kbrannock22

Hi, This is my first post. I got engaged in July and have been trying to narrow down places for my destination wedding in June 2013 and I think I have finally settled on the Cayman Islands!!!! Now that I think I have chosen a location, I feel extremely overwhelmed. I have seen a lot of advice about different planners, and like a few people have mentioned, I think the majority of the planners are on vacation right now. I'm not sure if I need a planner or can afford one, but I have emailed a few that were mentioned. I would like to have a beach wedding ceremony and a reception at the Grand Old House. I am hoping to have my guests stay either at Sunshine Suites, the Westin, or the Villas of the Galleon and have the ceremony at either the Villas of the Galleon or the Westin. Then arrange transportation for a small reception at the Grand Old House. I am having approximately 18-22 guests. Can anyone give me advice? I see very few people who do multiple sites for wedding and reception and I'm not sure if there is a reason for this. I just love the way the Grand Old House looks and the gazebo for a reception, but I can't go all the way to the Grand Cayman and not get married with my toes in the sand on the beach . Also, it seems that there are restaurants within walking distance of these hotels. Are there any that are recommended for a rehearsal dinner? Also, big question...Photography. I absolutely love Aaron Rebarchek and his blog. How many of you destination brides actually do a full day for 8 hours? My mother (who is helping pay for the wedding) thinks its weird to do photography getting ready and during the reception, but I think its pretty typical nowadays. Anyway, I am thinking that maybe I can negotiate and just do 4-5 hours and then a TTD the next day Any thoughts? Or any photographers that are similar to him that maybe are just a little less expensive ?? Thanks so much!!!