LCBride2007

This thread is serving it's purpose I think. Whenever I log in and look at my unread posts I always see this one titled "Have you exercised today?" It's like the forum is nagging at me to exercise! Oh, and the answer is no, by the way. I let Cindy (and myself) sleep in today. Maybe I will try tonight ... hmmmmm ...

wow - you're right - she's fast! here are the monograms she did for me ... already! i actually had them this morning. like sarah, i had wanted one w/the location as the primary focus as opposed to our names. i also thought it would be fun to have a little more generic one to use in the future for things non-wedding related (hard to imagine, eh, ladies?). i picked out 6 designs (and paid $10), but she did 8 of them and gave me a couple options. she's awesome! but i get to pick 6 ... so let me know what you think! { aylee designs } - Projects » Ann & Paul

Quote: Originally Posted by LALA I'd like to show sample pics to the photog not bc I want them duplicated, but more to express my FI and my personality. I don't get to spend much time with my photographer before the wedding so he might not get just how goofy/weird we are. I feel like by showing him that a ton of the pics I like are goofy he'll get me more and not be concerned about taking a lot of funny pics. On a side note, I can't wait to see YOUR pictures after hearing this!

The below is a review of Dreams Puerto Vallarta that I received via email from the PV Brides Yahoo Group that I belong to ... thought it was a good thing to share since we're getting more PV Brides on here every day! --------------------------------------------------------------------- Disclaimer: This email is going to be VERY long, but I just was recently married at Dreams and wanted to let you all know my experience to help you plan your weddings as well. I would have really appreciated this before I left, so I hope it helps some of you. To start, we had a pretty small wedding, 25 guests who all stayed at the resort. We bought the Dreams of Love wedding package which you can find on the website (it cost $1000 but I think their prices might be going up b/c the information sheets we received at the resort quoted a much higher price). Dreams itself is very nice. It is situated in between 2 cliffs and has a great beach area. I couldn't have asked for better food or drinks, and the rooms were very clean. It is definitely not a 5 star hotel though if that is what you are looking for. Its a much older resort, and definitely shows some wear and tear, but really, I had no major complaints. Oh, but there are a lot of children, so it isn't the most romantic destination. I am only saying this b/c we stayed at Seacrets in the Mayan Riviera last year (Dreams' sister resort which is couples only), and if you are looking for romance, I would go there. We had children attending our wedding so we had no choice but to go with a family friendly resort. When we arrived at the resort, we had ssooo much left to plan. I would email Marilu (the wedding coordinator), sometimes 3 or 4 times before getting a response, which usually was very short. So I basically went down there knowing nothing. But once I arrived, I found Marilu and she had everything set up for us to go get our blood drawn and what not the next day. It was important for me to actually be "married" in Mexico, so we decided to do the legal ceremony. In order to do this, you have to have your birth certificates apostillized in the US (which they keep, so make sure you get an extra copy), get blood drawn in Mexico, and watch the most ridiculous 20 minute video on marriage. It all was really no big deal though. On Wednesday (the only day you can watch the video) we were picked up right on time at 8:20, went to watch the video, have our blood drawn, and were back at the resort within 2 hours. I was unaware, however, that we needed $300 cash for this, so we had to stop at an ATM along the way. This fee is not included in the wedding package. There was a paper we also needed to complete, that Marilu had never sent us, but it was just basic information about where we lived, parents names, and our witness information. Oh, that was the other thing, we needed to have 2 non-parent witnesses. In order to complete the paperwork, you need to have their names, addresses, and copies of their passports. Luckily, we had one couple arriving that day who were the lucky "winners" of the witness award. It would have been nice to have known in advance that we needed that information by Wednesday because we could have just brought copies of the passports with us. If we did not have friends arriving early, I'm not sure what we would have done. After that we met with Marilu for about a half an hour and picked out our wedding and reception venues, menus, entertainment, etc. We chose to have our wedding ceremony at the gazebo next to the beach, and our reception on the beach. Both were perfect. You can really pick anywhere on the resort for either. Marilu had suggested having our reception next to one of the pools which was a very nice area, however, the night of our wedding was the Mexican fiesta and we were afraid it would be too loud and wanted to be moved further away. I really think this was a good idea, b/c the fiesta became VERY loud, but where we were on the beach, you couldn't notice it at all. Also, Marilu had planned the wedding at 5pm (I had tried to email her about times, but never heard a response, so had no idea when the ceremony would take place). While we were there, we saw another wedding that took place at 5pm and decided it was wwwaaayyyy too early. We were actually still on the beach at the time along with most everyone else at the resort. We wanted the ceremony closer to sunset, which was around 6:30, and also, at 5pm, there are still a ton of kids running around on the beach and by the pool. I knew there were always going to be random spectators, but I wanted to try to keep it at a minumum. So anyway, we ended up rescheduling for 6:45 (the only other time the judge could make it). For us, it was perfect. Just after sunset, and very few random spectators. The only thing was that we had to do all of our pictures prior to the wedding to capture the sunset, so we saw each other before to the ceremony (which did not matter to us). Even if you do not want to see each other prior to the ceremony, I still would recommend trying to push the ceremony back as late as possible. Even 5:30 would have been better b/c more people are inside getting ready for dinner, and you could still have nice sunset pictures taken afterward. I highly recommend figuring out when sunset is, and negotiating the wedding time prior to arriving because it will be at 5pm otherwise. After the ceremony we went to the reception on the beach. It was a beautiful setup. They used white chair covers and table cloths and set up candles and tiki torches all around the area. I had asked for extra centerpieces on all the tables (I think they were $25 each), since only one was included and I didn't bring my own, and they were all very nice. The food, by the way, was AMAZING. You get a huge selection of appetizers and entrees (mostly chicken and seafood), and everything was fabulous. We were able to pick 4 hot apps and 4 cold apps for cocktail hour, then for dinner we had a first course, main course, and dessert. It was a TON of food. We had a carrot cake as our wedding cake, which I also asked to have flowers put on ($10 extra). Otherwise, you get just a plain white cake. We had the Mexican trio play for cocktail hour (arranged by Marilu for about $300), but I wish we would have gotten them for an extra hour through dinner. They were really good and provided great background music. As soon as the hour was up, they literally ran away, so I couldn't even ask them to stay or even tip them b/c I seriously blinked and they were gone. I brought my iPod for music for the reception and they set up a speaker for us which worked out well. Of course, we mostly just ended up at the bar anyway. The service at dinner was amazing. My wine glass was never empty and the servers would get you whatever you wanted to drink immediately. My niece is allergic to shellfish, and we had a crab appetizer that she couldn't eat. The server instead brought her a caeser salad within minutes. I was really nervous about the flowers I would get down there, but I was able to pick the colors and type of flowers and my bouquet was beautiful. I asked for orange and pink, and it ended up being more orange than pink, and I would have preferred it the other way around, so be specific in what you ask for. You also get hair and makeup which I was also a little nervious about. I brought a ton of pictures of what I wanted for my hair, and though it didn't turn out quite like I had hoped, it was still really pretty. I did not do a trial run, but if you are picky about your hair, I would definitely suggest doing that. The makeup turned out great though. They used MAC products believe it or not, and the girl did a wonderful job. It took about an hour and a half for my hair and makeup. I had allotted an hour to get ready which would have been ok, but the makeup took FOREVER, so of course I was late. So just make sure you have some extra time afterwards to get dressed. We hired an outside photographer to come in for pictures. I HIGHLY recommend doing this. The guy the resort has is the same guy that runs around taking pictures of the kids in the pool. They are just regular digital photographs without any touching up. You still get the photos from him, but I was ssssoooo glad I also had a real photographer come in. Other suggestions: The Presidential suite at Dreams is super nice and spacious (huge actually), complete with a private pool and multiple patio areas with spectacular views. We didn't have a welcome dinner or rehearsal dinner, but one of these rooms would have been a great place to have a private low key event for 10-20 people. I did not block rooms for my guests, b/c I was told you have to have at least 10 rooms to get a discounted rate, which I was not sure that I would have (of course I did afterall). But the discount was only like 10% of the room rate or something like that, and everyone was able to find much better deals through other vendors such as Apple, Cheap Carribbean, etc. You just need to do a little research. I brought a cd which they played for our ceremony, but Marilu has some there already. If you want something specific as you walk down the aisle though, I would plan in advance for that. I made welcome bags for everyone, which I originally figured I would have given out by the front desk when people checked in. It was absolute chaos when I was checking in and decided to just hand my welcome bags to people when they arrived. I do not think I would trust the front desk to do it. Having the legal ceremony down there was a lot easier than I thought it would be if anyone is worried about it. The most difficult part was getting the apostille at home, but even that wasn't bad. The time we spent getting blood drawn and watching the video could not have been less. I did have some trouble at the Social Security Administration when I got home though b/c our wedding certificate was in Spanish (they said I needed to have it translated) but it turns out it was just the mean lady I happened to get. I went to another SSA office later in the day, and had absolutely no problems whatsoever. If they give you a hassle about it, ask to speak with a manager, or a Spanish speaking representative. Overall, I really couldn't have asked for a better experience. I was apprehensive going down there with so much left up in the air, but it all turned out ok. They do a lot of weddings, so they really are on top of things. If anyone has any questions, please just post them on this board. I don't check it too often, but I will try to get back to you quickly. Good luck planning!! Joelle

Welcome, Kristy - you've definitely come to the right place for questions like that. The RM girls are great here, they'll definitely be able to help!

Quote: Originally Posted by Riza Hello Ladies, I'm a Caletas Bride, here to join in the chat... Hi Riza ... I am getting married at Las Caletas as well, on June 8th - where are you getting married? There are now a bunch of Las Caletas brides on here, 2 of them are getting married in January, so we will hopefully get a lot of feedback from them when they return as married gals! Glad you could join us! Let us know if we can help you with anything, either specific to Las Caletas or just anything.

Welcome to the forum - it sounds like you have plenty of wedding experience lately! I can't wait to hear more about all of them!

WELCOME!!! {I am doing a little happy dance over here} You're getting married right before me, I think we're actually coming in to PV on June 2 - I can't wait to see what you've done so far, and hear all of your ideas (and likely steal a few!). Where are you staying? How many people do you plan on having? (... fighting the urge to ask more questions ... ) Nicole, the Las Caletas WC, sent out an email to a bunch of her brides letting them know about this forum - and Nicole is also a member, though I am guessing she's so busy planning our weddings, she's not on here much.

looks like the Las Caletas brides are tough competition!

Welcome! You must be a very organized planner to already know where you're getting married ... congratulations! You've got the tough part done with already. Glad to have you - and let us know how we can help!

the suspense is killing me! i love that it's going to be a girl from BDW!

Ok, I am excited to have more Las Caletas brides on here, but now why did ya have to go and take away my 1st place standings in the arcade!? That was just uncalled for! lol you're lucky you're a Las Caletas bride, I'd really have to mess up a Cabo bride! HAHAHAHAHA!

Fabulous! I don't plan on using a list like that - but thought it might come in handy for those that do. On a more important note - when do we get to hear about your contest? How many entries do you have? When will you announce the winner? I can't wait ... !

I totally agree for the most part - I hired Leigh because I loved her work, and types of pictures she took, and her overall style. Like I actually told Leigh recently, I am all for letting her do her thing and getting out of her way! But with that said, I do think a bride may benefit from a list in some cases. Given my "unique" family situation, it isn't as obvious about what kinds of formal shots I need to capture. And I love the pj style - no doubt about it. But I also feel like I do have to get those posed formal shots, just because my family is so rarely in one spot, it's a great time to do so. At my first wedding my photographer was amazing, I absolutely loved her work (Kathleen Day-Coen, I believe her name was). The marriage didn't last, but the pictures were stunning! But at that wedding, I totally forgot to take a picture with my now step-mother. My dad has been with her for at least 18 years (over 10 at the time of the wedding) and I totally forgot to get her in one of the family shots. I have felt guilty about that even since! I was so caught up in the day, I didn't even think about it. So, for those reasons, I think a list can help - even if it's just one that the bride keeps to herself as a checklist of photos that are important to her. Ya know?

ooohhhh - we might have another Las Caletas bride - YIPPEEEEEEEE! if there was ever a need for these guys, here it is ...

I just ordered some monograms through Aylee - I'll let you know how they turn out! But I must say, they're going to look a little familiar since I borrowed a bit from the Sarahs!

Have you decided on the dress yet? Did we help at all, or just confuse you more?!

I am debating as well - I just wouldn't know what color(s) to get - maybe just a variety, or my general wedding colors. Since I am not having a wedding party, I don't know what the girls will be wearing, but I love the idea as a gift and to keep them warm. Heck, I don't even know if we will need them in June in PV!

I know nothing about makeup, but I have a couple friends that swear by Origins

have you noticed that I only have head shots on here! hehe In all honesty, I am "ok" with how I look in terms of size - though I wouldn't mind losing 5-10. But my main goal is to tone up - I feel way too "squishy" for my liking!

I came across this list of shots to give to your photographer (today seems to be a list day!) - and thought I'd share. Some may not apply all that well for a DW - but it gets you thinking anyway. GETTING READY Bride's dress on the hanger or over a chair Close-up of bride's shoes Close-up of bride's bouquet Bride in curlers or having makeup applied Bridesmaids applying their makeup Bride putting on garter Mom and/or bridesmaids helping the bride arrange her dress, bustle the train, etc. Close-up of dress details Bride together with bridesmaids Bride hugging mom Flower girl(s) ready to go Mom or bridesmaids putting finishing touches on bride, adding the veil, etc. Bride spending moment alone, thinking quietly, praying or looking out the window Full-length shot of bride all dressed and ready to go Groom putting on tie Groom with groomsmen Ring bearer ready to go Groom with dad, hugging or whispering advice Bride and groom separately getting in the car, limo or cab CEREMONY Groom looking out the window, waiting for the bride to arrive Car arriving with bride Bride stepping out of the car Wide shot of ceremony space from the back Guests arriving (especially if they're using special transportation like a shuttle bus, boat or even escalator) Ushers helping grandparents and special guests to their seats Front and back shots of flower girl/ring bearer walking down the aisle Close up of details (guest book, pew decorations, etc.) Groom and groomsmen waiting nervously for bride to walk down aisle Guests sitting down, waiting for ceremony to start Bridesmaids walking down the aisle Wedding party standing at the altar Bride just before walking down the aisle Back shot of bride (and escort) beginning to walk down the aisle Full-frontal shot of bride (and escort) walking down the aisle Close-up of groom's face when he sees bride for the first time (this can be done earlier, if photos are done before the ceremony) Back shot of bride and groom together at the altar with officiant between them Shot focusing on bridesmaids' bouquets, lined up as they hold them at the altar Close-up of each hand as the rings are exchanged Close-up of bride's face, as seen over the groom's shoulder Close-up of groom's face, as seen over the bride's shoulder Shot of both sets of parents' faces as they witness ceremony The kiss Happy couple walking back down the aisle together, as married couple Guests getting ready to shower the couple with well wishes (and bubbles, birdseed, etc.) as they leave Bride and groom walking out of ceremony space, hand-in-hand BEFORE THE RECEPTION ? During the cocktail hour (These can be taken before the ceremony) Full shot of bride and groom together, smiling Full shot of bride and groom hugging Full shot of bride and groom kissing Bride being lifted or carried by groom or sitting on groom's lap Close-up of couples' faces as bride is lifted, carried or sitting on groom's lap Bride with her parents Groom with his parents Bride with groom's parents Groom with bride's parents Bride with bridesmaids Groom with groomsmen Bride with groomsmen Group shot of bride, groom, family and wedding party Groom leaning up against a wall with bride in front of him, kissing Bride and groom walking toward the camera, holding hands Bride and groom walking away from camera, holding hands Bride and groom looking off in the same direction together RECEPTION Close-up of details (place settings, name cards, etc.) Close-up of centerpieces Wide shot of entire room before everyone arrives, even better if taken from above Any special moments during the receiving line process Bride and groom's first dance Groom dipping bride Bride dancing with her dad -- close-up of her face as seen over his shoulder Groom dancing with his mom Close-up of cake Bride showing her new ring to the guests Bride and groom hugging guests, close-ups of faces Best man (or other guests) making a toast to the couple Bride and groom's faces as they listen to the toast(s) Guests smiling and clapping Guests dancing and cutting loose on the dance floor. (Tip: Ask for a slow shutter speed to get a blurry/focused effect) Wide shot of entire room after guests arrive, even better if taken from above Close-ups of guests' faces, laughing and having a great time -- lots of these Groups of friends sitting together at their table or dancing Bride and groom whispering to each other Parents (or even better, grandparents) dancing Kids dancing or playing around Close-up of band or DJ Bride and groom cutting the cake Bride and groom feeding each other Bride and groom in back seat of getaway car Back of car as it drives away

now i feel lazy. but you also inspired me ... must by hand weights tonight so that i can work out here in NC too!

Another idea to save a little money is to just send the Save the Dates out to the entire list of people (these are typically cheaper), then only send the formal invitations out to the people you know are coming, or think might come.

We're going to get legally married on our honeymoon in Hawaii. Because our "real" ceremony in Mexico can't be legal (in our case, at Las Caletas) we chose just to do it that way. Before we came up with that idea though, we were going to just do it legally at the courthouse before we left, or in Puerto Vallarta before the ceremony.

Thanks for the tip - I will check them out. I just put this under Maui because there wasn't a general "Hawaii" place. I don't know where we're planning on going yet, I am really trying to leave that all up to Paul. But I couldn't help but pose a question here! I am going to pass him all of the information you ladies (ahem, and men) share with me on to him. I've told him to give Tammy a call too!