Hello Everyone,

Our wedding was on Sept. 15, 2011 - Group of 23 including us

Finally my turn to write a review. I'll make it brief (or so I hope).

We flew from Toronto on WestJet through Sunquest. On time, no problems. Paid $50 CAD extra for 2 additional check in bags (which is really cheap). Please note no duty free or food served on flight.

Check-in:

Because there were two large groups arriving on the same bus(es) - my wedding party and another wedding group, they've set up a check in in the middle of the lobby. They were ready for the number of people that arrived. We all got upgraded to Jnr Suites, which was great. NOTE: the upgrade was done by Sunquest because they changed our departure dates.  We all had drinks and drinks in the lobby prior to our rooms being ready (we arrived at about 12-noon).

Rooms:

Because I am used to the high standard hotels (and low as well) - the rooms are standard for 4-5 star resort.  Two annoying things about the room: 1.NO CLOCKS - I know you're on vacation, but I'd like to know the time whether it's for dinner reservations or excursions. 2. No coffee makers. I know this is not a big deal for some, but I like to have it. Nice king size bet, sitting sofa and tv. Washroom with two sinks, jet tub and of course a toilet :)

Resort:

Great facility. Easy to find things/places. Not too big to get lost or tired going back to the room, and not too small so you feel claustrophobic. Beach is fabulous; most vendors pretty nice, but there were some that were rather rude, but a quick word with the security guy, and it was looked after.  Entertainment was great.  I missed a few shows, but our guests said they were pretty good. I did take part in Miss Riu contest and got 2nd place. Can't shake my booty that well lol . Bars are excellent. Forget about Bob Marley shots. They are not permitted to make them anymore. Restaurants - nothing to desire. The buffet was ok but it was the same thing every night with no theme nights. Please forget the Asian Restaurant - waste of time. It was buffet style when we went. We left the St. John's restaurant over fiasco about seating. Sir Richard's was closed. The Jerk chicken was great, but to get real taste, you have to try in town.

One thing that I was REALLY disappointed in regards to the hotel - Coffee. For an island that is popular for its Blue Mnt Coffee, there was no real coffee. Just the Nestle style dispenser machine. I like my fresh made espresso.

WEDDING DETAILS:

Keisha

I made arrangements with Keisha to meet on Monday. We arrived on Saturday and it left us with 5 days before the wedding. However, on arrival and check in, she came up and said to meet with her now. I politely declined and said Monday will have to be. She said she'll slip me a note to say at what time. A note never came, so Monday a.m. we went on a search for Keisha. Once we found her - things went as planned. Told her what we want, paid and that's it. She didn't dispute any prices she quoted etc. We did not have many requests, so there wasn't really much to discuss. We did give her a thank you gift (ice wine and a welcome gift bag we gave to all our guests). We did not tip her.  I will include more on Keisha as we go along. She did give us breakfast in bed although it wasn't part of the free package. Pleae note that she does charge 10.50/person above your package allowance of guest. You can probably dispute that if you bring your contract from Riu (the one that comes from the head office), but we went prepared, did not want to have disputed over it, but did advise her of this.

Welcome Dinner:

I asked in advance to have tables set up at St. Ann 's buffet for welcome dinner.  I'm glad I reminded on arrival though. If this is your plan, please remind Keisha or her assistant (I believe it's Charlene). Set up was nice, secluded from the crowed and we were not rushed in any way. They told us 6:30 sharp, half my guests arrived at 7pm and we waited with no issues. We did tip the waiters quite a bit to bring us drinks from the bar..and they did.

We took the free package as it was the best choice for us.

Renova Spa:

I was AMAZED with their work. Did exactly what I wanted with the hair and make up was done above my expectations. I must admit it must have been the best make up job I have ever had done. It was so natural and delicate, like I asked.  Highly recommend their services. It cost about $150 for me for both hair and make up and about $140 for my maid of honor (I didn't have bridesmaids). One thing that I am curious about is what sort of foundation they used - I was dripping with sweat by the end of the night - but not my face! it was dry as bounty paper towel lol

Flowers:

We went with the free flowers. When they came, I was really surprised how pretty they were. I'm glad I did not upgrade. We paid extra (about $40 in total) for my MH bouquet which was miniature of mine, and boutonnieres for BM and my dad.

Beach Gazebo (ceremony):

It rained on our wedding day! Started at 1pm and we weren't sure if it would stop by 3pm. Keisha called and said we will wait. Because there was no wedding after hours, I told her that we will pay the late fee to the minister even if we have to wait 2 hrs. Yes - there is a fee of $50 for every half hour you're late. I wasn't' going to give up a wedding on the beach!  She said no problem, we'll wait till 3:30 to see what happens. she will then call me to give me about 15 mins to get the guests to the proper location. 3:40 pm came, so did Keisha to my rooms. Hello - what about that 15 mins to let our guests know where to go. Nevertheless, all guests made their way on time (we had to wait a few mins for my mother in law).

She gave me the flowers, and off we went. The music started breaking up when we walked down the isle, but with the high emotions, it did not bother me at all. Oh yes - the rain stopped LOL.

The minister did a good job - asked if we wanted a prayer (non dimensional), we said yes. My suggestion to those whose English is a 2nd language, let him know so he says the BIG words slower :). They had my name and age wrong on the paper, but quick fix and it was done.  We didn't get rushed from the gazebo due that there was no wedding after us.

So we had: Rain, Sun and a rainbow to follow on our wedding day. To top it off, when we were going down the beach for a few photos, two doves sat down on a beach chair!!!  

Guests went to the bar, we went for pictures.

Dinner:

We had it at Mamme Bay steakhouse for 6;30pm. I would recommend to ask that your table is set up from the junior suits side (if that's an option). Once the entertainment music came on, it was loud, but it was near the end of our dinner - so no bother. Dinner was ok, no complaints. Our guests conspired to walk in to a traditional polish dance, which was a great surprise. The staff just stood and stared in amazement. lol... we had our shot (we brought home made spirit with us for this occasion), and off we went to sit down. We did not have a guest book, we did a banner with our pic which all guest signed. (I will get to decor). Please note that my bridal party set up the table (except the table runner). They put the centre pieces on the table and our favours which were in fuschia gift bags. You do really feel 'private' altough it is semi-private set up. I'm not sure how it would work if there was another wedding there, but since we were alone, can't comment on that.

Cake - we had the free cake. It was very nice. two layered, they put some flowers on top and side which matched my bouquet and our cake topper. I can't remember the flavor, but I think it was strawberry vanilla.

Beach Party:

We paid $15/person to have chairs and table and our own bartender (Adrian Allen- he is AWESOME). The tables is something up for debate. I thought we would get those squared ones that you fit 4 chairs around. No, they did a half circle from the chairs that were used for the ceremony (which was fine), but the tables were 2 or 3 round high tables that you stand around. they were right in the middle of the 'dance floor'. we moved them out of the way and used them to put empty glasses on lol.  DJ - was ok. We gave him our own cds - so he just played. I can't say how great his abilities are as he just played the cds.  Please note that you DO NOT hear the music from upstairs theatre. Yes - the beach party is right below the evening entertainment area. We hear nothing, unless you went towards the stairs. The beach party was worth it. We all had a blast. Some people looked over from above - made us feel special that they rather watch us party then look at the entertainment lol.

Decorations:

We brought our own decor. I got table runners and chair sashes on my own. They do put it on nicely for you. I got my own centre pieces. Because we were not a huge group, I only needed three. Got big cylinder vase with an insert on top for candle. Put some sand from the beach and sea shells inside. It was prettier than I expected.

We also brought paper lanterns and glow sticks to go in side them (instead of tea candles.) Keisha was supposed to have them put together and placed on the beach. That didn't happen. My MH and BM asked the bartender if he could do it, he did. And that was her idea to do instead of the tiki torches that they do not offer anymore. The only downside of the beach party is that it goes for about 2-2.5 hrs. Our guests went to the disco after (we turned in as we had TTD session early next morning - yes a downside of having our flight moved)

Photography: We hired an outside photographer: Brian Nejedly and we highly recommend his services. The vendor fee was $350, but in my opinion, the phots you get with an outside photographer, are worth the money. We went to look at Micheal's (the resort photographer) to see if we maybe can hire him for the beach party - but it wasn't worth it. Brian was with us only until dinner time. His website is www.briandesign.com.  Here is a few pics from our wedding day and some from ttd.

OVERALL: I'm happy with the experience. Happy with how everything turned out. One word of caution to those who are really sticky on the details/perfection: you must not let some things get to you. Not everything is perfect.

If I had my moment back there is only one thing I would change: THE TIME TO GO BY SLOWER :) It was more than I had expected and I wouldn't change one thing.

Go in with an open mind, relaxed attitude and it's all going to work out great. You're guests will enjoy no matter what.

If you have any question, please feel free to ask. (I may be a bit delayed in responses.. but will get back to you:)