kenwedjam0902

Jodiann,

 I got married at the GBP on September 2, 2011 and it was awesome.  Everything was perfect and my guests said it was the best wedding they had ever gone to.  No one experienced roaches in their rooms and Donnalee was fine.  Were there mosquitoes everywhere, YES!!!  So please pack lots of bug spray!!  Did Donnalee walk through the middle of the gazebo to deliver the sand for the unity sand?? Yes, but to my guests it all made sense.  The only advice I would give is when you meet with Chandlyn on the first day be extremely descriptive.  If you want the gazebo to look a certain way tell her and she will do it.  To me the location was beautiful so the flowers only added to the décor so it didn’t matter what flowers they used.  Chandlyn was there to deliver the flowers and escort me to the gazebo but Donnalee was there for the ceremony and reception. So I would recommend that you request a meeting with Donnalee as well or ask to speak with her a day or so before the wedding.  Just highlight the things that are important to you and it will all be fine.  I had over 150 people at my wedding so there were lots of options but everyone had nothing but nice things to say about the entire weekend.  The only negative feedback we received was regarding the towels.  The resort is a bit stingy with the towels to I would let your guests know that they may have to request towel everyday but that really was the only issue.  Oh and they didn’t decorate our room the night of the wedding and the cake was the wrong color and never served it to my guests but it wasn’t a huge issue.  My Mom called to complain about the room the next morning and so they did it that night, delivered fruit, wine and champagne and offer a special dinner at the Italian Restaurant.  And with the cake I didn’t realize until it was all over because everyone was on the dance floor.  The only advice I would give it to have fun and just focus on each other and it will be fine.

I would upload pictures from the ceremony and reception but I don’t have enough posts to do so.  If you have any other concerns feel free to ask as I was there for 8 days…

Happy Planning!! 

Originally Posted by Jodiann 

Hi ladies! I am new to the site and I am also getting married at the GBP, and now I am SOOOOO scared! All the good things sound great .. but the bad things sound horrible! Like roaches (OMG), and a rude wedding coordinator (Donnalee). It took me long enough to actually pick a resort. Being in charge of picking a place for all your family and friends to spend their vacation and their money on is a harsh reality to have on your shoulders. I mean its booked for us, and everyone knows this is where its going to be, so I guess now its just working with what we have. But I am def nervous now, not only about the resort but about everything.

 

Cupcake & Mrs. Johnson, you guys are amazing! The time you have taken to write everything you have for everyone is great, thank you so much! Also both of you looked GORGEOUS on your day, and the wedding itself looked amazing. And all of your pre-wedding planning with bags and decorations and everything else is such a big help. After seeing all of your posts from start to finish, I am nervous! I hope I can pull it off too!

Hi Ladies!!!

It has been soo long since I have been here.  I have soo much reading to do but I can't because my wedding is in 30 days!!!!  I can't believe its next month...  I still have to print programs and the weekend brochure...  But I will leave it in the hands of Kinkos to get it all printed for me.  But before I finalize my documents I have a few questions for past brides.

How much time did you have between your ceremony and reception??  Our wedding ceremony starts at 4pm but Chandlyn just said that our reception will start at 6:30pm.  That's 2 1/2 hours!!  I plan on our ceremony lasting at the most 45 minutes and then pictures should take about an hour but what will the guest be doing at that time??  Does anyone know what the closest bar to the Dolce Vita Restaurant is?? And is it open air or air conditioned??

What’s the name of the resort disco??  We are having 140 guests at our wedding and they love to party so our four hour reception isn't long enough.  So we are telling everyone that we are going to continue to party at the resort disco.  Do most people change after the reception or just go straight to the disco. I am trying to decide it I want to buy another dress for the after party...

Where is a good location for our guests to meet for the Welcome Reception??  Chandlyn said the lobby bar is open at 8pm and in a central location but I just wanted to know if there are any other options.

How do guest make dinner reservations before their arrival at the resort?
 
Can guest reserve beach and pool cabana before they arrive at the resort?  I read that they can on tripadvisor but I can't figure out who they should contact?

Thanks so much for you help!

Have you considered a lace front wig??  They can offer many style options, you can use a curling iron and you’re not required you to wear your hair or edges out.  I wear them all the time and I don't glue it to my skin so I can take it off as often as I want.  One of my BM wears them as well and she gets them glued and I thought it looked great.  It didn't look like a lace front wig, it looked like she had a great weave.  So if you’re open to it I wore Model Model "Inspire" for my cousin’s wedding.  Here is a link to girl trying it on and to me it looks like a weave that is very versatile http://lacefronwigsandmore.blogspot.com/2011/03/model-modelss-inspire-ii-hello-all-this.html 

Hope this helps!

I am Maggie bride and my dress is Jenna!!!  It just came in yesterday and I already have it. I am so in love with my dress that i couldn't leave it in the store.  I will post a picture soon!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by missgomes 

I don't know about a full sew in.  Do you swim?  If so, how does that work? 

 

Also, I am a BIG DIY.  I don't think they do have clip ons for our hair.  BUT.... drumroll!!  I know that you can buy the clips and sew them on to wefted hair pieces and TADA... you have a clip on.  I am sure there is a youtube video out there!!  There are youtubes for everything!!  Check with your hair lady.  Maybe she can help.

This is exactly what I have been thinking.  I want to be able to get in the pool and the ocean and do a trip to Dunns River Falls but I don't want to mess up my weave.  That's why I was thinking of wearing a wig so I can be natural during the week and then on the wedding day have the hairstyle that I want.  And there are lace front wigs that are really long which should accommodate the hairstyle that I want.  So I plan on trying it out to make sure that it will looks natural and that I can do the hairstyle. Does anyone else have any other suggestions???

Quote:

Originally Posted by eholt 

Hey chocolate ladies!  Although I am not totally set on my hair, I do need some make-up advice.  I will likely end up doing my own make-up so I know I need to do some trials.  Need suggestions on products for semi-oily skin, where to go, techniques etc.  I'm a little nervous about depending solely on the resort so I need to have a clue before I leave.  Please give any suggestions you all have.

 

Thanks!

I am a fan of MAC because they offer both liquid and powder foundations that last. The have one that lasts for 8 hours and another that last for 16 hours.  They also have an oil control moisturizer that really reduces shine and the ladies at the counter are always there to help.  I stopped by the MAC counter at Macy's and there was a women who was doing a makeup trial for her wedding and another women who was there for a training session on a smokey eye with fake eyelashes.   I am also planning on doing a wedding day trial so I can purchase all of the makeup I will need for Jamaica.  Hope this helps! 

Thanks!  Minimus has a lot of supplies but I was able to find individual packets of the aloe vera on Amazon. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ehpage 

closest bar to the steakhouse grill restaurant is either the pool bar (it's on 2 levels.. one side of it in the pool one side of it above the pool on ground level) or the lobby / piano bar is only a short walk away and a set of stairs up.

 

I'd say meet at the lobby/piano bar, it's much nicer than the pool bar and has seating. The pool bar is standing only.

Thanks for the suggestion.  I will definitely look into having it at the piano bar.  I do remember my TA saying that Beverly suggests we have it there but to have a private cocktail hour is $700 to rent the space plus the cost of the bar.  So I think we will just keep it open to everyone and take it over for the cocktail hour J  Thanks again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ourvm 

Hi,

 

We ordered our OOT bags (personalized jute bags) from discountmugs.  Most of our guests used these as some didn't bring beach bags and others just didn't want to get theirs dirty with sand so I think it was a hit.

 

Inside our OOT bags - 1 per room:

1. Kwik Tek Dry Pak wallet (Waterproof pack) from Amazon ($5.75 each) - this was a HIT!  People used this for their keys and tip money in the pool, snorkeling, etc and kept everything completely dry.... everyone loved this one!
2. Keycard holder with whistle from orientaltrading - per guest - this was definitely used by the guests who didn't grab the dry pak first
3. Hand Sanitizer from Bed Bath and Beyond - didn't quite see people using this
4. Pashmina - our lady guests definitely found this useful since it was quite chilly in the morning and night and so this was quite handy.
5. Flip flops from Oldnavy - per guest - half of the guests wore the ones we provided
6. Personalized playing cards with our logo from artscow (I got these on sale for $4.99/deck) - didn't really see people using this since most were lounging in the sun
7. Welcome photo books - most people didn't even spend time looking through this and we spent a long time working on them...
8. First aid kit from Target
9. Medicine pouch - Immodium, Tylenol, Pepto, Mosquito repellent, after sting, after sun, antiseptic wipe and Neosporin from minimus
10. Bowtie bottle opener - not used

 

In general, I think the biggest hit was the dry pak since most of guests didn't have one and it's something useful for their future trips.  First aid and medicine pouch most commented were thoughtful.  Families with kids were typically prepared but others did break in to the kit and pouch.

 

Hope this helps.

Where did you get the medicine pouch from with the after sun?  I have been searching for them everywhere but I can’t seem to find individual packets.

Hi Ladies, I have a question about cocktail hour after the ceremony.  Are you having one? If so where and are you paying for an open bar and appetizers? My FI and I are still considering it but our TA feels that it is a waste of money.  So she suggests that we have our guests meet us a one of the bars after the pictures.  Since the drinks are flowing freely at the bars we save money and it gives the guests the option to stop by their rooms to freshen up as well. Any suggestions?  Oh and does anyone know what is the closest bar to the Garden Grill Restaurant.  Thanks!

Originally Posted by missgomes 

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenwedjam0902 

......And as for makeup I too love MAC and that’s all I wear but in the summer I can get really oily and my makeup seems to slide off.  Would you be able to suggest any foundations that give good coverage but won’t come off with sweat and not make me look like I just got splashed with baby oil…

 

I don't wear makeup often, but when I do, I use MAC.  I, too, have oily skin.  I am planning on using the MAC Fix +.  Have you tried this before?  It's supposed to set your makeup for the day and keep it fresh. 
 

 

So I went to the MAC counter at Macys and the women there kept saying that the MAC Fix would only "refresh" my makeup and not make it last longer.  So instead I bought the oil control face lotion and that stuff works miracles!!  At the end of the day my foundation still looks fresh and most of all it's still on my face.  While I was there I also bought the ProLong Foundation and that stuff is awesome.  It really lasts all day and it doesn't wear off.  The only downside is the colors are bit lighter than the Studio Fix Power so they don't have a shade that matches me perfectly.  So I think I am going to try the Studio Fix Liquid Foundation because it’s supposed to last for 8 hours...

Quote:

Originally Posted by smille50 

I was going to put sunscreen in mine, but now I don't think I will.  Also I will be sure to add more advil!!  Great advise!

At first I was going to put sunscreen in my bags as well but most people remember to pack it.  So I have been trying to find individual aloe packets for sunburn.

No, I haven't heard of it, is it new?  My MOH was telling me about a primer from another company that was supposed to work really well but I can't remember the name.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I will definitely stop by the MAC counter to see if they have it. My makeup is one of my biggest concerns for the wedding because I have dark marks from acne scars so I want to make sure I am “picture perfect†for the entire day…

Originally Posted by missgomes 

I don't wear makeup often, but when I do, I use MAC.  I, too, have oily skin.  I am planning on using the MAC Fix +.  Have you tried this before?  It's supposed to set your makeup for the day and keep it fresh. 
 

That’s what my FI is thinking so we are going to try a both ideas.  To the guests who we know don't have access to a computer we will include the rates for three nights since that is the duration that we are expecting the majority of our guests to stay and for those that do we will direct them to the website...

Thanks for all of the responses J

My FI doesn't like weaves either but he met me when I had one and didn't know the difference so I am still considering it.  But just this week I went to the hair store and found a line of lace front wigs that really look nice and human   I didn't glue it down, I just cut off the lace to the hair line and combed out some the hair around my hairline and presto it looks like I have long hair.  So I am now considering being natural while at the resort so I can go swimming and then put on the wig the day of the wedding to have the beautician at the resort style it.  That way I can get the best of both worlds... But right now it’s only one of the many options because I still have time.   And as for makeup I too love MAC and that’s all I wear but in the summer I can get really oily and my makeup seems to slide off.  Would you be able to suggest any foundations that give good coverage but won’t come off with sweat and not make me look like I just got splashed with baby oil…

Originally Posted by Monique 

I have not decided what I'm going to do with my hair...I recently (this pass May) cut my hair really short (boys cut) to give it a break from the perm and to recover from a first time hair color that left my hair feeling brittle and lifeless... I still have time between now and August of next year to decide on something...as far as makeup I use to work for Mac and can do my own..but that's not always fun...I have started pulling some looks that I like as far as makeup goes...but for hair styles...I'm lost....FH doesn't like weaves but I'm tempted to do a trial run to see how one would look and then let him see it...Hell he can't tell when someone is wearing one anyway!

You look beautiful and your dress is perfect for you   I have a question about the hanger with your name bent into it.  Where did you get it made?

Hi Debra,  I noticed that you were married in 2009 but I was hoping you could share where your FI and GM rented their suits.  We are getting married next Sept and it seems as if its going to be very expensive if we rent their suits in the states.  Thanks!

Originally Posted by ~Debra~ 

My DH's groomsmen rented their suits in Ocho Rios. I believe it was 150.00 and when they returned the suit they got back 50.00.They rented Ivory suits and they were very nice.

I am getting married Sept 2, 2011 and when I read some of the posts it seems that there are brides who are getting married after me and have planned soo much already.  My FI and I have just confirmed our date with the resort (Gran Bahia) and have worked with a TA to obtain rates for our groups. We have also contacted Jan’s Floral since we have read that their prices are more affordable than Tai Floral.  Oh and I ordered my dress and have chosen my FI suit, the BM dresses and GM suits but that is really it.  So what have other Sept 2011 Brides done?  When are you sending out your wedding invitations?  When will your guests put down their deposits?  When are you booking your florist, DJ and photographers?  Have you decided what is going in your OOTB?

OMG I love your pictures.  I have been searching for hairstyles since I chose my dress and the first set of pictures sum up what I have been looking for.  My dress is a sweetheart neckline with a dropped waist and ruffles at the bottom so I wanted a simple updo with flowers in my hair.  Thanks so much for the pictures!!!  But the thing is I am natural so I will have to get a weave for the wedding but I really want to get in the water.  We are flying in the week before the wedding and are supposed to go to Dunns River Falls so I know my hair is going to get wet.  I am going to have my hairdresser put in the weave before I leave so I am trying to decide if I want to make an appointment with the salon at the resort so they can do my hair the day of the wedding or if I should just do it myself with the help or my MOH.  Any suggestions???  What are other natural brides doing?

Originally Posted by AfricanVenus 

I am wearing the one-shoulder Gaudi Pronovias dress. The recommended hairstyle for this silhouette is an up-do. I'm cool with that, but I'm also hesitant to let go of a long, flowing, and wavy hairstyle (m/b even half up/half down). On top of that, I'm wearing a birdcage blusher veil that ends at my nose and don't think long hairstyles really work with that type of veil. I also want a large flower fascinator towards the back side of my hair, as well as small star shaped rhinestone-esque hair pins (if it's up) I think I'm worried about looking sorta bald with the up do, lol. Plus, I have a Tyra Banks forehead to think about. I'm in need of some advice! Here are the options I'm considering:   

Hi Ladies

User Name: kenwedjam0902

Name: Kendall & Shika

Location: Gran Bahia Principle

Wedding: September 2, 2011

in JA: 08/28/11 - 09/4/2011

Congrats Tiffany!  I am getting married Sept 2011 in Jamaica as well.  My FI and I chose Gran Bahia after doing some site visits this past Sept.  Hope you find the resort of your dreams.  Good Luck! 

My FI and I visited Jamaica this past September for vacation/site visits.  We stayed at the Riu Ocho Rios and had a great time.  They have beautiful wedding ceremony locations however they weren't for us.  The beach gazebo was too causal and exposed to everyone on the beach and the gazebo at the lagoon wasn't tropical enough since the gazebo faces the resort.  So while saying your vows guests can watch from their balcony.  We were also supposed to visit the Gran Bahia but the wedding planner left early so we were unable to see the resort:(  But after reviewing pictures and the different options for the reception we decided to go with the Gran Bahia!!!  It has the ceremony location that faces the beach that we wanted and the options that they offer are really affordable.  We are expecting at least 100 people to attend so we want to get has much as we can for our budget. I’m still a numbie so I can’t post any pictures but if you send me a personal message with your email address I can send you the link to my pictures of the resort.

Hello Ladies,

I need some advice. I am starting to create our wedding invitations and I am questioning the idea of putting our group rates and TA information on our invitations.  My FI feels that we should give the rates since some of our family members don't have access to a computer and thus can't view our wedding website.  However I feel that we should just give the location information and request that our guests view our website to see our rates.  I have been looking at other brides invitations and most don't give the rates but ask the guest to visit their website or contact their TAs.  I only found one invitation where a bride gave the rates and it honestly didn't look that "bad".  So now I am even more confused and need some advice.  Thx

I am getting married there 09/02/11 and we booked through Easy Escapes Travel.  Our agent has been extremely helpful and her suppliers offer comp rooms as well as a best price guarantee.  This means if the price ever goes down on another supplier’s website they will lower your price.  We have put down a deposit to hold rooms for our wedding party until the first of the year which is the deadline for deposits.  And the deposits are $125 per room.

That is soo weird; those were my top two final choices as well.  But I ultimately chose Jenna because I just felt that she was made for me.  While I think you look great in both of them I think you look better in Brianna.  The Mermaid style looks great on you