South Padre Island Photographer

Family Beach Portraits
What should one expect at the photo session?

Now that you have picked the day and what to wear, it is time for the photo session to begin.  First, be prepared to spend up to about two hours for the session.  In most cases, it takes less time, but make sure to bring plenty of water and towels.  Once everyone is at the location, it is time to start posing.  My job as the photographer is to scope out the best spot for everyone to sit or stand.  Possible sites include dunes, waters edge,  rock jetties or standing in front of a landmark, such as a pier or lighthouse.  Once everyone is in position, I will be snapping a few test shots to make sure that everything is technically right.  Then it’s time to get the shots.  I will snap quite a few shots of the same pose to insure a wide option of choices, so if you blink or sneeze, or forget to smile, that one shot won’t ruin the whole bunch.  After the large family shots are done, it’s time to get individual shots and smaller groups.
My goal as a photographer is to make sure your Family Portrait Session is a fun and stress free experience.  By following these few guidelines, you and your family can enjoy your Beach Vacation memories for a lifetime.

Thanks, and I hope to see you on the beach.

Wade

South Padre Island Photographer

Family Beach Portraits

Clothing Plan for Beach Portraits

CLOTHING MATTERS!
White looks great on everyone against the gorgeous white sand of South Padre Island.

IT IS YOUR CHOICE:
All White, White and Khaki, or White and Blue Jeans.
Or, be original and choose your own favorite color!

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO;
Coordinate your familie's clothing.
Stay with SOLIDS.
Feel good!

IT IS BEST TO ;
Wear tops with sleeves.

LADIES LOOK GREAT IN;
White dresses,
or long, white flowing beach skirts and tops, or white tops and khaki capris.
For ladies with fabulous legs; you go girl, wear shorts.
NO LOTION! (The  sand will stick to you and make you look like a chicken picata!)
DO wear jewelry that you love!

GENTLEMEN;
A white dress shirt or polo (T- shirts don't look that great) and nice jeans or ironed khakis. Pants look way better than shorts!

  GLASSES;
We will create images with and without glasses.

HAIR;
Don't worry when the gulf breezes blow,
Everyone's hair looks fabulous in the natural setting!
OK, I'm kidding, but the hair does look great.
However, we might have to tame it with some bobbie pins and a little Photoshop technique
Your responsibility is to keep hair OUT of your and your children's FACES!

RETOUCHING;
The Retouching of your portraits is included.
Your final portrait will represent THE BEST of you and your family. Small details such as blemishes are not even an issue.
Background clutter  (as in those annoying other beachgoers) will be eliminated.

A FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE;
TELL, don't ask your family to participate in your FAMILY BEACH PORTRAIT.
This will be a fun time that you will spend together!
Everyone will love it.
It is about memories.
It is about fun.
It is about FAMILY!

South Padre Island Photographer

Tips for Planning a Destination Wedding:


Do your homework.  Research your destination and to make sure your destination will deliver
the wedding experience you are seeking.

Take a fact finding trip if possible to see the destination in person.  Use the time to interview
wedding consultant planners, determine the wedding location, plan for the reception and
interview vendors.

Use a wedding consultant planner familiar with the area.  Most resorts include the consultant
as part of a package deal.   If you are not using a resort or purchasing an entire wedding
package, then hire a local wedding consultant planer to do all the leg work for you.

Make sure you know what is included in your price.  Read the fine print, ask for testimonials
and check them out.

Learn the legalities to marry at the destination.  Make sure all your papers are in order before
you travel. If you need birth certificates, divorce certificates or consent forms, get it done in
advance.  If you need a passport, apply for it immediately.

Send out save the date cards 8 or 9 months in advance to give your guests time to make travel
plans and make financial arrangements to attend.

Send your prospective guests travel information and hotel information as soon as you are able
to put together the package.  Negotiate with the resort or hotel for group rates for your guests
so you can save them money.  See if the resort will include transportation to the resort as part
of the package.

Show your appreciation for the guests who have traveled to your wedding by arranging to have
snack baskets sent to their rooms or by hosting a get together the night before the wedding.

Allow your guests free time to enjoy their surroundings.  While its your wedding, its their
vacation!  Give them a list of activities or sites for them to visit in the area.

Start assembling what you will need to take with you.  If you exceed the weight limits on airline
flights, you'll have to pay additional fees.  If you are flying and have a lot of things to bring with
you, consider shipping them to your destination.

Start buying destination clothing for both of you when you find sales.  Don't forget that you'll
need a tote bag, sunscreen, after sun lotions, flip flops, swim wear, beach cover ups in addition
to your resort attire and wedding dress.

If you are flying, carry your wedding dress on the plane.  Don't risk putting it in a suitcase and
have the airlines lose your suitcase.  Read how to pack and transport your wedding dress. If
you are driving, make sure you don't leave it in the back seat. The sunlight can fades spots on
the dress through the plastic or a thief might be tempted to break into your car.  Put your
wedding dress in the trunk, on top of your luggage.

Arrange to have your dress steamed at your destination.  If you are going to a resort, they will
handle it for you.  If you hire a wedding consultant planner, she'll get it done for you.  Your dress
will need to be freshened up when you reach your destination, its not possible to transport it
without a few wrinkles or creases.

Have a Plan B in case of inclement weather.  If you have a wedding consultant planner, they'll
have one formulated  for you and you won't have to stress out.

Check in with your planner and vendors to make sure you are on the same page and on
schedule.

Arrive several days in advance so you can tie up lose ends, get your marriage license, spend
time at a spa day relaxing.  It will also give you some time to adjust to any time changes and to
the local weather.  

South Padre Island Photographer

Beach Wedding Attire 
Dress, Shoes & Hair Ideas for Brides Walking Down a Sandy Aisle

The sound of waves crashing, the picturesque backdrop and the scent of sea salt in the air—it's no surprise that you want your wedding to take place at the beach. But how can you ensure your wedding-day look mirrors the natural beauty that surrounds you? The following tips will help you choose a wedding dress, shoes and hairstyle that fit in perfectly with your surroundings and knock the socks off your wedding guests... if they’re not digging into the sand already!

Beach Wedding Dress
You have several options that fit the beach scene when choosing your wedding dress. Look for flowy fabrics that breathe and are more on the slinky side—they'll keep you cool under the sun and accentuate the easy-going vibe of your beach wedding. Think a "hippie-meets-empire-waist" cut in fabrics like cotton, linen and silk that catch the sea breeze with ease. If you're looking for something more traditional, opt for an A-line cut that drops all the way to the sandy floor. Strapless is a popular neckline for beach weddings because it keeps you cool and allows you to show off your beautiful shoulders.

Still not sure which kind of beach wedding dress you want? Let the location and season help you make your decision. Getting married in Waikiki? Is it late June with temperatures in the 80's? Consider "beach casual" with a Hawaiian twist: look for a one-shoulder or spaghetti-strap dress with a flowing silhouette and say "Aloha" to your new mate wearing a beautiful white lei. You can break the rules, too. A traditionalist getting married in this same setting might chose an A-line, strapless white dress—even though most of your wedding party and guests will be decked out in linen pants and Hawaiian shirts, you'll be making your own statement.

Beach Wedding Shoes
Shoes or no shoes, that is the question. If your ceremony will take place in the sand your best option is to go barefoot. (Stilettos are not recommended, for obvious reasons!) When it’s time to hit the hardwood dance floor, flip-flops will keep your feet from getting dirty and preserve your French pedicure. Don't just wear any regular flip-flops—look for a pair that stands out on your special day, like a white platform wedge with silver crystals. If you want a more formal feel you can always slip on a pair of strappy sandals with a slight heel.

Beach Wedding Hair
If the heat is on, put your hair up! Because the salt in the air and the heat might prevent your hair from staying put, you’ll be more comfortable and your hairstyle will last longer if it’s a relaxed up-do. Remember that beach elements are going to bring out your natural hair type. Instead of fighting the frizz or curl, work with it. For someone with coarse curly hair, don't smooth it down, because the curl will come out regardless. Let ringlets do what they do best: cascade down and frame your face.

Flowers for Your Hair
Goodbye veil and tiara, hello flowers! Your options are limitless when picking flowers to add a little something sweet to your hairstyle. Daisies and orchids are safe bets, but if you’re going for a more tropical look, Birds of Paradise will kick up the style and color palette a couple notches. Or, wear a lei around your head like a Polynesian crown.

South Padre Island Photographer

Beach Wedding Advice

 Instead of going for the traditional church wedding, a beach wedding can bring surf, sun, and fun into your big day. Imagine the smiles on your wedding guests' faces when they see you tie the knot with the beach at your back. But how do you plan a beach wedding? Knowing a few basic tips can help make your beach wedding magical.

Timing

1. Like any wedding, planning the correct timing is important. However, for a beach wedding, planning is even more important than a traditional church-based wedding. You must take into account tides and the shifting of the water. If you come when the tides are high, you will have very little beach on which to have a wedding. If your beach is a popular beach, you may have to contend with lots of people if you plan your wedding on a holiday. Do your research and find out the timing of high tide and any holidays in advance.

Weather

2. It can be hard to plan around weather when it can be so unpredictable, but in a beach wedding it is absolutely vital to plan your beach wedding on a nice sunny day. Much of the charm of a beach wedding is that you're in a sunny place celebrating a union of two people. A beach wedding quickly loses its charm if it happens during a thunderstorm, or if there's a sudden weather mishap. The best way to avoid weather problems like this is to have your beach wedding in a warm climate that has little snow or rain.

Destination Beach Wedding

.  It can be easy to be swept up in enthusiasm when planning an exciting event like a beach wedding, especially if it is a destination wedding. In fact, it can be really easy to forget the little things that make a wedding so important. For example, while you're buying your plane tickets and sending invitations, remember to get passports if you're leaving the country and to check how weddings in other countries work. Also be sure to find out how wedding licenses in other countries function in the United States. Nothing could be worse than getting your plane tickets and your passports figured out, having a great wedding on the beach in the Bahamas, and then finding out your wedding license is invalid.

Unique Beach Food

The food at the wedding reception can help set the mood in the memories of wedding guests. Why not have beach-themed foods for your beach wedding? Instead of a normal wedding cake, make a yellow wedding cake (to simulate sand) with various beach themed objects on the cake. Use umbrellas to simulate beach umbrellas and small plastic chairs. A roasted pig is excellent beach-styled food, as are pineapple flavored drinks. Anything that reminds you of the beach or anywhere tropical makes for excellent beach wedding food.

South Padre Island Photographer

Bridal And Maid Dress Advice For A Beach Wedding

Planning a wedding can be exciting and stressful all at the same time.It is quite popular for people to have their wedding on the beach, and there are a lot of unique preparations and planning that goes into these special weddings.There are things to keep in mind when planning dresses for the bride and the bridesmaids.
When a wedding takes place on the beach, it is likely that the weather will be warm and dry.Since the weather is warm, it is important to decide on the type of dress that the bride would like to wear.Brides with beach weddings in the past have worn anything from a white bathing suit and sarong to a full-blown princess style wedding gown with all the bridal trimmings.
When purchasing a wedding gown for the beach, there are a few things to keep in mind.The first thing to keep in mind is your budget.Like any wedding, you get what is within your budget.Second, it is important to know whether the bride will be walking on the beach or on some form of carpet laid out.Once this is figured out, you can decide if the dress should be floor length or not.If the bride will be walking right on the beach and the dress is floor length, the bottom of the dress is far more likely to get dirty.This is when it would be a good idea to choose a wedding gown that is above the ankles.Also, if the weather is going to be very warm you may want to get a wedding gown that is made of light, thin material.On these occasions, brides may choose dresses that are to the knees or just below the knees, strapless or spaghetti straps, and made of cotton, silk, satin, or any other light material.
The same consideration that goes into the wedding gown should go into the bridesmaids' dresses.Usually the dresses will be short, lightweight, and lighter colors.There are no rules about the colors that the dresses can be, so even dark dresses are acceptable.Whatever color is chosen, the dresses should be made of lightweight material and take on a sundress type of look.This gives the wedding a very laid back feel and may seem much less stressful for all people involved.The lightweight material of the dresses will also allow the bridesmaids to be as comfortable as possible when the weather is possibly quite warm.
Of course there are people who decide to have very traditional looking dresses even when the wedding is on the beach.If the bride wants to wear a long princess style dress, then it is certainly acceptable.It would be good to have a walkway that is clear of any sand, dirt, or mud in order to keep the dress as clean as possible.The wedding gown will probably be a strapless or spaghetti strap to allow the bride some way to cool down.The same consideration should come into account when the bridesmaids' dresses are long.The dresses should still allow coolness throughout the make, and the sleeves should probably be on the smaller side. All weddings are times of great happiness and every bride wants to have the perfect day.Whether you choose a lightweight, sundress style gown or a princess style gown, the wedding should still promote comfort and fun.

South Padre Island Photographer

My Daughter Lauren has entered a poster in the "Life is better with art in it" poster competition being help by the Art Institute of Austin.  She could win a free ride scholarship!!  You go girl!! http://www.wwdphotography.com/-/wwdphotography/gallery.asp?cat=157784&pID=1&row=5

South Padre Island Photographer

Dose the beach really need to be a trash collection location? ;(

South Padre Island Phorographer

Why get married in South Padre Island? Because you want something different...something fun...you want to go somewhere that's warm and sunny with exciting things for you, the new bride and groom to explore together. So if you've always dreamed of that tropical destination wedding, follow your heart! South Padre Island is a perfect place to get married. The sandy beaches and picturesque blue-green water of South Padre Island offers a flawless romantic setting for beach weddings at an affordable low price, this South Texas Island is the perfect escape for two! Imagine marrying in nature’s paradise surrounded by the tranquility of the sea, a romantic wedding in a tropical beach location. The playful gently sloping shoreline, clear blue-green ocean waters, tropical foliage and flowers, magnificent birds and butterflies all enable you and your fiancé to begin your own unforgettable journey filled with a lifetime of love and romance.

Once you have exchanged vows and are proclaimed husband and wife, you, your wedding party, and your guests can take part in any of the South Padre Island's many exciting activities, such as surfing lessons, dolphin watching, snorkeling, or sailing. Or, if you prefer, you can simply cuddle up and relax on the shores of our warm sandy beaches or indulge in a tempting South Padre Island spa.

South Padre Island Photographer

"The Digital Dilemma"

Don't wake up some day(about 20 years from now) and realize that every photo you have of your children growing up is on a card in your camera that can't even be read anymore.  I am afraid that this is what is going to happen to a bunch of you.  Get your images printed!!, or at a minimum back them up to several locations. I keep mine on 3 different hard drives and a service called Carbonite, 

Maureen T. Schnier wedding \ event planner

Maureen T. Schnier owner of SMILES IN PARADISE is a wedding/event planner..  Her customers have  referred to her as  a "concierge of services" for your event.  She has spent numerous years in a public relations position in Corporate America,  where event planning was a focal point and significant responsibility in her position.  After moving to the South Padre Island area, she became ordained as a wedding officiant  so that she could help couples plan and enjoy their very special day.  She is available to assist with the entire process - from the rehearsal dinner through the wedding itself - or to simply provide the ceremony.  She has an experienced and reliable network of vendors to help you plan every little detail ! Most are bilingual in English and Spanish. She would be honored to officiate your wedding and looks forward to working with you and making you SMILE IN PARADISE !!  972-342-2367

South Padre Island Photographer

This is a wedding I did in November, a great time for South Padre Island because it has cooled down from the extremely hot summer. Summer wedding  beach ceremonies on South Padre Island should start about 6:00PM, with sunset at about 8:00PM during the summer this allows about 30 minutes for the ceremony so that there is plenty of time for great images afterwords.  Any earlier and it is usually so hot that everyone suffers. I hope you enjoy the sideshow. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1X4qHakmBc

South Padre Island Photographer

Another winter blast :(  Was going to the beach today to scout for an upcoming wedding but I think I will work on my web site instead, Burrrrrr!