New to the Forum and DW

[surferjenny]

Hi Everyone!

 

So like I said, I'm new to the forum and the idea of a destination wedding. I got engaged around Christmas 2011 and now I'm in the planning stages! I know I DEFINITELY want a destination wedding (I guess that's half the battle) but now comes the difficult part of narrowing down a location and a resort.

 

I really like the idea of the Riu weddings. My sister got married at the Riu PC in 2008 it was beautiful but the idea of being limited to the resort photographer bothers me, does anyone have any experience with this?

 

Also, I'm looking seriously into the following options:

 

1) Paradisus PC Wedding-- I like how everything is already priced out (dinner incl.)

 

2) Sandals Wedding Packages-- Not sure where though. I also heard that dinner can be added for $50 pp.

 

3) Grand Sunset Princess Resort in Mayan Riveria-- I'm in love with photosincancun.com I like the TTD sessions

 

Thank you for having such an amazing community! Such a great resource for someone who is feeling overwhelmed with all of the options out there!

 

 

[starchild]

Hi, Jenny and welcome to BDW!  Here are some links and tips that might make your time here on BDW more enjoyable.

 

If you have not done so, you may want to:

 

• complete your profile (upload a photo, add profile details, etc.)
• find the forum for your wedding destination or those you are considering and create a subscription to threads/members/vendors that you are interested in

 

 

Here are some links that may be helpful to you:

 

• Destination Wedding Community & Forum
• Resort Reviews
• Wedding Vendor Reviews
• Destination Wedding Wiki's and Articles
• Wedding Image Gallery
• BDW FAQ's
• BDW Forum Rules and Etiquette
• Downloading Attachments

 

 

Here are some BDW members and staff you should follow:

  Moderators and Community Leaders

• Tammy Host (Founder and Owner of BDW)
• Ann
• Jamy
• Abbie
• Carly

[surferjenny]

Thank you so much for the kind welcome and the resources. I really appreciate it! The wealth of information on here can be overwhelming at times! Thanks again starchild

[Moments That Matter]

Congratulations and welcome to the forums! I just finished capturing a wedding at the Grand Sunset Princess this week... you will love it! Here is a link to that wedding: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150536514839487.392402.18683524486&type=3

 

Let me know if you have any questions about the resort... or others here in the Mayan Riviera!

Best of luck with all your plans.

Linkn

 

 

 

 

 

[chase414]

Welcome, I'm new to the site as well.  The brides on here are great and have helped soooo much! 

 

I just wanted to pop a quick note to you to tell you that we stayed at the Grand Princess last May and it was a great vacation and at a great price!

 

We got a swim up room and it was the best ever!!!  We were actually in the main pool and the bar was right across from our room.  Along with the pool DJ.  We loved being in all the action but they have many swim up rooms that are more private and quiet.  

 

We actually decided to marry in Mexico after witnessing several weddings while at Princess.  They have a private beach club there called Chill Out and you can reserve that area for your ceremony and reception or just have your ceremony there.  If I chose Princess for my wedding I would have had the ceremony and reception there.

 

Guest can pay $10 per day per person to hang out there for the day.  We did this for several days.  They give you great wait service and bring you snacks! Come evening guests have to clear out for private events.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide to do!  We chose to marry at Aventura Spa/Cove Palace in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

 

Let me know if you have any questions regarding Princess.

 

 

[joda]

I am getting married in the Mayan Riviera, so I am biased to that, but I am sure whatever place you choose, you will have a beautiful wedding. Welcome and good luck!

[SweetFire]

Congratulations and welcome to the forum!!

 

Warmest wishes,

Lori

[boscobel]

Congrats and welcome to the forum!  I've never been to the Riu, so can't vouch for their photograher skills, but I will say that I got married at Beaches and thought that the photog would be fine.  I wanted to save some money and hassle of hiring an outside photographer and it's my biggest regret.  We didn't even buy any, that's how bad they were.  And we thought we would have plenty from the guests that were there, and pictures just weren't anyone elses priority.  So I would def look into it.  I know girs that got married at the Riu in JA back when I got married and they hired an outside photog, but I don't recall how they went about it.  Maybe by having them listed as a guest?  Good luck with your planning!

[surferjenny]

Thank you all so much for the help! I guess I really have some decisions to make! It's a difficult choice for sure! Thanks so much again and all the best to you!

[AllieH]

welcome to the forum!!! 

 

We chose Riviera Maya for a variety of reasons, and El Dorado Royale. they are one of the resorts that's strict about outside vendors ($500 fee!!! OUCH). however, our photog will be one of our guests for 3 nights, so they waive that $500 fee. You may want to research other resorts who either don't charge the outside vendor fee, or who will waive it if your photog is a guest, depending on which way works best for you. 

 

Photography is one of the most important things for me, so I am not leaving it up to the resort's choice of photographers. No way, no how.