Danie

Hey girls!

 Tyre: That is so great about incorporating your MIL into the wedding. there are so many ways you can do it. I think that will be wonderful and so touching. If I see any cool idea Ill let you know and keep you posted

Kim:  Yes, I am from Philly. That is so crazy that you are too. I can't believe yoru wedding is only 1 week from ours and your in philly. Where at? I am from South Philly. I didn't have to many pictures except from the ones I took but I figured it was something to show. Where are staying at Kim? Thats cool about the AHR.

Yes, I sent out my save the dates in the beginning of July but only because all guest have to have their deposits in by September in order to guarentee they stay at our resort. So I did sent them out. I ordered them online actually and they came out great for such a decent price.

How about you guys.

Hey Tyre:

 The plans for the AHR sound great. You'll have a blast. You'll be able to wear your wedding dress and incorporate everything so many brides do. I don't think there is a Sandals on Turks. Don't quote me but to really find out just ask Beaches because I know their sister resorts. I don't think there is one though. Does Beaches offer any advantages for you getting married there or no. For instance some resorts if you book 7 room for 7 nights will give you a free suite for 3 nights during a different time. We aren't having a honeymoon right after. I am going for 9 nights and am leaving 1 week before the wedding. Guest will come out a little after that but most of our time there guests will be on site. However, after turks we are going to Disney World like 4 months after as I have two children who we want to take. But my resort offered 3 nights in a Junior Suite (which is what i stayed on at the site visit) if I book 7 rooms for 7 nights which we are. So I'm thinking of using it a later date and putting it towards another week of justh im and I.

Yes, I am lucky I have a great relationship with my FMI. Our famlies are pretty close so that good but sometimes its bad lol

I knew there was something that they could do. You should be exicted! I just was talking to my future-mother-inlaw and I was saying how its really starting to get exciting and she was saying it really is. I'm telling you the more you start planning and figuring things out the more exciting it gets. I think thats so cool about the AHR. I really wanted to do one but we just can't can't afford it with everyone else happening on the island. I have set the wedding budget and I really don't want to go past it lol. But I was at one of my friends whose was married at a destination and they had an AHR and they did exactly what you want to do and it was beautiful. They had a video of pictures of them on the island and of the ceremony and watched a slide show before the party. They even wore the same outfits. She wore a wedding dress and he wore his outfit and then they took pictures here by a photographer and home in their wedding attire so that they would have professional pics here in the city. It turned out great. I think its a great idea. Are you going on a honeymood after or no?

Tyre:

 See things are falling into place I knew Brilliant could work something out because I seen pictures on the blog from Beaches. Now thats one less thing you have to stress about.

Originally Posted by tyrebride2b2013 

 

Dani it is soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo beautiful wish my wedding was now..lol I don' t think I will want to leave

 

Tyre:

I can tell you this. That we only went on the site visit for a total of 3 nights. We left on a Friday morning and arrived around noon since were only in Philadelphia, PA. We left Monday afternoon. The first day down there it took some adjusting to island time. I was constantly thinking what to do next and well...there really just is nothing to do there. (in a good way). The next morning I was so relaxed it was crazy. We felt like we were there for 7 days and we were only there for 3 because time goes so slow (in a positive way) Theres nothing to do but relax. Whether its the beach, the pool, drinks, dinner at night, or relaxing in your condo (which you will find that you do spend alot of time in the condo as you really can't stay in the sun all day unless your under umbrella and I say that as an olive skinned person who tans). I learned from the last time, I spend two days tanning not staying under the umbrella and left burned. This time I will not do that. It is important to like you room because you will spend time in it. It is so relaxing and I think that you'll be ready to come home but you'll miss it. I know we were ready to come home because it felt like we were on a weeks vacation. I can't imaging what staying 9 nights 10 days is going to feel like. But I do know I sure am exicted and looking forward to it.

Tyre:

 I was going to have a AHR and I know alot of people do it but we decided against it because I feel like I have been invited to AHR and for some reason I always feel like I am invited so that I can hand over an evelope with money. I know that sounds crazy but thats just how I feel. So I read this destination wedding ettiquete book from "The Knot" and I read that if you do have an AHR your supposed to send out Announcement of the wedding and if you host a reception your supposed to make sure that guest know they don't have to bring or give anything. So to me I really am putting so much into this wedding away and doing so many different events for the guests, ( i mean were hosting a deep sea fishing trip for the guys, taking the women on a spa trip, hosting a welcome breakfast, plus the catamaran, reherssal dinner, reception, welcome bags, and bottles of rum and wine in the room on arrival) that i don't feel like putting out any more expenses.

How about you are you doing it?

Tyre & KIm:

 Here are some pictures. I put them in categories so you know what they are pictures of.

GRACE BAY BEACH (IN FRONT OF OCEAN CLUB WEST, GRACE BAY CLUB AND DURING OUR WALK ALONG THE BEACH TOWARDS OCEAN CLUB EAST WHICH IS LOCATED NEXT TO CLUB MED)

GRACE BAY CLUB 

VIEW OF BEACH FROM OCEAN CLUB WEST AT THE SUNSIDE CAFE EITHER ON THE DECK OR ON THE BEACH

THE SHOPS DOWN THE STREET FROM OCEAN CLUB WEST

THE BAKERY & COFFEE SHOP NOT FAR FROM THE ROUND-ABOUT ON THE WAY TO THE GROCERY STORE (WHERE MAXIME SALON IS LOCATED)

OUR RESORT OCEAN CLUB WEST AND OUR JUNIOR SUITE CONDO WE STAYED IN FOR SITE VISIT

VIEW FROM OUR JUNIOR SUITE BALCONY (POOL/OCEAN/GARDEN VIEW ROOM)

Originally Posted by tyrebride2b2013 

 

 

Dani, Yes I totally agree I am going to try and do more DIY then I could budget more in for photography.  Same here everyone has an opinion def one of the perks of a DW not much choice for others to input although they still try..lol Can't wait until everyone comes around on my end.  I would like to do more for my guests as well, I feel like for those who travel I should atleast offer a nice time and a little perk for attending a DW so yes, the less that actually come the better.  It is a beautiful island and none of my guests have been so that's exciting.  You are so right we are marrying the men we love I have to keep this in mind when I doubt my decisions. It is all about what he and I want. 

 

I love hearing about all our planning too its great to connect to others who are doing the same or similar to you.  We can relate to each other.

 

In the end all of our end results will be beautiful endings. 

I totally agree Tyre. And believe me everyone on your side will eventually come around. The more you get into it, the more they will. I am going to try to see how to upload the pics they are not great but they are of the ocean. We had like 3 cloudy days but the island was still beautiful. Some are of our resort so I'll show you what I have

Originally Posted by KIM02242012 

 

For some reason some of my posts aren't getting posted! bahh

 

Having a destination wedding just made sense for us because I'm from the west coast and my fiance is from the east coast (and we live on the east coast). There were a few who were a little upset with a destination wedding, but since most would have to travel, they are now excited they get to visit a new place.

 

Dani, thanks for all the info! It's nice to get a little more info from someone who's actually been. Also, where is the grocery store? Or, which resort is it near? I'm trying to get myself a little oriented with Grace Bay Beach.

 

Can't wait to see how are weddings end up! We're very close in dates. TyreBride, when in June are you getting married?

 

Kim the grocery store is about a blocks walk from the gracy bay club (OCW is next door to that) Maybe a little further but theres a round-a-bout (almost across from 7 stars) about one block from Grace Bay Club & OCW. Once your at the roundabout its about one block from there. I don't know the name of the streets but I could find out. I'm not sure where you are staying but if you are at one of them 3 its not a far walk at all. If not and you are renting a car you can drive there. Some stuff is cheap but some expensive but like I said it is worth it. Where are you staying?

Personally, for me that is whyI went with Eyespice because its only Jon and I was guarenteed him. Some bigger vendor can't guarentee you a specific person they can pencil it in but I guess ultimately it depends. But it so worth a shot by writing them and seeing what they can say. Everyone is so helpful I know they will get back to you and let you kno what they can do and what the prices are like. I know what you mean about pricey because I felt like some things are so much money and then I realized that you really have to weigh out the things that mean the most to the both of you and that how you decide what you'll splurge on and what you won't.

I am glad I can make you feel better but its all the truth what I am saying lol. I know what its like. When we first said we were going away everyone wasn't thriled with it. They acted nice but I think they really wanted something close. Then when guest list came into play everyone had someone they thought should be invited. Finally, I said the closest people to the family are invited and that's that. I mean i knew when we planned this everyone couldn't come plus honestly I can't afford for everyone to come. I mean I feel like I am doing alot for the guest and the more who come the less I can afford to do. It's tough but once you really start getting into it gets better. I think everyone is just starting to come around. We just had to start booking room from now until September in order to guarentee we all are at the same resort and people are starting to get excited. so in the end it works out. Just don't regret anything you have started. I know I did at first, I would see someone say something about a resort that was in my price range and I would think I picked the wrong one. I would see someone say somthing about a vendor I didn't book and I thought maybe  shouldn't have done that. But you know what, it is what it is and I picked the places and vendors for a reason. That's what matters. You'll have everyone you need there on a beautiful island at a beautiful resort and you will have the best time plus your marrying the man you love in a beautiul environment. Ultimately what can be indecisive about that.

These days, I love hearing what other brides do because really we're all so similar in our plans and wants. Just different venues and vendors thats all. I can't wait till we're all married and we can show each other and tell each other how are plans turned out.

Tyre:

 Your best best is to send them an email and see what they say. I am sure Brilliant will be able to tell you if they would be able to do that or not. Don't second guess yourself though. Maybe you can ask and see if any brides out there from beaches would show you their pictures then you could see what their photography looked like just to ease your mind. You may love their photographer. Ask around thats what I would do especially before you put money out for a whole other vendor. Everything will work out fine. Sometimes all of this is overwhelminng. But it will all fall into place.

I have some pictures I can show you of the island if you want. It's not much most are of the gourgeous Grace Bay beach and some of the place where the cofee shop is not far from the grocery store. I'm not sure if that is near your hotels or not. I think it may be a drive from beaches and Kim I am not sure where your are staying. But if you guys are renting a car I would definitely stop and check it out for coffee in the morning if possible. Let me know if you want to see the pics.

Tyre:

 In regards to your photography I know beaches does their own photography but if you really loved someome like Brilliant I am sure you could always invite Brilliant to your wedding as a guest and as a guest they can take picutres I mean I'm sure other guests at your wedding will take picutres. Granted, you would really have to professionals the vendor Beaches has and Brilliant but thats just a suggestion if Brilliant was someone you really wanted to take yoru pictures. Talk to them maybe they can work something out. Don't second guess yourself. Beaches is a beautiful resort and I am sure you day will be perfect. Just let them know the things that you want. You and your guest will have a wonderful time on the resort. Dont' worry your planning will fall into place.

Hey Kim:

 Wow that is so crazy we have so many similarities lol. Personally, at first I wasn't sold on the Beach BBQ for a reception I wanted that to be the reherssal dinner and then have a regular reception at a nice restaurant. But on my site visit I went in the end of April, weather was beautiful about as nice as will be in May. The friday I arrived there was a wedding on the beach and we were able to witness the set up and the ceremony decor. At first, I wasn't too crazy how the beaches aren't private and spectators can watch but one I seen the set up and seen how most people respect the wedding on the beach and don't hang close by. I was over it. Then that night I noticed the ceremony on the beach with the DJ. My photographer was actually their photographer and he showed me the pics from the wedding in which you can see the tents set up with the tables and chairs and the chefts etc. Personally what I loved most about it, is that the guest and bride were all staying at our resort and so they were able to walk back and forth from their room to the reception throughout the night. I was then sold on it. I could hear the music from the DJ and believe it or not the guest were dressed perfect. Not too laid back but dressed just like a reception and I just fell in love with it especially since everything was right there ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. So I then decided to use Opus at Ocean Club East for the reherssal dinner as we did eat there and the atmosphere was incredible. We at outside the lighting, band playing and set up was absolutely beautiful and relaxing at what I found to be a not over the top price as some places can be.

 We did also eat at Coco Bistro whcih was to taste the food so that we would know whether we enjoyed and would want Kissing Fish to cater it. Fantastic. I did not eat at any more restaurants down there because I was only there for a long weekend. The resort I stayed at is close to everything such as shops, the grocery store etc. We did walk to the grocery store and on the way there are some really great coffee shops and there is also a great bakery which you can have coffee and cake at in the morning and sit outside. It was close to Maxime Salon which some people use for hair and nail. As for me I am going to use Shenique, there are some things I am willing to splurge on and others I am not. We also went to the Casino which I believe is called Casablanca. It was your average international casino, small with old slot machines surrounding 4 -6 blackjack tables. Security is strict no cameras, your searched with wands to check for weapons and the doors are locked once your in. Wasn't my favorite spot after such a relaxing dinner at Opus as it was a totally different environment.

Overall, I can tell you the people were very friendly and courteous. I found the island safe to walk around and shop, etc. The grocery store is very pricey for certain items however if you staying long as I am (10 nights) I am going to do some food shopping and eat out other nights as restaurants can be very pricey.

Hey girls:

  Tyre: I know the website doesn't do much justice. You can also type in http://www.nicksonphotography or you can just good Jon Nickson Photography. On that website you will be able to see individual photos he has done. This site does much more justice. For me, I was able to meet him personally and view his book. Like I said he does good work and so does Brilliant. However, they both photograph different. So its what works for you and what price is good for you. I would definitely check out that website just to have an idea and I would look at the blogs on Brilliant. Try reaching out to both and seeing what the cost are for whatever your looking for. Ultimately go with what you feel will be best.

Kim:

 I am having a band at Reherssal Dinner at Opus with Open Bar. I did not want to have the band the wedding night for the same reasons you were thinking. I did see a band when I was down there and it was great although I don't think I would want it for the wedding. I would much rather have a DJ play songs that me and my guest want played. So for the reception I opting for the DJ on the beach. Believe it or not the Beach BBQ cost more than the dinner with band. I also want to have a dance floor layed down so it will be easier for all to dance with maybe with some tiki torches around it. When I went on my site visit I witnessed a wedding at my resort on the beach and they had a DJ and a great time. So thats it for me. I agree I just want everyone to dance and have fun and be relaxed. The reherssal dinner with band still give my guest somethign different than the reception.

In regards to flowers believe it or not I was really happy with mine. Granted I am not going to have rose or lillies imported but my colors for the reception are blue, pink and purple and so my flowers will be the pink bouganville with blue dendronium orchids and purple dendronium orchids and I was quoted a reasonable price for me I beleive it was $200 for the bridal bouquet and for the girls I am just using freeshia bouganville as they are very beautiful. I believe EA will do the flowers. I did see many handmade flowers on ETSY that were really cute. But I just kind of wanted the real thing. Let me know what you girls pick.

Hey Kim just so you know I did hear you can rent a dance floor to b put down in the sand. I was quoted 1200 for a 12 by 12 including set up and breakdown. I'm thinking of using it.

I heard of eye spice while on the island. I met with them and brilliant. They both do great work but different. For us it came down to pricing and hours. I was able to get more time for less money and his work is great plus were guaranteed him which is awesome. You can google him and see some of his work. I felt like I had and still have to determine what things are more important to me than others. I choose photography to be one of the lesser expenses because I would rather spend more money on events for guest and the reception.

Hey all:

 I am wondering if anyone had a Beach BBQ wedding reception. We are getting married in May of 2013 and I am curious as to how they were if any brides have had one or are having one. I also want to see if anyone will be having a dance floor made in the sand so that guest do not have to dance IN THE SAND. We are planning on having Kissing Fish cater the BBQ. Any info could really help.

Dani

Hey Kim! Thats sound great. I love hearing everyone's ideas. We are getting married at OCW on the beach. But I have set up a catamaran cruise for our guest. theres only 31 of us and this will happen 2 days before the wedding. Reherssal Dinner I am going to have at opus and have an open bar and band and then the reception catered on the beach. Originally I was going to do the reherssal dinner as a beach bbq but when I went on my site visit we were able to witness a reception held on the beach and it was beautiful and convenient for all guest. I actually was shocked because the bbq on the beach is more pricey than an actual reception. I have alot of plans made for guest like deep sea fishing excursions for them men and spa treatment for the women. I'm excited it will be a great vacation.

We were also stuck between Brilliant photography and Eyespice. They both show some beautiful pictures on the site. In the end, Eyespice was more within our budget as were able to book him for not only the wedding but the catamaran cruise. The more we plan the more exicted I get lol. 

 As you plan more keep me posted. I love meeting brides and I can't believe our weddings are just a week apart. That's so cool.

Daniella

Hi. I don't know much about Island Harmony but my wedding planner is Luise from Nila and I love her. We booked Nila as our planner 1 1/2 years before the wedding date and she has been great. We have even met her on our site visit at which time we met different vendors. I love her ideas and how allows metro do a lot of the planning. They also really helped me work with a budget.

Hey girls. How's the planning coming along. We are getting married on May 17, 2013 at Ocean Club West. We are really excited and have booked Eyespice as our photographer and are having a beach BBQ reception catered by Kissing Fish. It's nice to meet 2013 brides on here.

Yea I don't think I am going to do a trial either becase honesty I am paying for me, the bridesmaids and the mothers hair and makeup which as you know is pretty expensive. So I really don't want to put out another 250 for a trial. That's why I was curious to see if you gave her a picture and if it turned out the way you expected.

Wow, what do you mean your planner increased prices for you guys. I would be upset to. I was planning on doing exactly what you did and all of my favors and gift bags and things like that I am just going to take the extra suitcases with me. Did you have any problems with customs since you brought so many suitcases and did they charge you any taxes for bringing it in or no.

Thats what I want to do. I heard Ileanna was really good and that is who I want to book. My planner said to make sure when I book I tell them that and to make sure that she will actually do the wedding because sometimes it doesn't work like that.

I would love for you to send me a pm of your pictures. I bet it was beautiful.

For the reception I originally was going to have it at Opus but when there on our site visit was lucky enough to see a beach bbq reception on beach and I chose that for the reception and my reherssal dinner at Opus. So we are going to have kissing fish cater the beach bbq. So I am really exicted that you had them and loved them I heard so much about that.

Did you have a DJ or a band and who did you use. Also for your actual ceremoney did you use any music for you or the wedding party when walking down the beach?

Thanks so much for your help.

Hey Jen:

Yes we are lucky to have ahead start. Believe me I have been researching and planning for a while. I thought the message in a bottle thing was cute too. I actually bought the bottles when they were on sale from the The Knot wedding store. As far as the decorations in regards to buying local or taking with us I am going to do both. As I said before we have the bag and i am actually going to pack all the bags and the stuff already bought in a suitcase when we leave and just pay that fee rather than ship it ahead of time. However, I do know Luise told me before that if you really wanted to you could ship things to Nila as your day gets closer and they would hold it for you however I don't know what the shipping cost are I do believe the cheapest way is buy boat but it takes a long time. I am not going to do that. As far as other items such as small local rum, and maps of the island and thigns like that I am going to buy on the island. I actually found a shop on the way to the grocery store when we were there on our site visit and I would like to get some stuff from her.

In regards to the DJ know I have found who is the one yet but I do trust Nila especially my planner in guiding me and finding that person. She has found the catamaran guy and recommended the same caterer I had wanted so I trust her.

Last but not least, I am planning on using Brilliant. I actually met with Andy on our site visit and he gave me alot of info including prices and I am going to send them an inquiry on line because I would love to use them but I want to see if I can have ileana do our pictures and I wanna see if I can actually make sure she does them not just book and someone else show up. Plus I think I need a custom package not just one of the set packagaes. Who did you use.

I don't know if Spa Tropique does hair and makeup but i do know they do nails and massages. it takes a while but they'll get back because as I said they have offered group rates as long as more than 6 are coming.

Turks Bride-

I have spoken to Shenique and am planning on using her for not only my hair but the mothers and my bridesmaid and I was wondering how you liked your hair? Did you give her a picture or did she just do her thing that day. Also, did she or does she do a trial or just wing it the day of.

Daniella

Oh and I almost forgot. I actually already ordered my welcome bags. Since my colors are blue, pink & purple. We purchased large monogramed canvas bags for everyone. The men's monogram is in blue and the women's bag are divided between pink and purple monograms. These bag are large enough for us to put all of our goodies in. We will be arriving a few days before all guests and therefore I will have the bags made up and already in their room as they arrive. Inside the bag I am placing items such as monogramed bottled water, a map of T & C, we are purchasing small bottles of rum for each bag, travel tyleonol, OFF spray to keep mosquito away and we have also purchased small glass bottles in which we will have a welcome message in the bottle for each guest. The bag is great and big enough for each guest to use for the beach. Hope that helps.

Hey Jen:

 I also am getting married in T & C but in May of 2013. Luise Bayley from Nila is my coordinator and I have been planning this for the last year lol. We also have met with her on the island in April for our site visit. We met with photographers and are also using Diane for the cake. I believe we will get our flowers from EA and i am not having any special flowers flown in I am using the island bouganville. I also am using Shenique for my hair and make up along with paying for my 2 bridesmaid and the mothers. (Yes it is pricey but I do believe it is well worth it, so I choose to go with the pricer option) I do hear that Maxime Salon which you can walk to from Grace Bay is cheaper but I believe it cost 50.00 every 3 people to come out to your condo which basically works its self out to be around the same price.

 I am staying next door to Grace Bay at a 4 star resort due to the fact that it was affordable for our 31 guest and that we are paying for many extra events for the guest. For instance we have a catamaran sunset cruise set up to take everyone out the night before my reherssal dinner. My reherssal dinner will be held at Opus and I will have a DJ with an open bar for all guest and then the wedding night will be a beach BBQ catered by Kissing Fish with open bar and dj. We are also going to charter a deep sea fishing excursion for the guys and I am treating the mothers, my bridesmaids and self to a sweedish massage, scalp massage and eye treatment at Spa Tropique. To answer your question in regards to mani & pedi. I have contacted Spa Tropique and they do offer group rates at least they did for me as long as there was over 6 people. They were even willing to speak with your guests directly. Try sending them an email and let them know that you are a bride (they love brides and will tell you that) and that you are planning on have 7 of you get mani pedi and you want to know what group rates they offer. I believe they are definitely one of the more reasonable spas.

When I went for my site visit I was lucky enough to see a beach bbq reception held on the beach which was coordinate by Nila and they had a DJ for their reception. I will say they had a blast and I as a bystander was wishing I was at the reception. The music was current mixed with some oldies and everyone danced the night away. I say that because originally I was going to hire a band for my reherssal dinner and changed it to a dj even though I am having a dj for the reception because their dj was so much fun and they really had an awsome party.

Good luck and let me know if spa tropique works for you. Also I believe they are located next door at Ocean Club West and they also come out of your condo but I am not sure if they do that for a mani/pedi or just for massages.

best of luck to you both.