monicabrandon2008

OMG!!! hahaha That is outrageous especially not including the big things like you said. Have you picked a resort? A resort WC and the staff should be able to accommodate you at a much more affordable rate.

I know It stinks. I'm trying to avoid extra costs if at all possible. I read the thread about the outside photographer issue. I wish I had a friend that is a pro photographer but I don't...bummer

Quote: Originally Posted by LC_Rachel I haven't read too many posts from girls that have complained of being too hot in their dresses. I think the day is such a whirlwind, I doubt you will be thinking about the heat. My tip- Try on like 5 dresses before this one. I got so hot trying on all the dresses, so when I finally got a lighter one on I was like ahhhhh...so much better. I could be crazy and prematurely menopausal, but that's what I experienced LOL! I have now decided I need to go out and try on dresses instead of surfing the internet trying to find the one. It's just impossible without trying it on!

Please ask the WC(if you get to meet with her) at Grand Sirenis about bringing in an outside photographer. I'm considering this resort but from reading another thread there are alot of resorts that charge$500 to bring in an outside vendor. Actually I got an email from Cecilia stating that they don't allow and outside photographer. If you do see Cecilia will you ask in more detail......If I choose GS I will have to threaten that I will take my business elsewhere if they won't allow it. If there is anything you can find out on this issue I will greatly appreciate it.

Quote: Originally Posted by VariaStudio Hi ladies, I am going to Grand Sirenis next week (Nov 25-Dec 2). I will be shooting the wedding on Nov 30th and we are also doing "Trash The Dress" session next day after the wedding. I will post the link to my pictures when I return, so you can get an idea of the area/resort. Melissa Radolli, I noticed you are from Toronto too. What day is your friend's wedding? Are you going to Osi and Juan's wedding at the Grand Sirenis Varia Toronto Photographer | Destination wedding photography, trash the dress and fashion Varia Studio Cecila the WC said I couldn't have an outside photographer come in Maybe I should just act as if it is a guest at my wedding needing a day pass but really it will be my photographer Do you think that will work Here is the email Cecilia sent me: Dear Monica: Regarding your question its not possible to have an outside photographer since we have a concession photography which is in charge of these events exclusively

Guys: Give thanks for women! By Nina Malkin Sure, we can be a pain in the butt sometimes. Sure, there’s the nagging, the nosiness, the PMS mood swings and those easily injured feelings. But guys, think for a moment about all the wonderful things we ladies do. From the pains we take to be aesthetically pleasing to how we kiss it and make it all better, we women do rock. Let us count the ways! 1. Like it or not, we groom you for a real relationship Whether it’s the mom who taught you to respect us, the sister who told you our secrets, or even the last girl who dumped you because you weren't ready to settle down, the women in your life help to shape you into the best man you can possibly be. So that when you meet The One, you’ll be ready, willing and able. 2. We’re sympathetic Before we try to solve the problem (as men tend to do), we acknowledge it. We say things like: “That must have hard for you seeing your friend get the promotion instead of you—how do you feel about it?†It may not seem like much, but a world without women’s compassion and understanding would be a pretty cold place. 3. We’re extraordinary ego-boosters If it seems as though women are forever fishing for compliments, it’s because they’re nice to hear, especially when they’re sincere. That’s why we dole them out—about how handsome you look in that suit, how awesome you are at air hockey, how mind-blowing you are in bed, et cetera. 4. We’re soft Soft hair, soft lips, soft skin… and so forth. All in all, it’s a pretty huggable package. 5. We keep your social life hopping Before there were Palm Pilots, there were women. We organize, we schedule, we remember. Admit it—you get out a whole lot more and have a more interesting life when you’re dating someone who wants to do something besides sit home and watch TV all the time. 6. We listen The stereotype of woman as chatterbox is unfair. OK, scratch that—we do love to talk. But not in a vacuum. That’s why we’re always urging you to talk; we believe in communication and that means we want to listen, too. Go ahead, open up—tell us what you were like as a little kid and how you plan to save the world. 7. We have a civilizing influence Yes, you probably could survive in a bachelor pad adorned with nothing but a TV and a six-pack in the fridge. But once a woman enters the picture, prepare to see some improvements even if you’re not living together yet. Due to our nest-feathering instincts, we strategically place pillows, search for thick, absorbent bath towels, and not only use sheets but change them regularly. Ahhhh! 8. We inspire you to shoot for gold Think it’s an accident the Muses were all women? Somebody’s got to encourage your rock opera, psyche you up before that job interview, and root for your basketball team. We do it because we recognize your potential and know you can achieve your goals. And we want to cheer you on. 9. We make worthy opponents Yeah, yeah, we’re soft and sweet most of the time. But engage us in battle, and we will tear your #%$^@ing head off. So be thankful — be very, very thankful — that we like you right now. 10. If you want kids someday, we’re usually willing to have them And the labor pains. And the stretch marks. And in between, the periods. You’re welcome.

Quote: Originally Posted by Checkman Thanks!! So, in our limited amount of research and our smaller than we like budget, where should we start? We are looking for a good bang for our buck and to keep it affordable for our guests. I heard DR might be a good place or Mexico. A very nice beach wedding would be best! First of all, congrats!!! I am still searching for a resort at the right price as well. I am looking into 2 resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico: Grand Sirenis and Grand Sunset Princess. They are both new 5*resorts that you can get at a great price since they are trying to get their name out there. Grand Sirenis has been open for a year and Grand Sunset Princess is scheduled to open next month. We don't have a huge party of guests going so we aren't using a travel agent. I've been looking at websites: funjet.com; applevacations.com; tntvacations.com; discountvacations.com; worryfreevacations.com

Thanks everyone! I'm going to PM Jessalyn as well

I would get it now!!! It's very pretty and you can't beat that price!

LOL that's okay...we all have those days. I'm going to keep on looking for a shop that has this dress because I definitely need to try it on b4 I order it. Thanks y'all!

This is my most requested appetizer at parties. People fight over the last one! Bacon Wrapped Smokies (cocktail weenies) This is for 32 snack size weenies: INGREDIENTS 2 pounds sliced bacon, cut into thirds 2 (14 ounce) packages beef cocktail wieners 1 cup brown sugar, or to taste DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Wrap each cocktail wiener with a piece of bacon and secure with a toothpick. TIP: I just put a piece of bacon on the cutting board, wrapped the smokie in it until there was a slight overlap, cut the bacon with scissors, & stabbed it with a toothpick. Much easier than cutting the bacon into thirds since the smokies are not always the same size. Place on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle brown sugar generously over all. Bake for 40 minutes in the preheated oven, until the sugar is bubbly. To serve, place the wieners in a slow cooker and keep on the low setting. They are so delicious and they will be a HUGE hit. I know my friends and family love em!

Quote: Originally Posted by LadyP I havent been married yet but I think the dress is GORGEOUS IF THAT COUNTS FOR ANYTHING Thanks!!! I know, I just love it! Just so nervous I'll be steaming hot. It's exactly what I want though......

BUT I wanted to know if you think it will be too hot for a beach wedding. I know I saw somewhere that Jessalyn bought this dress and she wore it to her beach wedding. Jessalyn were you too hot in this dress Your pics are beautiful and it didn't look like you were sweating but I think this dress has 4 layers to it so I'm a little worried. I would love to hear if it was too hot. I LOVE this dress but I don't want to be sweating bullets either. Also, I can't find anywhere local that has this dress for me to try on b4 I order it online. Have any of you ordered a dress online without trying it on?? Do you just get it a size too big and then get it altered? here's the link to the casablanca 1831 Casablanca Wedding Dress 1831 [1831] - $598.00 : Wedding Dresses, Prom Dresses, Wedding Accessories at BestBridalPrices.com

"new on our board" LOL just a guess

Picasa Web Albums - Mike - grand sunset ... pictures from the hotel's website during construction, so take that into consideration This just shows the bones of the hotel.

I found another email address and the WC name: Her name is Damarys and her e-mail is [email protected] I just emailed a few minutes ago.

Quote: Originally Posted by nylalany I wrote the resort and nobody ever wrote back, but some nice woman from another forum sent me info. I attached it - hopefully that worked. Of course, it doesn't list menus or even contact info as far as I can tell. If anyone knows how I can tour the property when I go down next week, please let me know. I tried writing the general email for the parent company, but I haven't heard back. Unfortunately, it doesn't open until the following week. Thanks for the package price. I will let you know if I get in touch with anyone. I hope I have some luck so you can check it out when you go down there next week. Someone posted this on tripadvisor: You can email their reservations people and ask. [email protected] It took them three days to respond to me, but they did write back with answers the questions that I asked. I'm going to try that email.

There is a new Princess resort opening next month in the Riviera Maya! The resort is Grand Sunset Princess or Grand Riviera Princess. They are the same just two different sides of the resort. There's not alot of info. out there on this resort seeing that it hasn't opened yet but from what I see it is beautiful!! Very classy at an amazing price (trying to get business and their name out there). The cheapest website I found was discountvacations.com I am still in search of the "perfect resort." This may be the one! I am looking for the best deal out there in order to allow my friends and family to be able to come. I thought this may help a bride just like me STILL looking for the next best thing. Now I'm off to get in contact with the resort to get wedding info.

YES, I would love to see pictures of the ceremony. I have seen one wedding picture and it looks like the site is on the beach in front of the huge natural rocks, which I liked. Just curious to see if there are other sites on the beach good for a ceremony. I'm so jealous, I hope you have tons of fun. I would also like to hear what you think about the food and night activities (bars in Playa del Carmen, shows at the resort, lobby dancing/drinking, etc.)

Thanks beachbride, The more I read the great, recent reviews on TA(except the one that says they were held against their will, seems bogus to me) I think I'm hooked on this one. Now if I could just get a response from the hotel. I REALLY love the architecture of Grand Sirenis. It's affordable which I'm definitely trying to keep in mind for my friends, as we are all in our mid 20's starting careers I want everyone to be able to come and I'm amazed at the prices! I'm hoping it won't be too quiet but I'm sure will have a great time no matter what. I have been to Cancun and they do have the BEST nightlife which obviously you know that and that's why you picked Cancun Hmmm...so much to think about when picking a resort!

Thanks beachbride, The more I read the great, recent reviews on TA(except the one that says they were held against their will, seems bogus to me) I think I'm hooked on this one. Now if I could just get a response from the hotel. I REALLY love the architecture of Grand Sirenis. It's affordable which I'm definitely trying to keep in mind for my friends, as we are all in our mid 20's starting careers I want everyone to be able to come and I'm amazed at the prices!

Thanks beachbride, The more I read the great, recent reviews on TA I'm think I'm hooked on this one. Now if I could just get a response from the hotel. At first I was considering BPA but I REALLY love the architecture of Grand Sirenis.

Quote: Originally Posted by starchild I had never heard of it but I checked it out online and it looks gorgeous. There appears to be a ruin onsite too. Maybe someone else here knows more about it. This wedding review was on TripAdvisor: Akumal: Grand Sirenis Riviera Maya - Traveler Reviews - Great trip and an amazing wedding! - TripAdvisor Thank you! Not the absolute best review but not all bad either I just love the looks of the resort maybe they have fine tuned the glitches.

I have not picked a resort yet and stumbled across Grand Sirenis. It definitely has a different look than any of the other resorts and caught my eye. It doesn't have the colorful Mexico look but it is still gorgeous. It's a new resort (about a yr. old) in Akumal and I can't seem to find any information on this resort as far as weddings are concerned. Please help!!

Oh hee hee Thanks!