$500 to bring in my own photographer!

[Nrvsbride]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kemiller whoa! I just read some of the responses to my post and i didn't realize how easy it is to make photographers upset. sorry guys. i was just trying to offer some advice.

Please do not take any offense to any of the comments that have been posted. Everyone knows you were only trying to help. I think the photographers and a lot of the brides are upset b/c they are unfairly charging a fee without offering an alternative. It seems to be monopolized and that is what is upsetting. If some of the photographers came off as upset, they are only upset with the policies that are in place, not your helpful comments. We appreciate everyones comments and we want you to continue offering your advice. Thanks.

[MagsieMexico]

I really want to try this too, just buy the photographer a guest day pass... I know that the Barcelo has a strict policy, but it's just so ridiculous, I can't believe it, especially when I will already be getting them so much business... Kind of makes me wish I'd picked the Grand Palladium or the Gran Bahia...

[AmyB79]

I got married at EDR on April 27th, 2007, and used an outside photographer who also happened to be a guest at the resort for 3 nights. We didn't have any issues with this process. In fact when the WC asked us if we wanted to use the hotel photographer, we just said "no- we're all set" and that was basically it. She didn't ask us any questions or mention any fees. We never told the WC (or anyone else at the resort) which one of our guests was the photographer, so the resort really didn't know how many nights they stayed. We didn't have any guests on a day-pass, so I can't comment on how that worked.

 

Good luck working this out!

 

I'll also add that I loved the EDR! Yeah, the beach is small and not as gorgeous as some other areas in Riviera Maya we saw, but the rest of the resort more than made up for that. I loved that the resort is huge! Lot's of opportunities for us to walk and burn off the high-calorie meals/drinks we were eating. Plus, by staying in castita's we were far enough away from our guests to not see them if we wanted, or we walked 10 minutes down to their area when we wanted to see them.

[Lauren_Hirshon]

Glad to hear the good things about the EDR. I am a little nervous having chosen a place I havent seen!! Was your WC Faith or Monica?

[Lauren_Hirshon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfwolfe72 That's a good idea, but if they "find out" do you think they can kick the photographer out? I'd be scared to have them do that and then be stuck without a professional photographer!! But if they did that on a bride's wedding day, that would be REALLY, REALLY wrong! But I might try the same thing. When are you getting married there?

Im getting married 2/2/08. I will let you know if the photographer gets kicked out. In fact, I will let everybody in the world know how pissed I am!!

[AmyB79]

My WC was initally Faith and then it was switched to Monica when Faith "got promoted" (or left or whatever). That transition was a pain. Faith definitely seemed better, and with Monica I had to go back through all the options I'd already selected with Faith. THen I had to do it again when I got to the resort, waste of time. The nice thing at the resort is that they have pictures of everything. The WC don't give this to you ahead of time unless you specifcally ask for it. One piece of advice I have is don't try and do anything different from what they normally offer. E.g., I spent a lot of time coming up with centerpiece arrangements, however they wouldn't let me bring my own supplies, and when I arrived at the resort it was obvious they had no idea what I was asking for (even though Monica gave me a price quote before and said they could do it). The centerpieces were not what I wanted and definitely not worth the high price tag, I wished I just went with one of their normal centerpiece ideas.

[MagsieMexico]

Sharke, Matt, Leigh, Jonathan, have you guys ever had the experience where you were put on the guestlist, bought a day pass, and thrown out, or questioned as being really a guest?

 

I think it will be strange to say, here are our friends the videographer, and the photographer, and I'd be concerned...

 

I'm getting married at the Barcelo Maya Colonial, but haven't signed the contract now, and am now getting really worried because they're saying absolutely no outside vendors, not even firedancers or anything... But that's fine, it's just the photographer and videographer I care about.

 

Should I make a last minute switch to Grand Palladium (even though my STDs are out), or just risk putting our photographers on the guest list??

 

Thanks.

[Matt Adcock]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MagsieMexico Sharke, Matt, Leigh, Jonathan, have you guys ever had the experience where you were put on the guestlist, bought a day pass, and thrown out, or questioned as being really a guest? I think it will be strange to say, here are our friends the videographer, and the photographer, and I'd be concerned... I'm getting married at the Barcelo Maya Colonial, but haven't signed the contract now, and am now getting really worried because they're saying absolutely no outside vendors, not even firedancers or anything... But that's fine, it's just the photographer and videographer I care about. Should I make a last minute switch to Grand Palladium (even though my STDs are out), or just risk putting our photographers on the guest list?? Thanks.

Neither we haven't been thrown out of any resort at this point.

It may be strange, but what is to keep you from inviting artists that you have been following for a long time, communicating with, and now commissioned to shoot for you, (call them your friends). Seriously, I make relationships with my clients for more than pictures on their wedding day --- Lifetime friendship. My clients call me when they have babies. I do sessions for no charge for their first born. I spend time with them, go out to dinner with them, meet them in destination cities all over the world during my travels.... So why can't your photographer be your friend? Seriously, ask yourself that?

[Can'tHardlyWait]

I am coming in a little late to the conversation but - WOW! There is NO WAY anyone should pay the $500 fee to bring in a photographer! After reading this post, I called my WC at the Xcaret and asked if they charge a fee for outside vendors. An assistance informed me that there was "some sort of charge," although she wasnt 100% sure how much and she would call me back when she could. I - being all talk and no action - called my FI, got him all fired up, and had him call back to tell them we would be willing to pay nothing more than a day pass ($85). I am not sure if that is the policy at Occidental anyway, but when he called back and told me they agreed, he was totally my hero

 

So, the point of my long story is... if you haven't already, test out whether the WC is willing to stand by the policy in the face of an unhappy bride who is spending thousands of $$$ at the hotel. And... if that fails, put them on your guest list. One of the guests at my wedding actually is a professional photographer (although she is coming strictly as a guest)... how would they know "in what capacity" she is taking pictures?

 

I totally agree with all the photographers on this forum - do NOT give in to the $500! Even though it could cost as much, I think it's better to resist the charge and put the photographer on your guest list.

[Matt Adcock]

Due to this thread, we have received several of emails and requests from our clients and potential clients who have already contracted EDR and are now asking for info about the no outside photography policy $500 penalty.

 

Several have had less than desirable news.

 

We have a contract with a bride using EDR in December. Apparently, EDR has had a coordinator replaced within the last 3-5 months. Her original coordinator told her to put the photog on the guest list, all would be ok.

 

She read this post. Called EDR. Asked for written proof of this with the new coordinator staff, they said NO. Can't honor what she was told in the past.

 

She is trying to change her wedding location.

 

Her travel agent, who has recommended EDR and Karisma resorts is furious because she does anything she can to recommend their hotels...