Matt Adcock

Quote: Originally Posted by leigh miller still waiting on darn model! models!!! i so would have rather found an excited bride to be or someone. im sitting here in a room with 5 wedding gowns and no one to put in them i dont think sol and matt are here. i think matt and i emailed about it a week or so ago and he said they werent coming. i could be wrong though. matt if youre here were going to the double down salon tonight! home of the bacon martini and something called "ass juice". tammy feel free to censor! HOLA, nah, we couldnt make it to Vegas this year... We had 15 weddings in March.... I'm curious to see photos of the double down salon!!!!! Cheers! Matt

Quote: Originally Posted by Susan101207 Your pics are amazing!!! They do such excellent work. I'm tempted to find a second job this summer, just so I could splurge and hire them (or leigh) for our wedding You two make a beautiful couple. Welcome! THANK you for the nice words. Keep in mind that we do not charge ANY travel fees for photography in the Riviera Maya Sometimes a hotel room may be required to have an outside vendor, but in most cases, all the money you spend is on the photographer package, not half of it to get them to your location when you book either of us... much love, mateo

Everybody should pay attention to this. As a mass, the world can and WILL impact the hotel policies on outside vendors... I'm new here and have spent a few days digging through this forum and found something that my good friend and neighbor Paul Schrank, of Playa Weddings - Videography in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya was saying on this topic. His words sum up exactly what is happening in the Riviera Maya with these hotels. Brides worldwide have an obligation to ACT. Paul's words of wisdom: Quote: Originally Posted by scharke I'm an "outside vendor" in the Riviera Maya (video, not photo) and this can be an issue. Some resorts are really good about it and welcome us, others are not. One of the mega-chain AI resorts here charges what they call a "penalty" to bring in outside vendors. You must pay $300 to the photo shop to NOT use their services. Often times the photo shop is contracted to a third party and I imagine that's the case here. They've come up with a deal that insures they get paid for every wedding, regardless. Imagine trying to leave a store without buying something and being told you had to pay a penalty to take your business elsewhere. A colleague of mine just got an email from a previously mentioned AI. They demanded a $500 fee be paid for the right to shoot there,. This is a quote from their wedding coordinator's email "This amount should be paid cash to the weddings office the morning of the wedding." I'm surprised she didn't ask for it in a brown paper bag, it's pretty clear what's going on here. Buying a day pass is normal for anyone you invite in from outside the resort for your wedding. It's a nice gesture for your vendors as well. It allows us to move about, get food and drinks as needed, and not be questioned or hassled by the staff. The above mentioned fees are in addition to the day pass fees. Americans like myself can get by for a while saying we are friends/guests of the couple but eventually someone begins to recognize us as "outside vendors." This is what happened with the above mentioned colleague. I think this has been a closed monopoly for a long time. The concept of free market capitalism is relatively new and they don't know what to do, so they're fighting it. I've realized that it's a mistake to assume that the best quality/price wins. I've seen a resort photographer with a consumer grade, point and shoot camera. I've seen the resort videographers show up at the chapel in shorts and T-shirts with a five year old handheld video camera. It seems to be a gamble to rely on the resort services. I know that many wedding coordinators make more money from vendor commissions and mark-ups than they do with their salary or coordination fees. Many vendors know that by offering higher commissions they will get the work and coordinators will give you all sorts of reasons why you have to use a particular vendor, some are valid, but often it's the higher commission that they will receive from their "preferred" vendor. I know this sounds like sour grapes, it can be frustrating. The only way it will change, is if consumers demand a free market. It's a shame to say out loud, but don't assume that your happiness and satisfaction is paramount. The motives are often cash-related. There are many vendors and hotels/resorts here that are sincerely concerned about your happiness and satisfaction and who will insure that you get the finest quality service available. I don't want to burn bridges by omitting anyone from the good list or naming anyone on the bad list on a public forum. Julie (itsme7396) has posted here about her wedding. I worked at that wedding and everything was top-notch from start to finish. It was also well-timed and had a great cadence. I was surprised by the fact that both the photographer and I were hired for five hours and we got everything from Pre-Ceremony preparations to all the reception events and some of the general dancing. Normally at an AI a LOT of time is spent waiting or moving from place to place. With five hours of coverage, sacrifices have to be made or the coverage needs to be extended to get everything, this costs more money. It's also very hard to put a value on the frustration of waiting and conforming to the resort's schedule and logistics. At a smaller hotel or resort, you get more for your money from your vendors because your not paying them to wait, and you're more likely to get a well-timed event that keeps your guests happy and engaged. A well-timed event, where everything is within walking distance and no one gets bored or annoyed, is something that's hard to consider up-front, but will always end up being valuable in many ways. If you're already booked, or considering booking at an AI, you have a lot of clout to bargain with as the couple bringing them business. Tell them you'll be bringing in photographer(s) and/or videographer(s) as invited guests. Expect them to be treated as all your invited guests from outside the resort and don't tolerate any additional fees or penalties for choosing not to use their services. Nobody wants 40 American/Canadiens complaining on the internet, on message boards like this. You the consumer have a right to demand free market competition. They have the right to expect you to purchase a day pass for outside guests. Amen Paul. Please spread these words to anybody planning a wedding in the Riviera Maya or elsewhere when being confronted about outside vendors. cheers! matt

Quote: Originally Posted by scharke I know this sounds like sour grapes, it can be frustrating. The only way it will change, is if consumers demand a free market. It's a shame to say out loud, but don't assume that your happiness and satisfaction is paramount. The motives are often cash-related. There are many vendors and hotels/resorts here that are sincerely concerned about your happiness and satisfaction and who will insure that you get the finest quality service available. I don't want to burn bridges by omitting anyone from the good list or naming anyone on the bad list on a public forum. HOLA AMIGO PAUL... .Paul is SPOT on ladies... Paul is also a friend of mine. WE have been fighting this here... and, i'm also an American and a local vendor, so these resorts let us in there... We were at a wedding at the Moon Palace on March 9th. If a room is purchased, you are considered a guest of the hotel... we were smooth sailing... In regards to hiring outside vendors, there is also a stigma that photographer / videographers in Mexico just don't cut it.... so brides pay $1500 or so to fly their photog down there... well, I say spend that money on the local talent... it exists... plus, local vendors do not charge travel fees... (sorry leigh) *leigh's work is very worth it* some brides can afford the additional travel fees, just stating this as you mentioned you were on a budget... DEMAND outside vendors... soon, we will win! Cheers! Matt

Quote: Originally Posted by LEIGH Matt, that brough tears to my eyes! You guys have to be the cutest couple! (other than me and Bryan of course!) I just realized that you lived here in ATL. Where are you two locationed now?! Great story, and thanks for sharing!! Leigh, we are very happy together and every day is filled with adventures!!! Currently, we have 2 studios. I am still in Atlanta. We are in the Paces neighborhood off of 75... and the other in Playa del Carmen. Yes, to all, thanks for taking time to read our story...we feel lucky to have found each other and are very happy to tell the fairytale of our story... We have been pretty busy today...dang, this forum stuff is addicting... somebody warned me of this.. Nrvsbride, HA, so you are dying to know our photographer...well, at this point we are going to be keeping that one a secret. There are 5 amazing photogs invited...so we should be filled up with awesome images...for sure! At this point, we havent planned anything for our Dec wedding...this is lame, but we have been busy... added up, we have already covered 40+ weddings in 2007 and we are still in march!!!!... We are closing on a condo next week here in Playa, and hoping to close on another one on Lake Martin/ in Nov... I am traveling ALL over for destination weddings in April, May & June...so, we have put things on the back burner up to now... We are still debating on the Dec wedding date...so, when we have more info, i'll keep folks posted... suspense on seeing our wedding photos may be a while cheers! matt

How in the world do 2 photogs in 2 countries with the same passion find one another.... Well as fate would have it, a couple in love planning a wedding got us started in the right direction! I was on a job in Feb 2005 shooting engagement session for a couple. During the shoot they told me of this amazing photog that they commissioned in Mexico for their destination wedding... The entire time, all they could talk about was her amazing ability to radiate sunshine with the biggest smiles and most gorgeous eyes...plus, her photos were show stoppers! They gave me her website... I figured what the heck, i'll send an email to this stranger and say HOLA. I attached photos from the engagement session and commented on how awesome our jobs were...next thing you know, I had a pen pal in Mexico... So, this was starting to get interesting... and In August, I went to mexico for a visit. I had planned the trip with my roommate, but at the last second he backed out...it would be ME SOLO headed for the sandy beaches... My world changed the moment we set eyes on each other... I felt immediately seduced by the gaze of her eyes, yet we somehow managed to spend a week of fun filled adventure...we got our diving certification together, and traveled through the Yucatan for 10 days... it was the most amazing adventure ever! We have a million photos to share!!! I'll try to figure out how I can make a link so you can see... Anyway, after the 10 day trip, once back in Atl...I couldnt wait to get back on a plane to come back...1 month later (and with a bacterial sickness still from my first trip, 8 pounds lighter) I headed back to see her.... the sickness thing lasted for a long time...lots of doctors and lots of patience later, I was healed... Sol was waiting for me at the airport and again, we were on adventures for another week... I think we shared several visits back and forth, the one that did it for me was a trip Sol planned for Atl, when simulteneously , 2 days after her trip to Atl, Hurricane Wilma formed in the Gulf, and several days later SMASHED Cancun...Her 1 week trip to Atl turned into 1 month. Her town was CLOSED down... It was this trip that sealed the deal, to me. She met my parents and enjoyed amazing adventures with me... When she left, I cried. Hard crying. SO, I told myself that this isnt a normal thing and for those of you who wonder or not if you are in love...i've heard "ah, you just know when your in love...." yep, I knew! Advance to March, 2006. My sister planned a wedding in Melbourne FL. I figured that ALL my family would attend, especially my 90 year old Grandmother, who will not be here much longer. This was the perfect chance. After asking my sister, my sis's FH, my parents, my sister's in-laws, if it would be ok for me to propose to Sol, 2 days proir (March 9), they all overwhelmingly said HELL YES, go for it! SO, I planned it. I asked my friend and amazing photog, Susan Stripling, who I also had hired to shoot my sis's wedding, to come a few days early and sneak up on us in a restaurant.... Sol bought it, hook line and sinking into my trap. Now it was set. Susan was there because of my sis's wedding, so it was normal to have a pro photog there, and soon enough, susan asked us to go out on the pier on the river for some photos... It was like she wasnt even there... Check it out: (please note that all images copyright Susan Stripling) Here are a few that we took of each other...how big of a camera dork am I? and lets not forget about Grandma So, what chu tink? Cool story? Cheers! matt

Quote: Originally Posted by MarlaB Matt, I am officially addicted to your website!!! Wonderful photos. Where is Lake Martin located?? Just curious. I've been out of the loop for most of today... sometimes I need to be careful, if I blink I may end up opening my eyes in the RIVIERA MAYA...I landed today here in Mex for a few weeks... Sol & I are headed to a few weddings! This thread has grown and to all that have the wonderful things to say, i'm flattered. We love our jobs and it is so gratifying to see your kind words!!! THANK U ALL! We will continue to post tips, ideas, and slideshows. To answer the question about Lake Martin... This lake is in central Alabama in the at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains. It is 44000 Acres of amazing beauty. My parents have a place there and I have pretty much grown up going to the lake... We keep my ski boat there and get to visit a few times every year. The lake is 100 years old and every view there will take your breath away. About 7 years ago, I became a volunteer fire firefighter and continue to this day to hold my certification and serve the community when I'm there, along with my father and mother, who are both active members of the board...my dad is a captain... All volunteer! Anyway, the place is amazing. We are closing on a condo there in NOV Here is some of my nature photography of shots taken ALL from my parents place... I'm kinda sad that I didnt post photos about this place earlier on in this thread... THIS IS A MUST SEE LINK! Lake Martin We are having a judge marry us on June 2... lake chillin party to follow much love, mateo del sol

Quote: Originally Posted by redwards Ummmmm, is it just me or is it entirely unfair that Sol and Matt have so much talent and cuteness between the two of them?! lol! Welcome! Your work is gorgeous and I've heard nothing but lovely things about you and your bride! Glad to have you here. Can't wait to see how your wedding develops. Good luck w/ planning! Seriously, i'm flattered by all the nice words... We are just normal people, doing our normal jobs...it is an amazing honor to be asked to shoot weddings.... Yes, it is unfair that I found someone as CUTE as SOl.... and as loving....and as talented.... the list goes on for light years.... We look forward to sharing our ideas with you all Cheers, matt

Quote: Originally Posted by PaulaV Uh-oh, what do you mean Matt? Is there something specific we should be asking hotels on their outside vendor photography policies? The hotels I have asked so far have said they allow for outside photographers. I see you and Sol have decided on two wedding dates and locations! How exciting!!! If you asked and they said all is good to go, then you are in GREAT shape:) no worries. More on this topic later...I'm working on this topic and will have a VERY informative post coming soon. We are doing two dates (at this point) because the US Govt requires a 5 month or so process to deal with the paperwork of Sol's visa stuff...Legal marriage first, then marriage on the beach.... Hopefully planned for Dec 07.. but may change:) BUT, we will be WED legally on June 2... Cheers, matt

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome.. AQHARIDER.... thanks for the nice words.... we are happy to be on board with this forum... So glad we could help you choose to have a DW... BIG POINTS for that one! We will keep folks posted on our wedding plans... is how i feel about them, really...whew.. akh, HA, Sol is the boss, for sure! She has so many super great ideas....We are excited! BayBug... uuuuuuuuuooooooooooooool....costa rica... I'm jealous! Tammy, thanks for the warm welcome....we appreciate the nice words... Our work is a passion and we thank our lucky stars to be able to do what we love! Cheers, matt

Sol, you are a genius. Great idea to start posting tips like this. I think you are spot on about the gazebo advice. Move everything closer to the guests so they can actually see the wedding.... I'm eager to see your post about how to handle hotels with NO OUTSIDE PHOTOGRAPHY policies... whew, when are they going to learn! Cheers, matt

...because Sol Tamargo is my fiance!!! And, she told me I needed to join so here I am!!! HOLA. We are going to poke around and continue to post our slideshows in the RM and throughout our destination wedding locations. We are happy to answer questions and provide any info needed to help plan your wedding. Cheers, matt HOLA from a NEWBIE

Quote: Originally Posted by mauriciom Here are few engagement pictures from Playa Del Carmen that our friend and Photo Journalist, Mat and Sol took of us in Mexico the weekend of Feb 4th. We had such a good time. Their work is amazing. Jenny and I never expected us to be in such awesome pictures. I can't wait for the wedding. (03-11-07) I highly recommend them. enjoy! MM Matt Adcock Photography HOLA Mauricio, We very much appreciate the kind words. Having the best job on the planet is pretty cool. Top it off with the best clients in the world... aint life grand!!! Edited to say: That I get to shoot with the woman of my dreams.... PURE BLISS! Thank you for having us to shoot your wedding. We look forward to shooting your brothers wedding!!!!!!!!! Cheers, matt