BusyBee123

Jamaica 2012, I agree with the other girls...everyone chose their resort because they loved it! There are pros and cons for every resort...and there always we be irregardless of what anyone tells you. There will be people who loved it....and there will be not so great reviews. The key is that YOU love it... (and your FI too...maybe!) If you haven't already, take a peak at the Gran Bahia as well. Its in Runaway Bay, so its a little bit less congested than some of the other areas. One of the other highlights for us, was the seaside gazebo! Its super private and out of the way, and it means not having to walk in sand in high heels! The resort also worked really hard with our TA to get us an amazing deal. Their wedding packages are also SUPER reasonable. We're getting the free wedding package and only paying $200 for the minister. We're having a semi-private reception, in a private room attached to one of the a la cartes. We're not being charged for this dinner/cake/champagne toast/etc. The only additional things we're paying for are a kettle drum band, flowers (only because I didn't like the free ones in the package) and to rent a private dj + bartender for later in the evening ($500). And despite the package being free, its beautiful with so many extra touches! The WCs do a fabulous job! There are a ton of pics on the "any gran bahia principe brides out there" forum is you want to take a look! All that being said, I'm only suggesting another resort to look at! Ultimately you have to take your time, do the research and find the best fit for you! As stressful as it is, once that decision is made there's a huge weight lifted off your shoulders and the planning fun begins! Good luck!

I agree with JayKay! If I wasn't pre-warned I would arrive at the airport with my purse and carry on. Then I would have to worry about either packing my carry on into my luggage or my OOT bag, as I wouldn't likely part with my purse. If you warn your guests, then they might be able to accommodate it. You would just have to make sure there are no water guns or liquids/gels in your OOT bag (which would eliminate sunscreen, aloe vera, purell, etc.) We're packing everything into a separate suitcase then assembling them when we arrive. I think it will be a nice surprise for guests right after they check in!

Post away ladies! You'll hit 150 before you know it! Then there's a whole world of attachments and templates! Yippee!!

Stunning pics from both of you, Tris and Katelynn! Looks like you had fabulous photographers to capture all of your amazing moments! And the resort looks beautiful in the pictures! Cannot wait to be there! Love the peacock too! Such a fun touch! Another exciting thing - I was under the impression that the kettle drums band was just going to be one or two guys with kettle drums alone!!! I had no idea they were a full band with drums and guitar!! And I was willing to pay the $400 before! Now this seems like a fabulous deal! So exciting!

Congrats Katelynn! Looks like you had a fabulous day! So glad it was everything you hoped for! Looking forward to more pics! Tris you're photographer has an amazing turn around time! Ours said it could be as long as 4 months to do all the editing! Wow! Would love your driver's info if you get the chance! Erin, love the candids! So much fun! Looks like you had a blast!

I have to agree...its such a personal choice! And everyone has such different taste and requirements based on their groups! My favourite place that I've ever been would have to be Zanzibar...off the coast of Tanzania in Eastern Africa! If it were up to me (and cost was not a factor) we would have gotten married there, then gone on safari afterwards! Then again...I don't think any of our guests would have made that trek! Its all about balance in the end...

Good luck with you hunt MrsO! I'm sure in the end you will find a resort that is perfect for you and your group! As stressful as it is at times, in the end it will all come together and you're wedding with be gorgeous! You just have to focus on that during the chaotic times....or at least that's what I keep telling myself!

Thanks Sunstarsmoon! I appreciate it! I wasn't sure if the same applied to us as its a Jazz flight and is a charter! I contacted my TA just to make sure this is correct, and will keep you posted as well!

Congrats Tamandrob! Another Gran Bahia Principe Jamaica bride! Welcome! Be sure to check out the "any gran bahia principe brides out there" thread for TONS of info (if you haven't already found it!)!

Thanks for this! I will definitely look into it! Really excited about the idea of doing some photos on horseback! Our photographers are coming with us from Canada, so they aren't familiar with all of the key areas! That's why I'm doing some of the research up front! We're going to hire a local driver who should know some areas, but don't want to leave everything until the day of! Thanks again!

I got similar bags, but the larger version! They are fabulous for the price! Congrats on becoming a MRS!

I thought that once you hit 150 posts you were able to open attachments? Is this not the case? I was really hoping to have access to some templates soon!

It looks great! Good job!

Congrats on becoming a Mrs Celestial! Hope you had a fabulous day!

I love this show too! But I do have to say that I find it ironic that she's a single matchmaker. At least when she was engaged she had a little bit more credibility! I hope she finds love again soon if she wants children!

I loved her evening dress and thought she looked beautiful for the reception. For the actual ceremony, I thought her veil was a little bit too opaque and that her hair was unexciting! That being said, she still looked beautiful!

Thanks so much for this! I LOVE indian food! I've tried making Naan with various recipes but it usually ends up shrinking down and being a bit too thick for my taste! Will have to give this one a try!

Great find! I love Target...we often cross the boarder just to go! They're coming to Canada, but moving so slowly.....Congrats on your find! Gotta love a deal!

Your bouquet looks fabulous! Love the feathers! Such a nice touch!

They look fabulous! Great job!

I really like the idea of circular seating! Unfortunately we're getting married at a seaside gazebo, and that would place about 1/4 of our guests at least in the water! Beautiful idea for the right venue!

Love it...I'm going to send it his way and see what he says...lol!

On the subject of TTD, where are you ladies holding your sessions? We're thinking about Dunn's River but are hearing more and more about Mahoe Falls. Also looking into a ranch for horseback riding if anyone has any suggestions!

Just thought I would bring this thread back up to the surface and see what other ladies are doing for their TTD sessions! We are presently planning on doing Dunn's River Falls, as I have seen some beautiful shots in the falls. I am concerned with how busy the falls can be, having been there a few times! Its a definite tourist trap! I was hoping that by the end of the day is would have quieted down. I tried emailing the Dunn's River Authority a few weeks ago, but unfortunately no response. I've also heard about Mahoe Falls recently at Coyoba River Garden. Has anyone else gone there for pics? I've heard that its much smaller but much more private. I just want to make sure that if we go there that its going to look just as good as Dunn's in the pics. We're also planning on hiring a driver for the day to take us to a market or something to get some more bright and colourful shots. Lastly we're looking into going to a ranch (thanks to a great suggestion by another bride on here) to get some pics on horseback. Has anyone done this? If so, if you have contact information for a vendor it would be much appreciated! Hopefully this gets the ball rolling and we can share TTD location ideas!

My understanding was also that engagement parties were not intended for gifts! That's what showers are for! The problem is, you're in a tricky situation if everyone else brings a gift! Maybe you can just pick and choose the events that you attend?