PlayaNovia

We're trying to decide where to have our wedding right now and have it narrowed down to two places: 1) Xpu-Ha beach OR 2) Isla Mujeres. I'm really hoping for Isla. It's more our style. That said - I haven't a clue about hairdressers there but I'm sure a DOC could help find one. I figure as long as I keep the style simple I'm good to go. I think if hair is worn down, it looks best without the veil. Just put a flower in your hair, or some sparkly clips and go! The veil seems like it would be just too much to deal with!

YAY for curly girlies!!! Love all the pix of different styles too! I, too, have a mass of ringlets. My hair is very fine but I've got TONS of it, and humidity also does a number on my mop. I use a fabulous products specifically for curly heads called Ouidad. For Luxurious, Sexy Curls without the Frizz: Ouidad--Free That Curl! They have an anti-humidity gel that is the BOMB! FI would love my hair down, but I just don't want to worry about it looking crazy in pix, so I plan on wearing a low chignon and have a few tendrils and ringlets here and there. I hope there is a good hairdresser around who can manage my mop, since I'll prob. have crazy bridal nerves and won't be able to do my own.

We plan on staying together the night before the wedding (no way could I sleep without him!), having breakfast that morning and hanging out until it's time to get ready. Then I'll go off with my girls to beautify and dress. We're undecided about whether to get photos beforehand, though. Personally, I'm not traditional and don't care. But he doesn't want to see me in my bridal finery until I'm walking down the aisle. Probably will end up being one of those things we decide on last minute!

Not married yet, but the items will be (drum roll please).... Something old.... antique brooch I will pin on my bouquet Something new...my dress Something borrowed... a friend is going to lend me her Coach wristlet to keep my lipstick in. YAY! Something blue.... my gorgeous sapphire engagement ring

Self-diagnosis or comparing your symptoms to others is not the best way to go. If you have severe stomach pain, see a doctor (preferably a gastroenterologist) and have tests done to see what the root of the problem is. I sometimes experiernce gut pain as well (weak stomach in general, plus I am lactose intolerant and wheat intolerant). I control my stomach issues with a proper diet and herbal supplements + acupuncture. I'm not one to medicate myself for pain, but realize everyone is different. Pain is the body's indicator that something is wrong. Taking meds (vicodin, muscle relaxers, etc.) is only a temporary fix; not to mention strong pain-killers can be damaging to other vital organs like your liver and kidneys. If your stomach problems persist after a recent trip to a foreign country, SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY. You could have a parasite or other micro-organism that is making you ill. Be well...

Have a blast! I went shopping the 1st time out by myself as well. In fact, I usually go by myself...altho a few weeks ago, I did go shopping with a friend. Remember to keep an open mind and try on everything. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted, but ended up liking things I would not have dreamed of wearing. Have fun!

I LOVE the look of Al Cielo and wanted to have my wedding here, but found out that they are closing the Xpu-Ha beach location on May 31, 2008 and moving to Tulum. No re-opening date at this time. But it's "business as usual" until May '08 at least...bummed it didn't work out for us. The location looks GORGEOUS!

We plan on heading a bit farther south to Tankah Bay and staying at a little beachfront hotel there for about 5 days after our wedding...far from the crowds.

Sol: Muchisima gracias!!!! These places look fantastic! I am going to send emails to them to find out a little more information. GRACIAS!!!

A little more info for what we are looking for: * Location where we can have ceremony & reception in the same place (but not a resort) * We will have approximately 30 - 40 guests; all adults, no kids. * We are staying in or around Playa del Carmen area, so we can go as far north as Playa del Secreto (I think that is north of PDC); or as far south as Akumal. I did look into Al-Cielo and contacted them a week ago. This would have been our dream location, however, the manager told me they are closing the Xpu-Ha beach location May 31, 2008 and relocating to Tulum. They do not know when they will re-open in Tulum. Bummed! I LOVE the Al-Cielo location!

Thanks, Lizzy for the recommendation. Ana y Jose looks nice and small; certainly has the tropical vibe we're going for...but we are hoping to secure a private location for just our party. I don't share well! (just kidding) Appreciate all the kind suggestions - gracias!

Thank you for the recommendation! Very kind... I have been to PV several times, and while it is a lovely place, me and the boy are set on Riviera Maya. It's tough, though - because we DID look at PV, and it seems like there are many more options there available to couples to have a non-resort wedding (Caletas, Le Kliff, private villa, etc.). I've not been able to find that in RM. But hope springs eternal! Thank you again...you were a beautiful bride!

Hi, all! Forgive me if this question has already been posted (I'm still figureing out the site): Does anyone know of any non-resort locations in / around Playa del Carmen (or the Riviera Maya, et al) for ceremony & reception? I know resort weddings are popular, but we'd prefer something "off the beaten path". Thanks in advance for your help!

Sol y Matt: The wedding website looks GREAT! You and your guests are going to have so much fun. And you two are the cutest ever!! P.S. Sol - I have been following your blog for what seems like forever and now I'm here on this site. So cool. (I'm belle_du_jour99)

OMG - those photos and that beach are AMAZING!!!!!! OK, maybe I'm changing the location (again) HA HA!

Thanks everyone for the very warm welcome! So far, all I've done is decide the colors, the location (well, as in "Riviera Maya"), and the dress. The dress was the biggie. I tried on nearly 50 of those suckers! Not fun... Appreciate the kind words...gracias! If anyone has suggestions for a non-resort location, I'm all ears! ETA: I've never been to the Riviera Maya before. Have traveled in Baja and also to Puerta Vallarta. But the turquoise water and white sand beaches of RM have me sold!

Hi, ladies! Just wanted to introduce myself... For the past year, FI and I have gone back and forth trying to decide where to get married. We FINALLY chose a destination / beach wedding! WOOT! Now we just have to find the beach (LOL). We're definitely getting married in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Here's the stats: Time: November 2008 (still working on that actual date thing) Place: Oceanfront, on the sand (but not at a resort) Where we hail from: Sunny San Diego, CA Looking forward to being a member here and planning the DW! Thanks!