Advice on "Island Time"

harr0610

Alright so I still need to book a photographer for the wedding. It's been a MESS. We had it all planned, then it turned out my wedding planner gave me wrong info and the photographer we wanted to go with has a FIVE THOUSAND DOLLAR minimum for November/December weddings. Yeah, no.

So my choices are obviously a little limited in St. Thomas. I found one other company I like and emailed them a week ago with no response. I know things are a LOT less rushed down there, but just wondering others' experiences with response time? Is a week or so typical or should I follow up again? I don't want to be pushy but...just looking for some experiences from you other fabulous ladies. Thanks!

loramarie03

Did you check out this lady? I was in love with her when we first were planning (we were planning on USVI for a few months): http://www.ashleyphotovi.com/

I know some girls have talked about island time... but I would definitely follow up after one week. Sometimes our resort is slow to email back but they do eventually get back to you...  

TerriHugg

Yes. Defintely follow up. I'm American but my family Trinidadian so I know how to operate. If you don't give them a reason to act quickly, they won't. 

You need to follow up. But give it time. So in the US i'll follow up with someone if I don't hear anything after 2 or three days. When it comes to the islands, I'll follow up maybe after 6 to 10 days. But definitely follow up. 

Erinkathleen84

The customer service is a lot different depending on your location. I keep having to remind myself this when someone does not respond like I would expect. But I do not think it is a big deal to be pushy. I am sure they are used to this from other American brides.

Tanq&Tonic

I found that calling directly was much more effective than email.  Different island, same concept of Island Time, though. 

stefwells23

Definitely follow up. The photographer that Jay and I have been talking to usually takes a few days, but no more than that.

I hope that she gets back to you, and everything works out for your wedding

flipflop82

I'm a little late to this, but I just got married on St. John two weeks ago.  All our vendors usually took two or three days to respond to our emails.  Based on what the restaurant told us, internet connection there can be spotty and unreliable.  You may want to call, like a PP said, if you get impatient.

If you're still looking for a photographer, we went with Kelly O'Brien and she is awesome.  I haven't gotten our photos back yet (I expect them any day), but based on her website and blog, she's awesome.  She also came highly recommended from several locals.  She's on St. Thomas and will travel to St. John (not that you need her to).  http://www.kellyophotos.com/ and http://kellyophotos.blogspot.com/

Another photographer we considered was Blue Glass photography.  I still have their information and price sheet if you're interested.

Erinkathleen84

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-theme-boards_destination-weddings_advice-on-island-time?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20Theme%20BoardsForum:54Discussion:c9e5e586-966a-486d-83f1-ff3f0ed5f7b8Post:9a9b16c3-40c9-45a9-9eae-ed386849ae78">Re: Advice on "Island Time"</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm a little late to this, but I just got married on St. John two weeks ago.  All our vendors usually took two or three days to respond to our emails.  <strong>Based on what the restaurant told us, internet connection there can be spotty and unreliable. </strong> You may want to call, like a PP said, if you get impatient. If you're still looking for a photographer, we went with Kelly O'Brien and she is awesome.  I haven't gotten our photos back yet (I expect them any day), but based on her website and blog, she's awesome.  She also came highly recommended from several locals.  She's on St. Thomas and will travel to St. John (not that you need her to).  <a href="http://www.kellyophotos.com/" rel="nofollow">http://www.kellyophotos.com/</a> and <a href="http://kellyophotos.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">http://kellyophotos.blogspot.com/</a> Another photographer we considered was Blue Glass photography.  I still have their information and price sheet if you're interested.
Posted by flipflop82[/QUOTE]

This is the same in CR. A lot of the times if my WC does not email me back it is because her internet connection is down. I can always call her though.

harr0610

Thank you ladies for the advice!!!

Flipflop-I wanted to go with Kelly O sooooooooooo badly, but she's not availiable this fall Blue Glass is who I haven't heard back from.

Lora-Thanks for the advice on Ashley!! If Blue Glass doesn't check out I'll definietly sent her a note!!