Wedding bells ring throughout Jackson County during the summer time. From early June to early September countless bride- to-be’s are scurrying around to get all the intricate details of the big day organized. JaxCoHome.com sat down with Leighann Roush, photographer and owner of Bluewaters Photograhy (www.bluewaters.photography) for some helpful tips and trends when it comes to pulling off a successful summer wedding, and how to capture the moments for a lifetime of memories.
- Save the Date Cards! “One thing to remember about summer weddings is that everyone takes family vacations, so save the date cards are super important!” says Leighann.
- Choose a time closer to sunset. (Golden Hour is one hour before sunset)
- Serve Lighter Food and make sure the bride and groom snack throughout the day.
- Choose an indoor AND outdoor spot for pictures.
- Have a timeline! Leighann suggests, “Set a time for family to arrive for their group photos.”
- Appoint a go-to person. Should questions or concerns arise, pick an organized person or wedding planner.
- CREATE A LIST OF MUST HAVE PHOTOS! (Use the guests’ actual names on the list)
- Choose comfortable shoes and a lighter dress. Remember this is south Mississippi and even if you are only standing outside for 10 minutes, you will start sweating. Don’t forget the grooms attire too!
- Have an “unplugged” wedding. Make signs and announce for everyone to turn off their mobile devices.
- Meet one more time with all of your vendors.
- Pack a white sheet. Leighann explains, “Just in case the ground is wet and you want a particular shot in a particular place.”
- Ice down plenty of water for both guests and wedding party. Monitor the guests alcohol intake if that is provided.
- Do a separate photo session just for your bridals. “If you are doing an outdoor wedding and the weather is not favorable, have another date set.”
- Remind your wedding party to smile when they walk down the aisle. If it’s hot, this maybe overlooked.
- Sun and bug protection is a MUST!
A couple of more suggestions Leighann talked about is to go to your venue at the desired wedding time a week or so before and do a temp check and locate the shade areas. You could also think about portable AC units.
Finally the biggest tip of all from Leighann is to RELAX, it’s your wedding day! The last thing you want is for your guests and pictures to look like you’re miserable.
Leighann also shared some trends and locations with us. If any brides to be are looking to give your wedding a more unique feel, here are some things that seem to be in style currently:
- Organic or “Green” weddings – using recyclable decor’ and real plants for greenery, also driftwood, moss, and succulents.
- Boudoir portraits.
- Greens and Pinks in the color palette.
- Metallic Dresses.
- Unique getaway cars.
- Incorporating engagement pictures into the decor’.
- “Naked” cakes or specialty flavored cakes.
- Social Media hashtags for guests and wedding party.
Jackson County is home to may picturesque locations and wedding spots that are sure to create the perfect backdrop for your special day. Some of these popular spots for weddings and pictures are:
- The Olde Place in Gautier.
- Pelican Landing in Moss Point.
- There are several barns in the Hurley area that work great in photos.
- Pascagoula, Ocean Springs Beach
If you would like more information about Bluewaters Photography, visit them on the web at www.bluewaters.photography or call Leighann Roush at 228-355-9643.
