REBECCA

Tammy, Have a wonderful time! Remember, everything will be beautiful and everyone will have a good time! Don't stress about anything..if something minor does not go as planned, remember that nobody is going to notice but you! HAVE A BLAST!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by JaimeLynne Have you checked out the Royal Porto Real in Playa del Carmen? (I think it's called something else now, maybe just "The Royal"?) They have jacuzzi tubs in every room, the rooms are spacious and gorgeous. Definitely upgrade to an Ocean View or Ocean Front room. They do allow kids but they're not running the place - I'd say it's mostly adults, and a lot of foreigners (Europeans, etc.) The beach is ok - not great but not bad either. Actually, as of Nov 2006, The Royal is Adults only. The food is impeccable, the beach is swimable and lovely. Definitely upgrade to Oceanfront, it is the only way to go. I went ther for my honeymoon and was amazed how delicious the food was. You can also eat at any of the restaurants at the sister property across the street for free and you are walking distance to 5th avenue where there are restaurants, bars, the port to go to Cozumel, etc. Stay away from the jacuzzi in the room though. The water that comes out of the pipes has a yellowish tint (ew?). My husband and I just sorta laughed and said, we're not getting in there! But everything else was amazing...it was perfect....and the food...OMG? SOO good!

Quote: Originally Posted by jthrasherphoto.com I used to live on the Big Island in Kona and I've been to a wedding at that exact location. Seriously, the most beautiful wedding I've been to, yet. That wedding is one of the reasons why I got into wedding photography and more specifically, destination weddings. Hey Jonathan, The photographer's name was Toby.

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Don't do this to me Rebecca. :-) We decided against it, but now your making me second guess it again. We were thinking about having Cain's aunt type the ceremony for us. We were quoted $300.00 for an hour with editing and a couples shoot. I really don't see a need to do a couple shoot since we have Juan doing pictures, and all I really want is the ceremony. I'm getting almost too excited, if that's possible. I can't sit still for the life of me.. lol.. It's been a long up hill road and I can't wait for the day to get here. :-) I remember that time, it is so exciting. But it will come and go before you know it and it will be gone before you know it. Trust me on the video. I was the same as you, but, the moment flies by way too fast. I had to watch my video to even remember what I said, what the minister said, etc. We got Sam Perches to do it for just 1 hour and he charged us $250. He just handed up the raw footage and we had it edited once we got home ( there are tons of places that will do it after the fact). We only paid around $80 for editing and copies. If you can't hire someone, then definitely have a family member tape at least the ceremony. As a friend once mentioned to me, someday 10 years from now you may end up going through a rough patch and pulling out that video just might remind you of what you promised to each other, etc.

I have to agree with Jonathan, it was the most breathtaking spot! Your heart literally skips a beat when you come down that hill and see the view. Aww, thanks Tammy I miss you guys too!!! But as you all know, it is a full time job keeping up on this forum and I had to come back down to reality at some point (read: work). I'll keep checking back periodically for new wedding photos! Yours is getting really close!!!! You lucky girl! I hope you have a videographer. My girlfriend that just got married was adament about not video taping her wedding and the was the only thing she talked about afterwards. She said it went by so fast and doesn't remember much. She SOO regrets not video taping it, she couldn't stop beating herself up. It is WORTH the money, almost as much as photos.

I don't remember his name? He was young, tall and lean with brown hair and a really big smile. Super nice guy! The photos I posted are from my measly digital camera though

Beautiful pics Edyta! You were a beautiful bride!!! Congrats!

Hey Sarah!! You look soo gorgeous!! Why did I think your wedding was 07-07-07 I just popped on here to see if there were any new photos and there you were looking soo beautiful! I think it is wonderful that you and Edyta attended each others weddings. It was great to see you guys with Juan too. Aww the memories!! Congrats!! Rebecca

I just returned from a wedding here. My friend got married on a breathtaking cliff on the golf course overlooking the ocean. She had her reception outdoors. The only downfall is it had to end pretty early due to noise prevention. It's a very low key place. She had her guests stay at the sister property Hapuna Beach Prince resort 1/8 mile south (see separate post for pictures). Here are pics of the wedding spot on the golf course (I think the location was the 3rd tee).

I just returned from a wedding on the big Island. We stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Resort. GORGEOUS place. It is located about 40 minutes north of the Kona Airport (so about an hour north of Kona Village). There is a gorgeous spot for weddings and receptions at this hotel. However, my friend had her guests stay here and had her wedding at their sister property called the Mauna Kea Resort (located 1/8 of a mile north). The Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel shuttled everyone there and back. (I will post pics of the Mauna Kea Wedding spot separtely on a differend thread). Here are pictures of the Hapuna Beach Prince (the beach was voted one of the 10 best beaches in the world).

It looks gorgeous!!! You want to look dfferent anyway, not the exact same as me! You created your own look and I'm sure people will be e-mailing you to find out who did your hair. I think she did a great job! I am good! In the new house and just spending spending spending. Furniture, blinds, appliances....we're finally running out of money, so the spending has to stop! Now we'll stay in and try to have a baby since we have no money to do anything else! (Ha Ha). Take care, Rebecca

Christa!! I haven't been on here is SOO long! Your wedding pics are gorgeous!!! You hair turned out soo good, you look beautiful.

Hey Jen, You are doing exactly what I did. I decided to add a videographer for one hour (ceremony only) at the last minute. It was very inexpensive, but I got what I paid for. He did an okay job, but if you make these simple requests, it will be much better. 1) Have your fiance wear a mic on his shirt. I didn't want one ( i requested that) and on the video, the sound comes in and out (especially during our vows) bcz Sam moved in and out of range from his video mic. If there is a mic on your FI's shirt, then you won't have that problem. 2) request 2 cameramen. I beleive Tammy (Host) had two cameramen, and that is why she had a better experience than me. It might cost a little more, but the editing process will come together much cleaner and no angle will be missed! 3) Most of the shots just after the ceremony were really dark bcz he was shooting right into the sun. So the people were black sillouettes and the ocean came in beautifully. I'm sure there are ways to fix this during filming and he should know how to do this. 4) Make sure to have it edited professionally (either by Sam or a company near your home). The guy who edited my video was able to brighten up the dark sillouette spots, added music, a little slow-mo, and it turned out really good. Who knows, maybe that's how all videos are at first until they're edited? Sam gave us the raw footage and I was horrified when I watched it. It was so boring. Then someone said all raw footage is boring & to have it edited.It was cut down from 90 minutes to 30 minutes & much more exciting!!! The guy who edited our video did tell us that Sam got some really pretty artistic shots that came together really nicely during editing. That is important and that is where he is really good. We like our video and watch it a lot. But looking back I wish I had kept him a little longer. Our reception was so fun and both the photographer & videographer left after the first dance. My memories are fading fast and I wish I had captured more of the reception on either video or photos. Oh well... Sam is good if you don't want to spend a lot of money and want something professional. He uses professional equipment and shoots in High Definition, so no matter what it's going to be better than a "home video".

I agree with Lisa. for the age group you are hosting, I think The Royal is the best spot for location, food & entertainment. I don;t think there is a better option actually. You could probably decorate the gazebo with a lot of plants/flowers to make it more private. Like I said, we saw 4 or so weddings and during some, there were people walking by and others no one. The later in the evening you have it, the better probably. If you do it just at sunset, most people are no longer on the beach. I remember them clearing the lounge chairs and things straight out from the gazebo so it wasn't visable for pictures, etc. I would still go for it. I spoke to a bride after her wedding there in the shuttle and she had no complaints at all. She also told me the wedding coordinator was great. Your other option would be another really gorgeous resort out in the boonies?? But there won;t be a town walking distance, rather a short cab ride?? I have heard that the Aventura Spa Palace is gorgeous!

Okay, I am having a major flashback with this story. I have a "bridesmaid vent" posted on this forum from last year. One of my bridesmaids did the exact same thing!!! I gave her 11 months notice to start saving. She came on my site trip visit with me and afterwards, she loved the place, was telling me that the price was good and she was excited. When airfare dropped, I told all of my friends to hurry and book. She lolly-gagged and of course missed the good price. Finally we had a blow out 3 months before the wedding because she finally realized that it was just around the corner and she hadn't saved a dime. She complained that it was costing so much money and that I should have budgeted to pay for more for the bridesmaids. And thatI should at least pay for the dresses! She also proceeded to get upset that I didn;t even ask her if she liked the bridesmaid dress before I picked it out! Then, the finale was when she asked that if she wasn't able to go to Mexico, would I still have had the wedidng in Cabo?? I laughed and screamed YES! Then she was so upset, she hung up on me. Finally during the "make up phase" she apologized and said she understood and that some people (like me) are just more materialistic than others when it comes to these things. That the convenience of the guest would be more important to her, and the location is more importtant to me. Yes, my mouth dropped. I was like THIS is your apology! Sorry for the major highjack but the moral here is that usually every bride has one. Either a family member or a bridesmaid that thinks that this wedding is about them. You have to ignore these people & try not to let it get you down. Focus on the people that are really happy for you. As far as her role in the wedding, I personally would give her an "out". I wished my BM had just backed out, because it was no secret how she felt about the inconveience I was putting on her and there is still bitterness to this day. More incidents happened after, but I won't bore you.

I honeymooned there! It was the best. I just showed Lisa's pictures to my husband and we went down memory lane. Lisa, I think we had the room right above yours (based on the photo you posted of the view from your room. We were in that corner room on the top floor! Julie, the place is amazing and the food is SOOOOOOOOO friggin good! The food was better than most restaurants that we've eaten at (and paid for) in CA. I would highly recommend this resort for your wedding. However, if you are looking for something really private, you may want to look elsewhere for the ceremony. We watched about 4 weddings happen at the gazebo during our stay and there were sometimes people walking by. If you don;t mind that, then I would definitely go for it! It is in the perfect location, it is beautiful and the food was amazing!

Wow? Thank you! I guess that means Juan did his job, bcz I am FAR from a model! He really is great. In fact we are still in touch. He is touching up some of the photos that he wasn't too happy with and resending them to me. He really takes pride in his work and genuinely loves what he does. You wont be dissappointed! I would book him right away. He is very popular in Cabo. Plus, I booked him about 10 months in advance and he ended up raising his rates later on. Because I had reserved him earlier, he honored the lower rate for me.

Thanks Linda. His work is amazing and he is very personable. I highly recommend him!

I am going to a wedding at the Hapuna Prince Beach Resort on the Big Island May 11th. I will post a report and take pictures!

Kash, Those WW Chocolate Giant Fudge cones are SOOOOO GOOD! You will be amazed (and addicted). The sugar cone is filled with hard frozen chocolate at the bottom, so when you get to the end of the cone, it is actually the best part. It is a masterpiece. Be warned: The vanilla ones aren't as good.

Jilly, Those are great! Seriously, I really think he (she's?) good! I say go for it as well!!

Ours are totally different. My husband has a titanium band and I have a pave diamond band.

Very Cute!! Send it to the press!

Quote: Originally Posted by brandy '08 Hi Ladies! I have a question for those who used Maye's services?...... What did you use her services for? Dj, flowers, decore etc... How well was she on top of things? Did your wedding day run smooth? Can you tell me what you liked and disliked about her or her servcies if any?? I have been chatting with her via e mail and she seems really nice. I guess i am just a little nervous about hiring someone, but i think it can help me out alot! -Brandy Hi Brandy, I used maye and thought she was great. Especially during the planning phase! She was prompt in getting back to me and really wants your wedding to be just as beautiful and perfect as you do! She told me that she would work with whatever budget I had and she did! If something she quoted me was too much, I told her and she searched different vendors to meet my budget. It was nice to pass it on to someone else and just wait for an e-mail with options. She booked my DJ (was AWESOME!!), flowers, Trio Gutarists, Fire Dancers. She helped me with favors, my lanterns (she had some she let me use and I bought the rest) and was able to find the candles I was looking for everywhere here, but couldn;t find. She is a very pleasant woman and has a lot of class. The only problem I had was that, prior to arriving in Mexico, I had sent her pictures of the size of the flowers I wanted for my hair. When they arrived on my wedding day, like 15 minutes before the photographer got there, they were huge!! Still pretty, but not what I had envisioned. I wanted to wear 3 small flowers and ended up just wearing one big one. My flower girl didn't wear any (I ordered her 3 too, but they were the size of her head) and my husband's boutonierre looked like a venus fly trap! I met with Maye the day before the wedding and SHOULD HAVE had her bring a sample flower then. I could have caught it and fixed it. Anyway it was minor in the big scheme. My husband also didn't feel that she directed the groomsmen on what to do and when to start seating, etc... I think she assumed everyone knew. Anyway I shared all of this with her after the wedding and she thanked me for the tips and said it will help improve her business. She stayed the entire night and worked well with Mariana, the resort coordinator. All in all, there were very little problems and Maye was worth every penny!

Wow? Youre at 50/50 on your poll. I feel for you! I had a Trio and the reason I chose a trio was that, in my opinion, Mariachi Bands are okay for a little bit. But the loud horns, etc get old fast and start to become slightly annoying. Now this is just my opinion. Many people on this forum loved their Mariachi bands, it just depends what you want. I liked the trio because is was more like background music so people can socalize and not have to yell. I don't know. They are both very Mexican and festive and either will be great! It jsut depends on whether you want the "background" music or more loud rowdy music?