REBECCA

Quote: Originally Posted by JANET1111 I know...my only sadness is that I barely got to hear him play. During the ceremony I of course walked in at the end of his music and during the cocktail hour we were off taking pictures. But my guests loved him and I at least got to enjoy a few songs. And I put those 4 demos on my iPod Hey Janet, I know exactly how you feel. I didn't get to enjoy the Trio either. Same reason as you said exactly. The first I heard of them was on the video. Another reason I am so happy that I had a video!

Quote: Originally Posted by riubride does any one have photos of fire dancers? aimee. Go to Natasha's Pictures on the forum. She has pic's of the fire dancers in there. my photographer had left already. Another reason I widh I had kept him around longer!

But I have to say...pay the extra money for the ocean Front room. We had room 825, top floor corner. They had a game room that was open 24 hours. There was ping Pong, pool tables It was stocked with a full bar (to mix your own drinks) a beer tap & snacks 24/7. marc and I would come back in the evening, go to the game room, paly a little ping pong and bring a beer back to the room. They had a great beach (I was there Nov 14th - Nov 20th). Little fun waves, beds on the beach with curtains you could shut when you wanted a little shade. It was paradise. We spent every day on the beach., We were going to go to Cozumel, but, could peel ourselves away from our resort. We loved it that much! We met another couple that were staying in Cozumel and were moving to Aventura Spa Palace and said it was UNBELIEVEABLE, but I don;t know how close is was to twon. We also thought about Playacar Palace, but I didn't like that there was no beach. RPR is so amazing. It exceeded our expectations... I could go on and on!

Royal Porto Royal! That is where me and my hubby honeymooned! We paid $2500 for 6 nights all inclusive for an Ocean Front room. The food was impecable! Unbelieveable! We were blown away. Even the buffet for dinner was amazing! The hotel was was walking distance to 5th Avenue (bars, restaurants, live music, the ferry to Cozumel) but also beach front. Top shelf alcohol gorgeous grounds, Beach beds, activities! You could eat at all of the restaurants in the sister property across the street. The spa was amazing too! My husband and I wanted to honeymoon somewhere where we could do things. We didn't want a really quiet sleepy place. So if that is what you are looking for, this place is not for you. It is a big resort, but is is adult only now, so there aren't screaming kids running around or anything. Just a lot of couples from all over the world. It was a great time. Here are some pics! (PS, the first slide (the one that says Honeymooners on the door) is from Dreams in Cabo. That was on the door when we woke up the morning after our wedding. The rest of the pic's are from The Royal Porto Real... Kodakgallery.com*Slideshow

Janet... He IS really talented...wow?

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM We are seeing each other before the ceremony. Like you said we as a couple will share a private moment together.. alone... and Juan will capture it all for us. After the cermony we'll do group shots and just the B & G on the beach. Juan actually suggested a nice spot for Cain and I to meet for the first time.. :-) That's when I came up with the idea of us walking down the aisle together. Jonathan, what is your thought on that? The B & G walking down the aisle together? Tammy, Actually I had a friend that did that recently. He was standing up at the alter and when it was time for her to walk down the aisle, he walk to the beginning of the aisle, met her, and escorted her back to the front. It was really sweet and brought tears to my eyes. For photos, I actually like the way Jonathan put it about seeing each other for the first time alone. I guess that would make for some great photos! However, my friends (from the same wedding) got ready in the same hotel suite (it had 2 bedrooms) and when they were ready, she just said honey, come in here let me see you. She was all dress in her gown and they just said "aww you look really nice" they did this all in front of us. So I don't know if they got the same feel for photos Jonathan that was talking about. Like Mexico15 said, I also really wanted the wow factor for my wedding. We didn't spend the night in separate rooms the night before. We had breakfast together the day of, worked out together, then parted ways at around 1:00. I am glad we waited to see each other until the ceremony. However, it would have been nice to get some of the pictures out of the way earlier so we could have enjoyed the cocktail hour a little more... It's a toss...

Quote: Originally Posted by shanaynayf1 This is all SO SO great...Karla where did you find the classical trio for you ceremony and what were the prices? Also, do most people have a cocktail hour or do we just skip it and start the reception? Thanks If you are getting married at an AI, they usually will include the cocktail hour for free. That is what Dreams did for us!

I used him and booked him through Maye as well! VERY good. Up to date equipment, speaks perfect english play s and does not play whatever you want. Here was my review of him: DJ (Ricardo …. arranged thru Maye) – (A+++++) Our DJ was arranged by Maye and his name was Ricardo (don’t know his last name). We met with him and Maye together on Saturday morning ( I recommend meeting with your DJ prior to your wedding). He was articulate, very professional and brought our song list we provided along with his laptop containing all his music. We went over timelines again, he asked us which fast song we would like to play first to kick off the dancing (once the first dance was over), etc. We felt a lot better having this meeting. He emceed when necessary and played awesome music. He did a good job reading the crowd to keep the dance floor full. Highly recommended!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Does the trio sing? I'm looking for soft music for before and during the ceremony and upbeat music after. I'm leaning towards the Trio, I like the Mariachi band idea but I fear that since our wedding is so small (around 10 guests) that it will throw the balance off. Tammy, Ask Maye. I thought she said that the Trio sang when I booked them, but I don;t recall hearing any singing...so not sure?

Quote: Originally Posted by Soon to be Mrs. Hull A lot of you have mentioned videographer. My parents are really against this (they obviously did not have one) and feel that by using photos timed to music that is close enough to a video. My fiance wants to do a video, but I am thinking that it seems like we can have someone set up a video for at least the ceremony and save the money? So my question I guess is, do you think video is an absolute must? I thought the same thing. I figured that the photos would capture the memories enough. But I talked to my friend who had recently gotten married and sold me on the video. She said that photos can capture the memories, sure, but they cannot capture the vows you exchanged to each other. She said, who knows, in 10 years you could hit a rough patch and you may need to pull out that video and watch it together to remember what you vowed to each other. That sold me. I searched for a videographer for who would film for only one hour. I just wanted the ceremony taped. Trust me, those few moments up there are a blur, so I'm so glad I did! Plus, I was the last to walk down the aisle, so I missed the bridal party walking down the aisle, my neice sprinkling flower petals, etc. So, if you can't do a video for a few hours, just pay for one hour to capture your ceremony. Some videographers will offer to charge you for one hour of film time (not actual time) and break it up with different parts of the evening.

I'll answer all questions in one thread. I don't know how to do the "fancy" quick reply with all threads, so I'll cut and paste... Kate: In the end, was it all worth it? Was it worth leaving some people out to have a destination wedding? Do you ever wish you had a "traditional" wedding? It was ABSOLUTELY worth it! Marc and I loved the way our wedding turned out and are so happy we didn't have a traditional wedding. We both wanted to get married on the beach with a small group. I hate to say it but, having a DW really cut back on the "wedding free-loaders". We only wanted people there that were special to us. And the ones that felt the same about us did whatever it took to go. Sure there were a few that couldn't make it, but for the most part the courtesy invites (i.e. coworkers, etc.) didn't feel they neede to show up to be polite. There were none of those politics and we didn't want them!! Also, the wedding was such a blast, becasue by the end of the weekend, all of Marc's family and friends knew my family and friend, so the wedding was that much more fun! Lastly, when everyone is on vacation in beautiful Mexico (or wherever you destination is), they are on vacation and really nothing can get them down. SO if anything does go wrong, nobody will notice, becasue they are on vacation and who cares?? TammyM: I'm trying to decide what kind of music to play for the ceremony, best dollar for the music.. What would you recommend and what price were you quoted. Flute and guitar player (I got a quote from Maye of 300.00 an hour) Marichi band Trio band IPOD, renting a speaker set up. I really liked our set up. We had the Trio Gutarists for pre-ceremony, Ceremony & cocktail hour and DJ Ricardo for the reception. I enjoyed having a DJ. I liked having the live interaction and people could make requests (as long as it was cleared weith the bride and groom). There was a situation where we wanted to put on a song that was not on our list (as an inside joke to someone). It was nice to be able to go to the DJ and let him know, then get back to the party and know it would get played. I liked the flexibility and spontanaity of a live DJ vs an Ipod. Just my opinion. If you want to cut back, I would do the IPOD for the ceremony & cocktail hour and hire DJ Ricardo for the reception. Christine: I want to know what is the one thing you did not have (tradition wise) you wish you would have and what is the one thing you feel you didn't really need after all (like programs, menus, favors, etc) The one thing I wish I had more tradition-wise were more meaningful vows. We just wanted to get through it and on to the reception, so we just chose the preprinted traditional vows. Maye's husband was the officiant, but it seemed like our ceremony was the first time he even looked over what he was about to read and was stumbling over his words, and there would be long pauses (like he lost his place on the page). I think the vows could have felt more meaningful had we written the ceremony ourselves like Natasha did, and maybe had someone close to us read act as our officiant. I'm sorry, I really can't think of anything I had that I didn't need afterall?? Maybe the wedding cake?? Glenda: For those of you that had DJs at the reception: Did the DJ have up to date music or was it very limited in selection? I have fears of hearing "cotton eye joe" or "macarena" at my wedding. My DJ had really up to date music and equipment! He had everything. We provided him with a song list prior, then met with him the day before to go over everything. I know some DJ's probably do play crap. That is why you must give him a song list and a DO NOT PLAY list! Some people made requests for songs on my DNP list and he refused. I used DJ Ricardo. Here is a picture of his equipment. Shannon: Do most people have a cocktail hour or do we just skip it and start the reception? We had a cocktail hour. I think it is important because it gives people something to do while you take pictures. Riubride: For all the guests that were unable to attend did you send them anything after the wedding? Picture? Announcement card? Anything? I sent everyone my wedding slideshow. We also did a Wedding Thank You Card with this picture: lou: my question is, do any of you wish (afterwards) you had done something at your wedding that you didn't? For monetary reasons or other? Yes! I wish I hadn't skimped on my bouquet and videographer!! I wish I had a longer video and more time with Juan Carlos (our photographer). When the day is over, all you have are those memories...they will become all you have left to bring you back to the moment!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride Natasha these are great!! You look so beautiful! Sorry to get off topic but what was the weather like in Nov? -Glenda Hi Glenda, I got married the same weekend that Natasha did. The weather was about 90 degrees and humid. I had been to Cabo two other times in November and I remembered the weather being around 85 degrees and it cooled off alittle in the evening, one trip it even rained a little. Still shorts weather at night. That is why I picked November for my wedding. However, 2006 was an unusually hot year for November! Natasha got married on Saturday which I remebered being a really nice day with a evening breeze. And we got married on Sunday. Well, Sunday there was NO breeze, so it was really HOT! We got absolutely NO rain though!! Still, November is supposed to be one of the best months weatherwise in Cabo. It is still warm, & the end of hurricane season & much cooler than the summer months.

Well I finally replaced the batteries on my scale this morning..UGGGHH? I lost 20 for my wedding and between my honeymoon & New Years, I gained back 8 lbs. So not quite half, but I am determined to lose it!! I am going to the grocery store tonight so I can focus. Now I'm going to the recipe thread to find some good low point recipes!!

Alright Amy!!!!! Kash? Sarah??

Natasha...Finally!!!! They are great. You have some really amazing sunset shots!!!

Hey girls, What's this? No posts since December 8th?!?!? Okay...I'm back to say that I'm pulling out my points calculator tomorrow and I'm back in. I have gained back at least half of the weight I've lost (maybe more?) and it's time to get back on track. Who's in with me?

Here is a picture of mine

I got mine there (KustomKoozies.com.) They turned out amazing! We got the one that says "The Party has Just Begun" then our names, date and location. Tip: get the collapsable ones...easier to transport!

Here's the link. I did one for "everyone" and one for bridal party. Because not everyone was included in the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Welocome letter - everyone.doc

Though we didn't have too many "planned events" This is what we did. We printed them on parchement paper, rolled them up, tied a piece of raffia around them & put them in the Welcome bags. We used a script font ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Welcome to Cabo! We are so happy you have come all the way down to Los Cabos to be here for our wedding day. We are going to have a great time! To help you plan you weekend, below is an agenda of events and optional activities that are planned. Fiesta Night FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10th 7:30 PM (Optional) Whoever wants to kick off the weekend with a margarita and a little Mexican music, join us at the El Patio Restaurant for fiesta night.. Wedding Rehearsal Saturday, November 11th The Gazebo at Dreams 11:00 AM Wedding party and Parents only Rehearsal Dinner Saturday, November 11th Portofino Restaurant, Dreams 5:30 PM Bridal Party and family only (including your significant other). We will meet up with everyone else immediately following the dinner in the Lobby Bar between 7:30 & 8:00 PM. Deep Sea Fishing Saturday, November 11th 6:00 AM Minervas in Cabo San Lucas If you have RSVP’d, you will need to catch a cab to the Marina to arrive by 6:30 AM. You can all meet at 6:00 AM in the Lobby and catch a cab together. If you haven’t RSVP’d, there is still space available. Cost will be $85.00 pp for a full day of fishing. If you are interested, please talk to Rebecca or Marc ASAP. (Unfortunately the bridal party is excluded from this event due to the rehearsal, sorry). Wedding Ceremony Sunday, November 12th The Gazebo at Dreams 4:30 PM Please arrive between 4:00 and 4:30 PM. The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:30. Cocktail hour will immediately follow the ceremony at El Patio restaurant (located next to gazebo). Wedding Reception Sunday, November 12th Oceana Pool Terrace 6:00 PM For dinner and dancing

Quote: Originally Posted by JANET1111 Mine looked a lot like Karla's. I used these fans (Natural Straw Fans (12 pcs)) and printed and cut paper for the top of them. Super easy and cheap. But I agree that they were not necessary. Cute Janet!!!! I love those fans. We just had Maye get us some of the white paper fans. We added them last minute and they were only $1.00 each. I wanted those bamboo ones, but, since I added them last minute, she couldn't get enough in time.

We didn't do programs either. (Karla yours are BEAUTIFUL!) I don't regret not doing programs, however I wish I had printed menus (on card stock) to put at each placesetting for our buffet dinner and our rehearsal dinner.

Hey Tammy, This was great. I found a few points in your review that I left off of mine. Like watching how much sun you get. I went to the tanning salon (just twice) right before we left. Then I think I got to lay in the sun the first and second day after I got there (I was there 4 days before the wedding). I used sunscreen contantly. I was soo paranoid aout getting burned or strap lines! Always wear sunscreen in cabo. The sun is stronger down there. Even if you walk down to go to breakfast or lunch, put sunscreen on. We found that we would wind up walking all over the place after breakfast or lunch (in the sun) and we would sometimes be exposed for 30 minutes to an hour, just walking around taking care of stuff. The last two days I TRIED to sit still and lay by the pool with my friends, but it wouldn't last more than 15 - 20 minutes before I had to get up to go find someone, or guest had arrived and were checking in in the lobby. So I would run over to greet them, etc. It is crazy. make sure you set time aside for just the two of you after the wedding. Whether it is in Cabo, or you fly to another destination like we did. You will need the down time! I also agree with Tammy about the Orchids. $40!?!?! That just kills me that I could have had that for just $40 more dollars!!! And yes...agreed....I wish I had Juan for more time before hand and another hour or so during the reception. So, 6 hours would have been perfect. And I guess that is his new minimum...see...he knows what you need and what you'll want...just trust him!!!

That's good then. I have something going for me!

This is so fun reading what everyone got. It is the next best thing to being a part of it! And Karla, don't feel bad....I, too, have fallen off the diet wagon! I am afraid to weight myself, but I would guess that I have gained back 7 -10 lbs!! All the holiday goodies floating around are just killing me. One more big one NYE and then I'm back to the gym!!