Your Guide to Eloping in America’s National Parks

Are you and your partner seeking a wedding experience that breaks away from tradition while keeping costs in check? Imagine exchanging vows against the breathtaking backdrop of Glacier National Park or alongside the majestic cliffs of Yosemite. Eloping in a national park offers an unconventional, yet budget-friendly, option for couples looking to celebrate their love in the great outdoors. In this blog post, we’ll explore why eloping in America’s national parks is an ideal choice for those seeking a non-traditional and affordable wedding experience.

Why Choose a National Park for Your Elopement?

Natural Splendor

National parks are home to some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet, offering a stunning setting for your wedding ceremony and photographs. From rugged mountains to pristine lakes, these locations showcase the raw beauty of nature, creating an unforgettable backdrop for your special day. This eliminates the need for decor since the natural beauty will speak for itself.

Intimacy and Seclusion

Eloping in a national park allows you to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and celebrate your love in a secluded and intimate setting. Whether you’re exchanging vows on a remote mountainside or beside a tranquil stream, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with each other and nature in a deeply meaningful way.

Adventure and Romance

There’s something inherently romantic about embarking on an adventure together to exchange vows in the great outdoors. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden waterfall or stargazing beneath the night sky, eloping in a national park offers an unforgettable experience filled with excitement and romance.

What You Need to Know About Eloping in a National Park

Permits and Regulations

Before planning your elopement, research the specific permit requirements and regulations for your chosen national park. Each park has its own set of rules regarding ceremonies, photography, and locations, so be sure to obtain any necessary permits and adhere to park guidelines.

Seasonal Factors

Consider the time of year when planning your elopement, taking into account factors such as weather, crowd levels, and seasonal closures. Spring and fall often offer pleasant weather and fewer visitors, while summer can be busy in popular parks.

Accessibility

Take into consideration the accessibility of your chosen ceremony location, especially if you have guests with mobility concerns. Some parks offer wheelchair-accessible trails and facilities, while others may require more strenuous hiking to reach remote locations.

Vendor Services

While many national parks offer basic amenities such as restrooms and picnic areas, you may need to arrange for additional services such as photography, floral arrangements, and transportation. Research local vendors familiar with the park and its regulations to help bring your vision to life.

Leave No Trace

As you celebrate your love amidst the beauty of nature, remember to leave no trace and minimize your environmental impact. Pack out any trash, respect wildlife and vegetation, and tread lightly to preserve these special places for future generations.

Some of The Best National Parks for Eloping

Yosemite National Park, Yosemite Valley, CA, USA

Yosemite National Park, California

Yosemite is known for its towering granite cliffs, including El Capitan and Half Dome, as well as its impressive waterfalls like Yosemite Falls and Bridalveil Fall. Tunnel View offers a panoramic view of Yosemite Valley, while Glacier Point provides elevated views of Half Dome and the surrounding peaks. Couples seeking a more intimate setting may choose the historic Yosemite Valley Chapel nestled amidst the park’s meadows.

Cost: $150 for a wedding permit + $35 entrance fee per vehicle

Sundown in Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona

The Grand Canyon is one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders, showcasing millions of years of geological history through its colorful layers of rock. Couples can exchange vows at popular overlooks such as Mather Point, Hopi Point, or Lipan Point, where they can take in sweeping vistas of the canyon’s vast expanse and ever-changing colors.

Cost: $240 a wedding permit + $35 per vehicle

Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park, United States

Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

 Rocky Mountain National Park boasts stunning peaks, alpine meadows, and over 300 miles of hiking trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and eloping couples. Popular elopement spots include Dream Lake, which offers reflections of Hallett Peak and Flattop Mountain, as well as the serene Moraine Park, where couples can exchange vows amidst wildflowers and grazing elk.

Cost: $300 non-refundable fee + $35 per vehicle

Iceberg Lake, United States

Glacier National Park, Montana

Glacier National Park is renowned for its pristine wilderness, rugged mountains, and over 700 lakes, earning it the nickname “Crown of the Continent.” If you’re getting married here, consider locations such as Lake McDonald, known for its crystal-clear waters and mountain reflections, or the picturesque Avalanche Lake, accessible via a scenic hiking trail.

Cost: $125 non-refundable application fee + $35 per vehicle

Acadia National Park, Maine

Acadia National Park is distinguished by its rugged coastline, granite cliffs, and picturesque lighthouses, offering a romantic backdrop for elopements by the sea. Cadillac Mountain provides breathtaking sunrise views over the Atlantic Ocean, while Jordan Pond offers a tranquil setting with views of the iconic Bubble Mountains. Sand Beach, with its sandy shores framed by rocky cliffs, provides a romantic spot.

Cost: $75 non-refundable application fee + $35 per vehicle

Great Smoky Mountains National park in Tennessee Overlooking the Appalachian and Blue Ridge Mountain Range

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina

As the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains offer couples a romantic setting amidst rolling mountains, lush forests, and cascading waterfalls. Couples can exchange vows beside waterfalls such as Laurel Falls or Abrams Falls, or opt for scenic overlooks like Clingmans Dome or Newfound Gap for panoramic views of the mist-covered mountains.

Cost: $50 application fee

Eloping in a National Park

Opting for an elopement in one of America’s national parks offers couples a memorable and cost-effective way to tie the knot surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. From Yosemite’s towering cliffs to the Grand Canyon’s expansive vistas, each park provides a breathtaking setting for an intimate ceremony. With platforms like Honeyfund, couples can easily fund their elopement and help them plan for their honeymoon or future savings goals.

The post Your Guide to Eloping in America’s National Parks appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Your wedding day is a significant moment, one you’ll think back on for years. But the photos you take on that day are the concrete reminders of all the big and small details. They’re not just pictures; they become family keepsakes, connecting future generations to your love story. So, it’s completely normal to take your time in choosing the right photographer, exploring your preferred photography style, and making sure your photos will be cherished for years to come. Whether you’re using a wedding photography professional or a friend and family member with an eye for photography, this guide will help you take the best wedding photos and ensure you have plenty of captured memories to enjoy. 

To help you stay organized and on track, here is a free PDF Wedding Shot List, created with help from a real wedding photographer that you can easily share with your photographer. Download it here.

Plan Ahead

One of the most crucial aspects of ensuring you get the best wedding photos is to plan ahead. A well-organized shot list will be your guiding light on the big day. Collaborate with your partner and your photographer to discuss your expectations and the key moments you want to capture. Create a comprehensive shot list that outlines essential moments like the first look, ring exchange, and group photos. We understand that this can be a daunting task, so here’s a free PDF Wedding Shot List to simplify the process. This resource can be easily shared with your photographer to ensure that no significant moments are missed. 

Choose the Right Photographer

Selecting the right photographer is a big decision. Your wedding photos are the lasting memories of your special day, and choosing the right photographer can make all the difference. If you are planning to use a wedding photography professional,start by doing thorough research, reviewing portfolios, and meeting with potential photographers to discuss your vision. You can use Honeyfund’s Wedding Vendor Directory to kickstart your search! It’s also perfectly acceptable to ask a friend or family member who has an eye for photography and a camera to help capture the moments of your wedding day. Another cost saving tip to consider is to reach out to local art schools to see if a local budding photographer would be willing to photograph your day at a fraction of the cost of a professional. 

Whether you opt for a professional or choose a family member, your photographer should not only be skilled and experienced but also someone who shares your excitement for your big day. Their style should resonate with your vision of capturing the moments that matter most.

Capture Emotions

While traditional posed shots have their place, candid photos capturing genuine, unfiltered emotions are often couples’ favorites. This style, known as ‘documentary-style wedding photography,’ is gaining popularity for its authenticity. Photographers who specialize in this approach focus on capturing the unscripted story of your wedding day without intervening, allowing you to fully savor and preserve these real moments. Choosing natural photography enables you to be yourself on your big day, allowing you to fully enjoy the moment without the constant pressure of a photoshoot.

Scout the Location

Familiarity with your wedding venue can really help you express your photography vision with your photographer so they can capture the best moments.  We suggest visiting the venue ahead of time to find the best photo spots. This way, you can discover the most scenic backgrounds, making sure your pictures capture the venue’s beauty just the way you want.

Be Patient and Relaxed

On your wedding day, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind. With so much happening, it’s crucial to remember to relax and be patient. Allow your photographer to guide you and trust their expertise. When you’re at ease, it shows in your photos, resulting in more natural and beautiful shots.

Remember, while these tips will certainly help you capture breathtaking photos, the most important thing is to enjoy your day and the love you’re celebrating. With careful planning, the right photographer, and a well-thought-out shot list, you’ll have a stunning collection of memories to look back on.

Co-Authored by ChatGPT.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Taking The Best Wedding Photos  appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime. In this post, YouTube influencer and motivational speaker, Carrie Grace shares how she adapted to Covid and saved money with a tailgate wedding.

Just like any 2020 wedding couple, Covid-19 forced us to get creative and completely re-plan our big day. This included cutting the guest list which was devastating to us. We wanted as many guests as we could safely allow to attend but, we also knew we didn’t want to spend a ton on a day that would be much simpler than we had originally planned.

With a total cost of $8,500, a tailgate wedding is definitely something to consider. Here’s what you need to know about planning one:

Get creative with the venue

Big, large weddings are out of the question at the moment due to safety and restrictions. And airbnb now limits the number of people using their properties, so anything beyond 16 people requires owned property or finding a venue that works for what your wedding dreams and goals are. Brainstorm venues in your area that may not be in use during the pandemic. A few examples: comedy clubs, baseball ball fields, and concert venues.

Guests faced their cars into a semi-circle to watch the ceremony from a safe distance from one another.

We found a beautiful and very affordable venue called The Victorian in Youngsville, NC. They were super easy to work with and let us have a tailgate wedding, which allowed us to have a higher guest count but also keep everyone safe. Our idea came from asking another venue we were touring if we could have a car parade come wave to us after we got married. The venue owner said it would be no problem, and then we asked would it be possible to just get married out in the parking lot while our friends watched from afar. After they told us yes, we started touring other venues to assess what parking lot would be best for hosting cars and creating a backdrop for beautiful photos. We were able to make the parking lot super pretty by adding an arbor, wedding chairs, and flowers. Instead of paper invitations, we invited our friends via a website we created and asked them to RSVP on there. We were able to fit: the wedding ceremony, toasts, first dance, and cake cutting all into the parking lot easily so that our friends could enjoy the full wedding experience from a safe distance. We then invited relatives and friends who were too far away to join to watch on a zoom call that our DJ managed.

The best part was after the tailgate wedding, we had a smaller dinner with just family and the wedding party which was catered by a food truck. We had everyone spaced and in their own covid families.

The children of the bridal party snapping shots of Carrie’s wedding dress.

Cut photography costs

Give the kids in your wedding party mini cameras. We found some for $20 which didn’t break the bank. This will keep them occupied and create more fun memories for you after you upload their photos too. The kids took amazing photos and felt included in the wedding day as a result.

Skip the expensive cake

We gave all our guests cupcakes instead of cake, which helped us cut down on costs. We worked with Whole Foods to design cupcakes the same color as the bridesmaids’ dresses. They were $7 for 6 cupcakes and people said they were some of the best cupcakes they’ve ever had. You only had to order with 48 hours and the whole process was smooth from start to finish.

Use awesome wedding registries

We decided to use Honeyfund for ours. We are saving up for a honeymoon so it was great to use a registry that converted to cash that we could put towards items we desperately needed, along with saving up for flight and resort costs. This allowed us to save up more and not have unnecessary gifts taking up room in our house.

Borrow jewelry

You can borrow jewelry from a local shop or a friend. A local jewelry shop called Bailey’s Fine Jewelry graciously let me borrow a pair of beautiful earrings for my big day. Ask around to your family and friends or check out a local shop where you live.

Making the best of it

We did our first dance to a song called: Slow Dance in a Parking Lot by Jordan Davis, who surprised us on zoom, which is still so crazy to us! One of the lyrics in the song says, “making the most of whatever we got, even if it’s just a slow dance in a parking lot.” That has been our motto for the pandemic: looking for the bright side and finding the good even when it feels hard. Our encouragement to any other covid bride: is to make the most of whatever circumstance has been handed to you for your wedding. No wedding is going to be perfect, but choose the things that matter most and make those the priority.

Carrie and John with some of their wedding party and guests.

All photo credit: Mackenzie Kern Photography

Carrie Grace is a former teacher turned motivational speaker. She is on a mission to create more compassionate work and school cultures. She has spoken at companies such a Marriott, Target, Jack Daniels, Coca-Cola Consolidated, and many more. She currently lives in Durham, NC with her husband where they blog at The Savvy Simpsons, helping people save money.

The post How To Save Money by Having a Tailgate Wedding appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Git Stephen Gitau in Pexels

This post was written by LaJoy Cox from LaJoy Photography. LaJoy has worked on popular TV shows, and has been published and featured with some of the biggest magazines. Primarily focused on wedding photography, she branched out to branding photography and lifestyle photography industries bringing creativity and joy together. Read her awesome tips for helping couples remaining stress-free during their wedding photography session.

As we all know, the day of the wedding can be quite stressful for the bride and groom. Whether it’s going to bed late because of excitement, waking up early for hair and makeup, worries about the wedding logistics, or extreme nervousness in saying “I do” to the love of your life, the to-be-wedded couple can easily become drained by the wedding day. And when a bride and groom are feeling drained, they aren’t the most enthusiastic at the idea of taking pictures. However, I’ve created 4 tips at keeping the energy high and the couple excited and happy to capture all of their wedding photos.

Photo by Analise Benevides on Unsplash

1. First Look

Having a first look is awesome for so many reasons. When a bride or groom is super anxious, having a first look between the couple can calm those nerves and allow the bride and/or groom to relax a little. Also, the first look creates a less stressful photo session after the ceremony, as a lot of the images can be taken prior. Less stressful = more happiness!

Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels

2. Capture Candid Images

Sometimes couples become a little tense when they realize that they have to pose for the camera. I’ve found that the best images are those captured when the couple didn’t notice. With candid shots, I’m able to remove the pressure of taking pictures from the couple while capturing their organic chemistry without the couple noticing.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

3. Book Photographer For Extra Time

Most photographers offer wedding photography packages based upon the time that most couples desire for their wedding. However, couples are not limited to the amount of hours indicated in the package. Most photographers have no problem adding additional time or upgrading a wedding photography package. While adding additional time will also add additional cost, it will also add additional peace to the wedding day. No longer would a bride have to worry about whether the photographer was able to capture everything on her wish list of shots within the timeframe. This allows the couple to focus on being happy and enjoying the wedding.

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

4. Wedding Portrait Session After Wedding

Most couples feel the pressure in taking pictures during the cocktail hour. A great way to alleviate the pressure is to take some portrait pictures after the wedding. That’s right, after. Once the couple has made the grand exit and the guests have departed, the couple and the photographer can make a bee line back to the venue or other surrounding beautiful areas to capture more images at night. With it being a nighttime setting, the couple can glow underneath the moon and stars in the pictures. And with no worries about having guests wait too long or sticking to the timeline, the couple will feel their happiest and super free knowing that there is nothing to worry about.

When I’ve been asked to describe my most memorable weddings, it’s never been the beautiful flowers or the gorgeous gowns that come to mind. The most memorable weddings have been where the couples happily enjoy their day with no stress or worries, and that is something that every couple deserves.

Let a Honeyfund wedding registry add to the peace and happiness of your day.

The post 4 Ways to Have a Stress-Free Wedding Photography Experience appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Image by Artistic Films from Pixabay

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

When it comes to picking the wedding dress, the brides often spend hours, days or even months to find inspiration. Then they try many dresses to finally say “yes to the dress”. Lots of time and effort to wear something once. But all the brides do it as they want to feel special on their wedding day, nothing wrong with that.

The same goes for picking your dinner menu. Lots of trying, lots of testing – and there it is – the perfect menu. Of course, you want to impress your guests and enjoy the meal on your wedding day. So, the dinner is served, consumed and gone.

Why Invest In a Wedding Album?

You’re going to ask – “Ok, so what will I have left after the wedding?” You’re going to have memories. You’re going to have moments to remember. If you planned your wedding from a to z you have definitely thought about a photographer. And my advice to you – get a professional. Working in a photo lab and seeing many wedding albums I can honestly say – get a pro – it’s worth it. Don’t let your cousin who has a big camera take the photos because he thinks he can. You need a pro.

Image by carlitocanhadas from Pixabay

Now, I will get to my point. Your dress will be worn once, your wedding meal will be eaten, your guests will go home, you will have memories and photos left. Getting a printed photo album is your best way to preserve those memories, through the professionally taken photos. Trust me, in a matter of years your memories will fade. Will you remember how your wedding bouquet looked like? Probably not. Printing those photos into a wedding album will make those memories last for decades. You will love to see spreads of pictures from the day as the event happened. Page by page, from preparation, thru ceremony, cutting the cake, dancing all night long. This album will sit on your coffee table and I guarantee you – every person that will visit will want to see it.

Image by Debbie Hudson on Unsplash

Easily Access Your Memories With A Professional Wedding Album

Some might say – “I got the pictures on my computer”. Answer yourself this last question. “How often do you sit with your friends or family in front of your computer to look at digital photos?” The answer is  – you don’t.  Yes, you will probably share a digital gallery with your friends or family, they might scroll through it once or twice and that’s that. Get a printed album. They are not cheap products. They are hand-made, using the best materials, as they are build to last for decades. For your grandchildren to look at them. The cost may be why you resist purchasing an album.  answer me this “How much was your dress that you only wore once”?

Invest in a quality album and you will forever be happy you made that choice.

Make your wedding dreams come true with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

Blog by Iwona Tokarska, Sales Representative, QtAlbums

The post Why Is It Worth Investing In A Wedding Album? appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Avonne Stalling on Pexels

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

As a Wedding Photography company, we meet and work with many different people, from the client, decorator, wedding organizer, venue owner or manager, singer, and many more, but the one that we always work with closely, apart from the wedding couple, of course, is the Wedding Cinematographer who provides the video. Choosing a wedding photographer and cinematographer to deliver memorable photos and videos is an important decision.

What to Consider When Choosing a Wedding Photographer and Cinematographer

For a couple who is planning their wedding, apart from the beautiful memory, your wedding photos and video are the two things that you will keep with you for a long time. You can look back at them anytime you want and, of course, share them with your close ones, especially when you have kids (if that is part of the plans. of course.) This is a good reason why you should pay some attention when choosing photographer and videographer.

There are so many choices when it comes to choosing good artists to produce something that you will cherish for a long time. What couples normally don’t pay too much attention to is whether the they select can work well together. When they don’t, there can be a few problems when it comes to photo and video which you will not like when you see the final result of their work. One thing that I can definitely tell you that is 99% likely to happen is that you will get lots of photos or video that will include people that you don’t really want in either your photos or your video.

Photo by Florian Doppler on Pexels

Rules for Choosing Your Team

Of course, the obvious solution in this is to just hire one professional, either just a photographer or just a cinematographer. If you would like both photos and a video of your beautiful wedding, always remember that humans (and maybe more so with artists) all have their own ego, and some want to stand out more then the other. That being said, here are a few tips for you:

1. Hire both from the same company

This is the easiest and will save you a lot of time. There are many companies out there that provide both services. If this is your decision, then you most probably don’t have to worry anymore since being from the same company this means that they know how each other’s work and most of the time they can work well together.

2. Make sure you meet them before your wedding day

This is very important if you decide to choose two different vendors. Meeting with you and with each other will reduce the likelihood of awkwardness on the day of the wedding. When you meet with them, it is important to discuss the plan with both of them so they understand what you consider to be the crucial moments of your wedding: the wedding kiss, ring exchange, first dance, cutting the cake, etc. You should also share which guests not to miss in the photos and video.

Photo by Studio Negarin on Pexels

3. Be very clear with what you expect from them

Tell them clearly what you want and don’t want in both photo and video (i.e., no videographer should be in the photos when standing on the altar). Believe me, it is better to tell them what your expectations are in the beginning rather than sending them the files back to edit out people who are not supposed to be in the frame. Both the photographer and the videographer are equally important, but if you do think that one is more important than the other at a specific part of the wedding, be sure to let both of them know. For example, there is no point for a photographer to keep shooting someone giving a speech when this will come to life in the video. They should consider it their job to talk to each other about these circumstances and coordinate their work, but always remember sometimes their egos get in the way. Since you are paying them, you should clearly express your wishes rather than let them decide.

Photo by Soulseeker on Pexels

4.Get them to recommend to you what vendor to hire

Another way to get rid of the headache is, to simply ask either the photographer or videographer to recommend you who to hire. Usually, they will give you a few choices with different styles, ideally pros who usually work well with them.

Photo by Studio Negarin on Pexels

5. Be sure to take a closer look at their portfolio before you decide either a photographer or videographer

You can tell a lot from checking out their work. Make sure you ask to see some example of a full wedding (either photo or video) so that you can see the style and note duplication or any examples of people in the frame that shouldn’t be in it.

6. If possible, let them know if it is possible how much you are paying each of them.

This a little sensitive but I think it is worth mentioning, especially if you hire vendors from different company. What you are paying is an indirect way of saying which is more important for you (photo or video). But sometimes it can actually help you a lot in conveying to them who is more in charge .

The most important thing in the end is to get the best result for you to keep, so it is a good idea to be a little more fussy in the beginning than to end up with something that you might not like as a result.

Help make your wedding dreams a reality with a Honeyfund wedding registry.

Bio: Jimie Wu is a Wedding Photographer at Balipixtura, a Bali -based Wedding Photographer

The post The Importance of Choosing a Wedding Photographer and Cinematographer Who Work Well Together appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Aram Event Photography

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

So, you’re getting married. This is such an exciting time! While you’re busy gushing over your future spouse to your friends, planning a perfect beach honeymoon, and sketching out your guest list, you’re also probably starting to pay more attention to the wedding photos you scroll past on social media. While before you always tapped those photos with a quick “like” and moved on with your day, now you’re looking at them a bit more intensely. Instead of admiring the photos, you’re wondering how you too can get such perfect pictures of your big day. Here’s the thing — you don’t have to be a model to take breathtaking wedding photos. Yep, it’s true! Let’s talk more about a few of the ways you can make your wedding day look picture perfect.

Hire A Wedding Photographer

First off, it’s important to hire a wedding photographer that knows their stuff. While it might be tempting to ask a pal to bring out their DSLR and snap some photos, we don’t recommend this. You want someone whose entire job during that day is to capture beautiful portraits of you, your family and your friends. While we’re sure your friend is a fabulous photographer, they should also be able to have fun on the wedding day and not have to be working during it! As wedding photographers, we take our jobs very seriously. We aren’t just pointing our cameras and clicking away — we’re setting up romantic, well designed, well lit scenes that will capture every second of your wedding. We have years of experience, portfolios full of work, and we know how to handle wrangling your entire wedding party to take those picture-perfect group shots. Hiring an experienced photographer is one of the best ways to ensure that you’ll have amazing photos at your wedding. And luckily, photographers will know how to capture those dream photos you’ve been pinning away on Pinterest! When you meet with your photographer, make sure to bring along some inspiration you have for your wedding photos. Open communication is always the best way to go!

Photo by Aram Event Photography

Speaking of inspiration — it’s time to get inspired! You’ve probably have a few favorite wedding photos that you’ve seen on social media, but now it’s time to get serious about what you’re looking for. Go on Pinterest or create a saved folder on your Instagram and start combing through wedding photography. Save only what speaks to you, and after a while, see if you start to notice a pattern. Is there a certain aesthetic style you tend to lean toward? Do you keep saving couples that pose in a distinct way? Do you like moody and darker photos, or light and airy ones? Once you can pinpoint what your personal photo style is, then you can start collaborating with your photographer about how you can turn your dreams into a reality. If you show your photographer what style of photos you’re looking to create, then they can start thinking of the ways that they can take their own unique spin on the style to make it just right.

And inspiration doesn’t have to just be about the aesthetics, it can be about the poses too! Do you know how professional models look so good in all those photos they post? It’s because they constantly are trying new poses! When you play with poses and angles, your photos can change from drab to fab in just seconds. If you’re unsure of how you and your boo will pose in pictures, then do some research and start to look into couple’s photography. Just like before, save these photos and keep them in mind when you’re posing together on the big day. And on the big day, try a variety of poses! You don’t have to stick with just one. If you’re feeling extra unsure of how you two will do on the big day, then maybe try some test shots and see if you like them. Set up a self-timer, or even schedule a shoot with a photographer just to get comfortable in front of the camera!

Photo by Aram Event Photography

Pick A Location That Enhances Your Wedding Day Pictures

Now that you have the poses planned and the photos arranged, it’s time to also think about how your wedding will look. If you want your wedding photos to look nice, then you need to have a background that’s nice too! When you’re picking out your venue for your ceremony or reception, ask yourself if you want to see photos of you in that space for years to come. This can also apply to your wedding decor too! Will your ceremony pieces add to the ambience of the day, or will they be a major distraction in photos? With every item you add to your “want” list for your wedding, think about how future you will look back on it. Remember, these photos will be looked at years down the line by you, your loved ones and all the people you still have yet to meet! We can help you choose from a range of Central Park https://daretodream.nyc/central-park-wedding-packages/ wedding locations that feature iconic scenery, and create an all-inclusive package that fits your needs and budget.

While there’s a lot to think about when it comes to planning your picture-perfect wedding day, it’s also important to not stress too much about it. We know, someone telling you to not stress about one of the biggest days of your life seems kind of ironic — but it’s true! Looking back on your photos you won’t be thinking about all the time you took planning these perfectly posed pictures, instead you’ll be thinking about all the love you felt that day and how your love has grown since then. Best of luck!

Help make your wedding dreams come true with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

Aram Hovsepian is Miami wedding photographer at Aram Event Photography. 

The post How to Make Your Wedding Day Picture Perfect appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Becky Kerr

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

You might not think that photographing a winter wedding is any different to taking pictures in the summer – but you’d be amazed at how much the time of year plays a part in your wedding and how it looks on camera.

If you’re planning to get married during the winter months, there are a few tips and tricks to help you get incredible photos, and handle the different challenges of the season – ensuring your wedding photographer captures some amazing shots.

Timing

 If you are planning a winter wedding, make sure you time your ceremony and photos sensibly. Work out when the sun will be going down on your wedding day and plan your ceremony so you’ve got plenty of time to get to your reception venue and FINISH your photos before the sun sets.

Or alternatively, embrace the night! Instead of racing to get the photos done before dark, plan to have your photography at night, and make sure you’ve got suitable lighting outside at your venue for a completely different look.

Light

The light during winter isn’t just in shorter supply, it’s also lower, bringing in more shadows. A nice way to combat this is by using uplighting and low lights like candles during the ceremony and reception.

These can add a beautiful, romantic ambience to the wedding, and adds that extra lighting for perfect pictures.

Photo by Victoria Priessnitz on Unsplash

Clothing

Please do prepare for the cold! Even if you’re not planning to have lots of outdoor photos, you don’t want to be freezing on your wedding day.

Turn it into an opportunity to add another fabulous accessory to your day, with a faux-fur stole, a wrap, or chunky knit to keep you toasty warm but still looking fab.

Footwear can also become a bit of an issue, so if you don’t want to ruin your beautiful wedding shoes by splashing about in puddles, maybe consider changing into some cute pumps, furry boots or even wellies for the photos.

Most of the time they won’t be visible, but it can be nice to include them in some of the pictures to add a bit of fun!

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Unsplash

Styles

There are some aspects of a summer wedding that often don’t quite work in winter – one of the big ones being confetti.

Confetti just doesn’t show up in photos when the lighting is low, so maybe consider sparklers as an alternative!

The other nice thing about sparklers, is that they look best when it’s properly dark, so you can always leave this shot until later in the evening instead of racing the sunset.

Colours are also different in summer and winter. When the sun is low pale, muted colours often fade further, but bold colours make a big splash, so think about how you’d like your wedding colours to work in your photos.

And don’t forget – winter also means Christmas! Some couples choose to give their wedding a Christmas theme, or perhaps feature the tree in some of their photographs.

Photo by Becky Kerr

Indoor Photos

If it’s going to be cold, finding good indoor locations for photos can make a massive difference.

This is where good knowledge of your venue can really help, and if your photographer has been to your venue before, they’ve probably scoped out some great alternative indoor places for your pictures.

This is especially important if you want some nice shots of grandparents or children – it’s not nice to expect them to hang around in the cold!

Outdoor Photos

If you do venture outside, it’s a good plan to keep a couple of people from the wedding party on hand to help.

They can keep your dress out of any puddles  or protect you from the rain without even being in shot – and without you worrying about it yourself. Even if they’re just on standby with umbrellas, it’s definitely good to have a little extra support.

Photo by Random Institute on Unsplash

Extra Special Touches For Your Winter Wedding

Don’t forget to include those special winter features any way you can. Snow might be a bit of an annoyance for travelling, but you’d be crazy not to take advantage of it in your photos – even if it is minus two outside!

Christmas decorations are also a big factor in lots of winter weddings, and if your venue has a beautiful tree, wreaths or stockings over the fire, incorporating them into your wedding theme and colours brings another layer of festivity to the occasion.

Winter weddings might be a little more challenging for photos, but these tips (and a good photographer!) can help you capture incredible winter wedding photos.

Help finance your winter wedding with a Honeyfund honeymoon registry.

Biography: Becky Kerr started out with a degree in Photography, and worked for 10 years at magazines including Cosmopolitan, Ideal Home, Marie Claire, and Good Housekeeping. She is now the owner of a boutique photography business specialising in wedding photography and family portraits.

The post How To Capture Your Winter Wedding appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Jade Elora

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

As a wedding photographer, I hear one sentence over and over: “I hate having my photo taken.” Being camera shy is pretty much a universal experience, even for photographers who spend every day taking other people’s pictures! (Yep—me too!)

If you’re not a supermodel, you’re probably not used to spending a lot of time posing in front of the camera and having all eyes on you. Add to that the stress of a wedding day and you’re just asking for an overwhelming, awkward, and unpleasant experience.

But I promise, wedding photos don’t have to feel like you’re being chased by the paparazzi. A few tricks can help you feel confident and natural in front of the camera.

Feeling Comfortable in Your Wedding Photos

Photo by Jade Elora

Start Practicing

Just like with learning any new skill: practice makes perfect. Find some inspiration photos on Pinterest and recreate the poses with your partner in front of the mirror. Learning how you look and move together will make it a lot easier to pose as a couple and take directions. This will also help you work out the kinks for more difficult poses you may want to try, like a dip or spin.

Photo by Jade Elora

Find the Right Photographer

Your choice of photographer can make or break your experience. Make sure to read through reviews first to get a sense of how other clients feel about their experience. While many photographers will list testimonials on their own website, you won’t find any critical reviews there. Try searching their business name on Google or Yelp for a broader selection of reviews.

After you’ve narrowed the field to your top picks, follow up by scheduling an in-person meeting or a video chat before booking. Just like with friends, there are people you’ll instantly click with and people who aren’t the right fit for you. You should feel like they’re “your kind of person”. Of all your vendors, your photographer is the one you’ll be spending the most time with, so they should be someone who you feel comfortable around.

Photo by Jade Elora

Take a Closer Look at Their Portfolio

Photographers who have a knack for making people feel comfortable will also have a portfolio that really shows off that skill. If a lot of their photos are taken from up close, the photographer probably interacts a lot with their clients. Photographers who shoot wide, sweeping shots where the couples are further away will have to keep their clients in a particular pose as they step away to get the shot, so you can expect less interaction and direction from this style.

Take a look at the expressions of the couples in that photographer’s portfolio. Do they look like they’re having fun? Take a minute to look at a few of the more subtle body language indicators. Are the muscles in their jaws and necks tight or do they seem relaxed and natural? Do the corners of their eyes wrinkle as they smile? These are easy ways to get a sense for whether the subjects were feeling at ease during their photos and could give you an idea of what your own experience might be.

Photo by Jade Elora

Don’t Skip the Engagement Photos

Think of the engagement session as a trial run: It gives you a chance to experience how your photographer works and allows you to get real-time feedback without the time crunch of a wedding day. When you get the photos back you’ll see that you actually can look cute, even when you think you don’t know what you’re doing. (And if you don’t like the photos or don’t click with your photographer after all, it gives you a chance to figure that out before you commit to hiring them for your wedding day!)

Photo by Jade Elora

Make Room in Your Schedule

When you’re rushed for time, everything is more stressful. Build lots of time into your schedule for photos and add buffer time between everything to make room for the unexpected. Your photographer can give you their estimate of how much time to set aside, but you’ll want to have at least one hour set aside especially for photos. Consider doing a first look (a private moment where you and your spouse-to-be see each other before the ceremony) so you can have more time for portraits earlier in the day and you’re not in a rush to get to your reception. Having extra time will give you a chance to ease into the photo process and avoid the pressure of having to jump into the next activity.

Photo by Jade Elora

Don’t Hesitate to Say No

I always remind people when I’m taking their photos: you’re the boss! If you don’t want to do a pose or ever feel uncomfortable, let your photographer know. You’ve hired your photographer to get great photos of you and create a positive experience for you, so you are always allowed to say no. If your photographer suggests a pose that makes you uncomfortable or just doesn’t feel like “you”, just let them know. Any professional will be happy to accommodate and I promise we aren’t offended when you speak up. At the end of the day, we really just want to get photos you love and have a great time while we’re taking them!

Help finance your wedding dreams with a honeymoon registry from Honeyfund.

The post 5 Ways to Feel More Comfortable During Your Wedding Photos appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.

Photo by Niki Sanders on Unsplash

This entry is from our Expert Guest series where wedding and honeymoon professionals share their best tips on creating memories that last a lifetime.

As a newly married couple, we know how excited you are to go on your honeymoon and the delight you will have at capturing those precious memories with your camera or iPhone but then . . . frustration may set in because that photo you really wanted didn’t turn out the way you wanted it to.  Today we are sharing a guest post from internationally published wedding photographer Meredith Ryncarz on her top tips for taking better photos on your honeymoon.

A Pro’s Tips For Taking Better Honeymoon Photos

Photo by Matheus Ferrero on Unsplash

Tip #1: Put Subject in the Shade – The warm sun of tropical climates is great for a honeymoon as well as creating really unflattering photos of your trip.  That sun can cause you to squint so finding a building or a tree that can give you a solid shadow will help avoid that.  Place your subject right in that shadow and it will be much more flattering.

Photo by Greg Raines on Unsplash

Tip #2: Put the Sun Behind Your Subject – Sometimes shade is nowhere to be found or you are in a beautiful location at mid-day.  You can either take a bad photo, not take one at all, or have your spouse face you with the sun behind them.  This will give a beautiful glow behind their head and also avoid that squinting look we talked about earlier.

Photo by Ike Zuber on Unsplash

Tip #3: Grab a Pillow – This may sound really strange but trust me.  So often the reason we hate photos of ourselves is because we have raccoon eyes in them.  By holding a white pillow in your lap or under your face you can get a lovely glow of light bouncing up into your face as you stand next to a window.

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

Tip #4: Early or Late – In photography there is something called the “golden hour”.  This is when the sun is just about to dip down below the horizon and everything turns pure gold . . or at least looks that way.  While we know it isn’t always possible to time everything around this perfect natural light during the late afternoon it is great to be aware as you head out to dinner or cocktails.

Photo by Esther Ann on Unsplash

Tip #5: Find a Sidewalk or the Beach – Both of these act just like that white pillow we talked about earlier.  Great at throwing light up into your face and getting rid of raccoon eyes.

Tie all these tips in with the portrait mode on your phone and your honeymoon photos will become something to treasure for years to come rather than the horrid grainy pictures of vacations past.

Help finance your wedding dreams with a honeymoon registry from Honeyfund.

Biography: Meredith Ryncarz is a wedding and portrait photographer based out of Savannah Georgia where she resides with her husband and two busy kids.  On days off she can be found at a local coffee shop or exploring a new museum.

 Social Media:

 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meredithryncarz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MeredithRyncarzPhotography/

Website: www.meredithryncarz.com

Youtube: https://youtu.be/XQKiexd8q-w

The post Top Tips For Taking Better Honeymoon Photos appeared first on Honeyfund Blog by Honeyfund.com, the free honeymoon registry.