Turks 2013

[Danie]

Hey Kim:

 

 Wow that is so crazy we have so many similarities lol. Personally, at first I wasn't sold on the Beach BBQ for a reception I wanted that to be the reherssal dinner and then have a regular reception at a nice restaurant. But on my site visit I went in the end of April, weather was beautiful about as nice as will be in May. The friday I arrived there was a wedding on the beach and we were able to witness the set up and the ceremony decor. At first, I wasn't too crazy how the beaches aren't private and spectators can watch but one I seen the set up and seen how most people respect the wedding on the beach and don't hang close by. I was over it. Then that night I noticed the ceremony on the beach with the DJ. My photographer was actually their photographer and he showed me the pics from the wedding in which you can see the tents set up with the tables and chairs and the chefts etc. Personally what I loved most about it, is that the guest and bride were all staying at our resort and so they were able to walk back and forth from their room to the reception throughout the night. I was then sold on it. I could hear the music from the DJ and believe it or not the guest were dressed perfect. Not too laid back but dressed just like a reception and I just fell in love with it especially since everything was right there ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. So I then decided to use Opus at Ocean Club East for the reherssal dinner as we did eat there and the atmosphere was incredible. We at outside the lighting, band playing and set up was absolutely beautiful and relaxing at what I found to be a not over the top price as some places can be.

 

 We did also eat at Coco Bistro whcih was to taste the food so that we would know whether we enjoyed and would want Kissing Fish to cater it. Fantastic. I did not eat at any more restaurants down there because I was only there for a long weekend. The resort I stayed at is close to everything such as shops, the grocery store etc. We did walk to the grocery store and on the way there are some really great coffee shops and there is also a great bakery which you can have coffee and cake at in the morning and sit outside. It was close to Maxime Salon which some people use for hair and nail. As for me I am going to use Shenique, there are some things I am willing to splurge on and others I am not. We also went to the Casino which I believe is called Casablanca. It was your average international casino, small with old slot machines surrounding 4 -6 blackjack tables. Security is strict no cameras, your searched with wands to check for weapons and the doors are locked once your in. Wasn't my favorite spot after such a relaxing dinner at Opus as it was a totally different environment.

 

Overall, I can tell you the people were very friendly and courteous. I found the island safe to walk around and shop, etc. The grocery store is very pricey for certain items however if you staying long as I am (10 nights) I am going to do some food shopping and eat out other nights as restaurants can be very pricey.

[tyrebride2b2013]

Kim yes That is crazy that the beach bbq would cost more.  but your right I guess they are figuring more to set up and charging for that.  Oh yes, Danie which places did you visit?  I hear that turks is beautiful.  I can not wait to see for myself.  My coworker just came back from vacation there he has a timeshare.  I was so jealous.

[Danie]

Tyre:

 

 In regards to your photography I know beaches does their own photography but if you really loved someome like Brilliant I am sure you could always invite Brilliant to your wedding as a guest and as a guest they can take picutres I mean I'm sure other guests at your wedding will take picutres. Granted, you would really have to professionals the vendor Beaches has and Brilliant but thats just a suggestion if Brilliant was someone you really wanted to take yoru pictures. Talk to them maybe they can work something out. Don't second guess yourself. Beaches is a beautiful resort and I am sure you day will be perfect. Just let them know the things that you want. You and your guest will have a wonderful time on the resort. Dont' worry your planning will fall into place.

[tyrebride2b2013]

Originally Posted by Danie 

 

Hey Kim:

 

 Wow that is so crazy we have so many similarities lol. Personally, at first I wasn't sold on the Beach BBQ for a reception I wanted that to be the reherssal dinner and then have a regular reception at a nice restaurant. But on my site visit I went in the end of April, weather was beautiful about as nice as will be in May. The friday I arrived there was a wedding on the beach and we were able to witness the set up and the ceremony decor. At first, I wasn't too crazy how the beaches aren't private and spectators can watch but one I seen the set up and seen how most people respect the wedding on the beach and don't hang close by. I was over it. Then that night I noticed the ceremony on the beach with the DJ. My photographer was actually their photographer and he showed me the pics from the wedding in which you can see the tents set up with the tables and chairs and the chefts etc. Personally what I loved most about it, is that the guest and bride were all staying at our resort and so they were able to walk back and forth from their room to the reception throughout the night. I was then sold on it. I could hear the music from the DJ and believe it or not the guest were dressed perfect. Not too laid back but dressed just like a reception and I just fell in love with it especially since everything was right there ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. So I then decided to use Opus at Ocean Club East for the reherssal dinner as we did eat there and the atmosphere was incredible. We at outside the lighting, band playing and set up was absolutely beautiful and relaxing at what I found to be a not over the top price as some places can be.

 

 We did also eat at Coco Bistro whcih was to taste the food so that we would know whether we enjoyed and would want Kissing Fish to cater it. Fantastic. I did not eat at any more restaurants down there because I was only there for a long weekend. The resort I stayed at is close to everything such as shops, the grocery store etc. We did walk to the grocery store and on the way there are some really great coffee shops and there is also a great bakery which you can have coffee and cake at in the morning and sit outside. It was close to Maxime Salon which some people use for hair and nail. As for me I am going to use Shenique, there are some things I am willing to splurge on and others I am not. We also went to the Casino which I believe is called Casablanca. It was your average international casino, small with old slot machines surrounding 4 -6 blackjack tables. Security is strict no cameras, your searched with wands to check for weapons and the doors are locked once your in. Wasn't my favorite spot after such a relaxing dinner at Opus as it was a totally different environment.

 

Overall, I can tell you the people were very friendly and courteous. I found the island safe to walk around and shop, etc. The grocery store is very pricey for certain items however if you staying long as I am (10 nights) I am going to do some food shopping and eat out other nights as restaurants can be very pricey.

 

thanks Dani these are good to knows.

[Danie]

I have some pictures I can show you of the island if you want. It's not much most are of the gourgeous Grace Bay beach and some of the place where the cofee shop is not far from the grocery store. I'm not sure if that is near your hotels or not. I think it may be a drive from beaches and Kim I am not sure where your are staying. But if you guys are renting a car I would definitely stop and check it out for coffee in the morning if possible. Let me know if you want to see the pics.

[tyrebride2b2013]

Originally Posted by Danie 

 

Tyre:

 

 In regards to your photography I know beaches does their own photography but if you really loved someome like Brilliant I am sure you could always invite Brilliant to your wedding as a guest and as a guest they can take picutres I mean I'm sure other guests at your wedding will take picutres. Granted, you would really have to professionals the vendor Beaches has and Brilliant but thats just a suggestion if Brilliant was someone you really wanted to take yoru pictures. Talk to them maybe they can work something out. Don't second guess yourself. Beaches is a beautiful resort and I am sure you day will be perfect. Just let them know the things that you want. You and your guest will have a wonderful time on the resort. Dont' worry your planning will fall into place

 

I actually have been reading the beaches roll call thread and I have seen that other brides have used them the day of but off the resort before or after the ceremony and using the beaches photographer for the actual wedding.  I actually want the whole day photographed and recorded from beginning to end us getting prepared the before after and during.  If I could figure out a way to have them or another photographer do this I would be ecstatic but I don't know how strict they are on the policy if we can mask them as guests.  Thank you so much for the encouragement on my decisions.   

[Danie]

Tyre:

 

 Your best best is to send them an email and see what they say. I am sure Brilliant will be able to tell you if they would be able to do that or not. Don't second guess yourself though. Maybe you can ask and see if any brides out there from beaches would show you their pictures then you could see what their photography looked like just to ease your mind. You may love their photographer. Ask around thats what I would do especially before you put money out for a whole other vendor. Everything will work out fine. Sometimes all of this is overwhelminng. But it will all fall into place.

[tyrebride2b2013]

Dani,  You are the best at making me feel better..Iol  I was already feeling bad about the whole DW wedding(lots of family /friends complaining loooonnng story) Which is why I loove the boards so much other people I can actually talk to and relate to.   

 

 am going to do just that I am going to send emails to both eyespice and tropical and see the results I get.  I have seen the beaches work and seen the reviews, they are quite pricey and okay but not the best also I read that your not allowed to pick which photographer you want or see previous work they just assign one to you.  

[Danie]

Personally, for me that is whyI went with Eyespice because its only Jon and I was guarenteed him. Some bigger vendor can't guarentee you a specific person they can pencil it in but I guess ultimately it depends. But it so worth a shot by writing them and seeing what they can say. Everyone is so helpful I know they will get back to you and let you kno what they can do and what the prices are like. I know what you mean about pricey because I felt like some things are so much money and then I realized that you really have to weigh out the things that mean the most to the both of you and that how you decide what you'll splurge on and what you won't.

 

I am glad I can make you feel better but its all the truth what I am saying lol. I know what its like. When we first said we were going away everyone wasn't thriled with it. They acted nice but I think they really wanted something close. Then when guest list came into play everyone had someone they thought should be invited. Finally, I said the closest people to the family are invited and that's that. I mean i knew when we planned this everyone couldn't come plus honestly I can't afford for everyone to come. I mean I feel like I am doing alot for the guest and the more who come the less I can afford to do. It's tough but once you really start getting into it gets better. I think everyone is just starting to come around. We just had to start booking room from now until September in order to guarentee we all are at the same resort and people are starting to get excited. so in the end it works out. Just don't regret anything you have started. I know I did at first, I would see someone say something about a resort that was in my price range and I would think I picked the wrong one. I would see someone say somthing about a vendor I didn't book and I thought maybe  shouldn't have done that. But you know what, it is what it is and I picked the places and vendors for a reason. That's what matters. You'll have everyone you need there on a beautiful island at a beautiful resort and you will have the best time plus your marrying the man you love in a beautiul environment. Ultimately what can be indecisive about that.

 

These days, I love hearing what other brides do because really we're all so similar in our plans and wants. Just different venues and vendors thats all. I can't wait till we're all married and we can show each other and tell each other how are plans turned out.

[KIM02242012]

For some reason some of my posts aren't getting posted! bahh

 

Having a destination wedding just made sense for us because I'm from the west coast and my fiance is from the east coast (and we live on the east coast). There were a few who were a little upset with a destination wedding, but since most would have to travel, they are now excited they get to visit a new place.

 

Dani, thanks for all the info! It's nice to get a little more info from someone who's actually been. Also, where is the grocery store? Or, which resort is it near? I'm trying to get myself a little oriented with Grace Bay Beach.

 

Can't wait to see how are weddings end up! We're very close in dates. TyreBride, when in June are you getting married?