Any Gran Bahia Principe Runaway Bay Brides out there?

[HopeToBe]

We used Merrick Cousley and we were so happy with the results I believe the resort photographer changed right after my wedding in January 2012.  Also, take note, the resort photography store has multiple photographers, probably 5 or so, so each one may be different in talent.  I suppose if you were considering using the resort photographers you could ask for samples of each photographers work to compare them. I don't think there is a 'best' restraurant to have your dinner at, but if you are looking for meat and veg I would say the Grill.  We had our supper at the Grill and the food was amazing. They are also really good accomdating food concers as my mom has a severe dairy allergy and they were able to make seperate plates for her. I beleive the suppers start at 6pm at the earliest and I'm sure if there is just the two of you you could probably do a private dinner, I would ask the planners. We booked our excursions once we got to the resort.

Hi Is Merrick Cousley part of the resorts photographers? Pls clarify - thanks so much!

[Lola1974]

Do you get a room upgrade when your the bride....and does anyone have the wedding pacakges that you can pick from.

Thanks for any info.... We have our date April 3 2014.   :)

[MrsViolo]

Rashel Edwards quoted me 70 for hair and 70 for make up and 100 for travel.  I'm not getting married until Jan 2014 and she cautioned me to book quickly since she's already booking into 2014. If you're getting married in March you may want to check with her ASAP to see if she's available on your date. 

Hi Do you have the email address for Rashel Edwards pls? Thanks so much!

Here it is! [email protected]

[JayKay]

No, he isn't part of the resort photographers.

 

Here is his website.http://www.merrickcousley.com/

Originally Posted by HopeToBe 


Hi

Is Merrick Cousley part of the resorts photographers?

Pls clarify - thanks so much!

We were given a room in the same category (club Golden) but it was two floors higher up then the rest of our group.  They considered that our room upgrade.

Originally Posted by Lola1974 

Do you get a room upgrade when your the bride....and does anyone have the wedding pacakges that you can pick from.

Thanks for any info.... We have our date April 3 2014.   :)

[charmed517]

I had my wedding booked for the Riu but its now looking like I might have to change to the bahia because there are no direct flights from st. john's to jamaica before march 16th other then air canada and the riu doesn't deal with air canada! All the information i've been reading here makes me a bit nervous though- sounds like people have been having a lot of problems- we have a friend coming with us who's a photographer and is going to take our pictures- do we have to pay an extra 800$ vendor fee for someone we're already paying to have there???

[LinzWarr]

Originally Posted by JayKay 

 

The mixed grill includes a peice of steak, chicken and pork along with roasted potatoes and vegetables.

 

We tipped the wedding planners the next day after the wedding when we picked up all our things (chair sashes ect).  We didn't give them monetary tips but rather gave them some nice lotions and bath stuff.  They seemed to be really excited about it.

Thanks Jaykay!

IS this the meal you chose?  I hate having to choose one meal for everyone but it seems like it woud be the only one that might please everyone.  Did you have your meal at The Garden grill?

[CdnBrideJoanne]

Originally Posted by charmed517 

 

I had my wedding booked for the Riu but its now looking like I might have to change to the bahia because there are no direct flights from st. john's to jamaica before march 16th other then air canada and the riu doesn't deal with air canada! All the information i've been reading here makes me a bit nervous though- sounds like people have been having a lot of problems- we have a friend coming with us who's a photographer and is going to take our pictures- do we have to pay an extra 800$ vendor fee for someone we're already paying to have there???

 

I was originally booked at the ROR as well but I couldn't get my guests out of Halifax and St. John's without paying for a separate flight to Toronto.  You don't have to pay a vendor fee if you have a friend doing the photography.  That same rule applies to the ROR as well.

[JayKay]

Yes, that is the meal we chose.  We had the chicken ceaser salad, beef vegetable soup, mixed grill, and cheesecake for our meal and it was all very delicious food!!  We chose it because it seems like it was the most versatile for people and no one complained at all about it.

Originally Posted by LinzWarr 

Thanks Jaykay!
IS this the meal you chose?  I hate having to choose one meal for everyone but it seems like it woud be the only one that might please everyone.  Did you have your meal at The Garden grill?

[EmTy23]

Originally Posted by charmed517 

 

I had my wedding booked for the Riu but its now looking like I might have to change to the bahia because there are no direct flights from st. john's to jamaica before march 16th other then air canada and the riu doesn't deal with air canada! All the information i've been reading here makes me a bit nervous though- sounds like people have been having a lot of problems- we have a friend coming with us who's a photographer and is going to take our pictures- do we have to pay an extra 800$ vendor fee for someone we're already paying to have there???

Hi There,

 

I am in the same boat as you. I am booked at GBPJ but we are bringing our friend along who has a full time job and does photography as a hobby however, he does have professional equipment. I was talking to a previous bride who did the same and the photographer made a big stink and alittle scene at her wedding and insisted that she pay the $800.

I called the resort and asked Chandlyn and she told me that the photographer does have to right to ask for the vendors fee if he FEELS that you have a professional guy/girl !!! That is why every package at this resort  (even the free one) includes some type of photography, and they are allowed to be at your meeting with the wedding planner. There are many mixed reviews on this site about this issue. Some say it was okay, some say no! I have no idea, just don't want to give people the wrong answer and you end there minus $800 dollars.

The GBPJ photographer wants to be in your room, at the ceremony, and to do couple pictures...... that is alot of time So when would your photographer be able to take control of the shoot?

If you get married there after me I can tell you how it went LOL

[EmTy23]

Originally Posted by soontobeawalsh 

 

For anyone who has already purchased the sky lanterns.  How big are they?  and how are you planning on bringing them to Jamaica with you?  Will they fit in a suitcase with clothing and other stuff in it??

Thanks

Hi

I ordered the wireless ones from justartifacts.com. The package size are approx. 15 inches by 15 inches and about 3mm thick.

They are super compact.

Hope that helps