DREAMS PUERTO VALLARTA "thread"

[simplnsweet]

Hi Sheila,

I checked her website out and packages. Are you getting package number 3? She does not have her prices listed, can you tell me what she wants for what you are planning to get? My FI is floored on how much pictures cost. I need evidence that it is not just one or two photographers that charge in the thousands but majority do.. the more proof I have the easier it is for him to accept the fact.

[smangicap]

I was going to get package #2, but I can't find away to get around the Dreams outside vendor policy (e.g. having to pay at least $500 just to be able to bring her in) . Since I am purchasing the Dreams Ultimate wedding package, I decided to just use their photographer for the wedding (Adventure photography) to avoid the fee and am purchasing an extended TTD session from Karla for $400, which will include a 25 page photo book, DVD with all edited pictures, and picture slideshow.

 

I found her prices to be way lower than other photographers - here is the price list she sent:

 

Services provided by Karla Benítez. Wedding photography

 

 

 

Wedding package 01:   $ 200 USD

-1 hour of photographic coverage

-Photo book with 20 pages

-High resolution digital files on a CD (some in color, some in b/w)

-DVD with slideshow

NOTE. shipping cost is not included on this package ( $ 30 USD )

 

 

Wedding package 02:   $ 500 USD

-3 hour of photographic coverage

-Photo book with 25 pages

-High resolution digital files on a CD (some in color, some in b/w)

-DVD with slideshow

 

 

Wedding package 03:   $ 800 USD

-5 hour of photographic coverage

-Photo book with 30 pages

-High resolution digital files on a CD (some in color, some in b/w)

-DVD with slideshow

 

*Each additional hour of photographic coverage:  $200 USD

 

 

Trash the dress session :  $200 USD

-High resolution digital files on a CD (some in color, some in b/w)

-DVD with slideshow

 

Engagement Photo session :  $ 200 USD  

-High resolution digital files on a CD (some in color, some in b/w)

-DVD with slideshow

 

 

Flexible schedule to fit the costumer´s needs 

 

[january2011bride]

Hi ladies,

So as I'm reading this I am getting worried. I have booked my wedding at dreams, we have 50 guests staying there as well. We hired at photographer outside of the resort. No where in any of my contracts does it say anything about not bringing in outside vendors. This better be the case seeing as we are paying BIG money for our photographer. It's less than 3 months away!!

[1elephant]

when did you book? do you have an older contract?

[january2011bride]

Hi Lauren,

I guess if anyone would know, it would be you! I feel like you're the expert!

We booked mid December and sent our deposit December 28, 2009.

I'm reading over every single email sent between Rebeca and I and the only thing she said was no outside DJ or musician.

[AngelaH]

I am still considering bringing an outside photographe (I just signed my contract last month).  Rebeca told me if the photog is from PV then I'll only have to pay the day pass, but if it's a photog from somewhere else then I would have to pay the $500 fee.  That seems pretty steep to me, especially since you don't get any kind of discount on the wedding package if you decide not to use their photog.  Anyone have any insights??

[gowiththeflow]

 

 

Originally Posted by AngelaH 

 

I am still considering bringing an outside photographe (I just signed my contract last month).  Rebeca told me if the photog is from PV then I'll only have to pay the day pass, but if it's a photog from somewhere else then I would have to pay the $500 fee.  That seems pretty steep to me, especially since you don't get any kind of discount on the wedding package if you decide not to use their photog.  Anyone have any insights??

 

 

Well that information is actually very helpfull. Im going to ask Rebecca about that as well (using the day pass option - the photog we want is in PV).

 

I also asked Rebecca a few questions.Hope this helps someone else.  Here they are with the answers:

 

1) What is the name of the DJ you provide? Do we need to supply him with all the music we want? Is there a way to contact him prior to the wedding?[Rebeca] his name is alejandro. For the music, you will have to send me the list of the music you want and I will forward it to him, and all the contact will be through me.

 

Does he act as an MC to announce things as well?[Rebeca] no, he does the DJ part only, if you want an Mc this will be $50 usd more and the MC will announce things.

 

I have read some concerning reviews about the Dj that Dreams provides - that he plays old music, is unable to announce things, and does not bring the specific songs requested by the couple.  This has me worried a great deal.[Rebeca] yes, I have heard that before and those are all comments, as I have been saying my brides lately, we changed the DJ and he will play what you provide, that is why it is very important that you send me the list, also, the past DJ’s weren’t MC’s as well as this isn’t, if you require a DJ and an MC you will have both, if you just require a DJ, you will have just the DJ, but you need to be aware that he won’t do MC work.

 

2) What is the name of the photography company that Dreams provides? I would like to see some examples of their work before making a decision.[Rebeca] you can contact them at: [email protected] they will be able to send you some samples  

    We are still undecided on the DJ......I mean it seems so stupid to have to basically do ALL the leg work.  Plus, to pay extra for the MC abilities.  I wonder, do we need to supply every single song for the entire time? Or just the ones we really want and trust he won't play crappy music?  What is everyone else thinking?

 

 

[AngelaH]

Wow, that is really silly that the DJ doesn't "do MC work".  I was on the fence about a DJ because of the bad reviews, but the announcements were the main thing that may have swayed me to use one.  Guess that's out, don't want to pay $50 for someone to do 5 announcements.   We are only having about 35 guests, so I think we are going to stick with ipods and speakers, and ask my brother or the best man to do some of the announcements.  Some of the previous brides have done this and said it worked out fine with a group that size. 

 

Gowiththeflow: What PV photog are you thinking about using?  I really liked Karla Benitez's work, and her prices are great, but I think she is booked for my date.  I think I'm going to fly someone in, but really hate that $500 fee. 

[Married-2010]

I just got married on the 25th and we used Karla to do our photos.  She is amazing and I got my pictures and DVD before we left Mexico.  I just emailed her the pictures that I want for our wedding album and she will courier it to us in about 3 weeks.  I would recommend her to anyone.  If you want to see some pictures that she took of our wedding please let me know.

 

 

 

Karen

[january2011bride]

Thanks for all the info on outside vendors. I've looked over all of my emails and I think I'm alright and I just have to pay the $90 day pass. I'm getting so excited! We've booked Michelle Turner (she's American but lives pt in PV). I also wanted to hire the dj there just so it's one less thing for me to worry about, but I have heard nothing but negative reviews, like gowiththeflow said, why do all the leg work yourself and then still pay someone on top of that?! We're bringing an ipod and our Bose docking station which has amazing sound.

Hope everyone's planning is going well.