He’s just not that into you – A reflection March 30, 2009
Posted by Damon Taylor in Relationships.Tags: advice, love, men, Relationships, romance, wedding, weddings, women
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He’s just not that into you – A reflection 
I recently watched the girlie flick ‘He’s just not that into you’ with a girlfriend, and I must say, the movie raised a few eyebrows, and resulted in a few ‘aaghhh’. Without giving too much away for those who have yet to see the movie, this film addressed the issues of dating and understanding what men think and what men want.
Whilst most women would probably think that they have a pretty good understanding of the male species; the movie otherwise proves that we know very little. Surprisingly, the movie encompassed somewhat an educational tone, with one particular male character explaining the sly moves of men, and the common one liner. Interestingly, the women in the movie were perceived to be rather unaware of the male antics that go on when it comes to dating, and other women.
So, despite the somewhat depressed feelings that followed after watching the movie, I also found it to be educating and entertaining. For the men out there that continue to use these one liners, and bestow the gift of the silver tongue upon women, all I can say is ‘watch out’. Your secrets have been revealed and if they thought women were suspicious, most girlfriends and wives will now be investing in therapy and private investigators.
Interestingly, the movie touched on various key issues that most day to day people encounter. For instance, the issue of being together for years, and not discussing the idea of marriage was raised. Lets face it, most women will commit to a relationship and put time and effort if they know that they are going to end up with a rock on their finger. Now, what happens if you don’t know this? What do you do when you and your partner appear to conquer all milestones together, except marriage? We see this even amongst celebrities. In fact, Harrison Ford only recently proposed to Calista Flockhart after being together for seven years! Now, most of us would have put our foot down and walked away. So what makes a woman stick around and wait for that rock? Do we actually fool ourselves into thinking that ‘it’s only a matter of time’, or ‘women mature faster than men, and maybe he’s just not ready’.
According to men, if there is hesitation at the idea of marriage, then it’s a sure sign that the relationship is probably not going to proceed past the point than what it is presently at. Now, we can also look at if from another angle and ask ourselves why people are so damn obsessed with marriage. There are many couples who have children and who are not married. Some people are able to commit to a lifelong relationship without having to spend thirty thousand dollars to declare this commitment to the world.
This debate will continue to be ongoing, and at the end of the day, each to their own. The issue however, relates to the women who want to get married, have the house with the white picket fence and the children running around. The partner on the other hand, wants the opposite. Whilst we are all individuals and have our own desires, why is it that women remain in these relationships when they are wanting something completely different. Surely the sex cannot be that good that it would prevent one from being completely happy? I’m sure that is what the guy is telling himself though. He is well aware that his girlfriend wants to get married, but continues to put his foot down, and gets away with it too. So what does one do? For most women, we become accustomed to the relationship, and sometimes, walking away is rather difficult. Being in love with the person doesn’t help matters either, and for women, it’s extremely difficult to walk away from the man you love, despite the fact that they may be unwilling to commit further to the relationship.
The movie also depicted men to be rather weak in actually saying what it is that they think. For instance, various men in the movie provided fantastic one liners to women, giving them the impression that they enjoyed their date immensely only to never be heard from again. Now for the women, this became extremely confusing. Showered with compliments and false promises of future meetings, the women would wait around by the phone in anticipation of the first phone call following the date. For most, they waited to no avail. The movie revealed that for men, this was simply a game. The fantastic compliments and false promises were exactly that – fantastic and false. Men simply do not have the capacity to say that they aren’t interested. Rather, they find it easier to avoid the topic and let women walk away thinking that the date was fabulous and start planning the wedding. Now, most of us wonder why this is. Perhaps it is because men dislike the idea of dealing with an emotional woman, and in being quite honest, most of us would let the tears run free if we were told that the date was not particularly enjoyed by the male counterpart. Despite the fear of being drowned by an avalanche of emotion, the men in this movie were represented to be rather pathetic, unable to express their true thoughts and lacking in any aspects of honesty. For most women, if they are not interested in the man, we throw the “I just want to be friends” line, and most of the time this gives the message loud and clear that we are not interested.
Further questions raised were in relation to fidelity. At one point in a marriage does it become okay to lie and cheat on your partner? Once gain, weakness and fear of reprisal were expressed in the movie whereby one husband realised that he had married too young, and had thus consequently missed out on meeting other people. Despite this being a common scenario for a lot of people, it does not change the fact that cheating and lying to your long term partner is still something that is relatively frowned upon. Nevertheless, for some men and I say some as I don’t want to generalize, use the excuse of ‘I wasn’t ready for marriage’ as reasoning for having affairs and destroying the lives of those they apparently love and care for. It appears that a common theme has emerged, and this is portrayed well throughout the movie. Like the men who find it difficult to express how they feel in relation to the date they attended, some men actually fall into relationships because either they have been unable to assert themselves into admitting how they really feel, or because the woman has managed to provide an extremely persuasive argument into why it is that they should be together. Whatever the reason, the portrayal of the young committer is all too common today.
Whether the guy is into us or not, a key point made in the movie encompassed the freedom to express how one feels without fear of rejection. Being able to take risks, meet others and lay your heart on the line was represented as being far better than placing giant walls around you and avoiding relationships for fear of what might come out of it. The conclusion of the movie grasped the concept of living without fear, expressing yourself openly and being honest with the other person to ensure that the decisions made in relation to relationships and love are clear and reciprocated by the other. A great movie to watch for both men and women; providing not only entertainment; but some philosophies around love and commitment.
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To be or not to be?? December 30, 2008
Posted by Damon Taylor in Uncategorized.Tags: family, love, marriage, Relationships, wedding
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Weddings: To be or not to be ??
Making the decision to marry is not always an easy task. Marriage brings not only responsibility and commitment, but also extensions to our families. As individuals, we often bring our values, beliefs and morals into our relationships, most of which have been formulated and developed by our own experiences within our immediate families. Many of us also bring various traditions and customs into our new relationships, some of which are re-developed or re-modeled to cater for our current situation and our relationship.
As we grow and develop, many of us develop our own concept of marriage. Some of us may hold traditional and religious ideologies and others may have or more contemporary or liberal concept of marriage. Whatever our beliefs or perceptions, it is important that our partner possess values or ideologies similar to that of our own. Marriage entails partnership, which ultimately results in a shared understanding and common goals. Couples who hold different values, morals or beliefs often encounter extreme difficulties when it comes to important decision making, especially if they hold high regard for their beliefs and refuse to compromise. It’s easy to see why. Our partner also bring their own value sets, traditions and beliefs into the relationship, most of which also constructed by their own experiences within their own families. In essence most families are very different, thus, entering a relationship with someone entails accepting some of the differences and compromising on others.
Extreme differences however often lead to disputes and in extreme cases, relationship break downs. There are numerous factors that contribute to some of the issues that we often find in our relationships. Firstly, when we first enter relationships, we are often ignorant to the idiosyncrasies that our partners may possess. Love, becomes literally blind. In the first few months, we often turn a blind eye to the differences that we may have within our own value sets, beliefs and morals. We convince ourselves that they are only minor issues, and will not have long term effects throughout the course of the relationship.
Secondly, many us of believe that we have the capacity to change our partners, to mold them into being the person we want them to be. This belief primarily originates from our own egocentric beliefs, whereby we believe that the values, beliefs and morals we hold are correct, and our partners simply needs to develop similar values.
Thirdly, we fear the unknown. Sometimes after putting time and effort into a relationship, we are afraid to throw it all away and start again. Often, we take the easier option and remain in the relationship, hoping that it will get better with time. Many of us become co-dependent on our partners, and with time may have developed that comfort in which we all seek in relationships. Thus, we often brush away the knowledge that we hold subconsciously and simply continue with the relationship.
Relationships continually grow and evolve within our everyday experiences. Whilst our values, beliefs and morals create the foundation for our relationships, as coules, we need to ensure that the relationships we create remain fluid, thus allowing for healthy change to occur. Whilst managing relationships can be hard work, being with the person you love shouldn’t be hard. This means accepting the person you love for you they are. Sharing a common understanding, similar values and common goals towards the future is vital for the longevity of the relationship. Also, understanding that your partner, and you as an individual will never be perfect is important in the development of a successful relationship.
Relationships entails trusting one another, being able to rely on your partner and feeling comfortable. Strong foundations result in strong relationships. Strong foundations within relationships prevents cracks from appearing during cyclonic stages of the relationships, or life itself.
Successful relationships occur when honesty within ourselves and with our partners occur. Exploring issues together, and discussing our fears openly without fear of being judged allows us to open ourselves and learn about one another. Couples who do not fear difference, and who are honest within their relationships often find themselves in long lasting and harmonious relationships.
Made up Beautifully November 15, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in Resources.Tags: beauty, fashion, fitness, health, love, wedding, wedding dress, weddings
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Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, however on our wedding day we want to look beautiful to everyone! Ensuring that you look your absolute best without the drag queen affect can be a difficult task. So unless you’re hoping to replicate Priscilla Queen of the Desert, it is suggested that you keep your make-up to a minimal. Sometimes less can be more, and whilst you want to ensure you have enough coverage for the camera, you don’t want to look caked and plastic.
Having a facial one week prior to the wedding will provide a cleansed base for your makeup. It’s important to have your facial at least one week prior to the wedding, as often you break out as a result of the detox and cleansing. This is temporary, and common, however it may last a few days, so make sure that you leave enough time for your skin to clear up and shine for your wedding day.
If you are going to opt for the fake tan, ensure that your face is also tanned. You don’t want to have the body of a bronzed goddess and the face of the phantom of the opera. Keep your skin tone the same from top to bottom. It’s also important to keep out of the sun prior to the wedding. The lobster look never looks appealing, and it will be highlighted by the camera. If you are sunburnt, ensure that you drink plenty of water to keep your core temperature down, and apply aloe vera lotion or gel liberally.
Experimenting with various colours is extremely important when achieving that natural yet breathtaking look. Have a few make up trials to ensure that you obtain the exact look you want. Bring a friend who you trust and ask for their opinion. We all know that some make up artist will tell you that you look gorgeous, but often, the colours chosen may not represent who you are. Strong and extroverted personalities can pull off the smoky eyes with the blood red lips, however women with softer demeanours, and introverted personalities often look better with more subtle and softer colours.
The season in which your wedding will occur will also help to determine your look. For instance, cooler months entails wearing make up that are softer and sultry. An autumn wedding is great for those who suit the light browns and neutral colours. Photos will look great against the fall leaves and the auburn colours. Spring is great for the paler or paster colours with a hint of pinks or rose. Often women with paler complexions look much better when married in spring. You don’t have the sunburnt factor yet you can still have that hint of colour. Summer is great for the bronzer and the brights. Women with olive complexions look fantastic as they are likely to have obtain the natural sun kissed look, and when you already have the hint of a tan or natural bronze, you do not need the heavy make up.
Despite the abundance of choices we have when it comes to make up, it is important to keep in mind that less is really more. Find the colour that suits you and your skin tone, and observe how your skin reacts to the various seasons. If you know your skin cannot tolerate the sun, then plan your wedding for the cooler months and wear make up to suit. Similarly, if you are a natural sun goddess, you can get away with the summer weddings and the bronzed beach babe look. Whatever you chose, remember to seek advice and experiment.
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Escaping to the Escarpment October 30, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in accomodation.Tags: accomodation, honeymoon, love, romance, wedding, wedding dress, weddings
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The Escarpment offers tranquility and seclusion without having to travel far. Nestled amongst the luscious greenery of Mount Tamborine, the Escarpment provides the perfect romantic getaway.
Indivuals chalets consists of a king size four poster bed,double spa bath and fire place for those warm winter nights. Couples not only experience the exceptional commodities within the chalet, but also have access to the facilities offered by the resort.
Relaxing massages, delicious breakfasts and access to the cinema to name a few, provide an experience that caters for all.
For those incorporating relaxation with fitness, walking tracks are available to be explored. Panoramic views of the Gold Coast are within close proximity to the Escarpment. Couples can take in the breathtaking views and amaze in the wonder of nature’s glamour.
In conjunction with the beauty and tranquility offered by the Escarpment, the service delivery exceeds that of many resorts . Requests are adhered to in a friendly manner with service and assistance provided efficiently. Manager Gary Poole provides a service that makes you feel that you are home whilst away from home. When you leave the Escarpment, you not only leave with a wonderful experience, but you also leave with a friend.
I truly recommend the Escarpment to any couples searching for a memorable, relaxing and enticing experience.
All About Diamonds October 28, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in Resources.Tags: family, jewellery, life, love, romance, tradition, wedding, wedding dress, weddings
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We all know that diamonds are a girls best friend, but what many of us don’t know is what actually 
constitutes a perfect diamond. The perfect diamond is defined in accordance to its colour, clarity, carat and weight. Purchasing a diamond ring entails understanding the four ’C’s in order to ensure that you end up with the perfect diamond. Whilst prices vary in accordance to the value placed on the diamond itself, it’s important to understand what you are getting for what you are paying.
Colour
The majority of diamonds come in the white colourless range, however diamonds can be found in a variety of colour. Diamonds are graded in accordance to their colour. Colourless diamonds are graded as a D, and as the diamond develops further colour, they are graded downwards in the alphabet. For instance, a diamond which may have yellow or brown colour in it may be graded at an F or G. Thus, diamonds graded as D are considered most valuable due to their rarity and due to light passing through the diamond effortlessly. When light passes through the diamond, it disperses colours of the rainbow, known as dispersion.
Clarity
The clarity of the diamond is graded under 10x power magnification. Thus, clarity is determined as any feature of the stone that reduces its brilliance or value. This is known as inclusions, and usually are natural occurrences within the structure of the diamond once formed. As a result, the clarity of the diamond is determined by the number of inclusions visible in the stone. The severity of inclusions found, and the location in which it is found in the diamond determine the value of the stone. Flawless diamonds are a rarity and thus extremely valuable.
Cut
The angles and proportions of the diamonds facets, as well as how well the light enters the diamond determines the cut of the stone. The cut of the diamond does not indicate the shape of the diamond, rather the cut refers to the structure of the stone. A well cut diamond reflects light from its facets and then disperses the light to the crown (top of the diamond). A deep cut diamond allows light to disperse from the bottom of the stone whilst a shallow cut diamond causes the light to escape from the bottom of the stone, preventing it from being reflected outward.
Carat Weight
The carat is the basic unit of weight measure for diamonds. The weight measure for diamonds is equal to 0.20 grams. Small diamonds are measured in points where one carat is divided into 100 points. As diamonds increase in size, the more rare and valuable it becomes.
When purchasing a diamond, it is important to consider all four factors. A larger diamond, with yellow colour and poor clarity may not necessarily be more valuable then a smaller diamond with colour grade of D, and perfect clarity. It is important to ensure that you ask questions in order to attain a diamond that suits your taste and budget.
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Five ways to keep your relationship on the ball. October 27, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in honeymoon, Resources.Tags: commitments, family, life, love, marriage, Relationships, wedding, weddings
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Five ways to keep your relationship on the ball.
Entering a committed and long term relationship is not an easy task. After the initial honeymoon phase has worn out, many of us begin to notice the little idiosyncracies that grow to becoming annoying habits. Whilst we may have turned a blind eye once before to these annoying little habits, as the relationship progress, these habits can grow into explosive problems. For some, such habits can destroy the relationship. Most of us will acknowledge that we also may exhibit such annoying traits or habits, and perfection is something that definitely not attainable. So how do we ensure that our relationship stands the test of time, or in some cases the test of annoying habits? We have provided five simple steps to follow to ensure that your relationship is always on the ball.
1. Words of affirmation: Compliment your partner, and use words of appreciation. Provide your partner with encouragement, and show empathy to show that you can see the world from your partner’s perspective. Learn about your partner. Find out what is important to them, what do they value the most. Finding out about your partner provides you with the opportunity to show that you believe in them, that you have faith in them and their abilities. Speak kindly and speak in a manner that represents understanding and kindness. Make requests, not demands as a request introduces the element of choice. Lastly, use indirect compliments, that is, speaking positively about your partner when they are not around.
2. Quality Time: Quality time does not entail existing in the same household. Rather, quality time is about being together, being within close proximity. Share time with one another, engage in an activity together and engage in conversation. This means sharing thoughts, feelings and emotions with one another. Unlike affirmation, the focus is about what is being heard rather than was is being said.
3. Giving and Receiving Gifts: Let your partner know that you are thinking of them. Giving your partner a gift, whether it is small or large, expensive or inexpensive symbolises that you are thinking of them. Whether you decide to make something for your partner, write them a letter, email or simply give them a call, the action shows that you are thinking of them. Letting your partner know that you think of them and love them is an important gift to give, and important to receive. It affirms how you feel towards one another, and strengthens the relationship.
4. Act of service: Ensuring that you help your partner is vital to letting them know that you care. Whether it is vacuuming, or mowing the lawn, these little things indicate partnership and thoughtfulness. Also, it’s important to note what your partner is doing for you. Remember to thank them for their help, as this allows them to understand that you have acknowledged the effort that they have made for you.
5. Physical Touch: The touch of love may incorporate various physical actions. A loving touch can entail giving your partner a massage, sexual intercourse or back rub. Touch can also entail resting your hand on your partner’s shoulder, a hug or kiss. It’s important to discuss what you and your partner desire sexually, and how you both perceive the expression of love making. Simple touches, kisses or cuddles on the couch symbolises love and desire for your partner. Individuals who strive to give their partners a hug or kiss, and who openly discuss their sexual desires often have a stronger connection with their partner. Touching rekindles the old flame, and often helps to re-create the honeymoon phase.
Relationships require hard work and committment. Couples must be committed to one another, and committed to ensuring that the relationship is important enough to put in the hard yards. Strong relationships also experience difficult times, however if you follow these steps, and build a strong foundation, then chances are you will find yourself in a relationship that will stand the test of time.
Top 40 Honeymoon Destinations in New South Wales October 24, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in honeymoon.Tags: family, honeymoon, life, love, marriage, romance, tradition, travel, wedding, wedding dress, weddings
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Name |
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Website |
Phone |
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Jonah’s |
02 99745599 |
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Eagle View Escape |
1300 851829 |
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Seclusions |
02 63556300 |
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Strawberry Patch Cottage |
4304 96755 |
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Varenna Luxury Accommodation |
4304 96755 |
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Falls Moutain Retreat |
02 47578826 |
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York Leura Gardens Resort |
02 47844004 |
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Bishops Court Estate |
02 63324447 |
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Duntryleague |
02 63623822 |
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Orange De Russie Suites |
02 63600973 |
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Boathouse on Hawkesbuy |
02 99858505 |
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Bells at Killcare |
02 43602411 |
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Villa By the Sea |
02 43851170 |
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El Lago Waters Resort |
02 43323955 |
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Mantra Kooindah Waters |
02 43555777 |
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Bluebell Retreat |
1800 802044 |
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Billabong Moon |
02 65747290 |
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Bali at the Bay |
02 49812964 |
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Australia‘s Diamond Beach Resort |
02 65592719 |
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Clarendon Forest Retreat |
02 65543085 |
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Nudoobah Retreat |
02 65522818 |
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Pacific Bay Resort |
1300 363360 |
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Crystal Creek Rainforest Retreat |
02 66791591 |
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Oubetrees Resort Hotel |
02 92626585 |
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Altitude 1260 Resort |
02 64562511 |
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The Pines Pastoral |
02 48683523 |
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Barefoot Springs |
02 44460509 |
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Bellachara Boutique Hotel |
02 42341359 |
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Kiama Harbour Cabins |
02 43322707 |
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Coast Resort Merimbula |
02 64954930 |
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Tumbling Waters Retreat |
02 42941888 |
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Bannisters Point Lodge |
0244553044 |
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Ulladulla Guest House |
0244551796 |
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Central Coast Holiday Parks |
1800 241342 |
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York Fairmont Resort |
02 47844144 |
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Pet Porpoise Pool |
02 66591900 |
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Raffertys |
02 4972 5555 |
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O’Reillys Rainforest Retreat |
02 55024911 |
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Shoal Bay Resort and Spa |
1800 181810 |
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Glamour on the Bay |
02 4384 7959 |
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Ten steps to Making Love not War October 12, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in Resources.Tags: communication, life, love, psychology, relationship, romance, wedding advice, wedding dress, weddings australia
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Ten steps to Making Love not War
Tom Cruise: Source Ask Men
Communicating in a marriage can be a difficult task, and for some it’s mission impossible. Since the majority of us don’t have access to Tom Cruise, we are often required to address the issue on our own, and for some of us, this can result in catastrophic blow ups. Addressing problems and issues can lead to rocket launches filled with verbal abuse and put downs, and often, such attacks and insults can result in complete destruction. So, how does one learn to communicate with their partner without starting world war III ? Better yet, how does one learn to be communicated to? Here are some simple, yet probably effective steps to ensuring that you get heard whilst hearing the other side.
1. Listen, listen and listen – Listening is an extremely important part of communicating. Often many of us develop an egocentric approach to arguing whereby we are convinced that we are right, and thus stand our position. Sometimes listening to the other person can allow us to understand what they are actually attempting to say, rather than what we think that they are saying.
2. Clarify the unclear – It’s important to ask questions if you are unclear about what your partner is trying to say. Often, you may find that what you thought they were saying could actually be completely different to what they are REALLY saying. Also, if you are the person which your partner is attempting to clarify things with, it’s important that you remain patient and don’t become defensive. Often you may find that you may not be explaining yourself well and your partner may be simply misunderstanding what you are saying.
3. Paraphrase – If you are unsure about what your partner is saying, paraphrase what they said back to them. For instance, “you said …..”. If you have it wrong, then your partner should be able to re-phrase what they attempted to say. On the flip side, if your partner is paraphrasing something back to you and they get it completely wrong, don’t get upset and defensive, simply put it in another way. You may find that the conflict or issue is resolved very quickly.
4. Brainstorm – Brainstorm different ways that you can address the problem between the two of you without bringing out the pepper spray. This will ensure that a collaborative approach to problems solving is achieved and will give you a foundation to solving disputes.
5. Develop rules – If you’re the type of person that becomes ruled by your emotion, then it may be of benefit to develop some ground rules. Perhaps you could set a rule whereby your voices aren’t raised above 1000 decibels, or foul play doesn’t occur. Whatever the rule, you may find that it will provide some boundaries to keeping the comments above the belt. For some, it’s important to remember that there aren’t any conversion points to be obtained by having the last say.
6. Respect – Respecting your partner’s opinion is important. As individuals we all have different views and beliefs about various topics, however it is vital to remember that just because your partner thinks differently does not mean that they are wrong. Understanding your partner’s opinion, whether you agree with it or not allows for effective communication because it then opens the door for negotiation.
7. Reflect – Many of us wonder what we fought about after fighting with out partner. Often when we reflect on the argument that we had, we find that the issue wasn’t as big as what we initially thought it was. Hindsight is a pain, and we can’t change what occurred or what was said, however reflecting on our behaviours and making a conscious effort to address the issue differently next time is important. Developing a high level of emotional intelligence takes time and practice, this means encountering conflict and learning how to deal with it effectively. It’s important to be aware of how we are feeling during conflict, and to act accordingly. If you are feeling angry, then it is important to realise this and leave the situation. Sometimes using ’I’ statements can help. For instance, “i feel really angry right now, so i’m going to have a break”.
8. Implement – Implement the effective strategies you develop. It’s no use discussing the rules and brainstorming strategies for effective communication. In order for effective communication to occur, you need to put money where your mouth is and actually do what you say you are going to do. This also provides you with the opportunity to see if your strategies do make a difference to how you communicate.
9. Compromise – There will be times when coming to an agreement or resolving the issue may be impossible. During such times, it is important to compromise in order to produce a win win outcome. Both parties are thus left feeling happier, and move on from the issue.
10. Positive affirmation – Whilst it is easy to throw destructive and hurtful remarks to one another, it is vital that poisonous words that you may not have meant are followed with positive affirmation. Remember to tell your partner what you do LIKE about them as opposed to what irritates you. Subsequently, remember to show your partner that you love them and care about them. Like the old saying, actions speak louder than words, showing your partner that you love them can result in perfect harmony.
Communicating can be extremely difficult, and for most us we often feel like bashing our heads against a brick wall when trying to deliver our point across. Following these simple steps will hopefully provide some positive guidelines to effectively engaging with your partner during times of conflict.
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10 Simple steps to obtaining perfect wedding photos. October 7, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in Resources.Tags: 10 steps, 10 ways, life, love, romance, tradition, wedding dress, Wedding Dresses, weddings
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As Madonna would say, “strike a pose, there’s nothing to it”! Ensuring that your wedding photos turn out brilliantly can be a difficult task. Most of us get married once, so having great wedding photos is vital to ensuring those magical memories stay in tact. There are millions of photographers around, all of which claim that they are ‘simply the best’. So unless their name is Tina Turner, it’s not always wise to accept that they are better than all the rest. Here are some useful tips to ensure that you receive wedding photos that will make you feel like a supermodel on the cover of a magazine.
- Research, research and research – it’s important to talk to a number of photographers and to site their original works. Photographers that are willing to pull out their photos and display them confidently will likely be more credible than a photographer who alleges that they don’t have anything current to show.
- Equipment – Ask the photographer to show you the cameras that he or she uses and assess their equipment. Most credible photographers will use professional cameras that deliver high quality photos. Also, if the photographer can provide a detailed description about his or her camera and why he or she uses it, then it’s likely that he or she has some knowledge in the world of photography. If they pull out the disposables, run.
- Word of mouth – Sometimes it’s great to take advice from other couples who have been married. If other couples are happy with the photos they received, then chances are they employed a good photographer. Word of mouth can not only be powerful, but it can also save you time and tears.
- Discuss preliminary plans with the photographer – Ask the photographer how they prepare for the shoot. A good photographer will visit the site where the photos will be taken and assess the quality of lighting and so forth prior to the wedding day. If they are going to show up on the day and take the chance, then it’s highly likely that you are going to waste your money.
- Price – the price can indicate whether the photographer is credible or not. Whilst a good photographer can drain the budget, it’s far better than employing Joe Bloggs down the street that has recently completed his certificate iii in photography. It may be tempting to stick to the cheaper option, but that often means receiving photos that look just as ‘cheap’.
- Bargain – compare and contrast credible photographers and then report the various prices to all. You may find that some photographers may drop their price to compete with their competitors, thus winning your business.
- Communicate – Ensure that you tell your photographer how many people are attending your wedding and how many people are in your bridal party. This will allow the photographer to effectively plan the length of time he or she will require to ensure that the wedding guests and the bridal party are incorporated in all photos. You don’t want the photographer rushing through the job in order to have all the photos completed. Chances are, you won’t receive great quality photos.
- Colour theme – Think about your colour theme for your wedding. You don’t want the bridesmaids in dull coloured dresses that will make them look washed out. Similarly, you don’t want over the top colours (fluro) that will take the eye away from the bride and groom. Colours should contrast well with one another, so if the bridesmaids are wearing a bright and happy coloured dress, then tone it down on the bouquets.
- Tanning – whilst fake tan can look appealing, it’s important to note that less is definitely more. If you opt for a fake tan, keep it to a minimum as the orange look does not look very appealing in photos.
- Make up – Wearing sufficient make up is important as the camera will take it off. Often we see models and actors looking ‘natural’ in magazines. In reality, they have a substantial amount of make up on. The camera removes the look of the make up whilst accentuating your features. So, while you don’t want to look like a drag queen, it’s important to wear some make up so you can look fresh in your photos.
Wedding photos become extremely valuable and sentimental to many married couples, thus it is important to ensure that the photos you receive are of high quality and value. Following these simple steps will enable you to effectively employ a photographer that will provide you with photos that you will want to pull out for years to come.
Find your wedding dress at http://kissthebride.com.au
Honeymoon on a Budget October 6, 2008
Posted by Vanessa in honeymoon.Tags: accommodation, family, holiday, honeymoon, love, romance, wedding dress, Wedding Dresses
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We’ve all heard the famous line, “I don’t want your money honey, I want your love”! Whilst we all look forward to our honeymoon, we are also well aware of the potential costs involved. Weddings are an expensive event on their own; however honeymoons can also contribute significantly to the old bank account drying up.
Many of us today view the honeymoon as an event that not only allows us some quality time with our new husband or wife, but also as an opportunity to have that holiday we always wanted. Overseas trips and activity filled discoveries of the world are becoming extremely common. Whilst having an exciting and adventure filled honeymoon can be enticing, some of us may prefer to experience ‘the love’ whilst keeping the bank balance in check. Here are some tips to ensure that you can spend some quality time with your loved one without blowing your budget.
- Home sweet home – We all know home is where the heart is, and for some, it’s where the love is. Rather than paying for accommodation, why not stay at home and put your money towards daily activities such as going out to a fancy restaurant or going away for day trips. You may find that you will have the opportunity to engage in more activities by saving on accommodation costs.
- Bed and Breakfast – Fancy resorts and hotels are a thing of the past. There are an abundance of bed and breakfasts that are situated in secluded and romantic locations, and best of all, you get breakfast!
- Camping – Why not bring out the tent and enjoy the sunshine! There are a great amount of sites with pristine views. If your not the type to erect a tent, then go for cabin, either way they are an extremely cost effective way to experience the beauty of nature!
- Houseboat – Whilst certain houseboats can put a dint in the budget, there are cheaper options available. You can experience the magic of a cruise whilst having complete control of where you want to go. Whilst you’re out on the water, why not bring out the fishing line and catch dinner!
- Caravan tour – Forget touring Europe! Why not experience the beauty of your own country and hire a caravan! Tour Australia and see the wonders of our country without having to convert your money!!
- Housesit – Know someone who may be going away! Why not house sit and experience being somewhere else. Tour the nearby locations and see what other areas have to offer.
- Pack the Backpack – Backpack around Australia and see the sights! Why not jump on your bike and get fit whilst you travel around the country. There are plenty of lodges around the country for backpackers. It’s definitely a fun and cheap and alternative way to see the country.
- Email alert – Send an email to all your friends and family and see if anyone has a holiday guest house they can allow you to use. You may find that your old great aunt may have a holiday house in the woods that you didn’t know about. Perhaps you can make a deal and tell them that they can lend their holiday home as a wedding gift!
- Time is of the essence – Postpone your honeymoon to a low peak time of the year. If you decide to marry in high peak season (eg December to February), you will find that prices will double as a result of the holiday season. Perhaps you can postpone your honeymoon to the winter months to get those special deals. There is nothing better than being wrapped up in your partner’s arms by a log fire!
- Team Effort – if you are really set on having that action packed adventure honeymoon overseas, why not ask your wedding guest to put forward a contribution towards your holiday rather than purchasing a present. Sometimes team effort can go a long way!
It’s natural for us to want to experience a honeymoon that is special and memorable, however sometimes our financial situation may not allow it. Some couples opt for a honeymoon years after they have been married, and others simply have something small followed by a proper holiday down the track. You often hear of couples saying “we’re on our second honeymoon”, often meaning that they didn’t get to experience a ‘real’ honeymoon the first time. Whatever you chose, it’s also important to note that having a honeymoon is about having some ‘time out’ with your new wife or husband. Where and how that time is spent is up to the individual and the couple as a whole.
Find your wedding dress at Kiss the Bride.
