MrsV-to-be

You can definitly have a court date changed in Canada. Besides her court date isn't even set yet, so they wouldn't even being changing it - they would just request to have it set when they are not out of the country. Besides, 90% of all cases settle - there is a good chance there isn't even going to be a court date. I'm sure your sister could talk to her lawyer about this and he would assure it is fine to book a trip for her sis's wedding however, if she can't come, I also agree it would be tacky to ask someone to step in. I honestly don't see a problem with having an uneven wedding party. My girlfriend had a very uneven wedding party and it was fine! it just means that your BM has 2 groomsmen to walk off with

thanks so much for sharing this article Shannon! I've saved it into my favourites! I plan to pull it up tonight when my FI gets home and examine every single mole of his too

Quote: Originally Posted by nde062010 Sorry for the dumb question ... but this applies to Seaside Suites and Azul too Yes it will apply to all Karisma Resorts

Quote: Originally Posted by amyh I guess what I meant was, the hotel should inform you what documents are needed. Not send you an email saying, you need to pay this fine. It seems that as long as you have the correct documentation, you are not doing anything illegal. Our hotel could do the same, say they will get a fine for bringing in a photographer from the states. The hotel I am marrying at is pretty popular (as in DW's). It concerns me that they want to charge a fine IN ADDITION to booking at least a 3 night minimum. the $500 fine is for anyone bringing someone in - foreigner or not. I don't have to pay for that fee anymore, but I do still have to ensure that they have government permission to 'work' in mexico-otherwise I assume they will prevent them from working!! yes I agree that it seems like only AI's only really charge this-and it is completely unfair - it is a total money grab. If I was able to do it all over again - I would probably have gone down the path you did. but hindsight is 20/20 isn't?

Quote: Originally Posted by amyh Thanks for the info. I passed it along to my photog. So, basically, the hotel is ripping you all off, that's the way I see it. I am not having my wedding at an AI. There are no penalty fees for brining in any outside vendors (w/ the acception of food). I find it odd that only AI's are craking down on this. I have a feeling, that it may be because the AI's do more weddings, and they are feeling the pressure from the government to make sure that the government is getting their cut (aka taxes) From what I gather, these laws have always been in place, and are not "new policy" as EDR has informed me. Rather, they are old policies/laws that they are starting to enforce. It looks like they are requiring all outside vendors (mexican or not) to have the proper paperwork (licences, visas and such) to prove that they legitimately can work in the jurisdiction. That being said - I'm sure EDR could have handled this alot better then they did!!

Quote: Originally Posted by timelsel Well, we received the email with the new policy just minutes ago. We were already paying for 3 nights at the resort, so will have to fight them on the additional $500 fee. They cannot possilbly think people will pay $500 more when that was not in the original agreement. Now they've got MOMMA mad! Hey! When they sent the email to me, I just reminded them that i was told prior to booking with El Dorado, of the old policy, and asked them to honor it. Do you have anything in writing from the resort about your agmt to only pay the 3 nights stay? It also wouldn't hurt to respectively remind them it is bad business practice to go back on what was already agreed upon seemed to work for me (so far anyways!!) let me know how it goes!

Yes! thank-you Paul!! that is awesome

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan I think this should be made sticky. People need to know how EDR is with their fees before deciding to book their wedding there. If they chose elsewhere, they should let the hotel know the fees was the deciding factor. I used to try to warn people of EDRs policies, but I stopped because so many people were telling me they got around them. It now sounds like you can't get around them anymore. This forum is huge & growing. Maybe we can apply enough pressure to get them to change their fee loving ways. Exactly. I don't think it is possible to try and get around it anymore. I was getting around it because my photographers were coming for a week, and originally the policy was 3 nights stay OR $500. I booked my wedding on that policy. The resort has however twice attempted to apply this new policy to me. I have refused and reminded them of their promise - which they have agreed they will honor. (although for some reason they forgot this promise when they asked for the $500 this week again.) it is riduculous, however EDR is a beautiful resort. and I am most definitly still looking forward to having my wedding there. Though, I have to agree - if this was the policy from the outset when I was planning - I'm not sure I would have booked them!!

Hey Morgan, I was just checking out the website that AllureEventDesign posted. I would like to visit Mexico - INAMI It has an option for my sitatuion - where a business person comes in who is working w/o remuneration. "as a business person for non-remunerated visitors" and it has a situation where a person is coming into work. "I intend to engage in Paid Activity" which I believe may cover most other US/Canadian photographers who are coming into work. I think the answer may be included in it - there are still alot of questions left unanswered but I think it is a start! what do you think?

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 I can't believe that they won't make an exception in your case. Especially since this wasn't part of the contract you signed and especially since they just gave you a month's notice! Can you talk to someone on the phone and then follow-up w/ an email to confirm that they will let you do this? They've got to make an exception - especially since this wasn't their policy all along. It's their own fault that they got slapped w/ fees. Brides shouldn't have to pay for their mistakes. If they get slapped w/ another fee in your case, then THEY should have to pay for it. EDR loves fees - if they had to pay some on their own, it might give them a taste of their own medicine. This is what I was thinking as I drove into school today! I did send an email to Valeria last night (freaking out just a bit ), and asking exactly what document they want. I feel that if EDR is going to start enforcing this law - that is fine, but considering that I am a month away from the wedding they should at least help me out get exactly what I need - instead of just generally insisting that I have the "right documentation". I have yet to hear from her - so we will see!!

Quote: Originally Posted by AllureEventDesign I just tried calling the Immigration Offices in Cabo to find out more about this for you but it's too early and wasn't able to get anyone on the phone ... go to Mexican Immigration Website and read up on the requirements. The website also lists the phone for all the state agencies perhaps you can call and find out? I hope this helps. Thank-you thank-you thank-you!! I think this is what I've been looking for!! I've been scouring the government websites I could think of - but it is difficult when half the pages are in spanish!! So thank-you for finding this I am going to forward this to my Travel Agent to see if I can get this form they are talking about.

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan do you know what she had to pay per camera? No, I'm sorry, I don't!

Quote: Originally Posted by leigh miller i was just there in january and the customs for clearly said 2 cameras. nic was with me. he can vouch. Yes that is what SheaS's photog said too - the form said she was allowed to bring in 2 cameras. she had 4 - and just had to pay a tax to allow them in. Her other option was to store them at teh airport and she said no way (of course!) so she just paid! However - the Consulate did say specifically in his email that one 1 regular camera was allowed!!

As promised, here is the response from Valeria at the resort "Since I have already mentioned that there will be no fee for this photographer, I will honour this for you. If your photographer is not a Mexican Citizen, and she's receiving some sort of retribution (monetary, or paid trips, etc) for her services, she must have a Mexican Government permission to work in this Country. This is important, since the Hotel has been been sanctioned, for having outsider suppliers (Foreigners, not Mexican Citizens) working without their paperwork properly arranged for being hired and work in Mexico and not paying taxes. " this is me: I feel like I'm banging my head against the wall!! Again, no information about what rype of documentation EDR will require!! and I have yet to find any type of 'visa' that suits this situation. I received this response from the Mexican Consulate: "If your friends are not professionals and do not take with them professional equipment, they can entry as a tourist. One regular camara is allow for any tourist" of course they is no expansion beyond the exact direct answer to a question!

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 i haven't heard any former EDR bride say that she felt weird in her gown at the free reception, but now i'm worried about that! (just kidding - it will be fine). haha - Ladies I'm sure you will both look just fine. If anyone is staring it's because they will be staring at the beautiful bride!!

Hi! there are a few threads with a tone of information regarding EDR receptions and who has done what in Rivera Maya thread. But basically, yes there have been some brides that have done the free dinner. and there are some who have done the private reception. some have even done both!! Personally, I am using the free dinner as our rehearsal dinner, and then I am having a private reception dinner (BBQ Deluxe buffet) on our wedding day. I believe that the free dinner is semi-private, and everyone that has done it was happy with it! I chose not to use the free dinner, because we had more then 40 guests, and I just personally preferred to have something more private. Good luck!

Quote: Originally Posted by pryzeless I wonder why this has not come up before and is only come up with the EDR. Do you think they actually got in trouble for this? Valeria said in her initial email that the hotel has recently been sanction for this. Also, an earlier poster said that the government is just starting to crack down on this. I don't know - Im of 2 minds on it. It's very possible that it is now just becoming an issue. or like Jason said, EDR is lumping this into 1 big issue and hoping it pushes some of us who weren't going to pay this fee, to pay it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan Thanks for the information. To me it sounds like the problem they had was how often you were traveling to mexico. They were specfically targeting you. For a photographer who only goes once a year, it doesn't sound like they would have the same problem. Also were you photographing weddings and getting paid in mexico? From what I've read, that would make a difference. Also, without a lot of money & big lawyer I don't think someone could get an FM3. I'm just wondering if there is something easy to obtain (& cheaper) like a United states B-1? That is what a photographer from Mexico would need to shoot a wedding in the US. A US B-1 also sounds more relevant for a traveling photographer than an FM-3. I think you may be right Morgan! thank-you for saying in more clear terms what i have been attempting to say! I don't think an FM3 is the required document for someone who comes in to shoot 1 wedding stays for a few days and leave. I'm starting to get the feeling that nothing really is necessary for these type of situations. Although I'm still waiting to hear back from the Mexican Consulate...and the WC!

Quote: Originally Posted by lambert13 So, basically they are requiring a $500 fee and a three night stay. Then...if they feel like it they can also check the photographers credentials to make sure they are legal to be there. It is two separate issues, that they are sort of trying to link together. What I would surmise is that on top of the $500 and three night stay, if they feel like it they can hassle your photographer for their paperwork. If your photographer does not have all their t's crossed and i's dotted...... guess who will be photographing your wedding.....the resort photographer, and probably for a hefty fee. I would raise holy hell with them about this. Exactly!! well put! right now I'm just trying to find out if (a) they are going to honor my contract; and ( what the hell everyone who brings a Canadian/US photographer into mexico, to shoot their wedding only, has to get from the Mexican Government. I have 1 call into the Calgary Mexican Consulate. an email into the Contact at the Mexican Consulate in Ottawa who deals specifically with Tourism & Economic affairs....we shall see what happens!!

Quote: Originally Posted by shannon We'll be there May 13-21.... you should def do a "walk-by" and check out the wedding!! :) we have lots of BDW brides getting married at EDR in April and May- I so can't wait to see all the pix!! We should meet for drinks at the pool since we'll be there the same time! definitly!! I'll be keeping an eye for you

Quote: Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 Whoa.......wait a second, now they're asking for $500 AND a 3 nights stay?!??!?! Come on!!!! How much more can they possibly get us to pay?!?!?! I think I'm about as fired up as you are! This is total insanity! Yes - this was the new policy, as stated in the new contract they had all the brides resign back in Dec/Jan. It's totally insane! i just got off the phone with my TA. She told me that she thinks its totally bullshit. the mexican policy shouldn't apply to the photographers who are coming in from out of coutnry to shoot 1 wedding and they leave. They are working for the foreign clients, not any local businesses. Further, as in my case - they are not being paid for it. So basically it's like I have a friend coming in to shoot the wedding, who just happens to be a professional photographer by job. She also told me, that based on her dealings with flying into mexico for her travel agency business, that she does not have to check the 'I am here for business' box - since she was not conducting business in mexico. She says the same analysis would apply to foreign photographers coming in - in these type situations (for 1 wedding only). She advised me to have our photographers check the "I am a tourist" box!

Quote: Originally Posted by AllureEventDesign This is a topic that has been touched on several times here and in other forums in regards to photographers, ministers, etc... I know it may seem farfetched but it is real. Perhaps other vendors can comment - Jean Marcus (had similar issues with Canada), HellandPhotography (works in Cabo and knows this first hand). Immigration officers can request proper documentation at any time and even during an event and while I have never had issues with American or Canadian vendors providing a service in Cabo, it doesn't mean that it will never happen. thanks for your info! Sorry - I did a search but I did not find any info on this. If you could direct me to the thread, I would love to read it! As I understand, a foreigner who regularly works in Mexico has a tax number. but what about a foreigner who just comes in for 1 days work? Do you happen to know what they may have to do for that?

I'm so annoyed! This is the response I received from Valeria at EDR: "This lines are clearer, they have been posted at the Karisma website: 'Outside photographers and videographers are not allowed on property unless pre-approved by the hotel in advance. The hotels reserve the right to deny access to the property to any unauthorized photographer or videographer. Please contact your wedding coordinator for more information on approved vendors. Outside photographers and videographer approved by the hotel will incur a $500 photo fee and a 3 night minimum stay at the hotel. El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels and Azul Hotels, by Karisma abide by all Mexican governing laws which require foreign workers to obtain proper licensing and work certificates while in Mexico doing work for themselves or on behalf of others. We reserve the right to request proof of such license and/or work certificate.' So your photographer must be booked for a minimum of 3 nights at the Hotel, and there is a 500 usd fee for them to access to the hotel and take professional photos of your wedding. This 500 usd fee + 3 nights stay applies to all outsider photographers. Thanks again, and I apologize for the inconveniences" We have already worked out that I do NOT have to pay the $500 - as I was told prior to booking with them a year ago that outside vendors only need to stay 3 nights. I asked them to honor this agreement and Valeria agreed. But beyond that (the $500 fee) I'm still confused as to what exactly a foreigner who will only be there to do 1 day of work requires for governmental purposes. I have placed a call into the Mexican Consulate, but haven't received a response yet. I can't find any info on the Mexican website. and as you can see - my WC is not exactly forthcoming!! Further - I'm not even convinced that we need to have any documentation - since my photographers are not being paid for their services (based on the deal that we have!) so technically - they are like having friends take photographs - but only with really nice cameras! ugh - sorry for the vent - I'm just super frustrated I have to deal with this 1 month before going...like there isn't enough already going on!

Oh - I definitly vote for #1 - it is stunning, elegant and classic! good luck deciding

Quote: Originally Posted by Nic Dragomire Im just a friend that has a couple of cameras.. I travel light (small bag) and use camera bodies that are small and they "look" like the same ones other people in your party will have.. no problems yet... Yes - once I find out exactly this policy entails - I may consider taking this approach!! though I don't know what exactly my photographers are bringing - so I don't know if we can get away with this!