thebestjacquie

I was married at the Riu the same week as MelissaH113 - Gazebo, Baja Norte, ipod w/ sound system (we had a friend make an awesome playlist), in house photographer etc. My feedback: Gazebo was amazing, super private, really nice photos and excellent ceremony. I was in touch with Reverend Marco prior to the wedding. My husband and I didn't want to write our own vows but we did want some choice in what would be said. He sent over about 7 different ceremonies that we could choose from, cut and paste or make additions to. We ended up with a really nice ceremony and I am super happy with how it turned out. He was fantastic. I went outside the resort for hair and makeup and I could not have been happier. I saw Alma, http://www.cabomakeup.com/ shewas super great over email and honestly did an amazing job. It was myself, 4 bridesmaids, and my SIL that all got hair and makeup done. My wedding was scheduled at 2pm so we got started early at 930~. We finished with good time to get back to resort and get ready for the ceremony. All of my girls loved their hair and makeup, no melting in heat as she uses a combination of standard foundation etc. and airbrush to finish. I also had a low back dress and she airbrushed the tanline on my back away! She had two other people with her, one strictly for hair and another that did both hair and makeup. They were a well oiled machine. I cannot say enough and I had my makeup done professionally for two other weddings this year and this was by far the top. I decided to meet her at her studio outside of the resort as the Riu charges $300 for every outside contractor that you bring in. Our cabs to and from only cost $30USD total. We booked photography and videography last minute for 1 hour each. My husband is a videographer so I was reluctant at first but he was happy to have the footage. I thought the photography was OK but nothing amazing. They definitely know how to organize big groups and maximize time which was great. We also brought bags for all our guests but did not pay to have them placed in the rooms. We decided instead to meet all of our guests as they arrived (most of them came in big groups from certain cities which made it easier). We met them in the lobby, gave them their bags, gave them our run down on where to go etc. It worked fine and the resort had no issue. I opted to use the welcome bags as the favor for the wedding. My husband brought glow sticks down which ended up being an amazing hit after the reception when we went to the club (we ended the night at Pacha which is up the stairs from Baja Norte). People literally went crazy for them, even people I didn't expect (old aunts etc.). I was a little disappointed at the end of the night as Baja Norte has strict rules about noise and they shut our party off promptly at 11pm which was right when everyone was getting going. Everyone really enjoyed our food at dinner - no complaints there. Cake was good too. You're wedding will be great! Let me know if you have other questions.