CourtandMatt

User Name: CourtandMatt Name: Court & Matt Location: Iberostar Rose Hall Suites Wedding: May 4, 2013 in JA: 05/01/13 - 05/07/13 YAY to Jamaica brides!

I posted this in another forum, but the more opinions the better: How have you ladies planned your day of schedule? In particular, photos? I met with my photographer this week and she recommended the following schedule: 3:30pm Photographer arrives. Takes a few groomsmen photos and then goes to bridal party suite to take photos of the bride putting on dress, finishing make up, and bridesmaids photos. 4:30pm Ceremony 5:15-6:15pm Take photos (starting with family, then bridal party, then couple photos) while the rest of the guests go to cocktail hour. My photographer was very clear about wanting this time period for photos because she indicated that she will get the best light (and some good sunset shots). 6:30pm - 10:30/11: Reception I am just a bit worried about not getting some good light shots esp. if anything runs late or over. I tried to express that but she was adamant about 5:15 being the best time for photos on the beach. I tried to see about 3pm first look photos, but she was against 3pm because she indicated the light wont look good in photos and gives everyone dark under eyes. When are you ladies taking photos of the two of you?

Firstly, I am going to try to find a way to post or type out the spa/salon list that was sent to me so we can all have it. I will try to get to that this weekend. Secondly, how have you ladies planned your day of schedule? In particular, photos? I met with my photographer this week and she recommended the following schedule: 3:30pm Photographer arrives. Takes a few groomsmen photos and then goes to bridal party suite to take photos of the bride putting on dress, finishing make up, and bridesmaids photos. 4:30pm Ceremony 5:15-6:15pm Take photos (starting with family, then bridal party, then couple photos) while the rest of the guests go to cocktail hour. My photographer was very clear about wanting this time period for photos because she indicated that she will get the best light (and some good sunset shots). 6:30pm - 10:30/11: Reception I am just a bit worried about not getting some good light shots esp. if anything runs late or over. I tried to express that but she was adamant about 5:15 being the best time for photos on the beach. I tried to see about 3pm first look photos, but she was against 3pm because she indicated the light wont look good in photos and gives everyone dark under eyes. When are you ladies taking photos of the two of you?

What a great beach dress! I tried on something similar at this one salon that was like "you can't buy any of our dresses because you are having a beach weddding." It was a great beach dress but I just can't rock it. Too bad because it is beautiful!

In case anyone is wondering about day of schedules, my wedding photographer following schedule to ensure that we have good pictures (unless of course it is raining): 3:30pm Photographer arrives. Takes a few groomsmen photos and then goes to bridal party suite to take photos of the bride putting on dress, finishing make up, and bridesmaids photos. 4:30pm Ceremony 5:15-6:15pm Take photos (starting with family, then bridal party, then couple photos) while the rest of the guests go to cocktail hour. My photographer was very clear about wanting this time period for photos because she indicated that she will get the best light (and some good sunset shots). 6:30pm - 10:30/11: Reception

Our Save the Date is from NewandBlue.com!

Our photographer is Sandy May. She is from Minnesota (my home state) but lives in Jamaica during the winter months. I found out about her from another IRHS brides. I got a lot of quotes from different photographers and she was the best (plus it is just comforting to me to know I can go to her location in the U.S. should there be any issues). My package is as follows: Wedding photography includes: * Sandy May as photographer for 5 hours, overtime available @ $200 per hour * Personal website for on-line viewing, editing, and print ordering on Pictage.com * $100 US gift certificate toward prints ordered from Pictage.com * High resolution disc of all usable photos, color corrected and exposure adjusted with the copyright turned over to you * Iberostar day pass to be paid by client Fee...............................................................$ 1,400.00 US * Trash the dress option available: 400.00 US pass paid by client Travel expense of $125

First of all, Juliboley - your dress is BEAUTIFUL!! Secondly, I am having a hard time deciding on a veil as well. My mom really wants me to wear one so she bought one (see bottom picture) but I don't want it all over the place during the ceremony. I also just don't think I look that great with a veil on (maybe we bought the wrong kind or I just don't have a good hair style). With my hair down and I think a shorter veil (I went on two different occasions to try on the dress): w/ hair up (def. don't like this). This is the actual veil that I now own:

I posted my timeline on my planning thread. It could be useful! Click the link below. Happy planning!

What a great forum! I really do want to get everyone to feel comfortable around each other. I love the olympics idea! And, I LOVE the t-shirts! I will try to think of some ideas!

Our travel coordinator is Ellen Paderson at Smiles and Miles Travel, Inc. She has been great and gave us a good rate. See here: http://walters-doolin.ourwedding.com/view/4896518494100463/8330464.

This is a bit delayed, but CONGRATS!!

I am an Alfred Angelo gal! 2314!!

Shauna: Thank you for the information! This is so helpful!! Does anyone have any photos of the beach reception and in particular the tent and dance floor set up?? We really want a beach reception. Here is the information I got from the WC: We have not received yet the prices for 2013but you should expect an increase of about 10% over the extra services prices, the wedding package will remain the same. However we have updates our Wedding Details information, plesae see enclosed . As it relates to dinner on the beach the required amount of guest is 60pax ,plesae see enclosed menu with prices also the latest we can have noisy outside is 10.30pm. BEACH DINNER RECEPTION SPECIAL MENU FOR PRIVATE RECEPTION WARM APPETIZER (Onion ring and chicken wing with jerk sauce) CAESAR SALAD (Option of grilled chicken or shrimp) ENTREE Combination of Grilled Tenderloin & Salmon Served with baked potato covered in sour cream and a corn on the cob DESSERT CHOICES: Variety of pastries & Fruit Plate (1 plate of each per table) Supplement: $55US per person Dinner includes red & white wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee & tea and National open bar Location: beach in front of Steakhouse Restaurant “Aunt Rubyâ€

Great! I am so happy that the timeline is helpful! And yay for the Suites!!

I am in DC!

In May or June (2012) I mailed "Bridesmaid on a Budget" books to my bridesmaids that included inside the book a photo, personal note, and a "Will you be my bridesmaid?" card to be mailed back to me. They all accepted!

I sent an email to my bridesmaid informing them that they can pick out whatever dress they would like just that it is around the same length (either short or long) and a neutral color (i.e., champagne, cream, tan, nude, beige). I also asked that they not pick ivory or white since that is the color of my dress and no blush since there are only three ladies and I don't want the colors to be that different (I also don't want a color theme of pink). I created a pinterest page with some good examples. See here: http://pinterest.com/courtneymara/bridesmaids/ .