NATASHA

Anny - a cheaper alternative to rose petals (given you're in Mexico) is to do bougenvilla petals. Like this...

Hey Leigh - I'll do a trash the dress shoot in SD with you so you can practice. I'm not opposed to jumping in pools or rolling around in sand.

A note about pouffy dresses... I saw someone below thinking that it would be really hot. Actually, because of the netting underneath, it keeps the fabric away from your body and kind of keeps you cooler than if you had a straight dress on. That being said, I did not wear a petticoat (and can't imagine how hot that would have been). I had them take out two layers of netting so that my dress would lay flatter as well.

Oops - I didn't paste my photo link correctly the first time (see below post, the photo will now show up). TammyM, no, I did not take photos with him before. He insisted that the first time he see me was when I walked down the aisle. I have to say, looking back, I wouldn't have wanted to see him before either. It was much better his way.

I bustled it right after the ceremony. I was going to keep it bustled the whole time, but my BMs voted no. I did get one photo with it down on the beach that I do really love so it's worth a few movement shots.

I posted our passport invitations as JPGs that can be foundin my hosted images. I figured I would post this for everyone in case they wanted it. I didn't put the inside cover (too much personal information), but basically we replicated the way a normal passport looks - the picture was of both of us, and we put the wedding details (date, time, location, etc.) into the copy on that page. I will see if we can modify it and then send it over. There are six photos. Anny - if you still need need me to send you the files, let me know. I have 80 covers left over if anyone wants them. They are printed on VERY cool paper stock with gold foil stamp (really professional). I would just need you to cover shipping.

I have stayed at both. I prefer the Sheraton. However, if you are deciding between one night at the Sheraton and then come home versus two or more nights at Fiesta Americana - definitely take the extra days at FA. FYI - FA has a WONDERFUL breakfast (you can have them make your own breakfast burrito - my husband still talks about it and he's a foodie) but it is very expensive. The walk is too far from the Sheraton to the FA. You could take a golf cart. I would ask FA to come pick you up. I think I remember seeing that they had a van.

strange - he's paying for the professional correct?

Wow - Ann - I'm so sorry. You know, right before we left for our wedding we found out we had a leak in our ceiling in a bathroom that we never use. It had leaked between the wall into the adjoining bedroom and there was mold. ACK! Well, we called the builder - it was their defect (thank god) and they immediately came out and repaired it. When we got back from our honeymoon it was all fixed - you couldn't tell that anything ever happened. But it was STRESSFUL while we were going through it. I kept telling the builder (who is GREAT), "but I'm getting married in 5 days!" So sorry!

My dress was in a rolley bag but the attendant noticed my husband was carrying his suit so she put two and two together and brought us a bottle of wine. That was nice!

Thanks Glenda - I just like helping. That being said - I deal with ENOUGH legal stuff in my own job! Big hug to you for doing it regularly.

My husband looked fabulous in his suit. So glad he chose it. He did not wear a tie and when we were done with pictures he took off his jacket. The ceremony was 7 minutes and we had beach umbrellas put out over everyone (including us) so it was cooler.

When it comes to alone time, it's the same as the others have said about setting expectations about cleaning. It's good that you are alike in that you both like some time alone. You can talk through what will work best for you two - do you schedule it, let it happen naturally, etc. A lot of people forget to talk about alone and together time. It can be a bit tough if one person wants someone around all the time and the other needs some personal time. It can be mis-interpreted as rejection when it's really just a need to be alone or be with friends to reconnect with yourself (what you fell in love with to begin with). It's remembering that the other person loves and respects you and your time and that you are coming together as partners but you in no way want to give up (or see your partner give up) your own individuality.

You're not selfish and don't let anyone torture you with that. Your wedding is about you and your husband. Period. The fact that you have family and friends who want to join you is great - but it is not a family requirement no matter where you get married.

We went to Cabo first. Got married on Saturday. Flew home Sunday. Went to the courthouse Monday (took 30 minutes from paperwork to married). Went on our honeymoon on Tuesday. Got back from our honeymoon 10 days later and I went to the courthouse to get the copies of the marriage certificate and then over to the social security office to get my name changed. Simple! And, I totally understand what you are all saying about it not being your real date or managing two wedding dates. I felt exactly the same way! However, now that we're back, neither one of us in any way think of the San Diego wedding as anything more than filing paperwork (which you would have to do anyway).

Yes - that's a bummer. HOWEVER- it's also a good way for you to determine that it's not a client you want to work with. Can you imagine what she'd be like on her wedding day? yucky

ok - but still. A 16 year old is a handful. For that, you are a saint.

All I can say is WOW - you have a 16 year old? You look phenomenal! I'm so sorry for the added stress. I'd ship my mom out to you, but she has a hard time saying no to people, too, which, I'm afraid, your 16 yo would find very opportune, defeating the whole purpose of having adult supervision.

This thread made me chuckle. We got a lot of credit from our guests for having picked Veteran's Day (it made things very easy for everyone who had kids, etc.). Truth is - we had no idea. We were shooting for September - then October - nothing available? Ok - anything in November? Great. Worked out well - though - weather was great, too. Plus - 11/11/11 will be our 5 year anniversary. Makes it easy to remember (sometimes I forget how old I am so I have to actually do the math - sad, I know).

Quote: Originally Posted by LALA Here they are...I just ordered them. I am going to be barefoot for the ceremony but these will be for the reception. Even the soles are red!!!! YAY!!!! Those are great!

Hi Sarah - I thought the same thing (I have big-time baby feet). However, they groomed our sand and it didn't hurt at all. That being said - that only works when you are walking on the groomed area!

I did laser - four years later I can say - didn't last. I don't recommend that you waste the money. I was so optimistic and sure did pay a lot! Since then, I have learned about studies underway to more thoroughly investigate whether some people with weakened immune systems (who may not know they have a weakened immune system) may be negatively impacted. I didn't pay a ton of attention as it was after my experience, but I think they were concerned mostly with areas near glands.

Are you going to do a site visit. I did the same thing you did and thought my decision was really clear - then we got there! My husband and I both knew the location the second we stepped on the grounds - turns out the paperwork didn't mean much then. One good point, though, is to think through how much you want to spend per person for dinner, etc. as you can definitely negotiate that (before you sign an agreement) and it's a HUGE expense (unless you go with an AI). Also, I showed my spreadsheet to the hotel as we were negotiating room costs. I showed them that they were higher than our next runner up AND the one after that and got the rooms for $100 less per night - they matched our second runner up.

Maybe - to make your husband feel better and to make dinner more relaxed for you both - how about telling him that you will kick back at dinner and not worry about walking around and thanking everyone until AFTER. That way, you can put on some fun dancing/festive music when you're done with dinner (I never realized how much my whole group of friends and family love 70s music!) and the two of you can walk around and spend time with everyone "mingling" while those who want to dance, do.

We had a fabulous time visiting the ruins on our honeymoon. Chichen Itza is cool - but crowded. For a better experience - get a group together and hire a driver. Have him take you to Uxmal Mayan Pyramids in Mexico - Teotihuacan If you have your own driver, you can spend as much or as little time at each site as you want. Also, once you get to, say Uxmal, you can hire a personal guide ($40 maybe) who is a university worker. They are REALLY knowledgeable. You will learn amazing things - it is beautiful and fascinating.