Destination Wedding? Bring Your Own "Bridal Crew!"

Destination weddings are extremely popular. They are tons of fun, extremely romantic, and is an added bonus with a nice getaway!

Booking your wedding in another country can also be scary. Putting your trust and faith in professionals in another country can work out for some, but has been a nightmare for others…photographers not showing up, weddings starting late, rooms getting mixed up, brides being un happy with overpriced hair and makeup services…



 When booking your destination wedding consider bringing your own Bridal Crew to 
do all the work for you! After all It is one of the most important days of your life!

RIU Ocho Rios Jamaica. Photo: samantha erin photography Hair + Makeup: Krystie Ann

Wedding Planner

Your wedding planner is the connection between you, the resort, and anything else your wedding may require. Having an experienced and professional planner at your side, you will be able to focus more on enjoying your time away with your loved ones and less time making sure all the little extras and important details are being taken care of and done properly. Yes, most resorts do offer their own local wedding coordinators, however these coordinators often have to arrange multiple weddings at a time throughout the week of your stay. This can lead to major conflicts and problems for your own wedding! Bringing your wedding planner will allow for the two planners to make sure all the arrangements are being done exactly how you want.

RIU Ocho Rios Jamaica. Photo: samantha erin photography Hair + Makeup: Krystie Ann

Photographers

It can come with its price, but your photos are your memories for years to come. When you hire an experienced local photographer that can attend your destination wedding you can be assured you will keep your memories for a lifetime. Most resorts offer to arrange a local photographer, but the quality is often without comparison to those we trust at home.

Hiring a photographer to bring with you as part of your “Bridal Crew”,  you are able to see the quality of the photographer’s work prior to your special day, you have the opportunity to meet the photographer, and perhaps have already experienced their work first hand. It’s also best to hire someone who has had travel experience. Ask if he or she has shot the type of weather you expect to be in, as each location can have different elements that affect how the pictures should be taken. Another plus to bringing your own photographer is that you may have different opportunities for other photo sessions. Most “trash the dress” photo shoots are taken a day or two following the wedding, and you may want added photo sessions while going on excursions during your stay. Hiring a photographer locally versus from the resort will most often allow for these fantastic added bonuses.


Hairstylist/Makeup artist

RIU Ocho Rios Jamaica. Photo: samantha erin photography Hair + Makeup: Krystie Ann

 

 

 

 

 

This may seem ultra diva, but taking a hair stylist/makeup artist with you can really take care of the finishing touches for your bridal look. Consider the elements that are involved when making yourself up on the big day: humidity, time, maybe too may daiquiris yourself? :)

 Most brides feel that they will be able to take care of their makeup and hair, but often the day comes and something unexpected comes up. Most resorts offer hairstyling and makeup, but remember, they don’t know you and your style. There can also be extra stress if there is a language barrier. There may be a big difference in the quality of the product being used, or you also may not have the opportunity to book a trial prior to your big day. Bringing on artist/hairstylist with you most often are on call from the moment we start the process till the last picture is done. A bride gets the look she wants and the finish she wants. You don’t have to worry about your face being shiny or lipstick fading. You will then have the artist/stylist on hand for any other photo sessions throughout the week like a “trash the dress” session or pre wedding pictures.

RIU Ocho Rios Jamaica. Photo: samantha erin photography Hair + Makeup: Krystie Ann

Remember: the less you have to stress about when you are away, the more time you’ll have for fun and enjoyment!