Varia

Welcome Kara! Mayan Riviera is my favorite place! I shot two weddings there last year and every time I go I discover something new. Let me know if you have any questions regarding the area.

Welcome to the forum!

Hi Giselle, Welcome to the BDW forum! I have two destination weddings this year both in Punta Cana DR: Majestic Colonial and Dreams. These resorts seems to be popular. I am also going to be in Puerto Plata at the Riu Bachata- which looks interesting too. I will post my reviews when I get back.

Hi Kati, Welcome to the forum! Mexico is a great place to get married!

I was at the Riu Palace in December and I remember the bride asked for the private reception at the San Jose restaurant at the terrace and wanted a T set up for the tables and it cost her $500. It is buffer style for appetizers and deserts and you choose the main course from the menu. Only red/white wine and beer are included. The only thing the bride said to me that there was no need to do an upgrade for the cake ( the cake is for 10 people I believe and she had 25), since the restaurant has a buffet for desserts. I hope this info helps. __________________

From what I can see - here are some popular resorts in Punta Cana: Majestic Colonial Melia Caribe Tropical Paradisus Palma Real Ocean Blue/Sands Beach and Golf Resort Dreams Gran Bahia Principe Bavaro RIU Palace Punta Cana

Thank you ladies, for your quick reply. Wow, both locations are great! One more question: how far is Ocho Rios from Runaway Bay?

Hi ladies, I will be in Jamaica at the beginning of June to photograph the wedding in Grand Bahia Principe, Runaway Bay. I was just wondering what locations you could recommend to use for the Trash The Dress photo session outside of the resort somewhere around Runaway Bay or Ocho Rios. Thank you,

Hi Laury, Welcome to the forum! Mayan Riviera is a great place to get married!

Congratulations and welcome to the forum! Cheers!

Welcome, Cheryl!

Welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum, Dawnmarie!

Hi Acia, Welcome to the forum! The island of St. Lucia is a beautiful place to get married!

Hi Ana! Welcome to the forum! I photographed the wedding in Portugal (Algarve) in September 2007 and I absolutely love Portugal. Here are some pictures: Destination wedding in Portugal. Photoghraphy by Varia Lebiadzenka

oops, double post.

ops, double post :-)

Hi Janise, Welcome to the forum! It is funny I am going to be there at the same time to shoot the wedding on April 28th! I can photograph yours too:) If you are interested PM me.

Hi there, I think Riu Palace is a very nice resort. I was there in December and everything was great. Here are some pictures: Wedding in Los Cabos Let me know if you have any questions.

Hi there, I photographed the wedding at the Riu Palace in December 2007. I am going back there again in April for another wedding. I also posted some pictures here: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t13972 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t13968 If you have any questions let me know.

Hi Michelle, Welcome to the forum! Most of my couples used Megan Crouse, she is a Travel Agent here in Toronto, ON. She specializes in destination wedding and she will help you for sure. Her website is Megan's Brides by Oceans Travel If you have any questions about Mayan Riviera let me know and I will gladly answer them.

Welcome, Rachel!!!

Welcome to the forum!!!

Hi Lynne, Welcome! I shot the wedding at the Grand Bahia Principe-Akumal and I really liked the resort. Akumal and Tulum are the best sections there. The only suggestion will be is the time for your ceremony. I would recommend 3pm or later, since 2pm might be too hot for your guests and lighting for photographs is quite harsh. Let me know if have any questions regarding the resort or surrounding areas.

When we arrived to Riu Palace - the bride asked me to come with her to see Daniela (wedding coordinator). We discussed all the things together. The bride was deciding between the gazebo or the beach ceremony and she chose the gazebo, since the beach was not that private (they have horses down at the beach). Daniela also showed us the book of different types of flowers to choose from. The bride asked for the private reception at the San Jose restaurant and wanted a T set up for the tables. She gave Daniela the name tags and favors to put on the tables. We asked to set up the champagne toast after the ceremony on the beach, so I can take a group shot form the above (I stayed up at the gazebo). The only thing the bride said to me that there was no need to do an upgrade for the cake ( the cake is for 10 people I believe and she had 25), since the restaurant has a buffet for desserts. As far as I can see Daniela did a good job organizing everything and all the things we are done the way the bride and groom asked. I have another wedding there in April and I will share the info again