Samantha S

Don't you have to have a legal 'ceremony'? Even if it is completely non-romantic ''I do's'' or does it vary state by state? I am so completely confused about all of it but I think I'm doing the right thing as far as Oregon goes-- we're getting our marriage license and then a judge or minister has to 'marry us' and sign it and we take the marriage license back and its official. We are going to have my FI's grandparents, best man and mother there. My parents live out of state so they can't come and it makes me feel a little bad but the bottom line is we are considering our DW our 'real' wedding but are inviting his g-parents because they can't go to Mexico and he is very close with them. His best man can't go and is really upset so we invited him. We are doing it at the courthouse one afternoon and will do an early dinner after it. I don't think it will take away from the DW. It might even take a little edge off, I am a huge cry baby and am so worried I'll be a blubbering mess. Hoping the legal ceremony will get the crying (blubbering) out of the way!

We're some where in between everyone's situation. My FI is inviting everyone left and right with the 'verbal' invitation and we sent out real invitations to select people. We are paying per head so he makes me bang my head against the wall. I don't mind at all if people want to bring a date or even a friend so they are not alone the whole time and I expect that people will bring their immediate family (children, spouse) but we've had a couple of guests say their mother/sister/cousin/etc want to go and I just don't say anything back. When it comes down to it and we know these 'extra' guests are for sure going, we'll do what many girls are suggesting; whoever wants to go to Mexico can go to Mexico but we may not be able to accommodate people's personal guests at our wedding ceremony and reception. I'm keeping in mind what most gals say and that is that about half of the people that say they're coming will actually come. Our wedding is two months away and several people in our wedding party haven't even booked yet. We're not pressuring and prodding any one, if they come they come!

Quote: Originally Posted by Kat81 Thanks! Your wedding is getting so close! I can't wait to hear all about it! I can't think about it, it makes my stomach jump it is so close!!!

I'm not sure of the brand but I've seen tattoo cover up kits at bridal stores and probably at Sephora. Good luck! I have one I want removed some day but it is on the side of my leg/hip so its only visible in a bathing suit.

Kat-- Your pics are AMAZING! The sky looks awesome in the ones of the ceremony at the gazebo. Wow. Stacey-- I'm with the other gals on the DJ. If you wouldn't mind saving the money, I would just make playlists on an iPod and buy a good docking station like Bose and designate a family member/guest to do announcements. You can probably even buy a microphone or something. :-)

Thanks Dawn! That answers my questions really well! The bouquets are stunning! I think I'll just go with them, I don't want to sweat over trying to get something specific that they don't have or that will complicate it-- yours are gorgeous! I cannot wait to see your pro pics, your profile pic is amazing. The link didn't work for me either. Your and Kat's weddings were so beautiful.

Nice, thank you so much! 10 minutes is perfect! Seriously, those are the best weddings-- people are always like, woo hoo!!!! Thanks again.

Quote: Originally Posted by dancingdolphin For those already married at DC, did you tip the WC, officiant, videographer, hair / makeup person, etc? If so, how much did you give? I'm trying to determine how much money we need to bring down there. Afterall, can't really put the tip on the credit card. I did a previous search and found results from $0 to 15%-20%. I'm not sure what's customary in Mexico at an all inclusive. Thanks!! Haven't been married yet but I will tip the WC (probably $75-100 and maybe a small-ish gift-- not sure) and hair/make-up person (20%). I don't know about the officiant-- did anyone else do this?-- I wouldn't instinctually but maybe this is a norm I don't know about-- same goes for videographer?

Quote: Originally Posted by dmarie17 I did the symbolic ceremony.. didn't want to deal with a blood test... I actually did a review with pics yesterday so there are some on here! Consider your bone thrown... wait... nevermind!! I meant to ask you about this one in your review thread-- how did this go? Did you change it up at all?

Hi Dawn, great review and great wedding!! Everything looked and seemed amazing. After reading your review and Kathi's, I have a bunch of questions given my wedding is two months away and I'm starting to freak out a bit. Here goes: How was Gaby? Any issues to have a heads up on to make sure they don’t happen? Did you meet with her before the wedding also? Was she better with your wedding about being on top of it and letting you guys know what to do and where to be? What flowers did you go with? Did you pick them out beforehand or when you got there? I don’t mind picking them out there but I do want some kind of idea of what they have available this time of year and Gaby gave me nothing. Can you post a pic because one that I think I am seeing in one of your photos is almost just what I want… pink/orange combo… ? Did you happen to ask when the construction would be done on the terrace? What is different about it from the pics? I know I will have more, thank you SO MUCH! Again, amazing wedding, you looked gorgeous.

Oops, a few more: I can't remember if you used the resort's ceremony script or if you gave them your own? How did that aspect go? As for the reception being 'inside' and hot, isn't the terrace a half in/half out kind of thing?

Kat, you looked SO amazing-- thank you for the review. You are right, your make-up and hair look fabulous. First off, the good things-- it sounds amazing overall. I checked out your myspace non-pro pics and it looks so wonderful! What is the name of the company that did your pirate cruise? The mis-haps: super bummer about the videographer, grrr. That is also disappointing that Gaby was so nonchalant about everything and I CANNOT believe they set up so late. Gaby is my WC and this makes me scared. Do you have any advice on how to deal with those things? Perhaps just have some one, such as a relative with a checklist to make sure the WC is on it? Not that you should have to do that! you have a truly inspirational attitude about it all!

Quote: Originally Posted by Tammy and David Thank you Jennifer, I just called those guys you used at cancuncatamarans.com and we are booking as soon as we get the PayPal request. Our 50+ guest will be soo suprised. We got a large boat for our party. Now we move to the flower selection, dinner menu. I had no idea of the things I would need to decide. You too a load off our minds. Thank you soo much Jennifer About how much is it costing? I am considering doing this for our guests too...

Quote: Originally Posted by STACEY I am getting extensions a week before my wedding. My FSIL is going to do them. She put some pink strands in my hair for fun to see if I would like them. i have had them about a month and so far I havent had any problems. I wash and style my hair every day. I think they are the great lengths. She used a heat gun to attache them. My extensions will be about 10" or so. Do you have someone close to you that would do it, or are you just going to go to a stylist? They are kinda expesinve. But if you plan on keeping them in for a while its worth it. Stacey, what do you plan on doing with your hair for your wedding day? I've been going back and forth on extensions and worry about the wind at the dreams gazebo with a 'down-do'. Also for those that have had them, what's it look like if you get your hair wet in a pool or the ocean? You can probably see the bonds i'm assuming?

Yes! Please report back-- I'm interested to see what you think of the book, I've also been interested in learning more...

I love to share this recipe whenever I get the chance... it is DELICIOUS, so super easy and looks kind of fancy: Foil Baked Salmon with Basil Pesto and Tomatoes 2 salmon filets, about 6 oz. each 2 tsp. olive oil (to grease foil) about 4 tsp. basil pesto (can use pesto from a jar here with good results, although obviously homemade pesto is even better) 4-5 medium tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick 1. Preheat oven to 450 F. (I used my toaster oven.) Place a baking sheet in oven to heat while you prep the salmon. 2. Tear two pieces of foil, big enough to wrap salmon with some overlapping. Place foil pieces one on top of the other. Put about 2 tsp. olive oil in center of top piece of foil and lay salmon on top of oil. 3. Spread each piece of salmon with about 2 tsp. basil pesto. Arrange sliced tomatoes over pesto so they cover the top of the salmon. 4. Wrap salmon securely in foil, doubling over the seam and ends several times. Place salmon packet on heated baking sheet and cook 15 minutes. 5. Remove from oven after 15 minutes and let sit 2-3 minutes. Then open carefully and serve immediately, while salmon and tomatoes are hot. Here is the link with pictures: Kalyn's Kitchen: Foil-Baked Salmon Recipe with Basil Pesto and Tomatoes

Quote: Originally Posted by Shay2679 I have been playing basketball with my FI recently, and last night, we both did the first portion of the Buff Brides exercise regimen! My legs burn a little today, but overall, I feel excellent... Let the next six months kick my ass! OMG, your FI did Buff Brides? I don't know what it is but that is still an awesome visual! I only worked out once this week. My doggie ended up in the ER for a few days with seizures and I was a walking mess. She is all better now though and I was back at the gym today.

Wow Yari, your hair looks AWESOME!! Congrats! Heather, I am having my hairstylist get me clip in 'real' hair extensions-- probably for an updo. Since my wedding is a year before your's, I'll be able to give you a report back!

For the outside photography thing, I went back to an old post where I was certain I remembered reading that Dreams and changed their policy from the no outside photogs thing. Here is the link and here is the quote from dc22173. Yes, this is from Daniella but Harty is right, they weren't on the same page then and they still aren't. It should just be a day pass fee. Harty, I will definitely be bringing a copy of that email from Gaby!!: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t14627-4 Quote: Here is an email I got from Daniella on 5/20/09. I was asking about the photograph packages and if they had reconsidered their no outside vendor policy. It looks to me that they have reconsidered their policy I have emailed her back and told her that I will be bringing an outside photographer and that I wanted that language added to my contract. I still have not heard from her but she is not getting my deposit until this is in writing. If you want to have a larger photo or video package this are not mixable with the ones you have included. There’s no discount on the upgrade you want to make. For photographer we only work with Juan Navarro. If you want to hire Claudia there´s no day pass charge as well but you have to contact her directly. For using another photoghrapher or external supplier the charge Is $50 usd. Thanks Daniella Castillo Wedding Assistant Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Tel. 52 (99 848-70-00 Ext. 7603 Dto. 52 (99 848 - 7046 Fax 52 (99 848-70-03

Oh, poor Jen! We are thinking of you!!

Ladies, I told Gaby less than a month ago we'd be using Cecilia Dumas and she said okay. I also said I wanted to switch the photography for the videographer and she said okay (we're getting the dreams of love package). THEY DO ALLOW OTHER PHOTOGRAPHERS!! I have no idea why Claudia would still be saying that. I will forward anyone my email of Gaby saying okay if they need some proof, send me your email address. Quote: Originally Posted by crystalljackson Well, you're not the only one! I've sent Claudia about 4 emails regarding this, and she never quite gives me a yes or no answer. I'd picked Cecilia Dumas as my photographer already, and I've sent Claudia an emails specifically asking if Dreams allows outside photographers (from what I could tell from all the brides that have been married at Dreams and used outside photographers, I figured they did, but I was just trying to be safe) and the only response I ever get from her is this... "Dear Crystal: The external photo vendors are: Juan Navarro Juanhphotos Claudia Rodriguez Claudia Rodriguez, Photographer, Cancun & Riviera Maya Thank you" So I write back again and again, to only get the EXACT same response. Highly frustrating! I don't want to use THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER. I am not impressed by his work what so ever. Claudia Rodriguez is good (and expensive), but only one of her minions, Alberto, is available on my wedding day. I'm not sure if Dreams has changed their photography policy, or what. I can't seem to get a straight answer from Claudia (the WC) at all...heck, if I get a response from her at all I'm lucky! Anyway, I refuse to use their photographer. My wedding is in two months and when I get down there, I will expect to use Cecilia Dumas, and I DARE them to give me any crap about it I've spent months trying to resolve this issue and have had no success. Quote: Originally Posted by mummergirl those are the only two allowed by dreams cancun. i would at this point write that you had already hired and paid for cecilia dumas, and ask what you will need to do to get them to allow her on property that day. it may be as simple as paying the guest pass fee.

I've been wondering about this too. We'll do our legal thing in the next few weeks and for professional reasons, I want to have my name changed soon (potentially getting published). But, my passport and plane ticket are in my maiden (current) name. Does anyone know if I can change my name on my drivers license and then change it on my passport after the Mexico wedding? Will that cause me a big headache to have mis-matched names on my drivers license and passport, a.k.a. is that even legally possible?

okay motivation team, I have a new plan: yoga on monday and wednesday mornings and cardio/weights on Saturday and Sunday. If I can squeeze in another day I will but I'm committing to 4 days per week for now. I decided I officially started this today and I did work out, woo hoo-- 100% successful! Ha ha. We'll see about monday morning but seein's how I have to report to you ladies who do it every morning, I'm sure I'll be more motivated.

Quote: Originally Posted by tvt Hey girls. For those of you that have the LM eye conscealer, how the heck to you apply it? I tried the other day... holy shit I looked like an 80 year old woman. I have the beginings of wrinkles around my eyes, but whatever I did with the conscealer made it look like i was 80! I think you just need a tiny bit and you're supposed to use a 'special' brush to apply it. I know it's supposed to be the *greatest* concealer but it was a little ooey-gooey for me. The brush they try to sell with it is apparently synthetic and is supposed to be. Are you using a brush to apply it?

Quote: Originally Posted by Christa My favorite - our compost heap! It's amazing to see how much vegetable waste comes out of your kitchen when you stop throwing it in the trash & start accumulating it in a pile. We throw our grass clippings in there as well. Can you tell more about food composting? How do you do it? what does it entail? FI and I do most of the things people have listed but not this one...