LCBride2007

Congratulations! And welcome. I LOVE the caribbean, but since we plan on honeymooning in Hawaii - we chose Mexico. I don't know if there are direct flights - but have you ever been to St. Kitts - beautiful! I was there in Jan. 2006 - and loved it. It sounds like you're flexible with dates - I'd suggest finding you're "dream" location and then seeing what they have available.

Quote: Originally Posted by anacgarcia Me 80+, we're inviting around 370 people.. and I pray no more than 200 go WOW! You're a brave girl ...

I can't remember what dates we were talking, but typically I am only in Chicago (home) on weekends (I travel for work). The weekend before xmas I am going to Phoenix to visit mom, but I will be in Chicago on Dec. 14th during the day (leave that evening for AZ), and then not again until the Dec 21-22nd probably, but I haven't booked those flights yet. My schedule makes everything difficult so don't worry about me - I will make it work, even if I have to carry my gift to AZ with me!

I agree - other than my stalking two random couples, I haven't been able to talk to anyone either! They both said their weddings were FABULOUS! They had nothing negative to say - which was great to hear. We are doing the deluxe package, and ours is in the evening as well. I was searching Google for Las Caletas and I came across their personal wedding websites - so I emailed them. I think one of them, the email actually went to their photographer, who then put me in touch with them. VERY random, but I got my questions answered! And it put me at ease with what I was signing up for. Anyway, that's how I found my Las Caletas couples! I also found a Knottie who attended her cousin's wedding there - so it was fun to get a guests perspective as well. I will paste her review into a doc. and attach it to this post - there were some helpful comments. Like - I didn't know it was a 5-8 minute walk from where the boat drops you off to the ceremony site. So, elderly people may need assistance, and no heels if you can help it! What are you doing for any additional decor, like flowers, candles, etc.? I hear they light the place up like crazy with tiki torches (which I love), but not sure about the actual dinner tables. I don't need fancy - but I don't want bare either. I haven't even talked to Nicole about my cake or flowers (or anything!) yet. I think I will go with an outside photographer though - just because I am picky about those. But the rest I will go through Nicole. Are you getting your hair/makeup done, if so, who are you using? I haven't thought about this yet either ... Also, where are you staying? Are you having a rehearsal/welcome dinner? Now that I finally have another Caletas girl on here - I have so many questions! Las Caletas Email from Knottie.doc Las Caletas Email from Knottie.doc

Ummm - NOW I feel awful! I don't even have STDs yet, let alone invitations. I don't have a dress, nor do I have any idea where I am staying. I do have a ceremony location and date though - YAY ME! Sherri - I think you've got plenty of time!

Another thing to consider - you could always buy a 2nd dress to wear after the ceremony if the one you buy isn't up for beach dancing!

I agree with your sister. And I may not be the "right" one to answer thsi question - mainly because I haven't chosen my dress yet! I also got caught up on what was the "right" dress for a beach wedding. Honestly, what I've found to be true, is that you should wear whatever dress you love. Whether that's formal or not - you have to be comfortable. If you go to the thread(s) where people post a picture of their dress, you will see the styles vary a lot. It really is just a matter of personal opinion - and I don't think the location should dictate the dress you love! If you want the big, ballgown, princess dress - go for it!!!

Woohoo - I just noticed you're from Chicago too - the Chicago gals are taking over! Have you been to Hawaii before? I may have to ask you questions to help plan the honeymoon!

Welcome! We're getting married in Mexico, but are honeymooning in Hawaii. You will absolutely find this site helpful, and entertaining at the same time!

I don't mean to be a scrooge, but I think it might be too difficult too open them at the exact same time. We could probably do on a certain day, or definitely a certaian weekend - don't you think? Or if everyone else can pull it off - I can just catch up since I will be travelling all over the place for the holidays!

I put the Riviera Maya pricing into a word doc and am attaching it here. Basically, there are some semi-minor differences. First of all the Riviera Maya document has 3 packages, the destination wedding document only 2 packages (Package #2 is missing from the destination wedding list). Package 1 is $1000 more for the destination wedding ($3950 vs. $2950). With this extra $1000 you get ... > 2 more hours coverage (8 vs. 6 hours) > 100 more 4x6 proofs (500 vs. 400 proofs) - though one says 'prints,' and one says 'proofs' - what's the difference? > 3 8x10 E.M. signature prints > Travel costs Package 3 is $250 more for the destination wedding. With this extra $250 you get ... > ... nothing, from what I can tell! Hope this helps! This doesn't sound like a bad deal to me - for $1000 more you get quite a bit!

For anyone interested, here are a few Q&As I got back from people. I tracked down (on my own) 2 couples that were recently married at Las Caletas (Wedding 1 & Wedding 2), and then the response from Nicole - the WC for Adventure Weddings. Hope this is helpful! I will try to post some pictures as well - they probably need to resized. Las Caletas Answers - Wedding 1.doc Las Caletas Answers - Wedding 2.doc Las Caletas Answers - Wedding 1.doc Las Caletas Answers - Wedding 2.doc

I had to copy/paste mine into a work document too - the pdf was too big. The prices she gave me are attached in the first message in this thread - the document she sent me was titled "Destination Wedding Pricing 2007" which makes me thing she has different for "Non-Destination" weddings. Maybe your location would fall into that ... I will PM you - I am curious as to what she sent to you.

Ok, just to make sure, I went back to look at my email. I've been communicating with a few photographers, so I could easily get them confused! This is from Elizabeth's email: "I am including my current package information. I am located in Yucatan, which is quite far from your wedding site, but my travel costs are included in the package prices. Please let me know if you have any questions." I am guessing that she didn't charge you her whole "destination wedding" fee because she could just drive there or something, so you only needed to pay for lodging. I am assuming she has to fly to Puerto Vallarta, which is why it's more travel costs. I just wish I could find someone that has used her before!

Oh - that's good to know - I could probably pay for my stay and a few others with points!

Travel costs are included in her package prices! Has anyone used her before? Or know anyone that has?

WELCOME!!! I have been working with Nicole as well - and have asked her to some me some pictures, and she has sent a bunch. I also sent her a list of questions which she quickly answered. I've also been corresponding with a few other couples that have been married there. Now that I have someone to share with - I will post all of these! Let me know what helpful info. you have as well! YAY - another Las Caletas bride!!

Thanks, Amy!

I will be in AZ celebrating Xmas with my mom that weekend - but it can still happen, I just won't be home until the following weekend.

Quote: Originally Posted by KARLA You're in RTP which is technically Durham. That's where I work also, but on Miami Blvd, it's 1 exit away from the Page Rd exit off 40. Small world! Too funny - we work right across from the Sheraton and the Spring Hill Suites on Page.

I don't know the area well - I think I may technially be in Durham. I am roughly at Page Rd & 40 - does that make sense? I don't pay too much attention since Paul is usually driving - I actually just turned to him and said "where are we?" Sad.

I am in Raleigh right now (I work here during the week) - you never know, maybe I will send it from work! Heehee

(Christa - LOVE the signature! so cute!)

I agree - I want at least family and close friends there, so I voted for #2. As for that new owner - I have to agree with you. How can you not give your employees ANY vacation time? The way you keep your good employees is to treat them well, and it doesn't sound like this owner realizes that!

It seems that most designers suggest that you order the dress about 6 mos out - so you have plenty of time. I would suggest taking your time - there are plenty of brides that bought something right away - and now they want something different! Since you have the time - you don't need to feel any pressure to buy soon!