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BBC reports 'Garry and Rachel Keates cross the finish line of the London Marathon after they stopped at the 24-mile mark to get married. 26 April 2009.'

Now that's what I call a destination wedding. Arf!

23 January 2009. Figures confirm UK Economy is in recession ie 2 quarters ofnegative growth, and that Q4 of 2008 saw the economy contract by 1.5%, against predictions of
1.2% meaning the contraction is worse than predicted. Growth is unlikely to be seen until late 2010, possibly 2011. It's a grim outlook, more so if you enjoy grim outlooks. So, what do we do in the wedding industry, panic? Certainly not! If like me you are a glass half full type of person, what can we do and where are the positives. Let's look at some practical, positive action wedding photographers can take.
Firstly, our industry is robust, no matter what the economic outlook people still marry. Every recession since the 1920's has demonstrated this. Weddings may not be as glamorous certainly, as in the recent past decade, and budgets will be smaller, meaning prices may need to contract also to remain competitive. Big deal: those achieving 30 weddings a year may need to do 35 instead to achieve the same income levels.
There are, I believe, may positives, the prime one is a low pound against both the Dollar and the Euro. This is being hugely overlooked. The UK is suddenly a prime wedding destination: our heritage, landscapes, architecture and history lend themselves perfectly to the considerable market that want a destination wedding. The Pound buys alot more for a Dollar or a Euro than it did this time last year. So what can you do, if this is a potential new market for you? Try getting together with a local competitor, a couple of venues and pool your marketing budgets toreach this highly lucrative market. An advert with Wedding Photography World for example, where we not only have a strong UK presence but a growing influence and presence in the international and destination wedding markets, can place you right in front of those looking to the UK as a potential wedding destination. Costs split 3/4/5 ways are substantially reduced, obviously. Approach your local government Development Agency, your local tourist board, to seek any grants available to attract overseas visitors to your area. Trade website links, encourage the tourist board to include a new page in there website dedicated to the UK/your region as an ideal wedding destination. At these times a moral duty exists on allGovernmentto support business and business initiatives. Go forwards together as professionals, photographers, venues, florists etc, and press your case for support. We will support you with lower cost advertising too.
Lastly, do not panic. Develop trust with your customers: take deposits and balances by credit cards where possible to ensure your customer has total recompense in the event of oyu going bust: no one wants to discuss this, and no one will, but couples will have done there research and will be more likely to book with you if you can offer total protection.
Good luck, and remember, as clichéd as it already is, things can only get better.

Craig Ferguson marries Megan Wallace Cunningham. January 2009.

You couldn't miss the wedding band on Craig Ferguson's ring finger when he returned to CBS' "The Late Late Show" from his holiday break. Ferguson held his left hand up to the camera and announced that he'd gotten married. The 46-year-old talk-show host said he'd tied the knot with
art dealer Megan Wallace Cunningham. over the holiday period.

A Vicar in Lewes, East Sussex, of Westgate Chapel, says he aims to help couples in the credit crunch by offering traditional wedding services for just £50, on ebay, a fraction of ordinary costs. Clearly his bookings are down this January, and you would be very hard pressed to find a more lovely town in the south east in Lewes, in which to marry, with some stunning country side nearby, wineries and wedding and reception venues.

Details emerge about the Beckhams Wedding Vows renewal.