girlinthecity97

What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing. CONGRATS & HAPPY PLANNING.

Congrats Erobin223 - 

Regarding your how long to book a photographer question, I think that depends on what you want him/her to capture.  Some people really want lots of getting ready pics followed by coverage of the ceremony and most of the reception.  Based on that, you are pretty safe with booking 5-6 hours [1 hour to 1.5 hrs for getting ready pics, 30 min-1 hour for ceremony pics, 1hr - 1.5 hr post ceremony & the rest reception pics].

My photographer suggested going with no more than 4 hours and I agree. I don't want a lot of getting ready shots.  Maybe a couple of my mom & sister helping me with my dress, the first time my dad sees me in the dress, then ceremony and post ceremony shots. Reception-wise, he agreed it is a waste to have them there for most of it so I am having all the key events like the 1st dance, parent dance (me & my dad, fiance & his mom) followed by toasts and cake cutting within the 1st 30 min-1 hour of the reception so he can get those shots and be finished.  He also suggested what time I should schedule my ceremony to ensure we get the best light & sunset shots post ceremony.  He likes shooting the reception in the dark.  We further felt we'd made the right choice after receiving his candid and helpful feedback/suggestions.

As for more than one photographer, it helps in terms of making sure they get all the shots you want.  However, I'd make sure the assistant or co-photog has the same "eye" as the person you are hiring. My photog has an assistant who shares his "eye" & is included in his rate, so I'm ok with this.

I'm not sure which photographers price negotiate as none of my top 3 picks did so.  I ultimately went with the one both my fiance and I liked the most.  He doesn't price negotiate but it's understandable - he charges a pretty reasonable hourly rate. He is not one of our resorts preferred vendors so we have to pay the outside vendor fee for him to come onsite. 

I'm getting married at a Karisma resort and found two local florists that other Karisma brides have been happy with that are much cheaper than Karisma's vendor Weddings by Lomas.  I'm not sure about delivery fees though. 

Hope this helps! 

@LizandKeevin - can't wait to hear about the trip and what you decided location wise!  

@rtscent - thanks very much!!!  

Thanks Tammy!  I still cannot believe (and do not truly understand how) I thought TA's steer clients to certain resort chains. 

Thanks ChristienEarnest - very true words! 

@strwbsprkl - thank you SOOO much and same to you!!!!

Thanks @jasstz - initial tops were Azul Beach, El Dorado Royal, Royal Hideaway Playacar, the JW Marriott (for a non-AI option), ME Cancun and Le Blanch. Since we are factoring in my niece - that ruled out all but Azul Beach and the JW. After talking with a TA and getting a chance to stay at Azul Beach, our final list is between Azul Sensatori (which was her recommendation based on what I was looking for and the pattern she spotted in my spreadsheet) and El Dorado Royal since my niece could potentially stay at Generations next door.

Congrats & Welcome!

I agree that Mexico is your best bet from a bang for buck and ease of getting to standpoint. I am also on the east coast and needed to find a kid-friendly hotel/resort. After doing research, I included Karisma Resort's Azul properties since they allow kids & have good food for an all-inclusive which is important to us. I have stayed at a couple of the Palace resorts. A good number of them allow kids, sothose could be a great option for you.

Hope this is helpful.

we are heading down next week to see the resorts, taste the food etc.. and will move forward with our contract then. our TA suggested doing the room block but making sure there are no penalty fees etc. if we fall under the number we guestimate booking. It just seems to make the most practical sense since I'd like for everyone to stay where we are getting married. This will make it easier to chat and visit with people outside of the actual wedding day.  

Hi Lilgabri03 - I'm the same way re research, constantly thinking about my guests, creating spreadsheets that map out the pros, cons, and price differences etc...so much so i think DF was going to consider taking back the ring (j/lk)! LOL  So that I would stop obsessing and bugging him, he suggested we price our top pick hotel/air against the top all-inclusive/air.  The hotel/air price/person was only cheaper by <$100 so the all-inclusives won, especially once factoring back in the cost for meals, drinks etc... for the guests during their stay if we stuck with a hotel option. 

A friend got married in PR in November and had the sell-out situation happen.  She didn't realize a large conference was rolling in the weekend of her wedding so guests who didn't book early had to scramble to find rooms. if you are worried about this, I would check to see if any conferences are happening around that time and pick a different date. 

hope this helps!

Hi Lilgabri03 - I'm the same way re research, constantly thinking about my guests, creating spreadsheets that map out the pros, cons, and price differences etc...so much so i think DF was going to consider taking back the ring (j/lk)! LOL  So that I would stop obsessing and bugging him, he suggested we  price our top pick hotel/air against the top all-inclusive/air.  The hotel/air price/person was only cheaper by <$100 so the all-inclusives we liked won once factoring back in the cost for meals etc... for the guests during their stay. 

A friend got married in PR in November and had the sell-out situation happen.  She didn't realize a large conference was rolling in the weekend of her wedding so guests who didn't book early had to scramble to find rooms. if you are worried about this, I would check to see if anything conferences are happening around that time and pick a different date. 

Thanks so much!!!

I hear you re planning while the other half was glued to last night's game. Thanks for sharing your "To-Do" list. I'm very early but think it's really helpful to store away. Would LOVE to see pics and know what Etsy vendors you are using! Please share!!!! Pretty Please!?