jthrasher

Welcome fellow Michigander!! I'm from Grand Rapids but I'm down in your area a lot for weddings. I'd love to help with your planning in any way I can.

I sometimes leave it open all day too. I'm pretty sure it won't slow it down though because whatever page you have open is just a static page and not reloading or changing at all until you click something.

welcome Kristey. There are sooo many other Ocho Rio brides here to help.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsInTraining I don't plan to bring an outside photographer because of cost factors, although I wish I could! Do the prices seem high? Like Mopher said, it's like $500 for 70 pics on CD only. Is that reasonable? Plus you have to pay for any additional time over 45 minutes. So it's $500 for the 45mins and you get 70 photos on CD? Are they full resolution images? I guess the price seems okay. But I can't imagine what kind of photos you're going to get with only 45 mins. How important are photos to you? If this is a second marriage, I could see photos not being very important, or if you just aren't into having your photos taken. But, keep in mind, the photos are what is really going to help save your memories. The photos are what you are going to share with your kids, and your kids will share with their kids. Obviously I'm a little biased on the importance of photos and everyone has their priorities. You just have to figure out what is more important to you. IMHO, it would be worth the extra investment to hire an outside photographer because you'd likely get more time, which would give you more photos, and probably other options if you wanted them such as albums.

Welcome! Wow, another Texan! There are a bunch of you Texans popping up all over on the forum. Happy planning!

Hey Jennifer, welcome to the forum! According to the Dreams website this is what is included in the Ultimate package: This package includes: Services of Judge or Minister Wedding organization and personalization of our wedding coordinator Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and grooms tuxedo/suit Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability) Personal dressing assistant Use of the wedding gazebo located in a romantic setting Bride’s bouquet Two boutonnieres and corsages for witnesses Special Gold Wedding Dinner party (for 20 guests staying at the hotel) Natural floral centerpiece for bride and groom’s dinner table Natural floral centerpiece for ceremonial table Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 20 guests One hour Gold Cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres (for 20 guests staying at the hotel) Special turn down service Bride’s hairstyling for ceremony Make-up application for bride 15% discount on all Spa treatments (Products not included) 50 full color photos and wedding album Honeymoon Package Late check-out for bride and groom (based on availability) Gazebo décor - chairs with white covers, ceremonial table & red carpeted walkway Live Mexican music trio (1 set) Video of the ceremony (30 min. DVD edited) Choice from either a Swedish massage, European facial or Salt Glow Body Scrub for two So, it looks like there are some flowers included but maybe not for the whole ceremony. That's probably what she is referring to, as well as any other decorations you might want. It seems there is a cake included as well so you might want to ask her about that. There are some brides that want to do their own thing about cakes though. It does mention 50 photos and photo album but according to their website, photo packages are extra. I'd ask her exactly what's included. You may want to consider using a non-resort photographer though as typically the photo packages that resorts have, don't have that much to offer and the photos are typically more traditional. It all depends on what want with your photos. There are some very talented local photographers that many brides here have hired, and many brides will fly in a photographer they really like from the U.S. That may seem like an expensive option, but many times you can get more for your money even with the cost of travel. Just make sure you check out all your options and see what the resort has to offer, as well as local, and non-local photographers offer. Good luck and happy planning!!

Welcome to the forum! I've heard nothing but great things about Tammy so I know she'll do a great job for you.

Congratulations on your engagement! Wow, 4 months to plan!! Fortunately there is a lot of info here, and lots of helpful people. Let us know how you need help.

Congratulations!!! I know that's a huge decision. Happy Planning!

Quote: Originally Posted by mopher wow...your pictures are amazing. We have a photographer coming with as, but to avoid any confusion with the photo shop on site I thought I would hire them for a bit. Seeing as they are used to taking pictures there I thought it would be good to have them take some of the pictures, but I am at a loss as to how many to purchase 70 pictures is almost 500 dollars. Thanks! I would check with the photographer you hired to come with you. Typically most photographers don't want any other "professional" photographers to be there unless they are working for the hired photographer. The reason is, if another photographer is there taking photos and selling those photos to you and your guests, they are losing out on those potential print sales. Another reason is the resort photographer could get in the way of the hired photographers shots and that could be a huge problem. Personally, I would not want the resort photographer there at all. The only reason I might want them there is to take the posed family shots and only those shots which would allow me to concentrate on more artistic, and candid photos. Quite frankly it seems that most resort photo packages seem to be a rip off because you don't really get much at all. However, if a few prints is the only thing you want, maybe that's fine. Most U.S. based photographers offer many other options like albums, books, canvas prints, etc. that are very cool options.

It's my understanding that at most resorts, if your photographer is staying as a guest, there are no fees. If you are using an outside photographer that is local, than you have to pay the fees because they aren't at the resort so they would need a pass.

45 min? for how much? what's included? I can't imagine 45mins being enough time for anything, but I guess I'm used to spending 8+ hours with my clients on their day. It all boils down to how important photos are to you and what you want. If you only want a few, more traditional shots, than maybe 45 mins. is enough? But if you want special moments, expressions, and more unique photos, you will need quite a bit more time and/or using a non-resort photographer.

Hey Rennee! Welcome! Good to see so many Punta Cana brides here lately.

"why didn't you tell me baby?"

Get tested...it could happen to you.

Welcome! Lots of great info here on either place

Congrats Jaime!!

I vote for Puerto Rico! I've never been there but so many people get married in Cabo. I say do something different. Cabo is great too though. Either way I'm sure it will be amazing.

welcome to the forum! There are places to swim in Cabo. I know you could at the Sheraton. I think the ocean is just a little more rough in Cabo than in other places. There have been many Costa Rica brides here too so I'm sure there will be some good info for you. Happy Planning!

welcome! I'm seeing more and more Punta Cana Brides every day here it seems. There will be lots of great info to share!

Hey Cheryl! Welcome to the forum!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Robyn Mumford Hey Corina...! I actually am booked on April 25th as well! I know that Jonathan Thrasher is available on the 25th and will also be down in Punta Cana for sure around August 30th. Thanks for the mention!! Robyn Thanks Robyn! Quote: Originally Posted by Otis1230 Thanks so much- I just emailed a few and I am looking for any advice anyone can give. What is the average cost for a destination wedding photographer Wedding photographer prices are all over the board. It comes down to style, experience, and demand for their services. Typically, starting prices vary from $2500-$5000, not including travel expenses. But, there is no standard on what is included in that price either so at $2500 you might get a lot less than the $5000 package. So you really have to take a look at what's included because to get what you want, you might get a better deal with a more expensive starting package. I'm currently running a 20% special so that pretty much saves the cost of travel expenses.

Welcome Marissa!

HI! Welcome to the forum! You'll find tons of info here as well as lots of helpful people!

welcome to the forum! Lots of great info here as well as great people to help!