GSBride2011

Thank you so much ChristieG and Melaina for your help and suggestions! I'm going to fight the penalty fee. I did book them, but there wasn't any deposits or contracts signed and I don't see anything in writing about it. I was thinking of having the reception on the beach so we can fit the reception to the size of our group, but I'm not sure if it might be too hot at night. @ChristieG- for the palapa, what was the menu like? How were the mosquitos at night? Do you have any photos of your setup? I'm almost certain it would be too huge for our group, but it's hard to tell from the photos I've seen so far.

For Melaina or Christie G: I was able to get Claudia Rodriguez to photograph my wedding next month, which is AWESOME because she does really beautiful work and now I'm even more excited! Araceli told me I had to pay $300 usd penalty fee for not using their resort photographer. Since neither of you mentioned this in your experience, did you have to pay it? It seems ridiculous. Also, since you've both seen the Italian restaurant up close and the palapa, do you think 18 people would make the restaurant seem empty if I choose a private reception? The pictures on the website make it look huge still, but Araceli keeps telling me it's small enough for 18 people but I have the feeling she might be saying that so that I buy the more expensive package. Any suggestions would be grand! Thanks girls! Shawna

The photographers are Photo Caribbean and their website is http://www.fotocaribbean.com.mx . They aren't over-the-top fancy, but my FI and I aren't looking for deluxe celebrity/magazine cover style photos of ourselves. I think they are perfectly professional and not overly artsy, plus the price is really reasonable and comes with a cute 40 minute video included in the price. I had a different photographer quote me $5000 for photos and an additional $5000 for a video, which is more than what I'm spending on the entire wedding plus trip, so no thanks! @Kbudchill- I have a question for you. My group is only 20 of us in total. Since you've been to GS before and this is my first time, which restaurant would you recommend renting out for such a small group. The palapa is beautiful, but I think it would be too big for us, plus I'm worried about mosquitoes as I've had family members go to a wedding around the same time of year in the Dominican and said mosquitoes were a problem. Not sure if it's the same in Mexico, but still something to consider. Thanks for the pics girls, the palapa looks beautiful! I almost wish I was bringing more guests so I could fill it!

Hi Kbudchill! First of all thank you so much for sharing your information! I just fell upon your blog today and my wedding is April 19 at Grand Sirenis. Your insight is calming my nerves and getting me extremely excited now (finally)! I would love it if you could send me the palapa pictures and power point presentation catalogue or something you had mentioned earlier in the posts. My email is [email protected] BTW, when did you book your photographer? I'm thinking of using the one they use at the resort since Araceli sent me their website and they're pretty good! I thought it might be something I'd book when I got there, but now I'm panicking and think I should book them in advance. I understand you must be so busy as you're leaving soon for your wedding, so if you don't respond right away I totally understand. Have fun in Mexico and hope to read all about your beautiful wedding when you get back! Good Luck! Shawna