MarieSam

Quote: Originally Posted by Prettyhazardous MarieSam which set of cards did you get, the tropical ones? The cards with the case are bought from the dollar bins at Michaels, and the OTC cards are the regular old simple playing cards with no special design. I think they're something like $8/dozen.

Quote: Originally Posted by leobunny What about Zihuatanejo or Puerta Vallarta (Las Caletas) that are located close to Mexico City?? I found a few articles Zihuatanejo - Cruise Log - USATODAY.com Is anyone concerned about these areas for weddings? I'm considering both of these areas, but I really need reassurance that's it's safe. Am I the only one worried about these areas? I haven't seen anyone mention them on here. Can anyone offers any words of wisdom? I think the main point of the travel alert is that it specifies possible violence in the border towns, which excludes tourist cities like Puerto Vallarta and Ziho. I think Las Caletas is probably even more of a non-issue because it's a boat ride away, so not even a chance of violoence. There are plenty of LC brides on here who either had or are having their weddings soon -- def. look up those reviews or talk to one of them for their thoughts. As for Ziho, we don't have many brides getting married there from what I recall, but I do know one -- Nikki and her hubby Dean just had a wonderful celebration there and she made no mention at all of potential safety issues. Again, if you check the Ziho section you should be able to find her and can ask her about it. Hope that helps!

If you're looking in Playa del Carmen, I know there have been a couple of brides here that have stayed at the Blue Parrot, which offers different types of lodging, hotel, condos, etc. And I've heard they are great when it comes to weddings! There is also the option of staying at condos/villas -- check out Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts, Rentals: Mexican Caribbean Vacation for a wide range of choices. If you still want the feel of a big resort -- the Grand Mayan or Mayan Palace which shares the same grounds is a gorgeous place along the Riviera Maya. Anyone who stays here will love it! We've been there twice and plan on spending our second week of the wedding there. But again check out locogrino, you will find tons and tons of ideas to choose from!

Do you have pictures? I am planning to do the same Do you by any chance have the name of the Shaman who did your wedding? We are using Charlie and Maria.

You are tooo cute!! Seeing how happy you were just makes me smile I LOVE your hair and your dress was fabulous ~ congrats to the new beautiful Mrs.

Holly your wedding day sounded like so much fun!!!! I'm so happy everything went well ~ and I saw your flowers from Roberta -- they looked fantastic!! so glad it all worked out for the best Congrats Mrs.!!!

Oooh that is awesome!!! That's one thing great about getting married in Mexico ~ the dollar goes a llloooong way

Quote: Originally Posted by Jacilynda OH I'm sooo bummed! I want to meet up w/ all the Akumal girls! Oh my gosh MS thanks so much for the idea about the cookies. I'm going to have to ask Jenn about them! I woulda loved to meet you too Jacilyn!!! And yes, dont' the cookies sounds like such a great idea? I thought that was such an awesome thing for a giveaway -- I will ask Jenn if she has any pictures so I can post them.

Hello my fellow Akumal bride ~ let me officially welcome you Again, Akumal is fabulous!! I have no doubt you will have a beautiful wedding that will be all you've dreamed of

Hey there -- I tried to PM you but its full -- if they're still available, I'd love to buy as many of the OOT bags as possible. Please let me know!!!! TIA

Hmm things must be different in Colorado (where you're at right?) -- because out here in Cali, you can request the police to do a welfare check at anytime, basically just going to the person's house and checking around....I hope everything turns out ok. Def. keep us posted!

Oh no, that is such sad news Stacey and Adam, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. Please know we are all thinking of you during what must be such a difficult time. Take care of yourselves and in time, open yourself to the comfort of knowing that your mom is no longer suffering and can be at peace. * Many hugs and prayers*

Wow what an awesome source, thanks for sharing Stephanie!!!

YYYYAAAAYYYY!!!!!! I haven't seen the new ones but they are just as fabulous as the first set Jess You guys look awesome, and I LOVE the atmosphere. Can't wait to see what kind of magic Stephanie does for your wedding in Puerto Vallarta BTW -- Stephanie and her husband Isaac (Stephanie Williams - Photographer - Weddings, Portraits, Destination - Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Worldwide or Stephanie Williams Photography Blog wedding and portrait photography blog) are my photographers too and they are amazingly talented!!

The info on your site is awesome and so well put together Ayita, thanks so much for sharing!!! This will be so helpful to so many brides, including myself

great job ~ those are so nicely put together, and cute too!!

Love the detailing, it's gorgeous! Congrats on finding such a beauty!!!

Hey Kristina!! How are you my fellow CEA bride? The rear of the CEA center does have concrete ground and is actually a nice space, and from what Jenn told me is often used as a dancing/DJ set up area -- but I will say it's not much of a view. I do think 30 people could fit back there with seating but that's defintiely something you'd have to confirm with Jenn. Can I ask, how come you don't want to have it on the beach? The view right in front is really amazing. As far as favors....I do know that Jenn makes these small Mexican type cookies that are supposed to be really yummy and packaged very cute, I think they are like $2 or $3 a package, and it comes with a note that says the purchase of the cookies goes toward a donation for the CEA Center and all it's eco-life programs. So that's a really sweet gesture to consider, especially if you're a true animal/nature person. Other cool ideas for favors are the maracas that they sell at many of the souvenier shops in Playa del Carmen. They're colorful, can be bought for as little as $1 each, and are beautifully decorated. Often times have "Mexico" written on them so it's a nice keepsake. I haven't seen any that say Akumal, although that would be a really great find if you can get one! Def. try asking Jenn about this, she may be able to get a good discount on these. We are actually flying into town on Sunday, June 21st -- so we can definitely meet up!!! I know I will be running around like crazy, but would love to meet in between my madness, lol. We're staying at Casa Romero and also renting a Las Casitas unit from Wed. to Sat. so let's plan to hook up!! Quote: Originally Posted by krysiafosz Hi Again MarieSam.... thanks for the pics of CEA....I'm still not sure about where our ceremony will be, most likely at our villas. Looking at your pics, tho, I'm wondering about the rear of teh CEA where there is stone/concrete ground. You having been there before, do you think it's big enough and nice enough to hold th ceremony for around 30 guests? Also, any suggestions on little favors from Akumal (or in nearby towns) I can buy to put in the OOT bags? I've got a bunch of things already, but wanted to put in one last thing that is a souvenir from there. Something under $5-$10 each. When are you guys getting there again? We'll be there through Friday the 26th, just missing your wedding....I would have liked to come meet you!!

I am having a buffet reception, mostly because we've got 60+ attending and because our families are a bunch of foodies AKA pigs, lol We LOVE to eat and culturally (my family is Filipino, FI's family is black) we enjoy spreads of food with lots of options. It really depends on what you like best and of course what you think would be most appropriate for the crowd that will be attending your wedding. While I think sit-down dinners are generally more formal, buffet style can be equally classy and vice versa, sit-downs can be casual also. Also think about the setting of your reception ~ envision it both ways and figure out what you think would be better. Hope that helps!

Thanks once again everyone ~ y'all are too kind And it is pleasure to be able to help some of you the way others on the forum have so graciously helped me! Amanda, couldn't have picked a better partner to share the honor with!! And lastly, on a sidenote ~ I am LOVIN my MotM Banner It's awesome!!!

It's beautiful Alyssa, and for free? WOW can't beat that!!!

Wow, awesome deal ~ just another reason why it pays to be a BDWer!!!!

There are actually several brides on this forum who have used those photographers in the past, and many reviews on them. If you do a search under those photogs names you should come across several threads discussing their work. Since you like the quality of work for all of them, I think the next best thing to help you decide is really determining which photographer's style you like best, and of course which one gave you a good vibe during your communications! It's always beneficial to have a good rapport with your photographer, so really lean on your intuition. Budget also comes into play -- which one offers what you feel is the best "deal". There are samples of each of those photographers' work on here, and everything looks beautiful. I really don't think you can go wrong!!!

That's great news Nicole!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Abbie what time does it start? heeheehee I WISH!! oh and MAJOR btw, your girl is so gorgeous! she does look like mini you aww thanks ~ that's my sweetheart she's growing up so fast though and making me feel old!!!