Destination Weddings

Weddings To Go Key West

2008-11-21T23:04:53Z

It has been brought to my attention by recent clients that the budget, husband & wife 'all-in-one' company, Weddings To Go Key West, have been telling prospective Key West brides that they refuse to officiate weddings we are photographing. They have gone so far as to say that they would do it if the client (who has already paid for our service) would use their photographer (husband) instead. Given that the differences between our photographic approach and body of work are in no way similar, this in itself is really of very little importance.

However, what is important, is that of the numerous wedding related businesses in Key West, Wed To Go KW are the only company that consistently go out of their way to attack others they perceive as threats to their livelihood or ego. After nearly 20 years of community service with the Florida Keys, I have never heard such negative, attacking behavior. The very spirit of the Keys is built on a rock solid foundation of exactly the opposite. Positivity and cooperation. Especially, when it comes to something as personal as a wedding. Given that Wed To Go KW have been seen publicly humiliating brides on their wedding day by members of the community, have been exposed via online wedding forums to be downright mean, rude & nasty to brides, guests and vendors, it is a wonder they are still in business at all.

If you are planning to have a wedding in the Keys, do yourself a huge favor - shop around, talk to vendors in all areas and ask for referrals. Most everyone has worked together at one time or another and you will typically find a high level of mutual respect. If, after reviewing any company's website, checking references and speaking on the phone (even briefly) you are willing to hire them for one of the most important events in your life, by all means do it. It is obviously a matter of personal choice and comfort.

The Keys have a unique charm and alluring romantic quality that make it special, make a little extra effort to insure your wedding day is not left to chance.

BRIDES MAGAZINE FLORIDA EVENT

2008-11-05T19:03:29Z

Have a look at our collection of pics from the event held at The Palms Hotel, South Beach. Thank you to everyone at Brides in Florida & NYC for the opportunity. John, Hannah & baby Josef.

http://www.jhunterphotography.com/shoots/brides/

New online books

2008-07-24T00:08:27Z

We just posted a set of books from a New Years Eve wedding Hannah & I shot at the Hyatt in Key West. The first is all black & white - www.jhunterphotography.com/v3/books/ricky-joanna1/book.html. The next two are all color photos - www.jhunterphotography.com/v3/books/ricky-joanna2/book.html - http://www.jhunterphotography.com/v3/books/ricky-joanna3/book.html.

Biography

2008-07-17T16:20:14Z

Established in 2002, JHunter Photography.com is breathing new life into destination wedding photography by capturing and creating organic images that are both stylish & artistic.

Having lived in NYC, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Miami Beach, Key West, founder John Hunter's mixed background in photography and music has truly influenced the way he views the world through a camera lens. A self taught photographer, John mixes photojournalistic technique with today's exciting technology to produce professional and fun wedding imagery. WIth his wife Hannah, a graduate of the School of Visual Arts in New York, they attract clients from around the world that are looking for more than just a wedding photographer.

"A couple of things that we believe makes our service unique on a personal level are that we make a point of working within our clients comfort zone and create a natural, flowing photographic environment. We don't push to have things our way and stay flexible throughout the day as wedding moments are often very unpredictable."

"Another perk for our clients is that they actually receive ALL of the photos taken throughout the day (obvious bad ones excluded), print rights and a healthy collection of color, black & white and antiqued photos presented on the web. We don't believe in holding their memories hostage."

Based in Key West and Central Florida, JHunter Photography continues to evolve with the ever growing destination wedding industry. Available to shoot anywhere in the world, visit www.JHunterPhotography.com to see something different.

Summer break

2008-07-17T16:10:35Z

Hannah and I are back home in Key West. We took time off to introduce our families to baby Josef and are now catching up with all things important. Give us a call if you want to talk or send an email for service information. You will get a response within two days. We will be away one more time July 24-28 (ironically to attend a wedding) then home for the rest of the year. Thanks for your patience.

Choosing a vendor

2008-07-17T15:53:00Z

Key West is known for it's quirky, laid back, positive attitude toward life and that certainly holds true in the wedding business. As you are planning you will notice many of the same names popping up on lists and through referrals. That's because the wedding professionals on the island work together often and provide consistent results. Whether you are planning a large event or intimate affair on the beach, be sure to call around and find the people that match your specific needs and taste (there are plenty). If by chance you run into someone that says they refuse to work with another person or company on the island, know that this is an extreme rarity and ask why. This is not an accurate reflection of the wedding business or even Key West for that matter. On an island that is only 1 1/2 by 4 miles small, most everyone coexists peacefully and that really comes across when it matters most - on your wedding day. Long distance planning can be tough so look for the names you see the most. These are the people that you can count on. For additional help you can also join the Yahoo Key West destination wedding forum or The Knot to learn from brides that have already had the experience.

More new photos

2008-07-17T15:30:24Z

Casa Marina 2008 - www.jhunterphotography.com/locations/casamarina-jill-brian

Kat & Donnie

2008-05-25T20:40:52Z

What a fantastic weekend with these two! Friday at Hogg's Breath & Saturday at the Westin. I wish you both nothing but the best and I can't wait to get your photo's on the web. You were an incredibly good time. Thank you for everything!

New Photos

2008-07-17T15:31:38Z

Chad & Alicia had a Key West destination wedding last month in Key West that included a sail around the harbor, a sunset dinner event the night before the wedding and a beautiful outdoor garden ceremony. We ended up with over 600 finished photos. You can see a sampling of my pics here - www.jhunterphotography.com/v3/books/keywest/.

Beachside Resort & Conde Nast Brides Florida - Key West Wedding Social

2008-05-12T21:41:38Z

If you are in any way associated with the growing wedding industry in Key West and the Florida Keys, you should come to this event May 21 at Beachside from 5-7pm - http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=IAMTMLGUHCSIMLBVQHSL&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei6.

Horror story

2008-05-19T04:11:25Z

The following is a true story from an out of town guest at a wedding - A certain an 'all in one' wedding operation in Key West recently blew up at a bride and groom immediately after their ceremony saying, "this is my f*#&ing island and how dare you bring an outside photographer to shoot your wedding when you hired me." The photographer (husband) and wife (officiate) then proceeded to storm off with the couples marriage certificate unsigned. The bride was left crying and the outside photographer, well, he was the brides uncle. How tasteless does it make a person when they can yell at a bride for such a senseless reason immediately following the ceremony? The couple and guests were left to take their own sunset photos and attempt to have a good night.

There is alot of talk about this story at the moment because it needs to be told. It makes the wedding business in Key West look bad but is obviously not an accurate reflection of the business as a whole. There is a core group of wedding professionals that work together on a regular basis. We all know that everyone will not see eye to eye all the time, but we also know that when we are hired for a wedding, the bride & groom's needs are the only concern and any differences we may have are left at home.

There are plenty of reputable 'all in one' wedding businesses in the Florida Keys to choose from, it is unfortunate and embarrassing that this particular company is in business at all. It's a small island, word travels very fast.

No Camera's? Please.

2008-07-17T15:56:02Z

I find it very hard to believe that any destination wedding photographer would tell a bride & groom that nobody else in the room is allowed to have a camera much less have it stated in their contract. In this day and age of digital cameras and friends & family traveling across the country to be part of your destination wedding this seems a little ridiculous. Yes, during portraits or special circumstances, of course, this could cause some interference, but throughout the wedding? I've heard stories of Key West photographers chasing down guests and being exceptionally rude. Check your contracts ladies!

Photography/Photographer tips

2008-05-08T16:57:32Z

Your going to spend a fair amount of your budget on your photos, here are some things to consider when making your decision:

1. Quality of work - camera, prints, books.

2. Personality compatibility - Is this someone you feel comfortable speaking to and that will listen to your desires?

3. References - Don't be afraid to ask for them.

LADIES

1. Don't sunburn the day before your wedding. Especially if you're wearing a strapless dress.

2. Consider a make up artist or at least prepare for having shine spots by bringing face powder or blotting papers.

3. Place the rings on your partners finger with your finger tips so we can zoom in.

4. Back cleavage is not your friend.

5. If you're hair will be down, humidity will be a problem.

6. Waterproof mascara.

7. Lists are often more trouble than their worth. Should you really have to ask your photographer to take a picture of you and your family? If you feel the need to have a list, appoint someone close to you that is not shy, or even better, knows many of your guests, to assist in gathering people together. This will allow everyone to get to the cocktail hour asap.

8. Lavender dresses and pale complexions are not a good combination.

9. If you plan to use bubbles for your recessional photo, small novelty bubble items generally don't produce enough to make a difference. Use the real thing. All bubbles will stain silk!

10. Butterflies don't always have a great pre-ceremony survival rate and can also stain your dress if they land on you.

11. Tell your photographer if you are releasing any kind of animal, bubbles, confetti, etc. so they can be prepared.

12. Flower petals in the isle (on the runner) and in the air can look magnificent.

12. RELAX beforehand with a bubbling glass of champagne.

GUYS

1. Watches are not very photogenic and take attention from the important jewelry in the photos - the rings!

2. If you're going to wear a suit for your beach wedding, prepare to swim in it.

3. Don't sun burn your face with sunglasses on the day before your wedding.

4. Sunglasses in general, bad.

5. If you don't like having your picture taken for portraits, smile and think of something else. Perhaps how beautiful your new wife looks in her dress. Forget about the camera.

6. RELAX beforehand with a beer or perhaps a Jaeger bomb.

7. If mom wears alot of lipstick, have a hankie on deck.

Josef photos

2008-05-08T15:54:35Z

We're just about settled into Josef's ever changing routine and things are going fantastic! Hannah and I are adding photos to his personal website about every week or so and the lack of sleep, well, is really not so bad. If you want to see pics of our favorite baby boy in the world - www.jhunterphotography.com/josef. Now, back to work!

It's a Boy!

2008-03-19T22:34:29Z

Hannah gave birth to our baby boy St. Patricks Day at 5am! My Irish family roots are very proud to say the least. Much to everyone's surprise (including the doctor), Josef Blaine Hunter was 8 pounds, 13 ounces and 22 inches long. He came out screaming and is very healthy except for a slight case of jaundice. Classic moment of the night was when one of the delivery doctors (Barry) gave Hannah two of his fingers (not his hand) and she nearly broke them. There's nothing quite like seeing a 5'2" woman making a grown man say 'uncle.'

As a new father and photographer, I'm already addicted to snapping tons of photos and asking everyone to see them - I now understand..... Below are my current favorites from day 1 and 2. To see more, visit www.jhunterphotogrphy.com/josef/index.html. I'm sure I will update it often.

Still waiting...

2008-03-14T03:39:55Z

Hannah is now two days past due and we are going to see the doctor tomorrow to find out what is next....We may end up having a St. Patrick's day baby, which would be kind of cool. We don't know if it's a boy or girl.

Things to consider from a photographers point of view...

2008-05-18T20:06:24Z

As I have just started getting back into the swing of things (see baby pics), this will be an on going list of ideas and situations that we run into at hotels and beach weddings.

1. Beach weddings are a great idea. Sand, ocean, sky, sunset, etc. Yes, these make for some amazing photos and if you happen to be from somewhere that has no beach, then it does not get much better. However, one thing we as photographers end up dealing with on a regular basis is trying to shoot the ceremony with late afternoon sun (low in the sky) shining right down the aisle and into the camera. We do manage to work around it, but it often limits the photo opportunities and defeats the purpose of having a ceremony on the beach - THE VIEW!! With little or no shade there can be alot of glare or harsh shadows and more often than not, the chairs are set up to directly face the water. A well intended idea, but not very thoughtful if your guests will be staring directly into the sun.

Keep these things in mind when selecting your location and ask how/where the planner will be setting up your arch, chuppa, or alter area as well as what direction the chairs will be facing. Then make sure you visit your location at the time of day you plan to be married and put yourself in your guests shoes. If you are having to squint to look down the isle and out over the water, consider this minor change that will make everyone's celebration a little more comfortable - simply ask that the chairs be turned at an angle away from the sun. You will still have the view AND everyone will actually be able to see the exchanging of rings. As a photographer, I will also be able to capture more of the picturesque sky, water and sand you came for.

One other thing to keep in mind if you are having an arch, chuppa, etc. is to leave enough room between the back side and the waters edge so your photographer can walk around and get additional perspectives.

2. If you are going to have your wedding in a hot/humid tropical climate and you are from anywhere north of Florida, take extra precautions to stay hydrated the night before and day of your wedding. Especially if you will be consuming alcohol. Tonight was exceptionally humid and my bride ended up having mild heat exhaustion and needing medical attention. It was not serious, but she barely made it through her first dance.

Opposite sides of the world

2008-03-15T00:00:21Z

Today's entry is going to be short as it has been quite an eventful week. I worked with two fantastic couples from opposites sides of the Atlantic - Kentucky and London. One groom is a chief of police, the other in the Royal Navy. Both couples and their guests were absolutely thrilled to be in the tropics (not uncommon), but sometimes you can just really see/hear it in everything they do. The weather held out and the photos are going to look fantastic. Congratulations Michele & Christian and Nikki & Ryan.

As destination weddings are my forte', I am always pleased to see the day go smoothly and these two were no exception. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, which will lead to my next set of planned entries.

Destination weddings are not an easy thing to plan. Hiring through the internet is at best a leap of faith and often times what you think is obvious, may not be the case. Especially, when it comes to photographers and wedding planners/coordinators. I am fortunate to work predominantly with resorts, where I am surrounded by professionals that know how to roll with the expected, "unexpected" glitch or meltdown and work their behind the scenes magic that often goes unnoticed. However, I have also seen or had to work through some awkward situations with independent planners/coordinators that still make me shake my head in disbelief.

With that in mind, I will start a new entry titled "Tips for planning a destination wedding from a photographers point of view."

BRIDES Magazine Florida - Spring ad

2008-02-27T02:37:46Z

We are expanding our horizons in 2008 with an ad in BRIDES Magazine (Florida edition) and www.BRIDES.com.

NAWP Meeting

2008-02-27T02:07:07Z

Thanks to Stephanie at BRIDES Magazine (FL) I was invited to attend my first NAWP (Nat'l Assoc. of Wedding Professionals) get together in Davie, FL last night and was very glad I did. It was refreshing to meet so many positive people from every facet of the wedding industry. I look forward to becoming a member, making new contacts and broadening my photographic horizons.