Sarah

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan What is it about the hotel photographers that is not as good? Are they not as experienced or do they not put as much time & effort into each wedding? Or is it that you don't have a guarantee they will do good work. I don't know how to find out their names or look at portfolios. I am really torn about what I should do. I feel a great photographer is worth every penny, but I am also trying to be strong about sticking to the budget I set for myself. I have a lot of friends attending who take great amature pictures, including the guy who did our engagement pictures, so I feel like they will capture some good pictures. I know it won't compair to the work you guys do, though. Just from experience on this board, I would say that more people have been disappointed by the resort photographer than if they had sought out and arranged their own photography. I also can definitely see a difference in quality just as an outside observer of the photography. You definitely said it right- there is no guarantee (besides, what would they do? You only get one chance to get good wedding pictures). I also just don't think they have much at stake to keep brides happy, so they don't charge as much or try as hard. I know this is just a gross generalization, but I bet the private photographers on the forum would agree with me. I'm not saying you should rush out and spend 5k on your photography, but if it were me, I would at least try to find someone local that doesn't work for the resort. This will probably be more expensive, but I bet the work would be better. If they at least have a website or something where you can see their work ahead of time you'll have a better idea of what you'll be getting. I realize that not everyone can afford someone like Juan Carlos, or Leigh Miller, or any of the other really great photographers on this forum- I had to stop listing because it would take up too much space! lol That's ok. I would just encourage you to at least research a little into what you'll be getting for your money. I'd rather spend $1500 for something pretty good than throw away $500 on something that I hate. Although, I forget that I love photography so much -for some people this is a big deal, for others it is not. With that said, I spent $3,200 That included: 1 1/2 hour engagement session 4 1/2 hours wedding day coverage 2 1/2 hours trash the dress session All images on hi-res dvd 2 slideshows on dvd

I can't believe they treated you that way. How rude! I'm sure that it's horribly frustrating right now, but hang in there- they'll get it fixed and you'll be beautiful! I once bought a bridesmaid's dress at David's Bridal for a friend's wedding that was like 9 months away. Well, they measured me and ordered my size 2 dress in January. I went and picked up the dress in July (for an August wedding) and knew it was going to be bad- I'd gained like 15 pounds since I ordered the dress due to a bunch of stress and stuff. I'm definitely an emotional eater! Anyway, the ladies at the store when I tried it on made me feel like an absolute cow. They made so many comments like "what did she think she was doing, ordering a size 2" and "I hate it when girls want to order a smaller size just to make themselves feel skinny" and stuff like that- totally within my earshot! I ended up squeezing myself into the dress after some crash dieting, but it was probably one of the most humiliating moments in my life. I feel your pain.

So glad you're getting the book fixed Melissa- I figured any company with halfway decent customer service would want to make that right How cool! You get to mess around with the other book!

I just ordered one of our wedding pics (using the free code you posted) and it should be here Monday! I can't wait to see it- I'm still working on our "real" photobook, but this will give me something to hold me over in the meantime. I plan to give it to my grandma as well. For $7 you can't go wrong!

You already know that I think it looks great So, what color cover did you get, and when is it coming? Is it done, or are you reviewing the final design?

Oh I'm so gald you were home and it came at the perfect time! We appreciate you so much Tammy and are so happy to be able to give you just a small token of our appreciation for all you've done for us! Enjoy this time with your new little guy and Steve- I'm so excited for all that your life with little Jackson holds...

I know that several of us now have the LumaPix FotoFusion software that we're using for collages, siggies, photobooks, etc. I have had several emails asking for info on how to use the software and it's features. Rather than reply to these individually, I thought maybe we could start a thread and those of us who have the software can share our tips/tricks for the new users. I've learned to use this software purely on a trial and error basis (with some help from Tammy- host in the beginning) and there are definitely some things that I've learned along the way that would have been useful to know from the get-go. So, please post here if you're interested. I'm on my way out the door for work right now, but I'll check back this weekend and try to post some tips/tricks every now and then, if there is interest. Also, if there is something specific you've seen me (or someone else) do with this software and want to know how, please post your specific questions!

I agree with Christine- it's nice to know your real name Jackie! With that said, Jacquelyn is one of my favorite names ever, so I'm all for trying to enforce your "real" name and taking your FI's last name. I think it's awful for people to make fun of the way your names sound. For some reason people think it's funny to do that sort of thing, but I'll never understand it. Personally, I like rhyming or alliterative names. I'm Sarah, and my last name is Spr****, so I now have an alliterative name and thought I wouldn't like it but have definitely grown used to it. Either way, go with what you like the best. Don't worry about what other people think. If you want to be Jackie Mathey, then do it! If you want to keep your last name, you'd probably have to hyphenate it to get people to refer to you by both names, but they'd get used to it. My favorite pick is to go by Jackquelyn professionally and socially. If your close friends still informally call you Jackie, it's no biggie. I think I rambled alot- sorry! hth

Quote: Originally Posted by TammyB Sarah I love main pic of your new sig.. Your brother would be so proud.. :-) I love that pic too. I made him a photobook and it's his favorite pic in there. By the way, stellar job on the sig collage! You have soooo many great pics:)

OK, I decided to do something besides my wedding pics! My new sig is composed of pics from my little brother's graduation from Air Force BMT this summer. I got so many great pics of him, his wife and daughter! I can't help but be a proud big sister/aunt

Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege I don't quite remember what pictures are in my siggy... but if the picture of him actually proposing is in there it works perfect! he's holding my hand I don't think it's the actual proposal, but there is one where you are sitting next to eachother, holding hands- you're good! lol

M, if they messed up, I would be calling customer service RIGHT NOW and demanding a new, correct, book. If they got this one out this fast, they obviously can get you a new one right away. I'm sure they don't want a dissatisfied customer!

Quote: Originally Posted by dragonfly Oh you are right I didn't notice that, thanks. I will change my avator pic instead. Kelly, if you want to PM me your real email address I can email the .jpg of your sig to you. Awesome idea girls- this is fun! I think I'm gonna see if I have a pic that has us holding hands that wasn't taken by Juan! lol If I find one I'll post it...lol

I was just going to say that Tammy! Christine- love the collage! Tammy, that pic of you and Cain is awesome...PM me what you want your new sig to say and I'll do it when I get up

OK, I'm in! Did mine...now I'm going to bed. lol

Jamy that's hilarious- strange stuff like that always happens in the middle of the night!

omg that was hilarious! If you know what context it was done in, it makes it even funnier. These two guys keep pranking eachother and the pranks get worse and worse. Of course I'd be pissed if I was her, but I'm also married to a top jokester who would have been the one playing the joke, so I guess I'm used to that sort of thing. lol

On the information section of my pocketfold invites, I stated "Please consider wearing dressy beach attire in shades of white and khaki". I elaborated on my website to state that we were going for a "white wedding" look, and gave some examples of clothing to wear.

Dreams Cabo doesn't have much of a nightlife, but that was ok for the group I had. We debated the Riu palace, which has a great nightlife, and access to downtown, but I just wanted a more relaxed atmosphere for my wedding. I don't know about Cancun, but I think that Dreams properties are just a little more relaxing and laid back in general- Riu and Melia have more nightlife, like Glenda stated. In Cancun, it's pretty easy to get around using public transportation. The bus is a little scary (across a really busy blind highway drive) in Cabo.

Quote: Originally Posted by TracyK Pretty sure this is the dress she will wear. I want to go to Burlington Coat factory and just make sure I don't find something I like better. Seems like they have good stuff from what everyone here is buying from there. I just need to find the time to run out there. I bought my niece a dress almost exactly like this to change into for the reception. It might actually be the same dress. Fun!

Oh yeah- forgot about the site visit! We got that too.

My TA was able to negotiate a discounted rate, in addition to an upgrade to the honeymoon suite for Jeff & I.

Welcome Corey! Happy planning!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride That's how I feel when Maria, Jamy or Melissa (lissa) post! Oh yes, I absolutely agree with that list! lol

Once again Glenda, you have nearly proven why I should wear Depends when reading your posts! Too funny...I've seen this one before, but it always makes me laugh my ass off. I love the "round table discussion" and "group practice". Too funny...