I've gotten a response from Michael, Riu's Photographer

That's bologna man! She got 10 pictures....and from what I saw they weren't anything I would have spent money on....sorry, but I would totally tell him to shove it! I don't understand this whole exclusive contract thing, and having to pay him off to use another photographer....sorry but he sound shady.

I sent Michael a follow-up email to let him know that I would be having a close family friend do some of the photography. I also asked him if he had any streaming video samples of his video work. Here is his response:

Hello Marsha,

thanks for getting back to me - let me answer your questions:

We charge a fee of US 200 for every professional (camera) at the wedding site.

Regardless if it is a guest, a family member or an outside photographer.

Same for video.

I can specify if you like.

There are no videos as well as no photos online - we can only present it to each individual couple.

For the video, its too much data to send so you can have a look at a couple of videos at the resort if you like to do so.

I'm sorry, but that is crap. He sent me like 50 sample pictures (maybe more). Additionally, he told me that there was only a charge if the photog was a professional.

Just from what I have read in this post... the guy is as shady as they come, preying on uneducated brides.

Here is what I would do:

1~ write Carolina, and ask her specifically about the photography restrictions.

2~ print out her email back to you and take it with you, you may want to print out a couple of copies.

3~ ask Carolina if this Michael bothers you, your guests, or your photog, what should you do... ie. call her, call security

when this Michael character come up to bother you... hand him her email response allowing the outside photog.

Oh my. So much drama for your girls to have to prepare for. I'm so sorry. You shouldn't have to carry around documentation on your wedding day just in case someone starts hounding you. I hope it works out so there is no stress!

i just sent an email to Carolina in at the headquarter's office. Hopefully, she can send me RIU's policy on this situation.

He is totally full of it! He wants you to pay him a $200 fee for EVERY professional camera he sees at the wedding. Tell him to wait on it, lol. If he's planning on watching the wedding 'uninvited' and actually approaches you or any of your guests, that is on the border of harassement!

Thats really one of the most craziest things I've ever heard!!! My boss happens to have a 'professional' camera with the expensive flash sets and all, but he isnt a photographer, he just takes pics as a hobby. I would totally tell Michael to kiss my !

But I agree with the other girls, just print all your emails out and take them with you.