Bride010101

I don't think you need to pay over 5K if its not in the budget. I think you should be able to find something that will fit your wants and your budget. That being said my photographer plans changed several times, before I got where I'm at. Initially, a friend of FI's was going to take all our pics for free. We were still debating how we would supplement his trip or reimburse him. Then the friend became a GM and I wanted something else so I was looking at photographers in Jamaica. I really liked the work of a Brian N-something... I know someone on here is using him and maybe able to help out. I believe his package pricing is reasonable... then you would need to also purchase a day pass for him. However, I was lucky enough to win a contest by Nic Dragonmire on the forum... so now I have a certain amount of photo hours and all my photos for free, but just need to pay travel expenses (hotel, air, transfers) for him and his assistant. Another alternative is to talk to photographers in your area. The photographer doing my brothers grad pics (who I would have used if I had the wedding at home) is trying to expand his portfolio and had mentioned reducing his package rates if travel expneses were covered. So maybe someone in your area would do the same.

I think they are very cute. And I agree... no body but you will notice that the blue isn't the exact match. And honestly, even if they do notice - they won't care. The bags look high quality and I think your guests will love the thought you put into them and the usefulness for the trip.

So cute! Your girls will love them.

Quote: Originally Posted by Melba Not sure if this is what you were looking for, but I ordered Juicy knock off terry dresses for my BMs at Victoria's Secret: I should get them in the mail later on today. Ooh... let me know how you like them! And if they are pretty true to size. I was just looking at these online the other day and asked my mom if she thought my sisters would like them last night. I am hopefully ordering mine in the near future.

Welcome... sounds like you've been busy! It's such a relief to check things of the to-do-list! Well happy planning and don't forget to take a break from the busyness and just enjoy the moment sometimes!

Congrats! Lots of fun stuff here to take a look at... have you narrowed down to a location yet? Happy Planning

Still debating, but at this point I'm also thinking steel drum band to Canon in D. : )

I haven't heard of them but will be very interested to see how yours turn out and see some pics! I am not until Jan 2009 so I could still order from AA, but they seem so busy I was going to try and find some other alternatives.

Thanks everyone! I assumed we would be able to, just didn't remember ever hearing it! Quote: Originally Posted by Lizz Our rehearsal is set up for the night before at 6:00. Then we have reserved a dinner at St. Ann's at 6:30 for 40 people (our wedding party and their dates and our immediate familes). I don't know if it's really necessary, but I have such a large wedding party that I want to make sure everyone knows where they're supposed to be for the ceremony. Lizz did you ask Chandyln specifically for St. Ann's or did she just give you that option? I would love to do something similar as well.

Does ROR offer a rehersal or anything the day before? I don't recall seeing anyone mention this before... and I know some people in their reviews made comments that they didn't really know what they were doing until Chandyln came and got them... so just curious if we had the option to request a rehersal of some sort the day before? Also curious if anyone did a rehersal dinner of any sorts?

Congrats! So nice to be able to check things off the list.

Welcome! Happy Planning

These look great!

omg! I can't even imagine... that must be devastating for their community... and for you! I am amazed at how well you are handling it. I'm sure you will get everything sorted out... but what a bummer! Can't wait to hear your plans though, I'm sure you will figure out something great.

Our STDs were more Save-The-Week. We were still waiting for the specific date confirmation (and the resort keptpushing back 2009 confirmations), but since it was less than a year away wanted to give people heads up. Plus we knew that no matter what it would happen sometime that week (are only option due to our student schedules). We included a letter explaining the date issue and in there gave the date we were aiming for (and our second choice). Now that it has been finalized we have spread notice via word of mouth and our website.

So cute! What a fun and unique idea.

Quote: Originally Posted by Maura becky, take it from two people who have their house furnished/decorated mostly with things from college/FI's bachelor pad, REGISTER for gifts. That was also the realization we had. We will be moving around the next year for school (every 3 months) - so most of the stuff we have will just be going into storage. I made the decision that we will be getting a dumpster and throwing away most of the stuff from his current residence because I don't ever want it to move into our actual house together. FI hates throwing things away... so it will be interesting. If I can't get him to do it now and it gets moved into our new place, I will never get rid of i!

Yeah once I came to the realization that I was having a shower - whether I wanted it or not - I have been bugging Sean that we need to register. At this point we have no clue where we are going to end up in a year though, so its hard to decide what we want. But defintely all the basics - kitchen stuff, bedding, bathroom, etc. I am actually really excited to go and register now! We just haven't had a significant chunk of free time to figure out what we want and where we should register yet. A project for this coming summer!

Quote: Originally Posted by jaychristensen I just thought I would share the email I just got from the wedding sales coordiator at RIU, which was cc'd to Chandlyn. I felt a huge relief that we should not run into complications on the wedding day. Dear Jocelyn, Thank you for contacting RIU Weddings Sales Department. I would like to confirm that if your friend will be part of your wedding guests, there will be no problem if he takes your wedding pictures. There will be no problems with Michael or fee if you don't use the photographer of our Hotel. I am "cc" to Ms. Chandlyn Edwards, our On Site Wedding Coordinator in Ocho Rios, so she can be informed about this matter. If you shall require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Warm Regards, Valeria Munguia Weddings Sales Coordinator Ocho Rios & Negril, Jamaica Weddings By Riu America's Division Email: [email protected] **In order to have a wedding at our RIU Hotels & Resorts, the couple and the 80 percent of the total amount of the wedding guests must stay at the hotel where the wedding will be performed. This is a strict Riu policy we must follow. Thanks! That is great to hear.

Congrats from another ROR bride! Happy Planning

I also did not want a shower - basically because I feel that the people coming have already spent enough towards my wedding. That being said, FI and I are college students and at this point have pretty much nothing for our future home. Plus when I mentioned NOT having a shower, my family was actually quite upset about it. My aunts and cousins on both sides told me I was crazy and already began planning ones for me. It will just be people that were invited to the wedding - but will include those that are unable to attend for personal reasons. Do you have any sisters/aunts that you could enlist to host one for you? If you want one... I'm sure one of them would be more than happy for you.

Welcome and Happy Planning :_)

Congrats and Happy Planning!

If you search plantation you should be able to find an idea of the menu. I know I have seen it somewhere before just not sure where. Maybe in the big (like 50 page) Riu Ocho Rios thread in Jamaica. (?) Also, not sure if you've seen it but I attached a map of the Riu. Gives you an idea where the restaurants and Seagrape are. Riu Map.pdf

Seagrape is the beach bar. It closes at like 5 or something... so thats the $10/person charge to keep the bar open. The reception itself will actually then be on the beach in the sand. I beleive they will bring down some tables for you and have tiki torches to light up the perimeter of the area. Using the search function (upper right corner) do a search for seagrape and you will find lots of info. One of the most recent ROR brides that came back has some photos... check out page 9 of: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t15662-9 Also take a look at the Jamaica thread... you will find tons of info on ROR. Also, if you look at the wedding review section there are several recent ROR brides. I have found most of my information thus far on those threads. It saves a lot of time asking the wedding coordinator simple questions that other brides have answered. I suggest grabbing a notebook or something to jot down notes as you find them (and titles of threads)... because it can be difficult refinding stuff sometimes because there is so much info. Good luck and let us know if you need anything else!