Bride is Jumping for Joy in this 'Trash the Dress' photo

I guess the theory is that you’re not going to wear it again, so why not have fun with it.

Post Plunge, Bride Saves Bouquet in Key West

Some brides just jump into a pool or the ocean.

How Wet Can One Bride Get?

Getting your wedding dress wet doesn’t do it any permanent harm. But others roll around in the mud with their new husbands or pouring red wine on yourself – Just having a grand old time. I am attaching a few examples of what I’ve done (both water oriented), but the possibilities are endless.

Pouring out her love, Key West

We can do it the day after your Key West wedding (certainly not the day before)!  A “trash session” is $150, and you’ll get a CD with all the pictures on it, which you can eventually  pass on down to your grandchildren, so they can see how nutty Granny was.

Brides adore showing off their pampered toes.

Ceremony pictures are not complete without the bridal party toes pose.

When looking at your wedding photos 30 years from now as you snuggle with your honey on a cozy evening, will you remember the sand between your toes?  Or maybe the height of your heels making you see eye to eye with your beloved and what about the great time you had at the spa while getting your pedicure.

One thing I always like to do after the ceremony in order to remember the moment is ask the bride to pull her gown up (just a little). The reason is that I have seen many brides spend $100 on a pedicure, $200 on shoes…and no one ever sees them! So I make it a point to photograph their feet.

Photos of the bride with the wedding party and their shoes are a fun way to show the colorful collection of friends’ styles of the times.  Thirty years from now some may be pleasantly surprised or appalled at their footwear choices.

So when planning your special event, call me, Richard Watherwax, about pricing and packages available.  I strive to provide my best with every photo I take with 23 years of Key West wedding photography experience.  (305)294-3740 or email Willywax@netrox.net

Key West Wedding Photographer captures videographer in wedding ceremony

Beach Weddings tend to bring out the photographer in everyone.

Wedding Videographer in Key West Wedding Pictures

The Paparazzi….I have been doing Key West wedding photography for so long, I can remember when I was the only person there with a camera. But all that has changed. Approximately 20% of the guests at a wedding have cameras. This can make for problems…and here are a few of them.  The following does not happen in church weddings (thank God) but beach weddings seem to bring out the paparazzi in people. They think nothing of getting up during the ceremony and start wandering all over the place, quite often becoming part of the ceremony. Here are 3 of many, many pictures that I have taken of the bride, groom, officiant, and some guy with a camera.

After photographing the bride coming down the aisle, I go to the back and shoot the ceremony.  There have been people in the past that get out of their chairs and sit in the center of the aisle to get their “great shot”. I think everyone should take pictures of the wedding…from where they are witnessing.  They will have many opportunities after the ceremony to get photos. In fact, I’ll even help them. I will ask the few people with cameras behind me to please wait until I get my 2 or 3 shots of the bride and groom or wedding party.  Then I’ll turn and point at the 1st camera in line, and tell the subjects to look at that camera…then to the next camera, etc. In that way, no one will end up with a pictures of the wedding party looking in different directions.  So please spread the word to your guests and relatives… you’ve invited them to witness your ceremony..not to photograph it. Let the professional do his best for your special day.
Call me for the best wedding photography service I can provide… (305)294-3740

Richard Watherwax

Taking pictures before sunset is crucial.

In my 23 years of photographing weddings in Key West, I would estimate that approximately more than half of them have been beach weddings.
Key West is known for its colorful sunsets and calm blue waters.  Photographing and planning these special events takes some understanding of the local hot spots for ocean side ceremonies.

Smathers Beach is the favorite Key West beach of choice if  budget is a concern.  As I write this there is no fee.  Everyone should be able to enjoy a slice of the good life.   It is a beautiful beach with palm trees, rock jetties, and fine sand.   I have photographed many ceremonies where there are only 3 people…the bride, the groom, and an officiant (and me).

But…. I should let you know…the sun is not always visible all year long on Smathers…the winter months is the best time, but as Spring approaches, the sun moves to the other side of the island. (But you can still see the red glow in the sky).

However, if you have a large group, you should should consult me about finding a wedding planner, who will arrange for chairs, tiki torches, flowers, and even an arch. You will find a couple of them on my website.

Another choice would be Fort Zachary Taylor Park…which has a beautiful pine forest and an L-shaped beach, so you can see the sunset all year long, depending where you are.  Also, right before sunset, Key West’s famous schooners sail by.  The park has a wedding consultant on property.  There is a fee, which depends how many of their services you desire.

Private beaches can be found at numerous local resorts.  Call (305)294-3740 for more information regarding their policies.

It is very important that you plan your ceremony on a beach with enough time for photos after…be sure that I am not photographing you after the sun goes down, because a black sky isn’t the best background. You traveled all this way to see blue sky and ocean.

Walking into the sunset, another happy Key West wedding.

A few years ago, many brides would plan their event at a large resort on the ocean. The ceremony would be on the sand, and the reception would take place in the hotel’s banquet room.  Now, quite often, Bed and Breakfasts are the choice of the people, and the wedding on a  free public beach  is more attractive. Then they celebrate at a local restaurant.

In the next installment, I’ll give you some more suggestions to insure you will be  getting the best wedding photos. You can see some of my photographs from previous weddings at www.watherwax.com.  If you have any questions, please email me at willyway@netrox.net or call me at (305) 294 3740.
Thanks for reading,
Richard Watherwax

In my 23 years of experience photographingKey West weddings, I have learned quite a few important bits of advice.
I would like to pass them on to you in an effort to provide my clients with the best possible experience on their special day.  Let us start with information you need to know before the ceremony.  There will be more great advice in the future, so be sure to check back often!

I always want to meet with the bride and her bridesmaids before the ceremony.  This is not just to take the “getting ready” pictures, but to tell them some important information for the best wedding photography possible.  Below are a few of my best thoughts on great wedding photography.

1. While walking down the aisle, look straight at my camera, instead of looking at Uncle Harry or Aunt Vera sitting in the audience.
2. Keep your chin up, eyes open, and smile.  This applies to everyone walking down the isle.  Those witnessing want to see your smiling face.
3. Take your time, so I can get 2 or 3 shots of each person in the wedding party approaching.  It is okay to breathe and enjoy the moment.
4. Don’t stop! Just keep walking at a normal, relaxed pace.
5. When it is time to exchange rings, be sure to hand the bouquet to a bridesmaid.  Let your ladies-in-waiting help, they are there for you.
6. While exchanging rings, put it on so the ring shows in its best light. I will tell both the bride and groom how to do this before the ceremony.  An example of how to ring your partner is below.

Wedding Rings Exchanged Correctly for the BEST Wedding Photos

In the next installment, I’ll give you some more suggestions to insure you will be  getting the best wedding photos.

When you are planning your destination wedding to Key West contact me for any questions at Willywax@Netrox.net
or call (305) 294 3740.

I look forward to working with you.  Thanks for reading and be sure to leave a comment below!

Richard Watherwax