Marla's Las Caletas wedding review

MarlaB · 04-09-2008, 01:34 PM

Gosh, I hope this works because it's my first new thread!!! I was married
April 1, 2008 at Las Caletas. I was proposed there during the night time tour back in 2006 so I truly know how magical the place is. John and I had our site visit with Nicole the Friday before and things went very well. We brought some of our goodies with us and then brought the rest the day of the wedding. Nicole does everything and keeps notes of what you tell her, etc. There is absolutely nothing to worry about. The bridal casita is really awesome as you've seen some of the pics already. I will fast forward to the wedding day. We had 42 guests total by the way. My mother and maid of honor went over early to spend the day in the casita. We hung out, ate, explored, had massages, etc. Beth Fladung/Lloyd, my photog came out around 3pm to start shooting. She is really great. I can't compare her to anyone but it was nice to have a female photog. She even helped with our dresses, got us champagne when we appeared stressed, etc. She hopped up on the counter where I was getting ready by the big mirror and starting taking pics from above. It was a bit strange but I tried my best to ignore it and focus on getting ready. It was like the paparazzi or something! Nicole periodically checked in with us keeping us informed on timelines and such. The weather was perfect. Not too hot and a nice breeze. I am glad I ate a big lunch because I didn't really feel like eating at dinner. My poor father was really sick with a bad cold too and barely made the boat ride over!! I really wasn't stressed at all. Things went very smoothly. Brad, the officiant does speak low and I can't imagine anyone could hear him. I felt like I was concentrating so hard on what he was saying that I forgot to look at John and was basically reciting the words to Brad!!! To make matters worse, they look so much alike!! We did our own vows so I did look at John then. I was never even close to crying. I don't have a clue if any of the guests cried. I wasn't looking. I tried to speak loudly because the mic that was placed in front of my mouth by Brad did not seem to work. My friend from work sang Ave Maria and I thought that was low also. Oh, well. We hired the Trio which was really cool. I didn't get to hear them that much from high above in the casita but they played the Bridal March for me. No idea what the other music was they played. I let them do their thing. We only had one maid of honor and one best man total. Oh, my flowers were gorgeous!! White calla lillies with lavendar roses in the center. Beautiful!!! There was lavendar in my dress and it was perfect. After the ceremony was the group shot and then we were whisked away for as many photos we could get before we lost daylight. I made sure we got a picture of the proposal location. I made John get down on one knee!! I named all the tables (starfish, sand dollar, sea turtle, etc.). Nicole did a good job using matching runners. We had separate tables, not one long table. I also had these cute beach themed placecard holders for the guests. Oh, don't bother using bubbles. We had them placed on the chairs so they could blow them as we walked down the aisle but people were too busy taking pictures. Plus, you have to pack them in your luggage. We had a signature frame for people to sign. Leave the glass at home of course. I also ordered these Mexico CDs which were really cheap. I actually found a bunch in the dolllar section at Michael's and ordered the rest. Then I had maracas made with our names and date engraved on them with a note attached that said, "Please shake me for our kiss." Huge hit!!!!!! My chuppa was gorgeous also. I know this is out of order. Sorry!!
We used CDs for the dinner and reception music. I labeled everything but I guess the guy running it had some confusion and my technical brother fixed it. I can't wait to see my video and pictures. I have nothing!!!!! I am so glad I paid for an extra hour because if I didn't, my reception would have only been 30 minutes and I planned for 3 hours of music. I guess the pictures took longer and no one told me what time it was!!! The fire dancers are an absolute must by the way!!
I was sad to leave. I wish we continued at some bar because I will never be able to wear my dress again and I loved it so much!! I don't really feel like I was even there without the pictures!! I feel like I still have to go get married. I wonder if anyone else felt this way. It's a bit depressing, really. My husband does not understand of course. We managed to freeze some of the cake at the hotel and we brought it home with us in the suitcase. I didn't really even like it but the tradition, you know!!
Okay, I must leave work now. Let me know if you have any questions.

MarlaB · 04-09-2008, 01:34 PM

Yea, it worked. I know I'm replying to my own post!!
hahaha

LC_Rachel · 04-09-2008, 01:39 PM

Welcome back Marla. How odd- we were married fairly close to each other and it seems we had some of the same experiences/ thoughts. I'm glad it was great for you! Did Beth tell you how long before photos? I forgot to ask!

Did you have problems signing the marriage license with a fountain pen? My handwriting looked like a 5 yr olds. I wished they used normal pens!

edna · 04-09-2008, 01:40 PM

Congratulations on your wedding Marla! thank you for sharing , and you know we are always asking for pics.. so we will be waiting for yours!

LC_Rachel · 04-09-2008, 01:41 PM

Also, did your guests arrive late? I just found out yesterday from a friend that they were supposedly late. I had no clue- which I really shouldn't have. Apparently, they got there and were RUSHED to the ceremony and many had to go to the bathroom and had to hold it. The cruise director I guess took them to Los Arcos and showed them all the caves, etc. Not sure if that's normal- maybe that was why they were late.

Abbie · 04-09-2008, 01:45 PM

Congrats Marla! We can't wait to see your pics!
I like your idea for naming the tables after fun sea-life :)

Yari · 04-09-2008, 03:05 PM

Thanks for the great review! I can't wait to see the pics!!!

Ana · 04-09-2008, 03:54 PM

congrats!!! can't wait to see pics

AnnR · 04-09-2008, 04:39 PM

Welcome back, Marla - I know I already said thsi in my email, but I can't wait to see your pics!

JaimeLynne · 04-09-2008, 04:53 PM

Yay, so glad you came back and gave us a great review :)

I am starting a "BDW Las Caletas Tips" Word Doc so I added a couple of your suggestions to it - thanks!

Btw, it sounds like your bouquet was similar to Jamy's (starchild). I am thinking about doing a similar one - not sure what color roses in the middle though...

Welcome home!!!