soltamargo

Michelle, You made your wedding day very special, all the details that you carefully planned, as the colors, flowers, tables and cookies!... were super cute and it's a photographers dream... on top of your natural beauty and your handsome hubby.. I loved loved being your photographer. Thanks a lot for giving me the opportunity, and I wish you the best luck with the moving.. and honeymoon! (hope to see you in Costa Rica!!) You have been one of my favorite brides, thanks for letting me do all the crazy ideas on the TTD.. hehe... GRACIAS!! Jess, thanks!!! I'm flattered by your comment!

Quote: Originally Posted by chibi411 my slideshow!! shot by the the most famous and most talented SOL!! not to mention just as beautiful as in her pics.... i seriously watch these at least twice a day..... my happy place del Sol Photography Wedding Photojournalism *thanks maura!!! Janet, It was MY pleasure to shot your wedding, Shaun is great fun to be around, and you looked gorgeous!!... wait to see the disc, many more great photos!.. The typo "infamous- famous - make me laugh... funny mistake., thanks Maura for fixing it.

Heidi, I can't describe enough with words what a huge thing is for us to be able to photograph couples like you and Alex., It's amazing to see true love, it's magic!! and I saw that on your photos. I edit them, so I felt like I was there., specially the TTD session I felt the energy and love between the two of you and I'm sure your love will last forever. All the best wishes from us to you and thanks again for having us. Much love! SOL

Photo on the bouquet is a great idea, I've seen it a lot and it's so meaningful, If you don't like it on the bouquet, how about a framed photo on a special reception table, I've seen photos of grand parents at receptions that way and it looks beautiful...

Mel, The first thing that caught my attention was your dress.. OMG!!! How gorgeous!!... I keep seeing the same kind of dress very often, yours is sooo beautiful!! Congrats!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by srbina We finally signed our contract and put a deposit down on Monday for CasaMagna April 2009! I've been searching around the forum and haven't been able to find anyone who has or who will be getting married at CasaMagna. Anyone out there?!? We have been shooting weddings at Casa Magna for some time, and all I can say is that this is one of the best resorts in Cancun, everything is excellent., wedding coordinators are awesome, your wedding will be great. Congratulations!!

Which Maroma are you referring to? there's a Maroma beach club , handled by Karisma, AND there is a Maroma hotel (Amazing!!! ) This is a wedding Matt did at Maroma Resort (Orient Express) : matt adcock photography hope this helps...

Excellence is one of my favorite places... FAR from Wedding Factory...., ceremonies are always beautiful and I have never seen 2 weddings on the same day. This is a high end resort, everything is great., I just shoot another wedding there last week: del Sol Photography Wedding Photojournalism And loved it!!... This hotel has many places for great photos... which of course I like... and wedding planners are really nice people.

If you are looking for a wonderful all inclusive, great food, great service, adults only.. Excellence Riviera is one of my favorites resorts. I did a wedding there a couple of weeks ago, just the third one we do there., however, I think more brides should know about this place Wedding planners Anna & Adriadna are super nice, really concerned about you and your day and how to make it perfect. Food was excellent, and the beach!!! Pools are also really cool, with "rivers" going all around.., spa is fenomenal!.. what else can i say., I like it! Check out this wedding: del Sol Photography Wedding Photojournalism Hope this images help other brides consider this location... AH!!! No "Fee" for bringing your own photographer!!!... just a day pass.. nice nice...

Quote: Originally Posted by PaulaV Here they are! I am so impressed with Sol's work, not to mention what a sweetheart she is... Sol Tamargo Photography Wedding Photojournalism Muchisisimas gracias Sol y Diego!!! Gracias a Ti Paula!!!!.. thanks so much for this comment . It was our pleasure! I have Jeremy's brown sock to remember you by.. haha... and this photos of course! And Thanks girls for the comments, Leigh, I also love the tatoo shot in the water... . The sunset was perfect, Jeremy didn't want to get in the water, so this wasn't a let's get wet together photoshoot, however, Paula look amazing sitting in the rocks as she was.., Jeremy was chilling out.., drinking some wine and having a good time.. (I hope so!...) Here are some of my most Favs: This is the deepest Jeremy got in the water..., so grooms! you don't have to get in if you don't want!!!... I have the BEST Job in the planet!!!!

De nada!!! I'm glad I can help a little bit with what worked for me, I know how difficult can be to plan a wedding from far... Thanks for the comments on my slideshow too!...

I'm back to the forum, I've tried to post this before but time hasn't been on my side, it seems that after marriage, the planning for the wedding is gone, but now we all have to organize a life with another person, and a home!!!... new projects all the time, this is a never stop roller coaster... Please watch my slideshow to get a better picture of what I'm describing in this post: Matt and Sol wedding pics Here are my vendor recommendations, I use this people to help me make my day perfect: Dress & Accessories : My dress was made by David Salomon, It tourned out as I have visualized it, I wanted something according to the location, very comfortable and unique, with red on it., he created this dress using red coral, when I saw it, I was so excited!!! DAVID SALOMON He recommended a make up and hair artist, Katia Monforte (sorry no website) her phone in Cancun is: 998 654 736. I found a girl online that creates unique designs, she made me my bare food sandals, and a beautiful neckless, bracelet, earrings and the neckless Matt used. On her website she has unique pieces and she can also make anything you have in mind. Bienvenidos a Joyeria de autor Xochitl Rivera Diseñadora Location: Secret Jewel Suites & VillasThis wonderful location is owned by the family Diamant, Ilse : [email protected] was there at everysecond helping us with everything., she get's a+A This location has 3 villas that are available for rent, but all our family & friends stayed in Playa del Carmen, so we rented only the site for the day. This ended to be an amazing "Off the beaten Path" location, it has a palapa, a garden and a palm groove sandy area (where we had our reception) the beach is rocky, giving the place an exotic view... Cator: Easy Gourmet, Banquetes en Cancun y Riviera Maya, Eventos, Catering, Bodas easygourmet.com.mx, Gisela became not only my cator, but my friend, she has the kind of personality willing to help with anything., later I learned that she has a degree on psychology, and being a stressed bride as I was the weeks prior the wedding, it was a blessing having her around. Food was delicious, and service beyond excellent. Event Decoration: [email protected] Roberto Caamal, Welcome to Spectacular Events ::.. was the second biggest blessing (only second because Gisela put me in touch with him) He is an Artist, I absolutely adore what he created, he got my idea and colors, and he put together a wonderful whole thing., he is super fun to work with. He made my bouquet too., table setting & center pieces, lighting, music stage, dancing floor, ceremony setting… everything!!!! …. He is AMAZING!!! Wedding Coordinator: Yazmin de la mora Yazmin De La Mora - Weddings & [email protected] , I think I was a little control freak (I didn’t think that of my self before.. haha…), and I found my own vendors for almost everything; but Yazmin got the Chaman and Mayan Dancers for the ceremony. She also helped me with final details, and on wedding day she and her husband were great. I lost a button on my dress and she fixed it in a second., It's always great to have someone around to help with anything. Transportation: I found this company, Great service, Great price, I use them the days before the wedding and on wedding day; I keep using them now on my TTD sessions were we go on adventure., there’s no website, but this is the email of the owner: [email protected] Music: This was on Top of my list, I needed good music, and I found Balance, they are 8 musicians, play anykind of music, English & Spanish, they kept everybody dancing for 4 hours! Even in the breaks, the DJ selections were great.. I highly recommend them: Balance la Banda - Downloads Mariachis To end the wedding we hired a mariachi band: [email protected] AND, I almost forget!!! I also found another great band, that we use to play before the ceremony, for my walking down the aisle and during cocktail hour, this guys are full of energy and are true musicians., I didn't get them for reception as I wanted a bigger more structured band, but they were great for the couple hours they play: Victor Espinoza : [email protected] OK, I think this is It!!!... finally.... have fun future brides!!!

I decided to post the "review" from my wedding in 2 parts, I was planning to include photos, but if I try to do so, it will take me forever, and It's been already almost 2 months!... so today , I wrote the first part. , maybe I can update this post later with some of the photos taken at the places I'm describing. This Tips, are the stuff we did with our guests before the wedding. It can be a little confusing what to do on a place you have never been before., I live here!.. so I wanted to show my friends the amazing places around... I wish we had more time together so we could go to more places, but this 2 "tour" days were amazing, and everybody was so happy and had so much fun, including Matt's Grandma... so I felt happy too... here it goes: Sunday Night: Dinner at Aca los Tacos – Delicious tacos and quesadillas, very chilled place located in the corner of 5th avenue and Constituyentes., they have options for Veggies too. Monday: Isla Mujeres. From Playa del Carmen we ride the bus to Cancun, the terminal ADO is located in 5th avenue esq. Juarez (1st street) there are buses departing each hour to Cancun and the price is aprox $5 usd. Once in Cancun (1 hour ride) take a taxi to Gran Puerto, that’s one of the Ferry terminals to Isla Mujeres, round trip ticket to Isla is $14 dollars. Make sure you ride on the roof, the water between Cancun & Isla is the most absolutely amazing turquoise blue I ever seen, and feeling the breeze and the waves is a liberating experience, I love it so much. When you get to Isla, move to the dock at your left, and you will see some guys offering the “snorkel tour”, make sure they belong to "La cooperativa" (this is the association of the local fishermen at Isla) they take you in little boats, not so far to the coast but you will see beautiful beautiful colorful fishes, lobster, and other marine life., the boats have capacity for 10 people so we got 2. Price per person varies depending on the season, we paid $23 usd each. The tour was about 3 hours. , they will take you to 2 snorkel spots, we got lucky and they took us to a third one, the most amazing…. Is a little ways out in the open water, 30 feet deep, the name is “Manchones” is a diver spot, you get to see a croos at the bottom of the ocean that was donated by Jaques Cousteau years ago, some of the guys dive down to the bottom and took some pictures, I couldn’t do it… but I certainly saw it from the surface. The water is super crystal clear, you have miles ahead of visibility, and the reefs at the bottom are beautiful. It’s a rule to wear a swimming vest, so you will be safe. (they provide the vest, fins and snorkels) After this exciting snorkeling “diving” experience, our guides took us to lunch, they prepare a “Tixinxic” fish, imagine a big fish, as fresh as it can be…, grilled, and spiced up with a local flavor “achiote” , this is a local dish, absolutely yummi, everybody stand up and have a second, and even a third round of fish. They served the fish with pasta and coleslaw and tortillas. At the restaurant where they prepare the fish you can buy your own drinks, and other stuff as ceviche, and cocktails, guacamole etc., the fish is included in the price you paid for the tour… is these a deal or what??... Going back to downtown isla, there are mopeds, golfcarts and bicycles available for rent, we were tired from the swimming, so we decided to chilled at the beach. Playa Norte is the place to go, calm waters, long and wide beach, picture this, we were chilling in hammocs, under palm trees, and drinking pina coladas…, the amazing sunset was the cherry on the top of the cake… We took the Ferry back to Cancun at 6:00 pm, then a taxi to the bus startion and the bus back to playa. A long day, but so worth it… I’ve been in Isla thousands of times, everytime is a very enjoyable trip. Tuesday: Mayan Ruins, Cenotes & Tulum Beach. For this day we have more people aprox 35 joining us for the adventure., some have cars, but we needed transportation for those who doesn’t. , I did some research and found a deal… so write this down, it may become handy to you in the future: SINAL TOURS – They offer transportation, you can choose from cars to a Van for either 10 or 14 passengers, the drivers are super nice! And the price is unbeatable. Email: [email protected] - Mr. Antonio Loeza. (They also provided us with the transportation on wedding day) We wanted a full day tour, we choose going to Coba, which are Mayan Ruins aprox 1 hour away from playa, very close to tulum.. Once in Coba, (admission ticket is aprox $4 usd ) I hired a personal guide to give us the explanation of the site, he spoke perfect english (It was $30 usd) . He gave us a 30 mins explanation of the site. , after that we rented bicycles to go to the other end of the site where the main castle is. We had Grandma Mimi with us, she was SO Excited!!!, she have read an article on the National Geographic about the Mayan Culture, and that day she was right there, inside the picture she saw on the magazine., she didn’t have to walk at all, inside the site you can rent a “taxi” which is a tri-cle, so you are comfortable sitting, while a guy is driving you… super nice!!, Grandma couldn't stop smiling!! The whole Archeological site took us a couple of hours, we climbed the highest pyramid and took photos… After Coba we headed to a “Cenote”, this was AMAZING!!!, our driver took us to this one located in the highway Between Coba & Tulum, don’t remember the name, but there are several along the way, anyone will be amazing. I had sandwich material with me, so I prepare sandwiches to feed my crowd…, it was nice., but I know this may not be a possibility for everybody. A good place to have a quick lunch is a “Fish tacos” stand, located in the highway that comes from Playa to Tulum, very close to the intersection that goes to the beach in tulum, I’m sure your driver will know where to take you. We were in the cenote a couple of hours, inside you can rent snorkel and fins, looking at the underwater formations of stalactatites is a unique experience. Cenotes are found only in the Yucatan Peninsula, this is the only place in the world where you will swim in a place like this, in the middle of the jungle, crystal clear water, with underwater caves, really amazing. After the Cenote, we headed to the beach in tulum, we stopped at this place “Don Cafeto”, besides the beach, you have a restaurant and a bar, this was pretty convenient, the sandwiches were some hours in the past and people was hungry again., we had delicious nachos , ceviche, and guacamole. Accompanied by margaritas and beers… how perfect was that!!!... We ended the tour having a wonderful sunset and fun photos at the beach. Our driver took us back to Playa. The price for a 14 passengers Van was $190 usd., full day…. Of course the driver got generous tips from everybody… Later in Playa some people went out to dinner at: Madre Tierra, a restaurant located in 5th avenue corner with Corazon street, we meet them there in time for dessert and a shoot of tequila. After dinner, we went to Basico, a very cool bar, on 5th avenue on the roof top, this place has beds, so I was very happy just chilling…, this place is famous for their martinis, the “tamarind” flavor is delicious!! I was very tired so we went back home, but our friends stayed and went to party at the “Blue Parrot” this is a bar where drinking and dancing goes all night long… they have shows, as fire dancers, you can literally watch sunrise being there, is on 12th and the beach. Wednesday: I took all morning and early afternoon to finish my wedding preparations, family & friends, went to the beach and did some shopping. In that afternoon we had our “Welcome Dinner” at our favorite place in Playa: La Cueva del Chango: La Cueva del Chango Restaurante Mexicano en Playa del Carmen This place is very unique, really good prices, and the food!!!... this is a MUST. That night we check in the hotel were many of our friends were staying : www.hotellatortuga.con Thursday: Wedding Day!!!! Review from wedding day & vendors will be another post. I promise to update this one with photos..., but in the mean time I hope that my descriptions and information helps anyone looking to have some adventure and fun at affordable price here in the Riviera Maya.

Gracias!!!... the wedding was everything I wanted to be, so much fun!!! and my decorator did an amazing job with the colors I visualized and the "exotic beach theme" just perfect!!! The first dance song is: Bendita tu luz, by mana.., very romantic lyrics. Grandma Mimi was a trooper!!!! you should see her in Coba, she read this article on the National Geographic Magazine, about the Mayan Ruins and she set her mind on seeing that by herself, no one thought she could make it, but there she was.. , riding a "tri-cicle" on some pillows, so excited...we adore her! Thanks for the comments!!!!

Finally here it is!!!! , it tool me a while but I made this slideshow combining my favorite photos from some amazing friends that show up with cameras..., lucky us! This is looong almost 300 photos.. whew..., but it definitively show the day... Matt & Sol's wedding photos I will share all my vendor recommendations on the "wedding reviews" subforum. Everything was perfect, sooooo much fun!, and now it's gone.... I'm so happy to have great photos to remember the day forever.

Thank you ladies!!! We were really lucky to have lots of photographers friends so I have many photos, I've working on making a slideshow combining all my favs from all cameras, but it's taking me a while, I can't catch up with work!! And also Paul did a great job with the video, I can't wait to see the whole wedding day... I will post my full review with tips for other Riviera Maya brides, hopefully by next week..

GRAAACIAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We had the most amazing wedding day, everything was perfect and I was the happiest bride on the planet...., my guero (Matt) was a latin dancer.. haha!!!, you should see his "salsa"... lots of fun... It was a little weird being on the other side of the camera, or CAMERAS should I say... we had amazing wedding photographers sharing the day with us, and it was incredible!!! I just updated my blog with a few pics that a couple of our friends sent us. As soon as I get my slideshow from Sergio, the official photographer, I will share... I am sooo behind at work, tons of emails to reply and weddings to edit... , I wish we had some time to enjoy a honeymoon, but it will have to wait... Anyway... GRACIAS!!! for the congrats here, and I will (as soon as I catch up a little bit with work) post a review about my day, for other brides as crazy as me, looking to have a different kind of wedding... Check out my blog to see just a few pics... http://www.soltamargo.com/blog

Thanks ladies!!! I have 2 other super cute bags, that I just love love so much that I kept for my self.. haha... I will take some pics and show..., and I will also put you in touch with my aunt in case any of you wants to order some. Shooting a wedding today!... I'm soooo anxious about my own, can't believe many of my friends will be here tomorrow... and I haven't finished what I needed to do!.. I tried my dress yesterday again, and I will pick it up on monday... wait to see it!, OMG... I'm very excited!!..

Matt and I wanted to have a unique wedding and unique wedding gifts for our family & friends attending. We made this gift bag, and I though I needed to share... I have these bags custom made by an aunt that is in the manufacter business, she made each bag different, 23 variations!!!... she painted some and others have a very cute mini pottery attached .. etc.. I will show you here my top favorites... We found little cute details to put in the bag, for the ladies we included a "Pareo" - the wrap to use on top of bathing suit?... A little hand made coin purse A neckless, and a crystal tatoo to look sexy on the beach!... For the guys, we found this little tiny cups, made of clay and we thought it would look perfect with a mini tequila bottle.. , hope they laugh when they see it... Snacks... nothing fancy ... And I still need to add the calendar of events (that I just finished) and a map... I finished the bags on monday night, on tuesday morning we took a plane to atlanta, on wednesday I had my interview with the "Immigration" services department... everything went well... and today we flew back to Playa... just in time to see Adams girl (another BDWF member) outside the church!!! whew..... Did I mention that our wedding is next thursday??....1 week away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! . I will pick up my dress tomorrow... hope it's ready!!!!... and do my makeup and hair proof... Rings should arrive on tuesday... (they are being custom made in Guadalajara) insane design, havent seen them yet, yikes!! I am shooting a wedding on saturday, AND friends start to arrive on sunday... Monday & Tuesday we will be touring around, (I will post some good ideas for that too, later..) and wednesday will be day off for me, to get ready for the wedding next day..., except for dinner with everybody that night... Anyway... I needed to talk a little... I've been stressing out soo much..., now my big day is so close and I am almost... almost ready!! So here are a few pics of the bags If anyone likes these idea, and it's interested in the "hand made" mexican handcrafted bag, I can help you get them. And maybe even to filled them up with these ideas... Everything in the bag (Except for the schedule and map... still working on that) For the girls For the Guys Ok., got to go... BUT I promise to post tons of ideas soon...

YEAYYYYY!!!! Matt and I went to the church for a second, ceremony was over and the GORGEOUS bride was outside , Matt got a kiss on the cheek. Vincent is taking the photos... we are SOO looking forward to see the images and start working on them... I am sure Monika will post them as soon as we deliver...

Now I can say that I really understand all my brides.... I use to show up on wedding day, thinking that I knew all was going on (after have photographed hundreds!!!).... BUT, the truth is that you'll never know ALL that is involved in making this day so unique and special, until you've done it. Now, I have to admit that I am sometimes a bradzilla!!!... , the first time ( a couple of weeks ago ) that I visit the wedding location, I broke up in tears... so stress out... I couldn't believe I was crying... Me?? wow... never imagine that would be the feeling of so much to do, so little time.. But, now I am here in Playa del Carmen, and I can personally take care of all details, we hired a wonderful cator, and an event designer, that are helping us, this will make the difference..., and for wedding day a wedding coordinator will make sure everything goes as planned. I still have tons to do, Favors, Welcome Bags (I will show you later!!.. mexican style favors & bags.. cute and according to the location! ), coordinate transportation, music to walk down the aisle, My flowers!, not to mention MY DRESS!!!!!!!!!!..... It's been made... I hope next week I will go to my first try.. AND, on top of all these I have 5 more weddings to shoot and TTD sessions!!!!! all this prior december 6..., so I guess I can be a bridezilla... haha...at least a little bit...or, take some tequila shoots to chill... I haven't had much time to post on the forum.. BUT I promise after the wedding, tons of ideas and local vendors for future brides...

You are very smart to be thinking about light... if you are having an outside reception, it's a MUST... Paper lanters will help, maybe not provinding huge light, but definitevily ambience and decor... those are so beautiful!!!... I'm dealing with the same situation, and I got lots of paper lanterners, besides I'm considering party lights : http://www.asianideas.com/rainasparlig.html AND I'm sure the hotel can provide tikki torches. Candles are a must, but make sure they are "wind proof" meaning have a long vase where to hold them, otherwise they wont stay on.

Matt and I are taking dancing lessons..., salsa, merengue... yeay!!!!.... I'm super excited about our date coming soon!..

I just hired a great Cator for my wedding in Playa del Carmen. Matt and I wanted a "Non Resort" wedding... totally off the beaten path..., so we had to look for all the services, it was a little more work than being in an "All inclusive place", but I'm sure our wedding will be as we dreamed of. I meet Gisela from http://www.easygourmet.com.mx at a wedding that I shoot last may. I saw the effort they put into everything to make it perfect, food was delicious, and the service impecable. Matt and I decided to have them cator our own wedding, she has been outstanding trying to find the perfect combination of what we want, and the prices are great! I was really worried about having to plan my wedding "long distance", now I'm more relaxed as we are working out on the most important things... (I Still don't have a dress!!!..... but I'm going back to playa on Oct 16! and I will have everything under control. Anyway.. I just wanted to share the contact, for those brides looking for Cator at Cancun or Riviera Maya, Easy Gourmet is a great option!