Oh I SO feel your frustration! I am having my wedding at Cabo Azul in January 2013 and the lack of communication has been SO frustrating! I am working with an outside wedding coordinator who is helping calm my nerves (she is amazing, let me know if you need one), she said this is TOTALLY normal. As she said "a day of no communication from mexico seems like a week in bride world" SO TRUE. I have been stalking Maria via email for my contract, hope to get it soon. As far as the vendor fees - you are right. I think this is new, according to other past Cabo Azul brides. I am bringing my photographer from the states with me, so am forced to pay the fee, UGH, but good news is that opens me to bring all my other vendors in to save some money - like flowers, DJ, etc. Sounds like I can save some money doing this, but it will be some work coordinating on my own. I am nervous as well, but my wedding coordinator said not to be, this is typical business in Mexico. Let me know if you find any good tips along the way, I am all ears!!!