So you got engaged! And you want to get married on a tropical beach, far, far away….but you don’t want those cheesy pictures you see on those Destination Wedding websites?  Never fear! You don’t have to! :) There are tons of photographers, just like me, who are passport ready and willing to take on the the hot sun and sand to capture your day in a modern, fun and cheese free way. There are a few things that you might want to think about  before booking a Destination Wedding Photographer…

1. Style: The Number one thing you want to do before booking a photographer, whether destination wedding or hometown wedding, is figure out if your photography style and theirs match up! They could be the technically best photographer in your town, but if they don’t match your style, the end product is not going to wow you. The best idea is to take a peek at their blog, and see if you love about 50%-75% of their posts. If you do, email, and see if they are available for your date. Their work that is all ready on the blog is going to translate to your tropical island as well…so don’t worry if their website isn’t full of palm trees and sand…..You are looking at their style and creative eye. That is why you are hiring them…not the local.

2. Budget. Next its time to find out if your beloved photographer is in your wedding budget…no brainer.

3. Availability. Destination Weddings can be tricky because the photographer would not only be booking out your wedding date, but the week surrounding it as well. Because of this, its important to book your photographer as soon as your venue and date are set…otherwise, you might get slim pickins!

4. Personality. After the first big 3 are confirmed….move on to your phone, skype or in person meeting. Having a real conversation with your photographer is not only important, its crucial to make sure that your personalities go together like peanut butter and jelly, not peanut butter and pickles. You will have to be pretty comfortable with this person, since they are going to be in your face all day…on one of the most important days of your life!  Your photographer should work really hard to make you feel comfortable, since uncomfortable people….look uncomfortable in pictures! You should laugh a few times in your first meeting and have a generally good feeling about your photographer. Your  photographer should give you the confidence to be yourself, relax and let them do their job. If not…do your self a favor and admit that you might need to look somewhere else. Its not a personal thing…its a personality thing.

If you get to this point with your chosen photographer, ask them to send the contract and book them! Since images of your wedding and trip are going to be one of the only things you have left after your wedding (besides your dress and a whole bunch of favors that were left over!), its important to take the time to make sure your style and personalities go together!

If you or someone you know is looking for a Destination Wedding Photographer, who loves the sand and palm trees, please email me at Kaylee@eylanderphotography.com