Azul Sensatori Brides - POST HERE!

[murmel]

 

 

Originally Posted by LauraMinn 

 

Thanks for the advice!  We weren't going to use a travel agent because of the expense, and because our group is coming from all over the US, not from the same region, so we weren't sure if one would be useful.  I'll look into it, though.  Sounds like avoiding the hassle is worth it.

Originally Posted by amcferron 

 

There really shouldn't be an expense at all.  In fact, my TA costs ZERO!!!  They make kick backs from the hotels.  Definitely use a GI vacation consultant through Karisma though.  They get a bunch of perks.  Also, we have at least 50 people flying from Oregon, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Indiana, Washington DC, Dallas, Denver, Arkansas, North Carolina, and Canada and she is dealing with all of it.  Some guests will decide to book on their own, but that's OK.  Then it's on them......not you!!! 

 

Originally Posted by taylorwd 

Yup, agreed on all points!  In fact, you should consider getting a TA because all your guests are flying in from all different places.  Ashley's right, they shouldn't cost anything because their $$$ comes from the hotels/tour operators.  Some TAs charge a small fee (e.g. $50) to sign with them but then you get that money back, usually in the form of a reduction on your final bill.

Have to agree with the other ladies, having a TA should not cost you anything! If there is a fee is it usually hidden in the cost of your package and you would never know about it anyway. They make a small commision from the airlines, and  hotels, but it should be included in your quoted prices.

 

 

[1106wedding]

I've been trying to get a clear answer on this outside vendor thing (esp regarding photographers) for awhile...My TA (GI specialist) can't answer it...the policy sounds strict but I keep seeing that people find ways around it. Elizabeth Medina shot a wedding there in May, yet she can't tell me how that happened!? Maybe she was booked before the policy? 

 

Are you clear on it? The photographer CAN be from Mexico but not the Cancun area? Hmmm...photography is one of my main priorities and this policy might be the one reason I choose NOT to book Azul Sensatori or Azul Beach (I have a $200 deposit holding a date). Flying a photographer (a GOOD one) seems expensive. And then they tack on a $500 outside vendor fee?!
 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Hi Herbie - Bringing your own photographer doesnt necessarily mean bringing them from home, it just means youre not using someone based in Cancun.  For example, a few of us are "bringing a photographer", but she lives in Florida (none of us live there or have even met her).  I'm pretty sure this is the same thing Taylor and some of the other girls did with Andrew.  I thought bringing our own would be too expensive also, but its amazing some of the deals photographers are willing to make when they are working on extending their clientele and experience.  Or if they just love to travel!! 
 

 

[murmel]

 

 

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

 

I've been trying to get a clear answer on this outside vendor thing (esp regarding photographers) for awhile...My TA (GI specialist) can't answer it...the policy sounds strict but I keep seeing that people find ways around it. Elizabeth Medina shot a wedding there in May, yet she can't tell me how that happened!? Maybe she was booked before the policy? 

 

Are you clear on it? The photographer CAN be from Mexico but not the Cancun area? Hmmm...photography is one of my main priorities and this policy might be the one reason I choose NOT to book Azul Sensatori or Azul Beach (I have a $200 deposit holding a date). Flying a photographer (a GOOD one) seems expensive. And then they tack on a $500 outside vendor fee?!

 

From what I understand the fee is $500 or 3 nights (minimum) stay. Hence, why I don't have to pay the fee, since my photographer is staying the week with us. You just have to get the photographer okay'd from Karisma, since there are some they don't allow on property (the only one I know is Del Sol, but there might be others). It has nothing to do with Where the photographer is from. And you might be shocked at the cost of the local photographers as well, we found it cheaper to bring one with us!

 

 

[taylorwd]

Yup, our photog was cheaper to bring with us as well.  Also, keep in mind that you're paying the fee or 3 night stay regardless of whether the photog is a Mexican national or not.  Just make sure you get the photog approved in writing by Karisma before you book and you'll be fine.  If you want Elizabeth Medina then definitely ask for her!

[LauraMinn]

Is a GI vacation consultant different from a travel agent?  Do both, or just one?

[chong]

You ladies been busy. I've been on non-stop business trip since we got back from Mexico I think I won't be home much until end of this year. I am sorry if I haven't been here to answer any question but please feel free to email me at chongmclaren@gmail.com if you haven't heard from me.

 

jazz04, we brought few decoration stuff to Mexico. You can check it out on my wedding planning journal.

 

One thing I have to say is that...We were very busy. we got there Wednesday afternoon and the wedding was on Sunday.  We really wanted to greet everyone when they arrived at the resort so we spent many hours at the lobby (and it was worth it). I know some brides say they went out to Cancun or Playa de Carmen to get stuff.... I don't know if we were able to do that with such a busy schedule.

 

We checked 4 bags and carried 3 bags with us. We took table cloth, ribbons, maracas... sounds a lot but we had a really simple wedding. I got some pictures from my friends so I will post them little later. I am not the best decorator either...but I knew I wanted something simple. It's all up to you what you want to take with you. The location was perfect. I don't think having too much other decorations will make a huge difference. Sorry if this is not helpful but you have to figure out what's important to you. I have to say... nobody really notices anything but the bride/groom and the beach!

 

Originally Posted by jazz04 

Hi chong,

Since you are a past bride I just wanted to ask you what extra decor should be brought to the resort. I am just now starting to think of decorations and things extra I should buy. Any suggestions, I'm not the best planner and it seems everyone on here is.

 

 

We had Erick Rodriguez for 5 hours. We rushed few things with him... and wish we had him for more hours. We only had him for 30 mins for getting ready, 1 hour before the wedding ceremony, 30 min ceremony, 1 - 1-1/2 hour after the ceremony, 1/2 dinner/speech, 1 hr of dancing and whatever. It goes by really fast! But we could really afford him for 5 hours. It's tight but you can get all the pictures you want for 5 hours.

 

I am not sure how much you will really save by taking your own gazebo fabric. I thought it about it too when I heard the price of the fabric. But instead I got the Exotic Gazebo package - $220. It comes with the fabric and the hanging flowers. It was the BEST deal. I didn't like the wrapped up fabric around the pole so I asked the WC at the resort to just hang them. Your Miami WC might tell you that you cannot do it except for what the picture is shown on the website but that's not true. You can talk to WC at the resort and they will do it for you for no extra charge. This way you get what you want. I didn't mind the white fabric. Actually it looked realy nice.. I will post some pictures.
 

Originally Posted by herbie76 

Hi ladies, I'm after some advise.

Photographers- who are you using and what coverage time are you having? I'm really not sure how long they are needed for can you help??

 

Also does anybody know the dimensions for the sheer for the gazebo near pier? As i'm thinking of taking my own, to get the right colour and save money, Is anyone else doing this?

 

What other things are people taking to cut the costs?

 

Chong can you send me the templates- michellec76@btinternet.com

 

Thanks ladies

 

[chong]

I only have couple pictures to share...

 

 

For those of you who were curious about the food...

[Michele4172011]

Chong-- these pictures are beautiful!!!! Thank you so much for sharing. I'm also thinking about doing the white sheers, no chair covers, and white bows just like you had... overall, we're shooting for a very simple and affordable ceremony and reception and it's so great to see that you accomplished just that. I would love to see more pictures as you have them. I also have Erik Rodriguez on my detail sheet for 5 hours. Still debating on the TTD.... did you do that?

Originally Posted by chong 

I only have couple pictures to share...

 

 

For those of you who were curious about the food...

[Jessie]

Beautiful dress, Chong!!

[*lyndsey*]

hey chong, your pics are beautiful!

 

maggie, please add me to the list of brides - May 17th 2011 at sensatori x