Weddings on a Whim

spot on the beach - by requiring a permit. Location Note: Our 20 years experience has taught us never to guarantee privacy, or courtesies on public beaches (unless couples follow our guidance). We warned the bride that 18th Avenue Beach, Indian Rocks would be crowded. Because this City does not require a permit: we were not guaranteed a particular spot. When our staff arrived, they discovered a jammed packed, noisy beach (the worse they’d ever experienced). So they used the most spacious location they could find - in order to create the lovely setting the bride & groom had chosen. Note: staying calm and courteous leads to a better wedding experience. Upon arrival, the bride’s mother took one look at another, very simple wedding setting nearby, assumed it was ours, saw the crowds and verbally attacked our Crew Chief for something that was out of our control. This (along with a mad bride who ignored our pleasantries when we greeted her) set an uncomfortable tone for the ceremony. The things we cannot control at beach weddings include: crowds; weather (we recommend shelters or reception locations for back up); sunbathers who won’t give up their spot on the beach; noise (we recommend sound systems on spacious beaches), umbrellas and tents. Note: since beaches are less busy mornings, during busy & hot times of year we often recommend morning ceremonies or wider beaches with more sand. Please note: hiring a generous and professional photographer is a good idea. We disagree about the quality of the photographs from this wedding. The lighting, framing, posed and spontaneous shots met professional standards. They also reflected a happy, in love couple with a beautiful baby boy (who we all fell in love with). The photographer promised 40 digital images and gave the couple 85. 55 photos featured the couple and/or their family with no one in the background. As a courtesy and at no additional charge: the photographer spent additional time editing out beach equipment and beach goers for other photos. With regards to the Officiant’s mistake: as soon as she realized she had mistakenly called the groom by another name, she apologized both during and after the ceremony. Note: public speakers sometimes make mistakes, especially under stressful circumstances. We were relieved, and we are grateful that, following the ceremony, the Mother of the Bride apologized for her initial attack. Our team is disappointed that the bride was unable to see how much we did to make the best of a very difficult situation. We are sorry that her expectations were not met. On behalf of the Whim Team: we wish her, her sweet husband and her adorable baby many happier occasions.