Hi there, I came across this site a few months ago and finally had the time to come on and write my own thread. It's been hectic, but finally have time to concentrate and focus on the wedding planning!! I'm from Canada and I have the wedding booked for April 2014, I have the photographer booked also with photoshop caribe. I guess I'm looking for past brides that have gotten married here and looking for any kind of info/advice I can get! starting with the photographer, can anyone tell me if they used this company and how they were? I'm a huge photo freak and just want the best pictures I can get (although it won't be hard with the beautiful surroundings) Here's some of the questions I have: 1.How long is the ceremony? (I am doing civil) 2.What's the max length of song can I have to walk down the aisle? (I have 4 girls to walk in before me) and I am planning on doing one song all the way through up until I walk onto to Gazebo/beach (I don't want it to be my time to walk down the aisle and it stops cuz it's over..lol) 3.Gazebo or Beach? I'm so confused with which one I want, I originally wanted beach, but I realized the gazebo is more private and I can wear my AWESOME shoes!!! lol (I've actually bought 3 pairs so far) haha.. I'm basically looking for anyone that has the experience and can tell me their story or even someone that is a future bride and has some opinions that might help...tuff tuff decision... 4.Pre-wedding: getting hair and make-up? did you have to book in advance (lots in advance) for the hair salon? and how was it? was anyone dissapointed with what they got done? I'm not very good with hair (so i guess it can't be worse then what I could do, right!) and I don't have anyone in the wedding that's good either. What were the costs for getting hair done? So I can also let my bridesmaids/guests know. Also about the make-up...is it really worth it, I'm not super great at that either and I don't like it on heavy, but I would still want something special done, what were your experiences with make-up? and costs? 5.Reception: We are taking the crystal package, but we are thinking of taking the private reception also, we figured since everyone came all that way just for us, we would want something special for them to remember! there is a semi-private dinner included in the crystal package, but then that's it...doesn't feel like a wedding reception you know....we want something where we can still do our first dance, father/daughter dance, throw bouquet/garter, older sisters have to dance by themselves in ugly socks...lol....and just have a great time and dance the night away!! Did anyone do the private reception and didn't think it was worth it? and can I even do all these things at the private reception? What else was included with the private reception? 5.DECORATIONS???? What's included in the crystal package for decorations at the ceremony AND at the reception? I've read posts of people that brought their own things, I don't mind bringing some of my own, did people have to bring an extra lugguage? 6.What is the opinion of everyone that is the best restaurant to book the dinner/reception at? It's hard planning from far and not knowing what to expect! So, Thank You to anyone who took the time to read my post and answer my questions, very appreciated, Can't wait for the big day!! Woot-Woot!!!