Considering a destination wedding to a tropical location? How would you like to say your vows on one of the top ten beaches in the world?

I recently vacationed in Barbados with my husband and we absolutely loved it! We spent most of our time at The Crane Residential Resort and it was an amazing place. Here are a couple shots of the resort from our balcony:

I also had the opportunity to meet with the Wedding Coordinator at The Crane and she took me to the various sites on property available to brides and grooms for their wedding ceremonies.

The Beach Wedding

Crane Beach is a stunning stretch of pink sand beach which has been voted ‘One of the top ten beaches in the world’ by Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, and ‘One of the sexiest beaches in the world’  by the Travel Channel. The Beach Wedding backdrop is best suited for a smaller ceremony of 20 guests or less.

Overhead View of Crane Beach

Wedding Backdrop on Crane Beach

The Cliff Pool Wedding Garden

With a surrounding backdrop of four waterfall infinity edge pools, the Cliff Pool Wedding Garden offers a breathtaking panoramic ocean view. Suitable for up to 150 guests.

The Cliff Pool Wedding Garden Northern View

The Cliff Pool Wedding Garden Eastern View

The Historic Wedding Garden

Located adjacent to the original rooms of the Marine Villa dating back to the mid 18th century, the Historical Wedding Garden overlooks the cliffside and offers an amazing view of the ocean. Up to 150 guests can be seated comfortably at this ceremony location.

The Historic Wedding Garden

The Crane Beach Pool Wedding

Located adjacent to The Crane’s Beach Pool featuring classic Doric columns and a captivating view of Crane Beach, this area with its surrounding balcony overlooking the cliff is ideal for an intimate wedding ceremony with your two witnesses.

Me at The Crane Beach Pool Wedding Site

If you are interested in learning more about a destination wedding to Barbados or another location, I’d love to chat with you about it – perhaps over a lime daiquiri?

Stay warm,

Jennifer

Nadia + Steve are getting married next August, and they’ve chosen one of my favourite photography teams to capture their special day – James Design Studios (JDS). I’ll admit I’m a bit biased as JDS shot my own wedding a couple years ago, but their amazing work speaks for itself!

Steve just returned to Edmonton after spending a few months in Eastern Canada, so last week was the perfect time to take their engagement photos. These two are so in love and they’re truly best friends – I think it shows in the photos!

Check out the full post and more beautiful couples in love on JDS Photography’s blog.

Jennifer

I had the pleasure of working with Infused Studios on a 3-day convention earlier this year. The creative eyes behind the cameras belong to Anthony + Rina, who not only capture spectacular photos, but they seek to tell your love story through imagery. When I sat down to chat with Anthony + Rina, what really stood out to me is how much they strive to personalize the wedding photography experience for each and every couple they work with. I hope you enjoy getting to know them!

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

Visual Poets :: Love stories are our inspiration & it is an honour to tell them. Big kids at heart, we love to have fun, eat food & travel.

Why did you become photographers?

Rina :: After getting my Bachelor of Design I worked primarily as a graphic designer. I also did some art directing and fashion/ commercial photography. There was a disconnect between myself and the models and after I shot my first wedding I realized why. Capturing a pretty face is one thing; capturing true love and the connection between people is entirely different. It’s more challenging and also more rewarding.

Anthony :: I never owned a camera as a kid. I was raised in a traditional Chinese household, so my career path had 4 options; doctor, lawyer, accountant or engineer. I chose to be a mechanical engineer and became a successful project manager at a reputable oil and gas company within 3 years of graduation. Deep down something was missing – I knew there was always this yearning to express myself artistically though I never had the chance…until Rina came into my life.

She introduced me to her collection of camera equipment and I was instantly hooked. It was like an addiction, every day I would be excited to get through my day at the office because then I could get my photography fix at night. I was intrigued with the idea that I could express myself and create art without limitations, equations, or constrained by the laws of physics. On one chilly October afternoon, I gazed out my office window and asked where I saw myself 20 years down the road…I knew intuitively that I couldn’t see myself like my boss across the hall. The next day, I handed in my resignation letter and never looked back.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

Rina:: I look for paintings and drawings for my inspiration. Monet for his Impression of landscape paintings. Picasso, Degas, da Vinci and Michelangelo for pushing body movement. Dali for creating the surreal and unnatural forms of life. Also music videos and movies.

Anthony :: One of my biggest influences are movies…and especially ‘chick flicks’ because they have the best cinematography and lighting. C’mon, I mean who can forget epic scenes like the boat scene from “The Notebook,” or even the forest scene from “Twilight?!”

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

• Before booking a photographer, make sure you see an entire wedding that they’ve shot. Teaser images from blogs & website don’t convey how well a photographer can capture a wedding.
• Plan to schedule at least 2 hours to spend time with the photographers (ideally, we’d love to have 4+ hours)! And if there are people that you want to have photos taken with, let us know beforehand so we can be on top of it for you.
• Select based on who you want as a guest at your wedding. Yes, we’re there to work, but really, do you want to hire someone you don’t like to attend your wedding?
• When considering your photography budget, instead of choosing a price point choose the style ‘musts’ that you want. Then look at who photographs in that style and work out a price range from there. It’s heartbreaking when couples choose based on price and aren’t satisfied with their images — after all, you can’t redo your wedding day!

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

Every wedding that we have shot so far has been an exciting moment — our clients are beautifully unique. Photographing the epic “pearl harbor” moment at the Cold Lake municipal airport with the plane flying in the background while Kylie and Warren kissed stands out. We had one chance to get the shot and it turned out exactly how we imagined. Anthony got the shot and Rina was so excited she jumped in the air and whacked him on the head with her telephoto lens!

What’s in store this year for Infused Studios?

• We’ve shot 3 destination weddings so far and are shooting across Alberta through to the fall.
• We’re shooting inspired engagement sessions with our couples and continuing our pursuit of artistic expression.
• We’re also looking out for new studio space but this summer we’re immersed in love stories!

What’s unique or interesting about you two?

Rina:: My closest friends know that I’m goofy, VERY clumsy and still a kid at heart.

Anthony :: I’m dorky, VERY easy-going yet a deep thinker at the same time.

Together :: We love watching classic Disney cartoons and we have a combined collection of stuffed animal friends around our place.  =)

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Here are some amazing images by Infused Studios. You can see more of their stunning work on their website and blog:

Thanks, Anthony + Rina!

Jennifer

I had the pleasure of meeting Cosmin and his wife Ioana last November. They are wonderful, genuine people and if you follow his blog you’ll learn quickly that Cosmin is a spunky character! Oh, and he takes some pretty awesome photos too!

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

I have a camera and I’m not afraid to use it!

Why did you become a photographer?

I didn’t take a picture until the age of 24. At that point I started to work on cruise ships and visited some of the most amazing places. I just felt the need to show my family and friends all of those places and the only way was to take pictures. The rest is history…

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

That has to be my wife! Yes, definitely! Everything I was able to accomplish in the last 10 years it’s because of her love and support. I wouldn’t even be in Canada if it wasn’t for her. Also I like to believe that I’m learning every day from all the people I meet. It’s amazing how much you find out if you open your eyes and ears.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

Stressing on the wedding day is not going to help anybody. It’s a good idea to have somebody – like a professional – to keep things organized. You should have only beautiful memories from the day, so just enjoy it!

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

One of my favourite events I’ve had the chance to be part of was my first East-Indian wedding. It was a 4 day one and I got to know the family quite well and I got attached emotionally. It was an extremely overwhelming experience!

What’s in store this year for Cosmin Danila Photography?

4 weddings and…another wedding, and another one, and so on. It’s going to be a crazy busy summer! I’ll also be travelling more for weddings, which is good, because when I grow up I want to be a destination wedding photographer.

You’ve been married for 10 incredible years. Any marriage tips for the newlyweds out there?

It’s an obvious one, but I have to say it: LOVE each other. If you do, everything else falls into place. And don’t be afraid to show it! I consider love to be contagious and soon enough it will work in everybody’s advantage!

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Check out some of Cosmin’s gorgeous work below and on his website:

Thanks for sharing, Cosmin!

Jennifer

Stephanie of Stephanie Cragg Photography, is an Edmonton-based photographer (and self-proclaimed shoe junkie!) who has shot weddings all across the country. I spent some time getting to know Stephanie and it sounds like she has an exciting year ahead!

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

When there is a lull in conversation, my husband jokingly will ask me, “So…do you like…stuff?” Yes. Yes I do.

Why did you become a photographer?

I think it was just a natural progression, as throughout my life I’ve participated in, and continue to enjoy many of the visual arts (and crafty pursuits!).

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (photographers or otherwise)?

Biggest influences artistically include Picasso for his general ‘unusualness’, as well as The Group of Seven for their realistic and abstract visions of nature. Photographically, I’m inspired by the work of fashion and commercial photographers who achieve making beautiful and linger-worthy images by combining photography and digital-artistry.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

Here’s one from the funny-but-true files: Careful with the ‘glitter’ make-up…the wrong brand, applied too heavily and in the wrong spots, often results in it ending up on other peoples’ dark clothing (ie. men’s suits) and can look like dandruff in photos.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

Favourite wedding moments are the heart-felt ones. The unexpected onset of emotion. Like when the normally shy and reserved groomsman says something verrrrry funny in his speech, it makes the bride so suddenly laugh that she spits out a mouthful of wine. Or the child who spontaneously and tearfully rushes the altar, upon hearing that her parents are ‘now pronounced’. Or the bride who breaks down when she looks at her father before they depart for the ceremony, leaving the house that she has lived in her whole life. Real life is way better than the movies.

What’s in store this year for Stephanie Cragg Photography?

I’ll be photographing a terrific variety of wedding themes, locations and travelling! Off hand, I know that some coming up include a Scottish themed wedding, an East Indian celebration, a lakeside tented wedding in Ontario, a trip to California, couples from overseas getting married in Jasper and Banff, both city and country weddings, and even some celebrity nuptials!

You’ve been married almost 13 years – any marriage advice for the brides and grooms out there?

• Pick your battles;
• Do and find things to make each other laugh as often as you can; and,
• As long as you can sincerely say it, promise your spouse that if times get tough you’d still live with them no matter what – even if it’s in a cardboard box.

~~~

Check out some of Stephanie’s gorgeous work below and on her website:

Thanks Stephanie!

Jennifer

There is so much talent in Edmonton, and the wedding industry is no exception. Couture wedding gown designer, Lani van Rooyen, is the owner of R O O Y Couture & Consulting, and I sat down with her to chat about one of the most important components of every bride’s Big Day – the wedding gown!

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

I’m a wedding gown designer by heart – oh so passionate about love, family, all things beautiful and making brides glow on their big day. I’m a confessed hopeless romantic!

What does R O O Y Couture & Consulting do?

R O O Y Couture designs and creates one-of-a-kind couture bridal gowns. Working with each bride individually, we design the gown of her dreams based on her personality, style and figure, suggesting the most suited silks and laces to stay within her budget.

The manufacture process begins with custom patterns hand-drawn based on the bride’s measurements, after which several fittings lead up to the big day, making the bride part of every step of the creation of her wedding gown. We offer the added service of dressing our brides on their wedding day, ensuring every last detail is looked after. We also offer Consulting services for those brides who need advice on style of gown, wedding party wardrobe or tying it all in with the wedding décor or theme.

Who have been the biggest influences in your life (designers or otherwise)?

As a teenager I followed the broadcasts of European fashion shows and absolutely admired the work of Giorgio Armani. His work inspired me and made me acutely aware of key design basics: quality fabrics combined with beautiful workmanship, cut and simple elegance, style and grace. To this day I’m a big fan. In the years to come I studied Fashion Design in South Africa, under the watchful eye of two established designers. They reinforced the importance of quality, fit and workmanship, which are so important in the creation of a couture gown. I was also blessed to grow up in a family where ‘reaching for your dreams’ was always encouraged – as a designer it gave me wings to pursue my passion.

You’re originally from South Africa. How do you think that inspires you in design?

South Africa is a colourful nation, full of diversity and amazing beauty. I would say having grown up in such a country inspires my designs in the use (and sometimes boldness) of color as well as fabric prints and especially texture. I’m also very fond of beading and the accompanying geometric designs, something native to South Africa.

What are some of the reasons brides come to you to design their wedding gown?

Brides often have an idea of their dream gown – whether they have favorites marked out in a magazine or have had an image in their minds for years. Very often they are unable to find it hanging on the rack. Collaborating with a gown designer, the gown will come to life, with the added advantage of professional advice and guidance on the final product to make it their own unique gown.

Others have learned of the advantages of having your gown designed and custom made compared to buying it off the rack. It is a much more personalized experience that results in a showstopper gown reflecting who they are. I also see brides who have trouble finding their size for some reason or another, or those who seek guidance as they have fitted many gowns and still don’t know which style would suit them best. Some brides just want something different from what is generally available.

Did you design your own wedding gown?

I did, and sewed every last bit of it. I had the design of my future gown in my head since I studied fashion design, and when the time finally came, it looked totally different!  It was perfect and very special.

What are some of the hot trends for wedding gowns in 2010 and 2011?

Soft, romantic details first and foremost. Whether it be soft ruffles all over the skirt (either full size or less), or beautiful soft fabric flower or bow accent pieces, placed carefully on the bodice, detailing is big and so fun!

Short gowns are an exciting new trend, as is the new fashionable color: black. Combined with white or a light shade, whether it is an accent piece or a beautiful black lace used as part of the gown design, it is an upcoming stylish choice. Shoulder-less gowns remain popular, as does the mermaid style. And locally, I find lace-up is making a delightful and always beautiful comeback.

What’s in store this year for R O O Y Couture & Consulting?

Having just celebrated the first R O O Y birthday, we will be continuing our quest to make more brides glow as they walk down the aisle!  We are so privileged to be working along with wonderfully talented vendors and the most amazing brides. I am also currently working on an exclusive event in the early fall to showcase our Spring/Summer 2011 bridal collection.

Here’s a look at some of Lani’s stunning designs:

Thanks Lani!

Jennifer

Meet Kelly Redinger. Kelly is the fun-natured photographer behind Kelly Redinger Studios, based out of Sherwood Park, AB.

Quick – give us your best Tweetography (ie. tell us about yourself in 140 characters or less)!

Hello. I’m Kelly. I photograph people in love. And I wake up every morning super excited to create inspiring photos. I am a happy guy.

Why did you become a photographer?

I have always been a visual person. And I love meeting people. It was a natural fit to combine these two into an awesome career. Photography allows me the opportunity to freeze in time the amazing things I see around me. And I love how looking at an image, at this single frozen moment in time, can evoke such strong emotional responses. After finishing my bachelor of commerce degree and working at a job I absolutely hated, I made the decision to wake up every day and enjoy what I do for a living. Choosing photography was a really easy decision, and I’ve never looked back!

Who have been the biggest influences in your life?

My biggest photography influence comes from master photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Julia Margaret Cameron because of their ability to capture amazingly touching moments in a time when technology made photography extremely difficult. They were photographers in the 1800’s and early 1900’s, and they could capture these brilliant moments with these antiquated tools, and their images have stood the test of time as some of the best. Especially in our tech-savvy world, it is inspiring to be reminded that a photographer is not defined by his photo equipment, but by his talent and creativity.

What are some wedding day photography tips that couples should keep in mind?

By far the biggest thing I try to encourage couples to keep in mind is to enjoy the day! This seems simple, but there is so much time and energy spent planning out the day, that often the bride and groom get caught up stressing over the tiniest details and lose sight that this is supposed to be one of the happiest day of their lives! Relax, enjoy yourselves, enjoy your guests, and be present. If you are distracted and worried about the small stuff, then your wedding photos will capture that. But if you can forget about your stress and all the little details, and just focus on savouring every moment of your wedding day, you can be sure that when you view your photographs, you will see your joy and happiness and love written all over them.

Do you have a favourite wedding or wedding moment that you’ve photographed?

This is a tough call as I find there is something special in every wedding. One of my favourite moments from this past year was working with Danielle and Christopher. They had a really small wedding, and only wanted a small and intimate creative photo session as a compliment to their day. Their energy, and love, and eagerness to have great images meant we created a TON of fantastic photos in a really short period of time. The highlight of the day (for me…I’m sure getting married was their highlight!) was having Danielle pose in the window display of Career Girl Bridal on Jasper Ave.  I love how the photos turned out. They were SO much fun to work with.

What’s in store this year for Kelly Redinger Studios?

I am looking forward to introducing some new elements into my wedding photography, continuing to evolve my style, and expanding my brand to an even larger audience. I am also developing a couples portrait session called’ 1+1 Sessions’ geared specifically towards couples (think engagement photos for people who are already married!)  Another exciting project I am developing right now is a photography workshop called I Photograph People, which will help guide photographers in working with people and getting the best results. This is shaping up to be a busy year!

You’ve been married for 10 years now – any tips for the future newlyweds out there?

Hold hands. Hug in public. Laugh. Have date nights. Surprise your husband/wife with little notes in his/her wallet, or car, or lunch bag, telling them how awesome they are. And flowers now and then don’t hurt either.

A few of Kelly’s amazing images:

Drop by Kelly’s blog to say ‘hi’ and see what’s he’s been up to recently!

Thanks Kelly!

Jennifer