So Pissed At The Hilton

kchat17 · 03-19-2008, 12:17 PM

So Mara told me she had Marco Arechiga (officiant) confirmed since December. She told me that he was confirmed for my ceremony which in my contract starts at 6:00 pm and that he would do a rehearsal the day before at 7:00pm.

So Jaira the new coordinator emails me to confirm the times and has my ceremony to begin at 6:30, with the cocktail hour from 7:00-8:00, and the reception from 8:00-10:30.

I write back and state, no that isn't right, the ceremony is supposed to start at 6 and Marco was already confirmed for that.

She writes back and says that he can only do it at 6:30. I decide to email him directly and he says that he was never confirmed for 6:00, that it was always for 6:30 and that he was NEVER asked to do a rehearsal. (I have the saved email from Mara saying Marco was confirmed for 7 on Friday night).

So I am just thinking that Jaira is being stupid about the 10:30 thing and that it shoudl really be 11:00. I decide we'll stay with Marco and move everything back a half hour. So I write Jaira to say that we'll stay with Marco and I go and email all my vendors to say that everything will be pushed back a half hour. Jaira writes back to confirm again that the reception will end at 10:30 so i say if the ceremony is being moved back a half hour then the reception will end at 11:00.

She writes back and says "thats fine, but there can't be any music, it's the Hilton's policy"

I AM LIVID!!! This is getting ridiculous dealing with these people and I freakin emailed all my vendors already, and I'm upset since Marco came so widely recomended.

I feel at this point that I will jsut have to find another officiant and keep everything as scheduled. But i am so upset that they thought they could shave off a half hour of my reception because of THEIR mistake. UGH!

Elizabeth · 03-19-2008, 12:30 PM

and their website sucks!

lucy106 · 03-19-2008, 12:35 PM

So sorry to hear about your frustration! Have you heard anything about other officiants? No music WTF!!! Did you tell them you have the email with the original times? I hope things get better for you!

LC_Rachel · 03-19-2008, 12:40 PM

Hmmm- so why this particular officiant? I would look for another because it seems as if he is the one with the confusion. IMO- although the officiant is important, he's only there for like 15-20 mins. Why not find someone else who can do the job adequately and get everything else you want? Plus 6:30 would create lighting issues right?

Nic Dragomire · 03-19-2008, 12:41 PM

some times vendors really suck!!!

kchat17 · 03-19-2008, 12:44 PM

He got so many positive reviews that I wanted to stick with him. What worries me is that if Mara were still there then she would hve never informed me that the ceremony was actually at 6:30!!!! For most people, they would have already had their invitations made!!!!!! She never told me that the time changed and she blatantly lied about confirming with him about the rehearsal dinner (he sent me all the emails he had back and forth with her!!) I am looking for another officiant as of now! But its so worrysome that this is the way they are operating.

Nic Dragomire · 03-19-2008, 12:52 PM

This is what I would do:

1) continue to look for a new officiant (*edited to add - that can accommodate your time line)

and

2) contact the new coordinator and let her know her proposed "music off" at 11:00 is unacceptable, ask to speak with the Hotel's catering Manager. or the Manager who over sees her. Send him or her the email you received from the other coordinator that was "representing" the hotel and ask them how they plan on compensating you!

marcoloscabos · 03-19-2008, 01:12 PM

Dear Kim and forum guests,

I am as surprised as Kim is regarding this ceremony. Since December 2007, I knew I wasn't available to officiate the wedding at 6:00pm because I have another wedding in Cabo San Lucas at 5:30pm.

I was never informed of the rehearsal, but luckily I am able to do it. I just wanted to get my message accross to all of you... Thank you for considering my services, I am flattered that you do.

We as vendors are subject to confirmations from the Wedding Coordinators. Thank God I have all my e-mails to prove otherwise.

Once again, I apologize for what are you going thru right now Kim.

The forum is right, there are many other officiants and they are all very good.
Unfortunately, this time I wasn't informed properly by the WC.

I wish you all a happy day and thanks again for all your nice reviews.

Rev. Marco Arechiga
marco@loscabostoday.com

Nic Dragomire · 03-19-2008, 01:39 PM

Hey Marco, thanks for posting. Thats really cool of you to set the record straight. I had no doubt that it was the WC that misled the bride into thinking you were available.

Maura · 03-19-2008, 01:55 PM

also kim, you ought to call hilton corporate in the US to express your dislike for the runaround caused by one of their staff. oftentimes, if you call corporate or write to their ceo, they will (sometimes) offer to compensate you in some way.