nov152013

thanks MRSGUINOVART for the info!! For brides who got married at one of the gazebos using a nondenominational minister, can you explain what the ceremony is like and how long it was? I'm catholic and we have the chapel reserved, but my fiancé's annulment might not go through in time for us to have a catholic ceremony so I wanted to know what the nondenominational Christian ceremony is like in case we have to do that. Thanks!!

Yes, please post your florist's info--I am very interested as well!! The prices for the resort decorating the chapel are ridiculous! All I want are some red roses on the sides of the pews, and some red rose arrangements for the centerpieces at the reception and they are asking for an arm and a leg. Thanks!!

thx girls--very helpful with the photography recommendations!!

Ok so never mind Caribbean Emotions--they are actually based out of Dominican Republic so we would have to pay for their flight and hotel! Ugh. Back at square 1. I looked at Photos in Cancun and Del Sol but they are both a bit pricey--we want to do both the photography and a video so paying 2k-4k just for the pictures is tough. And I do not have any photographer friends Any other recommendations or is this what the price range will be for any reputable photographer/videographer in Cancun?

Has anyone used or heard any reviews about Caribbean Emotions for photography and video? They are rated #2 on the vendor reviews here on BDW but I wanted to see if anyone on the forum had actually worked with them or known someone who has. Also, just learned from my WC that if you add the cocktail reception after your ceremony, it's not really a cocktail reception, it is a sparkling wine reception--if you want an open bar, it's an extra $5/pp. I asked if they could at least just do a signature cocktail and she said no, it's either sparkling wine or an open bar

@Christen--SUPER helpful post! Definitely put me at ease. Also, I am going with Doremixx because I have seen so many good reviews for them, including yours I really think I'm the only person on the planet who does not have a photographer friend so I guess I'll be upgrading to an outside vendor cause the packages for the resort are not great; I also want a videographer but my WC is saying that even if it's the same company doing the video and pictures, I have to pay 2 separate $350 outside vendor fees! Not too happy about that. The other thing I'm a bit concerned with is how simply decorated the tables at the reception will be unless my mom and I get creative and throw more stuff on there. @posts regarding the laso and coins: I am excited to do these traditions because I am Colombian and we too practice these traditions during catholic weddings, but I understand if non-Hispanic Catholics have never heard of them and don't want to do them. My fiance is a Caucasian American Catholic and I had to teach him about these traditions; he thought they were pretty awesome once I explained what they meant. But it really is more of a Hispanic Catholic tradition rather than a universally Catholic one, so I think you can definitely be a good Catholic and not know about them or want to do them.

Thanks Emily! That other bride's post was super informative

I am booked for November 15th at GCR!! Catholic chapel, Cocktail hour on the terrace, and the reception in the ballroom. We picked the royal catholic wedding package. My main concern is what from the package should we keep and what should we upgrade on or get outside vendors for. I'm thinking the photographer, videographer, and DJ--thoughts?? Also, how to get the best deals for our guests for rooms at GCR and flights. Thanks!!

Hi everyone! I am booked for November 15th and the Gran Caribe Catholic Chapel with the cocktail hour at the terrace and the reception at one of the ballrooms. We got the royal catholic wedding package. I have about a million questions about everything, but they pretty much boil down to, what should I use from the package and what should we spend the money to upgrade on? We are looking at about 75 people. I'm specially thinking about the photographer and videographer as well as the DJ to upgrade on. Having perfect pictures and video as well as a fantastic DJ that will go until midnight or 1 who can play everything from reggaeton to country are the most important things to us. Also, I'm planning on getting the STD cards within the next few weeks and we want to put as much travel info on our wedding website as possible so our guests can get the best deals they can; what suggestions does everyone have? Any advice on anything would be greatly appreciated!! Thanks!