JenniferH114

Jessica just confirmed that we can choose two entrées for the guests to choose from, but the rest of the menu stays the same for everyone (which is fine for us). I have not asked about whether or not I can mix up the entrée options. I don't really care for any of them "as-is." (We are doing the gold package, but I've look at both the gold and silver menus.) I'd like to do steak and shrimp (instead of scallops) and chicken (instead of pork) and fish. The veggies and potatoes are fine, too. I'm hoping she will work with us on that! As it was previously mentioned, she will need a final count of the entrées one month in advance and we will need palce cards so the servers know who is getting what.

@@Crystal17 - I have heard/read multiple times that if you get them the final counts ahead of time, they will let you choose two entrée options. I am hoping this is still the case because I reviewed the menu and I'm going to need to be able to give options to the guests. We definitely have some picky eaters coming. I am also hoping I can sort of build my own entrées based on what they have - just mix up the sides, for example. I'd have no problem getting them a head count ahead of time, but I'm really hoping there is some flexibility. I would imagine if you are having more guests, they might be willing to accommodate more, too. I haven't asked Jessica about it yet because our wedding is so far out that there's really no need to right now, but eventually I will. Also, we are heading to the resort in November to check it out and meet with Jessica, so I'm sure I'll have a list of questions to address then.

@upstatekj - I plan to discuss with Juan when it gets closer, but I'm thinking 3-9pm or 3:30pm - 9:30pm. We signed our contract for a six hour session. Our ceremony is at 5pm, followed by the cocktail hour and then the reception. Like you, I would like photos getting ready/before the ceremony, ceremony, cocktail hour and some reception, but I don't think we'll need him for the entire reception. I'm not too concerned with hair & make-up timing yet, but I'm guessing maybe around noon or 1pm?

I think his pricing is really reasonable, relatively speaking. I checked out a bunch of photogs and some started at $4k+. We are paying about $2100 for six hours of coverage with Juan and his assistant and then we will get a disc with all the edited photos (and copyrights so we can print them ourselves). We'll also be adding an album, which is $200 or $300, depending on which size you want, but that's optional. You do not get any prints (not counting adding an album). One of the things I did when looking at resort options was search for professional photos of other weddings at the resort to see how I liked everything. I first came across his photos then and then revisited when we were more seriously shopping for a photographer. He's also gotten lots of great reviews.

The price is definitely a little steep for a 45min set. I have plenty of time to think about it, but I do like the idea. In other news, we signed our contract with Juan Navarro (photographer) today! I'm really happy about that.

Has anyone thought about using (or already used) the guitar player for their ceremony? I was thinking the whole playlist/ipod/timing situation with music during the ceremony would make me nervous, so hiring the guitar player might be a nice alternative. Plus, I was thinking s/he could play quietly in the background during the entire ceremony, as opposed to just walking in and out. Any thoughts?...

@@Crystal17 - Don't you still have to pay the $500 fee for an outside vendor for that DJ? We'll be doing that for our outside photog.

@@Sabes44 and @@hapykat - I've been working with Jessica and I recently asked her for a price list. If I recall correctly, DJ Mannia is $1300 for four hours.

We're trying to decide between Garibaldi Square or Barcelona for our reception in May. I am leaning towards the AC because, let's be honest, I get really crabby and uncomfortable when I'm hot and I've heard the outdoor spaces tend to be very hot. On the other hand, I'm hesitant to go with the banquet hall-like setting of Barcelona. Our ceremony is on the beach and cocktail hour will be on the pier, so I think it might balance out if we have the two outdoor and then move inside. Any feedback would be helpful!

@@Crystal17 - Congratulations and thanks for the recommendation! I'll keep them in mind. Have you been working with Jessica?

@@HNeal - Thanks for the reply! The lack of “bonuses” is certainly not going to deter us from going with Excellence. Actually, we have already ordered our Save the Dates and Invites, so I’d say we’re pretty locked in. I just wanted to ask since I know of other resorts that do similar things. It would have been nice, but no big deal. Also, in regards to the TA, I am still shopping around for one, but I absolutely will not go with anyone who does not price match. I make this very clear when I first talk to someone. We travel quite a bit and I put hours upon hours into our “normal” travel ventures, including getting price quotes from a number of different places. I want to have a TA so that guests have a quick and easy option for booking, but they aren’t going to be required to use this person. They could book on Travelocity if they want! (And actually Travelocity tends to have some of the lowest package rates around, especially when you google search for additional promo codes!) Once the commercial airline schedules open up through our dates, it’ll be easier to get an idea of what prices looks like. Prices are sitting kind of high right now but that’s because TAs can only get quotes with charter flights. I’ll definitely keep my eye on ERC’s website though.

Hi Ladies! I'm new to BDW, but I have spent the last few days reading through every page of this thread!! Crazy, I know, but it's been such a wealth of information! We have a 5pm beach ceremony booked on May 16, 2015. We don't have too many other details ironed out yet - though we did just order our Save the Dates (to be mailed in the next few weeks) and Invites (to be mailed later this year). I look forward to the planning journey over the next 11 months and hope I don't stress myself out too much in the process! I already have some other things in mind, but I know it's too early to lock some things down. We are still waiting to hear back on price quotes from our travel agent, so that we can book our own room and then start publishing the info for others to book... later, when they are ready. Our TA got a group promo code to use for bookings, so I'm curious to see how much that discount will be. (Maybe $50 off each booking??) Has anyone had experience with receiving any sort of "bonuses" for having a certain number of rooms booked for your group? (I know you can earn the complimentary base wedding package.) For example, a free night for every 5 rooms booked or a complimentary welcome dinner or cocktail hour if you have 15 rooms books? I'm just curious because I know some other resorts offer perks like that. Our guest list is currently at about 80, though we know a number of them will not be able to attend. Thanks!