deleted

Quote: Originally Posted by A10CALGAL Hey Kash, So I went thru the same thing - I was resistant to chose, but then realized I had to pick so I could plan the rest of the wedding! I'm using Aqua & white as my core colors with punches of orange, green, pink for accent. I'm really trying to allow the beauty of Cabo & the ocean be the focal point for my decor (read: minimal decor). Here's my monogram that I will be using on invites & other paper stuff, I use it to keep me focused when I'm deciding on other things involving color: love the monogram! it works PERFECTLY with the venue

Quote: Originally Posted by NABUMBAH I am sort of DIY-ing my invites (again) I'm going to do letterpress from Mercurio Letterpress, which allows me to design the card with whatever design I want. And then I am sewing the cardstock onto a piece of thai silk with a small pocket in back that will contain our response card, as well as other pertainent info. Should be interesting. Tasha, I can't wait to see these! I tried thinking of different crafty ways to combine sewing/paper/fabric since I love that kind of stuff, but in the end I wimped out and didn't do it. So I will no doubt be very jealous when I see yours

Here are mine, from costco at the fabulous price of $280 for 100 (including reception cards, lined envelopes, and printed outer envelopes - and shipping)

lol TammyM I know how you feel. I'll either die OR look awesome. Sometimes I seriously think it will be "die"!! Today, I took the day off because I am recovering from a cold, but I will be back on the wagon tomorrow, I promise. I don't have time to screw around anymore!

Quote: Originally Posted by TOESNTHESND Did any of you have to pay location fees at the hotel for ceremony or reception areas? I did not, I guess because we were spending enough on rooms and food/drinks! I have heard that now you have to though, unless you book 10 rooms or something. Do you have to pay a fee?

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Sarah, I looked on Payless's website and for their lowest level car it quoted me $200.00 a day. How the heck did you get $97.00 for a week? me too! How weird. I used Dollar back in June, as they had the lowest rates. We had to buy some extra insurance, but not all of it, since we showed that our credit card covered the rest. They were totally cool with it. Just make sure you have something in writing from your credit card, just in case.

yes welcome back! Only 41 days! (40 for me) Time is seriously FLYING!!!

Sarah, I totally know what you mean about it creeping up on you! It's especially hard when you are in a good relationship and the "happy pounds" creep on because you are feeling comfortable and secure. I tell Andrew he needs to just break up with me for 2 months -- long enough to lose 10 lbs -- and then take me back, haha! I also know what you mean about how boys can eat anything and not gain, and so they are such a bad influence. I always thought that because I ate about 1/2 as much as FI, I was doing okay. But no, I probably only need to eat 1/3 as much! It's so frustrating! Do you have a girlfriend out there who can be a workout/weight loss buddy? Luckily, you have lots of time to get real results!

Hey Sarah, I am not a skinny girl (but damn I try really hard to be one...haha) I swear I am like a dieting/exercise pro, because I have to do it or else I will turn into a whale. Anyway, here are my tips: No matter what gimmick is attached to any one diet or exercise plan, the basic premise is that you need to eat less, and burn more. Try writing down everything you put in your mouth over a few day period. What snacks or extras did you not realize you were eating? Can you cut those out? Try eating "whole" foods instead of processed foods. They are better for you and filled with less sodium and preservatives, which can make you feel bloated. Eat as many fruits and veggies as you can, and cut out as much processed crap as you can. Also, go for lean proteins and whole grains. Try fitting in as much activity as you can. Get up 20 mins early and go walking. Or go walking with FI after work or dinner or something. I joined a local morning "boot camp" program where we work out every morning in the park from 6am to 7am. I don't know if that would fit into your schedule, but maybe try signing up for something that holds you accountable (and kicks your butt!) I really like and recommend Weight Watchers, espcially their online program. It's more of a lifestyle change than a diet, and it really works, and you arent restricted in the kinds of food you eat -- mostly just the amount. The online program is pretty affordable too. Hopefully this helps a little, and let me know if you have any more questions. I feel your pain (but your pics look great and I totally do not see how you could lose 30 lbs!?!?! just sayin'..... )

My photog, Bradley Fraser, sent me this Martha Stewart wedding workbook pdf, which among other helpful planning things, includes a checklist for must-have photos. See page 5 of this pdf. wedding_workbook.pdf wedding_workbook.pdf

Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM I love that dress Janet. I told you this already but I will again.. :-) I tried it on and it is very pretty and the sash really makes that dress.. Thanks, Tammy. I agree - I love the sash! My FI is wearing a khaki-ish colored suit, so I think they will look even better together. Here is a pic of the sash (being bustled):

Tammy, thanks so much, this is so helpful. Next on my list of things To Do is make a list of everything for my photog. Now I am wondering if I want him for more "before" pictures....

Sarah, thanks so much for this long and very honest review. You two seem like smart travelers who are able to overcome little bumps in the road and still have a great time. And you are so right about the Mexican drivers! Even when you are speeding, they make you feel like a granny driving so slow in the right lane

Hey girls, I finally went in for my fitting this weekend and I have pics! It looks a little funny because it still has pins in it and only half of the bustle pinned up, but you get the idea.

I like 9, 31, 33, 34, 36, 40, 43, 45, 51 Um, so that's more than 3, sorry...but it was hard to pick. They are really great. You look absolutely gorgeous!!

I only ate at 3 restaurants during my trip because my mom and I made a trip to the Mega store and ate mostly in our condo, but here is what I can tell you: San Jose: La Panga Antigua - right across the street from the Catholic church. Love it! My RD is here. I'm starting to sound like a broken record about the place, but it was delicious. Tropicana Inn -- this place was great and not too $$. It's in a hotel right downtown, they have indoor and outdoor seating, and yummy normal Mexican food. Room for big groups if you want to go out with the whole family. In Cabo: La Golondrina (?) some people call it the original Trailer Park I think? -- this place was so overrated in my mind. Expensive, not very good, and really only for tourists. Save your $, in my opinion.

Kash, I totally had your same struggle. Even if it meant serving cheese and crackers, I wanted to host something on Friday night for everyone. It didn't seem fair to have guests come all that way, and only invite some of them to the RD and leave the rest to fend for themselves. That was just how I felt. I think there are a few choices: 1. Host an hors d'oeuvres and cocktails RD, or a bonfire at the Hilton beach with s'mores, or some other kind of event with lite fare that serves as your RD. 2. Host a Welcome Party two nights before the wedding for everyone (with light food/drinks like above) and a smaller "normal" RD with just wedding party the night before. I think guests appreciate having something to do and some food/drink even if it isn't a full meal. It will just give them another chance to hang out and get to know each other before the wedding too.

Quote: Originally Posted by MARIAELM The s'mores are my favorite thing about the menu. I hope everything else tastes as good as it sounds. I keep telling myself, "We'll all be together at the beach. Nothing can be that bad." What are you serving? When do you leave for your wedding? I get back from Cabo on 11/02/06. Hopefully you can see my review before you leave. We are having a Mexican buffett, so like chile rellenos, tacos, chicken mole, etc etc. Mexican food in DC is pretty terrible, so I am super excited about eating good stuff! Our RD menu is more like "fancy wedding food" - steak and shrimp. You are right that even if the food isn't totally fabulous, you will be in an amazing place, with the right number of people and not 100 extra. We leave on the 9th (only 2 days before wedding) so just make sure to post your review by then (thanks in advance, I sound so demanding! haha)

I am drooling thinking of how good your menu items are going to taste! I love love the s'mores idea -- wanted to do it myself but was told no fire on the beaches allowed (I could probably fight it, but didn't feel like going thru the hassle.) I can't wait to hear your review, especially on the DJ!!

Is he the one who is a member of this board?

Quote: Originally Posted by host janet, mariae posted some ahir pics...did you see them? wait...where are the pics?

I'll look for them! I really don't think there is anything wrong with the place. I just didn't love my hair. But it was just one instance, ya know?

I thought the salon was nice and new and clean, the people were friendly, but I just simply did not like my particular hairdo. It's so hard to know if I would go back and like it the next time...or not. The main problem is that the girl doing my hair spoke no English. So at first I thought it looked okay, but it kinda went downhill from there, but it was hard for me to be like...no....how about this instead. The other problem is that I went in with 3-4 photos and wasn't super clear about what I wanted, because I didn't know! She sorta picked one photo and did that one, but I had wanted more of a combo...ahhh I dunno. I think a lot of it was my fault. However, I have just heard such great things about Bambi, I decided to take the risk and go to her with no trial. Honestly I don't think 11:30 is too early. (Well, depending on what you want done.) My sister recently had her hair done for her SIL's wedding and she had the 8 am salon slot and the wedding was not until 5 pm and she still looked awesome! Are you getting an updo or a downdo? Maybe if you go to Senza try to get a trial on Friday? My trial was only like $35 I think?

Quote: Originally Posted by NATASHA Where is this spa? It's at Km. 6. Nearer to Cabo but in the corridor. Right off the highway (ocean side). Nearish to the Costco. In a new looking strip mall.

Welcome C&C, hopefully we can help you with your planning