MarieSam

Thanks everyone Should have more non-pro pics to add this weekend!

Andi, what can I say ~ you two are simply a gorgeous couple KLK did an awesome job capturing your special day, I entered the same contest and girl, Kristie did a phenomenal job! I can't wait to see your TTD session

Paul Schrank of Playa Weddings provided the videography services for our wedding in Akumal just about 2 weeks ago -- 6/26/09. Although I have not gotten our video yet, I can unequivocally say he and his assistant were truly wonderful, totally professional and I have no doubt we are going to LOVE the final product! My wedding ran about 80 minutes late -- we started late on makeup and hair and when you have a party of 10+ women and only one makeup/hair artist, that is a formula for disaster, lol --nevertheless, Paul was patient, kind and shot everywhere. He and his assistant stayed long past the hours (about 2+) we contracted him for and did it with a smile. They were right there for all the special moments without being obtrusive and my photographers even commented that Paul was doing a kick ass job getting great shots. I will post a full review of Playa Weddings' services once I get my video back, but based on their past work *their portfolio is awesome* and the professionalism they exuded on my wedding day, I am confident they will do a fabulous job for any couple who contracts them, including myself! *they are also great BDW members, and in my book, that counts for a whole lot

cheescake : factory

I say shoe#1 because I just love the detailing -- shoe#2 would work too but would be best if you wore accessories similar to the jewel

lovely gift!!!

Savannah ~ you gotta do Akumal!!! I promise you will love it Let me know what places you're thinking of and I'll give you the 411 -- I'm quite the pro on my favorite town in the world

cookies:yum

great contest, can't wait to see who wins!!!

lovely choice!!!

great job, they are fantastic!

Not sure what constitutes as curvaceous, but I'd like to think I've got curves I will never be stick thin and that's ok with me! Just had my wedding and have to say that a corset dress was the way to go for me -- it held in all the jiggles that I couldn't get rid of before the wedding AND I didn't have to wear a bra despite my 36D's Also made me relax and not have to worry about eating like a bird leading up to my wedding -- my family is Filipino and DH's is black = major food, all day, all the time!!! I read a bit of this thread before I left for my wedding and I must say -- all you ladies are beautiful, awesome and so much fun! *many hugs*

I'm sorry Jac -- but so glad to hear they responded to your email quickly. Because I edit a lot of my own pieces, I know that editing makes a world of difference in creating a good piece versus a mediocre one. Hopefully they can fix the problems you mentioned and give you back something you'll be happy with. Keeping my fingers crossed for you I will say though that you've got some awesome pictures!!! Lovin your siggy!

DIY BD pics are a great way to save some cash while still creating something super special for your FI. And I'll be honest with you -- I think any man would LOVE to have a set of sexy pics from the woman he loves, professional or not! He'll be so smitten over the pics, he won't even know the difference. Because I did two BD sessions I think the keys to getting great pics are: 1) Good makeup and hair -- if you don't feel confident in doing it yourself then get it done at a makeup counter! But also doing it on your own will keep you shoot fresh and natural, which often times is the look men love the most If you can have different looks in your pictures -- a natural look, then heavier makeup in some (this can be as easy as darkening your eye shadow and changing your lipstick color). 2) Good lighting -- I've seen my photographers become giddy when there's good light, especially natural light. Lighting can make such a huge difference in the way pic turns out -- clarity and tone of your skin, also can add a great feel to your pics. 3) Photos with creative angles -- if you have body issues (I do, like most women) a photograph taken from a good angle can make a world of difference. Having difference perspectives also adds dimension to your pics, which in the end will make for a great BD book! 4) Outfits that make you feel sexy -- I bought my stuff at Fredericks, Burlington Coat Factory, Kohls and then used one of FI's jerseys. You don't need to splurge, some of the lingerie I wore ranged from $5.99 to $50. Buy stuff you can use again so it doesn't become a one-time piece. 5) Have fun and look for poses you like ahead of time. If you're comfortable is makes a huge difference in your pics -- they will ooze sexiness and passion, but best of all you will look beautiful!

these are wonderful! I LOVE the footsteps...super cute

simply gorgeous!!!

Welcome home and congrats Can't wait to hear all about it

Quote: Originally Posted by tylersgirl MarieSam!!!! CONGRATS MRS!!! YAYYY! I am just now seeing this. I am so happy you had a fabulous time. You were absolutely breathtaking! Congrats! Congrats!!! I love the pics Des, your time is coming!!! Since my day has passed I'm going to transfer my excitement to you Quote: Originally Posted by Carlitarenee Congratulations! You and your daughter look so much alike... beautiful pics! How did you come up with your first dance? I love that idea and its the next big decision my FI and have to agree on =) Hehehe, well Tommy, my daughter and I actually made our music mix about 2 months ago. But we honestly didn't start choreographing it until about 3 days before the wedding -- yes while we were already in Mexico!!! We did it while everyone was asleep and really didn't practice but it was so so much fun!! We made the routine easy but fun. I promise to post video of it once I get it from our videographer! Quote: Originally Posted by islandbride317 Wow, MarieSam! You are just a VISION......truly the quintessential beautiful bride - and we haven't even seen all of your photos yet! I've been checking everyday, anxiously awaiting your review! Your enthusiasm during your description of your trip has me wishing I had been there and now I find myself pining away for the day I will visit Akumal (which, yes, is now an absolute MUST!) That pic of the beach? I mean, come on -- gorgeous, right!?! Truly took my breath away...looked too perfect to be real! Christie you are too kind thank you* And yes you gotta visit Akumal, it is so perfect!!! Quote: Originally Posted by future_mrs2010 Was that your villa with the pool.. damn?! I think I chose the wrong destination!!!!! Yep that was the villa with the pool -- I will post more pics on this amazing house once I get em edited. It truly is a fabulous spot for vacationing or even hosting a wedding or welcome dinner. And have no doubts hun, your location is just as beautiful. I'm confident you will have the wedding of your dreams as well!!!

Thanks everyone for all the wonderful wishes and compliments. I truly loved my wedding experience but again it would not have been so wonderful without all the help and advice I received from this forum. MY WORDS OF ADVICE I forgot to add: 1) Soak in every moment, trust me the moment passes you by so quickly, it's honestly a little depressing, lol. So enjoy, enjoy, enjoy and don't sweat the small stuff. Believe me you wont even care once your day has come! 2) Don't forget to bring receipts for all the stuff you lug over. We had 10 bags full of wedding stuff, and they did stop us to check everything. Once we pulled out receipts their entire tone changed and they passed us through with smiles and well wishes! 3) If you are sad about some people not making it, let it go. Once you're there with all those who did make the trip you won't even think about it. Enjoy those who are there with you -- this is your day, be greedy, do what you want, and be happy! I have so much more advice but can't think of it at the moment, but will make sure to add in my full review!!! Quote: Originally Posted by foxytv OMG MarieSam .... fabulous pics and I know the best are still yet to come! Akumel sounds absolutely AMAZING and like heaven on earth! I have added it to my list of plces to visit - and stay in your private villa!!! OMG girl you gotta check out Akumal ~ I swear it is heaven for anyone who loves the beach and that small town feel! One dirt road in and out of the town, and the main source of transportation are bikes and golf carts ~ it's fabulous!! As for "my private villa" Good Lord, I wish Quote: Originally Posted by ~*Kathy*~ Welcome back MarieSam and congrats!! Everything looked and sounded completely amazing, I am so glad your day was everything you hoped for and more! You look breath-taking I might add and your daughter is beautiful. I have been dying to see your pics and to read your review, can't wait!!! Aww thank you Kathy ~ I can't believe my little girl is all grown up *weeping proud mama tears* And congrats hun for the MOTM status, good lord where have I been? You so deserve it!!! Quote: Originally Posted by Jacilynda YAY woman!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!! I'm so excited you are back!!! You were BEAUTIFUL, just as expected!!!! I can't wait for your review and more pics!!! Oh and your mom LOVE HER!!!! She is soooo cute! Ahhh Jac I am so excited for you my Akumal bride! Tommy and I are already planning a return visit to Akumal in the coming year ~ you are going to have such a fabulous time there. I missed it as soon as we moved to the Grand Mayan the second week -- we even went back three times because it was so wonderful, lol. PS I am now going to live vicariously through you till you head south for your own wedding!!!

ahhh Lisa, I've been MIA the past couple weeks because of last minute wedding stuff and then of course my wedding/honeymoon But I just wanna say your dress is BEAUTIFUL!!!!! I absolutely LOVE how it turned out and the corset back is uber fabulous Your aunt did such a wonderful job* My dress also had a corset back and I LOVED it ~ you are gonna look sensational for the big day

Quote: Originally Posted by Ash H Ok so I spent a lot of my night tonight going through old threads and posts and have noticed a lot of people talking about flying their own photographer to their DW. I'm beginning to feel that I HAVE to do this too. Is it a must? I guess that I didn't really see any comments about the photo. packages and photographer at their resort so I don't know what to think anymore! lol Were getting married at the Barcelo Maya Palace, has anyone gone with their packages? If so how do/did you feel about them? I think a lot of brides do this when bringing a photographer with them actually ends up giving them a better deal price and package wise. I actually did this for our wedding about two weeks ago and it was probably one of the best decision I've ever made! BUT it certainly isn't something you HAVE to do because there are some very good resort photographers as well as photographers based at your location As for the Barcelo Maya -- you may want to check this thread out because I think they just implemented a new policy that DOES NOT allow outside photographers so you may have to stick with the one the resort provides: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t45377

Susan, your pics are breathtaking and you look so beautiful!!!! Congrats girl

Kinda confused about your question -- do you mean showing your dress to your FI if you're having a TTD session before the wedding?

ooooh sounds wonderful Sav!!! where were you thinking for a villa stay?

You gals are just too much ~ thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your well wishes, you are all dear to me and I love ya!!!! Just posted a quick overview of my fabulous wedding experience here with some pics cuz I know if I didn't y'all would KILL ME!!!! Here's the link: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t45537