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AshleyBrendan

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  1. That is what I walked down the aisle to as well!! Yes you could fully hear it.. even standing on back on the bridge!! It sounded great and was prefect for the atmosphere!
  2. BLUE LENS CARIBE PHOTOGRAPHY (Please see my link to our photos below) I just returned from my wedding at the Grand Riviera Princess on November 18, 2009. We used Dennis and an assistant from BlueLensCaribe as our photographers. As you can see earlier in this thread, I was a little thrown off by other brides not knowing who they were. I was a little skeptical, but for the great deal offered and the gut feeling I had, I took the chance and booked him for our wedding. We e-mailed back and forth before the wedding and ended up setting up to meet at 1 pm on the Monday before the wedding. I was so nervous not knowing anything. He came at 1pm sharp in the lobby, full of energy and was so much fun. I was soo happy just on first impression!!! He is italian, but has been living in Mexico for several years. We discussed some of the things we would like and discussed having him bring an assistant for no extra charge. Brendan and I weren't sure at first becuase it would mean purchasing another day pass from the hotel, but we decided that it would be so much better with 2. We are soo happy we made that choice!!! We arranged for him to arrive at the girls room at 2:00 pm on Wednesday. He and his assistant Jack (i think) arrived again right on time. They took hundreds of photos of us getting ready and out side the room. They were so funny. If we weren't smiling enough, he would make a funny laugh that would get you laughing. They had so many good ideas and were so professional. Then he headed to the boys room. From what I hear, he was the exact same. Everyone loved it!! They were all over the ceremoney and also took some candid photos of us during our vows, first kiss, signing... and being fingerprintted.. lol yes fingerprintted lol Now on to the beach shots which were FABULOUS!!! We couldn't have asked for better photos. They got everyone together for us for the group shot, so that we didn't have to worry about it. Then they sent everyone away and they had sooo many great ideas and lenses and oh.. it was just so much fun!! He took probably 800 photos just on the beach, its been so hard to just choose a few favourites. We then went to the lounge they were having our cocktail hour and Dennis came to me and said that some of the pictures of the groups on the beach didn't turn out as well because someone was squinting. So, we retook some of the group shots which I am so happy about and then we also have the beach ones on our CD for 900. We then went outside around 4:45 for sunset photos and lobby photos. Again, such creativity and so much fun. He played with different lenses and got some amazing shots. We want to do it all over again. lol We then sent them to the beach for our beach reception party for the first dance shots and then their time was up. We invited them to stay for dinner anyway because we had extra space and they agreed and stayed and ate! lol They took some nice photos of us on the beach and then when dinner was over they took pictures of us cutting the cake even though they were off duty. That was so nice of them to do. We then told them they could go although, I am sure that if I asked they would have stayed later!! So we made a plan for Dennis to return on Friday morning at 11:00 am to go over the photos and so we could pay him. He again arrived right on time and to my surprise with a big MAC computer with all the photos and CDs (as well as a cordless debit/credit machine). He also made a DVD slideshow with all the pictures which was so amazing it made us cry lol. He asked us if we wanted to pay extra for 200 5 x 6 prints and 3 copies of the DVD and we said yes. He was soo good we were already going to pay him more because I did want to pay so cheap when he did such an amazing job in the first place. He said that he would get everything to us that night by 8:00 pm. I thought that was a little crazy, but what do you know.... the conceirge brought them to my door at 7:30 pm. I will recommend BlueLensCaribe to any and every bride getting married in the caribbean. They are creative, phenominal, outgoing, professional... i could keep going and going. I think that the bad comments about them need to be deleted as they are not getting the credit they so very much deserve. Feel free to message me if you have any questions!! Please see my link below... I hope this helps you change your mind!! Picasa Web Albums - Ashley - Our Wedding
  3. We are back!! I am going to write a novel here because I have so many good things to say about this resort, our wedding, the service provided by Sandra and Patricia and our super fabulous photograhers from BlueLensCaribe Photography (please see the link at the bottom to see some of our favourite photos...though we ended up with 900 from our photographer lol). Brendan and I were married on November 18, 2009 at the Grand Riviera Princess. It was absolutly PERFECT! Our Packages were the Royalty Package and the Private Beach Party (2009 Package): Total: $5,200. We arrived on Saturday night, to our guests who were already there asking where in the world did we find this amazing place. All of our guests say they are going to return (as we did after our first time here). We entered our room and the front desk had let my maid of honour go in a decorate our room. It was beautiful! Hearts all over the bed. We were also greated with a bottle of champagne on ice with champagne flutes, compliments of the hotel. Monday morning I met with the lady who was preparing all of the legal work and received our blood tests. It was smooth and easy and the blood tests were gentle... not a bruise or a mark!! We then met with Sandra and Patricia to go over all of the details and itinerary for the wedding. After that I had arranged an appointment with my outside photographers Dennis from BlueLensCaribe Photography to go over details for the wedding. We were a little worred because what people have said on here but, Dennis showed up exactly on time and was full of energy and ideas. We just knew he was great and are so happy with our choice. Monday night we had our "Welcome Dinner" which was the dinner included in our Royalty Package. There were only 28 of us and we ate a Mamma Mia. We had the veal menue and it was REALLY GOOD!! Everyone was so impressed. Everyone who didn't know eachother got to meet eachother too which was great. We also gave everyone lime green mugs with our logos on them so that you could regonize eachother. It worked out so well!! Wednesday at noon my maid of honour and I went for our hair and make-up. I was really worried because of the language barried, but I brought my own picture and she did the EXACT same!! I couldn't have asked for more!! My photographers Dennis and his assistant for the day Jack (i think) came around 2:00 pm and took pictures of us girls getting ready and then pictures of the boys. They were so funny and had us laughing. They got some amazing candid shots. Then they headed with us down to the beach for the cermoney. The Ceremony was in the gazebo at 3:00 pm. We brought our own lime green and brown sashes and fans and gave them to Sandra at our Monday meeting and said to have them do whatever looks nice. I also asked them not to put down that red carpet and gave them CDs with all of our chosen music. They did a beautiful job!!! Everything was organized and set out perfectly!! We were legally married in about 20 minutes. We had both of our parents as our witnesses which we loved as well!! Following the Ceremoney we all had some pictures taken on the beach. We had group shots and single shots. Then the guests were asked to head to the lobby to the Ibiza Lounge for the 1 hour cocktail reception. Brendan and I stayed for more photos for a bit and then we can make an entrance to the cocktail reception, The Just Married Cart waited for us to finish. Again, we had such an amazing time with Dennis. If we weren't smiling enough.. he made us laught.. if he wanted us to kiss.. he made kissing noises. It was so fun and we had so much direction (which we really needed lol). We then went up to the lobby and had some champagne and drinks with our guests. It was so much fun. We retook some of the group pictures because people we squinting in some which was great. We were so happy the photographer caught that and knew to redo some for us!! Near the end of the cocktail hour, Brendan and I went with the photgraphers for phots in the lobby and around the resort a bit and the guests were shuttled down to the beach for the beach party. Again, so much fun with the photos and such great ideas. He took some awesome sunset pictures. We finished with them and told them to take head down to the beach for the entrance and first dance pictures and if they would like, just stay for the dinner. Their time was up after the first dance, but they stayed for dinner anyway and actually took more pictures after. We then headed down to the beach for the beach party. Again, we had told them to use our brown and lime green and not the tuquiose they use. It was so BEAUTIFUL!! I couldn't beleive it. I usually have somethign to complain about, but it was so perfect. We had a huge buffett and 6 waiters who carried everyone's plates to the tables and the head table had their own waiter. Champagne was unlimited, the service was INCREDIBLE. Everyone couldn't beleive this was the reception. So when we entered the Reception, we did our first dances before dinner. We entered and cheered and the DJ (with his Mac Computer set up) started the music and we danced barefeet in the sand. It was so romantic and more than I could have asked for. We then did the dance with our parents. We sat and had some drinks and then the waiters went to each table and told them that they could go up and eat. It was so organized it was unbeleivable. The food was amazing. It was a line of salads and veggies and fajita table and then at the end a chef bbqing the meat and fish. I could beleive how professional everything was. You would have thought this was a really expensive wedding reception. We ate and drank and then cut the cake. The cake was beautiful. With white chocolate starfish and shells all over it. Everyone actually ate the cake! lol Since Dennis and Co. were still there they took some photos of us cutting the cake which was really great too. Then came dancing time. Everyone had their shoes off and we all danced in the sand for 3 hours. The DJ had an assortment of Music and also let you play your own IPOD and selections. We had all of us up dancing and it was amazing. We even had the waiters dancing and brought some people watching from the bridge over!! It was so much fun!! My mom even ordered tequila shots for the whole party and the waiters delivered them around for everyone. It was great. People who never really party... partied hard that night!! Brendan and I had a rule of only 2 shots (and only clear drinks for me) that day though because we wanted to remember our wedding.. and we are so happy we did. We ended up clearing off the beach around 10:30 and all headed to the lobby for drinks before the disco. We ALL of our guests in their dancing around. It was amazing. Our parents and aunts, uncles, friends.... all of us dancing around. It was hilarous and so much fun. My wedding dress is filthy, but it was so worth it!!! I think we ended up heading back to our room until around 2:30 am.... and we were up very late. lol The next morning we had room service breakfast to our room. We picked the omlettes, but Sandra gives you a big menue to choose from!! You can also order as late a noon which is good lol So all in all, the wedding was more than I ever expected. Our guests said they have never been to a wedding like this and couldn't beleive how organized and perfect everythign was. They and We will recommend this resort to anyone and everyone and we HIGHLY recommend that you have the beach party. It was a movie star party!! If you have any questions, please send me a message!! Picasa Web Albums - Ashley - Our Wedding
  4. Quote: Originally Posted by sunseeker Thank-you for the info on the Royalty package. I inquired about that and I was told that this is the 2010 package. It is unfortunate because it is the same price as the Princess package but has only half the stuff. Has anyone been able get the Royalty package for a 2009 wedding? Hi Sunseeker I just signed my contract yesterday. We are getting married on November 18th and reserved the date back in February. As I mentioned in another post, I was going to see if I could get the Roytaly Package. We did get it. We are having the dinner included with the Royalty Package on the Monday night as a Welcome/Rehersal Dinner. Then we booked the Private Beach Party, but they still honoured the original price we were quoted in February of $80.00 per person and with the DJ and everything included. I would try talking to Sandra. She has been the best to deal with yet.
  5. We just booked our Disneymoon and can't wait. They have so many deals right now too. We are staying at the Polynesian leaving November 30th!!! I have been on the phone with the Disney Reps lately and they have just been so enthousiastic and great!
  6. My friend was just looking at the new packages for the weddings here. She sent me this link with the new packages as she had seen the ones we were offered earlier this year. The new packages are actually from Nov 1, 2009 - October 31, 2010. The only thing is that it has booking dates. I think we might be able to make them let us use one of those instead. I would bring it up with them. I still haven't received my contract yet, so I am not sure if they accepted us using the Royalty Package. Technically I haven't signed the contract yet, so we are kind of booking after 9/15/2009. lol Grand Riviera Princess, Mayan Riviera, Cancun & Mayan Riviera ROYALTY PACKAGE 2010 Booking Dates: 09/15/0009 - 10/31/0010 Travel Dates: 11/01/0009 - 10/31/0010 Package Inclusions: -Organizing of the ceremony by the wedding coordinator -Legal ceremony performed with a judge from the Mexican City Hall -Marriage certificate valid in Mexico -Bouquet with tropical flowers for the Bride -Boutonniere with tropical flowers for the Groom -Bride's make up and hairdo the day of the wedding in the Spa Beauty Salon -Wedding gazebo with standard decoration: white curtains, 1 center piece with white flowers, red carpet for the aisle, chairs with white covers & bows (Other decorations and locations available on request with an additional cost) -CD player and microphone available during the ceremony. Couple is allowed to bring their own songs. -Cocktail hour at the gazebo with domestic open bar after the ceremony (1 hour service) -Wedding cake for 40 people -Special dinner for the couple and 38 guests in an a la carte restaurant (restaurant is subject to availability) -Honeymoon amenities and special decoration in the room on the Wedding day -Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and groom's tuxedo -Nuptial breakfast taken to couple's room the day after the wedding ceremony -Couple's massage the day after the wedding in the Hotel Spa -Use of bathrobes for the couple during entire stay -Late check out for the Bride & Groom upon request and availability) -Princess' Gift Please Note: -For legal weddings in Mexico, the couple and 4 witnesses must be in the hotel 4 business days before the wedding date. Saturdays and Sundays are not considered business days. -The ceremony is performed in English. -You must pay cash for judge's gasoline after the wedding. Package inclusions are subject to change.
  7. We decided to take a chance!! We ended up booking Dennis at BlueLensCaribe to do our wedding. When looking into it earlier we were a bit skeptical, but after researching and contacting a few of his other clients, we don't think we really shouldn't have been worried. I ended up getting 5 1/2 hours of service for $1,000 which includes ALL photos on CD as well as 200 edited photos. We are getting married on November 18th, I will put a review when I am finished!! We do have a backup plan incase things don't go as planned, but we are quite confident, we wont even have to worry about it.
  8. I was just sent a new registration form so that they could draw up my contract. I slipped the Royalty package in as the package chosen on the form. I got a reply that they received my form and everything was fine, and they didn't mention anything about the package. I will have to keep you posted on what they say! I should be receiving my contract soon.
  9. Quote: Originally Posted by sasse75 I had also thought about the fondue since I was reading reviews about it on another site somewhere....the only thing I had heard just as a heads up is that you don't actually cook your meal in oil or broth....its more of a cheese dip kinda thing. Not sure if its true or not but you might want to double check! You are right sasse. When I was there February 2008 it was a cheese fondue. We were actually really disapointed in it. It was some sort of melted mozzerella cheese that was really stringy and hard to pick up. The chocolate fondue for dessert was AMAZING though! Our favourite was actually the Japanese (Teppanyaki Table). I asked about this when we were booking and they said it is available, but you have to pay 25$ for people who are not in a delux junior suite. It was really fun and great food.
  10. It has actually gone up to $85 a person. You should e-mail and ask for the new stuff they have out. We booked ours at $80 a person, but wont know if it was worth it until November. But....we have stayed at this resort before and knowing the restaurants there, we didnt really want to have our reception in one of them. There are a lot of people at this resort and the restaurants were always full. It isn't very private.
  11. We had decided to have the beach party when we booked earlier this year for this November. They just sent me all of the new information and forms to fill out. I was surprised when I saw the prices had all gone up. So, I e-mailed asking if they were going to give me the original pricing and they have agreed to honour the price and package we were originally quoted which was $80 a person. I think the pricing has just gone up recently, so if you did book before they raised them, maybe they will do the same for you.
  12. Quote: Originally Posted by MrsPain2b Hi AshleyBrendan, I will be interested to know what Dennis says. He looks and seems fab but I don't know anyone who has used him and my Hotel have never heard of him which worries me so will be keen to see what he says although I am inclined to go with someone else who has been used and recommended just to be on the safe side. Will look out for your reply though. He said that they have 16 photographers in the group, but that if I booked them for my wedding that he is available to be the photographer for the day. He also said he is the best of his company lol and that he will cost a little bit more. He offered us a discount, so instead I asked for more time taking pictures. I was thinking about doing the 4 hour digital package, and he has said that he would stay for 5 and half hours so that we can get some pictures of our reception that is at 7 pm, which is really great.
  13. Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan my concern would be that they have a whole team of photographers. I'd ask who you would be getting & ask to see an entire wedding from them. The stuff on their site is good, but you might get someone on the team that can't produce that quality. If they have one excellent shooter & put all of his stuff on the site & then send out someone who isn't that great, you can really be dissapointed. My other concern is that in some packages they are giving you unedited files. Digital pictures need at least a little processing to look their best. Some of the packages include only 100 edited pictures. find out what they mean by edited. Will all the rest be straight out of camera? That can be OK if the person shooting is very good & nails it in the camera everytime. But, even then a little processing can really make a picture look great. Also, find out what these files will be. You want jpgs. My friend was given all RAW files from her wedding. They are practically useless to her becasue she doesn't know how to do anything with a RAW file. it can be a disaster if the person shooting has issues with the bright sun or doesn't nail the shot. Then you will have pictures that you probably won't want to use if they don't do the corrections before giving you the files. But maybe they mean that all images are processed to fix basic things like exposure, color balance. Then 100 get extra editing like removing people from the background. I have been in discussions with Dennis at BlueLensCaribe and was just about to book until I read your post. I have now sent him what you wrote and asked him to answer all of those questions, as well. Thank you so much for that post!! I will let you guys know what he says when I get a reply.
  14. I am flying in on a Saturday and getting married on the Wednesday. When I asked if it wasn't enough time, they said it's fine.
  15. Sorry for the novel, but we had a little bit of fun picking our resort. We are lucky that Brendan works for the airlines and we get cheap vacation packages so we travel south a few times a year. We had had a few in mind and went to check them out. Since we had been to about 15 all inclusive resorts in different parts Cuba, DR and Mexico, we k new had our hearts set on Mexico and Jamaica ( i love jamaican food). So in November 2007 we decided to go to Puerto Vallarta for the weekend and stayed at the Marival. They upgraded us to an apartment type suite which was cool. It was nice, but kind of old and people we always trying to sell you stuff on the beach. The mountains there are beautiful though. Then in February 2008 we flew and tried out the Grand Riviera Princess, Mayan Rivier. It was brand new so we decided to check it out. When we got there we got upgraded to a swim up room. The hotel was amazing. Very modern and new. Being to soo many resorts, we were blown away. There were some glitches, but it was a new resort. The swim-up room was AWESOME. You wake up in the morning and roll in to the pool. There was always a party or something to do at the resort. We were waited on hand and foot The resort was big, but not too big. At the end of the vacation, we concluded that that was our favourite resort so far. So November 2008, I said I had to check out Jamaica. I hadn't been and had always heard to much about it. We stayed a week at the Gran Bahia Runaway Bay. The food was incredible and the stay was relaxing and mellow, but not a place I wanted to get married. People always asking you to buy weed. Just not a classy like I wanted my wedding to be. Would be great for a honeymoon though. We also had no sun the entire week and we were planning out wedding in November 2009. We decided on the Grand Riviera Princess then. That same week our neighbours stayed at the Grand Pallaidum for the honeymoon. They had sun the entire week and raved about the resort for weeks. We were tossed about our decision. It was really bugging me, so in February we flew down for the weekend to check it out. I didn't want to make the wrong decision. We actually didn't like it. It was way too big. All these paths with greens around them. You could never see the beach. We could never find our room. It was old. We found the staff to be kind of rude. The food was ok. So, now we have our wedding booked for November 18, 2009 at the Grand Riviera Princess, Mayan Riviara Princess. We can't wait to bring our guests to the resort we think is the nicest we've been too.
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