MarieSam

Quote: Originally Posted by crsperanza MarieSam, I think the accomodations you have chosen for your family and friends looks absolutely perfect! I have been looking for this type of villa arrangement for my DW guests, but in Play del Carmen. Do you or anyone else know of villa/townhomes in close proximity to eachother in Playa? I've researched many websites re: villas but I can't tell which ones are close together. I really want our guest to be as close as possible to minimize issues in trying to spend time with them. We also have to be conscientous about the cost so it is reasonable for everyone. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated!!! Oooh I'd be glad to help you search!! First, about how many people are you looking to accommodate? Also is there a particular budget you're looking at? And how close do you need to be to the heart of Playa, which for most is Avenue 5 where all the action happens -- walking distance, short car ride, few blocks?

Great suggestions Kelly!! I've always wondered if those Spanish language books were worth it ~ that's why I went for the free pocketsize language guides I found online and am planning to just print those out. Besides being free, it also just keys in on the main phrases. But again the best part, it's free and ya can't beat that!!!

it gorgeous, and how cool that it's linen!!! i think it's the perfect beach wedding dress and it looks fabulous on you

ooh love those teasers, can't wait to see the rest!!!

April ~ you're a hottie girl!!! You looked fabulous What a great deal for the price you paid, having a coffee book included is such a bonus. It's great that other Cabo brides now know they have affordable options that provide great quality and service

That's great news! A brunch the following day sounds like a fair resolution, and I'm sure your cousin will be so touched by his efforts Glad it all came together without any drama

those are fabulous!!!! we ar doing something similar, i hope they turn out just as nice

I have stayed in Cancun twice, and the Riviera Maya twice ~ and during all these visits, we've found ourselves drawn to the beaches further south near Playa del Carmen and Tulum. I can say coming from a family of islanders from the Philippines, our vacations revolve around spending endless hours every day at the beach. So staying somewhere that has nice beaches, great water for snorkeling and diving is a definite must for us. The beaches in Cancun that are the best in my opinion are those facing Isla Mujeres ~ nice calm water, clear and beautiful. Suprisingly shallow, but in some areas there are patches of seaweed about 50 to 75 feet out. The more you travel south from Cancun you will definitely come across some fantastic beaches....Paamuul, is a hidden treasure not many know about and you can snorkel or swim so far with little worry about waves and there are also not many visitors. There is also only one open air restaurant there and it has great seafood, along with wonderful desserts, drinks and ice cream. During our second visit we also found a glorious beach at Xpu-Ha although now I think there are hotels/resorts there so there is easy entry for public access -- but do note that all beaches in Mexico are owned by the government and therefore are not considered private. Beaches in Playa del Carmen are wonderful too, but expect lots of crowds. Now one of most favorite beach towns is Akumal, located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Our love for this place is overwhelming, hence the reason why we are having our wedding there. Akumal's main bay is fantastic for swimming, snorkeling, and often swimming with the turtles. The beach is calm and absolutely gorgeous. If you move one bay over to the left, you'll find Half-Moon Bay, another beautiful stretch of beach that you can swim and snorkel at although most of the beachfront is taken up by condos and hotels. One more bay over from there you will find Yal-Ku Lagoon, another great spot for snorkeling (ocean water mixes with fresh water and it is much like a small scale version of Xel-Ha = amazing!) Although I haven't been to Tulum, I heard the beaches there are beautiful as well. During our 3rd visit we hooked up with a tour driver who took my entire family of 20+ on a beach hopping excursion for the day. Our first stop was at the Tulum ruins, and then he drove us about 2 hours out toward Belize and took us to the most amazing beach we've ever seen....Boca Paila. But he did warn us there was nothing here but beach, no restrooms, no restaurants, etc. but of course that's what we wanted and it was so worth it! I will have to post pics when I get the chance, there were miniwaves, the water was a crystal aqua tone and it was heaven. I wouldn't worry about others saying the beaches in the area aren't worth it. If you limit yourself to the beach at your resort, of course you won't be content. But if you're willing to explore the area, you will find some heavenly places. True some beaches have endured damage to their reefs from the last huge batch of hurricanes (I know this happened in Puerto Morales), but there are so many other spectacular spots that are so worth visiting. Sometimes, it's a matter of finding the hidden gems -- and always ask "where do the locals go?" Plenty of times as tourist you end up where all the crowds are and end up missing the truly beautiful, nearly untouched places. Definitely check out Akumal, Paamuul, and Boca Paila if you're really adventurous. I promise you, these places definitely embody the characteristics of a "beautiful beach".

gorgeous, amazing, incredible!! You did such a fantastic job Amy ~ I LOVE LOVE everything, but especially love your kids welcome books I can't wait to see your pics when you return!!

simply gorgeous!

Very pretty and I love the scenery, so peaceful and serene

Yay Kelly ~ you looked beautiful and it's so good hear things went well!!!! Can't wait to see more

Very pretty, and I think your TTD dress can and should be anything you want it to be! Just as long as your comfortable, I say go for it

So impressive!! These are beautiful, you did an incredible job

My colors are very earthy, and I think that falls into the sunset theme ~ terracotta, latte brown, canary yellow, and red with hints of gold Here's a link to my STD thread which definitely play on my colors: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t30531 My bouquet and all the rest of the flowers will also follow suit with the color scheme ~ no pics of all that yet unfortunately as they are in the process of getting made! Our wedsite, which is linked to my siggy, also features my wedding colors, along with my bridesmaids dresses (http://www.davidsbridal.com/bridesma...=29323&cfid=20), my bridesmaids' jewelry (http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t33390) and my wedding jewelry -- sorry no pic, I need to find it first! There's so many colors besides earth tones that can fall into the sunset category ~ I've seen beautiful sunsets with hues of pink and purple too. Really it's just all up to you ~ just close your eyes and visualize the most amazing sunset and run with it. Just make sure you LOVE your colors and then weave it through every aspect of your wedding plans! And have fun, it's all the little touches that really create your entire wedding vision!

Quote: Originally Posted by ACA Amy Wow! Thanks for posting this! I am also in LA and am trying to get up the nerve to have these pics done myself! I didn't see any packages on her site that included a book- are you making your own? This may be a stupid question, but I guess you pick a package based on how many "outfits" you want to wear- then you bring everything yourself, right? I'm getting married April 26- so I guess I better make up my mind and call her soon! Girl just do it!!! I am so NOT comfortable stripping down to my undies for the camera, but I figure this is the ultimate motivation to finally start my wedding diet and exercise, lol I have been such a procrastinator And yes I am making my own photobook ~ she doesn't provide that option, but photobooks are so easy and cheap to make so I'm not worried There are packages listed on her site under "pricing" -- they are based on whether you want hair and makeup, how many looks you want (outfit changes, and hair and makeup styles), how many edited photos you want, and print options. I believe all her packages provide a CD of the images. You should definitely get in touch with her ASAP....she also has a myspace page and from what it looks like she shoots BD sessions nearly every day!! There's a schedule of her availability there too, here's the link..... MySpace.com - Pussycat Pinups Photography by Beth Cocuzzi© - 33 - Female - Huntington Beach, California - www.myspace.com/bethcocuzzi Let me know how it goes...

Everything looks great ~ I adore your "mint" to be text, it so so cute and hearfelt, I may have to steal it I love it so much Happy travels, or I guess should say Bon Voyage ....can't wait to see all your pics when you return, I have no doubt with all your preparations your day will be perfect!!

April 27th is officially my boudoir date with Beth Cocuzzi!!! Now I gotta get crackin on workin out and dieting so I can get sexy, lol

Looks amazing and I've only heard wonderful things about that place ~ I'm excited for you!!!

Congrats LeeAnne!!! Looks like everyone did fairly well ~ yay for all of us

Awesome review ~ and yes girl, show us some pics!!!!! Congrats

Woo hoo Angela!! Best wishes for a wonderful wedding and lots of sunshine. I hope your day is as perfect as you've imagined Safe and happy travels ~ can't wait to see your pics when you return!!!

Oh HELL NO!!!! Although he has good intentions, your cousin's husband is clearly clueless as to how tacky, obtrusive and ridiculous of an idea this is to piggyback your day and do a double wedding?? Put your foot down girl!!! Let him know, that while you think it's wonderful that he's trying to surprise your cousin, this is a special day that is important to both you and FI. Tell him you guys really want to just focus on each other that day and it's something you've planned for a long time. If necessary, bring up the idea of maybe doing it in the days AFTER your wedding...although to me, that's still a bit tacky But yes ~ I strongly support a big HELL NO to the idea!!!!

In your case, I'd say don't mix business with pleasure, primarily because your FI doesn't care for your friend. It sounds like there will likely be tension, and like all the other members have said -- that will show in your pictures. Not a good thing to have especially during such an important and beautiful occassion It does sounds like since she just bought the expensive equipment, she's getting started, and I agree with Tlseege, pricey cameras does not a good photographer make. If she wants to do this as a resume builder then by all means you should let her...but NOT as your primary photographer. If your hired photographer doesn't mind, why not have her there taking some shots on her own? She may be able to capture some moments your primary photographer does not. And since she's a friend, she'll probably be around you guys a lot, and how great to have someone clicking away at the fun candid moments during your vacay. The more photos the better But most importantly, you wanna have a great photog you know you can count on because afterall, the day will pass in a heartbeat and you wanna make sure you've got beautiful photos to help preserve those memories!

Your wedsite provider usually provides the option to purchase your own personalized URL...so first check with them. That's what I ended up doing, and my wedsite is done through weddingwindow.com. Although I think you can also purchase your URL through companies like godaddy.com, which I believe is sometimes cheaper.