5 reasons why having an engagement session before your wedding is a MUST

Sunrise engagement session in Tulum

Hey there, lovebirds! Are you engaged and getting ready to tie the knot? Congratulations! We know wedding planning can be overwhelming, but here's one thing you absolutely must do before the big day: have an engagement session. Trust us, it's a must-do, and here are five fun and light-hearted reasons why:

It's a chance to get to know your photographer. Your wedding photographer will be spending a lot of time with you on the big day, so why not get to know them a little beforehand? An engagement session is the perfect opportunity to see how they work and get comfortable in front of the camera. Plus, you'll have a blast getting to know them, and they might even become a new friend!

You'll get some amazing photos. Okay, let's be real. The photos are the main reason you're doing this, right? And let us tell you, engagement photos are the bomb. You'll have professional, gorgeous photos of you and your sweetheart that you can use for save-the-dates, invitations, or just to show off on social  media.

Plus, you'll have some great memories to look back on once you're old and gray.

It's a chance to get creative. Sure, you could do your engagement photos in a park or on a beach, but why not get a little creative? Maybe you want to do a photo shoot at your favorite ice cream shop or in your favorite bookstore. The possibilities are endless, and your engagement photos will be unique and totally you.

You'll have a great excuse to go on a date. Let's be honest, wedding planning can be stressful. Sometimes, you just need a break. So why not make your engagement session a fun date? You can go to your favorite restaurant, get dressed up, and have a blast while your photographer captures all the sweet moments.

It'll help calm your nerves on the big day. Okay, so this one might not sound fun, but trust us, it is. A lot of couples get nervous or anxious on their wedding day, but if you've already had an engagement session with your photographer, you'll know exactly what to expect. You'll be comfortable in front of the camera, and you'll have complete confidence in your photographer. Plus, you'll be able to relive all the fun moments from your engagement session, which will help calm your nerves and get you excited for the big day.

So there you have it, folks. Five fun and lighthearted reasons why having an engagement session before your wedding is an absolute must. Get ready to have some fun, make some memories, and capture some beautiful photos of your love story!

The Ultimate Guide to Planning Your Dream Destination Wedding in Tulum

Wedding at Sanara Tulum in Tulum

Got a ring on your finger and dreams of a tropical paradise in your eyes? Well, then this one's for you. We're going to guide you on how to plan an intimate, unforgettable wedding in the breathtakingly beautiful Tulum, Mexico. 

Why Tulum? Because it's a magical blend of crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine white beaches, and lush jungles. It's the perfect backdrop for saying your 'I dos' and starting your happily ever after.

The When: 

1. Climate: Tulum enjoys a tropical climate, with the best weather between November and December.

2. Book in Advance: To secure your ideal venue and dates, it's best to start planning 8-12 months ahead.

The Where: 

From boho-chic beach resorts to luxurious jungle hideaways, Tulum offers a variety of picturesque venues. The key is to choose a place that resonates with your personal style and wedding vision. There’s a perfect venue for every taste!

• Beach Resorts: If you're dreaming of a barefoot beach wedding, places like Be Tulum and Zamas could be perfect for you.

• Jungle Venues: For those who prefer lush greenery, consider the jungle venues such as Azulik, Papaya Playa Project or Jungle Keva. These locations offer a unique blend of jungle and rustic charm.

• Intimate weddings: You might opt for boutique hotels like Casa Malca or Sanara Tulum. These venues offer a blend of luxury and romance, with scenic views of the Caribbean Sea. 

When choosing your perfect venue in Tulum don’t forget to consider the size of your guest list.

Remember, the venue should reflect your personalities, and make your guests feel welcome and comfortable. 

How that you have your venue and date looked in, let’s get into the details.

Working with Local Wedding Planners 

Planning a destination wedding can be challenging. However, Tulum is home to experienced wedding planners who can help turn your dream into reality. They have local knowledge and connections that can be invaluable in sourcing vendors, dealing with logistics, and ensuring everything runs smoothly on your big day. With and experienced wedding planner by your side you get to enjoy your wedding day to its fullest without worrying about the small stuff.

Embrace the Local Culture 

One of the delights of a destination wedding is the opportunity to embrace the local culture. Add a dash of Mexican flair to your wedding through local food, music, and customs. Consider serving traditional Mexican cuisine, hiring a local Mariachi band, or including a traditional Mayan wedding ceremony ritual. 

Most importantly, remember to relax and enjoy every moment. After all, an intimate wedding in Tulum is all about celebrating your love in one of the world's most beautiful destinations.

Curate Your Guest List 

Remember, the keyword here is 'intimate'. You don't want to invite the whole town to your destination wedding. So, make a list of your nearest and dearest. Folks whose presence will make your special day even more memorable.

Work with Local Vendors 

To truly capture the essence of Tulum in your wedding, consider working with local vendors. From caterers serving up delicious local cuisine to photographers (I’ve heard great stuff about Black Hat Studio 😉) who know all the best photo spots, local vendors can add an authentic touch to your wedding and you get to take advantage of their expertise about the area.

You got it? Good, now you are off to a good start.

Happy planning!

Why Your Wedding Photographer Is Worth Every Penny

Wedding at Nizuc Resort in Cancun

Ah, weddings! A time of joy, love, and let's be honest, a whole lot of stress. There are just so many things to think about, from the dress to the flowers to the cake, and it can all get a little overwhelming. But one thing you absolutely cannot afford to skimp on is your wedding photographer. Trust us, they are worth every penny!

Now, I know what you're thinking. "But I have a fancy camera on my phone. Can't I just get my cousin to take some snaps for me?" And to that, I say, "Sure, if you want your wedding photos to look like they were taken by a drunk uncle who's never held a camera in his life."

Your wedding photographer is a pro. They know exactly how to capture those special moments, from the first kiss to the last dance. They know how to get the lighting just right, how to make you look your best, and how to capture those candid moments that you'll treasure forever. They're like ninjas with cameras, except they're not sneaking up on you, they're just capturing your perfect day in all its glory.

And let's not forget the editing. Sure, you can use some app to put a filter on your photos, but your wedding photographer is an artist. They know how to take those raw photos and turn them into something truly magical. They'll remove any blemishes, adjust the colors, and just generally make you look like a million bucks.

But maybe you're still not convinced. Maybe you're thinking, "That all sounds nice and all, but what about the cost? Weddings are expensive enough as it is!" And yeah, I get it. Weddings can be pricey. But think about it this way: your wedding photos are the one thing that you'll have to remember your special day for the rest of your life. When the flowers have wilted and the cake has been eaten, your photos will still be there, reminding you of how beautiful your day was.

So, don't skimp on your wedding photographer. They are worth every penny. Plus, if you hire a good one, they might even make you look so good that you'll forget all about the stressful parts of wedding planning. And really, isn't that worth its weight in gold?

"Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Capturing the Perfect Wedding Photos.”

Wedding portraits at The Cape Hotel, Los Cabos

As you plan for your big day, one of the most important things to consider is how you'll capture all of the memories. After all, the photos and videos will be the lasting mementos of your special day.

But don't let the photography stress you out - with a little bit of planning and a whole lot of fun, you can make sure that your wedding photos are picture-perfect.

Communicate with your photographer. Before the big day, make sure you sit down with your photographer and let them know exactly what you want. Share inspiration photos, discuss the style you're looking for, and talk about any specific shots or poses that are important to you. The more information your photographer has, the better they'll be able to capture your vision.

Make time for portraits. When the wedding day arrives, you'll be swept up in a whirlwind of excitement, but make sure you take a moment to step away with your photographer for some intimate portraits. Whether it's a romantic shot of just the two of you or a family photo with your parents and grandparents, these portraits will be the ones you'll treasure most.

Get creative with locations. Your wedding venue might have some beautiful spots for photos, but don't be afraid to think outside the box. Take a walk around the property and see if there are any hidden gems that would make for a unique and memorable shot. Whether it's a picturesque garden, a rustic barn, or even a nearby beach, the location can make all the difference.

Be yourself. When it comes to taking photos, the most important thing is to be yourself. Don't be afraid to let your personality shine through and have fun with the camera. After all, the best photos are the ones that capture the true you.

Don't forget to enjoy the experience. Remember that the whole point of the wedding is to celebrate your love and commitment to each other. So, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the moment. You'll look back on your wedding photos and they will remind you of all the love, laughter, and joy that surrounded you on your special day.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life. And with the right photographer, you can make sure that every moment is captured perfectly. So, go ahead and have fun, be yourself, and let the memories last forever!