Riu Santa Fe Wedding Anyone?

kalahreynolds · June 3, 2015

@@jenna32schap I would LOVE to keep in touch with you to find out how your wedding and photos turn out! I am getting married at Riu Santa Fe in March 2016. Are you doing videography and photography?

jenna32schap · June 7, 2015

@@kalahreynolds I am getting the 5 hour photography package. I am still back and forth about the videography. I really want to get it however it is expensive and the taxes make it even worse! I can't decide if it is something I will look back on other than maybe the first couple weeks after the wedding. How about you?

kalahreynolds · June 9, 2015

@@jenna32schap I just got pricing from Juan Carlos Tapia & I think I might go with him for photography...I really like his style and think he does a great job from what I can see on his website. For two photographers for four hours and all copyrights to all photos he takes its only $1800 which isn't bad from other quotes I have received. What about you?

As for videography, I really want it but you are right- it's super expensive. I did get a quote from someone in St. Louis which was super reasonable but I still can't decide if I'm going to fork the money out for it or not. I think it would be awesome to have though and play at our reception back in the states.

What photographer did you end up going with? And have you talked details with anyone yet? Are you getting married on the beach? Where are you doing your reception after?

jenna32schap · June 10, 2015

@@kalahreynolds We are going with the resort's photographer. I was impressed with the photos on their website. It cost ~$1700 for 5 hours and they make a photo book for you as well. Make sure you find out from the resort how much extra you have to pay for an outside vendor.

I actually just decided yesterday to give in and get the videographer! Each time I watched the videos from their website it made me want to get it more and more! Everyone who I've read about getting the videographer were very happy that they did so.

We are getting married on the beach. We are then having a semi-private dinner at El Torote Steakhouse followed by a private reception at the Tequila Bar.

kalahreynolds · June 11, 2015

@@jenna32schap Thanks for all this information-- I haven't heard from the wedding coordinator yet and they said she usually doesn't contact brides until 6 months out so hopefully I'll hear from her by then and if not, I'll email her for sure!

I've been doing tons of research of photographers in the area but that's because I haven't gotten any recommendations from the resort yet. Good for you though with the videographer! You'll have to (PLEASE?) let me know how it turns out and if you are happy with it. If so, I will definitely book them rather than bringing someone with. How is the pricing for the videographer?

That's exactly what we plan on doing except for the Tequila Bar but that could very well change once I talk with the wedding coordinator. Are you doing a reception back in the states at all? We are so I don't want to spend a ton of money in Mexico but still want to have a great time & make sure its beautiful too

BrandiNR · July 1, 2015

Hi I'm a Cabo bride as well but at the Riu Palace May 2016, was wondering where you were getting your makeup/hair done at if you were using the salon at the resort or going outside. Congrats btw!!

kalahreynolds · July 9, 2015

@@jenna32schap I am so anxious to hear how everything turned out for you!!! Hope it went well and can't wait to hear all about it!

Mrsdelagarza01 · July 23, 2015

@@jenna32schap I am so happy I just found this thread. Can you share how everything went? I am getting married at Santa Fe 10/17/15 I just got my information from my wedding coordinator.

I am getting married on the beach then thinking of the steak house and tequila bar reception...curious how everything went for you. Hope your wedding was perfect!!

@BrandiNR I hear all of brides mention Suzanne Morel for hair and make up...our package includes my hair style from the salon...BUT I am not sure if I should venture out..

jenna32schap · August 2, 2015

Hey! So we got back from Cabo last week and everything went well! We had a 5 o clock ceremony on the beach. We had planned to have our dinner at the Steakhouse followed by the reception at the Tequila Bar. When we met with the wedding coordinator on site she said she cannot accommodate our 82 guests at the Steakhouse so she changed everything to the Tequila bar only. It was sort of frustrating because we made welcome bags with info for each guest and now the plans were all changed. Anyway, I had her announce the change to everyone when our guests met at the Tequila Bar before going down to the beach for the ceremony. It all ended up working out fine. I brought decorations and Guadalupe and her assistant really made the place look beautiful! Our wedding was about 15-20 mins. Everyone at the pool bar watches and they were well behaved (just cheered and yelled at the end). We then got pictures and all of our guests moved up to the Tequila Bar area. The reception started at 7. We started with bridal party introductions, first dance, and then started the buffet dinner. The rest of the night consisted of photos, cake cutting, garter/bouquet toss, and dancing! It was veryyyy hot and our entire bridal party ended up in the pool with our dresses/attire on by the end of the night! The bartenders were awesome (we did tip them well). They had no problem getting drinks or shots for 20+ guests. We did the 5 hour photo and video package. We just missed the rain for our wedding so it was cloudy the entire time. I looked on the bright side though... no squinting in photos and it made it a little cooler (although still veryyy hot)! The rock formations are breathtaking. However, every Monday a cruise ships parks in front of half of them- which was on my wedding day. It didn't look bad but just a tip incase you have a problem with that! I had my hair and make up done at the resort. 9 members of the bridal party including myself had our hair done and everyone was pretty happy with it. I did not like my makeup... although I literally never wear makeup other than bronzer and mascara. For me it just made me look completely different which again makes sense because I never wear any! 3 other girls got their makeup done and said it was "okay" but they really were not impressed. I can't think of any other specific details right now but if anyone has specific questions feel free to ask!!

Here are some pics taken by guests... I do not receive my professional photos for another 2 weeks!