starchild

date: June 2, 2007 place of ceremony: Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta resort we're staying at: Dreams PV place of reception: Las Caletas package: Deluxe food: assorted appetizers to start then fish, chicken, steak, pasta, beans, rice, salads, fruits, flan, cookies, pies, cake dj: No, we made our own playlists and brought burned cd's photographer: Roberto Aceves with Vallarta Adventure Weddings videographer: Never got his name but he's with Vallarta Adventure Weddings

Alright!! Happy wedding day. Enjoy Tulum and each other!!

I thought this may be helpful if you're looking for some variety in your wedding music. We had a somewhat eclectic mix but maybe something will be up your alley ) Walked down the aisle to: Teena Marie - The Air I Breathe Played when we kissed then walked out to: Frankie Beverly & Maze - Golden Time of Day Cocktail Hour: Gypsy Kings - Moorea Pedro Fernandez - La bala Stevie Wonder - You are the sunshine of my life Frank Sinatra - Fly me to the moon Sun Ra - Dreams come true Sergio Mendes & Brasil 66 - Mais que nada Joss Stone - Are you diggin on me? Diana Krall - I love being here with you Tony Bennet - The best is yet to come Frankie Beverly & Maze - Happy Feelings India.Arie & Sergio Mendes - Timeless Chaka Khan - Papillion Grover Washington Jr. - Soulful Strut Tommy James & the Shondells - Crystal blue persuasion Dinner: Goapele - Butterfly kisses D'Angelo - When we get by Sade - Kiss of life Etta James - At Last Gypsy Kings - Un Amor Minnie Ripperton - Here we go Dean Martin - That's amore Santana - Europa Phyllis Hyman - No one can love you more Sade - By your side George Benson - Give me the night Grover Washington Jr. - Be Mine Sergio Mendes - Berimbau Corrine Bailey Rae - Like a star First Dance Robin Thicke - Lost Without U Reception Disc #1 Shalamar - Night to remember Madonna - Holiday Tony Toni Tone - It feels good Franki Valli - Can't take my eyes off of you Teena Marie - 365 Black Eyed Peas w/Sergio Mendes - Mas que nada Michael Jackson - Off the wall Dean Martin - Ain't that a kick in the head Celia Cruz - La vida es un carnaval Father MC w/K-ci & JoJo - Everything's gonna be alright Sublime - Summertime Frank Sinatra - The way you look tonight Selena - Bidi bidi bom bom Mr. Vegas w/Sergio Mendes - Bananeira Digital Underground - Kiss you back Koffee Brown - After Party Dazz Band - Whip it Reception Disc #2 B.B. King - Rock me baby Guy - Groove me Rosemary Clooney - Mambo Italiano Lucy Pearl - You De la soul - A roller skating jam called saturdays GQ - I do love you Tony Toni Tone - Wildchild Elton John - Something about the way you look tonight Eric Benet w/Tamia - Spend my life with you Chris Brown - Excuse me miss Mariah Carey - Make it last (remix) Teena Marie - You make love like springtime Tower of Power - Time will tell 311 - Love song R.Kelly - Happy people Talib Kweli - Stay with me LL Cool J - I need love Last Dance Donna Summer - Last Dance

Quote: Originally Posted by RiuBride2b Hello beautiful ladies, I was wondering if the Plantation has room for dancing or is it just dinner? I would like to know if I have to rent the disco or not. We ate at the Plantation several times. It is big, 2 stories, and open-air. Very pretty. If you had exclusive use of it there is room for them to remove tables/chairs and set up a dance floor. I'm not sure if that's something they normally do because when I was there the receptions were in the disco, but there is totally room in the Plantation if they allow it.

Good thing he was able to knock some sense into his family, one less thing to have on your plate right now! I'm happy for you )

Ooh I'm bad at measurements but those ingredients you have work well. Worschester is really good in burgers, so are grated onions because you don't bite into chunks but the flavor is good and it adds moisture. If you like blue cheese it's yummy to add a little to the center of the burgers too. When they are cooked it is melted and so good (you could use any cheese for that matter). Have a fun BBQ!!

Aww thanks ladies, I'm glad I could share something helpful. You all will be so enchanted with the Riu....can I do a 6 month vow renewal?

Yay Jamaica!! You're in great company, we have several Riu brides here. I honeymooned at the Riu Ochi and have a review in the Jamaica section too. Happy Planning!

Jamaica!!! Hooray....we love our Jamaica brides. Welcome and ask away, everyone here is more than helpful. Congrats on the engagement and happy planning

Oops I'm late but I agree with everyone - gorgeous dress - great choice! You'll be a hot bride )

Okay I've been here 5 times now. The Zoo a.k.a. The Zoo Bar is my favorite club in all of PV. I first went in 1994 and it has been a hit consistently since then. Located on the Malecon where everything is happening after hours, the Zoo is a super fun place to get your groove on. It's not a place you go for conversation and drinks. People that go to the Zoo want to par-tay with a capital P. All ages go there all though it tends to be a younger crowd. It's all decorated in a jungle theme. There is usually a gorilla suit guy or two dancing around and pouring shots. There is a big cage that you can dance in if you're lucky - I finally made it in the cage last month...woo hoo! The music is loud and typically what's hot and current. Each time I've been it's a mix of reggaeton, hip-hop, r&b, reggae, and pop-crossover type songs. The dance floor is always packed. The drinks are a little less expensive than average (like $5-6 mixed drinks) and they almost always have a few 2-for-1 specials going so make sure you ask what the specials are as they aren't advertised. They also have the chicks with shot glass holster belts who for $8 (or $2 a shot if you're less brave) will pour shots of some alcohol punch down your throat, grab your head and shake it, and pinch your nipples. No, it's not a place for the timid, but if you say no they leave you alone. We say yes . . . when in Rome . . . The dance floor is in the middle and surrounded by tables and chairs. If you sit in the front you have a bird's eye view of the Malecon and ocean. It's nice because they have these massive windows that stay open and you can get a window seat and enjoy the breeze depending what time of year you are there. It's just a great place to go and dance, no holds barred. Some people get a little raw on the dance floor but that adds to the charm of the place. It's the total opposite of a Nikki Beach type club - it's not trendy or sophisticated - it's FUN!! Once I paid $5 to get in but the other 4 times it was free - guys too. We went twice in our wedding week. Right after our wedding we went to Dreams to change and met some of our guests at the Zoo and partied until 6 a.m. If you want to let loose and party like it's your 21st birthday - this is your place. ZOOBARDANCE | Welcome to the Jungle!! | www.zoobardance.com | Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Quote: Originally Posted by DREA14369 Well....now that we decided to just do it...elope but actually it's not since we have 17 people with us....we both have calmed down...We didn't do invites, programs, plan out music, anything...I just told Maye that I wanted it on the beach, I picked the flowers and it will now be a relaxed wedding.... Drea good for you. Keep it simple and focus on what it's all about and your guests will feel as relaxed as you 2 do.

I think it's totally normal to not have FI involved to the level that you are. Mine was involved to a certain degree but basically told me to do what I want. I always showed him options and asked his input though. He told me it's my superbowl (lol) and that guys don't fantasize about weddings as children like many little girls do, so a lot of men just aren't in to the minute details. It doesn't necessarily mean they don't care but we are wired differently and that tends to manifest itself in the whole wedding planning process. I bet a small percentage actually care about std's, invitations, and centerpieces - but sometimes they play along to keep the peace. It gets overwhelming sometimes, I understand, but hang in there!! The main thing is that he will be there, and as long as he knows he can't come back later and say "why did you pick purple?" or something to that effect, don't sweat it. Enjoy having creative control )

I'm not familiar with your location but I'm all for drinks pre-wedding. If not alcohol I also suggest bottled water or something cold to beat the heat while they wait. You don't want people wandering off trying to buy refreshments when they should be sitting and waiting for the ceremony to start.

Tara that's tough ( I was worried about that at my wedding and the sun didn't set until at least 8pm. How are you with seeing FI before the wedding? Some people are against that. Your pictures won't be totally dark and will still be beautiful either way. I mean, a beach wedding is always going to photograph well, right? It's too bad they can't move it up though....wonder why? They moved a wedding up for a girl who got married at Las Caletas the day before me. Since the President was in town and the marina was super busy for the Navy anniversary, they were going to lock down the marina at the time her boat was supposed to leave, so they changed the time (on a week's notice - imagine contacting all your guests to tell them that 1 week prior) and the wedding started a few hours earlier. I guess that was because there was no other choice and they couldn't cancel on her?

Aww, I love them both......congrats ladies )

Quote: Originally Posted by nat4crim Marla As for photography, I really want pics of me getting ready so I hope I can have that option. I don't want the photographer to come over with the guests but earlier, even if it is a little bit. That way I can get pics of me getting ready as well as pics of the tables, decorations, ceremony site before everything gets started. I think you can arrange to have their photographers come out earlier. In my case, maybe I was running late, but Roberto arrived when I was still in lingerie getting my hair and make-up done. He also got pics of everything undisturbed, but again maybe I was running late so he had extra time? They should be able to give you an adjusted quote for having the photographer come out way early if your using theirs, if you're bringing your own they can come early in the morning.

Each time I've been to PV I take tours with Vallarta Adventures. Yes they did my wedding too, but that's why I was so comfortable with them. The crew is outstanding and well trained to handle any emergency that may occur. I've had them physically wash vomit off of me when I could barely hold my head up. On the boat to our wedding 2 adults were seasick and one of the crew held both of the kids - one on each leg - the whole boat ride. They're just really nice. But it sounds like that platform thing makes a difference so check into that too.

Yep, I just wrote a separate Barcelona Tapas review....hope it's helpful.

A guest at Dreams told me they went there. She said it is also very pretty, all white. It is indoors, upstairs from the restaurant. I think there is a separate club...maybe this was just the bar that they went to? Prices were also high according to the girl who told me about it, but she said there was a nice view and she had a good time.

Quote: Originally Posted by MarlaB I know Franco Gonzalez and Roberto Aceves are the two that directly work with Las Caletas but there are obviously a ton of other choices to consider. I am trying to keep it as simple as possible so as not to add extra stress and will probably choose one of those. I did get good quotes from Carlos Melnik but I guess there was some sort of fall out and I would hate to hire a photographer that may have bad relations with Nicole or Las Caletas. Anyone have details on what might have happened? Hate to be nosy but it may narrow down my choices or alter my decision making. Oh, this is for Las Caletas brides (starchild, caletas bridetobe, Feb 14 bride, etc.) who used Franco or Roberto: Do they come with an assistant photographer to help with poses, lighting, etc. When do they get to the island? I understand they arrive before the bride begins getting ready so he can capture pictures of that. But how in the world does he get there with all his equipment? He must travel by the back road. It would be hard to travel with the equipment on a small boat. What time do they arrive? Also for those who used Ipods/CDs: Which is better? Should I be prepared with both? How many hours of music will I need? I do plan on hiring the Trio as well for the pre-ceremony, ceremony (besides the Here Comes the Bride song unless they play that too!!), and after the ceremony while I am having my pictures taken. I guess I will just need to provide music for dinner and reception then. Can I categorize different types of music on an Ipod? For instance, can I put the cake cutting, father-daughter dance, bride-groom first dance, etc. in a separate category? If not, then there is a chance it might be played at the wrong time!!! Roberto came on the boat with the guests, photographed them on the boat, got to Las Caletas and came to meet me around 5:45 pm, photographed us in and outside of the casita. He came alone, no assistant. Just him. If he suddenly fell ill or something I don't think anyone is in place to take over. But he didn't and it worked for us. I made separate cd's for everything . . . "cocktail hour", "dinner", "reception 1", reception 2", "first dance", etc. We only allowed my dad to make a toast. We told guests in advance and they understood. My MOH had a speech written anyway and we didn't let her read it.....our decision, we didn't want it to turn into 30 minutes of "when I met Jamy & Will" because that's always the most boring part of weddings to us. Plus time is limited there and we wanted to dance. Instead we had the videographer go to each person throughout the night and get their individual toasts. That way we get it all but it doesn't hold everything up. Whatever you do or do not want to do, they will work it in to make your ceremony unique to you.

I've only seen it used for small weddings because the seating space is limited, so probably the intimate package. Someone who just got married at Caletas had hers there...aww I forget who but she had a very intimate wedding. It's where the guestbook table is set up if you look at other people's pics. Oh, here....this is from vallarta adventures website:

I know you guys have a lot of guests so it will definitely add up fast. But yes - make a point to go on your own and be there for sunset!!

Nope, no reservations needed. You'll enjoy it. We went to the Zoo also and I'll do a review of that tonight.

Thanks Maria & Edna, I'd never heard of that before. Yet another place in Mexico that will haunt me til I get there. I love it!! Can I just take a month off of life and travel through Mexico? That's probably still not enough time.....well there's always a virtual vacation via google . . .lol