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Sarah's Exhaustive Wedding Review 5-7-07 Dreams Los Cabos

Sarah

By Sarah
in Destination Wedding in Cabo

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Sarah

Sarah

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Originally Posted by NHPT View Post
you rock- this is exactly the review i was waiting for. makes me relax a little for my wedding. is there anything you would change/cut out/do diferently?
Honestly- there is nothing. Everything went exactly as I planned, everything went off without a hitch. Everyone and everything was in place just the way I wanted it. The ONLY tiny little thing in my opinion, is that I wish Jeff's bout had been white instead of red- but that was my decision- I ordered it red. I just don't think it matches his tie- and we changed from and ivory to a red tie at the last minute and I didn't think about the flower.
Also- and I forgot to say something about this in my review- I never really discussed with Juan a timeframe for anything! I just assumed that we would take some pics right after the ceremony, then go to the reception, and then head back out to get some sunset photos. Well, the ceremony ended at 6- we did pics on the beach with the fam, then they headed up to the cocktail hour. We continued pics with Juan. By the time I realized it was getting close to sunset and weren't going to make it to the reception on time it was like 7:30 and there was nothing I could do. We didn't get to the reception until almost 8:00. My guests didn't mind, but some peoples' guests might! So, lesson learned: talk to Juan about what you want to do! I wouldn't necessarily change it though- we took sooo many pictures and I know it will be worth it in the end. We just didn't have much time at the reception. It seriously felt like we got there, danced, ate, and 5 minutes later it was over.
I have my timelines, powerpoint seating chart, and wedding details documents if you're interested PM me your email address again and I'll email them- I totally copied your timeline Nicole...
Anyone else too- if you want to see what I gave Mariana at my meeting, just PM me.

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Originally Posted by Natalie M View Post
Sarah, this review was awesome!! Thank you so much for reassuring me that I picked a great place that myself and guests will love!! I will probably have some questions for you but when I think of them I will PM you!!! Thanks again for all the details!! I'm so happy for you!!!
Thanks Natalie- truly, Dreams is awesome- you have nothing to worry about- epecially if you are using Mariana. Feel free to ask away...

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Originally Posted by Adamsgrrl View Post
AWWWWWW.... how sweet!! You did a wonderful job!! And you look beautiful! Can't wait to see more pictures!
I just got an email from Juan- it's going to be a week before I get my pics. Oh well- I want him to take his time so they are good!

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Originally Posted by jpkw View Post
Sarah - I LOVE LOVE LOVE your review!!! I have been anxiously waiting to read this, thanks SO much for putting together all of this information.

I got tears in my eyes as I read your last sentence about what Jeff said to you during your first dance! I'm SO happy that everything worked out so perfectly!!! I know how much planning and energy you put into everything and I am absolutely thrilled for you! I cannot wait to see all of your pictures and to see how beautiful you looked!!!

I do have a few questions (believe it or not):
1) I'm using the same mariachi and am SO happy you gave them such a good review! Jose asked me what type of music I wanted him to play for the ceremony. I just said romantic trio music, but he said it would help if I told him specifics. Did you give him specific songs to play, or how did he know what to play for yours? If you loved your music, maybe I'll just tell him to play whatever he played for yours? Did you have a specific song for the processional?

That's funny that he wanted specific music, because a couple months ago I ASKED for the ability to request specific songs, and he said they didn't have a song list but were working on one. I gave him no specifics- I just said romantic music for the processional, and triumphant party music to burst out right at the recessional. I honestly can't remember my music in detail (can't wait to get that video!) but I remember thinking it was sooo nice! You could probably tell him just to do what he did for mine- it was great.

2) Dreams make-up: I have appts for myself and my bridesmaids to get our makeup done at Dreams (and my hair too). You've scared me with your experience (but I'm SO glad for the heads-up). Do you think I should book someone completely different (suzanne morel) or will Dreams be able to do the make-up if I give them specific instructions on how to do it?? (Also, for the hair?) let me know your honest opinion - thanks!!!! Dreams is so much cheaper than outside vendors for make-up but I want to be happy with it!!!

I honestly cannot give Dreams a good recommendation for their makeup. Maybe it was just the girl I had? Her name was Isaura and she was probably 40ish. She did my hair first, then went to get makeup and brought this like archaic looking makeup box and totally didn't look like she knew what she was looking for as she picked out stuff to use. My foundation was too light, I had gold eyeshadow out about an inch past my eyebrows (I'm dead serious!) and my lipliner was drawn on so crooked it totally looked like 5 year old did it. I am not a picky person (only to myself), I'm not the type of person to ever complain about stuff like at a hair salon, or restaurant, or anything. So, I didn't say anything except that my hair looked nice and that I would probably just do my own makeup so that it looked more natural. But honestly, I would have someone else do your makeup. Edyta's looked great from Suzanne Morel- maybe you could look into having her salon come do your BM's? I guess it depends on what it's worth to you. I was soooo glad I spent the $45 to try Dreams and find out that it was terrible before the day of the wedding.
What about doing it yourself? I'm totally not a huge makeup person, but the lady at the MAC counter taught me alot and I felt totally confident doing it. I think it came out well.
Dreams is much cheaper- but now I think I know why! Also, alot of the girls that work in the Dreams spa do everything- my hair and makeup was done by the same girl. Another bride I met there said she got a massage, then hair done by the same girl. I just don't think they're specialists at anything- just do a "so-so" job at everything.
Maybe you'll have a better experience than me, but I just would feel terrible telling you to go ahead if yours ended up anything like mine...

3) Luminarias - how many did you end up using?
I brought 95 with me. I cut the edge with a paper punch that looked like lace- they were so pretty! My guests loved that they went down the stairs to the bathroom area- the stairs looked so pretty. Oh, but you're at the Cascade Terrace, right? You can have them along the sidewalk there- it looks great.
I also saw a party set up on the beach with luminarias set up along the sidewalk to the beach- it was beautiful. The tables were right on the beach, and they had HUGE palm fronds (like 8 feet tall) with torches along the edge- I'd totally do that if I was doing a beach reception.


thanks Sarah!! A HUGE congratulations to you & Jeff!!! I'm so happy your wedding was so wonderful and everything you hoped for!
smile123.gif
Thanks! It was wonderful, and it was everything and more than what we hoped for!
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Sarah

Sarah

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Originally Posted by Nini_Bride View Post
wow Sarah. I'd agree, you take the cake for the longest review, but I read every last word of it. So helpful! And, I did have questions as I was reading through it, but have since forgot so I'll follow up on those later! lol. I like that you did your review from beginning to end - excellent idea... but you should add your reviews on your b-pics with Leigh, and your site visit. I'm not sure how to go about the whole site visit thing and a small review would help. Like, how long did you meet with Mariana for? How many dishes did you try? etc. Fantastic review though, thanks... I've gotten more information from your review alone than in my entire time on this forum! lol.
Great ideas Courtney- I totally meant to review the b-pics too, I just forgot! lol I'll have to go back and add that in- look for it in a few minutes!
I actually have done reviews for BOTH of my site visits- they're on here somewhere...let's see...
Site Visit #1:http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t1009
Site visit #2:http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t3179

Glad I could help- it's kinda "paying it forward" because there's no way my wedding would have gone so well without the forum!
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gkashmira

gkashmira

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Originally Posted by AQHARIDER View Post
I often wondered what Jeff would think when this was all said and done. I wondered if he’d realize all the work I put into this, all the details I thought of, and how I probably spent more time making this wedding for FOURTEEN people be as impressive as if it was for four hundred. Well, during our first dance, he looked at me and said “you’re amazing- I can’t believe you put all this together. Thank you so much for making this such a perfect day. I’m so proud that you’re my wife†Talk about making it all worthwhile…
This brought tears to my eyes!

Sarah - you really did an amazing job with wedding and I am so happy that it was the perfect day that you've been dreaming of. If I didn't know you were already busy helping mothers bring their beautiful babies into the world I would suggest that you should become a wedding coordinator.

Thank you for your awesome review! I am so jealous that you, Edyta and Tammy got to go through all this together!
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Sarah

Sarah

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Originally Posted by TAMMYM View Post
Sarah, great review.. Question time :-)

So you mentioned you hired Juan for four hours on your wedding day.. I hired him for three. Did he take "getting ready" pics? and if so how long did he shoot for?
That was the one thing I did give him direction on. I had him check in with me at my room at 4, then go straight to Jeff's room & take pics of him opening his b-pic book, then getting ready with the guys. Then, he was back at my room at about 4:35 to take pics of me getting my dress on...here's a pic that can only go here in the private forum! lol

Click the image to open in full size.


He took pics of me getting dressed, then in the room, then out on the way to the wedding. The ceremony went from 5:40-6, then we shot for 2 hours after. Three hours would give you about an hour after if you used him before the wedding like I did...
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TammyB

TammyB

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Nice butt shot.. ROFL..

 

This is what we have planned as of right now.

 

5:00 = Juan meets me at my room for a few pics

5:10 = Juan and I leave to meet Cain for "before wedding pics"

6:00-6:20 = Ceremony

6:20 - 7:30 = beach pics with group and alone shots with Cain and I

7:30-8:00 = Dinner pics of champagne toast and cakes..

 

 

Please let me know what your thoughts are?

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Sarah

Sarah

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Originally Posted by TAMMYM View Post
Nice butt shot.. ROFL..

This is what we have planned as of right now.

5:00 = Juan meets me at my room for a few pics
5:10 = Juan and I leave to meet Cain for "before wedding pics"
6:00-6:20 = Ceremony
6:20 - 7:30 = beach pics with group and alone shots with Cain and I
7:30-8:00 = Dinner pics of champagne toast and cakes..


Please let me know what your thoughts are?
I thought you'd like that- roflmao...
I took my dress off in our room and he saw my underwear and said "Is there anything you didn't think of?" lol

I think that looks like a good timeline. Just remember that things always take waayyyy longer than you plan. If there's no way you would consider having Juan for longer then I think this is the optimal timeline. If you thought about going an hour or half hour longer you could get some more pics of you alone in your room (those are always so pretty) and extend the time for Juan to take pics of you 2 until like 8, then do the cake/champagne thing. Just my two cents...
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A10CalGal

A10CalGal

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Dang girl! That is one comprehensive review. Honestly, I skipped all of the nuts & bolts parts, simply because I feel like I've been with you through the whole planning process! So, I had to skip ahead to the ceremony & reception part. And I loved what you shared about what your hubby said to you - it made my heart melt!

 

I'm so glad your day was everything you hoped, dreamed & PLANNED for! I just can't wait to see your pro pics...eeek! Congratulations from the bottom of my heart sweetie :)

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A10CalGal

A10CalGal

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Originally Posted by AQHARIDER View Post
I thought you'd like that- roflmao...
I took my dress off in our room and he saw my underwear and said "Is there anything you didn't think of?" lol
Hahaha! Yes, nice but shot Sarah. That reminds me of what Rafael said when I got my dress off & he saw my "Rafael's Booty" panties!! hahaha
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