Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[PoshAms]

I'm having major laptop issues at the moment, so wwill try to upload more pics later.

 

Special thanks to Navagia at the spa who did a lovely job on my nails before and after the big day.

 

Photography

Arrecife Photography were lovely. We hired Merrick Cousley as our official photographer, but Arrecife were provided by the resort free of charge. I must say that the pics were not as bad as the Digipix photos I have seen in the past. Their photographer was professional and came over to introduce himself after our ceremony. I wish I could remember his name to thank him personally.

Review on Merrick to follow once we've received our photos, but I can say that he was personable, professional and had a fantastic spirit. I would love to work with him again, and wish we'd booked a TTD with him now.

 

Cake

We had a cake shipped in from the UK, but also went for the resort cake as it was free. Our guests said it was delicious- I don't even remember it being cut lol.

 

 

That's all for now. I will be back with more later, but please feel free to ask any questions. I'd love to help.

 

Amina

[PoshAms]

 

 

Here's the best image I can find of the bouquet, ladies.

[tamandrob]

Congrats on the Mrs!!! I am glad that you and your guest had such a great time.. Thanks for the review it is always refreshing to hear great things!!! Did you do your TTD at the resort or did you go somewhere off site?

Tammy

Originally Posted by LOKeefe 

Hi Ladies!

 

Our wedding day was November 15, 2011 and it was amazing! We had a group of 48 guests travel with us from Canada and everyone had a fantastic week! First of all, the majority of my guests were missing towels etc. from their rooms but after we let our representative know it was fixed quickly. The food was fantastic. Out of 48 guests...not one person left with a bad experience.

 

We met with Chandlyn (very sweet) the morning after our arrival. I gave her the few items that I had brought with me. She was very organized and had all of my information so I was not stressed at all. We were legally married so I had to give her the notarized documents. (I paid an extra $40 to get my documents faster...I believe she said one week and then she would ship to me. They regularly take 6-8 weeks).

 

We had a large bridal party...5 groomsmen and 6 bridesmaids. We all had our hair done at the salon. AWESOME! Tia Flora did my flowers...I absolutely loved them...a simple bunch of calla lillies! However, they only brought 5 bouquets instead of 6. We held off as long as we could for the other bouquet to be rushed to the resort but ended up starting the ceremony without it! Honestly, I was so excited that I didn't mind at all...I was even willing to pick a few out of my bouquet to share...LOL.

 

Our ceremony was at the gazebo at 2pm. It did rain the morning of the wedding and sprinkled a little on me as I was getting ready to walk down to the gazebo with my dad...but then the sun came out and the day was perfect. We had the steel drum band (AWESOME). It was like a dream...truely like a fairy tale. Apparently the minister called me Laura (instead of Lori) in the beginning...everyone caught that except for me...we added 2 reading and a sand ceremony which made it last a little longer

 

Our photographer was Misha Earle...I would recommend her 100%. Her work is amazing and I cannot wait to see my pictures. We did not rent out the restaurant but had our dinner at the Grill. They had a section for my wedding and I honestly don't remember noticing any other guests on the other side of the restaurant at all. I didn't purchase any center pieces or anything...it was simple and beautiful. They had flowers on the head table and a vase with simple white flowers on the rest. I did have favors on the tables for my guests. We chose the mix grill for our meal...beef, pork, chicken and baked potatoe. It was great! I paid $40 to add an extra layer to my cake. Delicious!!! A layer of chocolate, vanilla and coconut. There wasn't a piece left over. The AC was broken at the Grill so it was very warm. We did open the windows so it made it cooler. We weren't allowed to have a microphone in the restaurant with other guests so my dad brought me a microphone and speaker so we could all hear my MC. hehe

 

We rented the gazebo for the dance. I did rent the DJ and bar. The DJ was very late (luckily I had sky lanterns for my guests that we lit while we waited and noone noticed). Also, confirm that he can play your music. I confirmed that I had my songs for the wedding on an Ipod but he could not play it!! So, it would be wise to put your music on a CD for him. My dad is an electronic engineer so he wired something up and got it working for me in the end!! I did request that chairs were placed at the gazebo. All of my guests were able to sit around the edges while the dance floor was in the middle. I brought large paper lanterns that were hung for the dance and it was pretty!

 

The next day we did a trash the dress shoot that was soooo much fun!!! I previously let Chandlyn know what items I wanted returned and picked them up from her a few days later. I did however take my cake topper when I left the restaurant just to be sure . I also picked up what they call and "brides copy" of the wedding document. It is not legal but I guess its proof of the wedding. Donalee was a big part of our wedding day eventhough we did not work with her previously.

 

Wow....that was a lot. Not sure if I have covered everything but if you have any questions I would be happy to try and help!

 

Take Care,

 

Mrs. Vickers!!! hehe

 

We decided to go with a photo guestbook. My sister-in-law took everyone's pic at the ceremony with a polaroid camera and they were all able to fill out the page for the book during dinner. It was a great decision...the book is awesome and so funny!

 

[tamandrob]

You look so beautiful and I love your flowers!!!
 

Originally Posted by PoshAms 

 

 

Here's the best image I can find of the bouquet, ladies.

 

[missmeliss]

You look so beautiful! Love the flower in your hair. Congrats.

 

 

Here's the best image I can find of the bouquet, ladies.

[acw271011]

Congrats! happy it all went well. you get a different perspective on this site now that you've been through it! isn't it just amazing! your review is great!

 

Originally Posted by LOKeefe 

Hi Ladies!

 

Our wedding day was November 15, 2011 and it was amazing! We had a group of 48 guests travel with us from Canada and everyone had a fantastic week! First of all, the majority of my guests were missing towels etc. from their rooms but after we let our representative know it was fixed quickly. The food was fantastic. Out of 48 guests...not one person left with a bad experience.

 

We met with Chandlyn (very sweet) the morning after our arrival. I gave her the few items that I had brought with me. She was very organized and had all of my information so I was not stressed at all. We were legally married so I had to give her the notarized documents. (I paid an extra $40 to get my documents faster...I believe she said one week and then she would ship to me. They regularly take 6-8 weeks).

 

We had a large bridal party...5 groomsmen and 6 bridesmaids. We all had our hair done at the salon. AWESOME! Tia Flora did my flowers...I absolutely loved them...a simple bunch of calla lillies! However, they only brought 5 bouquets instead of 6. We held off as long as we could for the other bouquet to be rushed to the resort but ended up starting the ceremony without it! Honestly, I was so excited that I didn't mind at all...I was even willing to pick a few out of my bouquet to share...LOL.

 

Our ceremony was at the gazebo at 2pm. It did rain the morning of the wedding and sprinkled a little on me as I was getting ready to walk down to the gazebo with my dad...but then the sun came out and the day was perfect. We had the steel drum band (AWESOME). It was like a dream...truely like a fairy tale. Apparently the minister called me Laura (instead of Lori) in the beginning...everyone caught that except for me...we added 2 reading and a sand ceremony which made it last a little longer

 

Our photographer was Misha Earle...I would recommend her 100%. Her work is amazing and I cannot wait to see my pictures. We did not rent out the restaurant but had our dinner at the Grill. They had a section for my wedding and I honestly don't remember noticing any other guests on the other side of the restaurant at all. I didn't purchase any center pieces or anything...it was simple and beautiful. They had flowers on the head table and a vase with simple white flowers on the rest. I did have favors on the tables for my guests. We chose the mix grill for our meal...beef, pork, chicken and baked potatoe. It was great! I paid $40 to add an extra layer to my cake. Delicious!!! A layer of chocolate, vanilla and coconut. There wasn't a piece left over. The AC was broken at the Grill so it was very warm. We did open the windows so it made it cooler. We weren't allowed to have a microphone in the restaurant with other guests so my dad brought me a microphone and speaker so we could all hear my MC. hehe

 

We rented the gazebo for the dance. I did rent the DJ and bar. The DJ was very late (luckily I had sky lanterns for my guests that we lit while we waited and noone noticed). Also, confirm that he can play your music. I confirmed that I had my songs for the wedding on an Ipod but he could not play it!! So, it would be wise to put your music on a CD for him. My dad is an electronic engineer so he wired something up and got it working for me in the end!! I did request that chairs were placed at the gazebo. All of my guests were able to sit around the edges while the dance floor was in the middle. I brought large paper lanterns that were hung for the dance and it was pretty!

 

The next day we did a trash the dress shoot that was soooo much fun!!! I previously let Chandlyn know what items I wanted returned and picked them up from her a few days later. I did however take my cake topper when I left the restaurant just to be sure . I also picked up what they call and "brides copy" of the wedding document. It is not legal but I guess its proof of the wedding. Donalee was a big part of our wedding day eventhough we did not work with her previously.

 

Wow....that was a lot. Not sure if I have covered everything but if you have any questions I would be happy to try and help!

 

Take Care,

 

Mrs. Vickers!!! hehe

 

We decided to go with a photo guestbook. My sister-in-law took everyone's pic at the ceremony with a polaroid camera and they were all able to fill out the page for the book during dinner. It was a great decision...the book is awesome and so funny!

 

[acw271011]

totally off topic ladies... but I just have to do this. we just got our most amazing wedding gift. I have't had time to put it here until now... but here is our brand new granddaughter Madisson who arrived just after our AHR... an early surprise since she wasn't due until yesterday.  sorry - I know this isn't a baby site but this little one is the reason one of our kids was missing from our reception so she really is a gift! the pic doesn't do her justice... she really is gorgeous!

 

[missmeliss]

Does anyone know the email contact to book dinners at the a la carte restaurants? Thanks!

[missmeliss]

Awww congrats acw! She is just beautiful. What a gift!

totally off topic ladies... but I just have to do this. we just got our most amazing wedding gift. I have't had time to put it here until now... but here is our brand new granddaughter Madisson who arrived just after our AHR... an early surprise since she wasn't due until yesterday.  sorry - I know this isn't a baby site but this little one is the reason one of our kids was missing from our reception so she really is a gift! the pic doesn't do her justice... she really is gorgeous!

 

[LOKeefe]

Thanks!! We did our TTD on the resort. We did it on the beach, ocean and pool!!
 

Originally Posted by tamandrob 

Congrats on the Mrs!!! I am glad that you and your guest had such a great time.. Thanks for the review it is always refreshing to hear great things!!! Did you do your TTD at the resort or did you go somewhere off site?

Tammy