Spazz

What I would do again... - get married at the Riu Ocho Rios...perfect for our guests and for us - arrive 6 days early to give myself time to get ready and to really hang out with all of my guests - OOT bags...not everything was used, but my guests really appreciated them - hired a DJ...dancing at the reception was so fun and I'm glad the music was somebody else's job! - have my BMs use parasols instead of spending tons of money on flowers - photoshare site for my guests pictures - asked a friend to oversee the reception set-up so I wouldn't be stressing - spend the wedding day with my BMs in my room relaxing - became a two dress bride (even though I felt like a crazy girl buying the second one, it was so worth it) - sent out travel brochures so my guests knew what to expect - skipped the videographer What I wouldn't do again... - pay for an upgraded cake (it never got cut and no one even noticed) - bought so much for the OOT bags and reception decorations (I ended up leaving some stuff at home b/c I just couldn't carry it all down there) - rush the photographer (I didn't get too many pictures because I didn't take the time for them)

Everything looks so great, Kelly!!!! I LOVE your table decor...so nice! Have a wonderful wedding. I can't wait to hear all about it.

Kate, it sounds like it's all starting to come together. I'm so happy for you!

Quote: Originally Posted by 2bmosley If You Don't Mind... How Much Are Spending On The Gift Certificate For The Spa, I Would Love To Do That. I gave them each $40 and they all got pedicures/manicures or put it towards a massage last week.

Morgan, I am soooo impressed with everything. You are truly the DIY queen. Everything looks fabulous...great job!!!

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!! I'm so happy for you guys!

Everything looks so great!!!! I can't believe your day is almost here. I know I've said it before, but seriously your son is soooo cute!

Flight/Transfer We flew out of Philly on US Airways. We were running a little late to board b/c we stopped for some food/drinks, so by the time we got there, I was the third bride on the plane! My dress had to get folded in half and put in the overhead, but it was fine (it was lace so it couldn't really wrinkle). We arrived at the airport on Saturday afternoon. The line for customs was quick. We had 5 checked bags, 2 carry-on bags and my dress. We didn't declare anything and went right through. We got our transfer to the hotel from Apple Vacations. The trip was about 1.5 hours with a stop halfway. The ride was nice and smooth. Hotel & rooms Even though I've read every little thing about ROR here and on Trip Advisor, I was still completely overwhelmed and pleasantly surprised when I got there. Upon arrival, there was a long wait to check in, so I was getting a little testy b/c I just wanted to get to our room. When we got to the desk, I asked if we could be upgraded and was told "no", but that was ok b/c we booked a Junior Suite. BUT when we got to our room, it was one with the 2 beds pushed together and the balcony was literally right over the entrance where everyone walked in from the pool. I'm not usually annoyed by things like this, but I really wanted a full-size bed and a little more privacy during our wedding week. Our TA traveled with us and went to the front desk for me. They said we could be moved the next day. When we were moved we got a beautiful ocean front room with a full-size bed, so I was happy. On the day before the wedding, Chandlyn had us upgraded to the full suite. It was perfect for all of my girls to get ready in on the day of the wedding. We got to stay there for 4 nights and it was so nice. The week was just so great. I really can't complain about anything. The set up of the hotel is perfect. You basically walk through the resort and there is always somewhere to eat, drink, swim, relax. Food/Drinks I ate at the buffets for breakfast and lunch everyday and could always find something. Cheese & crackers, pasta, pancakes, etc. Even my picky 8 year old and 3 year old nephews were happy. We went to specialty restaurants a few times and they were all delicious. The drinks are great, not watered down at all. Trust me, they definitely give you loads of alcohol. I don't know what I was drinking half the time, I just told them to make me "something fun" and they did. Meeting with Chandlyn I met with Chandlyn on Monday morning and it took 10 minutes. I knew exactly what I wanted and confirmed everything with her prior to getting there, so there wasn't much to be done. We ended up choosing the beach chuppah b/c Mike really wanted to get married ON the sand (rather then in the gazebo). I got a bouquet for me, corsages for both of our moms and hair flowers for me from Tai Flora through Chandlyn and they were all gorgeous. Welcome Party - Seagrape Our Welcome Party was on Wednesday night at the Seagrape Beach Bar. I went down there about 30 minutes before it was starting and asked Chandlyn to hang a banner for me and to set up tables for Flip Cup and Beer Pong. So much fun! I was impressed that she was there setting up. She also stayed at my reception til the very end, which is crazy. She really must work 16 hour days! Rehearsal - beach & St. Ann's Our rehearsal was on Thursday. It was a quick 10 minute run through and I'm really glad we did it b/c there were a lot of people in the wedding party. Afterwards we went to St. Ann's for a very informal and quick dinner. Wedding Day - Renova Spa, beach, Dunn's River Bar, Plantation Restaurant; Photoshop (Michael) The wedding was on Friday. I went to the spa at 8 am for a massage, manicure and pedicure; all of which were great. I relaxed in my room all day with my BMs and my cousin who was doing their hair. It was so weird, I felt like I was going to cry or puke if I tried to talk at all, I was just so emotional all day. Also, it kept raining so that was making me freak out (it stopped by 3:00). I went back to the spa at 2:00 to get my hair done and loved how they did it. Michael from Photoshop got to my room at 3:30 to start taking pictures. We took pics of the BMs and moms and then started the walk to the beach. In retrospect, I wish that I asked Michael to do more pictures and different poses, but I wasn't thinking at the time. I heard the steel drum band and saw all of our guests and almost lost it. The band played "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" as the wedding party walked down and then "Canon in D" for me and my brother. The ceremony was beautiful and it went by so fast. Michael took a group shot of all 85 of us on the beach afterwards and then quickly took family and wedding party shots. For the pics of the 2 of us, we only did a few. Michael wanted us to be "romantic", but that's just not us, so we took a couple shots and went to the bar. Again, I wish I took the time to have the shots set up better, but we all just wanted it done quickly so we could start partying. Chandlyn set up cocktail hour at Dunn's River Bar, but the problem was there was no bartender there. Apparently they don't open til 5:30 and we got there early. But it was no problem b/c there is another bar right across from it so we got our drinks from there. I didn't order appetizers, but something was going on around the lobby (some theme night or something) and there was food everywhere. So it worked out perfectly. The reception started at 6:30. I went over a few minutes early and it was set up just the way I wanted it. The DJ said he does not do introductions (what?!? I gave him the form filled out that he created with the names on it), so our friend Jimmy was our emcee for the night and did an awesome job. The wedding party was introduced, then we danced our first dance, speeches were made and dinner began. I hardly ate anything, but all of my guests were raving about how good the food was (especially the seafood). We cut the cake, but I found out later that the staff never cut it up afterwards and handed it out. So basically I paid a couple hundred dollars for a 3-tiered cake that no one ate. We wanted to create a dance floor and turn the lights down and the staff had no clue, so we did it ourselves. The DJ played all of the music that I brought plus some of his own and it was so much fun. I looked at someone's watch at one point and saw that it was after 11:00. It was supposed to end at 10:30 but they kept it going til after 11:30. I think this was partly due to the fact that all of the staff were out dancing with my guests...lol. I wanted to go out afterwards, but ended up passing out right after the reception. A lot of my guests ended up at the disco and then in the pool at 3am and I'm sad I missed it, but I needed to sleep. We got breakfast in bed the next morning, which was great, except for the fact that it came at 7:30am. Overall it was the BEST time I have ever had. I have heard nothing but great things from all of my guests. I would have done a few small things over again, but nothing major. It really was the perfect wedding. I'm sure I'm forgetting so much, so ask me any questions you may have. Oh, we went to SGOR for our honeymoon and I wasn't overly impressed. I'll write a review on that later.

Thanks girls! I told Mike not to get my dress or my hair with the cake so at least he listened to that. I wanted to get him back so bad but felt my boobs popping out of my dress so had to hold onto them instead...lol! I promise, more pics soon.

Here are a few more...

My cute ring bearers: Nate & I at the bar: The cake cutting: Mike smashing cake in my face...haha: That's it for now, I'll post more this weekend as I get them from my friends.

I just logged on to my photoshare site and about 4 of my guests posted some pics. There are a million of them. If any ROR brides are interested in seeing all parts of the Riu (beach, pool, bars, disco, etc.), let me know and I'll send all of the pics to you. Here are 2 of my faves from the Welcome Party...lol: Mike talking to the minister: The BMs getting ready to walk up: Our moms: My brother walking me down the aisle: Getting married!!!: Walking back down the aisle with my DH:

Mike is the Director of Compensation & Benefits at a large company in Philly. He used to work for PWC as a consultant for 7 years, but changed jobs b/c he traveled constantly and it was really hard on both of us. Let's just say that he makes a hell of a lot more than I do!!!

Holy crap girls...14,000 unread posts!!! What have I missed?!? I had the BEST time ever and am soooo happy that I got married at ROR. I know, you are all eagerly awaiting pics. I literally walked in the door 5 minutes ago, but I promise I'll get some pics on here by the end of the night. I missed you all!

to the forum! Happy planning!!!

to the forum! Happy planning!!!

to the forum! Happy planning!!!

to the forum!

Quote: Originally Posted by carly Oh and I am totally going to go for a walk on the 16th to see if I can catch a glimpse of your wedding. Are you getting married on the beach? What time? Carly - it is 4:00 on the beach. Definitely try to come by!!! Are you staying at Beaches the whole time? If you think you may go out one night (to Margaritaville or somewhere else) let me know and we can try to meet up. If I don't see you, have an awesome wedding!!!!! I know it will be perfect.

Thanks everyone for all of your good wishes!

I have finally finished packing and running around doing errands, so I have a few hours to relax before I try to go to bed early tonight. Our flight to Jamaica leaves at 9:55am tomorrow. It still seems surreal to me, I really can't believe that we're going. This past year has dragged on at times, but also has flown by (if that makes any sense). 1 week from today I will be a wife...so exciting! Thank you to everyone who has helped me since I joined BDW. I have made some awesome friends and I can't imagine what my wedding would be like if I didn't find this forum. I'll probably be checking back in tonight, but if not I'll talk to you all on May 23!!!!

to the forum! Happy planning!!!

to the forum! Happy planning!!!

to the forum! Happy planning!!!

to the forum! Happy planning!!!