What makes a destination wedding unique? As a destination bride herself, Jess McCann Nana of Destination Inspirations has tons of insight! Her blog, featuring beautiful destination weddings from around the globe, is packed with advice for the growing number of brides who are taking their weddings away from home. In her interview with us, she gives the scoop on how destination weddings have changed, what she looks for in real wedding submissions, and how you can impress destination brides!
Featuring Jess McCann Nana of Destination Inspirations
Destination Inspirations features gorgeous destination weddings from all over the world! What makes blogging about destination weddings different from blogging about other weddings? How does the focus of your blog change the way you might look at submissions?
Unlike other weddings, destination wedding features really focus on the location. I remember when I was planning my own destination wedding— though I loved looking at details, I wanted something that showed more of the resort, the villa, the actual location. I also always think what kind of bride I would be if I were planning a destination wedding there, how this feature would help me, and I take it from there.
What made you decide to have a destination wedding for your own wedding? How did you choose your location?
I am an overseas baby. I grew up all over the world and have always had a deep desire to travel. My husband and I knew from day one we wanted a destination wedding. We wanted more than just a few days with family and friends, who on our case had to travel from all over the world regardless. We also wanted a more intimate affair. We chose Playa del Carmen, Mexico because it was where, five years before we got engaged, we took our first vacation. We never stopped going back. My now-husband also proposed in Playa, and almost to the day a year later we said “I Do” in the very same place where it all began.
Do you think that destination brides choose vendors differently than brides planning weddings close to home? How so?
Yes; you choose the ones that have the best communication. Sometimes it can be frustrating because you’re just relying on e-mails. You look for the ones who respond quickly and, of course, who other destination brides have used. Brides close to home also look for those vendors that come highly recommended, but for these brides it’s the local florist, or the baker who made the cake for all the past family weddings. The experience for a destination bride can be based solely on internet research a lot of the time.
What do you think are the biggest destination wedding trends this year?
The biggest trend I am seeing is in brides’ dresses. In the past, I think many brides favored a fitted, simple dress for a destination wedding. Today I am seeing fuller dresses, dresses with tulle, ruffles, feathers, one shoulder, a lot more detail, and a lot more dress. I absolutely love that destination brides are no longer worrying about transporting the dress, so they are dreaming bigger. I am also seeing that destination weddings are becoming more detailed than ever. Before it was seen as a hassle to travel with décor or extra accessories. Couples now are spending a lot of money to bring cute banners, chalk boards, drink stirrers, customized cocktail napkins and even fully custom-made candy bars. It is wonderful to see that even abroad you can have all the details and wedding you dreamed of.
We think you’re Real Wedding features are gorgeous! How does Two Bright Lights fit into your submission process?
Two Bright Lights is a major part of my submissions. Right now I have full weeks of submissions that are just from Two Bright Light members. I really like that you can connect with all the vendors and all the couples. The process is just so seamless it saves my hours.
What are your most common reasons for not accepting a submission? What can photographers do to improve their chances of getting selected?
The most common reason is too many black and whites and too many couple shots. Believe me, I love black and whites as well as the couple shots, but the images need to tell the full story. Photographers should also consider when submitting a submission how their images will help a couple plan and book them for their destination wedding. Tell the story, from getting ready, to the ceremony setup, the flowers, the dresses, the smiles, the food. All those pieces put together help others say, that’s the destination wedding I want.
What was the most unique location you’ve seen for a destination wedding?
This destination wedding in Croatia. What an absolutely beautiful location. It was the first time I had ever seen a destination wedding here and I think it probably will be increasing in popularity.
What do you do when you’re not blogging?
During the day, I work in a marketing department for a direct business-to-business mail company. I am also the studio coordinator for the amazing makeup artist Jennie Fresa at the Jennie Fresa Beauty Library and social media coordinator for the bridal lingerie store, Beneath The Gown. When I am not working, I love being at any farmers market or spoiling my two French bull dogs, Angus and Boomer, and of course my husband. A typical afternoon will always involve wine, cheese, experimenting in the kitchen, and having my husband as the food tester.
Tell us something about yourself that your readers don’t know.
I have a gift for languages from living overseas; I speak French, Spanish, Italian and Portuguese. I am a huge dork who loves to eat as well as cook, film noire movies and I get defensive when people see my two frenchies and say “that’s a face only a mother could love” 
Which submission from Two Bright Lights featured on your blog was your favorite?
A wedding on Elihu Island off the shores of Connecticut done by photographers Justin and Mary. Elihu Island is this incredible island where you can have the quintessential New England destination wedding. Picture gorgeous hydrangeas, row boats, clam bakes and fire flies. This destination wedding was just one of those ultra-sweet and dreamy affairs.
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We love Jess and the Destination Inspirations blog! It was so great learning a little more about her! Great interview, and I especially love the last answer! It doesn’t get much more inspiring than a Justin & Mary wedding! Love them! : )