@@streelbride the prices at Rose by Dahena were by far the best! I must've emailed a dozen. And esp since their prices are in pesos, you can't beat it. I asked other make up/hair stylists if they would provide prices in pesos. Majority said no, only USD. Their prices are a little more than the resort's spa...but they're professionals and prices include airbrushing. AND they have a salon in PDC so they're a 10minute taxi ride away. Just send them an email...let them know you talked to me (Livia). They'll send you their price list but then just let them know your budget and they'll definitely work with you to stay in your budget.
For a photog I'm using Victor Herrera ( I love his portfolio. and he gave me the best price 8hrs that included a trash the dress session the next day in Playa Del Carmen, the beach there and a cenote. I'm paying the external vendor fee for him. I think it'd be obvious he wasn't a guest...a local w/ a big camera. Again I emailed soooo many photogs in Canada and in Mexico. The Canadian photogs I liked didn't want to go for the whole 7 days (so I couldn't benefit from my group rate) or they wanted two of them to go....and then you have to pay for their rates. I just couldn't make it work. Again, email him and let him know you heard about him from me. He was pretty responsive to all my requests and worked out a good price for me.
I agree the USD is brutal. Anything that I can pay in CAD or pesos I'm taking advantage of. The resort won't budge though. What gazebo/reception did you book???