Vancouver Bride

We are thinking of flying in our own out of country photographer to the Dominican Rep (and paying his/her flight and accomodation so that they are a "guest" at the resort the entire week). Does anyone know if this strategy to get around work visas and resorts preferring their own photographers still works? I have read in the forum that it worked for other brides, but also hear rumors that resorts are cracking down on this. Thanks ladies!

RE:Aprilmay Thanks for your extremely helpful post! Especially the part about only inviting close family and friends that won't stress you out! We are in the very early stages of planning, but I am already removing "friends" from my guest list who are giving me guilt and stress about even having a DW. Thanks!

Which TA in Vancouver are you talking about so that I can be sure and avoid them?

Thanks MarieSam! Your post was very helpful in deciding what I think is the second most difficult decision after choosing the resort/location! We want to fly in a photographer from Vancouver to the Dominican Rep, but are still trying to figure out if we can swing that on our budget.

I am new to BDW and so far very impressed and so HAPPY I found this webpage early on in planning our DW! Beth and Dan, Nov/Dec 2012, Punta Cana--resort TBA

Hello I saw the post about Vancouver brides meeting up in June, but was unfortunately out of town Is anyone interested in meeting up again later this fall? Is anyone else in Vancouver planning a DW in the Dominican Republic and want to chat about it?

This thread is absolutely amazing--THANK YOU to all the brides and brides-to-be that have contributed. We are in the early stages of planning our DW in Punta Cana, and learning from everyone's experiences has been absolutely invaluable! There are tons of DW webpages out there, and this is the only one that seems honest and real.

Re:bmadzia1 We are looking for both a travel agent and wedding planner (perferrably the same person or at least same company). We live in Vancouver and are planning a DW for winter 2012 in Punta Cana. Thanks for your advice!

Hello fellow Canuck Brides! My fiancé and I are in the early stages of planning a destination wedding and beginning to interview potential wedding planners. We are searching for a wedding planner based in Vancouver, BC that doesn't charge based on a commission or "kickbacks" from vendors or AI resorts. We are worried that a planner receiving this financial incentive to use particular vendors will push us towards the resorts or vendors that give them the largest % commissions rather than what fits our preference and budget? From reading online, I am finding out that this "semi-unethical" practice is VERY common in the industry. Do any of you have experience dealing with this tricky issue, or ideally know of a local planner that doesn't accept kickbacks? Thanks! -Vancouver Bride