REBECCA

Whoo Hoo! HAve fun, you're going to love it!

Okay, I can't keep up wth th posts on this thread, so I just had to respond before reading them all. CONGRATULATIONS! That is the most amazing engagement story I have ever heard. And capturing the moment on film!?!?! That is TOO much. Boy Shawn really knows how to do it right! What a man you have there. I am soo happy for you!!! That was funny what you said about not remembering what he said when he was proposing....just wait until your vows!! One piece of advice in one word....VIDEO And Leigh, those two photos are so amazing, they are so beautiful. I can't wait to see the rest! And I loved your side of the story, that was great!!

I had my manicure and pedicure the morning of. Did a little workout, then had my manicure & pedicure, then met my friend in the spa (about an hour later) just before going back to the room to meet my hair/makeup girl. She started me at 1:30 and the photographer was scheduled to show up at 4:00. I felt alittle rushed at the end, so, I would say 3 hours would be good. She did my make up first, then my hair.

TOO friggin cute! Neices and nephews bring so much joy and happiness! I can't imagine how much more intense it would be with your own children! That is so adorable. It is great that someone got pictures!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Natalie Z Thanks I go for my first appt on the 22nd! Very exciting!! Yeah Natalie!! So cute. I am so excited for you!!!

You will find a lot of help here...and probably get a little addicted! 9 mos married and still on the forum...!

Quote: Originally Posted by twinkletoes Cute! Cute! Cute! I think it will work great for a destination wedding. Congrats on finding your dress! Christina! I love your doggy!!! I grew up with boxers and have a soft sopt for them! Sorry Deb, didn't mean to hijack!

ooo? Gorgeous! Can't wait to see it in white & on you!

Hey Jackie, That happened to me too. What I did was say that these places are in the area, but, that Dreams is a private resort and requires a day pass for $85 if outside guests want to come to the resort. And that you and Ryan will pay for their day pass the day of the event of course, but they won't be able to come to the resort to hang out with everyone on the other days. That usually did the trick. We only had one couple not stay at the resort, so it wasn't too bad...

Yay Sarah!! That is so exciting. Congrats to you both. Now the countdown begins!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by bride_2_b08 Everyday I eat 1/4 cup of oats 3 egg whites mix together and cook like a pancake sprinkle splenda and cinnamon.....yum yum I also have a 1/4 cup of berries I eat 6 meals a day, so I eat every 2-3 hours that way I never feel hungry.... for extra protein you can mix protein powder in with the oats and egg whites. enjoy! Oh That looks interesting...I'm going to try it!

Quote: Originally Posted by JANET1111 I guess this has to be made at home too, but here is my fave: 1 toasted whole grain english muffin 1 egg white (fried in just a spritz of Pam) 1 piece of turkey bacon put it all together to make a breakfast sandwich. It's 2 WW points...not sure of the calories, but has protein and fiber which will keep you fuller longer. Hey Janet, That's mine too. But I use 1/2 slice of 2% milk Kraft singles, rather than the bacon

Quote: Originally Posted by PaulaV Nutz Over Chocolate Luna bar 180 calories (40 from fat) 10g protein 3g fiber low glycemic calcium folic acid other vitamins, minerals =) Oooh, I love that Luna Bar..! Have you tried Peanut Butter Cookie? YUM! That is my favorite!

Christine, your photos are amazing!! Your photographer did an amazing job and you look so beautiful! The wedding part looked great....such an elegant wedding! And I have to say, those groomsmen (including your husband) are TALL!! Wow!! Congrats!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Ryjaxs19 Lunges Lunges and more Lunges! Walking lunges with 5lb wieghts 3 to 4 sets of 15 reps each leg Than maybe some squats with weights too point your toes away from you shoulders in a plies stance to really target the butt! You have to be careful you are doing squats properly. You can't let your knees go past your toes. The best way to train yourself is to put a chair behind you and go to sit down in it. but just tap your but lightly on the chair (do not sit down or rest your butt on the chair) and stand back up. As you stand back up, squeeze your butt and hold it until you do your next one. A couples tricks: 1- if you feel like you're losing your balance, lean your upper body forward and put your arms out in front of you to help keep your balance. Do it in front of a mirrior so you can see whether or not your knees go past your toes. 2- When you're going to squat, stick your butt out as far as you can. It will take the strain off your knees and put it all on your thighs and you butt. And will help you maitain the best form. The squat...there is a science to it!

Squats and step lunges. When it get's easier, do them with 5 or 10 lbs dumbbells

That was amazing!!! Just beautiful! I wish we had done the trasjing of the dress. I don't think it was around back in my time

I would pay for it, as long as it seemed affordable? What were you thinking of charging?

I honeymooned in Playa Del Carmen November 14th - 21st. The weather was nice but did rain a couple times. But when it did rain, it was quick. There was a wedding every day there and the rain never interferred. In the 5 days we were there we had about 3 gorgeous sunny days and a couple cloudy days and one rainy. I think it is safe to plan a wedding outdoors, just have the WC have a Plan B lined up in case it rains....

I went to Italy 10 years ago, so I'm sure it has changed! But Venice is a must. I remember going ther with my girlfriend and thinking, I need to come back here with a man! SOO romantic. Also went to Florence. I think that is where the statue David resides, plus it is just a beautiful city. I had some of the best italian food of my life there! Pisa really surprised me. I sorta just stopped there bcz mygrandma really wanted to go there. We made it a day stop and when I came around that corner and saw the leaning tower...it was soo friggin cool! I think it was built in like 1025 bc or something. It is really cool to see. I have always wanted to travel to Tuscany. That seems like a romantic city? I didn't go to Rome or Milan, but I wouls love to someday!

Quote: Originally Posted by JaimeLynne My favorite resort in the Riviera Maya area that we've been to was The Royal in Playa del Carmen. That was the hotel that originally started the idea of wanting to get married in Mexico. That place feels like home to me. Oh man, I'm missing this place - I wanna go back so bad! ... lol I know, my hubby aand I honeymooned there. We loved it too! The food was so incredible, we had the best time. We are dying to go back!

I love it. Very simple and elegant. Looks amazing on you. Congrats!! That is a great feeling...finding THEE dress!

Just start out with how much money you have/want to spend. Subtract the stuff you already booked and divvy up what is left to every detail. It is good budget in a little cushion, trust me, you will use it! Here was mine (I came out about $1000 over). Coordinator Fee: $800 Ceremony Set up: $1000 Reception: $2360 (extra charge for filet & lobster buffet) Centerpieces: $400 Other reception decorations: $330 Rehersal Dinner: $1000 Day Passes: $500 Trio Gutarists (thru Maye): $540 (2 hours) DJ (thru Maye): $840 (4 hours) Fire Dancers (thru Maye): $550 Photography: $1400 (booked 2 years ago.) Juan's Rates have gone up a lot since. All Flowers, including bouquets (thru Maye): $600 Cake (thru Maye): $240 Favors: $140 Airline tickets: $400 Dress w/alterations: $1000 Shoes: $42 Jewlery: $50 Hair/make-up (including trial run): $370 Grooms suit: $250 Groomsmen shirts: $165 Bridesmaid alterations: TBD (approx $360) Bridesmaid gifts: $260 Groomsmen gifts: $238 Parents Gifts: $200 Invitations & STD's: $586 OOT Bags (+ contents): $400 Rings: $1200 Here is the spreadsheet I used. If it helps, you can customize it to fit your wedding. BUDGET Revised 10-30.xls

Ahhh...Dreams... I want to go back! I had my reception at Oceana Terrace and we thought it was perfect. There was plenty of light and we added the chinese lanterns for additional light. It was nice because the shallow end of the pool was right there (it was a long shallow step that we all ended up dancing on (bcz it was soo damn hot) and not another soul walked by the entire time. Some other girls had their reception at Cascades and loved it too, so really you can't go wrong at either spot. Here is a pic of my set up as Oceana

We went to The Royal for our honeymoon. It was AWESOME, but, if you want a private wedding spot, it might not be such a good choice (we saw weddings everyday, but the beach and location of the gazebo is in a really busy spot). BUT an AWESOME honeymoon location and great food! We met a couple there that was were moving to the Aventura Spa Palace because they said it was the most gorgeouse spot they had ever seen. Have you checked out that place? I am an event planner as well and TRUST me, my wedding was the most difficult event I had to plan. Because it is your money...not the companies!!! Ha Ha . Good luck!