Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[Lisa K]

Originally Posted by belledame 

 

I sent Chandlyn an email asking her if I had to pay the $800.00 vendor's fee, since I had my wedding booked from months ago. She stated that the new policy comes into effect August 2012. She mentioned nothing about me being exempt from the fee. I don't think this is fair, because the no vendor fee was one of the reasons why I choose this hotel. I think it's so unfair for brides who had their wedding booked under their old policy to have to pay this ridiculous amount of money. It's so absurd!

Hey I was reading some of the older blogs and they had the photgraphers stay a night at the resort so they were considered guests and it was cheaper then vendor fee.

[jmarshall]

My fiance and I are confirmed for November 13, 2013!!! SOOO EXCITED!  Still lots of questions though...  My big question right now is whether it is worth it to have a private reception for a group of 30-ish people? Let me know what you ladies think! THANKS!

[MelB2012]

Originally Posted by jmarshall 

 

My fiance and I are confirmed for November 13, 2013!!! SOOO EXCITED!  Still lots of questions though...  My big question right now is whether it is worth it to have a private reception for a group of 30-ish people? Let me know what you ladies think! THANKS!

We will see you there! We're confirmed for November 15th, 2013. The countdown is ON!

 

We booked our dinner at the Dolce Vita, as I read they have a semi-private dinner there. And then we booked the Gazebo for the evening.We also have 30-something people coming with us. I don't think, for 30-some-odd guests, you need a completely private room. Just my opinion.

[jmarshall]

MelB, How awesome! What time is your ceremony? Did you already fill out that wedding set-up sheet? If so I might need your help with some of it! Let me know. Thanks! And just to apologize a head of time, I will probably be picking your brain

[MrsViolo]

Originally Posted by JayKay 

 

Here is a copy of the vows we wrote.  Hopefully they will help someone out.

 

Opening

Good afternoon, we meet here today surrounded by the beautiful ocean and blue sky to celebrate one of life’s most joyous occasions and to add our best wishes to the words which shall unite Mason and Jayne in marriage.  In the time they have been together, their love and understanding of each other has grown and matured, and now they have decided to live their lives together as husband and wife.

On behalf of Mason and Jayne, I welcome you and thank you all for gathering here on this beautiful day to witness their marriage ceremony. The fact that you all have travelled such a great distance to be here today is a testament to the amazing amount of love and support they have. All of you have given them much happiness, love, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They would like to sincerely thank you all for being here to celebrate their special day.

Ceremony

Marriage is an affirmation of life, an undying commitment, a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual bond between two people. It is created from the purest of friendship, respect and love. The institution of marriage should not be entered into lightly, as it is true commitment on every level.

 

Marriage has been described as living in love with your best friend; an adventure in the most intimate of human relationships. It is the mutual commitment of two people sincerely in love who share the same dreams about life, their fears and desire of family. The vow of marriage is a pledge of their everlasting love, whereby, they commit to share all life has to offer.

 

The marriage between Mason and Jayne does not mark the beginning of a new relationship; rather, it is an acknowledgement and celebration of a relationship that has been flourishing since they met.

 

Love is the longing two people feel for one another. It is the need to share, in body and spirit, the warmth, serenity and peace two people can give to one another. A simple touch, a hand held at a time of uncertainty.  Love is life’s highest emotion. It makes us less selfish, it makes our personalities grow, and it makes our lives more meaningful. It is caring about the welfare and happiness of your partner as your own. Love makes burdens lighter because you divide them. It makes joys more intense because you share them. And it makes you stronger so you can reach out and become involved with life in ways you dared not risk alone.

 

A successful marriage takes more than just love. It takes trust, to know in your hearts that you want only the best for each other. It takes dedication, to stay open to one another, to learn and grow, even when it is difficult to do so. And it takes faith, to go forward together without knowing what the future holds for you both.

 

Mason and Jayne, you have chosen to walk through life together. There is no truer statement of love. The choice was not made by any one moment, but by being together you grew to realize that you belonged together and that you fulfilled each other’s needs. You have come to thrive upon each other’s presence, loyalty and wisdom. The foundation of your love is profound friendship. A friendship you have nurtured until at last you realized that you wanted to be together always. The commitment you make today will be the foundation on which you will build your life together.

Vows

Mason please repeat after me:

 

I, Mason, choose you, Jayne to be my wife. 

I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.

I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard.

I promise to support you and to be there for you no matter what.

These things I give to you today, and for all the days of our life.

 

Jayne please repeat after me:

 

I, Jayne, choose you, Mason to be my husband. 

I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle.

I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems difficult, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort.

I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard.

I promise to support you and to be there for you no matter what.

These things I give to you today, and for all the days of our life.

 

Rings

May I have the rings please.

Notice that these rings are a perfect circle, with no beginning and no end. They represent the unconditional love that you have for one another. Let these rings serve as a bond between you and wear them with honor and pride, as they are a visible reminder of the vows and promises that you will make here today.

 

Mason, as you place this ring on Jayne’s finger, repeat after me.

 

I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you and a lasting reminder of the vows made between us today. With this ring I marry you and join my life to yours.

 

Jayne, as you place this ring on Mason’s finger, repeat after me.

I give you this ring as a symbol of my love and commitment to you and a lasting reminder of the vows made between us today. With this ring I marry you and join my life to yours.

 

 

Engagement Ring

The engagement ring is a symbol of promise and intention. Now the intention is realized and the promise fulfilled. Mason, place the engagement ring on Jayne’s finger over her wedding band to symbolize that the love that brought you together will always protect and sustain your marriage.

May the sacredness of this moment and the vows and rings you have exchanged ever remain as a priceless memory in the heart of each of you.

Signing of Marriage Certificate

Sand Ceremony

Mason and Jayne,

Before you met, your lives were on separate roads, each going in different directions and seemingly leading to different destinations.  But somewhere along the way, through some twist of fate, you met and fell in love. Today, standing beside the ocean, you find yourselves together at the entrance of a new path, as you promise to forever join your once separate journeys into one.

You have just sealed your marriage by giving and receiving of rings. Although you will be sharing one life, never forget that you are two separate people.  Cherish and affirm your differences.  Love each other. Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow. Grow sometimes together, sometimes separately.

To symbolize this union and the importance of the individuals within the marriage, two separate colors of sand will be combined. Each container of sand represents the separate journeys you once were on. In a moment I will ask that you both blend your individual containers of sand together, representing the coming together as husband and wife through your marriage, into one.

 I now ask that you blend your containers of sand together.

Mason and Jayne, as the sand has blended together, your lives are now joined; your separate journeys through life are now one. Just as these grains of sand can never be serperated and poured into the individual container, so will your marriage be a molding of two individual personalities, bonded  together forming one heart, one life, and one family.

Closing

 

Mason and Jayne, remember to give to one another new experiences of joy. Challenge one another so that you may grow. May the love you hold for each other, now sealed in marriage, continue to mature with the passing years. May you never take each other for granted, but always experience the wonder of your union. Be slow to anger, quick to forgive, leaving no tracks of resentment behind each day.

We who are present today, hope that the inspiration of this moment will never be forgotten. May all your days and years to come be filled with vision, joy and passion. May the love you now share continue to grow, and may the happiness you bring to each other be a continuing part of your life together. May you continue to live well, laugh often and love much and enjoy each and every day, believing in yourself and believing in each other. May your love be a sanctuary and a source from which you draw strength to live your lives with enthusiasm and imagination. May the people you touch in your lifetime know how much you love and care for one another and may you love one another forever.

Presentation of Couple

Mason and Jayne, you have expressed your love and commitment, and promised each other the joy of all your days before family and friends; along with the sun, the sand, and the sea, it gives me great pleasure to pronounce you as husband and wife.

You may kiss your bride!

Family and friends, it is my honor to present to you for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Mason and Jayne Jensen.

Thanks so much for sharing this!

[sbelland]

Originally Posted by jmarshall 

 

My fiance and I are confirmed for November 13, 2013!!! SOOO EXCITED!  Still lots of questions though...  My big question right now is whether it is worth it to have a private reception for a group of 30-ish people? Let me know what you ladies think! THANKS!

We had 30 guests and booked the Dolce Vita but not the private reception. The room was large enough to fit us all comfortably  yet it felt cozy. I wouldn't pay the additional money for the private reception but that was just our thought as we wanted it to be about the experience, family and friends and weren't there to spend a lot of money where it wasn't needed, but again that was just our perspective. 

 

[jmarshall]

Originally Posted by sbelland 

 

We had 30 guests and booked the Dolce Vita but not the private reception. The room was large enough to fit us all comfortably  yet it felt cozy. I wouldn't pay the additional money for the private reception but that was just our thought as we wanted it to be about the experience, family and friends and weren't there to spend a lot of money where it wasn't needed, but again that was just our perspective. 

 

Thanks for the info!

 

What did you pick for you starter, second dish, main dish, and dessert for that menu?  Would you recommend those items or something else?

[jmarshall]

Can anyone tell me how big the gazebo is? We are thinking about renting it after dinner for the dancing and will have around 30-ish people.  Is it big enough?

[DandM2013]

Hello Ladies

 

I can’t believe it’s 2013 already! Happy New Year and happy planning! My Wedding is booked for

July 1, 2013.

Here is some advise that I have for everyone. Going back and fourth via email can be really crazy and confusing. I was having trouble trying to understand the packages and deposit and extras and everything. 

What I did was found out when was a good time to schedule a call to Chandlyn or Donna Lee.  I prepared a list of questions and although it took me a few tries to get them on the phone, I called in the morning as scheduled and they were busy with a wedding .So I called again in the afternoon…  Chandlyn took her time speaking to me and we sorted out a bunch of details.

I have 70 people coming to the wedding! ( OMG!!!... I was expecting a lot less but I am so happy so many of my friends and family are making the trip! )  Because we are 70- I am doing the private reception at Dolce Vita.  Despite the big numbers I wanted to keep it intimate and felt this was the only way.  It is 2500$ and it includes a set dinner, wine, beer,soft drinks … We are arranging to bring our own hard liquor and will pay a small uncorking fee per bottle.

What I would do is try to negotiate as much as you… if you take a more expensive package and you are bringing business to the hotel  more than likely they will be flexible flexible.

I would say to you – having all the extra’s does add up , so look at your budget and pick something that works for you.

It is important to iron out the details and then to do it in writing- I sent an email rehashing what we discussed and Chandlyn confirmed everything in writing.

Hopefully that helps… I would call closer to the wedding date because things change all the time and you have to be prepared.

Thanks

Dana

[MelB2012]

Originally Posted by jmarshall 

 

MelB,

How awesome! What time is your ceremony? Did you already fill out that wedding set-up sheet? If so I might need your help with some of it! Let me know. Thanks! And just to apologize a head of time, I will probably be picking your brain

Our ceremony is at 4:00pm. I would have prefered 3pm, but I was only given a couple times to choose from. My group will be at the resort from the 9th-16th.

 

I did fill out most of the form. They told me to send them as much information as I could up front, and then they would just keep updating, but they insisted on having the form filled out (versus just emailing them information.) I haven't put a deposit, but they confirmed my date and time in writing. I was told I only need to put a deposit, I think it was 2 months prior? I'll do it sooner than that, but apparently there was no rush. I reserved my date back in August/September. I figured I was safe to at least wait until 2013. Haha.

 

And no worries about picking my brain. This forum is FULL of information... I'm learning much more than I can contribute so far. There's another girl I've met here that is getting married the 14th (although I haven't heard from her in a while.) It's amazing who you can meet online!! Lol.