Now Sapphire Weddings Formerly Paradisus Riviera

[lianee]

Do you have a contract?  All I have is the wedding confirmation email I received once I paid my deposit.  There's no information whatsoever on outside vendors (or anything else, for that matter). On the wedding planning form you have to fill out, it asks "Are you bringing with you your own Photography or videography service?"  I read that to mean you are allowed to use an outside vendor.

 

We're taking a really relaxed approach to our reception.  We plan to have it at the buffet restaurant (for free!) because we couldn't justify the extra cost for having a private, plated meal - especially when we have a few picky eaters and vegetarians in our group.  We're not planning on having a program or "entertainment" during our reception.  The plan for after the meal will just be to either kick back in the lobby bar, or catch whatever th evening's entertainment may be.  It makes for really stress-free planning, which I love.  The only problem will kick in if we end up with more than 35 guests.  Then they might force us to have a private reception.  So far we're at 34, including children and infants.  I'm hoping they don't count kids under 2 as "guests" at the wedding, since they don't count as "guests" at the resort.

 

Originally Posted by babestaaa 

Hi Lianee,

 

I have heard back from the NOW as I am in the process of hiring Yazmin to deal with them directly. They are starting to aggrivate me as Anel told me I wouldn't be able to hire outside vendors, which idk who she is to tell me that since with Sandra it is fine and I don't see that anywhere on the contract so I am awaiting a response. I specified that I wanted Jhankarlo, unfortunately the coordinator or head hancho from Adventure Photos told me he is no longer with the company, so guess what. We're back to also looking for someone. This is sincere crap. I am beyondddd upset! Not to mention, for additional ppl past our divine package, its $105+service.. That is un-be-lieve-able! I am in absolute shock. I am beyond stressed right now.
 

 

 

[AmyG]

lianee,

 

If you wouldn't mind, can you please send me the wedding package price list for Adventure Photos?......my email is:   [email protected]

 

Thank You!!!!!!

 

Originally Posted by lianee 

I heard back from Adventure Photos at Now Sapphire (i.e., the resort's photographer).  They said that they only designate the specific photographer a few days before the wedding, so they couldn't send me any specific sample work.  They said that when you arrive at the resort, you can visit the gallery to see the work of each photographer.  I don't find this to be a particularly reassuring process.  I'd like to have an idea of what the pictures could look like BEFORE I decide to book the photographer.  So I guess I'm back to considering an outside photographer.  Does anyone know for certain - does the resort charge you $300 to bring in a photographer on the wedding day?

 

Also, I have the price list for wedding packages from Adventure Photos, in case anyone wants it.

 

[AmyG]

babestaaa,

 

I can remember when I booked the resort for my wedding I saw the part where they charge approx. $100/person (for over 25 guests) for the Divine package.  I think I may fall right around 25 guests so I am hoping I won't incur the extra charges,  but of course I will be thrilled if more than 25 guests come.  I guess this is inclusive of the dinner, the cocktail hour and the dessert, I just wish it didn't cost so much more.  Do you know how many guests you are planning on coming to your DW?

 

Amy

 

Originally Posted by babestaaa 

Hi Lianee,

 

I have heard back from the NOW as I am in the process of hiring Yazmin to deal with them directly. They are starting to aggrivate me as Anel told me I wouldn't be able to hire outside vendors, which idk who she is to tell me that since with Sandra it is fine and I don't see that anywhere on the contract so I am awaiting a response. I specified that I wanted Jhankarlo, unfortunately the coordinator or head hancho from Adventure Photos told me he is no longer with the company, so guess what. We're back to also looking for someone. This is sincere crap. I am beyondddd upset! Not to mention, for additional ppl past our divine package, its $105+service.. That is un-be-lieve-able! I am in absolute shock. I am beyond stressed right now.
 

 

 

[Llkrik1010]

I am expecting around 40 people, and I also was very shocked at the $100/person extra cost for the divine package.  Has anyone in the past been able to negotiate this price down?  I thought maybe there would be some negotiation room since all of those guests would be purchasing rooms for several nights and therefore bringing business to the resort!!  

As for the cost of an outside vendor, I was quoted by my wedding coordinator (Ramon) at $65.  I think this price is just for photography though.  Other outside vendors may cost more.  If you are having your photographer stay the night (ex. to do a TTD session in the morning) then there is no extra fee.  

 

Originally Posted by AmyG 

babestaaa,

 

I can remember when I booked the resort for my wedding I saw the part where they charge approx. $100/person (for over 25 guests) for the Divine package.  I think I may fall right around 25 guests so I am hoping I won't incur the extra charges,  but of course I will be thrilled if more than 25 guests come.  I guess this is inclusive of the dinner, the cocktail hour and the dessert, I just wish it didn't cost so much more.  Do you know how many guests you are planning on coming to your DW?

 

Amy

 

 

 

[kelnces]

I am planning my wedding which is surprisingly larger than we had anticipated at 79 guests and 7 kids and the divine package price for those over 25 wasn't negotiable but they were able to give deals on other things we are doing like the welcome dinner, private bar, linens etc Hope this helps with your planning. We were surprised at the cost too but feel blessed to have so many people making the trip!

[Sally2012]

Hi Vanessa 56 - my date is booked for April 20, 2012 -looks like we'll be there the same week.  I haven't done any planning yet..you?

 

[Moderncosmo1]

Hi Lianee,

 

I have heard back from the NOW as I am in the process of hiring Yazmin to deal with them directly. They are starting to aggrivate me as Anel told me I wouldn't be able to hire outside vendors, which idk who she is to tell me that since with Sandra it is fine and I don't see that anywhere on the contract so I am awaiting a response. I specified that I wanted Jhankarlo, unfortunately the coordinator or head hancho from Adventure Photos told me he is no longer with the company, so guess what. We're back to also looking for someone. This is sincere crap. I am beyondddd upset! Not to mention, for additional ppl past our divine package, its $105+service.. That is un-be-lieve-able! I am in absolute shock. I am beyond stressed right now.

 

 

 

Omg isn't that crazy 105 extra per person. I can't get over that. It's an ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT y do I have to pay for there food and drinks ugh. It is what it isn huhb?!

[lianee]

Anel sent me an email today, and said that the outside vendor fee of $300 would apply to an outside photographer.

Originally Posted by Llkrik1010 

I am expecting around 40 people, and I also was very shocked at the $100/person extra cost for the divine package.  Has anyone in the past been able to negotiate this price down?  I thought maybe there would be some negotiation room since all of those guests would be purchasing rooms for several nights and therefore bringing business to the resort!!  

As for the cost of an outside vendor, I was quoted by my wedding coordinator (Ramon) at $65.  I think this price is just for photography though.  Other outside vendors may cost more.  If you are having your photographer stay the night (ex. to do a TTD session in the morning) then there is no extra fee.  

 

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Moderncosmo1 




Omg isn't that crazy 105 extra per person. I can't get over that. It's an ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT y do I have to pay for there food and drinks ugh. It is what it isn huhb?!

I agree.  I think it's completely stupid.  That's why we were planning to have our dinner in the market cafe, although now Anel tells me that they will "try" to seat all of the wedding guests in the same area, but it's not even semi-private!  I had a friend who got married at Dreams Tulum.  They had their dinner in the buffet restaurant, and had a whole area of the restaurant set up for a dinner reception.  All of the tables were set up in a big square and we even had our own serving staff!  I figured Now Sapphire would do the same sort of thing, but it doesn't sound like it, so now we're switching up to the Divine package to make sure all of our guests can have dinner together.

 

[AmyG]

My fiance finally ordered his outfit online.....there's still plenty of time but I still get anxious.  Has anyone else ordered linen clothing online?....and if so, how was the quality?

[ps31]

Now I'm so confused...why are they quoting some people $65 for outside photography and some at $300?!?!?  What am I missing?  I just haven't asked yet because people on here have consistently stated they were quoted $65 for an outside photographer.  Did they 'change' their prices for 2012 (like they did for their packages) or do you think it's because of the revolving door of coordinators?