Hi! Honestly, I was worried about the same things. The beach terrace ceremony location is sort of odd, you walk around the showers on the beach, however, I did not see anyone walking down to the beach at all during my ceremony (4:00) except for people in the pool over on the side (but you are in a covered area) - but you see them during your walk until you get down off the steps. (I thought it would bother me, but it did not). The location on the beach was private and I guess there were a few people that walked behind our ceremony by the ocean - but I didn't notice that (some guests mentioned how rude it was). The coordinators do their best to keep it secluded as much as they can. We have 82 guests. The beach terrace reception location was perfect. I'm not sure if I was just distracted or not, but I didn't notice anyone else around at all. It was quite dark - and I am glad we did the lights (I think they were $800?) or else I'm afraid it would have been too dark. The only thing I noticed going on around us was there was a fire show on the beach - so you could see the fire, etc. during our dance. I did not see any other people that did not belong at our wedding. I lost a lot of sleep worried about it being crowded or having people too close, or another wedding, etc. I honestly did not notice any of that. I believe there was another wedding on my day, but I never saw the bride, etc.
My opinion with the Tequila terrace was only what we experienced after our wedding day. We were to dinner outside at the Bluewater and the reception was going on right on the same level. People were cutting through their reception to go to their private dinners on the beach, etc. The next evening, we were at Fresco restaurant and sitting by the windows - and there was a reception going on right outside on the tequila terrace. We could see them dancing and hear their music (mixed with the Spanish music inside). So, I think you will be happy with the beach terrace location as I was!
The resort was booked during our 7 day stay, however, never crowded, sometimes - you had to wait 45-1 hour for a table for dinner - otherwise - it was gorgeous.
Timeline: My ceremony was at 4:00; pictures after; cocktail at 5:30-6:30. First dance we did at 6:30 before our photographer left. We did not do a "formal" cake cutting. The wedding coordinator just brought out the cake around 7:00 and we went off to the side and cut the cake. At that time, we had the resort photographer there for our free 1 hour session (they stayed 7-8). I really have no opinion regarding the resort photographer, as our pictures were at the reception and it was very dark. Most were candid shots of us dancing, etc., she really didn't get any pictures of the groom/I.
I did have our engagement pics taken by Adventure photography the year before in Cabo and they did an excellent job. The samples they show are very nice as well. I did an off-site photographer as when I compared prices, it was about the same and I get all of my pictures on a flash drive, etc. I don't have those yet.
One suggestion I have is to do the photobooth. It was well worth the money and so fun! Everyone had a blast with that - they give you a CD with all of the pictures, as well as a video. We had them for 2 hours.
Hair/makeup - I hired someone to come into the resort. I did, however, see some brides leaving the spa and they did a good job. (there was at least 1 wedding every night we were there!)
Juan was my wedding coordinator. He rocked. All my worries went away when I arrived. The flowers were spot-on to what I sent him. Let me know if you need anything else to help ease your mind and stress. I envy you - the week went too fast and I keep looking at pictures wanting to go back. It was a wonderful experience for myself, husband and family/friends.
My email is joni.trans4@@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like me to send you a review of everything/what pics I do have so far.
Joni