Interviewing potential vendors is like going on an awkward first date — you both hope there's chemistry, but it can be confusing to know exactly what to say (even for a Wedding Editor like myself!). Follow our new "10 Questions to Ask..." blog series with experts from each field who will break it down for you step-by-step. I'll share hard-earned real bride advice along the way, so you know how to spot the best vendor for your needs. First up: My fabulous wedding photographer, Josh Lynn and the talented Casey Fatchett share the Q's clients ask most.

1. Is photography your main business? What percentage of your work is composed of weddings?

First, you need to gauge how much experience a potential vendor has. Photographers' time commitments and skill sets vary—some only work part-time or might mostly photograph something else (e.g. portraits). This doesn't necessarily mean they won't do an amazing job as your wedding photographer, but it will give you a sense of what they will be able to contribute towards your nuptials. According to Casey Fatchett, a busy full-time wedding photographer will probably shoot between 20 and 30 weddings a year.

Photo Credit: Casey Fatchett Photography

For the daring bride, one of this season's top trends is high slits. This can look incredibly chic and adds a bit of sexy to your big day. What I love best about this trend is you can show off your new heels while still wearing a long gown.

Here, you can see the trend at Tara Keely, Monique Lhuillier, and Reem Acra.

Tell us: Would you dare to wear this style?

—Naima DiFranco

Recently, I had the pleasure of participating on a panel to judge a bridal gown design competition at the High School of Fashion Industries in NYC. The contest was conceived by Robert di Mauro, a member of the school advisory board, and Mara Urshel, co-owner of Kleinfeld (you all know Mara from TV’s “Say Yes to the Dress”).

Robert di Mauro with one of the finalists, and Mara Urshel with another competitor.

Students were asked to create inspiration boards and design a gown for the bride of the future. We selected five winning sketches (not an easy task!), and those five finalists will now work in teams with their other classmates to make the dresses. The five gowns will then be judged in June and one winning dress will be selected and displayed at Kleinfeld. Quite a thrilling coup for any fashion student!

I didn’t know quite what to expect, but was amazed at the level of talent these young designers (17 years old) exhibited. They had three weeks to create a design concept, look for inspiration and complete the sketches. Their teachers, Ms. Sandra Manning and Mr. Adrian Carranza, certainly deserve a great deal of credit for all of their guidance and support. Along with Robert and Mara, the other judges included Dorothy Silver, Director of Sales and Merchandising at Kleinfeld...

Travel fun fact: My name means “paradise’ in Arabic. Okay, the spelling is a bit different, but the pronunciation is the same! Needless to say, I have made a bunch a jokes about how I’m the definition of awesometown ever since my new friend Fatima told me the news when I met her at her home in Casablanca.

Another thing that is aptly moinkered with the Arabic for paradise? Amanjena in Marrakech . Part of the ultra-exclusive hotel brand, the Moroccan outpost is a peaceful oasis of red-tinted pavilions and riads (private homes) scattered among traditional gardens. Sounds like paradise to me! Go to amanjena.com for more information.

—Jenna Mahoney