JamaicaBrideToBe

Quote: Originally Posted by naga0066 Yep we sent our STDs about a month ago so people could get off work and all that. (and start saving) Most of our group will be coming from MN but my FI is from Canada so we have a small group that will be coming from Toronto. I am going for the 4:00 slot... I always wanted a sunset wedding and this is as close as I can get! Hopefully we can both get what we want! We are doing it early enough and with picking weekdays (instead of the traditional Fri/Sat) you would think there would be better chances at this point in time. Well my fiance's Brother just got back from there last week when we discussed the wedding time with him. He said that the sun was starting to set at about 5 so by the time your ceremony is done at 4 you will likely get some beautiful sunset pictures. He said the whole 2 weeks he was there it was beautiful every single day!! I was happy to hear that! I haven't heard back either, and I too was told from Valeria that I can't book until March/April - it was the exact email someone quoted earlier. I sure hope to hear back soon, I just want to know that it's a sure thing!

Quote: Originally Posted by naga0066 I honestly have no idea what our turn out will be... if everyone we invited came (which obviously won't happen) we would have like 106. Realistically I am thinking 30-50. But with a major chunk being college students... it is hard to say until they actually have to put money down. That Tuesday will be our second choice... I have some guests arriving the Sat/Sun and then some guests who will probably be leaving Wed. So I really would like Monday... but we'll see. Keeping my fingers crossed! Yup, same with us. I sent out the save the date's last month and it covered about 130 people, but we are in Canada and the trip is quite expensive so I'm expecting that same 40-50. I'll send the invites in late July and hopefully get all the responses. What time slot are you hoping for? I asked for 2pm. I sure hope we get the days we want, this really is a lot of notice.

Quote: Originally Posted by naga0066 We will be there at the same time My wedding (hopefully) will be on Monday the 5th... but we plan on going down Wednesday Dec 31st for the New Year and staying through the 10th. Our family and friends will be there for varying amounts of times/dates depending on what works for them. That's exciting! How many are you expecting? Our friends and fam are coming from the Thursday through to the Sunday so that's why we booked Tuesday. I'm pretty excited to be there for New Years too. So far our turn out is between 40-50 people

I booked our flights yesterday as we are flying down with Aeroplan points and then paying for the hotel seperatly. We are going a bit early to spend a few days with family at Christmas and then heading to the Hotel on New Years. I'm hoping to get my time booked for Jan 6 - but if I have to change it by a day it's not the end of the world.

I put a request through the web site yesterday as well. Still waiting for response.

That's contradicting a previous posters information from Chandlyn where she said if your photographer is a guest of the hotel than you can have them photograph your wedding. I don't know where it is in here but I've read it. Does anyone have communication going with Chandlyn to confirm this?

Quote: Originally Posted by md_ocr so your off site guests will pay $25 per person. Hmm.....i never thought of that. I just assumed that I would pay for them and a spouse. That would really cut down on some of my expenses because I have tons of people coming to the wedding, not staying on the resort, that live in JA. It's sucks that they won't be able to visit me (without paying) for the rest of my stay. Maybe you can call on local family to help you with the costs of paying for your family in Jamaica to come? The only reason I say this is if you have ever been back home to Jamaica you know that whatever you leave with in terms of clothing and goodies you can expect to come back with less than half. And wherever you go you are expected to pay the bill. It is a third world country after all, most of the locals are just getting by. Although we are not wealthy on our end we also have about 20 local family members that are coming...we went to some Aunts and Uncles and asked them if they would be willing to contribute and they were more than happy - they are going to see family too...Jamaicans are such a generous culture I must say. I'm born in Canada and my fiance is Jamaican, as I said none of us are wealthy but if anyone in his family needs money we tend to pass the basket to help them...then when situations like these come around and it's our turn they don't hesitate. Just a thought so you can see your family and not break the bank!

One thing I want to mention too. As sad as it is that sabotage exists it does. I've read so many reviews of so many places and things that I've been told that competition will sometimes go on the internet and write terrible reviews, likewise the you will find the opposite happen with unbelieveably great reviews - because they are coming from someone that has some kind of stakes in the product they are marketing. I read this review a few months ago and I just find it hard to believe that so much could be so severely terrible at a 5 star resort - although, this is just my opinion. That being said, I trust word of mouth more than anything else and from the reviews I have found on this website I believe our weddings will be memorable with minimal hiccups. The one thing I am doing in my back up is having my maid of honor and my mother check the reception area before we all get there. I'm bringing some of my own linens and centerpieces and I want to be sure the tables are arranged the way we want...other than that, I hear the resort does a fabulous job.

Hi Ladies, for the brides that have been to the Riu Ocho Rios and had their reception at the Plantation...or if you happen to know. What happens when your 6:30-10:30 time slot is up? Will they allow you to stay if you have your own DJ and party going on?? If not, do you know if they will allow you to set up the rest of the night as a beach party instead? Thanks a bunch!

I'm just trying to decide whether I will pay (A lot!) to bring an outside photographer to my wedding or if I would like the photographer on site. Does anyone mind sharing some pics of Micheal's work from the Riu Ochi? Some opinions of the time spent with him would be great as well. Did he give good direction, take unique shots, maybe some personal pics like while the groups are getting ready?? My email address is [email protected] Thanks in advance! Vanessa

I agree that they turned out great! I would have never expected that to be family pictures.

Beautiful Pics! Can you please tell me, did you use the ROR photographer to take these pictures? What did you think of his services?

Your day is an inspiration. You have beautiful taste and your pictures are just amazing! You look so happy! Congrats!! Can you please give me some details on how things worked with Cora's photography? Did you have one photographer or was there an assistant as well? Did Micheal do some of the shots as well? Did you pay to have the photographer there for the week all inclusive or just down for a couple of days? Thanks in advance - after seeing the results of your pictures I don't think I am giving myself a choice. Also, for the trash the dress - which turned to some sexy pics by the way! It looks like you had a second dress, was that what you planned? Or is that just a slip of some sort? And last question - sorry if I am prying now, can you share how much your flower costs were...I may look at Angels as an option too. Your flowers, dresses and your men!! It all looks amazing~

Hi all! I'm a January 2009 Bride as well, I sure hope we will all get the dates we want since they won't take the reservations yet. I've read ALL 44 pages of this post and have 3 pages of notes! What great information! I'm so glad I found this website! Mo I hope you reply with the details on your wedding events!! I can't wait to read it! We are trying to get as much planning done early cause we have our first baby coming in July, gonna be a busy 12 months! Well, looking forward to lots of information exchanged with everyone!