~*petals*~

I'm so excited!! Monica (Monica Z Photography) just posted teasers from our TTD session on her facebook & of course I couldn't wait to run over to the board to share them with you!!!!

Here's my wedding cake! Pic by Monica Z Photography

What a cutie!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Sycamore Tree Negril is so much better. That resort does not have a gorgeous beach and it is far away from the lovely people of Negril. It's enormous and it does not have an ideal location. It really depends on what you're looking for, and what works best for your group. GPJ was perfect for our large group & everybody was happy with the accommodations & the convenience of being at an all-inclusive. We honeymooned at a tiny hotel (Idle Awhile) on Negril's 7-mile-beach and it was perfect for our secluded honeymoon. We walked the beach and ate jerk chicken at the roadside. I feel like we got the best of both worlds- it just depends on what is the best fit for your group.

Quote: Originally Posted by BillysBride The birdcage veil...*sigh* Monica, you have totally sold me on using one. All it took was two pics! I gotta stop hangin' "out" with you ladies...you BDW girls are going to bankrupt me, one dollar at a time! You know I made the veil (with help from a family friend)! I think it cost about $20 total for everything.

Hi Ladies! I'm back from my GPJ wedding & Negril honeymoon and I just wanted to tell you that everything went well. My guests had a great time & we heard no complaints- everyone was talking about how nice their rooms were and how much they loved the grounds. The day of the wedding it started pouring rain (HARD) around midday and it only let up for a while around 3pm.... before it started drizzling again. The gazebo area got soaked and was all mud so the wedding got pushed back about an hour and we held it at the spa instead. It was GORGEOUS! A couple nights before the wedding, we ate at the Indian restaurant while a wedding reception was taking place at the Blue Lagoon and kept an ear out to listen to the DJ and timing of the dinner/speeches.. and noticed that the dinner service, cake, speeches, etc took up most of their time allotment. (Another BDW bride mentioned this as well...) So we decided to use our iPOD with their speaker/microphone setup (they have a jack so you can plug your iPOD directly into their speaker system- no need to bring a dock or portable speakers). Instead of paying $900 for the DJ to play dinner music, we paid ($175 I think?) for their speaker setup, and got the steel drum band for 1 hour to play for the ceremony instead- it was the best decision! They were wonderful! We rented the Blue Lagoon and had the seafood appetizer and beef & shrimp as the main courses. I brought centerpieces and they set everything up perfectly. We had 57 guests and did a U-shaped setup. The dinner service did take a really long time, so after dinner was over, we just did speeches and the cake-cutting, and then everybody went upstairs to Infinity Lounge after everything was done. All in all, it was great! My only complaints are minor in the grand scheme of things: it was VERY difficult to catch up with Jascynthia, they don't mention that lobster is only available seasonally in their materials (I would've chosen something else & made that the meal choice in my invites), and my flowergirl basket & little ringbearer box disappeared completely (they were in the suitcase with the centerpieces). The guests had a great time and the wedding day was beautiful despite the rain! Posted a couple teaser pics here: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t43088 Let me know if you have any questions!

I say go for the "wow" factor you want! I did the same and became a 2-dress bride but it was completely worth it!

Thank you Ladies!!! You are too sweet. Quote: Originally Posted by BillysBride *gasp*..clutch the pearls, girl you look BEAUTIFUL!!! Oh my gosh, you guys are a gorgeous couple and you were workin' that dress! How are you feeling? I thought of you on your day, wondering how your cold/voice was! CONGRATULATIONS, MRS!!! (and the updo turned out FAB!) oh, and p.s..girl, ya man is FINE! Work that suit, work it!!! lol LOL- Thank You girl! I was able to shake the cold for the most part, but I was just happy my voice was back so I could actually speak my vows! Quote: Originally Posted by jamaica2010ms Who did your photos? They are stunning! Congrats!!! My photographer is Monica of Monica Z Photography-- the pics are awesome!

Thank you! Just posted some teasers! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t43088

Hey guys, just checking in for a second (free wi-fi in the lobby) on a friend's computer... We're MARRIED! It was completely rained out at the gazebo but they set up the spa for me and it was gorgeous. Blessing in disguise. Here's some quick teasers from Monica Z!

Our setup is a lot like yours, Grace. We have joint checking and savings accounts-- we created a monthly budget, and we each contribute a set amount into these accounts every month, and use them to pay all the household bills, our weekly dates, etc. and to save for the wedding, our future home, vacations, etc. And we each also still have our own accounts, to use as we wish. Every couple is different, but I've found it's a LOT less stressful for us to do it this way.

Susana- everything looks amazing! I love your monogram and all of your accessories! You did a fabulous job-- congratulations & have a beautiful wedding!

DIY Flowergirl pail I found a flowergirl pail for my niece for $1 at Target. I got some turquoise ribbon & starfish charms from Dollar Tree, and voila! Programs (free from Vistaprint): Bubbles w/ monogram stickers (Dollar Tree) Reception Centerpieces The hotel provides white linens and votive candles in small glass holders as standard, so I created this to place down the center of the tables. I found everything (except the chocolate brown raffia) at Dollar Tree! Each centerpiece probably cost about $2. OOT Bags We decided to do these last-minute after I was able to get some Jamaica totes through a friend at the Tourist Board. They contain the welcome letter, wedding weekend itinerary with hotel map, some playing cards, hand sanitizer, and mini-bottles of Appleton Rum. We got these bags in black, red, and blue. They’re a really cute souvenir for the guests! WOW, that really was long… but I think that’s it! We leave on Thursday!

Starfish Necklaces (normally $30, found on clearance for $9.99 at Kohls): Silver Bangle (Kohls): DIY flip-flops ($1 +$1.99 jewels at Michaels): Pashminas in their own little pouch ($5 on clearance at World Market): Passport Holders ($4 on clearance at World Market): Luggage Tags ($1 each at Michaels): Small Gifts for Mom & Dad: Father of the Bride cap Mother of the Bride shirt (was showing up HUGE so I removed the link to Vistaprint) and a bracelet from Kohls. Ceremony Details Bouquet and MOH bouquet by Flowers by Grace, in Miami. We’re bringing these down with us and using the flowers included in the package for the two bridesmaids. MOH Bouquet

FI’s suit from Bachrach: Groomsmen attire: (same as the groom, minus the suit jacket, except now only FI is wearing this tie) Honorary Ringbearer Attire (from Target): My nephew is too little to be trusted with a ring, so he’s escorting his Grandma down the aisle. BM Dresses They all got to pick their own dress in the color “Pool.” Maid of Honor/Sis Bridesmaid #1 Bridesmaid #2 Flowergirl Dress BM Gifts Boat tote bags purchased from another BDW bride: I stuffed each one with the following goodies: Coin purse (from India): DIY Maid of Honor/ Bridesmaid tanks:

Wedding Attire Day-of tank--DIY iron-on from JoAnn Fabrics: My dress: I am a 2-dress bride…. Here’s the saga: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t32020 And how I found my final choice! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t32852 Before alterations: After alterations: Wedding Day Accessories: Earrings and Bracelet (both from Carson Pirie Scott): DIY Birdcage veil:

Invitations, etc. I hired a graphic designer/artist friend to work with me to create our own unique design. For the STDs, I uploaded everything to Vistaprint and used a 50% off coupon. Save the date card (we had these made before we switched resorts and by default, dates): The total package: DIY Invitations I had these printed and cut at Office Depot, and then assembled everything by hand, with the help of my mom and sister. We used #10 backings and matching envelopes from Paper Source. Each invitation was fitted with brass or silver-tone eyelets, and threaded with brown ribbon. Here’s how they turned out: I also got a palm tree monogram from BDW member Rebecca, which I used on my programs, welcome letters, and favor tags. Thanks again Rebecca!! Our wedding rings Mine: His:

It’s finally time for me to post my planning thread! I’ve been a part of this forum for over a year and it’s given me so much inspiration & support throughout the planning process… so THANK YOU to all the BDW girls! Engagement We got engaged on January 27, 2008, in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t42534 Right after he proposed: The ring: Engagement pictures: I won the services of my wedding photographer (travel expenses only) through a destination wedding giveaway she had last year. She gave us an engagement shoot for free. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t21680 The Resort: We were originally planning on a location on the cliffs in Negril, but after a site visit, we weren’t comfortable with having young children up there, although the hotel insisted it was safe. During the visit, we happened to be staying at Grand Palladium, and moved the wedding there instead. We’ll be married at the gazebo (photo courtesy of caroline): With a private reception at the Blue Lagoon restaurant: Honeymoon We’re heading to Idle Awile in Negril for a mini-moon:

Quote: Originally Posted by SnowAngels Petals - I originally chose the Carribean Package, then realized with renting out the Blue Lagoon it was more cost effective to go with the Tropical Package and upgrade the meals to Lobster ... I think I upgraded 9 meals to Lobster of the 13 guests, but it still worked out to be less. However, I didn't have my dress steamed or the Breakfast in Bed. Didn't matter to me at all though - I'd rather save the money. Good to know! The reason we chose the Caribbean package is because we thought that was the only way to get lobster. Now that we can't even get the lobster, I'm gonna see about going back to the Tropical! Quote: Originally Posted by Heather0623 Petals: Good luck and congrats...Hopefully you will get some answers when you get there. I haven't received a response back in almost a month! I have given up since everyone said Jacynthia was very good when you get there. Thanks-- I'm just waiting till I get there... no sense in wasting any more energy on it now. :-)

Bianca- I feel you! I'm getting to the point where I'm ready to let a few DIY projects fall to the wayside... there's just no way I'm gonna finish 'em before we leave, and I've been sick since Thursday, which means I really need to be resting! (I still have no voice... may have to hold up a sign that says "I Do" on Saturday.... lol We ended up doing OOT bags at the last minute but they just contain a couple small things and the welcome letter. My mom and I did them all and packed them yesterday and today I'm trying to figure out how to pack my suitcase and the 2nd bag with all of the centerpieces and whatnot... Since they pulled the lobster as our entree (lobster season is closed and they didn't bother to tell us until last week), as of right now, I'm not sure what half our guests are eating for dinner.... Just ready to hop on that plane and let it all go. lol I refuse to stress about this once we reach Jamaica!

Yamille- great planning thread! Everything looks great! Happy travels and have a beautiful wedding!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by dani2142 Petals... love your centerpieces. They are simple but beautiful. Nice job!!! Thanks! I'm excited to finally get to use them- the wedding's in 5 days! Quote: Originally Posted by Sandra&Mario I love Janet's centerpiece with the lily, limes, and candle. Our color combination is orange and turquoise though, so I'm not sure how we'd pull that off. I'd definitely want the flower to be orange and the ribbon around the candle to be turquoise, but what would I surround it with instead of limes? Any ideas? Thanks!! Maybe those little mini oranges would work? I want some mini oranges!!!! on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

Thanks guys!! I knew you'd understand. Jaime & Yamille-- Thanks for the recs. I'll definitely have to add those to my list. The doctor gave me antibiotics today, but I'm still trying all the home remedies to hopefully help things along too. Been taking multivitamins and zinc lozenges, drinking lots of tea, and trying to use saline wash to see if it helps to clear out my sinuses. Gotta get better! Rachel- thanks for letting me know how you made it through your wedding day even though you were sick... there's light at the end of the tunnel!

Savannah- I'm glad to hear that the surgery was a success... Wishing you a speedy recovery! Prayers for you and your familiy.

I'm sooo salty... I've been sick since Thursday and it's just getting worse! I thought it may have been allergies at first since it was just sinus, but it has turned into a lovely cough and even laryngitis! My voice comes and goes and when it's here it sounds terrible... Am I gonna have to whisper my vows?? I've been trying over-the-counter meds and home remedies (my parents' Jamaican favorite: lemon, honey and Wray & Nephew white rum), steam, and it's still hanging on. Going to the doctor this morning... Anybody else sick for their wedding?