Wednesday, June 22, 2011

An Interview with leading wedding photographer Ken Buist | TheWeddingVine.com

Ken Buist is one of the most respected photographers in the industry, his warmth and easy manner instantly puts you at ease in front of the camera. A favorite of celebrities and society alike, Ken has a unique quality that is the reserve of top wedding photographers – a rare mix of creativity, vision and unparalleled technical ability.

Throughout his illustrious career, Ken has photographed hundreds of weddings, here he shares his rare insight into the world of exclusive weddings and his top tips to make sure you have the wedding of your dreams. ... Read More.
via TheWeddingVine.com
 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Wedding Spotlight: Justin and Ky - RIU Palace, Riviera, Mexico

Cage and Aquarium photographed for this gorgeous destination wedding in Mexico. The couple and 30 of their friends made the trek to the RIU Palace in Riviera Maya for an amazing weekend that culminated with a beautiful wedding next to the beach!


5 Rehearsal Party Ideas For Your Los Cabos Wedding

Planning your dream destination wedding in Cabo? This popular
 location lures wedding travelers from all over the globe with its tropical beauty and fun atmosphere. So once you've settled on the venue, it's time to plan a rehearsal dinner worth remembering! Here are a few great rehearsal party ideas from Cabo San Lucas Weddings:

Villa Party: Whether you're getting married in a private Cabo villa rental, or just want to ramp things up with a super impressive rehearsal dinner, a catered villa dinner party is a memorable start to the fun. Being able to decorate and customize your menu will allow you to create an experience that's completely representative of you as a couple. Villas can accommodate a variety of group sizes and you can take your pick between the style and size villa you'd like. Explore Cabo villas here!

Private Yacht: This rehearsal option is sure to drop a few jaws, and will make your guests feel as though they've really been given the royal treatment! Chartering a private yacht for a dinner cruise is a great way to enjoy the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean while cruising around scenic Cabo San Lucas.

Cabo's First Class Restaurants: Cabos features a plethora of fine dining options, from ethnic to standard American cuisine. You are sure to find a restaurant that meets your standards, whether it be an intimate quiet setting, or a large-scale lavish restaurant. Check out these Los Cabos dining options.

La Isla, the floating beach club!
A Floating Private Beach Club: You read that right...and this one has to be my personal favorite. La Isla--described as a "floating beach club"--is a motorized platform that departs from the Cabo San Lucas marina and travels the bay. It offers a bar, restrooms, shade, and space for up to 30 guests!

Host a Beach Party: If you're looking for a more affordable way to throw a knockout of a rehearsal dinner, don't be afraid to take a more DIY approach; since you're getting married in one of the most beautiful locations in the world, why not take advantage of the natural setting and customize your own dinner on the beach? Tie the evening together with a fantastic meal, consider a customized menu from a professional caterer.

Wedding Dress Trends of 2011

Wondering what the hot new dresses are this Season? The Knot breaks down the top trends of the season, calling it a season of "refined classics."

Check out the video footage from The Knot which breaks down the looks of the season, as they appear on the runway!

Customizing Your Destination Wedding, With A Mayan Twist!

The number of couples choosing destination weddings is on the rise, and with the state of the economy in such flux, it's no wonder--as this route offers a relatively affordable alternative for couples that still want to enjoy a luxurious wedding experience. A recent survey in Destination Weddings and Honeymoons magazine reported that about a quarter of all engaged couples tie the knot away from home. The idea of affordable luxury in an exotic setting is certainly a compelling reason to consider a remote wedding, however most couples still want to maintain some uniqueness or customization.

There are all types of ways to give your destination a feel that is unique to you as a couple; from small touches and activities, to signature decorations, there's no reason to opt for a canned beach wedding that doesn't also represent you as a couple. 

For the couple that is really looking to do something different, consider this: a beach wedding with a Mayan twist! Officiated by a Mayan Shaman, the traditional ceremony is a spiritual and interactive celebration which honors the four basic elements--earth, water, air, and fire. 

After the ceremony is complete, invite guests to join you for a traditional Temazcal, a Mayan sweat lodge that involves the shaman guiding guests through a purification ritual which commemorates new beginnings. 


After honoring the traditional aspects of the Mayan ceremony, you can always bring things back to a more standard American ceremony, while still incorporating small touches and rituals of the Mayan celebration, not to mention all of the fun decoration options! 

Wedding Pinatas!

Since you're planning a wedding on a beach, it only seems appropriate to incorporate some of the local flavor and traditions into your ceremony and reception. I've previously mentioned fun ways to tie Mexican wedding traditions into your ceremony, and one of my favorite ideas has to be the wedding pinata.

Not only can you customize your own fun look and fill it with whatever you like, but who doesn't love throwing on a blindfold and busting into a pinata? They definitely make a fun light-hearted touch for a Mexican beach wedding!

Geronimo Balloon Troopers!

I've always had a special place in my heart for balloons, they serve no real purpose, yet they can pull together a room if done correctly. So when I found this woman that started her own custom balloon company, it caught my eye! The large round balloons, adorned with ribbons and other finishings, would add a whimsical touch to any outdoor wedding!

Geronimo Balloon Troopers from hak lonh on Vimeo.