Sarah

We had Juan for 4 hours for the wedding day, but ended up keeping him an extra 1/2 hour. We had him for 2 hours the day after. I think it depends on what you want. I wanted a ton of pictures, and so he shot basically for 4 hours straight- we had him shoot us individually before the wedding, but after the wedding was over we didn't go to the reception for almost 2 hours because we were taking pictures. We had a small group of mostly family who all were great friends, so it wasn't a big deal- but with a larger wedding that might not be as possible. He shot us from 6-8pm, got sunset pics, then went to the reception where we immediately did our first dance, parents' dance, then photographed us cut the cake. If you've got the $$ to have Juan for all day, then good for you. I still spent a ton on photography and I got Juan before his rates went up. I had him for a total of 7 hours between both days...it was enough for us- he says he has 1700 photos of us...

Yes, Juan did my trash the dress session and it was the day after the wedding- Tuesday night from 5:30-7:30 on the beach at Dreams with horses, and at Chileno Beach in the water.

Quote: Originally Posted by Nini_Bride oh haha - I like that picture! Sarah, did you use the same dress for your trash the dress, or did you buy another one? I had two dresses. The trashing dress was originally my wedding dress, but then found a more formal one I liked better. I was going to wear it at the reception, but my real wedding dress was so comfortable that I kept it on. I just wore that one to trash. But, it really didn't get too trashed- it's totally still useable.

Ooh- you're right Melissa...I forgot about the chapstick. I did see every single person use theirs. And the luggage tags were sent in our welcome letter a week before the wedding- I saw everyone using those too.

lol yeah, Juan already gave me all my pics and I'm just torturing you guys! No, it's just one shot that my dad took while Juan was doing our trash the dress pics. It's not a very good one when you look at it closely, so that's why it's just my avatar- where you can't see it well! Trust me, as soon as I get pics from Juan, you'll all know about it!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nini_Bride Awesome Sarah - thanks! Glenda picked up the pashminas for you, right? Where did she get them? How much did you pay for them? Did you get your first aid kits in your home town, or in Cabo? Did you have the bags set up in the rooms upon your guest's arrival, or did you hand them out as people arrived? Yes, Glenda picked them up in NYC. I can't remember exactly how much she got them for, but I want to say it was around $4 each- it just depended on what she could bargain with the street vendors for. I got the first aid kits at the Dollar Tree at home. I made the gift bags up the day we got there, and took them to the front desk each morning for the guests that were arriving that day. I put an envelope on the top with a welcome letter that greeted the guests, but also lessened the confusion for the hotel staff. The front desk girls were great, and every morning took my bags and wrote notes to themselves and handed them out to each guest as they checked in. Quote: Originally Posted by amym567 Thanks for all the info, Sarah!!! By the way, Congrats on your wedding!!!! The pix are great, and you looked BEAUTIFUL!!!! A few other questions: Where did you get your bags, and how much? Did you just print-out and iron-on your logo? Did you give 1 bag per couple/room? Thanks so much! Amy Thanks Amy! I bought my bags at Hobby Lobby using their 40% off coupon for a total of $1.20 esch. I printed out and ironed on my logo and gave one bag per room- some couples, one family, and one single person- each room got one.

Quote: Originally Posted by Nini_Bride Hello Newlyweds! I have a few questions for those of you who gave OOT bags... 1) Was there any item that you wish you had included in your OOT bags? 2) Was there anything you included that could have been nixed, or your guests didn't use very often? 3) Was there any certain items that your guests really used a lot, or really loved? I'm just curious because I love some items that I'm including, but every once in a while I wonder if the guests will actually use it or if it's just a waste of money. Sarah, you included Spanish dictionaries, right? Did your guests use them often? I LOVE that idea, but it'll be a lot of extra weight/money and I'm trying to decide if it's worth it! (And yes, I know I'm way ahead of the game! lol) 1.The only thing we wished we had put in the bags but didn't was Pepto Bismol. We meant to buy the tabs but forgot. We did actually have someone call and ask if we had any. We had just about everything else though... 2. The custom koozies were expensive and took up alot of space and NO ONE used them at Dreams. They were still a cool idea and our guests said they'd definitely use them later, but if you're on a budget and trying to eliminate something at an AI you're just not going to use them much. At least, my guests didn't - most of them were drinking mixed drinks and wine, not beer. If you have more beer drinkers than we did it would be more useful. 3. Our guests all used the bags and raved about the cute monogram. We saw them every day at the pool. The ladies all used their pashminas and loved them (thanks Glenda!). The tylenol and immodium tabs got used. People loved the snacks we stopped and picked up at the Mega store- chips, chocolates, and candy. Most people at their snacks the day they got there. We also got the little first aid kits at the dollar store. Surprisingly, almost everyone used theirs and commented on how handy they were. I did include a Spanish/English dictionary, but only because I happened to run across them at the dollar store. People did say they looked at them, and I think they were impressive in the bags, but they're totally not a necessity. I think people liked the Spanish Words and phrases and the cute paper I printed it on just as well. The pics in the background of the paper were taken by Jeff and we told everyone that so they were impressed. I think it depends on how many you will need- if you need more than 15 or so, I don't think the extra weight is worth it. I can't remember how many guests you are expecting... I really can't think of much that I would change about my OOT bags. My guests loved them and were so surprised and thanked us many times for all the fun stuff. I had a bunch of junk from Oriental Trading company that I didn't think people would use, but I saw people using the pens, notepads, and beach safes despite my worries. Here are some pics of the bags all put together...

Congratulations Karla! You looked gorgeous- I was totally thinking about you on Saturday and wondering how things went. Juan said your wedding was beautiful.

Quote: Originally Posted by jilly76 aww, what a sweet HUSBAND, lol! Thats what I want to, I want to look like myself, but just slightly more done up so it shows well in photos. I guess thats probably the part I'm the most worried about, is that I can do my makeup I just don't know how to do it well enough for pictures! Did you wear fake eyelashes? That's exactly what I wanted too. I just did a little more than I normally wear... I didn't wear fake eyelashes, but I wanted to. I just forgot and then it was too late!

I had to try like 4 or 5 times before my computer would let me download the program. I'd definitely try again!

Quote: Originally Posted by Nini_Bride So Sarah, would you suggest hiring makeup and hair outside of dreams? I was just going to use Dreams, but if your makeup didn't work out I don't know anymore! I would definitely not recommend Dreams for makeup. Maybe I just got a bad person, but it was REALLY bad. I loved my hair, but it wasn't a very difficult style. It turned out exactly how I wanted it, but I also practiced that so I could do it if I had to. Edyta used Susanne Morel (I think that's how you spell her name) salon, who is also the person Christa had and she looked fantastic. That might be one to check out. After seeing Edyta I almost called Susanne Morel at the last second, but decided to just stick with Dreams. When all was said and done I'm glad I did it the way I did. Jeff said he loved my makeup because it looked like "me".

Beautiful pics Mishi- it looks like you had a great time!

Quote: Originally Posted by laura b Sarah- I know I've already said how pretty you look, but you also look so genuinely happy and peaceful! Seriously. Your cake is beautiful! Did you have it made or is it the one the hotel provided? I assume you brought the toppers, did you put the rose petals on as well? What else did you take as decorations? I am really wanting to leave that all in the hotel's hands, but wondering if I should bring a little something. Thanks Laura! I was sooo happy- Jeff & I both were just so excited to be getting married, the fact that the day went PERFECTLY was just icing on the cake for us! We both keep pinching ourselves that it's real! The cake was provided by the hotel. They also did the roses, althought I paid for the petals because they were everywhere. 10 pieces were included, I paid $6 each for an extra 15 slices so my guests could take some back to their rooms in the personalized cake boxes I brought with me. The cake was delicious, Tres Leches with chocolate & strawberries between the layers. My guests raved about the cake. All the extra was taken and eaten the next day! For decor, I brought a TON. I'll put it all in my review, but I brought a total of 4 pieces for the sand ceremony, program fans, tissue holders, petal toss pouches, parasols, chinese lanterns (24 hanging, 4 sitting), table runners, personalized candles for placeholders, menus for welcome dinner & reception, thank-you fans, cake toppers, cake boxes, 95 luminarias, and all my OOT stuff. I know I'm forgetting stuff, but that's what comes to mind right now...

Edyta those are great! Thanks!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by EDYTA Ladies, Sarah's wedding was AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, JUst PERFECT!!!! She is the sweetest person ever and I feel like I have gained such an amazing friend. I'm really upset cause the night before her a Jeff left we were supposed to go for drinks and I got really bad food poisoing and wasn't able to make it (I'm so sad). Well we had an awesome time together and I have so many pics of their wedding. I'll post a few if she allows me that is Post away! Let me know if you want me to put any of yours on...although, there's not much need to mine now that you have Juan's! I was so bummed that you got sick! I was really looking forward to hanging out that night, but we'll just have to plan our next vacation together!

Quote: Originally Posted by NHPT sarah- everything turned out beautifully! i love LOVE your hair- i am going to try to have my sisters do it- was it hard? we also went to the MAC counter last night and i spent $168-hahah! everything looked amazing- congrats MRS! My hair was so easy. She literally just curled it, ratted the top, pinned back like 10 small pieces. I could have totally done it myself, but just didn't want the stress. It cost me $65 at Dreams. I'm so glad you got your own makeup, that was one of the best decisions I made! Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM Sarah I've been dragging my feet about making my appointment with the Mac counter.. Looks like I really need to get on the ball with it beause I fear the Sheraton won't do a good job and I won't have a back up plan.. Totally do it Tammy. That way, if the Sheraton's makeup sucks you don't have to freak out! If I hadn't had a backup plan I would have been a wreck. I already was a wreck, but then calmed down once I did it myself and took a couple pics to make sure it looked ok.

Thanks girls! I actually agonized over where to get my hair and makeup done. I originally wanted to do Hive, then had my doubts after some of the reviews. Then I was going to use who Christa used, but for some reason never got around to making an appointment. So, last minute, I decided to just use Dreams. I went for a hair and makeup trial 2 days before the wedding and my hair was great, my makeup absolutely HIDEOUS. I left literally in tears. I went back to the room and had a major meltdown. Jeff & my friends calmed me down and convinced me that I could do it myself. I did it right then and it looked great. But, two days later, I had a lot more tan so had to use a ton of bronzer- I can't believe it came out as good as it did! Anyway, looonnngg story short: Dreams did the hair, I did the makeup. I just described to the girl at Dreams what I wanted. I never did find a good picture, but she interpreted my explanation perfectly. If you didn't see any of my previous posts about it a couple weeks ago, I went to the MAC counter and bought like $200 worth of makeup and had the girl show me how to do it, just in case I ended up having to do it for the wedding- I'm sooooo glad I did that now!

Quote: Originally Posted by leigh miller sarah - you look so beautiful!!! and it looks like the wedding was a blast. i cant wait to see juans pics. what a lucky guy - getting to shoot both your and edytas weddings in the same week! a photographer couldnt ask for better couples - so fun, happy and lovely im so excited for you. congratulations. and the more i see of dreams the more excited i am about shooting there next year. you will have to tell us what your hubby said about the BD book you made for him. was he surprised? take care and enjoy your time with your family. im off to a wedding in palm springs. where its going to be 100 degrees today. hotter than in mexico earlier this week - yikes!!! Aww, thanks Leigh- it was more than I could have ever imagined. We had so much fun! We had a great time working with Juan- for the second and third time! Jeff LOVES his bd book. Juan supposedly has some great reaction shots- as soon as I get them I'll post! We've looked at it together a couple times. Jeff says he felt like I was looking through the book right at him- I said that was Leigh's awesome direction! Anyway, off to visit the fam. Have a great time at your wedding!

Actually we just got home, and he's sleeping in...lol

I'll post a belated birthday post for Edyta- but I was there and got to have a drink with her for her b-day...just thought I'd rub it in! lol Happy b-day Mrs. B!

Here are some more...the reception got pretty wild! Here is a pic from our first night in Cabo- we had drinks with Terry & Edyta in the Lobby Bar...isn't she always gorgeous? Here are a couple from Edyta's wedding...It was fun seeing myself in the back row of her wedding in Juan Carlos' slideshow! lol: Here we are at the hotel Mexican Fiesta party: My friends Jenny & Christina & I at my welcome dinner: The 110lb Marlin the guys and Anita caught the day before the wedding:

Hola Chicas! I just got back from Cabo this morning at 3:00 and thought I'd put some pics up before we head out of town again. My brother leaves for the Air Force on Monday, so we're off to have some family time before he goes. But, to keep you all happy, here are some non-pro pics. I'm sorry I don't have very many good ones, I kept asking people to puhleeeeze use my camera but they usually forgot. Edyta has like 100 pics of my wedding, and my family all has a ton, so hopefully I'll get some from them this weekend. Here ya go!

Kash- have you asked the hotel WC? I thought of this totally last minute like the day before the wedding and Mariana already knew which of my vendors brought their own food, who would want something (or expect it) and who wouldn't. She said Marci & Enrique usually bring something of their own, and Juan Carlos sometimes wants something, sometimes not. She said she'd take care of it- no worries. Just ask!

You would be amazed at how much you can fit in your suitcases! You all know I am the DIY addict, so I had literally a ton of stuff. We each got one suitcase for clothes, so our other 2 checked pieces of luggage (weighing in at 49 and 50lbs respectively!) were full of wedding stuff. Jeff's carry-on rolly bag had all our shoes and a few items of clothing we couldn't fit in our suitcases. My carry-on was my dress- but it was in 2 garment bags along with my trash the dress" Dress, Jeff's 2 suits, and in the bottom was a bag with all my sundresses and bathing suits. Carrying that beyotch through the airport was not funt. I bet it weighed 40 pounds. Anyway, it can be done. We severely limited the clothing and toiletries we brought. But, my 2 1/2 suitcases of wedding stuff surprisingly fit everything: 6 parasols, 24 chinese lanterns, 95 luminarias, 14 placecard candles and their holders, sand ceremony vessel and 3 pouring vessels, stuff for all out OOT bags (that was one whole suitcase in itself- they were ridiculously full), programs, menus, fans, small chinese lanterns for the tables, table runners, etc....Mariana said she'd never seen so much stuff!

OMG!!!! I was soooo excited to log on and see this this morning! Edyta got her slideshow from Juan just as we were leaving yesterday morning and we didn't have time to look at it- had to get to the airport. Juan- another fabulous job, I can't wait to see mine! Edyta- this is awesome! I love the song you picked- I LOVE that song, yet for some reason couldn't remember it when you told me on Thursday- it's great! We're thinking about doing an "alternative" kinda song too, I'll let you know if it works out...Your slideshow made me cry, and I've already seen it all in person, lol. I miss you sweetie and hope you have a great trip home. Girls, if you haven't figured it out yet from Edyta's pics, she and Terry are ridiculously gorgeous. A couple of my family members asked if they were models! lol But seriously, they are even more beautiful because of what wonderful people they are. We had sooo much fun at the resort together and I know that Edyta & I have become lifelong friends. We're already talking about a skiing trip to Calgary...