leahstafford

Here are 2 of the bouquet provided by the resort. It was very large and full. Also, after carrying it around for 6+ hours it still wasn't wilting- good sign!

Erin, yes, the beach gazebo was really pretty! It is def. very close to the beach but surrounded by a ton of palm trees. I think it'll be more private than being directly on the beach. I'll have to go through my pictures, I think they did have a ton of visible beach chairs directly behind the gazebo. Not sure if they would move those or not.

Congrats and welcome! Have fun planning!

Best,

Leah

Congrats Paige and welcome! Have fun planning! Def. check out the Mexico threads for resort ideas!

Best,

Leah

Congrats Alison and welcome! Have fun planning!

Best,

Leah

Congrats Katie and welcome! Have fun planning!

Best,

Leah

Congrats Tiffany and welcome! Have fun planning!

Best,

Leah

Shellb,

My bride said that she had everything booked before the new policy came out and that I wouldn't encounter any problems. I didn't have any problems nor did anyone even ask me if I was their photographer or mention the fee. The wedding coordinator was talking to me all day and never a problem. At check-in nothing was said. I don't know when they would even collect it, but there was no mention at any point.

Most of my brides want 8+ hours. I rarely have had anything lower than even 5 and when so, they have added hours. The wedding I did this past weekend was around 10 hours of coverage! I would definitely work out a timeline and see what you need from there.

Very nice! You did a great job.

Oh and def. allow lots of time for pictures! There were way to many awesome places to take pictures but we had to get to the reception.

Hey everyone!

I just got back on Friday for shooting a wedding at Melia! Let me just say, this place is AWESOME! I have another wedding in Oct. there and cannot wait.

Ceremony- My BG decided to do their ceremony right on the beach. The set up was gorgeous! However, beach wasn't very private. Lots of people everywhere. We even had to kick one guy out as he walked under their canopy! Overall, ceremony was great. I loved that you could hear everything they said!

Cocktail Hour- Held at the Gazeboo near the Royal Service side. The apps were great but the tram does run by so it can be a bit nosey. Also, the market shops begin to set up around 5 right in front so that tracks a lot of people.

Reception- They did a dinner at the dominican rest. they had around 30 people so they had a long table in a blocked off room. The food was excellent, staff quick to filling drinks, etc. The cake was huge- 3 tier and was SO GOOD!

The bride got her flowers from the resort and they were phenomenal. I was really blown away @ the job they did! WC was awesome to work with, always on top of things and letting everyone know what was going on. Since the resort is also so large they did have a tram bring them back and forth and that was also nice! A lot of walkin to be done there!!

Overall, the resort is great. I was blown away. They upgrade the bride and grooms room to royal service and also mine, what a treat! We got to use the Gabi and the pool was awesome! The private beach was another added touch. If you can, I'd go for the RS- it was perfect!

The food here was also great and the service quick. There are bars and restaurants everywhere, anytime you want something! Great CS!! You all will love it!!

Definitely reach out to magazines for guidance! I subscribe to so many mags it is ridiculous! Before my sessions I'll look through to get some inspiration or to try something a little different! Most of all, have fun with it!

I have seen many pro photographers have a cruise wedding. Also, if you aren't getting married on the ship then no problem! Have fun, what a great opportunity for a photographer!

Welcome Katie!!

Welcome Steph!!

I just got back about a month ago and had a great time. However, like PP, there didn't seem to be a ton of nightlife. After 9, I found it pretty boring. However, I also am not a going out person so it fit me well.

The food was great, the drinks were plentiful but found service slow on both. We waited nearly 30 mins @ the pub just to get a menu!

The property really is nice though and the pool/beach is great! Also, there is plenty around to do which is a plus!

I'd convince him! Budgets are always different but the thing is, you can find someone in you budget! Your wedding images are going to be around for a very long time and you'll definitely want to be able to remember them!

I would definitely try to give them a call! To me, it's a bit long to wait but would pursue them over phone vs. email!

Hello everyone! This is an amazing forum and I am excited to be here and share any information as I can with everyone!

I live in Ohio and have been a full time wedding photographer for 2 years now. I decided after having my own destination wedding that I definitely was meant to be a DW photographer! I took my first wedding in Jamaica and it's been amazing ever since!

Currently I have done weddings in Mexico, Jamaica, Aruba, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, Dominican Republic and Antigua.

Besides weddings I also run a Intimate Boudoir Studio so when I am not traveling, I am definitely working with lots of awesome women!!

I look forward to chatting with everyone and sharing my experiences and travel with everyone.

Here are a couple recent images but of course, many more can be found on my blog and website!

Leah Stafford Photography

330-268-8586

I am going to a wedding there in August and CANNOT wait! We stopped there once on a cruise day and loved it!

You'll have a blast and a great wedding!

How intimate!

Definitely check out "The Islands" Board, there are St. John's girls over there who can probably help you narrow down a couple vendors!

Best of luck!!

Congrats and welcome to the forum Tammy! Best of planning!

Best,

Leah Stafford

Congrats and welcome to the forum! Best of planning!

Best,

Leah Stafford