JenniferSS

Welcome! Contact TA Jill- she's a Secrets Resorts Specialist and a Dreams ( the family friendly sister property bride!) you'll love working with herand she 'll be so much help!

Strict no outside photographer policy! They will not do the 5 or 5:30 (depending on time of year) wedding for anything other than the Preston Bailey Caribbean Sunset collection- I was able to get them to relax that policy for one bride-however she was booked in the top room category and had to pick a different PB (the 6000 pacakge) or had to pay the equivelent to the 3600 with a different PB . If you wanted to change to the PB and get that time slot they will let you but other than that- 4pm is the latest! Quote: Originally Posted by hockeymom97 Hi everyone - we're getting married at Beaches Negril on May 5th, 2010. I'm so excited!! I'm trying to find more info about the photography. I really think I'd prefer to have my own photographer but according to the Beaches site, they don't allow you to use outside vendors if it's a service that Beaches offers? Is this true? Do they really enforce this? We just made our reservation about a week ago, so I haven't been in touch with the WC yet, but figured someone on here might know the answer?

One of the reasons I recommend using a sandals preferred Agency that is very familiar with sandals Destination weddings- we can get the answers usually within 24 hrs if not sooner! And that's if we don't know them off hand! She may have been referring to if you pre book- then you have to pre pay. I keep stressing in this thread that if you know what you want -bouquets, decoratiosns ect and have very specific items in mind then it is highly recommended to pre book. Waiting till you get to the resort may mean that : A. the florist can not come up with the exact flowers/colors that you want B. the best musician(s)/dj/band are already booked with another resort C. You end up getting caught up in "the moment" and spend more than you planned on D. Your preferred spa time is already taken E. You spend vacation time pouring over the catalogue and making decisions ( personally I'd rather be enjoying the beach/pool or spa instead of getting stressed over decisions) If you are a laid back bride and can roll with things and make quick decisions then feel free to wait, but my experience is that many couples come back saying they wished they had pre booked certain items! Quote: Originally Posted by JessGreen1114 sherri- Thanks for all the info!! I think the main reason I feel so in the dark is because I am having a ton of issues getting answers from my wedding coordinator. She is EXTREMELY difficult to reach. I call or e-mail and she takes days, sometimes over a week, to get back with me and when she does, she hardly gives me any answers. Do you think she'll be more helpful when we get closer to the wedding date? And, she did tell me I HAD to pay for everything 60 days out (including my hair style and manicure) and that is really frustrating...

for anyone that may be interested in Royal Plantation for their Destination Wedding, Honeymoon or Vacation check this out: Travel Impressions: Royal Plantation Collection

Sand & Sun Vacations with BDW presents Sandals & Beaches Destination Weddings- Jamaica & Turks & Caicos! Join us for a Webinar on July 30 Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/849719411 We're thrlled to have Kate from Sandals & Beaches Resorts join us to discuss the wonderful luxury all inclusive Sandals & Beaches resorts on the stunning islands of Jamaica and Turks & Caicos! Title: Sand & Sun Vacations with BDW presents Sandals & Beaches Destination Weddings- Jamaica & Turks & Caicos! Date:Thursday, July 30, 2009 Time:7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

The above information applies to Sandals & Beaches Resorts Catholic Destination wedding Requirements Turks & Caicos Our Lady of Divine Providence Cathedral Rectory Tel. 649-941-5136 Wedding Scheduling is based on observance of holidays, arrival date and residency requirements and is subject to availability on property. St. Lucia Archbishop Kelvin Felix Father Jerry Roman Catholic Presbytery St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church PO Box 97, Castries, St. Lucia, West Indies Tel 758-450-8325 Fax 758-450-8794 Tel. 758-452-2271 or 758-452-2272 email: [email protected] Used by couples at Sandals Halcyon or Regency Used by couples staying at Sandals Grande All applicable costs, policies and promotions are subject to change and availability

Sandals & Beaches Resorts- Catholic Weddings Requirements and Procedures Cost of Catholic Wedding: $100.00US additional to the Government and Administrative Fees for Weddings ( if applicable) and Church donation paid directly to the priest on wedding day. Procedure for Bride and Groom: Reserve wedding reception time direct with Sand & Sun Vacations. Contact Catholic Church directly to set up the ceremony time at least 1 ½ hours prior to reception time. Complete this no later than 2-3 months prior to wedding date. Send documents from personal parish priest to the destination church via overnight mail to the appropriate island address listed below. Please send via DHL or Federal Express. Call church office to make sure that all documents are acceptable. Reconfirm time and date of wedding. ONLY THE CHURCH CAN CONFIRM TIME AND DATE. Please advise Unique Vacations of your church ceremony time. Please send all legal documents necessary to obtain marriage license to the Unique Vacations office in Miami. Attn: Weddings 4950 SW 72nd Ave, Miami, FL 33155 Requirements for Bride and Groom: Cover letter with names, address, telephone number and wedding booking number. Letter from church authorizing bride /groom to be married outside of parish. Letter of pre-marital investigations Letter of dispensation (if one party is not Catholic) Pre-Kana class certificate / letter confirming attendance of premarital class Notarized photocopy of baptismal certificate (original ink stamp/signature) Notarized photocopy of birth certificate (original ink stamp and signature) Island Church Contacts Jamaica Father Clarke 1 Forth Street P.O.Box 197 Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Montego Bay St. James West Indies Tel: 876-952-2481 Bride and Groom must contact Father Clarke to be assigned appropriate hurch Antigua Bishop Reirs Holy Family Cathedral (St. John’s ) Our Perpetual Help (Farmers Harbor) PO Box 16,St. John’s, Antigua, West Indies Tel: 268-461-1127 Bride and Groom must call Bishop Reis to be assigned church Bahamas Monsignor Simeon Roberts St. Francis Cathedral West St. PO Box N. 8187, Nassau, Bahamas Tel. 242-322-8919 Fax 242-323-3802 promotions are subject to change without notice.

JEWISH WEDDINGS Contact: Stephen Henriques (Spiritual Leader) Email- [email protected] 1.The cost to perform a Jewish wedding is US $650. This has to be paid directly to Mr. Henriques. 2.Stephen Henriques is the Spiritual Leader for the Jewish community. He is not a Rabbi. 3.This fee includes; a)Kosher Wine b)Kiddush Cup c)Kippa or Yamulkahs (covering for groom’s head) d)Canopy 4.The couple is required to contact the Mr. Henriques directly to identify whether or not the date they are requesting is available before we confirm the wedding. 5.Once the date is available, Unique Vacation will confirm the wedding date for the couple. 6.The couple is expected to keep communicating with Mr. Henriques regarding the procedure of the ceremony. 7.The wedding can be held in the Gazebo or on the Beach. 8.If the wedding is on the beach the resort needs to be informed prior to the guest arrival, so that the necessary structure can be put in place (Bamboo poles) Please note that in preparation for these weddings the same procedure for our regular weddings remain i.e. documents to be sent to Sandals, then to resort to process the Minister’s License. No additional documentation is required. 7/4/2009

2009 Beaches Turks & Caicos Sept/Oct. Promotion By booking a minimum of (5) rooms for (3) nights through Sand & Sun Vacations, you will enjoy an array of incredible offerings. The best part of all is we take care of everything, so all you have to think about is the magical time the two of you will have with your family and friends! ( Not Combinable with any other Promotion) Basic Weddingmoon Package: Picturesque Ceremony Location & Set-Up Bridal Bouquet & Boutonniere Taped Musical Accompaniment Preparation of Wedding Documents Marriage Officer Wedding Coordinator One 5x7 Photograph “Just Married†T-Shirts Continental Breakfast in Bed Morning after Wedding for Bride & Groom Romantic Dinner for Bride & Groom (during your stay) *Special Promotion for September & October ONLY 5* Rooms or more Private Group Rehearsal Dinner (guests booked as part of the group block)* Complimentary Wedding Reception (3 Hours; valued at US$75.00 per person): One(1) Hour Cocktail Reception (Cold Hors d’oeuvres & Cocktails) & Two(2) Hour Dinner (Four course Meal) Mani & Pedi for Bride 35 Minute Massage for Groom Complimentary (1) Category Upgrade for Bride/Groom (Excluding Butler Suites) One complimentary room for every 25 paid rooms. (26th room comp) Group PRE-REGISTRATION and Check-in upon arrival. ***Not available at Beaches Sandy Bay but upgrade will be to Oceanview room. Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply. *Rehearsal Dinner cannot be scheduled on the day of the wedding. ** A surcharge will be applied for guest(s) booked outside the room block-to be included guests must book through. Offer is not combinable with certain promotions and price discounts. Group WeddingMoon Package must be booked through Sand & Sun Vacations. Not responsible for errors or omissions. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

Sandals Resorts are the most romantic places on earth. So whether you're getting married, renewing your vows, or going on your honeymoon, Sandals is the perfect place to do it. Offering a spectacular collection of weddings and vow renewals — including their incomparable free weddings. sand & Sun Vacations will help to take care of everything, so instead of stressing over the details of your wedding day, you can focus on each other. Best of all, your honeymoon begins the moment you say, "I do." So why Sandals for your Destination Wedding? Located on English speaking islands-no translation costs No Blood Tests Located on islands that are happy to accept English currency- no need to worry about currency exchange! 2009 / 2010 SANDALS & BEACHES WEDDINGMOONS Congratulations! Sandals & Beaches Resorts have married the wedding and the honeymoon to create the ultimate new romantic tradition…the WeddingMoon: one beautiful package, one perfect price for one of the most important events in your life! By booking a minimum of (10) rooms for (3) nights through Sand & Sun Vacations, you will enjoy an array of incredible offerings. The best part of all is we take care of everything, so all you have to think about is the magical time the two of you will have with your family and friends! Sand & Sun Vacations can assist with your Sandals & Beaches weddings that are simple and poignant, to the elaborate affairs with Preston Bailey's beautiful packages and Sylvia Weinstock touches to everything in between ! The following information is a guide for you. Sand & Sun Vacations Certified Sandals Specialists are available and happy to answer any questions you may have! Once again, congratulations! SANDALS & BEACHES WEDDINGMOONS PROGRAM For Weddings Thank you for considering sand & Sun Vacations and Sandals and Beaches, the Caribbean’s Ultra All-Inclusive Resorts to host your Group WeddingMoon. When you book just (10) rooms or more including the Bride and Groom staying at the same resort through Sand & Sun Vacations for a minimum stay of (3) nights**, you will receive the following complimentary: ( Not Combinable with any other Promotion) Basic Weddingmoon Package: Ø Picturesque Ceremony Location & Set-Up Ø Bridal Bouquet & Boutonniere Ø Taped Musical Accompaniment Ø Preparation of Wedding Documents Ø Marriage Officer Ø Wedding Coordinator Ø One 5x7 Photograph Ø “Just Married†T-Shirts Ø Continental Breakfast in Bed Morning after Wedding for Bride & Groom Ø Romantic Dinner for Bride & Groom (during your stay) Group Wedding Moon Inclusions: 5-9 Rooms Ø Complimentary (1) Category Upgrade for Bride/Groom (Excluding Butler Suites)(Subject to space availability and will be applied at finalization of wedding details and payments for rooms) Ø Government fees waved 10 Rooms or more Ø Group Rehearsal Dinner (only guests booked as part of the group block)* Ø 30 Minute Standard Wedding Reception (Valued at $15.00 per person)** Ø Mani & Pedi for Bride Ø 35 Minute Massage for Groom Ø One complimentary person for every 12 paid double rooms. (based on majority of night stays ) Ø Group PRE-REGISTRATION and Check-in upon arrival. Certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply. *Rehearsal Dinner cannot be scheduled on the day of the wedding. ** A US$ 15.00 per person surcharge for guest booked outside the room block. Offer is not combinable with certain promotions and price discounts. Group WeddingMoon Package must be booked through Sand & Sun Vacations. Not responsible for errors or omissions. CONDITIONS FOR SANDALS & BEACHES WEDDINGMOONS Ø All wedding reservation (date and time) must be made at least 45 days prior. Ø Wedding dates and time vary and are subject to public holidays and availability. Ø Couples will only be allowed to marry at the resort where they are staying. Ø Additional fees apply for Chapel, Catholic, Jewish, and Sunset weddings. Please call Sand & Sun Vacations for more information. Ø Additional charges apply for wedding guests who are not staying at SANDALS or BEACHES. The client must notify Sand & Sun Vacations so we can have Sandals grant permission. All Prices in US Dollar and may be changed without notice. Set-up/Surcharge required for additional guest above Two (2) guests included in Basic WeddingMoon Package. SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE

In general the recommended amount is 20-50 per day. It'll depend on what butler category you are in, how much the butlers do for you throughout the day ect! A few things about the Butlers that you may not have known- They are trained by the English Guild of Butlers, same place where they train the Butlers for the Queen of England!Sandals pays for this training. Butlers are tested every other year and have to pass to keep their certification! Your Butler will do your check in in your suite -this is after they provide you a cool scented cloth and glass of champagne or your favorite beverage! You can pre select your preferences before traveling so that your butlers can assist in having them on hand for your arrival! They will book and escort you to your restaurant of choice each evening if you chose! They will reserve the prime beach or pool spots for you each day and provide you with a cooler of your favorite beverages! You will have a phone to contact your Butler so if you need anything (forgot your sunblock or book in your room, want to book a spa appoinment, want a snack) they will take care of it! A study was done where it found that by having a Butler it saved a couple typically 36 hours of vacation time over the course of a 7 day vacation! Butler suites have upgraded amenities and stocked min bar! Butlers will iron an outfit for you! Butlers can book spa treatments and excursions for you !This can be a huge time saver! Butler suites typically have an upgraded room service menu! Butlers will set up in suite dinning for you! Butler suite at some Sandals properties offer 4 course dining at Gordons on the Pier ! The Butlers do not stay in the room with you~ they are available by phone so you still have your privacy! There are two Butler shifts daily! The first few years Sandals introduced Butler service they had a hard time keeping Butlers....the guests loved them so much they'd hire them and take them home! The list goes on and on ........doesn't it just sound like your every care and desire is taken care of!

Sand & Sun Vacations with BDW presents Sunset Resorts- Jamaica ! Join us for a Webinar on July 23 Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/352558818 We're thrlled to have Alicia from Sunset Resorts join us to discuss the wonderful all inclusive Sunset Resorts on the island of Jamaica! Plus as a bonus we will have the wedding coordinator on hand to answer your destination wedding questions! She'll be reviewing; The wonderful and unique Sunset at the Palms in Negril-set on 10 lush acres annd offering exotic "treehouse" style guestrooms with modern amenities and all the comforts of a resort! Sunset Jamaica Grande set in the heart of Ocho Rios -the ideal getaway for singles, couples and families ! Sunset Beach Resort & Spa in Montego Ba, surrounded by water on three sides this colorful beachfront resort features a pirate themed waterpark , pleasant furnishings and family friendly amenities! And of course their Destination Wedding program! Title: Sand & Sun Vacations with BDW presents Sunset Resorts- Jamaica ! Date:Thursday, July 23, 2009 Time:7:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar. System Requirements PC-based attendees Required: Windows® 2000, XP Home, XP Pro, 2003 Server, Vista Macintosh®-based attendees Required: Mac OS® X 10.4 (Tiger®) or newer

Hey Ladies! We've partnered with Sunset Resorts to have a destination wedding webinar! Alicia from Sunset Resorts will talk about Sunset at the Palms, Sunset Montego Bay and Sunset Grande Ocho Rios plus we'll have SATP wedding coordinator on hand to ask all of your wedding related questions ! This is a free webinar but is limited in space ! I'll update the thread momentarily with the RSVP and access information!

Nayeli was the wedding coordinator at Excellence Playa mujures- she was promoted a while back -if I remember correctly around December. The new WC is named Yamina! Quote: Originally Posted by smf47 Who is Nayele?

Yup- they can take cabins back at will if they do not have names and/or deposits. Sometimes you can ask for more time-it never hurts to try- but sometimes they just will not give it to you if the ship is sailing that well, I've had it happen to me. To Carnival you've had these rooms since February or earlier so they are not looking at it as all of a sudden! The cruise line's are very fickle and the contracts are all very one sided-to them of course! They are basically allowed to do whatever they want-change itineraries, take back group space-heck there was even a few times when they oversold and denied passengers their cruise (not to my clients thank goodness, but a word of caution -do not book guarantee cabins as it apperas those are the ones bumped ) ! There are a couple of additional factors that you & the TA may be dealing with : The cruiseline can and will change group policies at the drop of a hat-again to suit them-they reserve that right! It also depends on which res agent the TA gets when calling in - some are extreme sticklers to the policies, some are more lenient and some just don't have a clue-I've also run into a couple that would make up their own policies! It's a running joke in the agent community that if you don't like the first answer to call back again till you get the answer you like! Needless to say- I love cruising, it's not quite what it used to be in terms of quality but still a great vacation- but I don't sell cruises anymore because of all the above plus a few other things.

Quote: Originally Posted by JaimeLynne I will say our HM hotel did a cool thing for us! We stayed at The Royal Plantation in Ocho Rios, JA and they sent us a tray which included 1) a letter of congratulations from the Manager (looked hand signed) with a $50 gift cert to the spa (which we put to use on a couples massage lesson!) 2) Ice cold champagne in a bucket of ice 3) yummy little dessert plate and separate fruit/cheese plate. Was very, very sweet of them! After our previous experience, we felt so touched at this token of their acknowledgment of our wedding/honeymoon. The Royal Plantation takes very good care of my clients (of course I sent the VIP letter letting them know that you and Martin are one of my Very special clients, visiting on your honeymoon and everything that had happened to the two of you prior to you getting there! ) I am so glad they stepped up and had such a fantastic welcome for the two of you! I need to go write another thank you note to the GM! Ladies please remember to let your TA's know if your resort did something special for you- I always like to send a thank you letter to them for taking care of my clients! If you don't let us know we can't send that letter!

Congrats on choosing Sandals- You will love St. Lucia!

I know alot of brides are looking for family resorts that have chapels- this one sounds fantastic! Gran Caribe Real Cancun opens Roman Catholic chapel By: Kenneth Kiesnoski June 16, 2009 Real Resorts has opened Cancun's only consecrated Roman Catholic resort chapel on the grounds of the 477-suite Gran Caribe Real Cancun. The chapel -- available for weddings, First Communions and other religious services -- is the latest in the all-inclusive chain's growing list of romance-themed facilities and services, which also includes beachfront weddings and vow renewals, private Lear jet transportation to add from the U.S. and Canada, limousine transfers, nine nuptials packages, honeymoon deals and a la carte wedding arrangements. The all-glass, beachfront Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel was dedicated in April. "There's no other resort in Cancun with a Catholic chapel consecrated by the [local] bishop," said Monica Roberts, Real's corporate director of operations. "It's also unique in that we can offer marriages on Sundays, when priests usually are not available." The chapel is available to couples staying at the family-oriented Gran Caribe Real Cancun and the adjacent, adults-only the Royal Cancun. Real Resorts also offers Jewish, Protestant, civil and --- with its Mayan Experience wedding package -- shamanistic ceremonies at its five all-inclusive properties in Cancun and Playa del Carmen. (Real's other resorts are the Royal Playa del Carmen, Gran Porto Real Playa del Carmen and Real Playa del Carmen.) "We offer a range of choices, from the most simple weddings to the most luxurious ceremony," said Graciela Ochoa, groups and conventions director. Real's nine wedding packages are the Free Wedding, Romance Wedding, Classic Wedding, Classic Catholic Wedding, Royal Catholic Wedding, Mayan Experience, Eternal Romance Wedding, Luxury Wedding and Ultimate Luxury Wedding. "We have many options to offer, many locations and many choices," added Ochoa. "If couples don't like any of the packages, they can pick what they want." According to Roberts, Real Resorts hosts an average of 700 weddings a year. The chain hopes to grow that figure to 1,200 ceremonies annually, largely thanks to its new white-sand beach at Cancun, replenished after devastating Hurricane Wilma in 2005. "We're really pushing the weddings market in Cancun," she said. "What most couples are looking for is to get married directly on the beach. That's what they come for."

It'll be really tough as T& C is one of the most expensive Caribbean islands- nothing is made there and all has to be imported, driving the prices fairly high. You may want to look at Beaches Resort - they'll pick up the govermental fees ( which are high) if your in a concierge room for 6 nights. You can do a private sit down plated meal for $50-75 per person with all drinks included, plus your cake and a champagne toast.

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I just had a client return who had the same concerns regarding trip advisor, here is what he wrote when he got back- Jennifer, Thanks for all your help -- we had a great time at SRB! It was very difficult to leave. Your advice and recommendations were valuable throughout our stay. There are definitely some "quirks" to the property, but nothing to warrant the negative reviews out there. We'd definitely go back and recommend it to others, but will likely look into another Sandals just to experience a new destination. Thanks, Chuck S -Pennsylvania Sandals Royal Bahamian- May 2009 They had a great time - but it's a property that I always advise that you really want to be careful of the lower room categories and know it's "personality"to see if it's the right resort for you!

Check in time is at 3pm !I beleive we have the information in the beginning of the thread! Quote: Originally Posted by JoLo908 I have an important question for the Excellence brides. We are staying here for our honeymoon portion of our trip, and I need to find out what time the check in is at? I would ask our TA, but we are having major problems with them. We are supposed to do our TTD with Claudia Rodriguez the day we arrive, but I need to find out check in time!! Thanks ladies!!!

Congratulations! The gazebo is perfect- especially if you want to wear heals! It has the beautiful backdrop of the ocean, lots of greenery on the sides and doesn't need any dressing up of it if you don't want to! Take a look at the Signature wedding package- most of the upgrades that people would add on are included and it provides a modest packaged discount!

Welcome & Congratulations- you'll love Beaches Turks & Caicos! there is a no outside vendor policy still in place with Beaches- unfortunately your photo's will need to be done outside of the resort with the photographer that you hired-anything inside the resort will need tpo be done with a Sandals/Beaches photographer.

Good for you- now make them quick before he changes his mind again!