AmandaR

Quote: Originally Posted by jamaicabride09 Congratulations and Welcome Back!! This is my first day back from vacation and I was sooooooo excited to read your posts. Thanks for sharing your feedback and pictures. FI and I have booked thetwilight package and we would love to have our ceremony on the beach. I feel much better hearing that the beach starts to clear out around 3pm. We are getting married at 5pm. How long did your ceremony last? Did you both book a butler with your package? If so, was the additional cost worth it? Did you have any problems getting reservations or tables in some of the more popukar restaurants? Thanks in advance... Ooooh, I love the idea of a twilight wedding! I think that's a good choice! Our ceremony was about 15 - 20 min long, which I think is pretty standard. We did not book a butler, but did stay in a Concierge level room, which was terrific. We actually were glad that we didn't spend $$$ for a butler because the Concierge service was so great. Pretty much anything you want to do they can help you make arrangements for, or at least make suggestions. They also put out a Continental Breakfast in the morning and tea sandwiches and cakes in the afternoon. I liked that bc sometimes you just need a quick bite and don't want to wander far from your room. We discovered that you should either eat early (5:30 pm) or late (8 pm) bc the wait at some restaurants gets to be almost 45 min - 1 hr around 7ish. The one night we did have to wait, we didn't have to wait even half the time they said it would be, and there's always a bar nearby and a great view to soak in, so it's not a big deal.

I agree - I think we should definitely splurge with part of it! I'll show DH these posts to help back-up my argument! Another idea came to me last night. We could use the money toward a 1-year anniversary trip, that would be amazing!

I have some pics posted in the thread Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Wedding!

Even though DH and I had a really small wedding, we've accumulated more than $2k in checks and cash. For those that received cash gifts, how did you spend it? DH wants to pay it all to the student loan gods and I think we should buy something for the apartment (i.e. new furniture, curtains, etc). I don't want to be frivolous with such generous gifts.

I actually wore 2 garters. One was new and served as my new and blue, and the other one was my grandmother's, and was my old and borrowed. I didn't toss them or a bouquet since we had a really small wedding.

When we were dating, DH and I weren't sure we even wanted kids, but when we got engaged I started using 30 as my benchmark bc it gives us time to be a married couple. Well, now that we've been married just over a week I've got the baby bug - BAD, and think that 4.5 years is too long to wait! I need to decided if the baby bug is just me feeling lost and needing another project since wedding planning is over, or if it's the real deal. Hmmmm, I think we need to babysit our 1 year old niece again to test this out!

Quote: Originally Posted by dedra27 Asteff- You mentioned the beach does start to clear out in the afternoon, about what time does that happen? Our wedding is scheduled for 2, I'm guessing the beach may be still pretty full at that time. Also for both of you, did you notice what the ceremonies on the beach looked like? Like did they all have a arch set up or just go with nothing but the beach? I would really like the bamboo arches but they are sooo expensive. I wonder if they do set up some kind of free bamboo thing for the beach weddings. Thanks again. Yous are really helpful! The beach will still be pretty full around 2 pm. It starts to clear out a little 3 - 4ish. You'll be so in the moment that you won't even notice the onlookers! Like Steph, I only saw a couple beach weddings, and the ones I saw included an arch.

Quote: Originally Posted by bridget917 Wow that is a lot of kissing...the wedding I went to about two weeks ago, they didn't kiss at all. I thought that was strange! I think that you did the same reception that we are going to do (the hot and cold hor d'ouvres, 1 hour...). What was that set up like? Was there actually a table for everyone to sit at, or did you just kind of mingle around? Sorry for all of the questions! The more I hear you guys talk about your trip, the more I think of!!! Bridget Yep, we did the private 1 hour hot and cold reception. There were 2 tables - 1 for us, MOH, and BM, and one for the rest of our guests. The table for bride, groom, MOH, and BM is provided, but it is $500 for an additional table that holds 8-10 guests. It's pricey and probably not necessary for just an hour. The time goes so fast! The hor d'ouvres were yummy. They had empanadas, spicy shrimp, cheese, crackers and fruit for us. You will be kissing A LOT, especially if you use their photographers. It's great. Just about every pose involves kissing at some point. Just warming up for the wedding night!

Quote: Originally Posted by dedra27 The pics are gorgeous! You two look very happy. They make me all that much more excited to go. Did yous bring your own toasting flutes or did Sandals provide them? They were very pretty. Did your husband get really warm in the suit? Mine is also choosing to wear a suit. I hope he doesn't overheat! Thank you!!! You should be excited - you'll have a wonderful time! They provide toasting flutes, but the ones in our pictures are our own. My mom got them from Things Remembered. They're personalized with our names and wedding date. DH didn't get too warm in his suit. When we got married the sun wasn't beating down on us, and his suit was unlined, so that helped! He started sweating bullets during the pictures because you have to walk all over the resort. The photographer had to keep having him wipe off his forehead!

Quote: Originally Posted by bridget917 I have a few questions for anyone who would like to answer! Dedra27 asked some of them already... Asteff, you mentioned wishing you had brought more music. What all did you need music for? I was thinking just the processional and at the end...but from what you mentioned there is more and I really want to be prepared! Are they okay with you taking your own decorations? I loved the "floating orchids" that I saw some other people do and wouldn't mind making some of those to take down...I could also use them here at our AHR so it wouldn't really be much more of an expense. Asteff, I know that you had made wedding programs...were you able to give an order of service to the minister or how did that work? Were chairs provided or do those need to be requested. I saw them set up in one of Hollisandstephs pictuures. Anything else we should know? Suzette (our onsite WC) asked us to select music for the following points in the ceremony: processional, sand ceremony, signing of the register, recessional, first dance. Ahhhh - the wedding programs I spent an entire Sunday afternoon on...truth is I didn't even hand them out! I was so distracted by the fact that our families barely made it to the wedding that was already pushed back an hour, that I forgot about them! I actually didn't give an order of service to the minister, and winged it when I made the programs. I think our order was: processional, vows, blessing of the hands, rings, kiss, pronouncement of couple, sand ceremony, more kissing, signing the register, more kissing...haha. They ask you to kiss a lot, not that that's a problem! Chairs were provided. The use wooden chairs, but if you choose to upgrade, they can be covered. Ours were covered in ivory satin and tulle as part of our package. We didn't take our own decorations, but I don't think that would be a problem. When I was at the reception it dawned on me that even though our wedding was small I could have still made cute placecards or favors for the guests. I was very impressed with everything. It's like a well oiled machine down there!

Quote: Originally Posted by dedra27 Thanks for the info! Do you get to leave the resort with your actual photos and CDs or do they mail them later? Did anyone happen to get a picture of someone having there wedding on the actual beach? This is what I really wanted to do, but I've heard that it is very unprivate. I don't like that idea. Were the weddings right on the beach in front of the resort or off to the side somewhere. My other choice is the gazebo on the other smaller private dock. Did any of you bring your own decorations to decorate the gazebo? We are going to do the sand ceremony, did they provide a table for the vases to sit on? Stupid question, but we booked our flights thru sandals so we only have a flight number that I printed with our receipt. Is there anything else we need or will get for flight tickets? Any pictures you'd like to post would be much appreciated! I was amazed that our pictures were ready to pick up within 24 hours of the wedding! It was great bc our families were on the return flight home with us, so we got to share them with everyone right away! I don't have a pic either of a beach wedding. The beach wedding I saw took place on the Beach Club side (still on the Riviera side, but just not in front of the main building). It's certainly not private during the day, but later in the afternoon, the beach clears out more. I know that I was oblivious to everything around me during my ceremony, so if that's how you would be, a semi-private wedding on the beach might not be so bad. They do provide a table for the sand ceremony.

You both look amazing. I know, getting back into the real world is tough. My head is spinning at work this week!

Quote: Originally Posted by currier73 Amanda, Can I ask a few more questions? Were you able to buy the CD of negatives. I keep asking my WC and she says that they do not do this. I will be buying pics (it will only be the 2 of us) but the packages are so expensive. I just wanted to be able to come home and give my family pics since they are unable to attend. For the sand ceremony do they still charge you if you bring your own supplies? I would like to do this but I don't think it is worth $100. Thanks for all the great advice. Would love to see some pics when you get the time to post them. Thank you, Heather The CD of negatives was included with our photo package, but you are able to purchase a CD in lieu of other pics they take of you, so I don't see why not. They do not charge you $100 for the Sand Ceremony if you bring your own supplies. We used beach sand for ours, and no one said anything.

Thanks for the compliments everyone. I truly felt like a princess, and I haven't seen DH so relaxed in pictures of us!

Quote: Originally Posted by dedra27 hollisandsteph and all others getting back soon ~ I'm glad there is someone to talk to who has actually been there now! My wedding is the end of June, so i'm getting down to all the last minute stuff. Any info and tips you have would be great! Did you get any of the a la carte pics and how was getting the digital CD of negatives, I heard the CD is $200? Did they do a nice job of doing your hair? How about the off site tours, would you recommend or not recommend any of them? I hope you had a great time! Thanks I had my hair and make-up done at Red Lane Spa. It took 2 1/2 hours - FYI. I went to a local salon for a hair trial run beforehand, and they were able to duplicate the style easily with the pictures I brought. They did a good job on my make-up, but I was shocked when I first saw myself because I don't really wear make-up in my normal life. After the initial shock wore off I was fine, but I did tone down the lip liner and lipstick. Overall, I think they did a terrific job. Getting the digital CD of negatives is great because you and your family can make copies of whatever pics they want. Just make sure to ask for their copyright release form so you can get copies made. All I had to do was ask and they pulled one from a stack on the counter - very easy. We got a photo package that included 37 5x7's and 5 8x10's. For us, the $$$ was definitely worth it. I plan on keeping those in the album and making copies of ones we want to frame and scrapbook. We're inviting our immediate families over when we get our DVD so we can all relive the "moment." One thing I will mention is that their selection of wedding music is limited. If there's a specific song you want played for processional, recessional, first dance, etc, make sure to burn a CD beforehand. I only had music prepared for processional, first dance, and father/daughter dance, and had to choose from their selection for Sand Ceremony and signing of the register music. I personally was too caught up in the moment to even realize what was being played. Also, if you opt for a DVD, they are able incorporate that music into the video.

What a beautiful bride. I think you picked a wonderful location

Hi girls! We just returned this weekend from our week in paradise, and we definitely want to go back. Our wedding was amazing. The only hiccup we had was that the flight our families were on the day before the wedding was canceled and they almost didn't make it for the ceremony! Luckily our WC, Suzette, was able to push our ceremony back to 2 pm instead of 1 pm to allow our guests to make it. She saved the day! To give you all a little background, we were married at the Reef Terrace Gazebo, and we opted for the Preston Bailey Floral Elegance package, upgraded bouquet, Tropical Passion photo package, and 1 hour private cocktail reception. Our pictures were put in a beautiful Sandals photo album and were ready for pick-up the evening after our wedding! Now we just have to wait a couple weeks for our DVD and we'll have everything. I've attached a few pics below of our ceremony and reception. Officiant, BM, hubby, MOH, and my brother playing the trumpet Sand ceremony - we used beach sand The happy couple Cake cutting Cheers! Beach shot

Welcome home!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by bridget917 I found out the answer to my alcohol question on another board...each person can bring back 2-1 liter bottles lol. That's good to know. I think Jamaican Rum would be a great souvenir!

Quote: Originally Posted by tlomlad so... my little fi and i have pretty much got the whole destination wedding thing down but are stuggling with what we need to do here in the states. we live in philadelphia, pa and want to get married by the law here before heading down to cancun. had anyone ever done this before? how far in advance do you need to plan for the wedding? what kind of documents [i.e. driver's licenese. social security card etc] is needed? where do i go to get a quick weddng ceremony done? city hall? HELPPPP, please I got legally married in Lancaster, PA just over a month ago. I highly recommend coming out this way to do the legal marriage for a couple of reasons: 1. Cost is only $40 2. You get the marriage certificate when you apply - you don't have to pick it up after 3 days in order to use it. The only thing is that in Lancaster they don't perform marriages in City Hall, but they do give a list of judges. We just called one and set up a day and time - very easy and painless.

I'm just a few days behind you! Enjoy!

Quote: Originally Posted by bridget917 I emailed Darma to ask her about the sand ceremony and she told me that if you bring your own supplies that there is no charge. The $100 is to cover the vases and sand. She did tell me that you can't use sand off the beach so if you don't bring your own you'll have to buy it there. As far as the flowers go, she sent me pictures of the 2 bouquets included in the free wedding package, and there are daisies and carnations. If anyone is interested I'll try to post the pictures! Congratulations to those of you who have weddings coming really soon! Can't wait to see the pictures and hear all about it!!! Bridget Doe she mean that you literally can't pick up sand off the beach right before the sand ceremony, or that it's not allowed period? I was planning on just using beach sand because I can't find sand colors that I like. I guess one way around that is to collect the sand days prior to the wedding and just act like nothing's shady I guess I'll have to check on whether sand can be brought back into the states... I found this on the Homeland Security Website: Soil is considered the loose surface material of the earth in which plants, trees, and scrubs grow. In most cases, the soil consists of disintegrated rock with an admixture of organic material and soluble salts. Soil is prohibited entry unless accompanied by an import permit. Soil must be declared and the permit must be verified. I guess that explains why beach sand can't be used. On to Plan B!

Quote: Originally Posted by flamingo101 Yay.. my travel agent got a hold of Darma and our wedding is booked! Now.. they want to know if I want any upgrades, book salon etc. No problem... all I want is my hair done. No other extras. We are in a butler/expensive room so we get all the booze/reservations pampering already. I'm very stuck on the photos. I am ok with spending $355 (ouch) for the 18 pics... BUT I want them on disc instead of the 5x7 prints. Do you think this is possible I'm sure you can get digital negatives instead of actual pics. The price will probably be different. Hopefully not higher, but you never know! I'd just email Darma.

We are going with the Tropical Passion Photo Package - it's the middle of the road one. We had specific things we wanted photo wise, and this package has what we want. My parents splurged on Preston Bailey, we splurged on photos.

Quote: Originally Posted by hollisandsteph Your dress is beautiful! You are gonna look so awsome in it. Are you having your hair and make-up done? I would like to post a pic of my dress by my camera was broken. I actualy just got a new one yesterday. I just need someone to take my picture in it! We leave Thursday morning but are leaving home Wendsday night and staying in a Hotel by the airport. We didn't want to take any chances and the hotel will store our van for the week. Plus we live 2 hours from the airport and have to be at the airport by 3:45 am. When are you leaving? I have been totally stressing about the dress code and what to take. I kinda have a mix of dressy and casual. I bought 2 dresses but honestly, I don't look great in dresses. I did get a few very nice shirts that I love though that I also am worried about my FI. He doesn't want to take any dress pants and honestly he doesn't own any. He just want to wear kakhi shorts and nice shirts. He also doesn't want to take his heavy dress shoes either. He does have sandles that are dressier though. I just not sure they are good enough for all the resturants, especially the Italian one. So what do you all think? Do you think we should get him dress pants and take his heavy shoes? The sandals he does have do not have his toes exposed. Thank you! Sorry the pics are so huge. I'm doing good just to get them posted correctly! I can't wait to you all in your dresses! You're so close! We're leaving on Saturday afternoon/evening for the airport, and our plane leaves at 8:35 on Sunday morning Our hotel is letting us park there for the week too. Sure beats finding long-term parking at the airport! I have a mix of dressy and casual too - 4 dresses total, 2 pairs of shorts, 1 pair of denim capris, 1 short denim skirt, and 8-9 tops. I was on sandals.com last night after I posted, and I was relieved to see that only 2 of the restaurants are elegant vs. casual. That put my mind at ease. FI is only taking 1 pair of dressy pants, but he'll also have pants from his wedding suit and shoes as well. What is your FI wearing? Would the pants from his wedding attire be suitable for dinner at a fancier place if necessary? Honestly, I think you can get by with just one fancier outfit. After all, it'll probably only be worn for 2-3 hours at the most.