Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer in Goa for You

brought to you by http://www.royalkazaar.com

Outside of the venue, the biggest and most important expense will be your chosen photographer. Many couples have changed their wedding date just to book their desired photographer, which speaks volumes! You’ve probably read countless blogs that state “Pictures are important; worth a thousand words; will be there long after the cake is cut and your garter is tossed.” All are indeed true, but this week’s OneTouch wedding tip focuses on our thoughts on choosing the right photographer which consist of the 3 P’s: Portfolio, Personality and Professionalism. I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences (pleasant or painful) about your photography search.

HAVE YOU VIEWED THEIR PORTFOLIO?

Were you impressed with the photos of a friend/colleague recently married? Ask them about their experience with the photographer. When you hear “I loved my photographer” add them to your list to contact. Referrals are always great and can take a lot of guesswork out of which you should proceed with contacting about photographing your wedding. Prior to contacting the professional, check out their bio and on-line portfolio to get a sense of their photography style – traditional /classic wedding photography or photojournalistic style. There isn’t one “correct” style and great photographers can capture a fusion of both, producing wonderful images that reflect your personality and wedding vision.

ARE THEY THE YIN TO MY YANG?

Personality is key for all of your wedding vendors, but photographers in particular. Your relationship may start at your E-Session (Engagement Photos); followed by rehearsal dinner and a full day of shooting as you and your bridal party are getting your beautification on. Your photographer will glide and blend into the background of the day’s activities, but he/she will be just like family with the amount of time and close attention to detail necessary to capture the most intimate moments with your immediate family, and new husband or wife. When first meeting with a photographer, if you can’t fathom being strapped to the hip with them for 10 hours, RUN. No love of their award winning work, multiple publications or 20 5-start reviews will ease the anxiety that you’ll have on your wedding day if you just don’t like the photographer. It’s that simple.

WHAT ARE PAST CLIENTS SAYING?

This takes us back to referrals but more so, past reviews. Promptness on event day, understanding lighting concepts used in your Halloween themed night wedding and responding to questions & providing photo proofs and images within a timely (and contracted) manner are just a few considerations when evaluating professionalism. During your consultation, this will become much more evident, but I’d be remiss in not strongly suggesting preparing for the conversation with your questions. Who will be my actual photographer? What is your back up plan for your back up plan, (think equipment)? What are the details of each package? Familiarity with the venue site is a bonus but not required. As long as he /she is willing to conduct a site visit to get a feel for the space and understand any rules associated with the location for contingency planning (i.e., no photos during ceremony in the sanctuary).

STILL UNSURE WHO MIGHT BE YOUR PERFECT FIT?

No worries, I have you covered! When you work with me to help plan your wedding, you have unlimited resources of only the BEST of the BEST wedding vendors that Atlanta has to offer. I’ll be sure to help you only meet the photographers that I feel could be a perfect match for your perfect day. Simply contact me to set up a consult.

Bridesmaids Gifts: Make Your Own Jewelry

Bridesmaids’ jewelry can be a way to thank your girls for being there for you on your big day, and can be a way to add another design element in your wedding. If you have looked at some jewelry, you know that it can be expensive, so why not think outside of the box and make your own?

If you haven’t considered the thought of making your own jewelry because you think it’s too difficult or could be costly, I’m here to tell you that it can be easy and cost effective. Check out your local craft stores jewelry section and you can see there is a plethora of items to choose from at varying difficulty levels. There are even jewelry kits you can purchase if you’re so inclined. If you have never been to the jewelry section of the craft store, it can seem overwhelming with everything available, but it can be better if you go in with an idea of what you want to make.

Go in with a game plan, or you’ll be lost in the craft world jumping from idea to idea. For example, if you know you want to make earrings, it’s better to have an idea of what type of earring you want to make by coming up with a design beforehand, or knowing whether or not you want to make hook dangles, or beaded studs, or if you even want to make earrings at all. You should know if you’re making necklaces and if so, what you envision your necklaces to look like, and same goes for bracelets. Once you’ve got your game plan it’ll be much easier to select your beads, clasps, cuffs, etc.

8 Best Wedding Cake in Goa Alternatives

Why surrender your unique style in favor of a traditional wedding cake in Goa when you can serve one of the following alternative wedding dessert favorites instead?

Artisan cheese wedding dessert

Serve hand-made cheese as an alternative – or addition – to your wedding cake.

Crêpes cake

Serve a cake made of crêpes for a unique and memorable alternative to the traditional wedding dessert. They’re the perfect backdrop for any flavor – from chocolate to tiramisu. 

Croquembouche wedding dessert

Croquembouche is a traditional French wedding dessert of pastry balls/cream puffs bound with caramel.

Cupcake wedding dessert

Who doesn’t love a good cupcake? Instead of the traditional wedding cake, why not serve these pretty pastries.

Cassata wedding cake

A Sicilian dessert, cassata is a rum-soaked sponge cake filled with strawberries and custard, and covered with sweetened whipped cream.

Ice cream social wedding dessert

Cool things down by hosting an ice cream social at your wedding, complete with a toppings bar and cute wedding cups.

Cheesecake wedding dessert

Perfect for fall, a berry cheesecake will surprise and delight your guests.

Strawberry shortcake

Strawberry shortcake is a fun favorite with couples who want something more rustic for their summer wedding celebration.

The 5 Best Table Plan Ideas For Your Wedding

Once you’ve managed to whittle down your guest list, sent out invites, received your RSVPs and come up with a final seating plan – you can move on to more fun projects…like the table plan!!

A really great way to continue your theme and inject some fun into your decor – we’ve rounded up our 5 favourite table plan ideas for your wedding in goa day.

Do share your table plan ideas in the comments box below the post – we’re always on the look out for different and unusual ideas.

Window

These window frames make a gorgeous display. Try searching local scrap yards, eBay, Freecycle even keep your eyes open for a skip…you never now what you might find while foraging…

Then, just a simple glass paint pen is all you need to make it look pretty. If you’re not a fan of your own handwriting, ask a friend who has a neater script than you to help out.

Blackboard

Blackboards at weddings aren’t going anywhere…and we’re happy about that because we LOVE them! You can essentially create your own blackboard using any frame you like and some blackboard paint.

You can see this table plan in action at the gorgeous tipi wedding of Emily & Brandon. Again, if you’re worried about handwriting, ask a friend to help you out.

Map

A great choice for making something personal – name your tables after places that are special to you as a couple, and mark them on the map using pins.

This idea is really versatile as there are lots of different style of map (!?) out there – you can go down the vintage route, use a sailing map for a beach wedding, how about a map of the London tube system? A map of the world by oceans? A map of your home county? A map of the solar system?? See – the possibilities are endless.

This gorgeous example comes from the chic barn wedding of Jodie & Dan.

Door

This is one of my personal favourites – an old door, painted yellow with simple card print-outs glued to it.

This can be easily personalised to match your colour scheme and stationery, like at this relaxed pub wedding mc in goa.

Mirror

This one is pretty epic to be honest. The dresser itself is beautiful and has been covered in over 100 laser cut named and numbered chairs with the request ‘please take your seat.’

A lot of trouble yes, but so worth the effort!! You can see it in more detail here on Rock My Wedding and I promise you won’t regret looking at the whole delicious wedding!!

6 Things You Need to Know Before Your Wedding Ceremony

1. YOUR GUESTS WANT TO KNOW WHY THEY’RE THERE.

You may think that your guests have simply resigned themselves to sitting through a ceremony so they can hit the open bar and dance the evening away. But the truth is that we all hunger for the meaning behind important milestones. Weddings deeply symbolize hope, the future – and love. Is there anyone who doesn’t need to hear that?

2. IT’S YOUR WEDDING DAY – NOT YOUR MOM’S OR YOUR DAD’S OR ANYONE ELSE’S.

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to convince younger couples (and sometimes even remind more mature ones) that this is their day to celebrate their bond, their relationship, and that it can be exactly what they want it to be – and doesn’t have to be anything that they don’t want it to be.

3.  THINK 20 YEARS BEYOND YOUR WEDDING DAY.

What do you think will be remembered and talked about? The sundae buffet? The photo booth? Doubtful. People will remember your Love Story, what was expressed in words, symbols, and rituals, all the elements that reflect the authenticity of who you are as unique individuals and as a unique couple. These are the things that resonate with people.

4. EVEN IF YOU’RE NOT RELIGIOUS, YOUR WEDDING CAN AND SHOULD BE PROFOUND AND MOVING.

Love is transcendent. It is a spiritual condition, and set apart from other human experiences. Your wedding is an opportunity to honor it as such, and to remind everyone present that Love is a force of nature, a force to be reckoned with. Love matters, and we all need to hear that.

5. SIZE DOESN’T MATTER.

Two hundred guests at a huge banquet hall or twenty guests in your backyard, your wedding is still a deeply meaningful milestone event – for you and your community. It isn’t a competition.

6. REFLECT ON AND BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR VALUES AND BELIEFS.

This is an extension of #2: the things that you consider important in life as individuals and as a couple – your core values and beliefs – should be woven throughout the ceremony. You are completely unique and have deeply held convictions. Express them.

Brought to you by http://www.royalkazaar.com - Goa wedding and party suppliers directory

Crepe Paper Flower Bulbs - Part 2

HOW-TO (continued)

3. Using wire cutters, cut the floral wire to the length of your choice—these will be your stems. Then, make the flowers by cutting petal shapes from the crepe paper and gluing them one-by-one to the end of a wire “stem,” working in layers. The long length of the petal should be parallel with the grain of the paper. Add as many as you like to make a larger flower.

4. Use white floral tape to smooth the transition from the paper to the wire. Repeat for each flower.

5. Cut off the plastic above the floral tape on the “bulb.” Slip the wire down; you will feel it secure and catch in the sand. Repeat for all three stems.

6. Cut long leaves (with the grain of the paper) and glue around the floral tape.

7. Using a strip of crepe paper (cut against the grain of the paper), wrap and cover the connection of the leaves and secure with hot glue.

8. Finally, “plant” the bulbs and flowers in a container of your choice. We used this antique footed bowl and filled it with white sand—but the possibilities are endless.

Crepe Paper Flower Bulbs - part 1

These handmade blooms by David Stark Design are as unexpected as they are elegant—and they’re a cinch to make using basic tools and materials. “Planted” in a pot or vintage vessel, these works of art make a chic centerpiece or a fabulous gift for your bridal party that can be displayed long after your big day is over. 

THE TOOLS

• Plastic sandwich bags
• White sand
• White floral tape
• Double-sided crepe paper in the color of your choice
• Scissors
• Hot glue gun and sticks
• Wire cutters
• White-wrapped floral wire (preferably 22 gauge)
• Vessel of your choice

HOW-TO

​1. Fill a sandwich bag with about 1/4 cup of sand. Wrap just above the sand with white floral tape.

2. Cut several strips of crepe paper (about 3/4-inch wide)against the grain of the paper. Wrap the “bulb” with the strips, hot gluing where needed. Pull the paper taught as you work. 

INTERFAITH MARRIAGE AND BELIEVING

Exploring the impact of an interfaith marriage on your faith

Religious belief and values affect our lives in all kinds of ways, and when you are in an interfaith relationship they affect someone outside the faith too. In addition your partner’s faith tradition will almost certainly have an impact on your faith. You may find that because someone is asking questions –perhaps for the first time-about why do you believe and do certain things, you begin to question and explore your faith too.

brought to you by http://www.royalkazaar.com

Will an interfaith marriage weaken your faith?

Religious leaders often worry that mixed marriage weakens a person’s faith, and sometimes people in interfaith relationships do indeed suppress their own beliefs. This may be because they have agreed that the children will be brought up in their partner’s faith and only one faith will be practised in the household. But their beliefs do not disappear, and they can be surprised by the strength of their feelings when something happens to arouse them. Some people find it difficult to practise their faith – either because their partner isn’t comfortable with it or because their shared life isn’t organised to include it. Less involvement with a faith community may in turn mean less commitment – or finding other ways to express it.

An interfaith marriage exposes you to different and sometimes conflicting beliefs, and it’s only natural if it makes you think, question and compare. Inevitably for some people that will mean a loss of faith or change in how they think about it. But this kind of experience doesn’t just happen to people in interfaith marriages. For centuries people in each of the world faith traditions have been responding to and learning from the challenge of other faiths; and some very important works of faith and philosophy are the result of just this.

Some couples…

Some couples agree that each will stick to their own beliefs and practice, and have clear boundaries between them. While this works for some couples, they miss the chance to share spiritual insights and a range of faith-related experience. Some couples find their own faith enriched by learning about each other’s beliefs and traditions. This is most likely to happen when there is an atmosphere of mutual respect and each partner is concerned to give the other spiritual ‘space’.

Some interfaith couples begin married life feeling that they have no particularly strong beliefs, but discover that they care more than they realised. When people in interfaith marriages experience a renewal of faith, something which seems to happen surprisingly frequently, then it can upset a carefully won balance in the relationship.

Elegant Outdoor Spring Wedding Photographers in Goa

From the day we sat down with Elise and Owen, we knew that this wedding was something special. They met skateboarding, loved being outdoors and wanted to stay as far away from the traditional wedding flowers. It was everything gorgeous, wonderful and lovely. Tam from Isari Floral Studio created such masterpieces along the tables that encompassed lots of greenery, twigs, berries, petite trees and terra cotta beauty. It was an art piece that pushed the boundaries of wedding centerpieces and opened up a whole new world to the beauty of greenery and vases.

Above the u-shaped table large lanterns were hung to mimic the moon reflected upon the ocean and hurricane heaters lined the back of the terrace. No detail left unturned and each piece was thought out meticulously. Within the center of the u-shaped table, there were fire pits and lounge furniture that held beautiful throws and pillows. Towards the cozy time of the night, many laughs, cuddles and photos took up every inch of the benches. This night was something incredible and it was clear that only love, happiness and everything wonderful surrounded Elise and Owen.

It is weddings like these where White Lace Events & Design celebrates the relationship between the wedding couple and their personal details. Each wedding should always completely reflect the couple and their lifetime of love ahead—it is so magical, one-of-a-kind and absolutely incredible.

Tips For A Bridal Make Up Trial

You will have read previous blogs from Laura Geoghran (Make Up artist extraordinaire) and you will have picked up tips on great products and skincare. Now in her last instalment she provides tips on getting your make up trial.

I know when I was getting mine I was worried that I wouldn’t like it and was pretty daunted by the overall experience. I have training in make-up artistry and still I didn’t know what to expect or what I wanted the end outcome to be. All I knew was that I wanted to look amazing!

Laura recommends the following when you start planning your bridal make up:
Shop Around: You don’t have to go with the first make-up artist you meet! If you were unsure or needed to see a second application from someone else to compare, then do that! Make Up artists are so used to doing many faces so they won’t be upset if you decide that someone is better for what you are looking for.
Time Zone: You generally do your trial 6-8 months in advance.
Who Goes: You don’t need to get the whole bridal party a trial. Just you is generally enough unless you want to make a treat out of it or have a night out planned where you get double the benefit.
The Look: Pick out some looks from magazines, online, Pinterest etc and bring them with you. You may not be able to describe what you like so let the pictures do the talking! BUT be warned! Just because you bring the picture, doesn’t mean that you will end up looking like Kim Kardashian. Plus certain looks are made for certain face shapes or eye shapes and they may not suit you.
Hair: Try and have your hair as close to the way it’s going to be on the day. I.E. if you are getting an up style, throw it up!
Wear White/Cream: This will reflect the make-up better. This can help the make-up artist match colour tones. If white makes you a little pale, they will be able to use colours to warm your complexion up.
Unhappy: If you get home and don’t like it. Tell the make-up artist. Explain what you didn’t like and see if they feel they can address the issue. You have to remember that this is a trial for both of you!
Opinions: Get other people’s opinions. Take pictures of what you look like and show a few people close to the wedding and see what you think. I remember when I got mine done, my bridesmaid thought the lipstick was a little light and when I asked for a shade darker, I got it and it really completed the look. Some may give you feedback that you don’t agree with. Trust your gut and do what feels right for you.

How-To Create a Luxe Tablescape Without Going Broke

I love tablescapes! Tablescapes define the style and mood of a wedding and reception. They can be extravagant and opulent like the one above, or understated and elegant. No matter your style or budget, you can create a tablescape reflective of your vision for your wedding day with a few fab finds and some ingenuity. Keep in mind, building a tablescape is all about layers. It may seem overwhelming when you look at a tablescape that inspires you... all the pieces that have to come together, all the little details...aaaggghhh! But fear not, here is a list of layers and some fab places to find steals and deals to create the perfect table for your special day!

FIRST: Table Linens

Depending on your inspiration table, you may have to forgo the linens provided by your venue (usually matte white or cream) and find something with a bit more interest. The table scape shown above wouldn't have had nearly he wow-factor without those fabulous embroidered gold tablecloths. 

Don't forget the napkins and chargers or placemats.

place setting by Australiaentertains.com.au

You can easily swap out the damask charger plates for pretty patterned paper (same effect but way easier on the wallet). The menu is cardstock, and great favor boxes can be found at Good Things: Wedding Favors. Be sure to check out Beau Coup Weddings for their perfectly adorable favor bags (they're only $.64 a piece)!

Personally, I think chair covers are a waste of money and kind of visually distracting. Most reception venues have bamboo styled white folding chairs. They are not distracting and really, do you want the chairs to be as gussied-up as your bridesmaids?

SECOND: Centerpiece

This is often the scariest part since it can cost hundreds of dollars and can be quite complex. Large over-the-top arrangements are certainly dramatic and have a major get major points in the first impression department. However, they are not very functional in an intimate setting such as a wedding reception. There is nothing worse than having a giant obstruction annoying the crap out of you as you crane our neck to see what's going on across the table, or at the wedding party table. If you go tall, go tall and unintrusive like this centerpiece that allows for unobstructed views of the entire reception.

An alternative is to do a collection of short bouquets, or one full short bouquet of roses (my personal fav). You can dress up the table with candles, little candle lamps, or even small shallow vases that can accommodate a single floating flower or candle at each place setting.

Centerpiece from Seattle Flowers

Small vases can be purchased for next to nothing. Save-on-Crafts has a variety of smaller vases for under $5.00 a piece, and Goa Wedding directory should be your one-stop-shop for fabulous flowers at unbelievably low prices. I have used them before and their roses are fabulous (you can get 200 for under $150)! A good full rose bouquet like the one above will take about 25 to 30 roses, so for about $30 a table you can have a uber-luxe looking centerpiece for way cheaper than a florist (the one above is $89.99 not including delivery). Now pat yourself on the back for being so ingenious!

THIRD: Accessories

Placecard holder from AmericanBridal.com

We're talking place card holders, table number holders, candle holders, holder holders... you get the idea. This is where you can really lose control of your budget. Look on ebay for tea lights and candle holders. I found a listing for 72 votive candles and glass holders for $49.97! Not too shabby. Don't want to send money on place card holders (which you will never use again, and your guests will throw away)? Dress up a standard tent-style place card by dipping the bottom front 1/4" with glue and then dipping in seed beads. Color code the beads to indicate meal choice to the catering staff. Adorable, and cheap, cheap, cheap!

MC in Goa

Their love story.....
Sarah and Dave were brought together through their mutual friends at a New Year’s Party. While Dave was acting like the “Brit from London” and discussing her
favorite novel “Jane Eyre”, he totally captured Sarah’s interest from that point~

Bride: Sarah Jablonski
Groom: David Moore
Date: June 24, 2014
Photographer: Wedding photographer in Goa
MC: Chris Mattews mc in goa
Venue: Wedding venues Goa
Hair/Makeup: Bridal makeup in Goa

Decorators: Wedding decorators in Goa
Colors: Enchanted vintage garden theme~purple, green
Something Old-New, Borrowed-Blue~
New~engagement ring setting
Old~Borrowed~Late Grandmothers ring
Blue~Electric Blue Toenail Polish





Fast forward a few years...
Under the stars and moon was Dave’s proposal to Sarah, it was a week before their anniversary. He had been trying to find an opportunity to propose to Sarah and discovered that the snow on the ground had a blank canvas for his message...
Before Sarah returned, he started to carve the letters “will y” in the snow and quickly realized that the snow underneath was frozen. So his alternate plan was under a projector that spilled out magical stars on the walls and ceiling in the room!

Both of them sharing a strong Irish Heritage, they chose to incorporate a hand fastening element to their ceremony, as well as her favorite poem “I carry your heart” by: E.E. Cummings. Under the stars and Moon in the “Skylight” ballroom at Wedding caterers in Goa is where their reception took place. They felt it evoked that “ethereal” feel just like their love for each other!

Wedding photographers in Goa

Antiquity has always had a soft spot in my heart~and we get brides requesting vintage styled wedding photographer in goa often, so I'm in love! I look forward to these weddings from the minute they book~and executing all the details on the special day is AWESOME! 

goa Wedding photographers have always represented the melding of the past with the future, and the bringing of two families together, but with a vintage wedding, brides and grooms are taking the idea of relishing the past a step further.

We all know the wedding tradition of "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" that a bride is supposed to wear on their wedding day. However, when a vintage wedding is being planned, the something old is expanded into much more, with anything from the wedding reception decor, to the wedding dress, to the wedding and engagement rings being authentic vintage collectibles or vintage style replicas. Planning a vintage wedding takes a lot of forethought and research. The bride and groom need to decide how far to go with the vintage theme, and what parts of their day will be the most meaningful for them and their guests. Decorating for your vintage wedding reception whether it is in a hall or your home, is one of the areas you can be most creative in your use of vintage wedding items. Finding exactly the right touch for your special day will take some time. Decisions need to be made as to what vintage look you are searching for, what period of time, what mood. Budget needs to be taken into consideration. How much is reasonable to spend on decor as opposed to other wedding reception factors, like food and location. 

If your planning a vintage styled wedding then you may want to contact us for information on our vintage rentals. We have milk glass, knob glass, suitcases, old typewriters, scales, record players, doilies, mannequins, old hats, roller skates, old plates/flatware to mix and match on your guests place setting. We have a vast selection of vases, and tons of miscellaneous vintage finds to add to your tablescapes. 

For something new that evokes the bygone Era, then you need to check out....bhldn.com for some awesome vintage finds. They have dresses for brides and bridesmaids, shoes and accessories, decor and gifts. Here are a few of our favorites~

A One Off Wedding in Goa!!

In these times when we are supposed to be thoughtful and careful about spending money and the $$$ are to be hemorrhaged on a wedding (and let’s face it - that’s what it feels like) then the end result better be very special!

In particular spending on the wedding gown. There’s no doubt that it is a girl’s main focus from the minute she’s engaged until she has her look all sorted. (For some it has been a focus since childhood!)
So my point is when times are tough a distinctive object of beauty is very desirable. Not just a run of the mill frock but a truly beautiful gown with some fascinating twist, an element of surprise in the design, some “WOW factor” and most treasured of all characteristics – uniqueness! A UNIQUE creation has to be highly valued in a gloomy atmosphere of budget slashing.
I thought of this as I have recently spoken to a few different designers who have noticed an adventurous spirit with clients, a willingness to try different colour and embellishments. I am so relieved to hear that after what seemed like years of the boring (sorry if I offend anyone) A-line strapless gown being ubiquitous! It must mean that brides are thinking about how to stand out and have that super special day in an outfit to make the guests gasp!
So how can we stay gorgeous, glamorous, pretty and unusual. (can you hear Kath & Kim ringing in your ears?).
Some touches that have struck me as having a bit of an edge and that would lift the bridal look into a more distinctive fashion statement.

• Vintage embroidered caplets or boleros. I am thinking elaborate beaded pieces or very special fabric. (check these top 2 images from Gwendolynne, one of my favourite local designers – very 1920’s.)
• Arresting colour – gold, silver, red, emerald green
• Hand painted fabric – there are some incredible fabrics out there (see pic of the full skirt on the right and check the delicate pattern.).
• The use of some sentimental jewellery or fabric incorporated into your gown eg:– Mum’s old wedding lace, Granny’s stunning antique brooch incorporated into the dress design at the bodice, waist or strap.
• Amazing headpiece – flapper style beaded headbands, silk flowers, real jewels. (see below)
There is a real point to starting from scratch with design, fabric, accessory ideas etc when your aim is for something out of the ordinary. Couture wins again! Go for it – you only get married once! (best case scenario!)

The Wedding Gown – Preserve it or Trash it?

It’s nearly 15 years since my wedding and I have taken the extraordinary step of preserving the gown now!

It’s extraordinary because I have been outrageously slack and had this gorgeous couture gown – the most expensive and stunning outfit I ever owned – just hanging there in the back of the closet in it’s broken garment bag. (zip broke!).

I finally felt really bad about this state of affairs. How could I do this to such a prized & precious possession? A warning if you have just got married – this could happen to you. Once the day’s all over you might get lazy and apathetic about this frock that was the obsessive focus of your world for months!! The warning that I give you is this. If you have spilled (like me) just the tiniest bit of champagne on a cream or white gown then it will caramelise on the fabric leaving an awful DARK YELLOW STAIN!!

You won’t know until you pull it out years later and you’ll be very disappointed in yourself for being so careless. My sad experience illustrates negligence leads to extra dollars being outlaid. I found I just couldn’t live with a spoiled wedding dress - too tragic - and it prompted me to have it properly preserved and stored. (14 years and 4 months later.) Of course as the very nice team at The Wedding Gown Specialists told me, had I been smart and done this earlier it wouldn’t be nearly such a drama to remove the mess accumulated on the sumptuous lace and silk chiffon.
So serious advice for the just married – get the gown all cleaned and put away properly in a nice box if you want to maintain the garment in good condition and you don’t want it to cost you a bomb later.

On the other hand another option is to trash it! Like my Mum, dye it black, chop it off and turn it into a cocktail dress. (She is sooo unsentimental and I am the opposite!) Funnily enough the gown preservers even suggested that to me, as it would have hidden the stain. I guess this way you may wear it again.

Another trend in the US I just discovered is called “Trash The Dress”. Girls are doing funky post –wedding photo shoots in their wedding dress, accessorised with wild colours and chunky jewellery.

Not sure about that but each to their own!

Others just jump in the sea right after the wedding! (see below)

Prefer to preserve?

Wedding Summer Bliss !!!!

Hey brides what I learnt about taking wedding dresses to an exotic location is you have to make sure the dress isn’t heavy or awkward to carry and easily crushed. My other top tip - if it’s chiffon or satin you can steam it by hanging it up in the shower room! 

I hung all the gorgeous frocks up in my bathroom and they came up beautifully for the shoot! My room looked very pretty with all those divine creations brightening it up. Being totally paranoid about these gowns all arriving safely I carried them all on the plane myself (I never lost sight of them!) so there was no dramas about a missing dress. I have to say my arms were killing me. It would probably be advisable if you were a bride flying off for a “destination wedding” to do the same. I can’t think of anything worse than a damaged or lost gown! 

I thought I’d share some cute pics of me and the crew living it up. No seriously we are working really. (see me with our very clever hair and make up gal Kim Tavares below - we're having a lunch break and keep scrolling to see our view!) 

Check out the actual shoot in the magazine (we’ve called it Island Girl), as it is really is a hot one and if I do say myself quite perfect for inspiration if your dream is a beach wedding. Now that summer’s here it’s very apt reading.

TOP TIPS FOR CHOOSING YOUR VENDORS

Getting engaged is awesome. And then you have to plan a wedding. The entire thing can be totally daunting and for those of you who are feeling like you need some guidance, I’m going to try and help you out.

Brought to you by goa wedding directory — making wedding and party planning in GOA easier.

VENDOR RULES

ONE | Don’t wait to book your vendors

TWO | Find someone you connect with

THREE | Look at their blog or social media accounts

FOUR | Show 15 photos, (max!) to get your vision across.

Find all the goan wedding and party vendors at goa wedding directory  —  making wedding and party planning in GOA easier.

DONT WAIT! |  If you don’t know what kind of style you like, I recommend starting your photography research when you start your venue research. And as soon as you book your venue (and consequently have your date), book your photographer!

I met with a bride recently who thought that since her wedding was a year away, she didn’t have to ‘rush’ to find her vendors. This makes me so nervous for her, because there IS a rush. I hate to say it, but it is true. If you have a favorite vendor, I guarantee they are someone else’s favorite too and you don’t want to miss out on booking them. Yes, a year is a long ways away, but not in wedding world! So get to it. Email that photographer or florist you love…right now! And if they are already booked, ask for their recommendations. It is a great way to find a similar style you love, and an added bonus if they are already admired by a fellow wedding vendor!

FIND SOMEONE YOU CONNECT WITH |  You want to find someone that you a. like and b. get along with. And if you become friends, that’s even better!  This is pretty important when planning your wedding, because it is you and your fiancées big day! Good communication = happy bride + happy vendors!

LOOK AT THEIR BLOG AND SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS | If you feel like you are totally overwhelmed by websites, I recommend checking out the vendors’ blog or social media accounts, like Facebook and Instagram. Often it will help you a. feel more connected with them/get to know their personality and b. get a sense of what their current work looks like. This can help determine what you really want in a vendor, and should make the decision making process a bit easier.

GETTING YOUR VISION ACROSS | Select 15 images, MAX! It is really hard, let me tell you. But narrowing it down to some images you love will help get the ultimate vision of your wedding across to your planner and florist. And even if you aren’t working with a planner or stylist, it will help you stick to a certain vision and determine what is important to you and your fiancé. There are so many awesome options out there, so its easy to get distracted and start pinning like a crazy person.