NATASHA

The hotel is nice. I didn't stay there so I can't comment on the rooms. I wouldn't worry, though. I think that you will be very happy with having your wedding there. I can confirm that when we went to do our site visit, there was a very large bee hive near where we parked. I am hyper alergic to bees (Epi pen and all and I didn't have it with me) so we had to reschedule our appointment with the coordinator until I could go back and get my pen because there wasn't any way for me to avoid the bees in the parking lot.

I wore them around the office (carpeted) yesterday to see how comfortable they would be. Gotta say, they were comfortable! I am going to wear them to a wedding this weekend - I'll report back on whether they are good dancing shoes.

Welcome! You might look at the Riu in Cabo - it has a mediterranean look to it and it is an AI so it will keep your budget down.

Both are pretty. I am still partial to your original dress. I'm not sure why - maybe because you really looked so sweet in it. FYI - 2 out of 3 shops wouldn't let me take a picture, but every once in awhile you find an attendent who says, "I'm going to step outside, I think I may have a different dress for you, it might take a second to find." That means you can take a picture. In the end, I think you haven't found your dress. Just like Stephanie said, the dress she picked was the first one that made her cry. You find a lot of dresses that look good, you like, but you know the one that suits you when you try it on.

Stephanie - that is so beautiful and it just looks right on you. Yay!

Sarah, your new picture is adorable.

I JUST got back from DSW (I'm way behind on wedding things and that's the closest store to my work). I found these for $89 (they're $168 on Zappos)

That's so sweet Tammy. We've decided to get married in Cabo - we're doing everything according to the info that we have. However, to reduce hassle, when we get back from our honeymoon, we're going to the court house just to make it easier to deal with the DMV, etc. It works for us.

Yes - I had the hotel put it together. BTW they are a good source for guest reference information.

$1200 and hour! That's the first time on this board that I have been totally caught off guard. My goodness!

Oh I love this thread - thanks Christa! I don't know anything about makeup.

Definitely find out if they allow outside coordinators. Get a really good grasp on whether the RIU responds to you. I didn't even go to see them because I spent two weeks trying to get them to respond to my request for an appointment. Trust me - the MOST frustrating thing that you will experience is when a vendor goes non-responsive. You really don't want it to be your hotel wedding coordinator. I have been really lucky in this area. FYI - Dreams was very responsive to me. I didn't select them, but I can say that I appreciated their communication.

It is Mexico. It's one of those things. I am confident that you won't have any problems with the judge. However, if it feels like you're too close to the wedding to be addressing this - go there, get married, go on your honeymoon, and then go to the Justic of the Peace in your hometown when you get home and be done with it. That will give you peace of mind while still allowing you and your FI to feel as if you were officially married in Cabo. Maye's fee isn't any different if you are/aren't married there so that doesn't matter. You could even get married before you leave if you want (Tammy - didn't you do that and still totally felt like Cabo was your real wedding day?).

I posted this on my website for our guests: Activities in Los Cabos The concierge at Casa del Mar can assist with any of the following (and more). Feel free to contact him at (88 227 9621 or via e-mail at [email protected] CABOREY Luxury Cruise Ship - Come to the Caborey and enjoy an exquisite, world-class dining experience. Whether you choose the scrumptious chateaubriand cooked to perfection or the delicate Sea Bass bathed in white wine sauce, your palate will be treated to a blend of tastes unequaled in Los Cabos. All this as you cruise past the famous Arch, Lover´s Beach, up the pacific coast and then to beautiful Medono Bay aboard Cabo´s most luxurious vessel. National full open bar is included. Dinner cruise Price - $82. Tour length 2:30hrs. Margarita Cruise $55. Snorkeling and Sunset Cruises on a Catamaran Snorkeling - Departing from the Marina in Cabo San Lucas, we start sailing to an amazing preserve area for snorkeling, on the way you will have the opportunity to see beautiful combination of desert and sea, along with views of some of the finest golf courses around the world. This beautiful excursion is a very complete package, that includes full snorkeling gear, lunch, national open bar. $49 per person. Approximately 3 hours. Three Bay Crusade - Kayak from the Twin Dolphin to the colorful pristine waters of Santa Maria bay, here we make our first snorkeling stop. From Santa Maria we continue by kayak through the Sea of Cortez arriving to El Chileno bay. On this second snorkeling excursion we will discover many exotic tropical fish, found only in this underwater beautiful world. These bays outlined by white sand beaches are the place to look for crystal blue waters - incredible for kayaking and snorkeling. Kayaks, snorkel gear, cold beverages, fresh fruit, snacks, expert tour guide and transportation are included. Pick-up time at Casa del Mar: 8:30am. 3 Hours - $55 per person. Cabo Pulmo, Marine Park - Home to the only coral reef in Baja also on the north America side. Cabo Pulmo offers the most beautiful bays in the cape region. Jacques Cousteau proclaimed “The aquarium of the world." The adventure begins with a drive through the desert and coast with incredible sightseeing. We arrive at our Base Camp and get ready for the kayaking expedition to the sea lion colony. Snorkel with the sea lions and jump back to kayak to Playa La Sirenita, a secluded and secret beach with the best snorkeling. Kayak across these crystal blue waters while sightings of manta rays and whales make this expedition an unforgettable experience. Kayaks, snorkel gear, healthy breakfast, catered lunch, cold beverages, fresh fruit, snacks, expert tour guide and transportation are included. Pick-up time at Casa del Mar: 7:30am. 8 Hours for $105 per person. Horseback Riding - Enjoy the beautiful Beach or Mountain rides on healthy well-trained Horses. Riding lessons available. One Hour Ride is $35.00. Two Hours is $55. Hiking “La Sierra†- The desert is transformed as earth ascends 7000 feet to pure pine forest. Baja was submerged in water millions of years ago, today rich in wildlife – flora and fauna - culture and geologic phenomena. Endemic species all around. Waterfalls: Take a deep breath, dive and swim in these natural spring pools surrounded by incredible rock formations. You will not believe the outdoors. Canyons: Hike these winding canyons traversed by Indians hundreds of years ago. Journey to the past as you learn the wonderful history of Baja in a local Rancho. Climb the branches of a gigantic wild fig tree. Fossils: Do you believe that Baja was submerged under water? Take a close look and you will find incredible fossils and more fossils. Millions of years of prehistoric life. In a full day, we go to different locations (waterfalls and fossils, canyon and fossils) for our hiking. We stop in the town of Santiago – an oasis in the desert – and we have breakfast and lunch surrounded by cactus. You can hike as long as you want, you are going to find incredible surprises along the way. Maybe 30 min. to the first pool and slides. Healthy breakfast, catered lunch, cold beverages, (Half a Day tour: only beverages and snacks), expert tour guide and transportation are included. Pick-up time at Casa del Mar: 8:00am. 8 Hours for $85.00 per person City Tour - The best way to discover the paradise of Baja California Land’s End. The tour begins in San José del Cabo´s bird sanctuary, colonial town, and residential area. You will continue through the Corridor to admire the hotels along the highway, the pristine beaches, and golf courses until you arrive at Cabo San Lucas to visit the Blown Glass Factory and to take a great ride on a glass bottom boat to the Land’s End. Shopping time included. 6 Hours for $49.00 per person Todos Santos You will be taken into the heart of the rugged beauty of Baja. Your stop will be at Todos Santos a charming colonial town where foreign artists have decided to live and get inspired by the beauty of the Baja Peninsula. A visit to Hotel California, the mission and the plaza will precede the visit to the Galleries in town. 6 Hours for $45.00 per person Scuba Diving Discover the aquarium of the world here in Los Cabos. Diving resort certification courses, open water referrals, Scuba diving, PADI certification courses, advanced dive master and specialty courses and snorkel gear are also available to you. Certified Divers - including tanks, weights, boat, dive master and refreshments. 1 Tank Dive - $50.00 per person 2 Tank Dive - $75.00 per person 3 Tank Dive - $95.00 per person 1 Tank Night Dive - $65.00 per person Equipment - $20.00 per person(rental equipment w/tour) Non Certified Divers- Including equipment, boat, dive master, refreshments and instructor or guide. Resort Course - 100.00 per person (1 Tank) Snorkeling - $45.00 per person - Lunch and Snorkel gear included Without lunch - $40.00 per person Snorkel Gear - $10.00 per person Certification Courses - including Equipment, manual, boat, instruction and PADI certification Card. Open Water Diver (Full) - $430.00 per person Open Water Diver (Referral)- $235.00 per person Advanced open Water Diver - $330.00 per person Rescue Diver - $375.00 per person Dive Master - $600.00 per person ATV´S TOUR Outdoor Adventure in Cabo behind the wheel of a powerful ATV. Enjoy an exciting waterfront adventure to El Tule arroyo, Migriño or the beachfront sand dunes of San Jose del Cabo. Or take a desert ride, guided by an experienced naturalist, through breathtaking mountain scenery. Tours offered at 9:00 a.m, 12.30 p.m and 4:00 p.m Transportation to / from Casa del Mar is included. RATES 3-Hours tour single $55-70 USD 3-Hours tour Double $75-80 Extreme Canopy tour - At the Costa Azul canyon you can take part in a exciting adventurous cable rides high above the river canyon while suspended safely in a harness. You will fly across the trails and rivers of this incredible area. Please wear comfortable clothing (A-T shirt, shorts, and running shoes are ideal). A small backpack or fanny pack to contain personal items can be worn and will not interfere in the enjoyment of your flight high above the Costa Azul canyon. Minimum age: 7 years old, maximum weight: 250 pounds. Transportation is included. Cabo Dolphins - If you've ever dreamed of swimming with dolphins, here's your chance to turn your dreams into reality! Cabo Dolphins offers people of all ages the rare opportunity to swim and play with beautiful Pacific Bottlenose dolphins while visiting Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Cabo Dolphins is one of the most exclusive and beautiful dolphin centers in the world, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and a friendly family of Pacific Bottlenose dolphins! Daily at our Dolphin Center in Cabo San Lucas. Length of Tour: 30 minutes. Price: $165 USD Minimum age 5. Children under 10 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Life vests provided for your safety must be worn. Please do not wear sunscreen or jewelry. Obligatory Legal Disclaimers All prices are in U.S. currency, subject to change without prior notice. All above rates exclude 10% tax. Activities might suffer changes according to season or weather conditions. The activities off Hotel grounds are provided by independent vendors. Casa del Mar Golf Resort & Spa does not assume responsibility for management of these independent operations. After reserving, cancellation policies will apply according to the policies set by the suppliers.

Oh - that's so cool. It would be great to have the pool surrounded by candles. Very pretty.

AHH! I was just lamenting that I forgot to put "buy shoes" on my to do list.

Wow - thanks!

We're flying back to San Diego and then back to Mexico to La Casa Que Canta in Zihuatanejo. Then we're heading over to Marida and staying in these three very cool places and doing tours of the pyramids and ruins. So excited!

Hi Jackie - I visited dreams - the gazebo is beautiful. The pool, though, is very crowded. Some of the hotels will clear the pool area in the afternoon. I don't think that would work at Dreams, but you can ask.

Hey KM - where in SD do you live? I'm there, too (when I'm not in LA).

This is a tough one, but here goes - this is for 65 people and we're hosting two nights: Flight: $800 Hotel Rooms: $1100 Hair/makeup: $120 Flowers: $800 Music: $2150 Reception/Cocktail Hour Food: $3470 Drinks: $~6500 Welcome Dinner: $3900 Welcome Dinner Drinks: ~$2400 Cake: nothing - included in dinner Invites: $200 Arch: $300 Coordinator Fee/Judge: $800 Photography & Video: $1600 Fire Dancers: $675 Fireworks: $2000 Salsa Teachers: $380 Nanny: $80 Ring Bearer/Flower Girl Stuff: $60 Chair Sashes: $200 OOT Bags: $1000 Wedding Album: ~$1000 Guest Book: $160 Plus - gifts for parents, attendants, FI, and me; wedding bands; wedding dress; entertainment while we're in Cabo, etc. The info above does not include 10% tax and 15% tip. We'll come in around $45,000 not including the engagement ring. Ouch - but way less than we would have spent had we had it at home.

Tammy - they're right - you really don't want the line of the corset showing through (and it does). I had cups sewn in, but I'm not big so it wasn't a big deal. Anyway - it's really not expensive to add the cups. If you need more support, don't skimp in that area. You want to be as comfortable as possible.

Christa - you and I have a lot in common. Wish we lived closer!

Yay Megan!

I use the Smashbox Photo Finish stuff. I've never heard of a primer before. I'm not a very good make up person, but I love the stuff for going out. I have sensitive skin and it works beautifully for me without irritating my skin.