Claudia Rodriquez vs. Vanessa Vargas

[scoutley]

OK, not to throw Vanessa back into the mix, but we're booking with her! Her prices are very reasonable and she is totally willing to customize packages to go with what you want. Also, and I so completely respect her for this, she told me that the 3 1/2 package that she offers would be enough for me (we don't want pictures at the reception because we think that since most people will have cameras, we will get a lot of photos - and reception photos should be more candid anyway, at least in my opinion!).

 

I guess I really like what I've seen of Vanessa's work and I like that she is both honest and flexible. Besides, we're saving our splurge money for our honeymoon - I think memories are worth way more than photos!!!

[MelanieS]

My daughter had Vanessa Vargas take her photos. Here is a link to the thread (these are only a few of the ones Vaness took, there are lots more she didn't post): http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t22537

[kevsgirl]

Another bride here booked with Vanessa!

I loved Jason's review of her and I've loved dealing with her so far. I agree, Claudia and Del Sol's work is way more appealing and also super pricey (but worth it if you have the money, which we don't). I think Vanessa will do a great job. I hope she will!

 

Also, she's very flexible with pricing and timing. She's coming to shoot ours starting with me getting ready, then the ceremony, cocktail party and couple shots on the beach. It's 3.5 hrs long from 2:30-6pm. I also asked her if she wanted to have dinner with us and she's staying to celebrate! (Dinner's at 7). So that's nice.

 

Good luck with your decision. I think that if you have the money, go for the more expensive option. But if you're worried about the money, going with Vanessa will be great too.

 

I completely feel for you. We went through a lot of stress too when choosing (and hiring) our photog.

[bumbles]

I just visited Zasil Studio's website and they pictures are also fantastic! What is your opinion since you have been in contact w/ them? What are the packages like? Thanks for the great recommendation!

 

So many great photogs... so little $ with each day of planning lol

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by pdcbride09 Diego just contacted me and informed me that he is indeed $500/hr at a 3 hour minimum. You can view his work on their website now..if you go to del Sol Photography - Associate Photographer - Diego   All their work looks great! It's just very hard to pic who to choose. There is also another GREAT photographer that I have been in contact that I haven't seen any threads on in here. The website is Zasil Studio I Advertizing, Documentry & Wedding Photographer I Riviera Maya   Their work is comparable I feel to Del Sol! very nice almost magazine like!   I recently asked Claudia's assistant if 3 hours would be enough to film any of our dinner. She stated that if I don't want any getting ready photos that they could switch it around to have some shots of the dinner. She also recommended for us to have the 5 hour package so that we won't feel rushed. I don't want to spend that much money and I think 3-4 hours is plenty. I don't want them there the whole dinner either, seeing that it will be at a restaurant not a reception like atmosphere. I guess the hunt goes on!

[pdcbride09]

Well, we are having our wedding at the Blue Parrot and they give special rates for that. I'm sure you seen the prices on their website..and you can navigate through it. However, here is the info I received if you have it at the Blue Parrot..they only give you this discount if you are having your wedding there..at least that's what I was told!Attachment 2414

 

hope that works! it's a word doc

 

 

ZASIL_WEDDING_PRICE_LIST_2008.doc

[Corvette79]

PDCBride I have booked with Claudia. And like you I struggled with this ALOT! but in the end, I showed FI both sites and he said Claudia too. I really liked Vanessa, her work is great, very nice lady, fast communication, very flexible. Claudia herself is doing our wedding and I am so excited, after reading all the reviews on here I wanted her. I want to have magazine like photos for this special day and her prices are really not THAT much compared to a few others especially for what you get. I hope you are able to put this decision to rest soon because there are other things that will need attention but either way it will be awesome!

[pdcbride09]

Corvette79

 

Thanks! I actually JUST booked w/ Claudia last night. However I chose Citalli as Claudia was not available! I'm sooo excited as Citalli's work is great as well. And when I think about it..8 or 9 more months of them working on more weddings will make their work that much more better. Believe me..it was soo hard. I was really close w/ going w/ Zasil studio..and a part of me thinks..hmm..should I? but I know Citalli will do a fantastic job. I know I have a lot of planning. We haven't even booked our flight or hotel!! so we have a lot to do!

 

I love reading all the planning threads..although it makes me feel like I can come no where close to theirs. I am definitely not a planner..so we'll see what happens.

[robinbood]

Hi PDC bride!

 

Congrats on choosing a photographer! I'm planning on having my reception at the Blue Parrot. Which location are you having your reception- vip lounge, palapa, large chill out lounge? Have you tasted the food? I fell in love with the location, but we didn't have time to taste the food while we were there!

[pdcbride09]

Robinhood!

 

We are actually having our dinner at Playasia..since we are only having 20-25 people, it is not enough to rent the Palapa/VIP terrace, or the lounge area. I don't mind that either because Playasia looks absolutely beautiful!!! We were there last year(Playa) and walked past the restaurant and it looked beautiful. you should see it on blue parrot's website. ..:: Blueparrot - Beach Club ::.. go to videos on the top right corner and you'll see Playasia. Another plus to having a dinner versus a reception is that we don't have to worry about spending so much money on alcohol!! The alcohol is probably going to cost more than the actual meal..but that's ok. Also, we will not have dancing/and all the traditional stuff so I think we are either going to go to the beach club after dinner or another lounge on that street. I can't wait!!!

 

I haven't tasted any of their food, but I'm sure it's great. I just sent my deposit to Paula(wedding cooridinator) yesterday. You have to give them your credit card number, a copy of the front and back of your credit card as well as a copy of your driver's license. A little scary! So I'm hoping everything goes smoothly!

 

Have you booked a photographer? flight? hotel? we still have to do that as well as mail out our invites!!! I decided not to send STD'S because I know everyone that said they are going..so I'm just sending them the invite for Playa.

[zorlack76]

So, of course I have been doing tons of research on photographers who do Cancun weddings. What does everyone think about hiring a photographer from the United States and flying them down to Cancun/Riviera Maya. I did yahoo searches for "Destination Wedding Photographers" and found a ton of sites with beautiful pictures. In fact, a lot of photographers from the USA give huge discounts because they know you will have to pay for their travel expenses. Most of the sites I have stumbled across are a lot cheaper than hiring Vanessa Vargas, Citali, Claudia, del Sol, etc, and their pictures look just as amazing. Im just curious what everyone thinks of that and if anyone has thought about doing that themselves. Pros versus Cons anyone