So here it is….cause for pause, i say!

Friday, January 27, 2012
Wedding Photographer Slap Down!
I found this great post over on PetaPixel and wanted to share .. it is quite good. Apparently they came across this posting on Craigslist by a disgruntled bride who had issue in paying $3000 for a wedding photographer, because, as she says, all they do “is hang out at a wedding taking tons of photos and editing them”

The response from Nikki Wagner is priceless

Dear Bride,
I am a wedding photographer in the Erie, PA area. Wedding season only last about 4 months here, so I photograph an average of 20 weddings per year for an average of $2,500/wedding (which totals about $50,000/year).
That being said, I am a small business owner, so I pay all of my taxes, totaling about $15,000/year, which leaves me with a gross income of around $35,000
Of that $35,000 I pay $600/month in rent for my small house and garage which I converted into my studio (which is where I would be editing your wedding images).$35,000 – $7,200 = $27,800
Then I have my car, which I would use to get me to and from your wedding, which I pay $400/month for the lease, plus $200/month in car insurance. $27,800 – $7,200 = $20,600
To get to your (and my other brides) wedding consultation, second wedding pre-consultation, the wedding itself, and to and from the printers I spend $840/year in gas money. $20,600 – $840 = $19,760
I also have $500/year insurance in case you sue me, or if any of your drunk guests would happen to break any of my equipment. $19,760 – $500 = $19,260
You also probably found me through my website, which I pay $30/month for hosting, and another $30/month so that you can view your photos online and share the images with your friends and family. $19,260 – $720 = $18,540
Or perhaps you found me through my advertisements in the newspaper or local bridal magazines, or a bridal show that you attended that I paid to have a booth at. $18,540 – $1,000 = $17,540
I also pay $250/month for my own health insurance in case I were to get hurt at your wedding. $17,540 – $3,000 = $14,540
I pay $200/wedding for a second shooter for your wedding, so that you can have more images and different angles, as to make sure you get the best images possible at your wedding. $14,540 – $4,000 = $10,540
I also need to have a new pair of shoes ($100) every season because my shoes get worn out and dirty from season to season. $10,540 – $100 = $10,440
I need high speed internet so I can upload all of your images online, my home phone for my business and my cell phone so I can communicate with you. $10,440 – $2,500 = $7,940
Oh yes, and I also pay a lawyer to make sure my contracts are iron clad and an accountant to make sure that I am paying all of the taxes I need. $7,940 – $500 = $7,440
Sometimes I attend workshops and seminars to teach me how to better my business, and make my client happier (that would be you), as well as keep up on the trends and learn new techniques so that I can make sure you have the best quality images available.
That would technically leave me with about $7,000/year to feed myself, buy groceries, pay for my heat and electricity, clothe myself, etc. But, usually I end up reinvesting whatever I have left on upgrades and new equipment:
During your wedding, I bring my professional equipment that I use so that I can make sure you have the highest quality images.
I have 2 Canon 5D Mark II cameras (because you always need a backup in case of a camera malfunction, which would ruin your big day’s photographs) which cost $2,500/camera =$5,000
I also have quality lenses which can capture your special moments in low light situations:
Canon 24-70 f/2.8 lens = $1,200
Canon 70-200 f/2.8 lens = $1,300
Canon 50mm f/1.4 lens = $500
Canon 100mm f/2.8 macro = $600
…and I have speed lights to catch the fun moments at your reception:
2 x Canon 580EX II = $1,200
Also multiple battery backups and memory cards, lens filters, light stands, umbrellas, light boxes, external battery packs and a bag to carry everything in = $1,500
Because this is equipment, sometimes I need to have it serviced or cleaned to make sure it is all working properly = $200
After spending 8-10 hours at your wedding, I then come home to my home office and spend about 20-25 hours editing your images, creating your album, blogging about your wedding, posting pictures on Facebook, ordering you prints and burning your DVDs.
I edit your photographs using a 27-inch iMac computer = $2,500.
I edit your photographs on Adobe Lightroom ($200) and Adobe CS5 ($400 for the upgrade and $900 for the new program).
I print your DVDs on a printer which costs $300 and which uses $200/year in ink.
I buy the DVDs and jewel cases you’re getting printed for $300/year
I archive all of your photographs on 2 x 2TB external hard drives = $500.
I also back up all of my photographs online so if there was ever a fire in my office, you would never lose your photographs = $400/year.
I also have office expenses as far as buying paper, staples, envelopes, packaging, filing cabinets and files, etc…
I also spend time and money ordering your prints and albums, paying for shipping, going to the post office etc.
All of that being said, I’m usually in the hole at the end of the year, and take on many family portraits, senior portraits and corporate jobs in order to make ends meet.
Photography is my passion and my livelihood, and it is also expensive. Yes, it seems like a lot of money for one day, but one day isn’t all we spend on your photographs or on our business. You will spend thousands of dollars on a wedding dress or flowers or a venue or on catering which you are going to have for only one day, but your photographs will be the only thing you have to remember that one day for the rest of your lives.
I’m extremely insulted by your craigslist post and hope this sheds a little light on why we charge $3,000 for one day of your memories that are going to last you forever.
– Nikki Wagner, Photographer

www.romantictravelbelize.com
US – 215-469-2496
Belize – 011-501-670-5272

Day 1 – 10:15 am – Arrive BZE
10:40 am – Depart BZE to SPR
11:00 am – Arrive SPR, transport to resort

DAY 2 10 am – maybe wake up, maybe roll over, maybe go to the
pool, maybe go frolic in the sea….

DAY 3 The Altun Ha maya Ruin Tour and Jungle Spa Visit
On this adventure you head out the backside of the island toward the mainland. Soon you will be winding through the Northern River where you are likely to see Orchids, cactus and a rich variety of birds and indigenous animals. At Bomba Village, you will then board a private bus that takes you through several quaint villages as you make your way to the maya Ruins of Altun Ha.
There, our guide will give you a tour of the ruins and you’ll have some time to explore. Once you have worked up a healthy appetite, we will head to the Maruba Jungle Spa for an exotic lunch including fish and
wild game. After lunch you can take a refreshing dip in their pool or indulge in incredible treatments such as herbal facials and mud baths (for those that wish to be pampered). Then enjoy the swift boat ride back through the river and home to San Pedro.

Flourishing during the Classic Period of Maya civilization, the true ancient name of this site is unknown. “Altun Ha” is a maya translation of the nearby village named “Rockstone Pond.” The extent to which the site has been cleared and restored makes it easy to imagine its past glory and wealth as a major ceremonial center. The archaeological site covers about one square mile of area, with at least 500 visible structures. Evidence dates the earliest settlement here to 200 BC, with varied construction phases ending about 900 AD.
Includes: Breakfast, lunch, beer, sodas, rum punch and snacks.

DAY 4 Go to town? Drive around in golf cart

DAY 5 Two Stop Snorkel Tour

Stop 1: HOL CHAN MARINE RESERVE-
Due to the protected status of the area, the fish
populations have exploded. In waters as shallow as 5 feet, large schools of jacks, groupers, snappers and barracuda abound. Along each side of the cut grow healthy stands of corals and seagrass in shallow water, perfect for the beginner snorkeler. The more experienced swimmer can swim from one side of the cut to the other, experiencing shallow reef, drop offs over the steep sides of the “cut”, and seagrass and sand beds in the middle of the channel.

Stop 2 – Shark and Ray Alley – The sharks and rays hear the dive boats approaching and begin to school in anticipation of bait being thrown into the water. When you arrive, you will see the surface often boiling with rolling sharks and sting ray wings as they vie for the scraps.

5:30 pm – Return to Hotel

DAY 6 Time to go home. Transfer from SPR to BZE

Although the Wedding Favor/Swag Bags for the Maya Marriage of Many 12/12/12 Destination Wedding in Belize will be much grander than this, it’s a nice starting point

The completed bag

Water Bottle Bags made by Carib Creations

So anyone that knew me when i had my shop in the states knows i ADORE SOy Candles. They leave no soot. Not black crap on your walls, the sides of the container…just clean burning great smelling candles. Glow Belize Candles are the first ones produced here. Now…here’s the thing about Rosies, “Glow Belize Candles”…

You see these little heart shaped boxes? Ok, so they arent 100% natural, or belizean, but hey, we are REALLY limited for resources here. So when Rosie and I discussed this project, i wanted something “special”. She described how she’d make them. I had no idea i would see this.

First, you should know..the sand was taken from “the other side of the reef”. The sand here on our beaches is a bit courser than this sand. And see the pink bits, you wont see that on our beaches. SO..at some point, she was on the other side of the reef and got this sand. Then, she glues the sand on the box, then glues on the tiny but perfect shells on top. Then she clear coats the whole box…twice. THEN, she wraps in cello and ties with raffia. But she’s not done…then she adds a sweet little charm. Sheer Destination Wedding Favor Bliss!

What are your top 5 places to go in your city?

Hol Chan Marine Reserve – a marine reserve in the world’s largest living barrier reef

Shark Ray Alley – swim with the sharks and sting rays. These creatures began populating this area off the coast of Ambergris Caye, when the fishermen cleaned their conch and fish there. The sharks and rays began hanging out there to get scraps, and now, they come when they hear a boat engine,

Palapa Bar and Grill – float in inner tubes under the 2 story bar and grill, and they will drop beers down to you in a bucket,

Marco Gonzalez Maya Site – receiving its designation as a “Park” by the country of Belize just this year, it is in the process of being excavated. Watch where you step, pottery shards, tools, and other ancient artifacts are absolutely everywhere. Please don’t take them though – they belong to Belize; as with all things in Belize, leave only footprints, take only memories.

Tranquility Bay Resort – very far north on the island, go here to see “the aquarium”. This resort is in a marine reserve, so in the evening, the restaurant which is built over the water, is lit from beneath, lighting the surrounding waters. Watch as first the little fish come, then the bigger fish; then the spotted eagle rays, tarpin and others come to feed in the light

What are the Top 3 places that visitors must go to feel like a local?

Rocky Point – at the tippy top of Ambergris Caye, it’s a Caribbean wonder to behold!

What are some typical activities for locals in your city?

Snorkeling, scuba diving, hanging in a hammock, climbing Mayan ruins, visiting the Belize Zoo

How can you spot a local in your city?

Besides the beautiful brown of the Belizeans, you can tell a local by their attitude (no shirt, no shoes, no problem), their laid back spirit, their calmness, and of course, their feet – which seldom have shoes. Also, due to the large Maya Population (we are the epicenter of the Maya World); you’ll notice the broad faces, enormous gorgeous deep brown eyes, and flat noses. For the expats, you can tell us from our tans, and our relaxed style

Where is the best district for food lovers?

Central Park and “street meat”. Tourists are often afraid to eat from these street vendors, but truth is this is the best food in the country

A few Do’s and Don’ts

DO – Eat, eat, and eat

Do- Leave behind your insecurities. No one cares if you are fat, short, tall, rich, poor or educated. They will only care if you have a pure heart, and they will notice it in you in a nanosecond.

DO – Bring bug spray, we may be paradise, and even the bugs think so sometimes.

DO- Bring sunscreen and use it! I don’t care that you lay out with baby-oil at home, or that you’ve been to other islands, but trust me you will get burned.

DO – Listen to the local when he tells you to put vinegar on your sunburn (see above). It really does take the sting out. The first time i was told to do this, i was sure i was being marinated, but it really did work!

DO- Rent a golf cart (it’s all we drive) and go exploring. You can’t get lost, and there aren’t any really bad neighborhoods, so during the day you are safe as can be.

DO- Eat street meat

DO – Attend any local events in town. We are still so small and undiscovered, we don’t have a ton of tourists, so any events going on are authentic and truly for local enjoyment, but we love for you to join us! It’s a treat to see a local culture being naturally cultural

DO – Come in June for Lobster Festival. YUM!

DONT – buy drugs, while we are very laid back about drinking, but drugs are still very much illegal.

DONT – forget to bring your common sense. It’s best to walk on the roads at night and not the beach when you’ve had too much to drink on your way home from a night of partying.

Local un-miss able food

Chicken, Rice and Beans. I know you’ve had it elsewhere, but not like this. And BBQ…..oh how we love our BBQ, Amazing stuff!

Are there some great day trips from your city that aren’t well known?

The Belize Zoo is amazing, and completely natural. All animals are rescued and are in natural habitat. TIP – if you go toward the end of the day, you can follow the ranger as he feeds the animals. I fed a jaguar once, and i can tell you, you never forget a thing like that!

Best way to get a locals perspective of the city.

Talk to them. We Love Belize and we love to talk about it!

Any tips for travellers to your city or words of wisdom?

Leave all your preconceived notions of Central America and the Caribbean behind. Tourists in other places are best to avoid talking to locals on the streets and in bars, but in Belize, if a local wants to talk to you – he really just wants to have a chat. Belizeans are very friendly, warm and open people. If you are sitting near one, and they have a tortilla, they will tear it in half and share it with you. In Belize, you won’t be asked what you do for a living, but you will be asked if you are enjoying out Beautiful Belize. Talk to the folks, listen to their advice, and make a new friend. We see only souls here, not pocketbooks.

Like a Local by Lara Goldman

Romantic Travel Belize
www.romantictravelbelize.com

The 36 couples and 218 guests attending the Maya Marriage of Many at Cahal Pech Maya Site in Belize are in for a once in a 5200 year treat! Read all about it on the website, but this email is to let you know that if one of your clients or friends books this package, YOU get lots of moolah!

12 Productions Belize, Ltd, is offering a 10% commission on each bridal package. So, if your referral books a $24,030 package, and their 6 guests each book their $2530 package, thats $3,900 in commissions to you! Add to that a $1,000 FIRST BRIDE signed head hunting bonus, and you could earn $4,900 USD!!

The first bride to sign up will surely get a TON of press (and so would you as the referring agent). The bride we seek must desire being the center of attention and appreciate the incredible rarity of this event, and truly desire to be a part of something “bigger”. In addition, she must have dynamic personality, adventurous spirit, and be globally and culturally conscious.

email inquiry@2012weddingsbelize.com for more information or to set up an appointment to discuss in more detail.

Flash forward: December 12, 2012 – 36 couples, 218 guests, a minister, a shaman, and a JP, gorgeous flowers and fabric flowing everywhere, authentic mayan cooking, culture and music filling the incredibly acoustic and intimate Cahal Pech maya site…people you really love, in an incredibly moving, enchanting environment.  Meanwhile, 5 couples will get married here in San Pedro…one in each of 5 different hotels.  Total wedding couples and attendees: approx 500.

whoa.

The minute the words “mass wedding” were sent into the air during a conversation between Lisa Light and I…it was like POW.   The phrase “mass wedding” was uttered in the midst of a true rambling babbling brainstorming discussion.  The instant the little bone that beats the little drum in my ear interpreted that phrase, i dont know how to describe it… all i can say is, in that very instant – i knew i had to TRY.  That POW moment was only 3 months ago.

Now, i say “only” but thats not really true.  A thing of this magnitude doesnt happen overnight, and it doesnt happen on it’s own.  The relationships and partnerships that have been going into this Event have been in the works for YEARS.   This “Project” as i’ve been calling it, is about relationships and believing that we really can do something so incredible it can TRULY benefit….everyone.

I do not care that our airfare is higher than Cancun.  It should be.  We are different than Cancun.  We are Belize.  There is No Where else in the whole world with THAT Reef and  THOSE ruins.   If not for Australia, Belize would have The Worlds Largest Barrier Reef, but they do not have Mayan Ruins.  Yucatan has Mayan Ruins, but they do not have a Barrier Reef.  I repeat, there is No Where Else In The World where you have Ruins and Reef.  No where.

And did I mention the 5,126 year old Maya Calendar is about to come to an end? EVERYONE knows about the moron that said the world was going to come to an end a few weeks ago and then “OOPS, I meant October”.  The world is going to be looking for something to look at:  May as well give them something to look at.  That was the idea, anyway.

A thing of this magnitude doesnt happen overnight, and it doesnt happen on it’s own.  The relationships and partnerships that have been going into this Event have been in the works for YEARS.   This “Project” as i’ve been calling it, is about relationships and believing that we really can do something so incredible it can TRULY benefit….everyone.

So, i needed to pull a team together.  Off i went, in search of belizers…er, um, I mean believers… UP THERE…And i found them:

The Public Relations team is absolutely world class.  Alan Brown and Shari Solomon Cedar from Primetime, LLC, have signed on as the PR firm to market and sell this event, and Lisa Light of New York is the BEST at what she does – design and plan AH MAZE ING weddings….she literally wrote the book Destination Bride, available on amazon.   The Cotton Bride, www.thecottonbride.com, by International designer Chris Kole, has signed on to make a Maya Inspired wedding gown out of Cotton just for us.  Terry Grruber, A List photographer (he did Catherine Zeta Jones’ wedding) is the International Official Photographer.  How fortunate i truly am to be working with these people – it humbles me.

When i started RTB I used to say I felt like a Who from Dr Suess’ “Horton hears a Who”, trying to get “them up there” to hear “us down here”.   I guess this is how  one little Who, can get a lot of other Who’s together, so we can get Horton to “hear us, hear us, hear us….”

shout out to: paul jewitt, jen sharp, jose luis zapatta, carole goodreau – from the first photo shoot to this…..thank you for believing in this little Who! xoxo