Wedding Review Riu Ocho Rios, April 3rd 2009 - Full with pictures!!!

[sarah.cullen]

Hi everyone, we are now back following our amazing time at the Riu Ocho Rios. If anyone has any doubts about whether they have picked the right place, have no fear as it is stunningly beautiful!

We arrived on March 31st after a very tiring 10 hour flight & we were exhausted, however upon arrival, all our tiredness just disappeared, we were checked in quickly & easily & were allocated room 1242, this is in the 2nd horseshoe where I guess most of the suites are in, ours was a junior suite which was great for ourselves. The following morning we met with Nikki who handles the weddings along with Chandlyn & arranged everything in less than an hour, we chose the Mammee Bay for our reception dinner, Beach gazebo for the ceremony, we didn't feel the need to upgrade the decorations so just went for the free ones. I did upgrade my bouquet though to 24 burgundy roses to coincide with my husband & son's waistcoats, which was $110.

Following our meeting with Nikki we proceeded to the photoshop to arrange the photo package, as Nikki explained we had 12 pictures already with our wedding package (Royal) so we decided to book another hour with the photographer as well as the DVD of the ceremony, which I have to say is a must! We mostly dealt with Karen, Michael's shop manager, and she is so helpful & kind, I cannot say enough good things about her, we spent about 15-20mins arranging the photos & we chose to have 30 extra pictures on CD as well as the 12 that was included in the wedding package & the same 12 pictures in a photo album.

 

The morning of the wedding arrived bright & sunny, although it was a bit windy around lunchtime, however it was welcomed by ourselves as it cooled us down. After breakfast I proceeded to the spa to have my hair & makeup done, I had already had my mani & pedi done the afternoon before to save some time. Nicole did my hair & makeup & I have to say she was brilliant, I had just wanted to have my hair with a bit of volume at the crown but she persuaded me to have it curled, and I am so glad I agreed as she did a fantastic job. I brought my own makeup with me & she did an excellent job with that too.

I was really pleased with the way my hair & makeup turned out, by the time I had finished it was around 11.30 so had plenty of time to chill out before the ceremony at 2pm, I then met our friends & hung around the pool for a bit...not getting in obviously!! Then around 12 I went to my friends room to get ready, still completely chilled out! While I was waiting I was starting to get a bit nervous & jittery...who doesn't?!

Anyway I had arranged for Michael in the photoshop to come up to the room about 1.45 to take a few pictures before we went downstairs & he did a brilliant job, whoever doesn't like his work must be mad, he is a true professional & a really nice person, he came to our room with my bouquet, took a few pics & then we went downstairs to the gazebo for the ceremony.

 

The ceremony was over in less than 10 mins I think although it was probably at least 15, it seemed to pass by in a blur with the picture taking & everything, we then spent another 45mins taking more pictures & the rest was taken in the evening for the cutting of the cake. The meal was great & service excellent, we could not have wished for a more perfect day. I can only stress that if you just relax & don't sweat the small stuff you will have a fantastic time, but if you are a perfectionist then I would not recommend a BDW as there is bound to be something left out.

 

Anyway ladies, hope you find my complete review helpful & I have put a few photos on Photobucket, I will add more soon, lets hope this link works!!!

 

I would just like to thank Kitty Kat uk & her new husband for everything, as they kindly agreed to be our witnesses! Claire we will have to go back in a few years to celebrate our wedding anniversaries!!! And a big big Thank you to past BDW brides, we would not have had a perfect day if it wasn't for all the reviews & tips on here!!

 

Sarah x x x

 

Pictures by newmrs2009 - Photobucket

[*Kerin28*]

Congrats on being a Mrs.!!!!

[yamille]

Thanks for posting! You looked beautiful on your wedding day- Congratulations!

[Carolyn]

You looked beautiful. Congrats.

[sunstarsmoon]

great review and pictures

[MoKe0506]

Congratulations!! You looked beautiful!!

[baj]

great review and photo's Sarah

[Susanandmo]

Thanks for the review. You guys look so cute and happy! Congrats!