sarah.cullen

Hi everyone, we are now back following our amazing time at the Riu Ocho Rios. If anyone has any doubts about whether they have picked the right place, have no fear as it is stunningly beautiful! We arrived on March 31st after a very tiring 10 hour flight & we were exhausted, however upon arrival, all our tiredness just disappeared, we were checked in quickly & easily & were allocated room 1242, this is in the 2nd horseshoe where I guess most of the suites are in, ours was a junior suite which was great for ourselves. The following morning we met with Nikki who handles the weddings along with Chandlyn & arranged everything in less than an hour, we chose the Mammee Bay for our reception dinner, Beach gazebo for the ceremony, we didn't feel the need to upgrade the decorations so just went for the free ones. I did upgrade my bouquet though to 24 burgundy roses to coincide with my husband & son's waistcoats, which was $110. Following our meeting with Nikki we proceeded to the photoshop to arrange the photo package, as Nikki explained we had 12 pictures already with our wedding package (Royal) so we decided to book another hour with the photographer as well as the DVD of the ceremony, which I have to say is a must! We mostly dealt with Karen, Michael's shop manager, and she is so helpful & kind, I cannot say enough good things about her, we spent about 15-20mins arranging the photos & we chose to have 30 extra pictures on CD as well as the 12 that was included in the wedding package & the same 12 pictures in a photo album. The morning of the wedding arrived bright & sunny, although it was a bit windy around lunchtime, however it was welcomed by ourselves as it cooled us down. After breakfast I proceeded to the spa to have my hair & makeup done, I had already had my mani & pedi done the afternoon before to save some time. Nicole did my hair & makeup & I have to say she was brilliant, I had just wanted to have my hair with a bit of volume at the crown but she persuaded me to have it curled, and I am so glad I agreed as she did a fantastic job. I brought my own makeup with me & she did an excellent job with that too. I was really pleased with the way my hair & makeup turned out, by the time I had finished it was around 11.30 so had plenty of time to chill out before the ceremony at 2pm, I then met our friends & hung around the pool for a bit...not getting in obviously!! Then around 12 I went to my friends room to get ready, still completely chilled out! While I was waiting I was starting to get a bit nervous & jittery...who doesn't?! Anyway I had arranged for Michael in the photoshop to come up to the room about 1.45 to take a few pictures before we went downstairs & he did a brilliant job, whoever doesn't like his work must be mad, he is a true professional & a really nice person, he came to our room with my bouquet, took a few pics & then we went downstairs to the gazebo for the ceremony. The ceremony was over in less than 10 mins I think although it was probably at least 15, it seemed to pass by in a blur with the picture taking & everything, we then spent another 45mins taking more pictures & the rest was taken in the evening for the cutting of the cake. The meal was great & service excellent, we could not have wished for a more perfect day. I can only stress that if you just relax & don't sweat the small stuff you will have a fantastic time, but if you are a perfectionist then I would not recommend a BDW as there is bound to be something left out. Anyway ladies, hope you find my complete review helpful & I have put a few photos on Photobucket, I will add more soon, lets hope this link works!!! I would just like to thank Kitty Kat uk & her new husband for everything, as they kindly agreed to be our witnesses! Claire we will have to go back in a few years to celebrate our wedding anniversaries!!! And a big big Thank you to past BDW brides, we would not have had a perfect day if it wasn't for all the reviews & tips on here!! Sarah x x x Pictures by newmrs2009 - Photobucket

Hi Claire You did a much better review than I did, I can hardly remember most things?! All I keep remembering is which hand to put Johnny's wedding ring on when he put both hands out!!! LOL!! Thanks for the support, hope you have a fantastic reception this weekend in Bradford, talk soon x x x

Quote: Originally Posted by jamin2010 Found it! Haha! Thanks so much for your review. All sounds wonderful. Congratulations! If you don't mind me asking, how much were your photos? I am trying to decide on what to go for. Thanks Hi Jamin, our photo package came to $660, we had the Royal wedding package booked which included 30mins and 12 4X6 photos in an album, we then booked an hour extra time for $100, plus 30 pictures on CD which was $260, we then had the DVD of the ceremony and that came to $300, which I have to say is well worth the money, its about 20 mins but they edit it & they do a fantastic job! Hope this is helpful to you! Sarah x

Hi Moy, congratuations to you & your new husband, sorry we didn't meet up but am glad your wedding day went smoothly, ours was fantastic, we kept it low key as we didn't have family with us but it was great, I think we had an earlish night the day of the wedding as we were both exhausted but loved every moment of our day. You have also given a brilliant review, and your pictures are stunning. I could hardly remember most things so was a bit vague! Congrats again! Sarah x x

Following up from my previous thread I was really pleased with the way my hair & makeup turned out, by the time I had finished it was around 11.30 so had plenty of time to chill out before the ceremony at 2pm, I then met our friends & hung around the pool for a bit...not getting in obviously!! Then around 12 I went to my friends room to get ready, still completely chilled out! While I was waiting I was starting to get a bit nervous & jittery...who doesn't?! Anyway I had arranged for Michael in the photoshop to come up to the room about 1.45 to take a few pictures before we went downstairs & he did a brilliant job, whoever doesn't like his work must be mad, he is a true professional & a really nice person, he came to our room with my bouquet, took a few pics & then we went downstairs to the gazebo for the ceremony. The ceremony was over in less than 10 mins I think although it was probably at least 15, it seemed to pass by in a blur with the picture taking & everything, we then spent another 45mins taking more pictures & the rest was taken in the evening for the cutting of the cake. The meal was great & service excellent, we could not have wished for a more perfect day. I can only stress that if you just relax & don't sweat the small stuff you will have a fantastic time, but if you are a perfectionist then I would not recommend a BDW as there is bound to be something left out. I am unsure as to how to post pictures but as soon as I can I will!! Happy planning!!! Sarah

Hi everyone, we are now back following our amazing time at the Riu Ocho Rios. If anyone has any doubts about whether they have picked the right place, have no fear as it is stunningly beautiful! We arrived on March 31st after a very tiring 10 hour flight & we were exhausted, however upon arrival, all our tiredness just disappeared, we were checked in quickly & easily & were allocated room 1242, this is in the 2nd horseshoe where I guess most of the suites are in, ours was a junior suite which was great for ourselves. The following morning we met with Nikki who handles the weddings along with Chandlyn & arranged everything in less than an hour, we chose the Mammee Bay for our reception dinner, Beach gazebo for the ceremony, we didn't feel the need to upgrade the decorations so just went for the free ones. I did upgrade my bouquet though to 24 burgundy roses to coincide with my husband & son's waistcoats, which was $110. Following our meeting with Nikki we proceeded to the photoshop to arrange the photo package, as Nikki explained we had 12 pictures already with our wedding package (Royal) so we decided to book another hour with the photographer as well as the DVD of the ceremony, which I have to say is a must! We mostly dealt with Karen, Michael's shop manager, and she is so helpful & kind, I cannot say enough good things about her, we spent about 15-20mins arranging the photos & we chose to have 30 extra pictures on CD as well as the 12 that was included in the wedding package & the same 12 pictures in a photo album. The morning of the wedding arrived bright & sunny, although it was a bit windy around lunchtime, however it was welcomed by ourselves as it cooled us down. After breakfast I proceeded to the spa to have my hair & makeup done, I had already had my mani & pedi done the afternoon before to save some time. Nicole did my hair & makeup & I have to say she was brilliant, I had just wanted to have my hair with a bit of volume at the crown but she persuaded me to have it curled, and I am so glad I agreed as she did a fantastic job. I brought my own makeup with me & she did an excellent job with that too. (To be continued)

Hi CH, I would be interested...we're arriving @ ROR on Tuesday, my email is: johnorourke@hotmail.co.uk, would be very grateful for them! Did you buy them before you arrived or at the resort as I was told its better to buy them before you arrive but not sure how as we live in the UK. Thanks very much for any help! Sarah x

Quote: Originally Posted by jesjess 1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go..1 more week to go.. Im so F*king Exited!!! I want to SCREAM!!!!!! Only 1 more day for you now Mrs! Can imagine how your feeling now but just take time to chill.....I know its not easy!!!! Only 5 more sleeps to go & we're there!!!! Yeehaa!!! Can't friggin wait!!!! See you at the bar!!!! Can't wait to meet you!!! Sarah x

Congrats on your wedding, your pictures are gorgeous, am so plsd everything worked out the way you wanted, can't wait to see your review, we're off next Tuesday....getting really excited now!!!! Sarah x

Congrats on your wedding & you looked fantastic, we're off on Tuesday....can't wait & your review has really put my mind at ease, pictures are fabulous!! See you there Moy! Hope all is going well with you, we're arriving next Tuesday afternoon, when do you arrive?? Sarah x

Thanks Ladies Will defo be posting a lengthy review so feel free to ask any questions! Sarah x

Hello to all you BDW Brides, At this moment in time I am busy preparing for our departure next Tuesday & before I get caught up in yet more excitement I would like to thank those of you who have helped enormously with the minute details I have not wanted to bother our coordinator Chandlyn with!!! I cannot believe the time has come round so quickly & in just 1 week from friday I will be marrying my best friend & soulmate in the most gorgeous place imaginable. I do hope those of you in the stages of planning have the most special & memorable wedding as I am sure we will be having ourselves. I will be sure to post our review as well as pictures when we get ourselves settled upon our return, but thank you very much for all your advice, it is much appreciated! Sarah x

Quote: Originally Posted by jesjess Thats great, I also spoken to my wedding planner and she also said we wouldnt be needing the apostille!!! I wanted to share yesterday, but I been having some connection problems lately with BDW.. I'm also on Face book! I tryed to find you Sarah, but there are alot of Sarah cullen's on Facebook :-)... You can try and find me, but I have to say, I dont visit Facebook alot, ( Maybe once a month haha ) ...well Im getting ready her at this moment, Packing the suitcases, checking my lists with stuff... Im almost done now, and so extited to go to Jamaica.... just a few more days, and well be hanging at the bar :-D .. Bet your so excited now, its only a week tomorrow & we'll be there, mind you don't imagine we'll see much of you when we arrive as your big day is the day after, hope all goes well when you meet Chandlyn, anyway I hope to see you the evening we arrive..... CANT WAIT!!!! Sarah x

Hi Riu bride, I booked our wedding with the hotel directly but it was all done online. Is the wedding pack from Thomson or Riu? I do know that First choice send out wedding packs so Thomson prob follow the same lines. The time will just fly by between now & your wedding, our day is in 2 weeks today, we're leaving the 31st, a week from Tuesday...can't honestly believe how fast its all come together. Will be posting a review & pics when we return. Enjoy & Happy planning!!! Sarah x

Hi Jess, panic over with, don't need that stupid 'Apostille' now, heard this from Chandlyn herself, just to bring our orig docs with us obviously, thank heavens for that!!! At least we can chill out now!! Can't wait to meet ya! BTW are you on Facebook at all, at least if we can put faces to each other it might be easy to find, instead of trying to spot the rebel drinkers at the bar....tee hee!!! PM me if you are on there, I can add you as a friend then. Yippee, we're getting married!!!!! 2 weeks today is our day!!! Can't wait!!!!

Hiya, panic over ladies, just spoke to Chandlyn this minute & she's just assured me we don't need this 'Apostille' just our certified/notarized docs will be fine & to bring the originals with us Thank god for that, was seriously worried!! We're getting married, we're getting married!!!! Yippee!!!!

Hi Claire & Jess I haven't heard anything from Chandlyn at this point but I'm gonna be ringing her about 2pm this afternoon, it will be 9am there, I can only assume this applies to brides looking to book weddings for say next year, am sure she would have told me 2 weeks ago when she phoned if this was necessary. I think this 'Apostille' is verifying the solicitor who notarized our docs that they are genuine, and as she has our copies since last summer she won't need this. Will let you know as soon as possible once I hear anything!! Breathe, stay calm, I know its not easy!!! Sarah

Hi to all those brides from the European union who like ourselves are getting married soon, I was on the Riu wedding website & it seems they have changed their requirements for documents relating to our wedding, see below: NOTE: Europeans citizens getting legally married in the Dominican Republic and Jamaica will need to get an Apostille. Riu hotel is not responsable of this legal procedure. However, in case that you require the on-site wedding coordinator´s assistence, you will need to to cover the fees of the paperwork and delivery. WTF!!!!? After all this time it seems now we have to have said document otherwise our wedding wont be legal?! This is what I assume & I was even speaking to Chandlyn's assistant Nekeisha & she assured me everything was ok & this was 2 weeks ago!? If anyone has any information about this I would be so delighted to have this worry off my shoulders, especially as we're flying out a week from next Tuesday. Before anyone asks I have emailed her to find out but imagine I wont get a reply until tomorrow or over the weekend. For those of you US brides, this doesn't apply, only to us living in the EU. God could really do without this stress at this late stage! Sarah

Hi Claire Hows everything with you, only a week on Tuesday we're off, not long now!!?? Cant wait, really looking forward to chillin & winding down, the wedding's just the icing on the cake....geddit!?! Can't wait to meet you either, will we meet at one of the bars the evening you arrive? I'm easy, bringing mobile with me so I can txt ya. 12 more sleeps to go!!!! Yippee!!!

Hiya Jess, we'll be off on the 31st, be sure to hang around one of the bars so we can meet!!! Can't wait!!!! Enjoy your time hun! Sarah x

Hi Kari We are paying for the wedding package with travelers checks but I do know they accept credit cards too. Michael in the photoshop is a bit more difficult as he doesn't accept credit cards so we are paying for that in cash, hopefully we might pop in the evening we arrive & get that out of the way. With regard to minister fees, decorations they are all included within the wedding package so Chandlyn will take care of that. What day are you arriving? Can't wait now...... only 2 weeks from Tuesday we're going! Sarah x

Hello Ladies Am wondering how easy is it to get international phonecards in Jamaica? Do they sell them at the hotel & if there are a variety, which one's offer value for money. I am only asking as we have no family coming with us & will defo have to phone our families the day of the wedding at least. We are also bringing our mobiles but have just found out it costs £1.90 p/min to make a call & also to receive, which is a bit expensive, this is why we're looking for cheaper options. I know some BDW brides have used these before, so would appreciate any advice!! Thanks all!!! Sarah

Quote: Originally Posted by jesjess Hi Jennifer, welcome back, and congrats!!! Great to hear you had an awsome time! Your review makes me really exited, Im leaving in exactly two weeks, and althought I thought I would be extremely nerveous at this point, Im not!.. Im very relaxed, and starting to get in the relaxing mood, just like the Jamaicans :-) .. I was wondering, Im having some doubts concerning the spa. I want to do my nails the day before the wedding, but do the have acryl nails? I dont hava pretty nails for myself, and want to do them at the hotel. I read French Manicure, but here in Holland that means, cleaning brushing and some nail polish, thats it, also I have clip on extensions for my wedding, do you think the hairdresser is willing to use them and also do my hair? The only thing Im a little worried about is my hair and make up ... you cant do them in advance :-) .. Hiya Jess Yes you can have acrylic nails done at the spa, I saw it on their pricelist, I also have them on but was planning to have them done say the weekend before we go, which will be in 2 weeks!! Then I have also requested that my mani & pedi be done the day before the wedding @ 3pm, it saves a bit of time the morning of the wedding as well. I would pretty much think they can work with your hair extensions too, have heard great things about them & don't forget they've done numerous brides so they know what they're doing. How long will you be there for? 2 weeks? Don't forget we'll have to meet up at some point for a few !!! Relax and enjoy the moment! Sarah x

Quote: Originally Posted by Jamaicabride409 Thank you Jennifer for your review, reading it makes me even more excited to leave in just over 3 weeks I am glad that everything went as expected for you! What time of day did it usually rain o you remember? Can't wait to see your pictures as well! Sarah you will be there a week before us!!!!! Kari Hi Kari Yes we're flying out on the 31st March..... 2 WEEKS NEXT TUESDAY!! We really can't wait to get going, got all our lovely summer clothes washed, ironed all we need to do now is start packing. There are a few of us meeting up for a few drinks when we get there, what date do you arrive?? We'll defo have to get together & enjoy ourselves! Take care Sarah x

Thank you so much Jennifer, we originally booked a standard room but think we will ask for an upgrade to a junior suite if it is possible, we will be there for 2 weeks. Really looking forward to it now, can't believe we're leaving in 2 weeks!!!! Sarah x