jillhiggins

I spent most of my time on St. John and it was the same way - jewelry stores everywhere! One other thing to check out - they have cute bracelets called hook bracelets. Everyone sells them. If you wear the bracelet with the hook facing your heart it means you are taken.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege Jill I LOVE these photos! So beautiful. Wonderful job as always! Thank you so much!

Hey, I just returned from my first flight with Spirit Airlines...no problems. I will mention a few things though that may help you in planning... 1. The leg room is really tight. I mean - leg room is always tight in coach - but on Spirit - it is TIGHT. And I don't mean "tight" in a good way! lol So...you may want to book an aisle seat so you can stretch your legs. 2. You have to pay for any checked luggage. I didn't know this when I booked. Thankfully I saw this when I went to confirm my schedule a few days before the trip. If you pay for your luggage BEFORE you get to the airport - it is half price. 3. You will have to pay for anything you want to eat or drink on the plane and they don't accept cash. So...have a debit card or credit card ready if you want to do that.

I haven't stayed on St. Lucia, but we did stop at the airport on they way to Canouan Island, and it looked very similar to where we went. Such beautiful scenery. I'm sure you can find a great place there.

One other thing to consider is that some photographers edit all of the images and some don't. You may want to check to see which is the case in your situation. And Mpix does do a really good job.

Good luck finding your dress! I know of a couple of people that got a really pretty dress from J Crew...it was inexpensive and beach appropriate. I have been to Belize a lot and have photographed a few weddings there, so don't hesistate to ask me if you have any questions. (No worries - I'm not trying to get a photography job - lol)!

Sorry to hear that. Do you have a linked in account? LinkedIn: Relationships Matter Someone in my network is looking for a product market manager. LinkedIn: Product Marketing Manager at Hulu

Thank you Glenda for taking the time to write everything you did. I couldn't agree more. I am always surprised by how some people can be so emphatic about their candidate of choice - but when pressed - they really don't know much about them. So - whether you are a Democrat or Republican - really study the candidates and issues before voting. Things that are most important to me: 1. Immigration: I have no problems with people coming to the U.S. - but I absolutely want it to be done legally. I don't believe in amnesty for those here. Some argue that the process of becoming a citizen is too hard/expensive/etc. True - the process may need updating. But...rather than just giving millions of people the idea that it is okay to come here and break our laws - work to change the process. 2. War: Yes, I'm tired of the war. My husband is military and he deploys. But...that is his job. Am I ready for it to all be over? You bet. But I also realize that the consequences of leaving early could make his job SO much worse in the future. Doing the right thing is not always the easy or popular thing. 3. Education: I don't believe in putting a universal pre-k in place. I don't oppose parents being able to send their children, but I am against anything that would require it simply because a growing number of people refuse to take responsibility for their children. I also believe in charter schools and vouchers, and I was a teacher for nine years. I could go on all day about why this would be a great thing. 4. Social Security: I want privatization. 5. Health Care: I don't want universal health care. I have always taken responsibility for being sure that I am covered as far as my health goes. I want to be able to choose my own doctors and do as I wish when it comes to my health. Can you imagine if going to the doctor was like going to the DMV or any other government office? So scary! There are better options that involve changes to insurance coverage. So...those are the things that are most important to me. It's easy to know how I voted!

Are you serious? What a small world! Jessica and Paul were so awesome. Didn't the grounds of the Wickliffe House look awesome at their wedding?

I had a wedding this spring where the groom had that shirt - it was so cute.

ahhh....you will love mediterra - they are the very best in my opionion. Out of Hand rocks too - I should have listed them. Their work is beautiful and their presentation is fabulous too! Ladyfingers is good too. They made the cake at a wedding I photographed in December and that was my first time seeing their work. They also make fabulous peppermint bark...yum! My website template was purchased from bludomain.com, but I had custom work and my blog made by Ross at flosites.com. Ross is the BEST. He does awesome work and his customer service is over the top. I totally heart him. I just checked out your site - nice work! I love your maternity images!

Oops...I was just re-reading and saw your location. Here is a slideshow from a wedding at the Wickliffe House: Jessica & Paul Are you working with Luke? If so, he is awesome!

Hey, Have you already purchased the peach butter and key lime cookies? Only reason I am asking, neither of those items are very "Charleston." (Don't hate the messenger! lol) But...if you have - no worries. They are very southern at least. I would suggest... 1) Pralines from River Street Streets. Southern Gourmet Online Candy Store | River Street Sweets 2) Cookies from Charleston Cookie Company » Welcome!. Their marble fudge cookies are soooo good. 3) A bag of rice or grits. Sounds silly, but it's very Charleston. Charleston Samplers Grains, Rice and Mixes 4) Anything from Gullah Gourmet. Welcome to Gullah Gourmet

Sorry - I am just now seeing this - I have photographed a billion weddings in Charleston. Okay - maybe not a billion - but I am always there! lol Please feel free to ask me anything. I can tell you the ins and outs of just about everything - great venues, florists, bands, etc. I probably have a slideshow of images from just about every location there if you want to see anything. Great Catering: My favorites: Mediterra, Hambys, Steven Duvall Great Florals: Jade Water Designs, Tiger Lily Rockin' Photographer: ME! (ha) I know almost all of them and am happy to refer out too! Best Bands: Men of Distinction (they rock the house!), Deaz Guys Great Venues: Mill's House, I'On Creek Club, Francis Marion, St. Luke's Chapel, Boone Hall Those are just a few things that immediately come to mind.

Okay...for you girls trying to talk your guys into it, here are a few things that may help. I copied and pasted some of these thoughts into a word document one time and never did anything with them. They are random quotes from a couple of websites... It is food for thought anyway. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ How the tradition of not seeing each other was started… In Medieval times, a bride and groom were not even allowed to meet each other until the actual wedding ceremony. This was so neither one could back out if, when they saw the person, they would not want to be married to them! This ancient custom has carried forth to the 90's where now people feel it is bad luck to see each other before the ceremony. In fact, there is no basis to the success or longevity of a marriage if the bride and groom wait to see each other until the ceremony. Reasons to see each other (found online)… It is a special moment when the couple first sees each other. When it is done before the ceremony, they can talk to each other and express how they like the way the other one looks! This is what each one wants to know anyway, but a ceremony itself is not the place for a bride and groom to talk to each other and tell each other what they are thinking. The moment they first see each other also makes a wonderful candid photo! It adds to the stress to not see each other and it actually reduces stress when the couple DOES see each other first. When the flowers, hair, make-up and clothes are all new and fresh is the best time to take pictures. This can be especially true for a hot and/or humid day. The bride and groom can choose any location within a half hour drive of the ceremony to take pictures. There are many beautiful spots that have water, trees, flowers, grass, nice sky, impressive architecture, etc. that would not be practical to visit after a ceremony. •The air is filled with an electric anticipation of the day’s events to come. •Afterwards, things happen; People hug, People cry. Mascara runs, lipstick smears, and flowers wilt. •People's thoughts turn toward other issues. 'how fast can I get out of these shoes', 'this is a hosted bar, right?' •This moment is likely to be the last opportunity until the evening is over for a private romantic embrace. •This is the very best opportunity, for us as your photographers, to capture the thrill of you seeing each other for the first time. •Everyone cooperates because everyone is relaxed. •What about the Grand Entrance?! •Won't this idea 'kill the thrill?' Hardly, but don't ask us, ask any bride or groom. •When the music begins, the guests rise, and the bride appears and walks down the aisle to meet her groom, the beautiful vision many brides dream of, remains intact. •In contrast, the few who have waited with rising anxiety don't clearly remember the experience. •Stage fright is rampant, formality is the rule. •The groom is standing at the altar - how can he be himself? •He can't kiss you, can't tell you how beautiful you are or how lovely you look in that dress. •Hugs aren't generally allowed, but with a private moment before the ceremony he can do all that and more. •Perhaps the first time that the bride and groom see each other can be richer when it's for their eyes only rather than on a stage.

I don't blame you. By the way - just noticed where your pic is - I love Forsyth Park - Savannah is one of my favorite cities in the world! Kate - it was beautiful. But Cape Cod? That sounds fabulous too!

Thanks Christine. Yes - my husband is back and we moved to south Georgia at the end of the summer. I have been so busy traveling all over for weddings and getting settled here that I didn't have much time to come around the message boards. But it's slow season for a month or two. Mrs. B. - that is terrible to hear! I can't believe they were rude to you. I didn't talk to any of the coordinators before going, but they were all super friendly while I was there.

I photographed a wedding at Moon Palace last March for Lenita. The reception was in a ballroom, and they did have a dance floor. Also, later that night, we saw another reception out on the lawn overlooking the beach. I'm not sure what kind of "dance floor" they had set up. But...they had great music and were dancing the night away. I hope that helps. Feel free to ask if you have any other questions.

I see so many weddings from start to finish - and it is always sweeter when the bride and groom see each other before the ceremony (If done the right way.) I choose a private spot and have the groom stand with his back to the direction that the bride will be walking. (I use a long lens so I am far away and the couple has privacy). The bride walks out and calls the groom's name as she gets close. He turns around - they have their moment - I am able to capture it all. Not only does it make for truly beautiful images, but they get to hang out and talk and enjoy spending time alone. Believe it or not, the walking down the aisle moment is still special to the guys. If a couple waits to see each at the ceremony, they usually don't end up with any "alone" time because things get busy and crazy after the ceremony. You can still get good shots by planning a little time to yourselves before the reception. But honestly - the guys just don't seem to be as sweet then. I think everyone is really ready at that point to get to the reception, hang out with friends and family and have fun. Just my two cents - probably worth one cent.

I just returned from photographing a wedding on St. John. It was so much fun. The wedding was at Caneel Bay. The resort is all about understated elegance. Lots of celebrities go there. In fact - we had only been on the grounds about five mintues when we ran into Rev. Run and Justine. (from Run DMC and "Run's House" on MTV in case you don't know who they are.) The wedding was held at Turtle Point (which is a point overlooking the water on the grounds of the resort) and the reception was at the Equator. Some of the guests stayed at Caneel Bay and some rented villas and split the cost among them. Feel free to email me if you have any questions. I will be happy to help. Pics on my blog here if you would like to see: Jill Higgins Photography Blog

I am about to make a St. John thread...just got back.

Sounds cute! Can't wait to see pics!

Quote: Originally Posted by AnnR Ya know - that's exactly what I thought, and I mentioned this to a photographer I was considering - that I really wanted someone that had been there. She then explained that it could work the opposite way ... that a photographer would be even more inspired by a new location. Photogs that shoot the same place over and over may get bored (perhaps the wrong word here), and just do their routine and shoot the same pics. Whereas if a photog had never been to that location, they're more likely to be inspired and look for new shots to take. Just worth the thought! You make a great point. I know that I adore shooting in new places - I love the fresh perspective that it brings. It might be intimidating to some photographers, but I love it and I think a lot of photographers thrive in a new situation as well. I know there are places in Charleston (where I just moved from) where I would cringe when I went to shoot there b/c I had been there soooo many times. It is harder to go into a shoot with a fresh perspective when you have shot there a gazillion times.

Hi, I just saw this post. Ditto on everything that Catherine said. Vaughn and Maartje were incredible. Everything was beautiful, delicious, ran smoothly, and the night was loads of fun!

Quote: Originally Posted by Adamsgrrl Is her assistant Vincent Avaliable?? He was my photographer. Wow...I just had to say...the fluidity of that image is absolutely beautiful. Oh...Peter's work is beautiful. Haven't checked out the other yet.