becks

So, ditched the big tree in the middle, and came up with the following three options - which one do you like best? (MODS: can someone close my prior post?) Option one: Add a touch of bright pink Option two: Add initials (I tried putting the & in bright pink, but printed it makes it hard to read the text, so just the lighter pink all around) Option three: Little trees bracketing the header

Oh yes. If you're going to iron organza (unless it's silk organza), it's made of poly. So put something (anything!) over it before you put the iron on it. That stuff will pucker and melt like butter if hit with direct heat!

I like the first one - so tropical!!

Thanks ladies!! I knew you'd come up with lots of good ideas!

GO!!!! I've spent lots of time in Paris and Florence during the colder seasons. It's not bad. Just... cold. So take a good pair of cutie rain boots, a small WINDPROOF umbrella (big fan of the one from Sharper Image), and a decent coat and you'll be fine!! And if you need any help with restaurants hotels in Florence or Paris (I'm better with Florence than Paris), PM me - I've got a great list!

That is WONDERFUL!!! I'm so happy for you!!! Um... where are those pics??

Love #1. I'm doing something similar.

Nikki - I'm with the majority here. #1 is just breathtaking - totally WOW!!! I liked #2 as well, but it just didn't seem to have that same oomph.

Were they filming "My Big Fat Redneck Wedding" by any chance?

My firm gets corporate rates at the Club Quarters in Midtown (45th Street, between 5th and 6th Aves). It's not the highest end hotel in town, but it's just fine and it's pretty inexpensive - $264 per night (double occupancy). Take a peek here: http://www.clubquarters.com/club_qua...rk_midtown.asp And if you're interested I can put some rooms on hold for people. Other than that, we also have a corporate rate at the Starwood hotels, but the cheapest I can find right now would be about $330 per night.

Dear Maura's co-worker: Watch your step my dear, because Maura is one of my favorite people and when I'm next in Chicago (week of May 1) I will walk into your office and beat you like a rented mule and walk out to wait for Maura at the wine bar around the corner.

So, I booked Mannia! Yippee! However, for those of you interested in using Swank (or at least seeing what they can do), I sent Victor a note last week indicating that Mannia was much cheaper, even with the supervisor fees, etc. I gave him 3 business days and never heard back. But today when I sent him the outside vendor contract so that he could book the supervisor and arrange power, etc., here's his reply: " Sorry to read this, I was ready to improve my proposal and offer yo a better deal." So he WILL move his prices when you've got something to leverage.

There is a second gazebo, that's bigger, and a bit more private (but not much). The gazebo itself is about 15' in diameter, but the walkway is short, and you can seat people at the end of the walkway. It was offered to us as a back up area in the event of rain (the seating area is covered). Just note that it's right off the main lobby, so you would have onlookers. You can see one photo of it in part 2 of my review (it's not a great photo). I took it from the area where you would have guests seated. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t15195

Well, it's 2:1 in favor of no tree. I'll see if I can't find something to spice up the middle a bit.

Quote: Originally Posted by MissyR What are you doing about centrepieces? Did you decide or is that part of the site visit? Dunno yet. We're having dinner at L'Hermitage, so it will depend on the table set ups. But it will be something simple - like a single pink anthurium with some baby's breath or something along those lines - the tables aren't that big. Outside for the cocktails and dancing, I've got no idea. I'm actually considering just a bottle of champagne in a nice ice bucket, with a few flower petals on the table. Whatever we do, it will be pretty simple... you know me... far more concerned with the food, the music and the booze than the stuff on the tables!

Quote: Originally Posted by bridetobe22 Can you please give me some advice of the best person/contact information to reach out to at the Paradisus to check date availablitity? I hoping that you can and as soon as I get it, I'll reach out to them. We are looking at early November. I'll let you know once I get a date! This is SO exciting! Many thanks! Katy Hi Katy: Here are the two e-mail addresses: Elisa Amora Hernandez: [email protected] Perla Cervantes: [email protected] Frankly, though, if you want it set and settled right away, call. It's ALWAYS faster. +52 998.872.83.83 ext. 8046. This is Elisa's number, and goes to the automated system at the hotel. As soon as they pick up just dial 8046. I usually find it easiest to reach her between 10:30 and 11:30 AM Central time.

Quote: Originally Posted by MissyR Becks - SOoo glad to hear about Carlos Mania - guess I should email Perla and get that in writing too before we try and make a deal. Glad to hear that this is working out - would it be OK if I referenced your dealings wiht him and the resort in my email? Of course!! Maybe we should have worked out some sort of multiple booking discount...

One more update on the DJ front. I received an e-mail from Elisa (after I spoke with her - she's good that way - everything in writing): My question: "Elisa: I sent the note below to Victor at Swank today. Does the Paradisus have any charges other than those listed in the contract with Swank that we would need to pay in order to use an outside DJ?" Her reply: "It was a pleasure to talk to you over the phone, there is no extra charge involved. Have a nice day!" So, there we go - and saving $600 - $1,200 if you were going to have to pay Swank for lighting. Woo hoo!

More news on the DJ front. Elisa confirmed that the only fees are those charged by Swank - so no outside vendor fee. YAY!!! That being said, I spoke with her - I didn't get it in writing, so I'd suggest sending her an e-mail to make sure the same holds for you.

Hi Katy!!! Welcome to the party! I looked at Porto Real, but opted for the Paradisus. I just never got the same feel of luxury, secluded, etc., that I didn with the Paradisus. That, and the WC there just never got back to me in a timely fashion.

Oh shoot Abbie! I wish you'd said so yesterday! I actually finished reading it in less than 24 hours (it really flies when you have 3 hours at the hairdresser). But I returned it to Barnes and Noble. (Terrible, aren't I?!)

You may be able to purchase a deckle edged paper cutter - it won't be truly torn, but it will look as though it is. Alternatively, you can buy deckle edged paper in the size you need.

I'm using the boarding passes for my (in)formal invites. For all but the cover page, I'm trying to decide if I should use the palm tree in the main portion as well as stub portion of the tickets. I know I want it on the stub, but I'm torn about the main part. Is it too plain without the tree, or is it too busy with the tree. I figured I'd take the question to the experts: So, which will it be; with or without the tree? Here's with: Here's without:

So, FI wants to throw flashlights into our OOT bags - mostly for the 15 or so kids that will be there, but also just in general. The paths at our resort are lit just fine to see where you're going, but not more than that. The problem is, I can't seem to find any flashlights that are less than $3-$4 each (including batteries), unless I order 250 or so. Anyone have any bright (yes, that was intentional) ideas?