Elopement: K & B - Hamilton Princess Beach Club
During these winter months - I’m dreaming of summer time ceremonies - which reminds me of Kelly & Brian’s Elopement. They were one of the coolest couples I have ever had the pleasure to work with. Under a stunning sunset, these two “tied the knot” at the Hamilton Princess’ Beach Club.
How Popular is Your Wedding Date?
Couples pick their wedding dates based on a variety of reasons. Some may opt to get married during their favourite time of year, on their “dating” anniversary, over a holiday weekend, or on “numerically pleasing” date - like 6-26-26 or 7-25-25. Regardless of why couples select their wedding date, it’s important to remember that there are in fact “popular” wedding dates. Let’s check out some of the most sought-after dates for wedding celebrations. It’s never too early to book a photographer; particularly if you love their style.
Couples pick their wedding dates based on a variety of reasons. Some may opt to get married during their favourite time of year, on their “dating” anniversary, over a holiday weekend, or on “numerically pleasing” date - like 6-26-26 or 7-25-25. Regardless of why couples select their wedding date, it’s important to remember that there are in fact “popular” wedding dates. Let’s check out some of the most sought-after dates for wedding celebrations. It’s never too early to book a photographer; particularly if you love their style.
- Days of the Week -
Thursdays - Did you know the traditional day of the week to wed in Bermuda is a Thursday? With this in mind, if you’re planning to tie the knot on a Thursday, inquire early!
Friday - Sunday - For weddings and events - the “weekend” starts on a Friday as this is a popular day of the week for either welcome/rehearsal dinners and weddings. Saturdays & Sundays are also poular days of the week for weddings/events because most couples and guests are off work. If you’re planning to tie the knot over the weekend, book early!
- Specific Days of the Year -
New Year’s Eve & Day - What better way to start the next chapter of your life than on the first day of a new year? We love photographing weddings on New Years Eve & Day for several reasons but mainly because everyone has a fresh outlook and is ready to welcome the couple into married life.
Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Weekend - This holiday - celebrated on the 3rd Monday in January - honors the late great Dr. King. As this is a public holiday in the USA - it typically means an uptick in tourish as some folks have a day off of work. Planning a wedding over any holiday weekend makes it a little easier for couples to encourage their guests to attend their wedding. Thus - this holiday weekend usually yields a higher demand for photography.
Valentine’s Day - Regardless of the day of the week, this is always a popular day to tie the knot. If you’re looking to have Cupid be a part of your wedding, be sure to book your top choices early.
Date of the Month + Matching Year - Looking to get hitched on a cool “numerical date” for your anniversary? Example: April 24, 2024 (4/24/24) or May 5, 2025 - (5/5/25) Keep your eyes on these ones right here!
MARCH: Fridays - Sundays - You may think this month is not necessarily “known” for weddings, this is true. Each March, I have at least TWO weekend wedding during the month. If you’re planning to get married in March, you have a 50% chance of booking your desired weekend date and a 50% chance of not. When planning a wedding for March, why risk it? Book early and snag your date! Don’t forget - these percentages are based on weddings. Most photographers - similar to myself - shoot other projects this month. You may not be “competing” with another couple, but there will likely be other clients booking photographers this month.
Good Friday & Easter - With Good Friday being a public holiday in Bermuda and Easter being the “kick-off” of Spring (and school break), this weekend is notorious for wedding celebrations. Naturally, with this weekend being focused on religious holidays - couples are encouraged to book early.
APRIL - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: This is typically the start of wedding season. Couples who would like to hold their weddings on a weekend - either on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday should reserve as soon as possible.
MAY - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: The whole gosh darn month of May is busy - particularly on the weekends; Fridays - Sundays book very fast. May is the most popular wedding month out there across many locations. If you’re thinking of getting married during this time - reach out as soon as possible to reserve your date (or dates if you’ll also be opting to have a Welcome Dinner or Rehearsal Dinner captured).
Memorial Day & Bermuda Day - What better way to kick off the summer than with a wedding?! Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday in May and Bermuda Day is celebrated on the last Friday in May. With these two public holidays falling on back-to-back weekends, they’re not only the start of summer but also of the wedding season!
“Popular Date Alert = Book ASAP
Friday - May 23, 2025
Saturday - May 24, 2025
Sunday - May 25, 2025
Monday - May 26, 2025”
JUNE - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: You read that correctly; the whole gosh darn month of June - similar to May - is busy on the weekend. More specifically, Fridays - Sundays book very fast. June is a very popular wedding month; school has just let out and for any couples who are teachers and/or have kids - it’s a great month to book. If you’re thinking of getting married during this time - reach out as soon as possible to reserve your date (or dates if you’ll also be opting to have a Welcome Dinner or Rehearsal Dinner captured).
JUNE - National Hero’s Day - This is a unique holiday in Bermuda that falls on the third Monday in June. Bermuda honours those on its list of official national heroes. This list contains a diverse array of men and women who have contributed to their territory’s welfare in a variety of ways. This means the weekend prior to National Hero’s Day will be a “sought after” weekend for weddings.
JUNE - Carnival in Bermuda - as noted on Bermuda Tourism’s Website, “This is one of the island’s biggest summer celebrations, and it should not be missed! From Thursday-Monday you can expect a non-stop party through the days and nights. Most events are all-inclusive and will include local cuisine, unlimited drinks, and lots of soca music.”. This holiday usually falls on the third week/weekend in June - coinciding with National Hero’s Day. This one of the busiest weeks/weekends for weddings and events. One of the most challenging aspects about planning a wedding (whether big or small) during this time is that many wedding vendors are booked in advance with Carnival. With this in mind, we highly recommend booking Fiander Foto as soon as possible to ensure availbility for this time.
Canada Day & Independence Day - As a photographer, this is one of my favourite times of the year for weddings! With Canada Day falling on July 1 and Independence Day on the 4th of July, couples from Canada and the USA can enjoy public holidays during the summer months to make travel easier for couples and guests. If you’re planning to wed any day between July 1 - July 10, book your vendors quick as this block of time is always busy.
JULY - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: July has increasingly become another “HOT MONTH” for weekend weddings. Similar to May & June, July is very busy Fridays - Sundays and these dates book quickly. Why do you ask? Notice how this paragraph is sandwiched between three holidays; Canada Day, the 4th of July, and Cup Match? (That’s why.) If you’re thinking of getting married on a weekend in July - we recommend booking well in advance!
Cup Match + Weekend - This is a two day holiday in Bermuda and is held on the Thursday and Friday that is closest to August 1st. The first day is known as “Emancipation Day” to remember the end of slavery. The second day is called “Somers Day”, which remembers the arrival of Sir George Somers in Bermuda in 1609. During this time, the island celebrates by watching cricket, camping, and swimming. The Saturday and Sunday directly following Cup Match also books quickly for weddings. With this long holiday / 4-day weekend, it is a very popular time for couples to get hitched. This is when my husband, Jim, and I tied the knot. We had a few days off of from work and our guests who had flown in from the States, Canada, and Italy all had some time to enjoy Cup Match while they were in Bermuda.
AUGUST - HOT MONTH - Fridays - Sundays: August is also a “HOT MONTH” for weekend weddings. Similar to May > July is very busy Fridays - Sundays and these dates book quickly. Why do you ask? This is a time of year where a lot of families can take time off from work; school is out - camp is over - and it’s a great time of year to plan a wedding.
Labour Day - With the end of Summer, we have one of my favourite public holidays and you guessed it - another great weekend for a wedding ceremony! This is one of the most sought after weekends for weddings because it’s a holiday that’s recognized in Canada, the USA, and Bermuda.
Columbus Day & Veterans Day - As we move into the beautiful fall months, Columbus Day and Veterans Day soon follow. Although not all schools and companies offer time off for these two public holidays, they tend to book quickly for any couples looking to get married during the fall season.
Halloween - The words “Until Death Do Us Part” never sounded so romantic as they do on this holiday! If you love fall decor, an ultra moody vibe, and a themed wedding - this is the date for you and I’m happy to capture it for you! But guess what? It’s also a popular date for tying the knot.
Thanksgiving - by this point in the blog post, you’ve guessed it; another holiday weekend that is busy because many gusts will have time off of work and the kids will be out of school. This is a lovely time of year to get married; the idea of “gathering together” is already in people’s minds. And what more to be thankful for than your future spouse! If you have your eye on this weekend - don’t delay in reaching out!
December / Winter Holidays - Winter is a magical time to have a wedding as it’s usually less hot. Although - you may find that vendors/photographers are in short supply because most are transitioning to capturing corporate holiday events and/or are taking vacation in the “off season”. Be sure to book early if you’re saying “I DO” during the month of December; particularly the week leading up to and the week of Christmas & New Years.
Putting holidays and cool numerical dates aside - if you’re getting married on a Saturday - any Saturday during the year - consider your wedding date in high demand. Fridays and Sundays are the “next in line” for popular wedding day options. When considering dates for your wedding, also consider the dates for your Welcome and/or Rehearsal Dinner. If you’re debating booking a particular venue or vendor on a popular date or weekend - be sure to book fast so you can have your top choice!
Holiday Parties: Now Booking - 2023
The Holidays are fast approaching; can you believe it? With this in mind, we’re offering sweet deals on photo packages for Corporate and Private Holiday Parties! Check out our awesome package deals below. If you don’t see a package that suits your party - fear not - we can also create a custom package for you!
The Holidays are fast approaching; can you believe it? With this in mind, we’re offering sweet deals on photo packages for Corporate and Private Holiday Parties! If you don’t see a package below that suits your party - fear not - we can also create a custom package for you! Packages may include the following:
Event Photography Coverage
•
Photo Booth
•
Live Photo Booth
•
Event Photography Coverage • Photo Booth • Live Photo Booth •
~ HOLIDAY DISCOUNTED RATE ~
“Three French Hens” Package
3 Hours of Event Photo Coverage ($2100)
Edited High-Res Photos Delivered via Online Gallery
3 Hours of Photo Booth ($500)
Discounted Rate for the Holidays + includes 2 hours + 1 FREE Hour
Still Photos + GIFs sent to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Files
1 Hour of LIVE Booth ($500)
Discounted Rate for the Holidays ~ Professional Photos of Guests Upon their Arrival to the Party
Total - $3100 with the option to add on additional shoot time/use of booths
“Two Turtle Doves” Package
2 Hours of Event Photo Coverage - $1400
(Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
2 Hours of Photo Booth - $650
(Still Photos + GIFs sent to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Files)
Total - $2050 with the option to add on additional shoot time/use of booths
“Partridge in Pear Tree” Package
1 Hour of Event Photo Coverage - $700
(Coverage for 1 Hour + the Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
1 Hour of Photo Booth - $325
(One Hour use of the Photo Booth + Images Delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Images)
Total - $1025 with the option to add on additional shoot time/use of booths
I’d love to hear more about what you have planned for your holiday party! Before selecting a holiday photo package, let’s check out our online Event Client Questionnaire. Please click on the button below to access the Questionnaire:
Wedding Etiquette Tips for the Modern Couple & Guests
Whether you’re the couple getting married or the guest attending a destination wedding, it’s important to understand the etiquette. Planning a wedding is like naming a baby; everyone has an opinion. With that in mind - sit down, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and check out some of Fiander Foto’s tips for destination wedding etiquette for the modern couple and guests of…
Whether you’re the couple getting married or the guest attending a destination wedding, it’s important to understand the etiquette. Planning a wedding is like naming a baby; everyone has an opinion. With that in mind - sit down, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and check out some of Fiander Foto’s tips for destination wedding etiquette for the modern couple and guests of:
1. Wedding Size - Before creating an invite list, couples should decide if they want a small or big wedding; if they want to elope or to invite guests. A Civil Ceremony may be planned first and a larger ceremony later. For all guests of the wedding - including the parents and in-laws - it’s important to note that this decision lies with the couple. Even if the couple elopes, there is still etiquette to follow for family and friends.
2. The Location of the Wedding - When selecting a location, consider where the majority of the guests live and the travel that will be involved. The cost of travelling to a location is key but also question if anyone has mobility issues; will they be able to physically travel to the location?
3. Save the Dates & Invites - For destination weddings, the Save-the-Dates can be sent anywhere from eight to six months in advance. Formal invites should follow between five to three months before the big day. Allow your guests time to take off from work and make travel plans. If you’ve received an invitation, be sure to RSVP well in advance.
4. Guests of Guests - For the couple, be clear about who exactly is invited to the wedding by including their names on the invitations. If sending to a married or engaged couple, add both names. If those invited have children, decide on whether or not to include them. If inviting someone single, be clear on if a “plus one” has been extended. If you’ve received an invite and you’re single, do not assume this means you get a plus one. Also, don’t assume the invite means you can bring your children as some weddings are for adults only.
5. Wedding Website - In today’s modern world, everything is online. Why? So it does not get lost. Couples: along with your Save-the-Dates and Invites create a website that houses everything: date, time, locations, and any gift registry information. Create a page for any activities planned like the rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, and/or a farewell brunch. Although a word to the wise: don’t plan too much. Your guests have taken time out to attend your wedding and to also visit the destination. Suggest a few tourist spots your guests may like and allow them free time for them to explore on their own.
6. Say Thank You - This one may go without saying - but - in our fast-paced world, it can be easy to forget these two little words. For the couple, be sure to thank your guests for coming to your destination wedding. Many of them have spent a lot of money and taken time off of work or school to attend your special day. Particularly for those who have limited vacation days during a year, it’s important for the couple to express their gratitude. For the guests, thank the newly weddings for including you. When creating their guests’ list - they collectively decided they wanted you at their side. A few great ways to say thank you: hand-written notes, welcome bags, small gifts for each guest, or my personal favourite - take 10 minutes on your wedding day to capture a big group shot! This is always a fun moment to photograph and guests can opt to print and frame it when they return home; a great way to remember the wedding!
7. The Professional Guest - Attending a wedding is similar to going to a job interview except with more champagne. Be On-Time - Respect the couples’ planning efforts and don’t to be rude by arriving late or leaving early. Leave Work Behind - Activate an auto-reply email notifying colleagues or clients that you’re out of the office and be sure to silence cell phones at the wedding. Don’t Get in the Photographers’ Way - the couple has selected their photographer (and paid handsomely for) for a variety of reasons but mostly relating to the way the photographer style. Avoid stepping in front of the photographer (particularly during the ceremony) and using a flash (which may interfere with the photographer’s lighting gear). Dress Appropriately - When selecting an outfit as a guest, remember it’s the couples’ day, not yours. Guests should not “upstage” the couple when it comes to clothing. Drinking Too Much - The bar may be open and the drinks may be flowing, although it’s a good idea for guests to pace themselves. Avoid passing out before the night is over.
8. Be Present and Have Fun - For both the couple and the guests, be sure to “mentally” put aside anything that you may be worried about that is not related to the wedding. We all have a lot on our minds - whether these things are related to work, school, family, and/or friends. Once you arrive at the destination wedding, be present and enjoy the moment!
Wedding: S & W - Coral Beach and Tennis Club
The Coral Beach Club in Bermuda never disappoints as a wedding venue - that’s for sure! Samantha and William were so much fun to work with ~ wishing them many years of happiness!
Photography: Fiander Foto
Venue: Coral Beach & Tennis Club - Bermuda | Florals: Helen Sawden Flowers
Band: Working Title | Planner: All the Trimmings | Hair: Blue Print Hair Studio
Female Entrepreneur of the Year - Nominee
I am shocked and amazed to announce I have been nominated for the “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and Women who Own and Manage Businesses (WOMB).
VOTE now through 11/13 by clicking on the link below:
https://forms.gle/huxx3BYh6vGNcBx8A
You’ll see the option to vote for both Fiander Foto & Early Bird Charters!
The ceremony will take place at the “Women's Entrepreneurship Weekend Retreat” at one of my favorite locations to capture weddings - Cambridge Beaches. There are a number of talented female entrepreneurs on this list and I’m honored to make “de cut”! Good luck to all the nominees!
I am shocked and amazed to announce I have been nominated for the “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” by the Bermuda Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and Women who Own and Manage Businesses (WOMB).
VOTE now through 11/13 by clicking on the link below:
https://forms.gle/huxx3BYh6vGNcBx8A
You’ll see the option to vote for both Fiander Foto & Early Bird Charters!
The ceremony will take place at the “Women's Entrepreneurship Weekend Retreat” at one of my favorite locations to capture weddings - Cambridge Beaches. There are a number of talented female entrepreneurs on this list and I’m honored to make “de cut”! Good luck to all the nominees!
Holiday Parties: Now Booking - 2022
The Holidays are fast approaching; can you believe it? With this in mind, we’re offering sweet deals on photo packages for Corporate and Private Holiday Parties! Check out our awesome package deals below. If you don’t see a package that suits your party - fear not - we can also create a custom package for you!
The Holidays are fast approaching; can you believe it? With this in mind, we’re offering sweet deals on photo packages for Corporate and Private Holiday Parties! Check out our awesome package deals below. If you don’t see a package that suits your party - fear not - we can also create a custom package for you!
“Three French Hens” Package
3 Hours of Event Photo Coverage - $2100
(Coverage for 3 Hours + the Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
Add On 3 Hours of Photo Booth (PB) - $650
(Two Hours + 1 FREE hour with the Photo Booth + Images Delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Images)
$2750
“Two Turtle Doves” Package
2 Hours of Event Photo Coverage - $1400
(Coverage for 2 Hours + the Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
Add On 2 Hours of Photo Booth (PB) - $650
(Two Hours with the Photo Booth + Images Delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Images)
$2050
“Partridge in Pear Tree” Package
1 Hour of Event Photo Coverage - $700
(Coverage for 1 Hour + the Edited High-Res Files delivered via Online Gallery)
Add On 1 Hour of Photo Booth (PB) - $325
(One Hour use of the Photo Booth + Images Delivered to Guests’ Cell Phones & Online Gallery of Images)
$1025
I’d love to hear more about what you have planned for your holiday party! Before selecting a holiday photo package, let’s check out our online Event Client Questionnaire. Please click on the button below to access the Questionnaire:
Holiday Schedule 2022
We are “gearing up” for a super fun - and busy - holiday season! We’ll be taking a limited amount of bookings in the last few weeks of December. Kindly note ~ Holiday Fees will apply in the weeks surrounding the winter holidays and New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Please feel free to send an email to begin an inquiry:
We are “gearing up” for a super fun - and busy - holiday season! After all - the beaches are still gorgeous in Bermuda in the winter. We’ll be taking a limited amount of bookings during the last few weeks of December and additional Holiday Fees may be applied. Let’s chat about your holiday photo shoot ideas! To get started, please send an email to the address below noting your full travel dates and where you will be staying. From there, we’ll get in touch with some additional details.
Fiander Foto: Covid-19 & Photography
As we continue to live with Covid-19, my photography clients’ safety is a top priority and with that, I wanted to share some information about how Fiander Foto is being compliant with the guidelines set forth by the CDC, WHO, and the Bermuda Government for Covid-19. We will be continuing our safety measures to help stop and slow the spread of this disease. Within this blog post, I also share a link to our Covid-19 Leniency Policy.
Safety First, Y’all.
As we continue to live with Covid-19, my photography clients’ safety is a top priority and with that, I wanted to share some information about how Fiander Foto is being compliant with the guidelines set forth by the CDC, WHO, and the Bermuda Government for Covid-19. We will be continuing our safety measures to help stop and slow the spread of this disease.
First and foremost: our team is 100% vaccinated and boosted! We know this is a personal decision for everyone to make & respect all of our clients’ choices. For all of us at Fiander Foto, getting the vaccine was the right decision to help protect ourselves, our clients, and those around us.
A healthy distance of 6 feet will be kept during the photo shoot. All are encouraged to use hand sanitizer before, after, and/or during the session. All are encouraged to wear masks during the “in-between” moments of the photo shoot; meaning - when you’re not having your photo taken. For example, we may walk from “point a” to “point b” - which is a good time to pop the mask back on. I typically shake hands with folks at the start of a shoot, although to prevent the spread of germs, I will avoid physical contact with clients and offer a cheerful smile and an “air” high-five. Although things are a little different now, a photoshoot can still be a fun experience and yield beautiful images!
Covid-19 Leniency Policy
As Covid-19 is now a “known” factor, we have adjusted our Covid-19 Leniency Policy accordingly. This Policy is updated on a regular basis; please click “here” to access. Clients are encouraged to review their contract for information on how to reschedule and/or cancel a photo shoot due to Covid-19 should the need arise.
SPRING SALE - Wedding Albums
SALE DATES: MARCH 27 - APRIL 4, 2022
We’re hosting a SPRING SALE on wedding albums purchased á la carte! Save now on either a 14x11 or 10x10 album! These Albums include between 30-40 photos, come with a matching box, and shipping is included within the USA! To read more about our albums, please click “here”.
SALE DATES: MARCH 27 - APRIL 4, 2022
We’re hosting a SPRING SALE on wedding albums purchased á la carte! Save now on either a 14x11 or 10x10 album! These Albums include between 30-40 photos, come with a matching box, and shipping is included within the USA! To read more about our albums, please click “here”.
14x11 = now $75 OFF
10x10 = now $50 OFF
Kindly note: the sale does not pertain to albums purchased as a package.