Quote:

Originally Posted by mckievme 
 

Wonderful thread! So much useful information!

 

One question I have for our lovely photographers is about having a "must have" photography list. There are threads that have mentioned this list so the photographer knows exactly what you want, but I've noticed some of these lists can be extensive. How do you feel about brides providing "must have" lists? Do you feel like these limit your own creativity? 

Hey McKievme!  

That is a question that comes up from time to time :-).  When a couple books with me, I do ask them for a family photo list.  I organize it so we can quickly do those directly after the ceremony, while everyone is still around.  

Some couples want to send us some of their ideas for other parts of the day as well.  I don't mind looking at samples they have found online because it gives me a general idea of what they are looking for.  For example - kissing/romantic photos, or something more fun and playful, colorful, etc.

Speaking from a photo journalistic view point - I do suggest though that you feel connected to your photographers style before booking them.  If you trust their vision you don't need to prepare anything for them, which will make both of your lives easier :-).  Duplicating the work of other photographers can be time consuming and restrict your photographer from letting their own creativity guide the photo session.  

Confining your photographer to a list is not going to allow them to "see" the uniqueness of your day, your location and your guests.  My advice is to choose someone you trust and let 'em do their thing :-).

If you have cool/fun ideas that you'd like them to interpret in their own way, then voice your idea on the day of the wedding.  I personally love when couples have a few ideas of their own because it allows more of their personality to shine through the photos.  

Here are a couple recent examples of my interpretation of couples wedding day requests:

I hope that answers your question!!  Thanks for posting here.

Lori

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frazzle 
 

Hey all!

 

We are looking at a March/April 2015 wedding at the Riu RM. We were just a little confused on extras outside of the main wedding package - cocktail hour, hair, makeup, reception etc - does anyone have any details on pricing for extras, please? Would be great to get an idea of how much the extras will be before we book!

 

Also, we were swaying towards having our first dance during the cocktail hour, is that a pretty common choice?

 

Thanks! x

Hi,

Congratulations on your engagement!  I'm Sheri from Sweet Fire photography.  I would like to comment on your question about the timing of the first dance.  If you are planning to hire a photographer for your wedding then most likely you won't attend the cocktail hour.  Most photographers take the couple around the resort and to the beach to capture Newlywed images while their guests are attending cocktail hour...

We usually suggest our brides to plan the first dance right at the very beginning of their reception.  That's a moment when all your guests are gathered together again and probably there is a setup already to provide music for your dinner and party, which you can easily use for your first dance. 

If you would like to know more about how a typical wedding day unfolds from a photographers view, feel free to read through are FAQ's.  Under #13 you will find information on how a wedding day builds up and how to plan the timing of the events through your day:  http://www.sweetfirephotography.com/#!faqs/c1wzv    

I hope this helps!

Sheri 

Hey Michele.

We received your email and forwarded the packages we have available for you.  If you haven't received our email or have any other questions - feel free to be in touch :-).

Lori

Hi RaynDrop,

We are located in Playa del Carmen.  I don’t think we have a Sandals resort here.  Based on the experience we have in this area, I think you can expect an outside vendor fee if you want to bring your own photographer to the wedding.  Hotel policies often change around here, so I suggest you ask your wedding coordinator for the most updated information.  We always suggest you get the information written down, to avoid misunderstandings with the resort upon arrival.

I hope that helps!

Lori

Hi BrownSugarBride,

Thanks for complimenting this thread.   We were hoping it would be helpful for the brides during the planning process.

There are many ways to make our job easier!  Having your family put away their cameras will definitely make their experience more memorable and the photographers job a bit easier.

Scheduling your ceremony for the right time is essential for photography.  If you have your ceremony two hours before sunset it will allow us to have enough time and perfect light for the Newlywed images.  I believe on a destination wedding it’s essential to remember the beauty of the place you traveled to just like the happiest moments of your life.

Another thing that can help a photgraphers job is to have the right room in the right condition ready for some getting ready images. Here are some helpful hints for your dressing room

​

- Have the cleaning service come to tidy your dressing room so it is made up when you return from your hair appointment.

- Have your girls clean up all the non-wedding related messes. Wedding "messes" are ok :-).

- Empty shoe boxes and dress bags should be placed somewhere outside the dressing room. Bring all the dresses out and hang the in the room so they can be used in the shots.

- Light is extremely important.  If you have a choice, choose a room with lots of space and natural light. 

I hope that helps!

Lori

Hey Kelly,

Congratulations!!!  These threads will help you iron out all the details!  I actually work with Lori Lemieux from Sweet Fire Photography and post under the company's profile.  If you check out the #3 post in this thread, you'll see a link to the rest of that wedding shoot's pictures! 

Let me know if you need any more information!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistan

Hi Megan.

Good job doing your photographer homework :-).

If you become a fan of the Dreams Cancun Facebook page you can find some samples on there.  Here is a direct link to the album I found of their weddings:  https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.120618341933.128566.72540371933&type=3.  I'm only assuming that is the resort photographer who shared those images.

But, keep in mind, most resorts (if not all :-), contract a company of multiple photographers to shoot their weddings.  Normally, these are the same guys who offer family or couples photos on the beach to anyone at the resort.  So, the part to understand when reviewing their work is that they have multiple photographers.  As far as I know, they will not be able to tell you which photographer will be at your wedding or show you any specific samples of his/her work.  I could be wrong, so it's worth looking into.

One more place you might want to try to get more information is this Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/econcierge.drecu.  I'm not entirely sure the purpose of this page but she seems to have alot of information about the resort :-).  I do not know the company that they have contracted as photographers, but maybe this lady will know.  Then she should be able to point you to their company website.

Good luck!!!

Dreams Cancun has some of the coolest things to photograph!!  So, I'm sure whichever route you decide to go, you will get some great photos.  Here are a few of our latest:

Congratulations and best of luck with all your planning!!

Lori

Hey Mandy,

I'm not sure how it works with the big hotels, but I know for sure that in town (smaller businesses), the amount in USD on the credit card machine is changed to pesos anyways but the Mexican bank handling the payment and charged to your bank in pesos.  Your bank then transfers it BACK to dollars (assuming you are in the US).  So, charging in pesos would avoid that double conversion.  But, I guess it really depends on what currency your bill is in and if they would have to "convert" it to pesos anyways...

Check out this link for the 2 exchange rates: BANORTE BANK.  Notice the buying and selling exchange for the dollar in the upper left hand area.  Those should help you figure out whether they are exchanging at a reasonable rate or not.

Oops, sorry if this post got a little confusing!    Let me know if you have any questions!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Congratulations rhiham!  What a detailed review, that is going to be super helpful for future brides!  We love the ERC too!!!  Lori's last wedding shoot there was so fun and colorful, I just have to share it!

Excellence Riviera Cancun - Sara & Greg

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Ladies!

Wei just posted Lori's most recent amazing wedding at the Dreams Cancun and I wanted to share the shots with you!  I personally LOVE the newlywed shots with the lighthouse!  Such a unique background that you don't get at the other resorts!

Dreams Cancun – Janine & Cory

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

(We LOVE this shot!  The bride appears naked but we promise she is decent!)

Hey Ladies!

Lori just got done another beatiful wedding at the Dreams Cancun and I wanted to share a highlight of the shots with you!  The natural beauty of the area around the resort really makes for some great newlywed pics!

Dreams Cancun – Janine & Cory

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Mandy!

I believe any fees are generated by your own bank, not the Mexican bank the transaction is going through.  So, the best course of action would be to check with your bank to see what kind of international transaction fees they charge if any.  I occassionally use my US card down here and there don't seem to be any extra fees on my statement, other than sometimes a not super favourable exchange rate.

A couple of heads up though.  Mexico does have a reputation for credit card fraud so many banks will automatically blocked CCs once used down here.  Make SURE that your bank is aware you will be travelling to Mexico ahead of your trip.  I also try never to use my card at any really small shops or anywhere where my card will be out of my sight while they process it.  Keep cash on hand for small stuff.

Hope that helps!!

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Girls!

Coco Bongo is SUPER fun!  It's Cirque du Soleil meets Vegas showgirls meets 80s dance club!!!  HAHA!  NOT a sleazy club environment AT ALL and loads of 80s and 90s top 40 to cheesily sing along with while watching a great show!    However, the show doesn't start up until midnight (I've only been to the one in Playa), so expect a veeeeeery late night.  I wouldn't plan anything for the next day that requires energy and mental focus or early wake-up!

For anyone looking for a low key option or a non-nightlife option, Co.Cos Culinary School offers super fun and delicious cooking classes for small groups!  They are located in Playa del Carmen and I have to say their sample menus are mouth-watering!  I've heard great things about their classes!

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey guys!

Speaking with a local wedding coordinator is a great way to organize exactly what you want!  There are quite a few planners on this forum that have loads of experience with weddings of all sizes.  As mentioned on another thread, I would definitely recommend having your legal wedding (paperwork and such) organized back home and have an easier to organize symbolic ceremony here. 

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Laura,

For an intimate personalized wedding, I would also recommend going off-resort!  There are so many boutique hotels in town and sooooo many super romanitc restaurants.  With the help of a local wedding planner you could get everything you are looking for!

Happy Planning!  Looking forward to hearing about how it all turns out!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Ladies,

If you are looking for an outside videographer, we love the guys at RHINOVISUALS!  They shot a wonderful video at a wedding that Lori was photographing!  Here is the video:

Here is Lori's photoshoot: Brandy & Mike

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Ladies,

If you are looking for an outside videographer, we love the guys at RHINOVISUALS!  They shot a wonderful video at a wedding that Lori was photographing!  Here is the video:

Here is Lori's photoshoot: Brandy & Mike

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hi brownsugarbride!

The weather in April is usually great!  The cool evenings usually come with North winds, predominantly in the winter months.  By April, those North winds are very rare.  Days are hot and evenings cooler but still warm.    The only time I wouldn't recommend is "Semana Santa" or holy week.  The city gets fully booked by partying teenagers. We don't have much of spring break scene in Playa, but Semana Santa rivals most spring break crowds!

For a year-round weather review check out our CLIMATE FAQs.

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey jlo!

Welcome to the forum!  I'm sure you will get tons of helpful information on here!  Have you thought of contacting a destination wedding travel agent in your area?  They could have special deals with airfare straight from your town which could save costs and help organize travel for all your guests!  They will also be very helpful in narrowing down your options quickly.

Good luck and happy planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hello Iberostar Ladies!

There are so many great locations for weddings at the various Iberostars in the area, I figured I would put a few links on here for you to get a visual on the options available!  Here are some shoots Lori has photographed at the Iberostars:

Iberostar Quetzal - Christina & Joseph

Iberostar Paraiso Lindo - Jessica & Ron

Iberostar Paraiso del Mar - Erin & Phil

Iberostar Paraiso Beach - Bonnie & Shawn

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Tami,

2pm is definitely a toughie... it can be quite intensely hot during that time.  If changing your time is not an option, make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic beverages available and shade where the guests will be sitting.  Remember that with the natural beauty that surrounds you, minimal decoration is necessary (think earthy canvas sashes and mason jar candles against the vivid blues of the ocean and the deep green jungle!).

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Jade,

For a luxurious sailing experience check out Catamaya Sailing Cruises.  Their private charters can include fine dining and drinks!  Just keep in mind that September is in our prime hurricane season, so make sure you have a back-up plan in place in case the seas are rough.

Also for Lori's most recent Azul Sensatori wedding shoot check out Azul Sensatori - Lori & Matt.

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Jade,

Once you've settled on a photographer, they will be able to help you choose the best time for your ceremony taking into consideration when you want to take your newlywed shots AND what kind of lighting you want for those.  You can check out out CLIMATE PAGE to get a little more information on sunset times, and things to consider!

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

(pictures below are from the Azul Sensatori)

No problem Leanne!  Good luck and happy planning!!!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant

Hey Ladies,

If you are looking for an outside videographer, we love the guys at RHINOVISUALS!  They shot a wonderful video at a wedding that Lori was photographing!  Here are the links:

RhinoVisual's Wedding Video

Here is the photoshoot: Brandy & Mike

Happy Planning!

Sofia

Lori's Office Assistant