kpalomo

Hi Leah, Yes, I will have my guests hang out at the beach for cocktail hour from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM while I am getting my pictures taken. After the cocktail hour, we will head over to the reception and have it from 7PM to 11PM. I am about to book the videographer and photographer :-) I am going with Ronald from Sungold and Roxroy for the videographer. Gosh!!! Prices are so expensive but what can I do I had family members get married in Mexico and DR and they paid half of what I am paying. For five hours, I am paying 2,620 dollars for both. Is that how much you ladies are paying? I am just shocked compared to the prices in DR and Mexico. Let me know if this is normal for Jamiaca. Thanks Ladies!!! :-)

Hi Ladies, Congrats to all the 2012 Jamaica Brides! :-) We are getting married on December 8, 2012 at Iberostar Grand. I can't wait! :-) I haven't seen any Iberostar Grand Brides on this thread. Any Ibersotar Grand brides out there? I am looking for a good photographer and videographer for my ceremony and reception. I am having approximately 50 guests. Any suggestions? I have heard Sungold Photography (Paula and Damian), Stacey Clarke,Brian Nejedly, and Merrick Cousley. Any strong opinions for any of the photographers listed? I checked out their websites and they seem to be pretty good. The photos and video are sooo important to us so I want to ensure I am picking the right one! For the videography, I only have one contact which is Roxroy Gough. Any opinions on Roxroy or any other videographers you recommend? Thanks Ladies. Any opinions/suggestions is highly appreciated! :-)

Pictures I found on the web that are inspiration for my wedding..... I tried adding them to the post above... but it kept giving me an message that it has to be reviewed by the site. lets see if this works... Ceremony: Reception:

Hi Kendra, I am sorry I have taken so long to respond! I have had a crazy schedule. But, I look forward to sharing ideas with you since you are getting married soon! I promise I will be better in responding. Congrats on your upcoming wedding and can't wait to hear about your plans!!! :-) Good Site Pictures of the Grand from a lady that was on a forum posted on this website: https://picasaweb.google.com/105892554905965639228/IberostarGrandRoseHall?feat=email# hope this gives you a good visual. Yes, everything that all the ladies wrote on here is exactly right. Here are my opinions and the structure of our wedding... I am also trying to keep a relatively reasonable priced wedding (not too high): Ceremony- (4:30pm-5:00pm) I am also trying to have a non-traditional wedding. :-) We are having it on the beach barefoot. I will be having the ceremony all the way at the end of the beach but its not completely private since folks can walk to the end of the beach. Its not closed off. But, I am having my ceremony at 4:30 PM so there shouldn't be too many folks on the beach......we’ll, I hope I don't want strangers in my pictures either, that is why I also didn't choose the Suites. I actually stayed at the Suites when I did my site visit and my balcony was facing the wedding arch on the beach. It was awful on how so many folks where just standing around watching the entire ceremony. A lot of strangers in the pictures!!! I understand that folks will stare, but to get up and seriously stand where your guests are sitting is a bit ridiculous for me. I am using a huppa, which will be covered loosely with white sheer fabric. I haven't decided what type of floral arrangement but will have them on the corners of the huppa or where the white sheer fabric will be tied. I will have white roses and purple orchids as my runner. I haven't decided what I want to do for the first chair in each row. I might just close it off with white sheer fabric. I saw a cute idea of putting a starfish on the first chair of each row also. I will put a fan on each chair.. haven't looked for one yet. I know you mentioned you might consider doing the ceremony on the terrace. The view is the pool. I wanted the beach in the background, so I am taking that risk of having it at the end of the beach and have it more as a sunset wedding. So, if you don’t mind the beach in the background the terrace can be very pretty. Cocktail Hour (5:00pm-7:00pm)- The cocktail hour will be immediately following the ceremony & toasts right on the beach. While the guests are enjoying their cocktails and hors’devours, we will take all the pics (family, friends, and then just the two of us). Janielle said that she could provide the high cocktail tables covered in white cloths to put on the beach for folks to have somewhere to place their cocktails. The steel band will play until its time for the reception to begin. Reception (7:00 pm –11 pm)- Janielle said the reception is from 7pm to 10:30 PM, is that what you were told? I really wanted it to start earlier but Janielle said that the Port Maria doesn't close until 6pm so they need time to turn it around. I am requesting to extend it to 11pm so it will be from 7PM to 11PM and because I am having the steel band for the ceremony and cocktail hour, I will be hiring the DJ for the reception. My DJ is Kevan Stewart. I met with him in person when I did my site visit, and he is awesome! He has done all different types of wedding and has an extensive music selection. The Port Maria is kind of dark since it uses old wooden fans. Personally, that is why I am using the LED battery operated white lanterns to lighten up the area more. I am having approximately 50 guests at my wedding and because the Port Maria is huge, I decided to use the white sheer fabric with purple uplights to close it in a bit and also add color and lighting. I asked if I can get the corner part of the restaurant that is a bit more private and I can keep one side open facing the beach. I am not sure if should do round tables vs. square tables. I am thinking about just using white fabric for the tables and doing a lot of candles and flowers like orchids and touch of other colorful flowers. That is all I have so far. Oh, I am not doing the white covered chairs. I am using the chairs that will have sheer purple fabric as a tie back Who are you using for your photographer and videographer? Janielle gave me a list of four photographers that I have to choose from. She said the policy has changed for 2012 and you can't hire any outside venders. Have you been told the same? Here is the list I was given: Michael Chen Sungold Photography Noel Sylvester- He has been the cheapest. Ivan Luckie The pics and video are impt to me so I haven’t decided yet. I am also giving out welcome bags to my guest. Still haven't decided all the items I will put in my bags. Ahhh so much planning to still do. I am trying to finalize my invitations now. So many options out there! lol... Sorry so long... I hope you find this helpful -Kristy P.S. I tried adding my pics to this reply but the website is giving me a hard time. It says it is holding my reply for review. Not sure what that is about.

Hi Kendra, I am sorry I have taken so long to respond! I have had a crazy schedule. But, I look forward to sharing ideas with you since you are getting married soon! I promise I will be better in responding. Congrats on your upcoming wedding and can't wait to hear about your plans!!! :-) Good Site Pictures of the Grand from a lady that was on a forum posted on this website:https://picasaweb.google.com/105892554905965639228/IberostarGrandRoseHall?feat=email# hope this gives you a good visual. Yes, everything that all the ladies wrote on here is exactly right. Here are my opinions and the structure of our wedding... I am also trying to keep a relatively reasonable priced wedding (not too high): Ceremony- (4:30pm-5:00pm) I am also trying to have a non-traditional wedding. :-) We are having it on the beach barefoot. I will be having the ceremony all the way at the end of the beach but its not completely private since folks can walk to the end of the beach. Its not closed off. But, I am having my ceremony at 4:30 PM so there shouldn't be too many folks on the beach......we’ll, I hope I don't want strangers in my pictures either, that is why I also didn't choose the Suites. I actually stayed at the Suites when I did my site visit and my balcony was facing the wedding arch on the beach. It was awful on how so many folks where just standing around watching the entire ceremony. A lot of strangers in the pictures!!! I understand that folks will stare, but to get up and seriously stand where your guests are sitting is a bit ridiculous for me. I am using a huppa, which will be covered loosely with white sheer fabric. I haven't decided what type of floral arrangement but will have them on the corners of the huppa or where the white sheer fabric will be tied. I will have white roses and purple orchids as my runner. I haven't decided what I want to do for the first chair in each row. I might just close it off with white sheer fabric. I saw a cute idea of putting a starfish on the first chair of each row also. I will put a fan on each chair.. haven't looked for one yet. I know you mentioned you might consider doing the ceremony on the terrace. The view is the pool. I wanted the beach in the background, so I am taking that risk of having it at the end of the beach and have it more as a sunset wedding. So, if you don’t mind the beach in the background the terrace can be very pretty. Ex:(I kind of liked the strings as a backdrop f Aisle(but with white roses mixed in with purple orchids) chairs for wedding Cocktail Hour (5:00pm-7:00pm)- The cocktail hour will be immediately following the ceremony & toasts right on the beach. While the guests are enjoying their cocktails and hors’devours, we will take all the pics (family, friends, and then just the two of us). Janielle said that she could provide the high cocktail tables covered in white cloths to put on the beach for folks to have somewhere to place their cocktails. The steel band will play until its time for the reception to begin. Reception (7:00 pm –11 pm)- Janielle said the reception is from 7pm to 10:30 PM, is that what you were told? I really wanted it to start earlier but Janielle said that the Port Maria doesn't close until 6pm so they need time to turn it around. I am requesting to extend it to 11pm so it will be from 7PM to 11PM and because I am having the steel band for the ceremony and cocktail hour, I will be hiring the DJ for the reception. My DJ is Kevan Stewart. I met with him in person when I did my site visit, and he is awesome! He has done all different types of wedding and has an extensive music selection. The Port Maria is kind of dark since it uses old wooden fans. Personally, that is why I am using the LED battery operated white lanterns to lighten up the area more. I am having approximately 50 guests at my wedding and because the Port Maria is huge, I decided to use the white sheer fabric with purple uplights to close it in a bit and also add color and lighting. I asked if I can get the corner part of the restaurant that is a bit more private and I can keep one side open facing the beach. I am not sure if should do round tables vs. square tables. I am thinking about just using white fabric for the tables and doing a lot of candles and flowers like orchids and touch of other colorful flowers. That is all I have so far. Oh, I am not doing the white covered chairs. I am using the chairs that will have sheer purple fabric as a tie back (see pic). I added the pics above that I am using as inspiration for my wedding. We will see how it all comes together..lol! ) Who are you using for your photographer and videographer? Janielle gave me a list of four photographers that I have to choose from. She said the policy has changed for 2012 and you can't hire any outside venders. Have you been told the same? Here is the list I was given: Michael Chen Sungold Photography Noel Sylvester- He has been the cheapest. Ivan Luckie The pics and video are impt to me so I haven’t decided yet. I am also giving out welcome bags to my guest. Still haven't decided all the items I will put in my bags. Ahhh so much planning to still do. I am trying to finalize my invitations now. So many options out there! lol... Sorry so long... I hope you find this helpful -Kristy

Hi Kendra, I am sorry I have taken so long to respond! I have had a crazy schedule. But, I look forward to sharing ideas with you since you are getting married soon! I promise I will be better in responding. Congrats on your upcoming wedding and can't wait to hear about your plans!!! :-) Good Site Pictures of the Grand from a lady that was on a forum posted on this website:https://picasaweb.google.com/105892554905965639228/IberostarGrandRoseHall?feat=email# hope this gives you a good visual. Yes, everything that all the ladies wrote on here is exactly right. Here are my opinions and the structure of our wedding... I am also trying to keep a relatively reasonable priced wedding (not too high): Ceremony- (4:30pm-5:00pm) I am also trying to have a non-traditional wedding. :-) We are having it on the beach barefoot. I will be having the ceremony all the way at the end of the beach but its not completely private since folks can walk to the end of the beach. Its not closed off. But, I am having my ceremony at 4:30 PM so there shouldn't be too many folks on the beach......we’ll, I hope I don't want strangers in my pictures either, that is why I also didn't choose the Suites. I actually stayed at the Suites when I did my site visit and my balcony was facing the wedding arch on the beach. It was awful on how so many folks where just standing around watching the entire ceremony. A lot of strangers in the pictures!!! I understand that folks will stare, but to get up and seriously stand where your guests are sitting is a bit ridiculous for me. I am using a huppa, which will be covered loosely with white sheer fabric. I haven't decided what type of floral arrangement but will have them on the corners of the huppa or where the white sheer fabric will be tied. I will have white roses and purple orchids as my runner. I haven't decided what I want to do for the first chair in each row. I might just close it off with white sheer fabric. I saw a cute idea of putting a starfish on the first chair of each row also. I will put a fan on each chair.. haven't looked for one yet. I know you mentioned you might consider doing the ceremony on the terrace. The view is the pool. I wanted the beach in the background, so I am taking that risk of having it at the end of the beach and have it more as a sunset wedding. So, if you don’t mind the beach in the background the terrace can be very pretty. Ex:(I kind of liked the strings as a backdrop f Aisle(but with white roses mixed in with purple orchids) chairs for wedding Cocktail Hour (5:00pm-7:00pm)- The cocktail hour will be immediately following the ceremony & toasts right on the beach. While the guests are enjoying their cocktails and hors’devours, we will take all the pics (family, friends, and then just the two of us). Janielle said that she could provide the high cocktail tables covered in white cloths to put on the beach for folks to have somewhere to place their cocktails. The steel band will play until its time for the reception to begin. Reception (7:00 pm –11 pm)- Janielle said the reception is from 7pm to 10:30 PM, is that what you were told? I really wanted it to start earlier but Janielle said that the Port Maria doesn't close until 6pm so they need time to turn it around. I am requesting to extend it to 11pm so it will be from 7PM to 11PM and because I am having the steel band for the ceremony and cocktail hour, I will be hiring the DJ for the reception. My DJ is Kevan Stewart. I met with him in person when I did my site visit, and he is awesome! He has done all different types of wedding and has an extensive music selection. The Port Maria is kind of dark since it uses old wooden fans. Personally, that is why I am using the LED battery operated white lanterns to lighten up the area more. I am having approximately 50 guests at my wedding and because the Port Maria is huge, I decided to use the white sheer fabric with purple uplights to close it in a bit and also add color and lighting. I asked if I can get the corner part of the restaurant that is a bit more private and I can keep one side open facing the beach. I am not sure if should do round tables vs. square tables. I am thinking about just using white fabric for the tables and doing a lot of candles and flowers like orchids and touch of other colorful flowers. That is all I have so far. Oh, I am not doing the white covered chairs. I am using the chairs that will have sheer purple fabric as a tie back (see pic). I added the pics above that I am using as inspiration for my wedding. We will see how it all comes together..lol! ) Who are you using for your photographer and videographer? Janielle gave me a list of four photographers that I have to choose from. She said the policy has changed for 2012 and you can't hire any outside venders. Have you been told the same? Here is the list I was given: Michael Chen Sungold Photography Noel Sylvester- He has been the cheapest. Ivan Luckie The pics and video are impt to me so I haven’t decided yet. I am also giving out welcome bags to my guest. Still haven't decided all the items I will put in my bags. Ahhh so much planning to still do. I am trying to finalize my invitations now. So many options out there! lol... Sorry so long... I hope you find this helpful -Kristy

Hi Ladies, I am super excited for my upcoming December 8, 2012 wedding at Iberostar Grand Rose Hall in Jamaica! :-) If there are any other Brides getting married at Iberostar Grand Rose hall please feel free to join this thread. :-) Even any past Iberostar Grand Brides that can share their recommendations and advice since you guys have been through it already, will be highly appreciated :-) We can exchange ideas, concerns, recommendations on photographer/videographer, etc. Anything your heart desires! :-) Hope to hear from the Iberostar Grand Brides out there! Good luck and happy planning! :-) Some questions I have so far for the brides out there? 1. I will be having a private reception at the Port Maria. I will have the lanterns with LED battery operated lights hanging to add some light for the room. When I went for my site visit I noticed there is not a lot of lighting in Port Maria. Any ideas on how many lanterns I should purchase? 2. I am also wanting to put sheer white curtains around the Port Maria except for the view of the beach. Is anyone thinking about doing that? 3. Pictures and the video are sooo important to me. Any recommendations for a photographer/videographer? One Love, Kristy

Hi! :-) I am looking at Iberostar Rose Hall Suites also. But, I am getting married Dec 2012. I am going this december to check the resort out in person. Please let me know your experience and if you have any tips to share. If you can share your pictures too of your wedding when you have some time.... that wil be greatly appreciated!!! I wish you all the best in your upcoming wedding!! :-) -Kristy