Warning ROR!

[PinionGirl]

That really sucks! We are leaning towards Jamaica, and was considering this resort after seeing everyone's beautiful photos - I think I'll nix that idea right now, since photography is very important to me, and I have a definete idea of what style I want my photos to be in. I'm glad that she's safe & no harm was done.

[Agape Gems]

OMG!!!!! The people at that place are insane! I am the April bride that had all the drama. We ended up escorting Robin everywhere with us so that the staff wouldn't continue to harass her. They tried to have her removed during our reception at the disco and I had to tell off the dude. And they kept trying to figure out her name and room # and we wouldn't tell them. I just can't believe that happened to her. I saw PLENTY of people with professional cameras while we there. One of our guests had a pro camera and no one bothered him!

[Nrvsbride]

Uggh this is so crazy! I really hope Jamaica brides will take this into consideration when booking their weddings. There is nothing I hate more than inconsistent policies. To the girls that already booked, please make sure that you have confirmations in writing and bring it with you in case there is a problem when you get down there.

[PrecisePlans]

Ladies, i'm sorry to hear that you are going through this AGAIN!!! This is ridiculous! The only thing that I would suggest is to have documentation in writing from the head office specifying that GUESTS that have paid for at least 3 days of lodging are allowed to attend your wedding with their equipment.

[nscaper]

Wow, this is scary for those of us who are paying to have their photographer go down South with them from whatever destination is happens to be! (I am one of those people). I will definitely be getting the okay in writing and giving it to numerous people to hold on to. I would be some pissed if they got asked to leave. That's totally not fair to a PAYING GUEST.

[starryeyedbride2b]

I think that is just CRAZY. I didn't use my own photographer for budget reasons, but if I would've, that would be COMPLETELY unacceptable. And I would not have taken to any threats well at all (would probably be in a Jamaican jail!). I'm surprised they went to those lengths, it's really petty. That is definitely not a good way to do business. If they take all things into consideration, the few dollars that they aren't getting for the photographer doesn't compare to the money they'll lose if people don't come there at all.

 

I don't know if the Jamaican Tourist Board or council can have any impact, but I would definitely report these incidents to them and let them know that people are being threatened and physically removed from the property. I would also have someone with a legal background call or write to Riu's corporate office and let them know what is going on and explain the possible amounts of business to be lost when every wedding, travel and tourism board/site is told about these ridiculous practices---as well as the legal impact on the resort if any physical harm actually occurred.

 

Not cool at all!!!! I'm pissed just hearing about it.

[kater]

I don't understand why they get so upset if, heaven forbid, one or two weddings each day don't go through their photoshop. Odds are they are still making hundreds, if not thousands, on the other weddings of the day and week. Has this photographer talked to the corporate office? I would love for this issue to come up to them. I've explained the situation to my TA to see how many ways we can assure that this won't happen to our photographers. Argh!

[drbrainfreeze]

Here is my e-mail to the RIU:

 

To Whom It May Concern:

 

I am writing with concerns to some situations that have occurred at the RIU Ocho Rios between April and now in regards to outside photographers hired for individual weddings. I will not go into details at this time, but I am planning on using a Jamaican photographer for the day, and not the ROR PhotoShop for my May 9, 2009 wedding. Please advise me on what the policy is. I do not want trouble for my photographer, and do not want my wedding interrupted due to issues between PhotoShop and this photographer.

 

Thank you

 

 

And here is the response...which I will print up and give to a few pepople to hold on to, as well as giving a copy to Chandlyn:

 

Thank you very much for contacting Riu Sales Wedding Department.

 

I would like to inform you that you will not have any problem for bringing an outside photographer, just please be advised that this person will need to pay a day pass.

 

If you shall require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

 

 

Warm Regards,

 

Arlett Santos

Sales Wedding Coordinator

Ocho Rios, Jamaica

Weddings By Riu

America's Division

Email: weddings07@riu.com

Website: Wedding Packages by Destination. Honeymoon Holidays. Weddings by Riu

 

*For all weddings booked at RIU Hotels & Resorts, the wedding couple and 80 percent of the total number of wedding guests must stay at the RIU Hotel where the wedding will be performed. We regret that there can be no exceptions to this RIU policy and ask for your understanding and cooperation.

[rodent]

Is it possible that robin was targeted because she was doing 4 weddings during that time?

 

I personally would avoid a hotel that has any sort of policy against outside photographers. It looks like hotels that do more weddings have more rules. My hotel does a couple a week & they were so nice about outside vendors. They don't even require a day pass. The WCs thought it was great that we had our own photographers because they knew the hotel photographer was not good.

[yamille]

This is truly outrageous. IT sounds mega shady and I think it's imperative that all brides re check on policies once they arrive to avoid this. I'm so mad!!!!!!