How to Pack for Your Honeymoon | Arden Photography

Don’t get me wrong, your wedding day is DEFINITELY something to look forward to and enjoy, yet the (hopefully) slight stress and nerves that culminates into one day can pass by like a blur if you don’t take care to breathe it all in. Receptions usually do the job of loosening everyone up after a long day of hair and makeup, photos, tending to guests, you know… the works, BUT, where you FINALLY get to relax is during your honeymoon. One on one time with your new partner in life is high on the list of priorities after months of planning and waiting to officially call each other yours.

So, for that much deserved R&R, I’ve culminated a list of how to efficiently pack for your honeymoon, no matter the location. It’s much better to be over prepared than to be franticing last minute during an experience where you should be able to slow down and focus on your significant other.

Must-Haves/Carry-On

• Airline tickets/e-ticket confirmations

• Passport, visas, driver's license

• Credit cards 

• Reservation confirmations

• Important phone numbers

• Copies of the above

• Prescription medicine/Aspirin/Ibuprofen/Tavel-sickness pills

• Contraception 

• ID tags for luggage

• Camera

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Small bag of makeup

• Brush 

• Valuable jewelry

• In-flight reading

• Light sweater

• 1 change of clothing

• Travel pillow/blanket

• Sewing kit

• Headphones 

• Chargers for electric devices

Her Checked Bag

• 2 pairs of pants/jeans/leggings

• 1 light jacket/pullover

• 2-3 skirts/dresses 

• 1 cardigan

• 4 casual shirts 

• 2 blouses

• 2 pairs shorts {warm destinations}

• Swimsuit {if appropriate for destination}

• 1 swimsuit cover-up

• 2-3 pairs of sneakers/sandals/heels

• Evening wrap/jacket

• 1 evening purse/clutch

• Socks, underwear, & bras + extras {dependent on length of trip}

• Accessories

• Lingerie

His Checked Bag

• 2-3 pairs jeans/khakis/slacks

• 1 light jacket/pullover

• 4 casual shirts

• 2 pairs shorts {warm destinations}

• 2 button-down short-sleeve shirts

• 1 sports jacket

• Swimsuit {if appropriate for destination}

• 2-3 pairs of sneakers/sandals

• Socks/underwear + extras {dependent on length of trip}

Essentials/Toiletries

• Insect repellent

• Sunscreen/lip balm

• Sunglasses

• Sun hat/baseball cap

• Band-Aids

• Tampons/pads

• Tote bag

• Electrical converter/adapter

• Makeup remover/face cleanser/soap

• Cotton balls/swabs

• Hair gel/spray

• Nail file/clippers

• Shaving cream

• Razors

• Contact lenses, re-wetting solution, & storage case

• Hair accessories

Optional 

• Shampoo/conditioner

• Body lotion

• Hair dryer

Tropical Add-ons

• Aloe vera/after-sun cream

• Beach bag

• Sun hat

• Flip-flops

• Water shoes

Cold Add-ons

• Waterproof ski pants & jacket/snowsuit

• Heavy sweaters

• Underlayers

• Gloves/mittens

• Warm hat/headband

• Scarf

• Goggles

• Skis, poles, ski boots

• Waterproof socks

• Hand & foot warmers

• Waterproof boots

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations

1. California

2. Fiji

3. Paris

4. Walt Disney World

5. Bali

6. Italy

7. Japan

8. Bora Bora

9. Greece

10. Hawaii

Photo by: Arden Photography

Photo by: Arden Photography

Photo by: Arden Photography

Photo by: Arden Photography

Photo by: Arden Photography

Photo by: Arden Photography

Happy Wedding Anniversary RANDY & LAUREN! | Arden Photography

Arden Photography would like to wish Randy and Lauren a very happy wedding anniversary! We had the opportunity to photograph this heartwarming wedding filled with sweet smiles, precious moments, and beautiful details. Lauren's bouquet of all white consisted of many beautiful flowers, including white roses, which complemented her lovely engagement ring. Though this is just a glimpse, we relished in the opportunity to photograph such a delightful and elegant wedding!

Happy Anniversary Randy and Lauren, may 2018 be filled with love an laughter!

Endearing Smiles | Arden Photography 2018

2017 was an exciting year for Arden Photography! We photographed many weddings at multiple locations, but there is no doubt we are thrilled to be heading into 2018 with Blake Jefferson and his finance Katie Merkl! Their wedding will be in October of this year and we can't wait to be a part of their big day. The couples intimate engagement session was filled with endearing smiles and loving embraces. Just seeing the visible romance between the two makes us want to snuggle up and enjoy a relaxing evening with the ones we love. We are so excited to be heading into 2018 with such fun and warm hearted couples! 

Happy Tuesday and be sure to stick with us through 2018 so you don't miss out on the chance to see what beautiful moments this year has to offer! 

The Best Of | Arden Photography 2017 | Bridesmaids

When the big day finally comes and everything is falling into place, it is reassuring to know that there is a loving group of bridesmaids there to wipe away any tears that you may have and make you smile until your cheeks are sore. At Arden Photography 2017 was filled with smiling faces and new beginnings but we know there is nothing like the times shared between close friends. Our Best Of 2017 Bridesmaids showcases groups large and small gathering together to celebrate new chapters and reminiscing on cherished past times. We hope you will check back with us soon for Arden Photography's next Best Of 2017 post! Share with us a comment about a memory you share with your bridesmaids! 

Best Of | Arden Photography 2017 | Shoes

We may be heading into the second month of 2018, but we are still in love with 2017's shoes! Take a peek at Arden Photography's best of 2017 shoes! We love a good pair of decked out sneakers, but you can never go wrong with a glamorous pair of classic high heels. You are sure to find some inspiration from these stylish picks to walk you down the aisle on your big day. Be sure to stay with us for more of our 2017 Best Of posts. 

Like Marilyn Monroe said, "Give a girl the right pair of shoes, and she can conquer the world." We hope you enjoy our top selections; let us know which pair, or pairs caught your eye in the comments! 

Take it from Christian Louboutin, "I would say that a good shoe is exactly like a good wine. These shoes are going to stay and last for a long time."

The Best Of | Arden Photography 2017 | First Dance

Whether your first dance as newly weds is slow and romantic or you're breaking it down on the dance floor, it is a memory that will last a life time. We wanted to share some of our top picks from our 2017 weddings. Take a moment to check out our best of first dance photos. At Arden Photography we see many first dances but these are sure to melt your heart and sweep you off your feet.  Also be sure to check back in for our next 2017 best of post coming soon! If you see something you like, please share it with us in the comment section. 

Happy February and may 2018 be filled with sweet memories and great dance moves!

Happy One Year Wedding Anniversary EMMA & JOEL! | Arden Photography

I would like to wish my sweet sister and her husband a very Happy Anniversary. We photograph a variety of beautiful weddings but I have had the privilege to not only photograph my little sister's wedding but also to help plan her big day. 

Emma and Joel were married Jan 28, 2017 in North Carolina. Emma was ahead of the Pantone color palette and selected "ultra violet" for her 2017 wedding before the color scheme was announced as the Pantone color of 2018. Emma's wedding dress was from one of our favorite wedding dress shops in Birmingham, Carriage House Weddings.

Cheers to the two of you and may 2018 be as fun and exciting as your wedding day!

I love covers!

Over the last little bit we have gotten to know Keith at Southern Dream Weddings Magazine He has been a huge asset to our business in getting buzz around town. Check out this cover we shot. Also we had several Real Wedding editorials in the issue. I will post those on the blog when the magazine is off the news stand but until then go out and get the whole thing, while you still can find it. If you are planning a wedding it is totally worth purchasing.

Destination Weddings

Currently we are about 50% destination weddings and you will see our images in “Destination I DO” magazine. But not every bride can do a destination wedding for family reasons or something else even if they love the look of a destination event. So this photo shoot made me thing if you want to be a destination bride but can’t do it for your ceremony why not for your bridal portraits. These are amazing and we could totally do images like this in your dress or really anywhere.Sports Illustrated meet Jessica!