TammyWright

Quote: Originally Posted by adeybaby Parties ending at 11! Is that normal for the resorts? I think my first choice is still the Westin. I can't wait to actually see PV in person! at most resorts they have the party end around 11pm unless you were to move the party to a club area. my guests just hopped in a cab and went to the clubs after my wedding.

Wednesday December 13, 4:29 PM EST CHICAGO (AP) — A long-anticipated consolidation of U.S. airlines could mean higher fares for travelers as overlapping routes are eliminated, experts said Wednesday as talk of likely deals reverberated throughout the industry. That's one reason why any such buyouts could draw intensified regulatory scrutiny, along with the potential for increased labor and service disruptions, as some consumer advocates warn. Don't tell that to Wall Street. Airline stocks surged on news that United and Continental are holding preliminary discussions and after Air Tran launched a hostile takeover bid for Midwest, with other carriers also examining how to merge to keep up with bigger competition. Numerous regulatory and other obstacles remain before any deal can occur, but industry observers said all the talks and recent airline restructurings have set the stage for big changes in the business next year. "We're off to the races," said airline expert Terry Trippler, who has been monitoring the industry for 38 years. "2007 is going to be a major year — we are going to see some major consolidation." UAL Corp.'s United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc. declined comment on whether they are talking about teaming up. But a person close to the airlines who asked not to be identified said they have been exploring a possible combination in discussions that stepped up after US Airways Group Inc. made a hostile bid for bankrupt rival Delta Air Lines Inc. last month. The talks were said to be very preliminary, with no deal imminent. The person did not want to be named because of the sensitive nature of the talks. Putting together the nation's second- and fifth-largest carriers would produce an airline superpower — the nation's largest — merging United's strengths in the Pacific and western U.S. with Continental's successful operations in Latin America and the Atlantic market and its prosperous hub in Newark, N.J., a popular gateway to Europe. That could enable United, slimmed down from a three-year bankruptcy restructuring that ended in February, and Continental to use their combined clout to reduce operating costs and become more profitable. Analysts say other potential deal permutations that may be explored — if they haven't been already — include AMR Corp.'s American Airlines linking up with Northwest Airlines Corp., and they stress that counterparts routinely talk with one other about consolidation options. But would a mega-airline be good for consumers? That depends on who's asked. Most experts agree that less competition would boost fares, but some see boons for passengers, too. Trippler, with the Web site MyVacationPassport.com, said consumers will benefit in the long run from healthier airlines and, as a result, a much more stable transportation system. He said competition should remain strong and fares shouldn't climb much. Kevin Mitchell, however, said ticket prices would rise significantly and the public can expect service disruptions, repercussions from labor strife and more job insecurity in the airline industry if the carriers merge. He said that if all the deals in discussion come about, there will effectively be three fewer U.S. network airlines in operation. "Shareholders, advisers and other firms are the big winners here," said Mitchell, chairman of the Business Travel Coalition, an advocacy group. "I would view it, if I'm a business traveler, on the customer service side as many years of unimaginable pain." Joe Brancatelli, an independent business travel analyst, said consumers already are losers from merger mania — with or without deals being consummated. "So much management time is being consumed by creating or fighting a merger," said Brancatelli, who runs a Web site for business travelers called joesentme.com. "All that time would have otherwise been spent on plugging holes in the already creaky system." While discount airlines aren't the focus of merger speculation, combining the larger, so-called legacy carriers could provide an opening for budget carriers such as Southwest Airlines Co., JetBlue Airways Corp. and AirTran Holdings Inc. to push their ticket prices higher as well. Orland-based AirTran said Wednesday its $290 million offer for rival Midwest Air Group Inc. was rejected but it will continue trying to acquire the Milwaukee-based regional carrier. Elk Grove Village, Ill.-based United and Continental have many hurdles to clear to make any deal come about. Regulators could look at the combined airline's added strength in the Northeast as detrimental to competition, with Continental's Newark hub and United's at Washington-Dulles. United already has endured a failed merger with US Airways in 2000 because of regulatory opposition. United's prickly labor situation also could be problematic after multiple cuts and layoffs in recent years. The carrier's outspoken flight attendants union quickly served notice Wednesday that it has "severe reservations." "Any type of business combination is historically fraught with difficulties including regulatory problems, huge expenses, corporate governance issues and, most notably, employee relations," said Greg Davidowitch, president of the United branch of the Association of Flight Attendants. Also, Northwest could block any acquisition of Continental by virtue of the "golden share" it holds in its Houston-based business partner. A 2000 deal between the airlines gave Northwest that power in exchange for letting Continental buy back some of its stock that its code-share ally did. Nevertheless, United reportedly has for months been studying ways to merge with either Continental or Delta, and the combination of private-equity funding and the willingness of both sides could get a deal done. The two carriers led a rally in most airline stocks. Shares in UAL jumped $2.01, or 4.6 percent, to close at $45.24, and Continental rose $1.88, or 4.4 percent, to $44.76. ——— AP Business Writer Brad Foss contributed to this story. ——— On the Net: United Airlines - Domestic and international airline tickets, all-inclusive vacation packages and travel deals Continental Airlines - Airline Tickets, Vacations Packages, Travel Deals, and Company Information on continental.com

bump for all the new RM brides

welcome to the forum RPR is a pretty great place to get married...what about another luxury adult AI? excellence el dorado royal hideaway

Quote: Originally Posted by leafsbride List I guess the most important thing I have on my to do list is to make a list!!! I keep thinking of things to do but when I sit down to do them I feel so overwhelmed that I just put them off further. It is tough with Christmas being in the middle because I keep telling myself "Ill do it after Christmas". Unfortunately now I have alot of things to do after Christmas and that only leaves me 3 weeks. we have a ton of info here that might help you....welcome lettrs, etc. just let us know what you are thinking of doing and we can help find it for you!

Quote: Originally Posted by DoYouLoveIt? The RPR only does one kind of basic cake, I was interested in maybe having a more elaborate cake or a grooms cake, I might just take another scouting trip down there a little before the wedding and see what I can do. My photogs website is Tamm's Photos - Wedding Photography Intro How do I post pictures on here? there are a couple of ways o post pics: here is some basic info on how to do stuff on the forum http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t1414

Quote: Originally Posted by DoYouLoveIt? I have my dress, it's Lia by Melissa Sweet, and I have my photographer, Tammara Terry, she's American. I am looking for a baker, and possibly and American wedding planner, any recommendations? you know...one of our more knowledgeable RM brides is on more in the morning (she is on east coast)...i am sure she will answer your posts then. i think caribbean-cancun WC's are american.. also, ask anacgarcia...she knows alof of great vendors... i could be wrong but for some reason that is what i thought...did the WC at RPR recommend a baker to you? they have really good food there so they should be able to make a wedding cake for you. do you have a link for your photographer, i'd love to see her work! we love to see pics of dresses etc...my friend had this beautiful melissa sweet dres with tiers...so pretty!

Quote: Originally Posted by DoYouLoveIt? Hi! I am new on here, I am getting married at The Royal in Playa del Carmen, currently known as the Royal Porto Real, the name is changing on 12/26. We are getting married July 6, 2007, just wanted to say hi! welcome to the forum!! RPR is a great place to get married...wonderful location. how far along in your planning are you? do you have your dress, photog, etc. picked? let us know how we can help.

im kind of bummed...this year, i did not do holiday cookies because i am working like 12 hours a day...and no one at my office is bringining yummies either...so annoying!!

Quote: Originally Posted by kintrell Greetings, My name is Kim and we are getting married in Cancun at Moon Palace on March 17, 2007. I am so glad I found this website as I am starting to panic about everything now that the date is getting closer. Would love to see any pics anyone has from MP. Thanks! hi kim, welcome to the forum...most of the brides here are mexico brides but there are alot of cancun/rm brides...look for jackie (ryjaxs19)...she has alot of info.

Quote: Originally Posted by akh Tammy (host) gave some great suggestions for locations, though I am not sure they're all adult-only, but I know they're out there! Check these out (in Puerto Vallarta): you're right ann...i forgot the adults only part...i think in my head i was thinking no kids but then included riu and dreams

natasha, your poor hubby...you probably made his heart stop when you didn't say yes right away! hmmm...not sure if i should tell my story becuase it may be TMI...

bump...//..

you can always do a honeymoon registry...but it only works if you tell people about it or post on your website... http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t692 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t690

christine, thanks so much for sharing your story!! i never get enough of engagement stories and wedding pics.

welcome christine!! one of our moderators jennifer got married in jamaica...you can see her pics in the vbpicgallery. let us know how we can help!

welcome to the forum lissa!! we love when members refer their friends and family!! let us know how we can help! ps. who referred you?

i totally second what kash said...you have been such a great friend to all of us...and we are here to listen and support you...vent away!! if i were closer, i would take marty out for a night just to get her out of your hair.

welcome to the forum lindsay!! there are so many good photgs in cabo... juan carlos tapia (i used him, rebecca, carrie, sarah (aqharider), kristie (HBBride), sarah (sassygirl), nicole (NHPT), Edyta, shoot, the list goes on and on) Francisco Estrada (karla) Dino (Natasha) Gilda B (Jenniferv, janet111) manuel bourgeon there is more but i can't remember

Alisa! congratulations on finding your site...you get to join the hilton club with MM, kash, Kristie, etc. DJ Ricardo(rebecca, natasha) is a member of the forum...a few gals used him recently and really liked him. i have heard good thinks about chef hatton...i think if you do a search you will find some info on her. and emeline is really helpful...now that you found you site, its on to the fun stuff!

hi there, the grand palladium is a great place to get married...which resort are you staying at? i think it is a grat alternative for bigger groups looking for different things since they also have the adults only areas...

oh, tammy!! i am so sorry...the holidays can get really stressful...i remember this time last year, i was a WRECK! i just thought my wedding would neer get planned and would turn into one huge cluster-f*ck...so i took a break from wedding planning...and it really helped. i agree with janet...you are so ahead, it wouldn't hurt to take a break.

welcome to the forum mel!! are those some of your goodies in your sig? they are so cute!!

Quote: Originally Posted by LALA Dreams food question... FI's bro and his gf are vegan. Has anyone had to try to find vegan food in Mexico? Specifically, do you think it will be super hard to get Dreams to make them some vegan food for the reception? I'm thinking a pasta cooked in olive oil with veggies. gosh, they may have a hard time understanding vegan...i had a few vegetarians and they were good about working them...

Quote: Originally Posted by JANET1111 Yeah I'm ready for some more weddings so our married group gets bigger! Welcome Karla! I'm sure we can help you out here... if you would like me to add some more forums in the chat areas, let me know.