JamaicaBrideToBe

Quote: Originally Posted by sjgbride This sounds like a lovely idea jamaicabride2b, what do I need to do to organise this for my wedding? It takes the place of the common Unity Candle Ceremony. Basically you and your husband go to a seperate table after you say your vows and exchange your rings and kiss. You need 3 vases, 1 with a color of sand representing you - one for your husband and a 3rd empty one. Just as the vows say - when you pour your sand in together it will represent your unity. It's a very nice way of ending the ceremony and very fitting for a destination wedding. If you google sand ceremony you will find lots more info and pics! Good luck!

Micheals!!! My goodness I think I'm there getting something every weekend!!! They have really nice colored sand and a huge selection of vases too. I found the wording on the internet....honestly there are a bunch to choose from. I kinda picked a little from each one until I got something I like. I found some really nice vows as well. Again, made a few changes but in the end it makes for a bit of a longer ceremony. When I have time to type it all out tonight I will. The vows include the minister addressing your friends and family and them answering - I think they are beautiful. I've decided to put that part of my vows in my program, I'm also going to include the sand ceremony vows for them as well. We have 65 guests attending, I don't know if everyone will be able to hear and I really want them to be part of the moment and not straining to hear what is being said.

What's the norm? Pour in the middle of the words that are spoken or do you wait until the minister finishes with the line about never seperating the grains of sand and start your pour at the end? I can find a lot of information about the wording and options, but none of them acually say anything about starting your pour? Thanks!!! I'm only a month away - now it's details!! EDIT: Here's the words I'm using UNITY SAND CEREMONY Love is the eternal force of life. Love is the force that allows us to face fear and uncertainty with courage. But although you will be sharing one life, never forget you are two separate people. Cherish and affirm your differences. Love each other. Keep your commitment primary. Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow. Grow sometimes together, sometimes separately. Oniel and Vanessa, you have sealed your relationship by giving and receiving of rings and the exchange of a kiss, this covenant is a relationship pledge between two people who agree that they will commit themselves to one another throughout their lives. Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand into one, representing you Vanessa, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, Oniel, and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be. As these two containers of sand will no longer exist, but will be joined together as one. Just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into individual containers, so will your marriage be. So, does the minister come to the table with you and read this or does he stay by the gazebo with the mic?

Your pictures turned out beautiful!!! You look stunning!

Quote: Originally Posted by BachataBride Hmmmm....I just might take you up on that!! Thanks!! I'll have to see if I have room in my luggage for them though! I'm starting to seriously question how much space/weight I will have!! LOL I made some calls and found out that you can ship to Jamaica using Air Canada Cargo. Ship it a few days before you leave and it will be there waiting for you to pick up when you get there. You may want to have your own transportation with that option but the shipping is VERY affordable. I'm flying Air Transat so we are only allowed 44lbs!!!!!!!! Plus I have a 6 month old to bring for 2 weeks...I've been told I should bring all of his food, diapers and necessities. Plus I have 75 stainless steel mugs, 36 OOT bags, candles, vases, yeah 44lbs. So anyway, Air Canada Cargo is a saviour!!

Thanks Ladies!! That was my concern as well, not sure how the ceremony will go. That's very helpful. I did do a search first but couldn't find posts on programs, just invitations and std's.

I'm really at a loss for what to put on my program. What did you ladies do? Since it's a destination wedding I would think the format is a bit different??

We have the Poolside booked for Jan. 6/09, we will be there for the entire reception. Dinner, speeches and dancing. We have the DJ already booked to play. We have our own professional photographer as well, we will have loads of pics to share.

That's completely okay with me!!!! I can't wait!!! We are expecting 55-65 guests so it's going to be a blast!! I have my own photographer for the whole day of the wedding and reception as well as the next day for trash the dress. I'll have lots!

That's completely okay with me!!!! I can't wait!!! We are expecting 55-65 guests so it's going to be a blast!! I have my own photographer for the whole day of the wedding and reception as well as the next day for trash the dress. I'll have lots!

Does Chandlyn have a selection of vases we can use? I'm not sure how all you people are getting answers, my wedding is before yours and I seriously don't get replies to my emails

Hello everyone, I'm having a poolside reception. I believe we are given round tables that seat 8 with white linen and white plates. Do they provide a selection of vases for us to use as a centerpiece or do I have to bring my own? Also, are candles and candle holders provided for outdoors? Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by md_ocr I'm leaning towards the pond gazebo because we are doing a TTD at the beach with my photographer.I'm sure that after the ceremony, we will go over to the beach anyhow to get some good pictures. I'm doing the same and I like the pond gazebo for that same reason. I love that its secluded, feels very catered to you. The one downside I think is that they placed it backwards, your back drop is the hotel, if they would have placed it on the other side with the ocean in the background, or at the very least all the greenery I think it would have been nicer for pictures. But I think I'll put some sheers or a sort of fabric up - thank god the building is new and white so it's not so bad. We will be heading to the garden and then the beach for pictures afterwards. It's all personal but I love how it's secluded. They do give you a sound system for people to hear you, just make sure you request it it shouldn't have a cost. You need the soundsystem on the beach too though, remember that when you are out in the open with the waves crashing it's a lot harder to hear.

Riu Ocho Rios Brides January 2008 Brides Cherie: wedding January 17th, there January 12th-26th Becky: wedding January 23; there 1/19 - 1/26 Becky (bex1975): wedding Jan 26; there 1/23-2/1 Ktownbride - wedding Jan 31; there 1/27 - 2/10 February 2008 Brides Natasha (pouchie) wedding Feb 7th JamaicaBride08: wedding Feb 8th, there 2/3-2/10 Janelle (Jmhein): wedding February 12, there 2/9 - 2/16 (40 guests) Therese (chicago88 ): wedding Feb 15th, there 2/12 - 2/20 Mopher: wedding Feb 20th Flowerchic2323: wedding Feb 26 March 2008 Brides nancylou7: wedding on March 3 Hez43: Wedding March 8 RIU from 5-11, Negril 11-15 Crawford2B: Wedding on March 13, there 3/10-3/17 Anna: Wedding on 14th March, there from 6th March - 21st March Octavia: March 15, dates there 3/12-3/19 Becky(Olivia): Wedding March 21, there 3/17 - 3/27 Kimmykatbride: March 26, 2008-there from 22-29, then in Negril for 1 week April 2008 Brides Heidi: wedding on April 4; there from 4/1-4/8 (28 guests) misstoya: wedding on April 5, there from 4/2-4/9 Ange: wedding on April 8; there from 4/5 -4/12 Jen (J&M): wedding on April 9 ( 9 guests) Marlon(Ilandking): wedding on April 10' there from 4/7-4/14 Jocelyn: wedding on April 10; there from 4/5-4/12 yboone98: wedding on April 11; there 4/9-1/13 Mandie (pook2b) wedding on April 11; there from 4/8 - 4/22 Jenn (jenanmag) Wedding on 4/12 there from 4/9 to 4/15 Twelve Piece: wedding on April 12; there from 4/9-4/19 Amanda: wedding on April 17; there from 4/12-4/19 Ochoriobride: wedding on April 22nd; there from 4/19-4/26 (36 guests) May 2008 Brides Alexandra (geology_rocks): wedding day May 5, there May 2-9 md_ocr: wedding on May 10 Amandalovesryan: wedding day on May 12th, there May 8th-16th amandatheo: wedding on 13th May leslie: wedding day on May 14th; there May 10th-24th Lizz: wedding on May 16; there from May 10-19 AlmostMrsForbes: wedding on May 19th; there from May 14th-20th (then off to Couples)! Jenn08: wedding on May 23, there from 19-26 Davina: wedding on May 29, /Guests btw 25-35 2BMOSLEY: Wedding on May 31. Arrive: May 28. June 2008 Brides Sara (cantwattobemrs): wedding June 10, there June 6-14 (12 guests) FutureMrsButler08: wedding on June 14 JuneBride2B: wedding on June 14 Bobbi-Francis: wedding June 28; there 6/25-7/3 July 2008 Brides Juanslake: Wedding on July 3; there 6/30 - 7/6 Brittney: Wedding on July 12; there from July 9-14 MrsInTraining: wedding on July 19; there from July 16-23 RiuBride2B: wedding on July 26; there from July 23-28 August 2008 Brides Melissa (Shenmaat): wedding Aug 8th, there Aug 4th - 10th Asha: Wedding Aug 2, there Aug July 31- Aug -4 /98 Guests October 2008 Brides Kishalee: wedding Oct 4th, there Oct 1-8 Msklee: wedding Oct 25, there Oct 23-27 November 2008 Brides Dara: wedding on November 1st: there from October 27 to November 3 Kater: wedding on November 7th GeminiLibra: wedding on November 15 January 2009 Brides Becky (naga0066): wedding on Jan 5th, there Dec 31-Jan10 (35-50 guests) Vanessa (JamaicaBrideToBe): Jan 6th, there Dec 30-Jan11 jen&tyler: wedding on Jan 14th Kristen&Brad (hulahooty): wedding Jan 15th Shawna&Larry (Jamaica2009): wedding Jan 16th Lindsay (Linzibella): Wedding on Jan 20th Christene: wedding Jan 22nd April 2009 Brides MoKe0506: wedding on April 4th kitty_kat_uk: wedding on April 8th, there 2-16 April ladam10854: wedding on April 29th May 2009 Brides drbrainfreeze: wedding on may 9th June 2009 Brides bsullivan2: wedding on June 20 September 2009 Brides: KHarrod: wedding on Sept 12th

yup I had the same thing. You now have 3 months to get that information, they will hold your time for that long.

Well I don't have a TA set in stone yet...seems I get people that want to help at first and then don't follow through. I've been trying to find charter prices even just to give my guests an "idea" of what they can expect to pay and it's not easy. So, I recently found a TA in the states that knows her stuff but is not interested in booking Charters due to past experiences I guess...so she wants to price air and then land. UGG.... What day is your wedding?

That's exactly what I was wondering. Thanks for the answer, the hotels rate is showing 208.00pp and I wondered what the discount would be.

Quote: Originally Posted by kr3611 We can't decide. We'll be in PV for a week for our wedding but want to spend the following week on our honeymoon. Originally we wanted to go to Belize or Costa Rica but they were more expensive and took longer to get to. For those of you that got married in PV or Mexico, where did you/will you go on your honeymoon? I was looking at Dreams in Cabo..... My parents just got back from Dreams and absolutely RAVED about it...they upgraded to the Jacuzzi suite while they were there. They said the food was absolutely amazing, literally like a 5 star restaurant. Here in Calgary, meals like that would cost you 200.00 easy, they were so impressed, the presentation, the taste, the service, the wine, they even got flaming coffees at their table. Every night they left a 20.00 tip just because they were so impressed. We are getting married in Jamaica, I wish my 5 star hotel of choice had food choices like this!! lol. But by the sounds of things it's a great choice.

Just wondering, does anyone know - about - what their group discount rate was from the advertised room rate?

We will be flying from Calgary to Jamaica with stopovers, how were your dresses handled?

Quote: Originally Posted by naga0066 Yah I just found out I got my date and time! We requested last Monday and they got back to my TA late Friday night. She just emailed me this morning with the good news I am on Monday January 5th at 4:00 pm. We will tenatively be going Dec 31st - Jan 10th. Yah for one less thing to worry about. Did they book your rooms for you? I'm not able to finish my confirmation because the room rates are not released past Dec 31st. What did she email you this morning?? I only got the first confirmation email, Friday night same as you.

I got my confirmation back today. My dates and time were confirmed just as I asked. So it took about 6 days to come through.

Quote: Originally Posted by Melissa hey girls, I will be down there Dec. 28-Jan3rd! My ceremony is Jan 2nd! How exciting! I also have the 4-5 time slot, so I cant wait to see these pictures, hopefully they turn out okay, I've heard some mixed reviews about the photographer! Where are you all having your recpetion dinner and everything? Hey!! So you got a Friday slot hey! That's great! Did they confirm your date yet?? How long did it take them? We've decided to pay to have a photographer come with us. She will be a guest of the Hotel for the week so from what I heard it shouldn't be a problem. I've seen some nice pics from Micheal but I want some that are a bit more catered to us. We are hoping for the Plantation that night..although I can't say anything if confirmed until I hear back from them!

Quote: Originally Posted by Myda77 Yes! I love the fact the the resort isn't to large and you do get that personal feeling. What kind of "extras "were they charging for if you don't mind me asking? Also do you know if they allow outside guests to attend the ceremony and reception. I have a few family members who would rather stay in other towns and just drive in to attend. Thanks! I literally JUST cleaned out my wedding file with all of his emails and attachments. The biggest expense was the reception, food and drinks. I've got some stuff sort of scribbled in my note book so I'll do my best to describe what was what: -There is a wedding co-ordination fee of $600 that is charged for all weddings regardless of size -A cost of $25pp regardless of whether they are staying at the resort or a local coming for the day. This will be charged to just to set up your reception (linens, plate setting, wine glasses etc) this does not include any decorations -It's another 25pp for outsiders to come and eat at the resort -Minimum reception dinner menu $65pp - there are many menus to choose from as well as buffet and served options. To have an open bar carry's a cost of $47pp - this charge is not waived for adults that do not drink. -We had a projector and screen rental for a slide show $250 -wedding cake - minimum $150 -Wedding package charge of $750 includes necessary documentation, bouquet and boutenierre, decorated location ( add for flowers) 36 - 4x6 pictures, calypso serenade during ceremony. If I remember correctly it also incudes an upgrade for bride and groom. -If you want Cocktails after your ceremony during photographs and before dinner it is $18pp -We had priced out a harp to play during seating at $350 for an hour -Calypso to continue after ceremony during cocktail hour $100 -Reggae Band during reception $3000 OR -DJ $150 per hour That's all I have in my book...the contact if you email is Kevin, he was really great. He must have had some sort of PDA cause he answered me so quickly at all different times of day! Either that or he's a workaholic!! If you can afford it you won't be disappointed, I really really loved that place.

Quote: Originally Posted by Myda77 Is anyone getting married at the Coyaba Resort in Montego Bay or has already gotten married there? It is one of my top picks for my May 2009 wedding and I wanted to get some feed back. I am planning on about 80 guests. Thanks! That was honestly my #1 pick. I loved the idea of a very personal location...and Coyaba is absolutly beautiful. I asked a lot of questions when I started looking and they were quick to respond and accomidate. Unfortunately they have a very expensive reception package, nothing is "included" even though you pay the extra charges to stay there as all inclusive guests. All in all our wedding for about 40 guests was coming to over 10G and that is beyond our budget let alone room for extras that we don't account for. Also, it was quite an expensive journey for our guests too...the time of year does make a difference though. We are getting married in January and that is considered their high season. All in all, if you want an opinion on the resort itself I think it's just gorgous.