Los Cabos Wedding Blog
Why a Professional Photographer is Worth the Investment for your Cabo Destination Wedding?
Is wedding photography the most important thing when it comes to your Cabo wedding? Nope, not at all, however when it comes to planning your Cabo Destination Wedding it should be up there on the priority list of things to look at, budget for and book.
Wedding photography is important because it will capture your day, it will capture your memories, it will tell a story, and not just any story, it will tell a beautiful story of your special day, a day you will never forget. A story that you can show friends and family, your kids, and grandchildren, something you will have and can treasure for ever.
You see your flowers will wilt, your cake will quickly be eaten, your invites will be binned after the day, your dress shall be worn once, those shoes shall go back into their box, this isn’t me trying to be glum and miserable, this is about perspective, this is about helping you focus your budget on things that you may not put importance on, such as wedding photography.
Why a Professional Cabo Wedding Photographer is Worth the Investment?
Is wedding photography the most important thing when it comes to your Cabo wedding? Nope, not at all, however when it comes to planning your Cabo Destination Wedding it should be up there on the priority list of things to look at, budget for and book.
Wedding photography is important because it will capture your day, it will capture your memories, it will tell a story, and not just any story, it will tell a beautiful story of your special day, a day you will never forget. A story that you can show friends and family, your kids, and grandchildren, something you will have and can treasure for ever.
You see your flowers will wilt, your cake will quickly be eaten, your invites will be binned after the day, your dress shall be worn once, those shoes shall go back into their box, this isn’t me trying to be glum and miserable, this is about perspective, this is about helping you focus your budget on things that you may not put importance on, such as wedding photography.
Whether it was from a close friend or an article you read online, you’ve probably heard a destination wedding photography horror story or two. If you haven’t, they usually go something like this: a bride is getting ready in their room, friends and family are coming in and out notifying them when vendors arrive, and finally, the wedding photographer arrives—the photographer is a younger relative who has picked up wedding photography as a side gig. Excited, the bride does her utmost to appear as camera-ready as possible, despite the commotion in the room. After some time passes, the photographer lets out a sigh of frustration. “The lighting isn’t so good,” the bride hears. A common issue for someone just getting into photography, sure, but when it comes time for your wedding day, you can’t afford to have issues or miss a moment entirely. What every couple should consider is hiring a Cabo Professional Photographer for the job. Why?
You Owe it to Yourself
Weddings are a huge investment of time and money for every couple. By the time of your Cabo wedding, you’ve likely spent over a year researching different services, calling various vendors, and spending countless dollars to make the whole thing come together. While it’s understandable to want to cut back on wedding costs wherever you can, it would be a disservice to all the effort you put in to not have your big day documented by someone who is a professional and can make sure your memories last a lifetime. The easiest way to avoid cutting corners is to follow a budget with planned expenses from the very beginning. Fortunately, there are some online services out there that are great for this. In the grand scheme of things, you’ll find a Professional Cabo Wedding Photographer is well worth the investment.
A Professional Has a Plan B
Photography photographer isn’t exactly as easy as pointing and shooting. There’s a lot that a photographer has to account for. That includes anything that could potentially go wrong. For example:
What happens if a camera malfunctions? A professional photographer has a spare.
What happens if the flash dies? A professional has extra batteries.
What happens if the weather takes a turn? A professional knows how to capture the best image, no matterthe weather.
A Professional Has the Right Equipment
A family friend or relative might have picked up a nice camera, but the proper equipment doesn’t end there. Light stands, flash diffusers, tripods, and a whole host of specialized lenses are just a few of the things needed to be ready for any scenario—all of which can cost several thousand dollars. Hiring a professional is a surefire way to make sure every shot is taken with the best gear for the moment. A Professional Has Expert Knowledge Having cutting-edge gear will undoubtedly enhance the quality of your pictures, but without an expert behind the camera, much of this goes to waste. Great pictures are the result of capitalizing on light conditions, capturing intimate moments, and a preferred stylistic interpretation of the connection between you and your guests. This comes from years of experience and hard work. Weddings are notoriously difficult to capture, as various lighting conditions and settings present a host of challenges to photographers.
However, a professional will be able to use these conditions to their advantage, so you get the best image every time!
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email myself at info@gvphotographer.com and I will be happy to make sure you are making the right decision for your needs.
Thank you,
Gonzalo Verdeja
Or simply type your message in the form
Creating the Perfect Timeline for Your Cabo Destination Wedding
Every wedding is unique and this is especially so with destination weddings! There may be a few additional factors to consider when tying the knot in Los Cabos, Mexico that you maybe wouldn't have to consider locally. Things such as: flights, booking hotel rooms, transportation to your wedding venue for your guests, hotel room blocks for guests, and more. But, don't let that stop you from having the wedding of your dreams in fabulous Los Cabos! I've been photographing weddings in Cabo for almost 10 years, including countless destination weddings from intimate elopements to weddings with 100 + guests.
The Perfect Timeline for your Destination Wedding in Cabo
Why is so important a good timeline for your Cabo wedding day?
A timeline for your wedding day is important for so many reasons. It helps your vendors know when they need to be ready and have you ready for the next thing on your agenda. A timeline for your wedding day helps your wedding party members know when they need to be ready and where they need to be for the entire day. It keeps your close family members be aware of your plans so they do not miss out on any of your special memories. Finally, a wedding day timeline helps you and your future spouse RELAX and actually ENJOY your day instead of trying to coordinate the entire day from the makeup chair or the front of the ceremony!
Every wedding is unique and this is especially so with destination weddings! There may be a few additional factors to consider when tying the knot in Los Cabos, Mexico that you maybe wouldn't have to consider locally. Things such as: flights, booking hotel rooms, transportation to your wedding venue for your guests, hotel room blocks for guests, and more. But, don't let that stop you from having the wedding of your dreams in fabulous Los Cabos! I've been photographing weddings in Cabo for almost 10 years, including countless destination weddings from intimate elopements to weddings with 100 + guests.
It's such a treat for me to get to meet and create relationships with so many amazing couples! As I've gotten to know couples in the months before the wedding day, one of the main things I want to communicate with them is the importance of a timeline. Whether it's a quick 2 hour elopement or a traditional wedding with a reception, all wedding days can benefit from a timeline. They will keep the day running smoothly and having a timeline helps give everyone involved piece of mind.
I'll be sharing a timeline for a destination wedding day where the couples chooses a first look + ceremony + reception, averaging 8-9 hours of coverage. This tends to work well for the majority of our couples, however, I always work closely with each individual bride and their wedding planner to ensure everything runs smoothly!
Photographers Arrive to Hotel for Getting Ready images
(90 min) . I usually arrive to the bridal suite as the hair and makeup artist is finishing up to grab some of those action shots. Then, it's time to capture all the pretty details in the room such as your shoes, dress, jewelry, invitation, etc. This is a great time to relax and enjoy some champagne with your bridesmaids before it's time to get dressed and go see your groom!
You may also need to account for travel time if you're getting ready in your hotel room and your ceremony and reception are in another location. If your venue is 15 minutes away, factor in 30 minutes of travel time. It's always best to add at least 15 minutes to add "cushion" to the timeline.
First Look + Bridal Party + Bride & Groom
(60-90 min) This is one of my favorite moments, as the bride and groom really get to enjoy a nice quiet moment before the ceremony. Plus, a first look allows you to be together throughout your entire wedding day and it totally helps calm your nerves! After the first look, we meet up with the bridal party for some group photos, before taking you away again for some portraits of just the two of you. We always give you at least 30 minutes to break from photos and freshen up before the ceremony. I use this time to capture all the pretty details of your ceremony and reception spaces.
Ceremony + Family Photos + Cocktail Hour
(90-120 min) We understand how significant this moment is and our style is to photograph your ceremony as it unfolds, in the most unobtrusive way possible. Immediately following your I do's, we'll move right into the family photo groups. This works great, as everyone is together in one spot. Having done a first look and most of the formal portraits before the ceremony, most couples get to enjoy mingling with their guests during cocktail hour after the family photos.
Reception Coverage
(3 hours). Let's get this party started! Now that all the nerves of the ceremony have passed, it's time to pour some more bubbly and toast to the happy couple! We'll be there to document your first dance, parent dances, cake cutting, toasts, and any other special traditions you may have during the reception.
The secret to a successful and easy-flowing wedding is not military precision, but allowing enough time for everything to flow nicely throughout the day.
VERY IMPORTANT
If you're at the beginning of your search for a wedding venue in Baja Sur, there are some important considerations to keep in mind. Before booking with a hotel, check if you're allowed to bring in your preferred vendors. Often, hotels may charge high fees for external vendors, and even if you opt for their in-house services, it doesn't necessarily mean they're the best, but rather the ones that bring in the highest commissions for the hotel. As a wedding photographer based in Cabo San Lucas, I understand the importance of choosing vendors that align with your vision and budget. Don't hesitate to inquire about vendor policies before finalizing any contracts, as this can significantly impact your wedding planning experience.
Of course, this is a template and guide to help you plan your timeline. It works for most of our couples but your timeline may look similar or completely different from this and it's totally ok! As your wedding photographers, our goal is to capture your day as it happens and make beautiful memorable images for you. Having a complete timeline done before the wedding day, ensures that we'll be able to better serve you and you will be able to enjoy your day knowing that your day will flow nicely.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email myself at info@gvphotographer.com and I will be happy to make sure you are making the right decision for your needs.
Thank you,
Gonzalo Verdeja
Or simply type your message in the form
Romantic boat elopement in Cabo San Lucas
Cabo San Lucas Elopements have become extremely popular in the last years, for good reason. The typical Cabo San Lucas destination wedding can be excessive for some couples. The pressure to create a Cabo event in Mexico for hundreds of guests can be simply too much. Instead, you can sneak off with the one you love and get married on your own terms. These intimate ceremonies are incredibly powerful, the vows you make can be filled with so much emotion because you don’t have a room or a beach of all of your friends and family staring at you.
Cabo Elopement Checklist:
Your partner and you :)
An officiant, this be a friend or family member who is ordained
Flowers are typically nice, favorites include.
You’ll need two witnesses, I’m always happy to be one of them.
There are Cabo wedding planners that specialize in elopements.
Once you have a spot, it’s typically best to either shoot near sunrise or sunset.
Don’t forget a bit of champagne ot Tequila!
Amazing Cabo San Lucas elopement wedding on a boat
Cabo San Lucas Elopements have become extremely popular in the last years, for good reason. The typical Cabo San Lucas wedding can be excessive for some couples. The pressure to create a Cabo event in Mexico for hundreds of guests can be simply too much. Instead, you can sneak off with the one you love and get married on your own terms. These intimate ceremonies are incredibly powerful, the vows you make can be filled with so much emotion because you don’t have a room or a beach of all of your friends and family staring at you.
My typical Cabo elopement package is two hours of coverage. This is perfect for most couples in Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo or Todos Santos area, it allows for getting ready or hiking into a cool spot, the ceremony, and an hour or so of portraits. I can always add extra time if you want multiple portrait locations or have special activities in mind.
Cabo Elopement Checklist:
Your partner and you :)
An officiant, this be a friend or family member who is ordained
Flowers are typically nice, favorites include.
You’ll need two witnesses, I’m always happy to be one of them.
There are Cabo wedding planners that specialize in elopements.
Once you have a spot, it’s typically best to either shoot near sunrise or sunset.
Don’t forget a bit of champagne ot Tequila!
Location: Find a place that is special to you or go on an adventure. One of the perks to eloping is being able to go places that you couldn't for a full-sized wedding.
Clothing: Leave the ballroom gown behind, I definitely suggest getting a dress that will allow you to move around, hike up a trail, and be comfortable in. For shoes, most couples bring a pair of sneakers or hiking boots along with their fancier set.
Witness(es): Most states need at least one witness, I'm totally down to sign. I've done it a lot. Also, feel free to bring a best friend or two or your closest family members.
Time of year: One huge benefit to elopements in Cabo is that you aren't stuck with a summer Saturday as your date. Practically any time of year works great. The added flexibility of being able to do the ceremony wherever you'd like also helps.
After Party: You're married.. you can always throw a party back home! I do my best to rush edits if you're going to do a slideshow of the images at the party.
Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email myself at info@gvphotographer.com and I will be happy to make sure you are making the right decision for your needs.
