For Paul Caulpool and Tracey Patricia Dean, family is at the core of their union, which they made official on the sun-kissed isle of St. Lucia. “It was a beautiful day. Just having family near to us is what really made the day,” gushes Tracey after her picturesque wedding documented by St Lucia wedding photographer, Bill Mortley. The couple was surrounded by their nearest and dearest at the Wyndham Morgan Bay Resort, as the bride was given away by her brother.

 The setting however, was as far away as possible from home in Burmley, Kent, near London, with sunny breezes, blue skies and the murmur of waves always in the background. Of course the two British civil servants had to live up to the lush setting, so Paul, 42 and Tracey,38 cast away their usual work wear, and got decked out to reflect the joyous occasion.

The First Dance

Affordable wedding photographer in St Lucia

The happiness of the day was captured forever by Bill Mortley, who the couple praised for his professionalism, and foresight in taking care of many details in advance, beginning from his website www.billmortleyphotography.com. Tracey could only laugh as she says, “Some of (the guests) have been very rowdy and you’ve been calm and got them to where you needed to get them”, and Paul adding, “You’ve been great!”

Posing for the formals

The excitement of the Paul and Tracey’s friends and family was all part of their fun island wedding, by which they chose not only for the low cost, but the wonderful scenery and sensational weather. “We decided to go somewhere else and everyone else can come with us and make it idyllic.” Although it’s their first time on the island, Tracy’s brother and their friends of St. Lucian parentage had them sold on the island and they were not disappointed!

“Coming here was ideal; If it rains in St. Lucia it rains for ten minutes and then dries out!”

Nice & easy

Of course the real vacation, and exploring St. Lucia’s lovely shores, could only begin after the wedding, which was properly documented by a St Lucia Wedding Photographer but it is one well-deserved.

Ironically the two met as Paul explains, “Through a sad occasion,” when he and his father were visiting his ill sister’s bedside. “When she actually passed we started talking and got to be close,” says Tracy.

Pose after Pose

However, one can just imagine the blessing from beyond that is bestowed on them and (as they say in unison) their “first and last” marriage.

I found Paul and Tracey to be a fun-loving couple as we spent the greater part of an hour shooting their formals. They had travelled quite a long way from England to have their destination wedding in St Lucia and I was determined to do the very best I was capable of to ensure they were satisfied with my work. To my surprise, they did not complain in the least as I took them from location to location on what was a pretty hot day, although it was about 5:00pm, it was still pretty hot. They never complained. We went through pose after pose, first with family members, then with just the two of them. We ended up on the beach just before sunset where we managed to get some pretty good sunset shots.

Even in the bush

We then proceeded to the reception where a sumptuous feast had been prepared. As the steel band played, they walked in and everyone started clapping. Soon it was time to have them do something I try to get every couple who hired a steel band…actually play with the band. They were each given one of the sticks the pan men use on the pans and with Tracey’s bouquet planted firmly between two of the pans, they “played” along with the band.

We then broke for dinner. I usually do not take photos when people are eating so I find a corner somewhere and hang around till that is over. At some weddings I am expected to eat along with the guests so as some point I will join the buffet and help myself. Of course no one catered for me so I have to find myself the cutlery and someplace where I can sit to eat.

Then there was the cutting of the cake as everyone gathered around to take their own photos and witness that fascinating event. I usually pose the couple so that I can get several shots of the cake cutting, as that is one of the highlights of the reception. I get them to place the knives on the cake and kiss each other before actually cutting the cake. I then continue to shoot as they plunge the knife and select a slice which they will share. This part of the reception takes a bit of time as they are usually asked to feed each other so that the guests can get pictures of them kissing. It appears that kissing at the reception is one of the very important traditions at a wedding reception as guests will strike their glasses in an effort to get the couple to kiss again and again.

After the cake cutting, it is usually time to for fun and games. Every wedding is different so I never know exactly what will happen next. Sometimes the first dance is held right after dinner and they may have the father/daughter dance following that then the Groom dances with his mother. Eventually they will have the throwing of the bouquet followed by the removal of the garter followed by the gathering of all the men who will attempt to catch the garter being thrown by the groom. This is the time when everyone is on their feet as they participate one way or another in this part of the ceremony. The sea is very rough today and one can hear the waves lashing angrily as they get to the shore. Nothing is going to stop this party from getting to its natural conclusion. As the affordable wedding photographer in St Lucia hired to document this wedding, I declare it is a job well done!

Wedding Photography

St Lucia Wedding Photographer

And one they wish you would!

Kelsey Borresen

It’s for your own good — we promise!

Wedding Photography have a big responsibility on their shoulders: to capture one of the most significant and heavily photographed occasions of your life.

But shooting a lot of weddings means fielding a ton of requests from brides- and grooms-to-be — and sometimes, those requests are unrealistic and could leave the newlyweds disappointed down the road. Below are 8 oft-requested things that wedding photogs wish you’d stop asking for.

1. Asking to recreate the wedding photos you found on Pinterest. 

“I’d like to see clients stop asking for photographs that exactly match ones that they found on Pinterest—particularly when their wedding day light, styling or location is nothing like what is seen in the reference photograph. Good photographers don’t want to copy other photographers.” — Rob Greer of Rob Greer Photography 

2. Or asking to replicate photos from styled shoots. 

“Many couples see amazing photos on Pinterest and assume they are real weddings. Often, these photos are created as part of styled shoots where there was more than enough time to create them.” — Matt Druin of Matthew Druin & Co.

                                                                    Matthew Druin

When looking to Pinterest for Wedding Photography ideas, keep in mind that many of those images are from styled photo shoots — not actual weddings — photographer Matthew Druin says.

3. Asking for the raw files of all photos taken at the wedding. 

“Like everyone in this business, two of the ways that I get clients is through social media posts and word-of-mouth referrals. I want my clients talking about how great of a job I did photographing their wedding and I want them posting and reposting all of the photos! So why would I ever withhold an amazing image from anyone? That would only hurt me and my business. Another reason I would never give anyone all of my files is because, to be blunt, not everything is worth the client seeing. Clients hire me based on my skills as a photographer AND an editor. They don’t want photos that are out of focus or where someone is squinting or making an embarrassing face.” — Olivia Christina of Olivia Christina Photography

“When people ask this question it’s like they’ve walked into my restaurant and want to buy groceries. They have confused french fries with raw potato. I’m trying to convince them that, trust me, they don’t want a bite of raw potato.  Point being there’s an artistry to processing photos and so there is no need to ask us, or any wedding photographers, for the raws because we only sell cooked files.” — Laurent Martin of Helena & Laurent Photography

4. Asking for beautifully lit portraits following a sunset ceremony.  

“We get it, everyone wants to get married at the gorgeous, glowing sunset hour! But if photography and videography are important to you, you will need natural light for all of the portraits! Consider moving your ceremony to about two hours before sunset or do a ‘first look’ to get all of the photos and romantic portraits done prior to the ceremony. When you see your photos, you’ll be glad so you did.” — Michelle Able Caldwell of Michelle Able Photography & Cotton Weddings

                                                                    Cotton Weddings

Want light and airy wedding portraits like the one above? Be sure to schedule your ceremony accordingly, photographer Michelle Able recommends. A sunset ceremony seems romantic, but means it could be dark by the time you finish saying your “I dos.”

5. Asking to have your pictures heavily Photoshopped.

“A common request from clients is asking for photoshopping to make them look ‘prettier’ or ‘more handsome.’ I have been asked to alter and bleach teeth, fix patchy facial hair and beards, change hair length, change or create a different jawline, to remove bald spots and the most common: digital tummy tucks and slimmer arms. I am all about doing Photoshop tweaks for hair frizz, skin imperfections, ‘exit’ signs in the venue during your first dance. But I do believe there is a difference between Photoshop tweaks and complete manipulation. I understand that our insecurities overwhelm us when someone sticks a camera in your face, but I truly want my clients — especially on their wedding day — to feel comfortable with themselves and everything around them during our time together. Memories of your wedding day will only stay completely intact by your photos. Your memory will start to fade, so your photos should be an accurate portrayal of day: packed full of truth and raw emotions, not something that has been manipulated.” — Ren Davis of Studio 29 

6. Asking for that typical “hanging dress” shot. 

“I love it when brides DON’T require a photograph of their wedding dress hanging precariously in a window or incongruously from a tree branch. I’ll gladly photograph the dress wherever it’s already hanging as a natural detail shot, but I much prefer to photograph the gown on the bride herself. That’s where it looks best! Have you ever walked into someone’s home and seen a huge wall print of a wedding dress on a hanger? Of course not! That’s because no one actually wants that photograph. It’s a much better use of my time to photograph the actual goings-on of the day — laughing and hugging and crying and celebrating — than it is to spend a quarter-hour cautiously unwrapping, setting up, photographing, and re-wrapping a dress on a hanger. Once the bride is dressed, I love making beautiful portraits of her in the most gorgeous gown she’ll ever wear!” – Anne Simone of Anne Simone 

                                                                    Anne Simone

Your wedding dress looks far more gorgeous on your body than it does dangling on some hanger. Photographer Anne Simone advises brides to skip that shot, so the photographer can capture some of the more precious moments instead.

Wedding Photography

St Lucia Wedding Photographer

Don’t underestimate the power of these phrases.

Kelsey Borresen

Using these phrases will help keep your marriage happy and healthy.

Happy couples regularly say “I love you,” but those three little words alone aren’t enough to keep the spark alive through the ups and downs of a long marriage.

To that end, we asked relationship experts to tell us the most important phrases husbands and wives can say to each other. Read them below:

1. “I am so lucky I married you.”

“We all need affirmation and appreciation. We want to know that our spouse is in love with us and that they’re happy they made the decision to be with us for a lifetime. Wedding Photography. We like to think that they’re thinking about the marriage from time to time. And when this phrase gets blurted out every now and then, it makes a partner feel very loved.” — Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology and certified sexologist

2. “How can I help you?” 

“People married for a half-century or more tell us to avoid the temptation to step in and try to solve your partner’s problems. Stop thinking of yourself as the ‘white knight’ who can fix everything. The key is to really listen to your partner and learn if he or she wants help – or just to be listened to. ‘I’m there for you’ is more effective than ‘Here’s what you should do.’” — Karl Andrew Pillemer, family sociologist and author of 30 Lessons for Loving

3. “I want you.“ 

“Letting your spouse know you desire them in every way, including sexually, makes them feel seen and alive and keeps the flame burning between you.” — Celeste Hirschman, sex therapist and relationship coach

4. “What do you think?” 

“This simple little phrase is surprisingly powerful, especially when talking about heated issues. I think of it as an invitation, setting the stage for an open-minded dialogue. ‘What do you think?’ says, ‘I’m curious. Your point of view matters as much as mine.’” — Winifred Reilly, licensed marriage and family therapist

5. “What would I do without you?” 

“When you are sad or doubtful about events in your life, delivering this phrase to your partner is one of the most loving gifts you can give in a marriage. You are telling the person to whom you vowed to be with ‘till death do we part’ that you meant what you said — that he or she is a necessary force that helps you feel happy and whole.” — Iris Krasnow, best-selling author of The Secret Lives of Wives

6. “You are so beautiful/handsome.” 

“Even though we do not want to be wanted only for our looks, we still want to be admired and sexually attractive to our spouse. Even if it’s something like, ‘I love when you wear that dress’ or ‘You look so handsome in that color,’ a little remark like that can send a shiver through your partner even after many years of marriage.” — Pepper Schwartz, professor of sociology and certified sexologist

7. “I’m sorry.”

“When was the last time you heard someone say that to you? ‘Sorry’ has become a word we rarely hear today. Too many people are so protective of their image that acknowledging a mistake is impossible for them. Healthy marriages are built when two imperfect people are admitting and accepting of the mistakes we all make.” — Kurt Smith, therapist who specializes in counseling for men

8. “Tell me all about it.” 

“If your partner has had an interesting experience, or gone on a trip, let him or her talk about it without interruption. Show genuine interest in that great conference she attended, his fishing trip with college buddies, or whatever it may be. Let your partner really tell the story – we all love being listened to!” — Karl Andrew Pillemer, family sociologist and author of 30 Lessons for Loving

9. “I was wrong. You were right.”

“This phrase is always successful in making your partner feel better about whatever conflict has just transpired. I use this phrase a lot — even when I know my husband was wrong and I was right!” — Iris Krasnow, best-selling author of The Secret Lives of Wives

10. “I accept you as you are.”
“So often we see couples who think marriage is about changing your partner into the person you want them to be. Yet the most sustainable relationships are actually built on acceptance. It is only when you accept your partner for who they are that they feel safe enough to blossom. Plus, acceptance breeds honest, open communication and deeper intimacy.” — Danielle Harel, sex therapist and relationship coach

11. “I forgive you.”

“Pretty regularly I hear partners in marriage counseling say their partner can recall every wrong they’ve ever made. When you can recite such a list, forgiveness hasn’t happened. Forgiveness doesn’t mean having no memory, but it does mean letting go of the hurt and the need to cite the wrong again and again.” — Kurt Smith, therapist who specializes in counseling for men

St Lucia Wedding Photographer

Wedding Photography

Another of St Lucia’s Wedding attractions

One of the many things one can do in Soufriere, St Lucia.

© Bill Mortley, http://www.billmortleyphotography.com – Walking along the beach with St Lucia wedding photographer, Bill Mortley

Mario & Tara walking along one of the best beaches in Soufriere with their affordable Wedding Photographer in St Lucia, and St Lucia Weddings, Bill Mortley against the background of the majestic Pitons. Moments before, they exchanged nuptial vows. Soufriere is one of the main tourist attractions here.  One of the things to do here in St Lucia, is to visit The Sulphur Springs, Diamond Botanical Gardens, Tet Paul and many others while vacationing here. Mario & Tara shortly after their wedding seen here posing for St Lucia wedding photographer Bill Mortley.

The wedding of Tara and Mario was a sweet reward at the end of a five-year courtship to rival any soap opera.
24-year-old Mario, who works with a fertilizer company, lives in Connecticut. Ta, is the Guest Services Manager at a hotel in St. Martin.
The two met two decades ago in Martinique. “I was pregnant,” Rosalie explains. “When I gave birth he was there.” Then inexplicably, “I decided to leave. He never knew and he looked for me.” For years, he kept asking her whereabouts from her sister Clara, who still lived in Martinique.
They both went on with their lives. Jean Luc had a son, Rosalie married and also had children. But the chemistry endured.
Years later Rosalie began searching for Jean Luc via her sister to his best friend. He never got those messages. She then took a more direct route. “My sister knew that he was asking for me all the time, so we surprised him.”
“I was just being polite,” says Jean Luc, who went over expecting to do Clara a favor but instead found Rosalie. She says, “When he came in and saw me on the couch, he was quite amazed!”
It was eighteen years later, but it was as if they’d seen each other the day before. “”It was not hard for us because we knew each other from such a long time. It was a comfortable and a good moment. From there we decided this is it. He promised to call me every day. And he did.”
They commuted between Martinique and St. Martin, seeing each other on just a few drama-filled occasions. They were both in relationships, Rosalie’s was problematic and coming to an end, Jean Luc’s was not serious. He says, “It was the perfect time.” Still’ it was not smooth going.
In April 2010, while spending his birthday in St. Martin, Jean Luc dropped a surprise proposal. Rosalie was taken aback for only a moment and surprised Jean Luc by saying yes.
Their engagement only brought more drama says Rosalie. “When people see two people together they want to get in between. So many different things came into play, there was a lot of chaos we had to deal with.” Depressed, she called off the August wedding. When she was ready to go ahead however, Jean Luc felt he was not ready.
“He expected me to beg him to stay but I didn’t do that.”
A rough patch followed with many late night recriminations in phone calls and texts back and forth. Rosalie decided it was over but Jean Luc persisted, showing a willingness to change, and handling every challenge she put at his feet, and again asking her to marry him. “I said yes, you passed the test.”
Jean Luc and Rosalie finally pledged their love in the quiet legal ceremony in Martinique. The Wedding Photography
was captured in all its simple glory by an affordable wedding photographer in St Lucia, Bill Mortley, who came highly recommended by a Saint Lucian friend in St. Martin, Jessica Remy.
Jean Luc and Rosalie were happily saved any drama there, with even family and friends complementing Bill’s work. “They were quite amazed,” reveals Rosalie, “you’ll get referrals from us for sure.”
The happily wed couple plan a more lavish bash later but are happy to have cleared the most important hurdle, to prove as Rosalie pledges, “Really and truly, this is the last man for me.”, Bill Mortley affordable wedding photographer in St Lucia is scheduled to photograph the church ceremony in St. Martin early 2012.