DW in Montego Bay, Jamaica-Grand Palladium-Experience??

nickk1636

I'm getting married in Monetgo Bay @ the Grand Palladium in Nov 2010.  Can anyone share their weding experience?  Any pointers would be appreciated (e.g. photographers,florist, another other things I should be aware of).
Thanks!

FutureMrs.McC

Hi!  I got married at the GPJ 11/6/09.  To start off, I'm assuming you know the Grand Palladium is not actually in Montego Bay.  It was an amazing experience and I would do it again.  It's beautiful and everything about it fabulous.  I loved the food, the drinks, the staff and our room was so nice and always absolutely spotless. 

We used the resort photographer.  I thought he did a pretty good job, was very happy and high energy.  He kept everyone laughing.  My only complaint was that he was in the ceremony with us.  ie. Stood right in front of us and asked us to pause while exchanging rings, etc.  This was distracting to us and to our guests.  If I could do it again, I would have told him we could stage those shots after the ceremony and to stand back.

The florist did a great job!  Your package includes a standard bouquet.  They sent me a catalog of the options and I selected several that I loved.  Everyone was an INSANE upcharge.  Like $350.  I finally decided the flowers didn't matter enough and I would just pick from the included bouquets when I got to the resort.  I loved my flowers even though they were not my first, second or third choice.  We didn't add any additional flowers but much to my surprise the gazebo was decorated with three arrangements that were moved to our reception.

Ceremony - We got married in the gazebo and it was beautiful!  I also saw a beach wedding while I was there and that looked very nice too.  We had the steel band for the ceremony and cocktail hour immediately following.  They were fantastic.

Reception - Private Reception at the Blue Lagoon.  The food was fantastic and everyone had a wonderful time.  We didn't use the DJ and made playlists on our Ipod.

My only real regret was that we didn't hire a videographer.  I thought we would never watch it and couldn't justify the cost.  During the wedding, I was so wrapped up in everything it's hard to notice the details.  I would love to watch the video and relive the moment.

The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to RELAX!  I met two other brides while I was there and they were soooo stressed out.  Not me.  I was in paradise with the love of my life and my closest family and friends.  What else matters?  As another girl on this board said, "I could've gotten married naked and it wouldn't have mattered". 

GL and feel free to ask any questions you have.

nickk1636

Thanks so much for sharing!  I feel better knowing you had a great experience.