Yes, there are destination pre-nup shoots! Couples are now going to out-of-town, even out-of- the country locations to do their photo and/or video pre-nup shoots. Its cutting edge, its fun and spontaneous and its definitely not for everyone. Rather, it’s the latest trend in capturing a couple’s love story in a setting deemed unique and appropriate.

But why go destination? Well, for one thing its fun! It’s a great way to have fun with each other in the midst of all the wedding preparations and right before you get married. It’s also such a great excuse to travel and one can always justify it by buying the gifts for the entourage and other wedding participant at this time. Its spontaneous! Its proactive! Its going the extra mile to get, amazing photographs to show during your wedding reception and to cherish for a lifetime.

How to go about it

If you think that a pre-wedding pictorial or video shoot is what you want then go over these steps to lea how to plan for one:

• Check your schedule. Are you both free to fly off to Phuket for the week-end? How about a day’s trip to Batangas?
• Check your budget. This can be properly labeled as an “unnecessary expense.” Can your wedding budget absorb this?
• Check your photographer/videographer’s schedule. Is he free to go with you? What amount will he charge? Is his fee inclusive of ticket, accommodations and meals? Does he need to take an assistant? Will he also take charge of showing the end result during the wedding reception?
• Location! Location! Location! Where are you off to? Discuss what you both like, where you both want to go and then check how to go about it. Ask your photographer if he has any suggestions.
• Discuss what kind of shoots will be taken. Photojoualistic? Posed? Candid? Glamour? This will determine the wardrobe and accessories you will bring.

Tip: check if your venue has any scheduled holidays, festivals, parades, shoots, etc. They will make for great photos!

• Be prepared for several things that will demand some of your time such as-hair & make-up (before the shoot & re-touch), meals, wardrobe changes (you can’t wear the same outfit in all the pictures, right!)
• Don’t be shy in front of the camera. If you’re not comfortable laughing and smiling on cue or acting wacky, get out of your comfort zone by practicing in front of the camera. When subjects are stiff and uncomfortable, it really shows in the photograph. Also try to “disregard” the bystanders. You will be photographed in front of people…. and get lots of special attention, so just focus on the directions from the photographer or videographer.

Lastly, you’ve now worked with a good photographer/videographer and have a great set of images to show of. Don’t keep those images in an album or just let it sit on a shelf. Display them during your wedding by doing a photo montage, photo guestbook or a mounted photo collage placed by the entrance of your venue.