Helen_S81

The room looks just like the pictures in the brochures. It looks impressive. I loved having the whirlpool tub right in the room. One thing I didn’t like was the ‘toilet’ situation. The toilet and shower have frosted glass doors on them, so you can see the outline of the person using the facilities. Maybe I’m a prude but somethings I like to do in private, even after nearly 28 years of marriage. We spent lots of time on the beach, either walking along it, or sitting on it. The beach is spectacular. Unfortunately it got really crowded Friday 13 and Saturday 14 to the point that there were literally no chairs to be found. I saw a couple of people get into arguments about chairs. We didn’t spend much time at the pool but we did notice that there was lots of activity. The animation team worked really hard to organize activities at the pool and the beach. We managed to eat at all the restaurants at the resort. It is a tie for our top choice. We really liked the Limited Gourmand (gourmet) and Il Bottaccio (Italian), although I think the décor is really stark in the gourmet restaurant and it feels much warmer in the Italian. We ordered a bottle of wine from the gourmet restaurant (Robert Mondavi, white zinfandel $10 in the LCBO) which cost us $31 USD and we charged to our room. The wine list was fairly extensive with various price points but I chose this one because I like it. We really didn’t care for Asadito (steak house) as the food was cold and we felt rushed. Something I thought was weird was that as our table was being cleared the waiter already had a tray full of dirty dishes, which he then proceeds to unload onto our table so he could rearrange things and fit our plates on the tray.

Majestic Elegance March 9 to 15, 2009 This was a last minute booking for us. I had been looking at different options but held back on booking. We booked the trip on March 3, with our travel agent, travelling with Signature Vacations, and were supposed to leave March 8 at 7:00 am. Our flight ended up leaving 20 hours late. We finally got going around 3:00am on the 9th. It seems that Skyservice had a problem with a couple of aircraft and many of the flights were delayed that day. Our flight, and a flight to Cuba were majorly delayed. We were offered and accepted limousine service back to our house and then back to the airport and we also have the forms to fill in for $125 (each) vouchers towards our next flight with them. At this point we’re not sure what we will do as this delay ruined two days of our vacation (1 day delay getting there and then being too tired to enjoy the arrival day). Our arrival at Punta Cana and our hotel was uneventful. The hotel lobby is very impressive and we were checked in quickly, given a welcome drink, and helped with our luggage to our room. The bellman pointed out the highlights of the resort as he led us to our room and stayed and showed us around the room. The light in the lobby lit up at night:

Quote: Originally Posted by newbride Yeah, it was pretty cold that day! We ducked into the Chateau Laurier for a bit to warm up. It was too bad though, the days leading up to our shoot were warmer so the canal was closed and we had really wanted some pics on it. That was a bit disappointing, especially since it opened again the next day! Oh that's too bad about the canal! Those would have made for perfectly Canadian engagement pictures too!

I don't know the answer for sure Ruth. We had one guest who wore shorts and didn't have a problem getting into the restaurants. I think if you are at the Flamingo restaurant (near the beach) they would probably be ok. If it was one of the others they might have to change. Don't quote me on this though as I'm just guessing.

No sorry! My daughter and I went to a lot of bridal stores in the GTA but I don't recall that one. One of the things I did was Katie had a couple of different dresses in mind that she had seen pictures of and wanted to try on. Through the designer websites I found out which stores carried that line and then called the store to check stock. Turned out that once she tried them on she didn't like them, but we had to try We found the biggest collection of dresses was at Windsor Bridal on Orfus Road, which is where we bought Katie's dress but their customer service is not the best. If you can avoid going on a Saturday you will get better service and attention by going on a weekday.

Congratulations! He is beautiful! How are you doing?

Quote: Originally Posted by Ruth Here's another question for Riu Vallarta brides. Can we bring CD's and hook up to their speaker system or does it have to be an iPod? I think you can use either CD's or an Ipod. But you have to pay to rent the sound system to hook either of those up to. In 2008 it was $40 an hour to rent the sound system.

Great photos! It looks like it was very cold? I know it was freezing here (near Toronto) last weekend.

What a great planning thread! Everything looks so co-ordinated and elegant. Love the logo! Have a great wedding!

Welcome back and congratulations! You looked stunning! Your hair flower and bouquet were a lovely shade of red and the position of your veil looks perfect.

How exciting! How long have they been married? Welcome to the forum.

These shoes are fabulous! So unique! Love them.

Congratulations to both of you!

What a great place for a wedding. Everything looks just perfect! Congratulations!

Ruth, I checked with Katie & Chris. The day after we arrived they had their meeting with the wedding co-ordinator and once the flowers and the other extras such as guest passes (for a couple staying in their timeshare), extra champagne, videographer, etc were finalized she gave them a bill for the wedding. They then went to the front desk and paid it with a credit card. They are not sure whether you could wait to pay it but they wanted it out of the way. They did however have to pay the photographer in cash. Hope that helps.

Happy wedding day Jenny and Greg! Can't wait to see the pictures Good luck and congratulations!

Oh wow! I love the colour of the groomsmen's shirts and the lace on your veil! You looked beautiful! Good idea keeping your vows where you did Congratulations.

Quote: Originally Posted by Ruth Helen, thank you for the message. One question for you. How did you pay for this? Did they accept personal checks or do you have to have a credit card or traveler's check? We are totally without a clue. Thanks. Ruth I'm pretty sure that my daughter paid using a credit card (Visa or Mastercard). I will double check this afternoon when I see her though.

And Amanda I understand why you might be against it. It works for us because I hate having to remember coupons and what's on sale where. We always go to the same store for fruits and veggies anyway, so it makes sense to use a card that gives us something back. Between our PC Mastercard, Costco executive membership, Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum card, and Petro Canada points we got about $500 back last year.

Quote: Originally Posted by BachataBride I think I missed it too!! I just tried to type in my Postal Code & it's not available in my area!! I always go WAY over board with groceries & am looking for ways to save! Maybe I'll just search for coupons & start with that. If any fellow Canadians have any suggestions, please let me know!!! The best suggestion I have (if you are ok with credit cards) is to get a Presidents Choice mastercard. We buy most of our groceries at Fortino's and we get various coupons via email or regular mail which gives us extra points for buying certain products (if you use you PC Mastercard) ie. 5 times the points for Blue Line Menu products or for using our own bags etc. We also get points for every $$ that we put on the card in other stores. For the points you collect you get cash back, which you can use towards groceries, or gift certificates etc. Last year we got $170 back which I used in December to buy groceries at Christmas time. The card is free. I swear by it because I don't have to remember coupons or go from store to store. I just take my coupons from my email flyer and they do the rest at the checkout. Let me know if that wasn't too clear as I'm not too good at explaining these things.

Congratulations on your wedding! Great review! Too funny about the Dr.

Welcome to the forum! My daughter got married at the Riu Vallarta May 7, 2008! Here are a few links to threads that might be helpful to you: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t36651 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t32673 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t21027 If you have any questions just ask away and we'll do our best to help you out.

Your planning is superb! Everything looks so well put together. I love it all. Love your shoes, your dress and your resort looks fabulous! Good luck with rest of the planning and your wedding. I can't wait to see your wedding photo's!

Very unique invitations. They look great! Well done

Those are great invitations. Great job!