~*petals*~

I went down to view *another* property originally, intending just to stay at Grand Palladium for the visit... I'm back and it was great! ... so great that now I'm a Grand Palladium JA bride-to-be instead! I know you guys want pics so here you go... the resort was really nice. Despite hurricane damage, I still thought it was huge and pretty. Since it's located between Montego Bay and Negril, you still get Negril's amazing sunsets. Originally the wedding options were beach, "lovers' bluff" and gazebo. The last two are actually being combined to create a garden setting with the sea in the background. The gazebo has not yet arrived, but here are some pics of the space where it will go. It's a raised bluff overlooking the sea. They're still clearing out the trees, and waiting for the gazebo to arrive, before they do plantings to complete the garden setting. It is a beautiful view though! (So use your imagination... and picture a gazebo, less trees, and more grass and flowers in this space. lol) Here's the beach wedding location, although they said it took a hit by Hurricane Gustav & was not back in prime condition yet. Here are some of the restaurants at which you can have your semi-private reception (they'll make a reservation for your group). We actually didn't get a chance to make it to all of the restaurants before we left.

Quote: Originally Posted by NJ_bride Since most of my 45 guests are travelers I'm doing more of a welcome gift than OOT bags. I'm using disposable gift bags I decorated that way people can throw them away if they don't want them. Inside I am putting a small bottle of rum, local coffee, and a coffee scoop, with a short welcome letter. I only have to bring the bags and scoops. The coffee and rum I am getting in Jamaica (delivered from a local company to me at the resort)I am really worried about luggage space so the less I had to bring the better! I really want to do something like this- do you mind sharing the company's name?

Quote: Originally Posted by ashley173 Petals, are you getting married at RIU Negril? No, but I know there have been other Riu Negril brides over on the Jamaica thread. Here's one: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t18151 Happy planning!!

Here are some pretty setups from Floral Fantasy in Negril.

Welcome Melissa, from another JA May 09 bride!

Congrats and welcome from another Jamaica 09 bride!

Welcome Ashley, from another May 09 Negril Bride!

My cousin got married in Ocho Rios a few years ago and had her reception at Ruins at the Falls... It was beautiful! Waterfall right outside the windows. These are from the Ruins' website:

Those are so cute!

I saw these cute ones on eInvite.com.

I did mine through vistaprint.com with just a background photo and I thought they came out well- I was able to fit all the info I wanted on them. I used our engagement photo on the front of my save-the-date cards & just inserted the magnets. (plus if you do a google search for coupon codes, you can get them for free or really cheap)

Beautiful pics! What an amazing adventure you're having!

I went to one and it was pretty much a waste of time since I'm having a DW. It was all local vendors trying to pitch their products. I could see how it could've been helpful if I was not having a destination wedding, but for me it turned out to be more of a hassle... I think if you haven't bought your dress, picked your photog, etc. you could find some good local vendors though!

Welcome & Congratulations from another Jamaica bride!

Cute! I can't believe you did them yourself with a tripod!

Quote: Originally Posted by GregsBride Hi Ladies!! Petals and Chickadee would either of you ladies mind sending me the photographers pricing info you have?? My address is [email protected]. Although I'm sure they will prob increase their prices by the time I would need to book, it would help me a lot to have somewhat of a starting point. Thanks for your help!! Sure- I'll send them over to you now.

I like #1 or #2. I was thinking about wearing a black shirt for my e-pics but I'm really glad I went with a splash of color!

Wow! Great prices-- thanks for posting that link!

Quote: Originally Posted by divadivine25 Thanks! Very helpful! Are there many chocolate brides on this forum? I was posting on the knot and brownandbridal until I found this site. Yeah there are quite a few of us!

Awesome! I'm happy for you- they turned out so nicely.

Congratulations! I love your bouquet!

Quote: Originally Posted by Jill Hey ladies you will be the only one who appreciates my excitement but I booked my Photographer!! Stacey Clarke out of Negril. She has amazing pictures and is very resonable with her prices. I emailed Riu head office and they wrote back saying all I had to do was purchase a day pass.. so I hope I dont run into a problem with Micheal! Yay! Congratulations-- a huge thing to cross off your list. Quote: Originally Posted by jennifer24 Hi Everyone, I've just begun to start planning for my wedding on Feb 24, 2009 at the RIU Ochos Rios. With regards to photography, has anyone heard anything about the photographer at the resort? I think his name is Michael. I have thought about bringing someone in, but haven't decided at this point. There are lots of threads in this forum about Michael-- just use the little "search this forum" button at the upper right (when you're viewing the Jamaica page) and a bunch of them will come up.

That's a great booklet!

Congrats and welcome to the forum!

Nice! Congrats on the dress.