond
If you buy the diamond separately from the mount/ring, you can get a better price and a higher quality diamond.

It’s About Her
Don’t let anyone convince you of a ring that she won’t like. The only person you should be look to satisfy is her.

These are some simple tips that will help you find the right ring for your girl. In the end, trust your heart and buy something she will love.

Nashville Wedding

Last year when I got married everyone I knew was giving me advice and suggestions on etiquette. I am sure all you other Nashville brides who are planning your perfect Nashville wedding are experiencing the same thing. Everyone will try to transform your wedding and it can easily turn from “your day” to everyone else’s day. You have to juggle family, friends, and wedding planners. You have to find a Nashville wedding cake that makes both you and your bride happy, feeds people and stays in budget. People will dictate what kind of dress you should wear and expect you to follow traditional wedding themes.This can make planning a wedding a challenge, so we really suggest you set your own rules.

Weddings can quickly get caught up in a set of rules, but honestly you just need to push them aside and do your own thing. There plenty of options for a Nashville wedding that will allow you to keep it classic and traditional or new and trendy. There is no need to follow any wedding rules.

Some of the best weddings in Nashville that I have been to (mainly my friends) have been great when the bride made the choice to have a funky and clever wedding instead of an old school classical one. I’ve seen some beautiful wedding cakes, dresses, and themes. All of these girls were lucky enough to find a Nashville wedding planner who was open to many ideas and worked hard to create the bride’s dream. There are some really good wedding planners in Nashville, so do not settle for anyone who will not deliver your day the way you want it.

So forget the expectations of your friends and family. It is your day and the only two people who should be pleased at the end of the day is you and your fiancé. So get what you want in mind, find a good wedding planner and get to work.

And even though its fun to say “do what you want”, you must keep in mind how much money you have to spend. So I guess in addition to your man, you must also make your wedding budget happy. Luckily, there are a ton of options available for a Nashville wedding to fit into anyone’s budget. The important thing to do is to set the budget before you begin. Before looking for a planner, a cake, a dress, or location; you need to make some choices about your budget.

First site down with you fiancé and determine how much you can afford to spend on both your wedding and honeymoon. It is important to be candid with each other, because you do no want to start your marriage in debt because you did not plan your wedding properly. A marriage is a fun time and you do not want to deal with financial problems associated with it. There are all kinds of fees that can come up from a Nashville wedding photographer to a wedding dj. Little things can add up from invitations to wedding favors.


Some times it is time to hit up the family, but it is important to ask them how much they’re willing to spend. You do not want money issues to ruin your wedding day or hurt your relationship with any family member. It is good to clear this stuff up early so you do not have to deal with it as it gets closer to your wedding date. This way you can focus on the important things, while having a great time with your family.

Lastly you need to make some priorities. On you wedding day, what is the most important to you? How important is your wedding dress? Do you want a nice wedding cake make here in Nashville? What Nashville wedding photographer do you want to use, and how important is photo quality? Where in Nashville do you want to have the reception? What about dinner? Invitations? And even your wedding day shoes. I suggest ranking each of these and they will help you set priorities in your budget.

Once you make up priorities, it will be easier to determine how much you should spend on each time. Maybe invitations aren’t important, but photos are. So you should set aside a larger budget for hiring a Nashville wedding photographer.

Start with what is important and work your way down. Also talk with people who have had weddings recently, because they might provide advice on prioritizing your wants.

It is a smart idea to hire a Nashville wedding planner who can help you sort all this stuff out. They work with this stuff daily and have the experience to help you plan and set a budget. Your Nashville wedding with be beautiful, you just have to take the time to plan and be prepared.