Sjay

Originally Posted by ErinLee 

 

I finally heard from Tai Flora today, it was just a form email with a standard set of questions (name, wedding date & time, etc...) but at least I'm on their radar, hopefully! Hopefully it doesn't take another 6.5 weeks for the next one! 

Oh thank goodness! I have to admit I am a little jealous too. They need to step it up big time.

I would recommend getting that form filled out and back to them ASAP. I've been waiting on my quote a month now.

Originally Posted by Bruuning17 

 

Thanks everyone!  That is so good to know. I am actually trying to go in with someone else on buying a case so that the cost will be cheaper, (from the Sky Lanterns!) thread.  We are getting white ones.  So, I know this isn't the thread for that...but if anyone wants in on the case of them, it will be cheaper if we buy in bulk and then ship to each other!

Hi,

I'm researching the idea of lanterns for my upcoming Suites wedding and wanted to ask - were you able to release them? I've seen some posts where brides said they couldn't, although it seems it comes down to weather vs. the WC saying they couldn't.

Also, I think I remember reading somewhere that the Suites provided the fuel - is that correct? 

Thanks!

Originally Posted by ErinLee 

 

I've also tried contacting Tai Flora with zero response in the last 6 weeks. 

:-(  Thanks Erin. I hope things turn around for us both!

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

 

 

 

I've been in touch with Floral Fantasies, they said they are welcomed onto the property to set up but they believe the Bride pays the vendor fee.  I have an email to Nicole to find out.  Either way, I sent an e-mail to TaiFlora August 29 and made 2 phone calls and still have not heard anything.  Floral Fantasies is quick to respond, so the vendor fee is well worth it to me!

Wow, that's awful! I can't believe you've gone without a response for that long! Even if they're busy with 2012 weddings, they should at least let you know they'll get back to you soon.

I'm thinking it will be Floral Fantasies for me too - I'd pay the travel and vendor fees twice over rather than deal with hassles and frustration any longer.

Just wondering if anyone's heard from Tai Flora recently? They've been MIA on me for a month since I sent my flower and decor order to them.

Like the WC, I can't believe the complete lack of communication I'm still experiencing even though I'm about 6 weeks away from my wedding!

When do they finally start paying attention?! Argh!  

Forgot to quote your original post when I replied...

Originally Posted by Sjay 

You bet - will email you his info right now. He manages an online calendar on his site so you can check if your date is free: http://www.merrickcousley.com/

Originally Posted by erin2100 

Thank you all for the comments on the resort salon, I have booked them for hair and make-up   One less thing to worry about!

 

Sjay - i checked out Merrick's site and he work looks great, much better than a lot of other photographers I have check out.  I was wondering if you would mind also sending me his info when you get a chance ([email protected]).  I am also looking for a smaller picture package, with coverage for 2 or 3 hours and a DVD with the pictures, nothing fancy   Thanks so much!

You bet - will email you his info right now. He manages an online calendar on his site so you can check if your date is free: http://www.merrickcousley.com/

Originally Posted by ReadyBrek 

 

Hi all,

Newbie here. I'm really hoping someone could help me please, I've tried searching through threads to answer my questions but can't seem to find the relevant answers and I'd really appreciate some help if possible. I'm flying out to the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites on the 26th November 2012 and getting married at the Rose Hall Beach on the 1st December 2012 due to a little mix up with bookings from our Travel Agent it meant we couldn't get married at our own hotel at this time but I hope it will all still be ok. I'm trying to find out how much an in-house Photographer costs at the resort, if anyone happens to know please? I've tried getting hold of the wedding co-ordinators at both resorts but to no avail, I appreciate they are always extremely busy. With only 6 weeks to go, I'm getting a little nervous that we may need to save some more money to cater for the costs but would really like to know an estimate before flying out.

 

If anyone could help or point me in the right direction I'd really appreciate it :-)

 

Many thanks,

Rebecca

Hi Rebecca,

I see a couple of the girls have already provided you the details for the resort photog, but I wanted to write and say hello as we're getting married two days apart! Our ceremony is Dec 3 at the Suites, and the majority of our guests are booked there, so I'm sure we'll run into each other somewhere!

I also wanted to pass along info on our photographer as he offers reasonable rates including smaller packages and hourly rates. His name is Merrick Cousley http://www.merrickcousley.com/ (I already checked his online calendar and he appears to be free Dec 1 :-))  If you send me your email address I can send you the details.

I'm with you on being concerned and stressed about the WCs. I thought once you were 6 weeks out that they'd be much more responsive!?  I've managed to complete 95% of my planning without contacting Nicole thanks to the great ladies and wealth of info here on this site, but now I need to hear from her, and nothing! And don't even get me started on the florist (Tai Flora, that is).

Someone please reassure us that someone will start paying attention...and soon?!  

We've been back and forth about hiring a videographer to shoot our ceremony... and we've finally decided we're going for it. We're really late to the party however.

Can anyone recommend a (local) videographer pretty please? Contact info would be much appreciated as well!

Thanks

Originally Posted by Cat723 

 

we used the salon for our make up and hair and they did a beautiful job.  i have a bit of acne scaring on my face and they make my face look perfect without looking caked on at all.  i attached a link to my pics if you want to see.

 http://curtinwedding714.shutterfly.com

Originally Posted by LolasMom71 

 

 

Thank you so much for sharing! You looked absolutely beautiful! I now have some confidence in going ahead with the spa for my hair & make-up. I had enquired about this on the board a little while back as well.

Ditto LolasMom71 - your hair and makeup is beautiful and I too feel even better about going with the resort salon. Thanks!

Originally Posted by erin2100 

 

Question for IRHB brides - has anyone had their make-up done at the salon at the resort or does anyone plan of getting it done there? Just wondering how it turned out, the wedding party (which consists of me and the maid of honor) don't really wear much make-up and to pay for someone external to travel and come on the resort, the price adds up quickly.... THanks!

Wish I could tell you where in this forum I read it, but if you do a search you will find lots of positive reviews of the Iberostar salon. Based on those reviews, and my wish for simple, pretty makeup, I've decided to use them too. I would suggest bringing photos of hair and makeup that you like - the more you can show/describe the better I figure.

I believe there is only one salon for the three properties so if there's a specific time you want in, I'd book it sooner than later.

Originally Posted by heather1214 

 

Are you doing a private dinner?  I think either way would work... if you are doing candles on the tables and planning on using the pillars, I'd ask Nicole if the can dim the regular lights in the room.. then I'd use the lights in the lanterns!!

We're not doing a private dinner since we're 25ppl (and might go as high as 30). I don't mind the pillar lights but I've no idea what the 'regular' lights look like. I think if I can find inexpensive LEDs that I'll just get them and then decide once we're there. 

Paper lanterns - to light or not to light?

I've got about 15 white lanterns of various sizes that I'm going to ask to be hung directly overhead our dining table(s) at Aunt Ruby's and I'm back and forth on whether to use them simply as decor or if I should buy individual LED lights for each and use them as ambient lighting. I've seen photos of both and both look nice so I'm torn.

Past brides - what's the lighting situation like at Aunt Ruby's? I've seen evening photos where the pillar lights are used as well as candlelight and the reception looked sufficiently lit. I'd like the lighting to be somewhat dim to create an intimate, romantic ambiance but not so dark that unlit lanterns won't even be noticed. At this point we've only planned to use candles on our table(s) and whatever pillar lighting is nearby. Oh, and we're a small group (30 ppl) so we might be at one long table or in a U shape (if that even fits with the interior pillars..?!)

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by Dazeydawl 

 

Hmmm thats interesting. I would think as long as she originally bought them in the us then the country of origin would be the US as they had already gone through us customs..

Originally Posted by justine416 

 

I've bought stuff from US brides from here and had no problem. I think she should do what you suggested.

Good luck!

Thanks ladies. Cross your fingers for me!

Has anyone here bought anything from a US-based bride and had trouble receiving the delivery?

I contacted a past bride on BDW who was selling some decor items and arranged to buy them. She's just told me that she can't ship to Canada. I think the shipping manifesto requires her to indicate country of origin for the items, and since she actually knew they were made in China, wrote that on the form, and now the US won't ship the package to Canada.

I suggested she just say they were made in the US...basically just not admit she knows that much about them. (I don't know about you but I couldn't tell you where any of the decor I've purchased is from!)

Thoughts?

Originally Posted by HollyAndJohn 

 

I am not sure about setting up, because i am only getting bouquets and boutineeriers...sorry i cant be more helpful

Ah okay, sorry... I think I did read that up above. Thanks!

Originally Posted by erin2100 

 

After much debate and going back and forth, we've decided to stick with the white shirts for the guys even though my dress is ivory. I figure everything will all look different in natural light anyway, and with the guys beige pants, everything will tie in together nicely. Found this older thread on the same topic with pics and I think it looks great with ivory, white and beige.

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/77275/bride-in-off-white-ivory-dress-me-in-white-linen-suit

Thanks for sharing that link Erin. My preference is still that my FI wear an off-white shirt, and he's found one that will require alterations, but at least he'll have a perfectly tailored shirt that he'll get a lot of use of. 

Originally Posted by CourtBestBride 

 

Have you tried Winners? I was ironing some of my fiances work  dress shirts and he has a light biege one and the label says "Perry Ellis" I believe you can buy that brand there! Crazy how much effort over a shirt lol Good luck!

We've got a Winners very close by - we've been checking it twice weekly for about a month now. No go. I dunno, maybe it's the time of year? My FI was supposed to find his shirt and tie in the spring summer (since our colours are lighter) but he didn't bother <sigh> and yup, now it's a lot of work. 

Thanks for the suggestion!

Originally Posted by Sjay 

 

 

Okay, after reading all the posts about Floral Fantasies, it was a no-brainer to send them my info and request a quote.

I'm hopeful the resort will set everything up - I've put that Q to Chantal but if anyone hears in the meantime, please let us know. I plan to go down with a diagram of how I want everything set up so really anyone should be able to do it.

I've asked for a huppa arrangement and centerpieces, etc, so when I get my quote I'll let you know what it is. I have yet to hear back from Tai Flora so at this point I can't compare, but we'll see if they come through.

Thanks for the great reco... to whomever originally shared it!

Quick update - I emailed Chantal and she responded one hour later. Wow.

She's answered some of my initial questions and is already sharing some creative ideas, love it! 

She did mention they can do set up, which of course I would be charged a $100 vendor fee by Iberostar, but I'll wait and see what the quote looks like before deciding on anything.

Originally Posted by justine416 

 

 

Try Thommy Bahamas, that's where our groomsmen are all buying their beige shirts

Thanks, but my FI looked there already. He only found casual shirts that were too big and boxy for his frame. The search continues!

Originally Posted by CourtandMatt 

 

That's great news!!  Will the resort than just set it all up??

Originally Posted by HollyAndJohn 

 

not sure about that i am just getting bouquets and boutineeriers....

 

 

I also found out that Calabash seating is 10 per table with the option of a sweatheart table or a wedding party table up front.

Okay, after reading all the posts about Floral Fantasies, it was a no-brainer to send them my info and request a quote.

I'm hopeful the resort will set everything up - I've put that Q to Chantal but if anyone hears in the meantime, please let us know. I plan to go down with a diagram of how I want everything set up so really anyone should be able to do it.

I've asked for a huppa arrangement and centerpieces, etc, so when I get my quote I'll let you know what it is. I have yet to hear back from Tai Flora so at this point I can't compare, but we'll see if they come through.

Thanks for the great reco... to whomever originally shared it!

Originally Posted by jreist 

 

Oh WOW thanks for that Oyster link!!!! Really awesome!

I know, huh? As much as all the past brides' photos are helpful, these images really give you the best idea of what the venues and the properties themselves look like. This is what the WC's should provide to newly booked couples to aid in planning!

Originally Posted by HollyAndJohn 

 

Does anyone have pictures of the bamboo canopy that Iberostar provides?

Originally Posted by Jaclyn111 

 

I don't have a photo of the canopy but I am wondering if you get your choice of canopy/arch/huppa or they just provide you with one?  Also wondering if anyone has a photo of the chairs at Uncle Tony's with no covers?  I was thinking about not using the covers if I have the choice.

I'm at the Suites but I've not ever heard about a bamboo canopy, just the huppa and the arch. Look through wedding reviews here to see what both look like. If it turns out there is a bamboo canopy, please come back and let us know!

Jaclyn111, someone once directed me to Oyster.com for resort photos - I found it's got great quality photos and lots of them to help in planning. Here's the link to the Beach, you'll see Uncle Tony's if you scroll through. http://www.oyster.com/jamaica/hotels/iberostar-rose-hall-beach/photos/restaurants-bars--v1857132-34/

Originally Posted by FireyNurse 

 

I was just at RW & Co yesterday and they have an off white coloured dress shirt, might be worth a try if you haven't already checked there )

 

Good Luck!

I went into RW&Co and found the shirt, but unfortunately it's not really off-white. It looked ivory on the table but when I took it into the light, saw it was a white, but a warm white (vs a bright white which is blue-based). Store lighting can be tricky - you have to check colours carefully and ideally in natural light if possible. Thanks again for the suggestion though!