LCBride2007

I tend to agree - for my first wedding I had them done, and I was soooo shy, but I just tried to pretend the photog. (and everyone else!) wasn't there. I ended up loving those pictures, and the photog did a great job making sure there wasn't anything embarassing.

I have to admit - I am feeling quite good about my decision! I originally was going to hire Elizabeth Medina, but I waited too long and she was then booked. So I started my search over! I somehow came across Leigh's name, and lucky for me she was available. Things just have a way of working themselves out!

I think that any pictures I take wouldn't be saucy enough to really be too embarassing if they did end up on the internet somewhere. But yes - I can see where that would be a concern.

I don't need a sash, but don't be surprised if I hit you up for the jewelry, I can totally see myself procrastinating and not buying any - then freaking out!

Yep - same here. The $22/person at the dinner is for the "private" part of the event, and the additional setup and service that comes with the dinner. At least that is my understanding.

Dang - I was going to see if I could steal them from you, they're gorgeous - it's the color I am going for in my wedding I think. And I really thought about wearning some jewelry with those colors, but I really haven't decided on jewelry yet, that's one thing on my list left to do! If you wear them to my wedding, you'll match the decor perfectly!

Got it - thanks!

The wine colored sash is really a great touch for a wedding in Napa - it will look so great in your pictures. Now I can't wait to see you in it!

Welcome, Darlene - I love that we have a bride now getting married in Mazatlan - I vacationed there with my family when I was younger and loved it - I can't wait to hear more about your planning!

Have you posted a picture of your dress? I'd love to see it! If you already have - I'll get there eventually ... I am still going through the 100s of posts I missed while being gone this weekend!

Haley - I'd love to see the pictures! I haven't even started talking to the WC yet, I'm just getting started planning this part of the wedding. I am specifically interested in the different location that have where I might be able to have my dinner. I will PM you my email address ... thanks! I always love to hear positive things about Las Caletas - I've never been there! I haven't even started with any of the details yet for the wedding - I just told the WC to let me know when we need to start. I've just been gathering a ton of ideas from this site. We invited about 120 people (including 30+ kids) but really expect somewhere around 50 people to attend. I can't wait to share notes! Quote: Originally Posted by mexico15 Hello Ann! My name is Haley. I have lots to still plan, but mainly for our reception when we return. I have talked on and off with the Dreams WC, but she doesn't seem to answer all of my questions. She is very vague in her answers, so it is hard to know what I need to be planning for. I guess I will do most of the planning/decoration/extras when we get there. Las Caletas is very beautiful! Your wedding is going to be stunning! What do you have left to do? Do you have a big group going with you? Is your welcome dinner planned already or is that what you are waiting for when she returns? I have a few pics Marilu (WC) sent to me regarding pics of wedding locations, and some extra options (ie. candles, etc.) She also sent me the spa pricing and packages. Not sure if you would need any of those, but let me know if you might.

I hear ya - my friends want to throw a shower for me as well. For the same reasons I don't want to register and receive gifts for the wedding, I don't want gifts for the shower. I hope to have a little get-together where we do the 1154 Lill thing - either in Chicago at the store or in someone's house, since they do come to your house. That way they don't have to give me a gift (but I do get a new bag!), they have fun w/o playing cheesy games, and they get a purse afterwards! And it's nice for all people - your friends, family, in-laws, etc. For those of you that haven't heard of 1154 Lill - it's so much fun! Basically, you're designing your own purse and they make it (http://www.1154lill.com/home/). You start by choosing the style bag you want, then the fabrics. Many of their bags are reversible - so you really get 2 purses in one! They host a lot of parties - and can bring all of the fabric to your house, then ship the purses to you when they're done. I've done it in the store with some friends on a random day in Chicago, and always thought it would be a great thing to do for a shower. Now I get to!

ok, now i am starting to think i may be able to pull this off. we'll see, but for now, this helps! you've got me thinking at least ...

That's what I finally did, kind of. I made a list of a handful of photographers that were available for our date, then sat down with Paul and we ranked them together. We first did this w/o looking at price or packages - that way we knew we were only looking at what we liked w/o price affecting our opinion. After they were ranked, then we looked at prices and packages for our top 3 or 5 and made a decision. Once Paul saw the differences between some of the photographers, he definitely decided it was worth it to pay a little more.

Quote: Originally Posted by Darlsay Congratulations Loretuke on picking the ERC. The place is beautiful. We leave at the end of Jan. to look at the Aruba property but am thinking the ERC will be the place for us. Your website is great, how long does it take to put something like that to put together? It really is rather easy to make a website - there are some great options. Here is a thread that show many of the different vendors ... http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t679

OMG - I laughed out loud at this one. I got some strange looks from people at the office too. That would be hilarious ... "really honey, this is all for you!"

Quote: Originally Posted by leigh miller thanks ann. in her defense - haha - she is a pilates instructor and dancer. i wish she lived closer cause id have her give me private pilates lessons. ok - my a** is hitting the elliptical tomorrow morning. my husband is pretty motivated right now too. hes not gained any weight since we got married but when we met he was working construction fulltime and had some NICE muscles. now hes an accountant - haha! he still looks great but i know wants some of his manly construction muscles back. ahh yes - that makes sense. she had a pretty darn good body! if nothing else, this is at least motivating me to work out! and i know how your hubby feels - paul and i both sit at a computer all day, every day - and i feel it. i play soccer, but that once a week just isn't enough. time to get movin'!

I think so - I am assuming there's some "coaching" from Leigh (or whoever the photographer is) to get you into a pose that will photograph well and will make you look good. I wouldn't know what to do on my own, for sure! And since you're probably getting these photos taken at home, you're probably pretty comfortable there already. My problem (well, problems, actually) are 1) I wouldn't know what to wear, 2) I'd have to do my own hair and makeup - and I don't know the 1st thing about makeup (so sad, I know), and 3) Paul and I live together and I don't know how I'd get him out of the house so I could take these photos. And I also don't think our condo is the best place - but what do I know?! Could it be done in a hotel or something, but then that sounds kind of trashy in itself! Also, while I'd probably want to do some w/"traditional sexy" lingerie, Paul likes the "girl next door" look, or "sporty-sexy" - so not sure what I could do for that. Anyway - I do think you could do this, but you'd have to make sure you're comfortable enough with your photographer. I KNOW I'd struggle, I had a hard time changing in front of the sales women while dress shopping, but hopefully after enough exercising, pep talks, and maybe even a glass of wine (or two) I could pull something like this off!

haha - i got to see them! seriously ladies - get leigh to do your b-pics! they look great! no offense, jonathan, i just haven't seen any you've done. i am getting myself out of bed and working out every morning. done. i must.

Quote: Originally Posted by leigh miller ooohhh! ann another thing to add to the chicago trip? i will send you a link to some i did and see what you think! Leigh - please do send me a link (or email), maybe it will inspire me to get my butt in gear! I haven't ruled this out yet - but still not decided!

Welcome to the forum - just let us know how we can help!

that looks beautiful - i bet your pictures will turn out amazing! my photographer is on this forum now - and i'd recommend her (leigh miller) but i am sure there are a lot to choose from in that area.

i am still thinking of it, i just don't know if i could do it! i'm shy enough around the camera WITH normal clothes on! that and i did want to wait until i was in a little better shape - which is supposed to start, um, today!

i plan on doing this as well - Leigh is shooting the welcome dinner, the wedding day, and the day after! i would like to do a "trash the dress" session, since i think those pictures are so fun - i just may buy a cheaper dress to trash since i promised my FI the same thing - that i'd sell my dress to get some $$ back! i may see if i can do both a trash the dress, and a few more casual shots. tammy, i don't do well with cameras either - i avoid them. but at the same time, i really want some good pictures of paul and i. we just don't have any, or at least not many that don't involve too much alcohol!

not at all - post away! i do much better with things if they're all in one place - and i wanted to give that to paul since he's in charge of our website! glad it's useful!