SunBride

also keep in mind with a private jet that flies lower, the travel time will increase substancially, which makes me wonder if the option is actually better than a commercial flight

for my at home reception (AHR) I did little packages of seashell chocolates. You can buy the chocolates or make your own with chocolate molds. I bought mine on boxing day for crazy cheap (1,50$ for 20 chocolates!) and even though they are 6 months old they are still super yummy I was gonna wrap them in tulle but the tulle circles I got weren't big enough, so I used plastic instead (which was better anyways in case they melted)

If you are leaving your kids at home, why not pick an adults only resort? Just an idea!

You could go for an arch like I didm (well, they got it a "gazebo" but it's really just a frame of sticks! Same as some of the ones in your document). I didn't like any of the ones with big flower arrangements, so I went with it being decorated wth tulle and then small flowers arrangements. This was at Dreams Tulum. They had never done anything like this before (usually they use just a little tulle and big flower arrangements on the "gazebo" frame) but they did it for me no problem! Now all the girls at Dreams Tulum are requesting it!

Speaking of brides contacting you personally, yesterday I got a bunch of emails from a Dreams Tulum brides with links to her photo albums on snapfish. I have no idea who it is or how they got my email address (it was a mass email). The only thing I can think is that when Sandra sent out her big general email to all March/April brides (you will all get a similar email a month or two before your wedding) she didn't BCC, so everyone saw everyone's email addresses and people were writing to eachother (I had sent an email to everyone letting them know about this forum and inviting them to join our thread). So maybe it's one of those brides, although it would be a little bit late, as all those weddings were in March/ early April. So maybe it is somebody from here that has got email address somehow? Can't remember the girl's name.

Quote: Originally Posted by rachelannmartin Morning Ladies, I'm wondering if anyone has contacted the inhouse photographer to receive samples of their work? If so, would you mind sharing? I'm just wondering if its really worth $5000+ to bring in our own photographer. Thanks so much ladies! Here is the answer from the last time the question was asked, a few weeks ago, it is a compilation of answers from when it was previously asked, a few weeks before that (very popular question obviously!) Quote: Originally Posted by monicabrandon2008 LisaG used the resort photographer and her pics are very beautiful. Here is a link she posted in another thread about the Dreams photog... Shutterfly | View Shared Pictures Quote: Originally Posted by monicabrandon2008 donandcorri used the resort photog as well.... Dreams Tulum Wedding 11/23/2007 Review - Long Quote: Originally Posted by SunBride email the photographer and he'll send you some samples. He's email address is in the info guide (but I'll look it up and post it here) [email protected] I emailed him and he sent me like 40 samples, and I was pleasantly surprised, there were a few I didn't like, but a lot of great ones, all in all better than I was expecting for a resort photographer. but you have other options, you don't have to fly a photographer there with you (I did because it was a better value for me when you add TTD and some photos of the family the rest of the week). Look in the rest of the MR forum and there is lots of discussion about local photographers (my first choice before I decided to bring my own was claudia rodriguez). If you go to this thread: List of Dreams Tulum brides there is a list of all brides, plus for the ones already married there are links to their reviews and photos so that you don't have to do a search to try to find them. Quote: Originally Posted by can't wait! I agree with Sunbride! I saw several samples of the resort photog's work and was pleasantly surprised. Enough so, we are sticking with them since it's part of the ultimate wedding package we are getting. Plus, they are always on site so if you want to hire them the day after your wedding for your TTD (like we are) you can! Those links aren't working, but if you go to the link below to where that answer comes from, you'll be able to see the links. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-60#post375243 Also Iowachikss just got back recently and used the resort photographer, her photos are here: Iowachik22's photos Just to add, bringing your own photographer doesn't have to cost 5000$+. It cost me only 2500$!!! (that was a steam, although I've heard of others paying the same or less. I think 3000$+ is a more reasonable price to assume as a starting point). If you bring a photographer who is newer at destination weddings you should be able to get a good price (travel costs plus smaller photographer fee). Or if you go with a photographer from the MR area there are many in the + or - 2000$ range (I was planning on getting Claudia Rodriguez for 1800-2200$ for 3-5 hours. Her team is all very very good).

well since your ceremony will only last about 20 minutes, you should still have time for photos inside as well as a toast, and then let's say clear the area 15 minutes before the other girl's ceremony starts. I'm sure they will be using exactly the same set-up for both (except taking away any special items you brought yourself) seeing as there would be so little time to re-decorate. Try not to worry about it. These are the types of things we worry about in advance, but in the end say it was such a waste to worry! Worse case scenrio you will do your photos and toast elsewhere, there is so many other beautiful places on the resort. I am sure it will all work out and your day will still be very special, even if there is another wedding right after yours.

you could put together a folder / binder with lists, photos, etc (sorry if already mentioned, did not read all responses)

whenever I am too busy to eat (like before the wedding) I end up eating cereal (rice krispies) for dinner (on top of continuing to eat them for breafkast like I normally do) and I always loose weight. I use 1% milk. Cereal is pretty filling (of course it has to be a low sugar one though). Also, so that you don't drive yourself crazy starving, try to eat often, even if it's just a tiny little bit. This will keep your metabolism going. Don't worry, it will all work out. I've never heard of a bride not fitting into her dress on her wedding day! (if anyone has counter examples keep them to yourself )

Quote: Originally Posted by can't wait! BTW I'm six months out. When does Sandra or Landy, I should say, start communicating with you? I've had so many questions but been hesitant to email because I know they are so busy and have other brides. My feeling is I should wait my turn. Good mentality. You could try to send them a list of questions now, and who knows, if you get responses soon you are lucky, and if not then wait another couple months and send them again. It's nice of you to be fair, but if you haven't been bombarding them with questions, then I think it's fair for you to send one email with a list of questions.

I knew right away what she meant by stone, made me think of when I read Bridget Jones' Diary several years ago. But I still didn't know how much a stone actually was (in pounds or kilos) so happy to finally know.

I thought the buffet for over 50 people was only for the beach party (because that's the only place it's mentioned in the information guide) but I don't really know since it didn't apply to us (only 10 guests). It would suck to pay the additional money for silver or gold dinner and be forced to have a buffet (seeing as that money is paying in part for the service)

I was 99.9% positive we wouldn't have problems, but I told myself if ever we did (or if ever the judge canceled, or something else like that) that we'd just have the symbolic ceremony performed by the wedding coordinator and get legally married back home. They can't stop you from having a symbolic ceremony seeing as the ceremony officially means nothing.

I brought 3 vases, two small cylinder ones and one larger / medium size one. They were wrapped in bubble wrap and put in a box and I put them in my checked luggage. I had no problems!

my husband works as a software developer / project leader. He currently makes 70 000$ plus bonus (5 000 - 15 000$). Although he makes more than me (I make 55 000) he has been working for 5 years and me only 2. In three years from now I'll be making pretty much that same amount. So I think we are pretty much the same except that he's 3 years ahead of me. We have a bet as to whether or not my salary will ever surpass his (he thinks no, I think yes because I have better manager skills, although he is amazing at his job, not so much as a manger, so I figure I'm more likely to go into a high paying management position) Oh yeah, and I had to get a masters degree (economics) whereas he is doing this with just a bachelors (computer engineering).

Quote: Originally Posted by Pisces I'm a teacher in my first year substitute teaching and this year I have made about 37K. Teacher salaries are higher in Canada though it seems. Starting full-time teachers with one degree are 40k, teachers with 10 years are 65k, and it's up to 80k for those with masters & 15 years. I hope to get my masters in 10 years or so when I my kids are in school full-time (my non-existent kids- haha) just also wanted to comment that teachers' salaries aren't really that high everywhere, it really depends on the province. My in laws were teaching in N.B. and even with 25 years of teaching they were only making a little over 50 000$ (with a regular teaching degree, no masters).) which I don't think is a lot considering they had a university degree and 25 years experience! I'm making more than that now with just 2 years work (sure, I have a masters though, but even if I didn't I'd be making that much, if not now than in a year or two) so I can't imagine that being my top salary!

Quote: Originally Posted by Morgan I make $25,000 (starting in july $26,000), as a graduate student in a science program....$25,000 doesn't sound like a lot, but we live very good. Mike has a real job, but we keep everything seperate for now (changing next month). I pay half the rent, etc. I'm able to max out my IRA each year, save for a down payment on a house once we settle somewhere & still live very good. I'm very to see I can live so well on this ammount. I've had a full salary before, but it was before grad school so i was stashing away 1/2. I don't know what it feels like to live off a full salary. I'm still in budget concious, college mode. Morgan, you reminded me so much of myself! I finished University 2 years ago (masters in economics). I had generous scholarships at the time, plus was working during the summers during my bachelor degree, and working as a teaching assistance / research assistant during my masters. So throughout those 5 years of school my income was probably about 20 000$ per year, with 5000$ of that going towards tuition and the rest for living expenses and spending money. I thought it was definitely enough! I even had enough to go on an all-inclusive vacation every year! Overall I'm pretty thrifty though - I'm careful with my money, although I do spent a lot (love to shop!) but save where I can. Even though my boyfriend (now husband) was working those last few years making approx 50K I still paid half the appartment rent and half of everything else. The money he had more than me he was using to pay for his car and saving towards RRSPs (registered retirement savings funds in canada). Since I was doing so well while in school, I couldn't imagine how it would be once I was working and making over twice that much money! I started my first year at 48 000$. My spending habits have definitely increased (although I still penny pinch with a lot of small stuff, like stocking up on whatever groceries are on sale, I spent a lot more on medium priced items) but nowhere near doubled. Most of the extra money goes towards paying our mortgage. I went from paying 400$ a month rent to paying 1500$ a month towards our mortgage (my "half" if you will, although in reality all our money is put together) plus a few hundred a month is other house related expenses I didn't have with the appartment (i.e. property taxes). So that's where about 13 000$ (annually) of the extra money I make now (compared to being a student) goes. Most of the rest goes to taxes (hardly had to pay any before because of student tax credits). I probably only spend at most 5000$ a year more than I did as a student on normal stuff, so my quality of life hasn't changed enormously (except for being in a beautiful house rather than an appartment!) It's so nice to think that at this rate (we are very aggresively paying down our mortgage with double payments) we will have our first house paid off in under 10 years!!! Of course we could have gone for a better house, but to me a 4 bedroom practically new townhouse was more than enough for a young couple with no kids. Anyways, sorry to have gotten sidetracked a little there.... I have a masters degree in economics, and I work for the federal government as an economist / policy analyst. When I entered the workforce 2 years ago I was making 48000$ (ES2, for any other cdn gov't employees out there) and after one year got an automatic raise to 55 000$ (ES3) and in a few months (shortly after the two year mark) I should hopefully get another raise to 66 000$ (ES4)!!! Although the starting salary wasn't overly fabulous for a masters in economics (although definitely fair I think) I find the raises in the first few years pretty generous. Most people who do the same work as me will top off around 90 000$, unless you go into management in which case you could make a bit more (not that much more, our senior managers could may way more money in the private sector).

Sounds like you'd be interested in Tulum. I was married at Dreams Tulum which everyone on trip advisor says is not the "real" tulum. Aside from Dreams, Tulum is a bunch of small not all inclusive hotels and the beaches are amazing (unlike at Dreams tulum which unfortunately had a crappy beach ) But Tulum is about 45 minutes from Playa del Carmen (1h 30 - 1h45 mins from Cancun) so maybe that's too far for you.

I read them today but can't see the pictures from work (photobucket is blocked so it's just blank spaces) and everyone was saying she looked great so now I really want to see the pics!

I'm lookign for them right now too! I did a search and nothing came up!

Thanks! I made the collage in photoshop, it was so easy (okay, well I spent some time tweaking, but until that point it only took like half an hour or so!) The starfish is some clipart, I just posted it in a post called "DW Background and clip art" (in the sub-forum with inviations and STDs) I'm getting the thanks yous printed for free from vistaprint. You can order 50 free premium postcards. And according to other people, you can take advantage of the free offers over and over again! I'm having 50 done in french and 50 in english (bilingual families, some people more primarily french and others english). I was gonna do just normal photo cards, but the picture was small (on a 4x8 card the photo was only like 2x3), and you can't really write well on photo paper (smudges). So I thought this was better. I'm also going to send a 4x6 picture to all the aunts and uncles only (since I know many of them will want to frame a picture or something, well at least that's what my mom does). Although they were free, shipping to Canada was still pretty hefty (15$ for 50 postcards) so it ends up costing me the same amount as photocards, but I think these are better. And I shouldn't have any problems writing my personalized thank you message on the back.

beautiful wedding. Your daughter is too cute!

I've had a front load for 2 years (not that one, a GE) and had no problems at all. I do leave the door open a few inches most of the time, not because I ever had a smell problem, but because I heard from other people that it's a good thing to do to avoid mildew (now whether or not I would have a mildew problem if I didn't leave it open, I don't know). I do notice that the rubber part that seals the door does trap some water in it, so I can see how it could be a problem. Anyways, I love my washer. I put even the most delicate clothes in there without worry (would probably not be scared to toss my wedding dress in there! If it survived my TTD I'm sure it could survive in the front load washer!)

Quote: Originally Posted by TA Dina The resorts have plenty of activities to keep you busy for however long you are there. I would check out all the "included" stuff before purchasing outside tours from anyone. And if you do go outside, my professional advice is to purchase a tour from a company like Scubacaribe or others located in your hotels. Apple Vacations has reps at almost every hotel and their mgmt company has tours everywhere (whether you booked your trip with Apple or not). I do not ever advise my clients to go wandering out into the towns, or to the local bars on their own. But that's just me. The locals will make their way into the bars etc that the resorts have (many have little "main streets" that have all their shops/bars on it). Just stick with them and you'll have a blast and be fine. My personal opinion as well as feedback I get from every client I send there, is don't waste your money on the tours to Santo Domingo or other town for thier sites. It's a looooong uncomfortable ride, it's expensive, and not really all that much to see. But again, just my opinion from the gazillion times I've been and hunderds of clients I've sent there. Very good point about being careful not to go out on your own alone. Also it's true that the resorts offer lots of activities but that's not everyone's cup of tea (personally, of the five all inclusive vacations I've been on, I've rarely participated in the resort activities). Anwyays, just to clarify, what I meant by doing stuff on your own off resort is, for example, in the mayan riviera many people will go to Xel Ha or Xcaret (eco parks) on their own, or visit the tulum ruins on their own rather than purchasing excursions. So you could go to Tulum for 5$ admission and a cab ride, rather than the 75$ that the tour companies sell it for! You could also take a cab or bus to a shopping mall. That's all I meant by saying that I personally found that in Punta Cana there is very little to do off resort except the organized excursions.

Okay, I have to ask (although you definitely don't have to answer!) how much did all of this cost? Sounds like an amazing but very expensive wedding!