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Hello Newbies! I am getting married at The Royal next April 23, 2010 and I wanted to share with you guys my photographer's contact information because I think he is really amazing and hope you guys look into him as your wedding photographer! His name is Samual Luna, he is a destination wedding photographer and has such a really cool, artsy, candid style. His pictures can really capture the emotion of people. I am also recieving an extra photo shoot (either trash the dress session, engagement portraits or rehearsal dinner) that i found that other photographers charge extra for this session but it was included in my package. So i think his pricing is a great deal. He has also won some awards for his photography so that shows you his style is incredible, but his pictures speak for themselves! If anyone reaches out to him, could you please let me know i referred you (Adriana Erazo) I'm meeting with him in a few weeks so would love to let him know how much i appreciate his work and is referring him to others. Samuel Lunas website is: Flash Portfolio | Top Mexico Photographers | Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer Samuel Luna

I was told by my wedding coordinator Angie from Condol Villa World that anyone staying at the Royal, Gran Porto or real resort are considered guests since they are staying at the same family chain. A NON-GUest is someone staying at a completly different property. I am confused now that Zulma told you this!

Cyndi, That is the same issue i have encountered. My of my family and bridesmaids will be at the Gran Porto while the wedding & reception is at The Royal. They can't help me get dressed in my room Unless they pay for the day pass which i think is $80, my WC said then they could probably be let into my room. Since no one wants to pay for that, i have decided I will be getting ready in my moms room at The Gran Porto and will just have to walk over the The Royal before the ceremmony. Wasn't my ideal choice but i guess this is what I have to do.

Jesmcann, Do you happen to have any documents on the buffet options you could maybe email to me? Angie from CondoVilla World told me that the plated dinner was the only option! We wanted to keep things more casual too with a buffet but i wasn't even told it was an option! Surprising its more expensive but my guess is because they have to make so much more food than with a plated dinner? If you have anything, my email address is [email protected]. Thanks, Adriana

Hi Soon to be Mrs. Howell! We are going to do the lounge furniture as well! but i was curious to see if the Royal provides anything additional for the cocktail hour as far as cocktail tables, etc. We have about 50 people coming but I'm only going to order lounge furniture for maybe half - this way i can save money, i think some people will be standing/walking around too. My ceremony starts at 5pm, then cocktail from 5:30-7pm and then the reception starts at 7pm. =)

I would love to hear what others are doing for their rehearsal dinners too. I've heard that you cannot make dinner reservations for a large group at any of the restaurants at the resorts. So if this is true, not sure what to do? Does this mean i have to do something off the resort, which means $$$$. Im trying to cut costs where i can! Thanks! Adriana Erazo

I think the one thing that helped with my decision for my photographer, is the amount of hours i wanted - 8 hours - came with an extra photo shoot that was included in Samuel Luna's price. I'm happy we get to have him for our rehearsal dinner too, or...trash the dress..still haven't made up my mind yet. Good luck with your decision!

Does Anyone body know how the Royal sets up for the Cocktail hour on the beach? Our cocktail and reception are both on the beach - I have seen the set up for the reception, with the round tables, etc. But i wanted to know if they set anything up during the cocktail hour since its in the same beach area as the reception? like high cocktail tables for our guests to put their drinks on, etc? Or if they do no set up for the cocktail hour and just expect people to stand around or sit down at one of the round tables that is there for the reception... Thanks! Adriana

Hi Cyndi, My wedding is in April 23, 2010 so i have no pictures yet, but I have seen his work on his website and blog and his pictures are incredible! He is also very professional and is part of the WPJA, a professional organization of talented wedding photojournalists that have to be invited to join, so not just anyone can be a a member. He has even won a few awards for some of his pictures, i think he is really talented and i love his candid documentary style. Its exactly what I'm looking for! I'm doing the soulful package which is 8 hours, a wedding book, and even an extra photo shoot included. We still haven't decided what extra photo shoot to do though, either the engagement session, trash the dress or the rehearsal dinner. I'd recomend him or at least reach out to him. l Hope this info helps, let me know if you have any more questions! Thanks, Adriana Erazo

Jess, Omg, I am sorry to hear that but doesnt sound surprising to me about Doreen. That is awful! I hope you hear from Zulma or Angie and they give you better service! YOu should feel like all your wedding details are under control!

Hey Ladies! For anyone who contacts Samuel Luna (our Wedding Photographer) - Would it be possible to let him know I referred you to him? I think it would be great for him to know how happy i am with his work and his professionalism and perhaps he will give us some extra shots for more business!! Thanks! Adriana Erazo Flash Portfolio | Top Mexico Photographers | Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer Samuel Luna

jesmcan, do you happen to have pricing for bridesmaid bouquets/groomsman boutineers? Thanks! Adriana

Here is Angie's email address too just in case you want from Villa World: [email protected]

Hi Jesmcan, can you please send the brochure and PDF files you have with the costs of the centerpieces and a la carte? my email is [email protected] I've been working with Angie from CondoVilla, who is super slow with getting back to me! But if i keep emailing her, she does get back to me. What kind of problems are you having with Doreen? I called the 1-800 number once and spoke to her and she seemed not too competent. I had to keep repeating the reason why i was calling, it was a bit annoying. I also do have Zulmas email address, I think she still works there, it is: [email protected] Hope she is better is luck! Thanks, Adriana

Does anyone know how much flower centerpieces cost for the tables at the receptions? I keep asking but my coordinator never answers! Thanks!

Hi Tighty Whitey - When you said your ceremony started 15 min late, was that due to the resort error or the minister running late? Or was it you or the groom that were running late? Just curious how often the resorts start the ceremony late? Thanks! Adriana

Thanks so much Tighty Whity, its so nice to hear what past brides have done. I think im going to have my ceremony start a bit later, if its possible. Thanks again! =) Adriana

Hi Alisha, To be honest, i found no reviews on my photographer Samual Luna, but he is part of the WPJA - a professional organization of highly talented wedding photosjournalists. I found him on their website, and he has won some awards and has been quick to respond to my emails. So i booked him because of this and because his photos are really beautiful. His style is exactly what I am looking for, artsy and candid! He was in the same listings as Matt adock and sol tamargo from del sol photog so i think he is just as good as them. best of luck to you and the photog you choose! Adriana

I have finally booked my vendors! I booked Ivan Gomez as my DJ, Playa Weddings as my VideoGrapher and Samual Luna as my photographer. In case, anyone is interested, here is his website, he's really good! Flash Portfolio | Top Mexico Photographers | Mexico Destination Wedding Photographer Samuel Luna Can past brides or future brides please post their wedding timelines? I just dont know how long our cocktail reception should be, an hour or 2? and how long it takes to get the group family shots and wedding part shots. Thanks guys! Adriana Erazo Royal Playa del Carmen April 23, 2010

Does anyone know how long the ceremonies last? We are having a symbolic ceremony and I'm trying to figure out how long will it be? 15 min? 30 min? If anyone has this answer can you please let me know? Thanks! Adriana

Ladies whose weddings has already past: My package - Luxury package -states that champagne is given after the ceremony. Does anyone know if the champagne is served to everyone or just the bride & groom? I'm trying to decide if we should keep this OR have the champagne poured during dinner for the toast & then just take pictures immediately after the ceremony. Thanks! Adriana 4.23.10 Royal Playa del carmen

hey there! I am getting married at The Royal on April 23, 2010 and I am getting roughly the same prices as you for both the Royal & Gran Porto. What is frustrating is most my guests will stay at the Gran Porto since its a bit cheaper than the Royal, but the prices are so high right now for even the Gran Porto! i'm wondering if they should wait to purchase their rooms maybe sometime in the fall, if prices will drop? Do you think they could drop or go even higher? You would think of the swine flu or the economy, they would post better rates than this! Thanks, Adriana

Hey there! Where did you purchase your mini bottles of patron tequila? I love that idea for the wedding favors! Thanks, Adriana

For those Ladies who have had their wedding reception on the beach, is it a hard stop at 11pm? or will they let you party on until later? I want to know how strict they are with the time when the reception ends. Thanks! Adriana

Michelle - your photo of you and your hubby on the beach is gorgeous! Can you please tell me who you used as your photographer? Did you use a Videographer too? I'm getting married at the Royal on April 23, 2010 and i'm so excited! Hope you had the wedding of your dreams! Adriana