Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[JayKay]

We asked about a replacement for the resort photographer because we didn't need them and were told nothing could be substituted.  Also, at our meeting with the wedding coordinator, there was a person from the photo studio who basically said they would be there whether we wanted them there or not because it was one way to promote what they do on the resort, which I understand.  I guess all you can do is ask and see if they will substitute something for the photographer from the resort.

 

Originally Posted by Kim Deslippe 

It is so great reading everyone's different reviews about the resort and how everything plays out, it definitely gives you a heads up about things to be aware of.

Loving the fact that they will give you something else if you choose not to use something included with the packages.  I think that we will be bring a photographer from home with us (my FI cousin, but she's just starting out so were gonna test her out in the spring with some engagement pics I think!!) and I'm still debating on what I want to do about flowers.

 

[JayKay]

We didn't have to pay anything for our photographer to come onto the resort grounds.

 

Originally Posted by imajoseph 

does anyone know how much it is going to cost to have the photographer come on the hotel grounds to shoot our wedding and the TTD session the following day? do we have to pay 2 separate fee's and how do we pay that?

 

[JayKay]

We didn't have our wedding dinner there, but we did go to this buffet more often then the larger one.  We found the Palmyra to be fairly quiet with a nice atmosphere.  I think it would be a great place to have your wedding dinner! 

 

Originally Posted by tamandrob 

When sending in the package information I requested the Dolce vita; I liked that it was more private than the grill. I really had my heart set on eating there but when I tried to confirm this with Chandlyn this week, this is the response I received As per the Restaurant Manager we have a new restaurant called the Palmyra that has now been assigned to wedding groups for dinner.The dinner will therefore be at this restaurant with the Dolce vita menu.

 

Is this what other brides are getting as well? I have emailed Chandlyn for pictures but haven't heard back yet.

 

Ashley490- I read in your review that this is where your wedding group ate, was the setting private or open? Where is this restaurant located in the hotel? Thanks

 

[Kim Deslippe]

Thanks JayKay, I will keep that in mind.  We are probably going with the free package, so if they don't swap anything out it won't be a big deal.  Actually, maybe the reason for the inconsistency's if based on if you have the free package or if you pay for one of the upgraded ones; just a thought, still no biggie!

 

Originally Posted by JayKay 

We asked about a replacement for the resort photographer because we didn't need them and were told nothing could be substituted.  Also, at our meeting with the wedding coordinator, there was a person from the photo studio who basically said they would be there whether we wanted them there or not because it was one way to promote what they do on the resort, which I understand.  I guess all you can do is ask and see if they will substitute something for the photographer from the resort.

 

 

 

[JayKay]

That could be true.  We had the free package and therefore were told right from the start we couldn't make any changes to what was included or swap anything for sometime else.

 

Originally Posted by Kim Deslippe 

Thanks JayKay, I will keep that in mind.  We are probably going with the free package, so if they don't swap anything out it won't be a big deal.  Actually, maybe the reason for the inconsistency's if based on if you have the free package or if you pay for one of the upgraded ones; just a thought, still no biggie!

 

 

 

[exquisite02]

Aww Jules, too bad we are going miss eachother in Jamaica. I fly to jamaica on the 19th and get married on the 24th. it would have been nice to meet you! I'm getting married at 1 and plan on taking lots of pictures until dinner time. we are bringing our photographer down to Jamaica. I hope you can post your review as soon as you get home so that I can get a last minute heads up!

Originally Posted by JulesLurvey 

Hi there, great reading all of your posts.  We're getting married on 8th May 2012.  I'm concernced that our ceremony is at 11am, what is there to do for the rest of the day?  HELP!

 

[GBP2012]

Hi Tamandrob.

We have requested the Dolce, I am nervous Chandlyn is going to switch ours as well.

How many people do you have for your reception dinner?

I am sure any of the restaurants will be wonderful, but it is hard when you have your heart set on something.

Can't wait to hear about your wedding!

 

Originally Posted by tamandrob 

When sending in the package information I requested the Dolce vita; I liked that it was more private than the grill. I really had my heart set on eating there but when I tried to confirm this with Chandlyn this week, this is the response I received As per the Restaurant Manager we have a new restaurant called the Palmyra that has now been assigned to wedding groups for dinner.The dinner will therefore be at this restaurant with the Dolce vita menu.

 

Is this what other brides are getting as well? I have emailed Chandlyn for pictures but haven't heard back yet.

 

Ashley490- I read in your review that this is where your wedding group ate, was the setting private or open? Where is this restaurant located in the hotel? Thanks

 

[ashley490]

I also used the free package and when I was emailing the WC she had said no substitutions.  I had also previously arranged for the extra layer of cake and was fully prepared to pay for it but then at the face to face meeting she offered the substitution.  I don't think substitutions are something they advertise for the free package.  The best thing to do is plan your wedding the way you'd like to see it, and prepare to pay.  It just might be a pleasant surprise when you get down there that they may offer a small substitution.

 

Originally Posted by Kim Deslippe 

Thanks JayKay, I will keep that in mind.  We are probably going with the free package, so if they don't swap anything out it won't be a big deal.  Actually, maybe the reason for the inconsistency's if based on if you have the free package or if you pay for one of the upgraded ones; just a thought, still no biggie!

 

 

 

[ashley490]

No problem!  We didn't do speeches either so it was really nice to have the non-traditional table arrangement (we ate at one long table).  I was able to see and visit with everyone and didn't feel like I was separated from my guests.  Once I get my pics back from my photogs I'll definitely post a few of the dinner venue

 

Originally Posted by exquisite02 

A big Congratulations to Ashley490 ! Thank you so much for your review. I can't wait to see pictures!!! I'm really interested in seeing pictures of your Dinner since this is an option! I only have 15 guests and maybe my photographer for dinner so I'm not too worried about the dinner and also because I don't want to do speeches either. Thank you Ashley for sharing!

 

[ashley490]

I highly recommend Sungold photography.  Although due to budget you may not be able to get the owners themselves (Paula & Damian) they do have some associates that they work very closely with and their prices are cheaper.  There was actually one of their associates that tagged along on my wedding (his name was Clayton) and was doing the lighting for Damain & Paula.  Clayton was super friendly and very professional.  Have a look at their website www.sungoldphoto.com and look under "associates" for sample work they've done.

 

Originally Posted by Kristo 

Once again I'm having issues with photographers, so if any of you ladies can help me out here, it would be much appreciated.  Tried to book Merrick last year and he was booked.  Tried to book Stacey Clarke and she can't do it, unfortunately.  Anyone else have any other suggestions?  I'm looking for a TTD session as well, and have a VERY tight budget.  I'm looking for a couple of hours on my actual wedding day (our good friend will be shooting all the candids after the wedding) and really just want someone there to cover the ceremony and pictures directly afterwards.  And then of course the TTD the next day.  s

 

Soooo... with time running out, I'm getting VERY anxious and I'm starting to stress... so throw some ideas my way, pretty please!!!