Since our recent newsletter talked about wedding cakes I thought I'd share this video with you.  The suggestion to look into wedding magazines for wedding cake ideas is a great one.  Decide just how creative you want to get and how large you would like your wedding cake to be.  Here are some great tips: 

Tip #1  Let's say you want a particular cake.  There is no way you can afford this wedding cake to feed 150 people.  Have your cake displayed.  Then in the back you have a sheet cake to be cut and served.  Your guests will never know it's not from the original cake!  In that way you can have your cake and eat it too!

Tip #2 Think about all the weddings you have gone to.  What did you like most about the cake?  What flavor did you enjoy the most?  Was there a flavor you liked the least? Reflecting on past weddings you've attended can help in many ways when creating you dream wedding. 

Tip #3 Have a cake tasting.  This is one of the fun parts about planning a wedding.  

When it comes to cakes there are many cake designers to choose from.   If you'd like suggestions contact me for some helpful resources.   

Toni Nelson - Nelson Photographers and Videographers
941-662-0022
Tampa Weddings

If you are planning a Tampa wedding , Boca Grande Wedding or a wedding in or around  Sarasota, Naples, Fort Myers contact us.

Getting our hair done is one of those things where sometimes it looks great other times not so much.  Depending on the shape of your face, whether you have thick hair or not matters.  I just found this link you might be interested in: http://www.brides.com/wedding-dresses-style/beauty-salon.  Forget the trial and error.  Now you can upload your picture and try on whatever style you want!  They even have a page where you can try on different dresses.  How fun is that!  

The above photograph is from one of our Tampa Weddings.  Knowing what style you want in advance will be one more item to can check off your "to do" list.  I hope you enjoy playing around with the hair styles.  If you find one you love share it with us!

Toni Nelson - Nelson Photographers
Wedding Photographers and Videographer
941-662-0022
Sarasota Wedding Photographer

Tampa Wedding Photographer, Naples Wedding Photographer.  Contact us for your upcoming wedding.

In our newest newsletter we shared with you tips on hiring a limo service.  I was very surprised when searching on youtube that there weren't very many quality videos out there.  This was the best I could find to introduce you to a topic that will probably come up in your wedding planning.  As Sarasota Wedding Photographers we love being able to photograph brides and grooms inside their limo as well as them making their grand entrance to the wedding and or reception.  It doesn't matter  if your final destination is the Powell Crosley or Selby Gardens be sure to arrive in the style that reflects your personalities.  If you have found a wedding limo service and they have a great video be sure to leave a comment and let us know.  We'd love to feature them.

When hiring a wedding limo be sure to ask all the right questions.  Not sure what those questions are?  Send me an e-mail and I send off the list to you.  Being prepared with the right questions when hiring a wedding limo is extremely important.

Toni Nelson - Nelson Photographers and Videographers
941-662-0022
Sarasota Wedding Photographer

Everyone talks about the bride and her dress.  Recently on a "Say Yes to the Dress" episode one of the grooms wondered where his moment was.  In today's video we posted you will see none other than the expert Randy talking about the grooms fashion.  Why not watch this with your honey.  

Listen, I know you are busy.  There are so many places out there to find information.  The big factor is time!  There is never enough of it.  So, in order to help you I scower the internet finding great information to share along with our own wedding experience.  I will tell you this.  More and more guys are loving the aspect of dressing up and having their photographs taken.  Even when it's casual they love being themselves. That's one of the things we love about being Palm Island wedding photogaphers.  All you have to do is take a look at this photograph to see the fun these guys were having.  

Leave us a comment and tell us what you think.  Whether you are having a beach wedding on Palm Island, Hilton Longboat key, Boca Grande or another beach location make it fun and enjoyable for not only your guests but those guys in your wedding party.

Toni Nelson - Nelson Photographers
941-662-0022
Boca Grande Wedding Photographer

It's always great to think outside the box and you are going to love this idea for your wedding.  Gotta love those little green apples! Your wedding day is a time to be creative and express your personality.  

One of the great things about this is how simple and yet creative it is. Personally I have gotten a huge bag of these votives.  You don't have to spend a fortune to make your wedding everything you know it can be.  Sometimes it's the subtle touches that make a wedding unique and totally you.  Whether you are having a Boca Grande beach wedding or a wedding at Laurel Oak Country Club you can decorate in a way that reflects your personality.

Toni Nelson - Nelson Photographers/Videographers
941-662-0022
Tampa Wedding Photographers

As destination wedding photographers we know how important it is that you have wedding information and inspiration so be sure to check back often!

Kelly Rippa did an episode on Regis and Kelly where she went to the Gatsby Salon and learned how to do the Smokey Eye from Olivia.  

Since we can't go there to learn how great is it that we have Blend Makeup Artistry showing us step by step how to create that look!

A HUGE thanks to Ryan for letting us post this how-to guide for the smokey eye!

By: Blend Makeup Artistry: Ryan Krasney, Kathy Schultz, Marquia Kinard  Ahhh the smokey eye. Is there anything more glamorous? This sexy look will transform even the most modest woman into smoldering diva! From huge name celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Cameron Diaz, to soccer moms and prom queens, everyone wants to know how to achieve a smokey eye.

There are many different variations of “smokey” so we’ve created a more classic bridal version of this sultry stunner. Follow the steps for your own personal transformation!

For this look we are going to start with the eyes. Do not apply your foundation or concealer yet. We know it sounds a little backwards, but inevitably, there will be fall out from the dark shadows, and dark pigment smudged into under-eye circles is not the look we’re going for!

Step 1: Start by priming the lid from the base of the lash line, into the crease and up onto the brow bone. Blend until the surface is smooth and all one color.

Product Tip: Our favorite primers are Urban Decay, Eyeshadow Potion and MAC, Paint Pots.

Step 2: Using a small eyeshadow brush and soft vanilla shadow, blend product onto lower part of eyelid stopping just below the crease.

Tip: Apply shadow in a patting potion to get more opaque coverage.

Step 3: Then, using a blending brush, start from outer corner of crease in a rainbow shape back and forth motion throughout the crease. Be sure to use a taupe or neutral color, just a couple of shades darker than your skin tone. This contours the eye crease and gives it shape and definition.

Step 4: Using the same blending brush take a smokey grey color and apply it to the outer corner of the eyelid in a “V” shape.

Tip: For more depth or pop try this! Using a separate blending brush (or clean the previous brush), dip into a deep brown or deep plum shadow and blend from outer corner in the same area as the grey.

Step 5: Now, go back to your neutral color used in #3 and soften the crease. There should be no obvious color change. Think: smooth transitions.

Step 6: With a clean brush apply a shimmery cream color to the brow bone. Blend!

Step 7: Use a kohl black (kohl liners are softer and easier to smudge!) or grey eyeliner pencil to line the top lash line. Be sure to get far into the inner corner lash line!

Product Tip: We like Urban Decay liner in Zero.

Step 8: For a super fabulous smokey look use a smudge brush (or Q-tip) to soften the eyeliner line.

Tip: It’s okay if the liner smudges out below the waterline and looks a bit messy. This adds to the smokey effect.

Step 9: Use same liner on bottom water line and work all the way from corner to corner. Once again take smudge brush (or Q tip) and repeat smudging step on bottom water line.

Tip: Whenever using a creamy liner, be sure to use a translucent or matching powder right on top of it to set the look and keep it lasting all night!

Step 10: Finish with 2 coats of black mascara on both upper and lower lashes to finish your amazing smokey eye!

Feeling sexy already? Now wipe away any fall out with make-up remover or a wipe and continue with concealer and foundation. Don’t forget to keep the lip and blush neutral. We want to let the eyes be the focus!

Enjoy!

Be sure to visit Blend Makeup Artistry


My question to you us are you ready to try it?  

Toni Nelson - Nelson Photographers/Videographers
941-662-0022
Sarasota wedding photographers

The areas we cover include but are not limited to Tampa, Boca Grande, Naples, Fort Myers, Longboat Key