Destination Weddings

Each year Mark and I are approached by a hand full of brides hoping that we can salvage their wedding photographs. Some are local weddings, but the majority are destination weddings. If you or a friend are planning a destination wedding, please! please! be careful with your photography selection.

If you are working exclusively from the resort referral list, you may be selling yourself short. Many of those referrals are not because those vendors are superior, but rather because they are friends of the event coordinator or because they pay kickbacks or referral fees. Some of those referral fees are as high as 25%, which are only passed on to you in your package price.

Despite lack luster photographs, and slow delivery times, the number one complaint we hear is no communication and poor service on the photographer's behalf. I think many of those resort photographers know you are out of state or country and there isn't much you can do if you are unsatisfied.

Possible Solutions! We had a destination wedding ourselves and used a combination of The Knot and referrals from the resort. The Knot has city-by-city guides that are extremely useful for planning. This at least gives you more options. Log onto the Professional Photographers of America or Wedding and Portrait Photographers International and search for a photographer in that local. At least then you know they belong to a professional guild.

Bring your vendors along with you! Our travel fee is very nominal! We only charge two nights hotel plus travel. The beauty of that is knowing you are in good hands and that you will get one-on-one service before, during and after the wedding too! Peace of mind is priceless.

Happy Planning!

PS. That's Wayne and Kriston in Key West. Kriston even had the Cakery ship her wedding cake from Dayton to Florida. Kriston owns Lillian's, which is our favorite bridal salon in the area. Awesome dresses, accessories and service!