BillysBride

cheapoair.com is pretty good too.

Quote: Originally Posted by BeachBride82 I have booked Claudia for my May/08 wedding. A good question to ask her when booking is if she will be the photographer available for the date, or if she is going to send out one of her assistants. She is sending out one of her assistants to photograph my wedding (I had really hoped for Claudia, but after being reassured that her assistant has several years experience, I am comfortable using her assistant). You can check out her assistants photo samples/blogs on her website as well. The assistant that she has designated to us seems like she will do an excellent job. I am content with their pricing. We are booking her for 3 hours. We also asked for the opportunity to book her assistant for an extra hour, just in case we run out of time and still need some more photographs. She quoted us $300US for the extra hour. It was really simple to get my date guaranteed - I paid $100US via paypals and received a receipt immediately. Erin. Ya, she has me down in her book for my date. She said they are working on updating package prices so she would send me a definite list for us to decide which we want to go with in a bit. If she can't shoot the wedding herself, I'm fine with either Erick or Citlalli. They both do incredible work, so I'm a happy camper either way.

Pretty basic, but not bad. I've definitely seen worse photography since starting my search. Just thought I'd post the link for anyone still looking on a budget. Welcome

I voted for the second dress (the SPR). I just like the look of it overall. Classic, but still has some pretty detailing and the sash adds something to it that makes it "pop" a little more to me. But then, I've never been one of the mermaids thing.

Perfect, thank you! I did my own mini investigation, including a Better Business Bureau search, and didn't come up with anything to scare me. So its good to hear from actual brides (who aren't on the company website giving "testimonials") about a positive experience. This seals the deal for me.

Anyone have any experience ordering a gown or bm's dresses from this place? Just researching options. Trying to cut costs so I can increase photography.

Per Claudia, they are working on new packages currently. She is going to get me current rates and package info as soon as they are finalized. I'm in her book so our date is reserved. Yippeeee!!

Yes, the wedding band will likely be an exact match. So, together, that will be 4. Thats plenty wide enough for me, so I guess problem solved. hahahahaha!

Elizabeth, welcome! I think I did an inquiry form for your services, but I havent heard anything back yet. I've got plenty of time, so please, drop a line when you can.

I'm supposed to be deciding on a setting for my stone today. I can't make up my mind if I should get a 2 or 3 mm band. I don't like wide bands, but I don't want it to be too thin either. Its going to be eternity style, and I really like the look of the thinner bands, but I don't want it to be so thin that its not noticeable ya know? How wide is your e-ring band for those of you who have the specs.

Quote: Originally Posted by PaulaV I voted #1 because they would be my choice, but I agree with the rest, hard to tell without you in it! My experience is, it looks one way in pics or on the hanger, completely different on. THAT is totally true! Is it just me, or have you all noticed how sparkly and detailed the pics always look...then when you see a dress in person, its always more plain? But then I suppose they have thousands of dollars in perfect lighting to make the photos look as good as possible. Perfect conditions, that aren't likely to happen in a natural setting. I'm all antsy to go try on now. I'm going to see if I can run down to that shop this afternoon. Its about a half hour away, so thats not too bad. I'll try to remember to take the camera with me. Even if I forget, I've got my phone, so if I go I'll be sure to post some pics.

You ladies are the best..you really are. So much insight, it really helps. You've all been here before, and know what can happen, so I'm going to take your advice. I'll round up a few dress names/style numbers that I think will suite me and that I like. I already got the number and address of a shop that carries Maggie gowns, so I'll start with them, and if nothing from her line works, just branch out to whatever they suggest. Because of all you've said here, I'm NOT going to buy anything right away even if it just floors me when I put it on. I'm going to go home and let it marinate in my head a while. hehehe Oh ya! I actually went up to ask FH what he thought, though I knew I had to phrase it carefully. He doesn't want to see me or my dress until The Day. So I just asked him "Would you prefer to see me in like a traditional wedding gown, or something more unique. He said "Different", so I'm going to keep that in mind and keep looking for gowns that aren't too princessy even though there are so many of those that are just beautiful. BTW, heres another one I found looking through the M.S. site. That woman is a genius. I'm hoping in a big way that I try this on and can pull it off. Can y'all just imagine this dress in a pearly ivory color? Make that four dresses I have to try for sure now.

You make a really good point, Trisha. I really should have been thinking along those lines. The "what if" factor is huge. I might look horrible in all of them, then where would I be? (on this board, crying for help) I'm on it first thing in the morning.

Oooh, that comes across as so elegant!

Quote: Originally Posted by LadyP do you have any of you in them? Do you have time to try them on with quads LOL! Life with the quads isn't much different from life with any amount of children. I do what I need to do, just have to schedule it in advance! For the dresses, they arent all going to be available in one spot to try on unfortunately. The first dress is a Maggie Sottero, and I don't believe theres a shop here in my town that carries it on the rack. The other two, maybe...I'll have to call tomorrow and find out. I haven't done much yet, just looked around online to see if I liked something. So far, looks like what my grandmother always said was right. "Go with your first mind." lol. Gotta love them southerners.

I did the most common thing an impending bride can do...second guessed my dress choice. So now, I'm completely torn. I know its my decision ultimately and its a big one that I should make for myself. BUT I want to see what you ladies think. It will give me a better idea of what impression each dress could ultimately make. I'd be happy with any of them of the three, but its a three way tie right now. The photo is of my original dress choice. Its chiffon, so lightweight. I figure its very "destination". The other two dresses are more traditional styles which I've noticed still look beautiful on the beach. I'll post the links for the othe two dresses. The details are the killers. If you click on the smaller thumbnails it will blow the images up. I'll be getting ivory no matter which one I choose. Dress #1 (my original) Dress #2 link Style Selena Bridal Gown - Wedding Dresses Dress#3 link Style Marilyn Bridal Gown - Wedding Dresses

Yes, yes, yes! Thank you ladies! Stephanotis. I've decided to buy silks for me and my girls. I want creative control of the bouquets and its just too expensive period to have them sent to Mexico and I'm worried about the problems that may arise anyway. I'm just having them sent down ahead and the WC will keep them til the date. Thanks for your help girls. I was about to bang my head against a wall.

I can't find a pic because I don't know the name, but have seen these a few times looking at bouquets. What are the small flowers that look like they have a pearl center? I'm trying to dream up my bouquet and would love to have some of them. Thanks in advance ladies!

For what its worth from a lowly Junior Member...I'm on several message boards and have seen some that truly literally did take up half my page...but its no biggie to me. People want to show off their families, weddings, dogs, cats whatever, its not killing me to flip my scroll roller a couple times. I'm a lazy American, but not that lazy just yet. I say leave 'em. I have four babies to show off, it takes some space so mine is not necessarily an objective opinion. I just don't see the harm I guess. Like someone said, there is an option to "hide signatures" or whatever in the User CP. If it bugs some of us, we can choose not to look at them.

Quote: oohhh - Leigh's recomendations are typically pretty dang good, can't hurt to check them out too! Thats certainly true...I'm on it. Thanks everyone (again). I don't know what I'd do if I hadn't found this forum.

Alright.....I did get a response from Claudia. Looks like she can do it! Her basic package is really reasonable, and her work is rock solid. The more I looked, the more I liked her style. I had actually looked at her site before, and just assumed she was out of my league budget wise. Guess thats what I get for assuming (and you know what they say about that word) Happiness achieved!(til the next crisis) Thank y'all for your input and guidance. Its much appreciated...I love this place!

I need to see if I can get a price list from Claudia Rodriguez and crew. I've studied that web site til my eyes are ready to cross and I think I'd have a request as to who did my pics if she wasn't able to do them herself. Thanks for all the help again...and if anyone else has any suggestions, I'm more than willing to investigate.

Thanks for your replies ladies...some leads to follow helps a lot. I'm on it!

I have TONS of time before my wedding..BUT not tons of time to find a decent photographer. I've talked to a handful and they are already booking for '09 ofcourse. I'm looking for mid price range. I'm not one who can afford to spend thousands on pictures no matter how precious or timeless they are. I agree with all that, but I'm a realist and a realist with four toddlers to boot. Two grand and under is my budget. But most of the photogs I've come up with (Google is my new best friend) have good prices, but staged-cheesy photos, OR skyscrapeer prices and beautiful photos. No, I'm not suprised by this...just frustrated. I know this complaint has been posted time and time again (but not by me, so please let me slide) We're having a simple religious ceremony, but still shooting for elegance. Its a VERY small resort (only 115 rooms) with a reportedly breathtaking beach. We're getting married in the beach chapel which is all cute and quaint...no formal reception since we're saving that for back home and will just do cake cutting/hors deurves and a few champagne toasts before letting our guest go and enjoy the rest of their stay. My FH is determined that we start spending time alone asap after the ceremony to enjoy whats left of our trip. We need two hours TOPS. Are there ANY ladies who spent UNDER two thousand for photography, but are happy with their photos?

Now, Anny..you just about have me convinced about going with CS......gorgeous!