Amarillis

Thank you for the compliments, Thanks to Tammy's mod power the original post has a link to the photobooks that we did for all the parents and bridal party - page 2 and 3 of each of theirs is different - page two is a personalized thank you and page three is a great pic of them at our wedding. A.

Awesome pics!!!! you look like an angel in some of those jungle pics!!!

Wow. There are no words to say how sorry I am that you are not having the wedding of your dreams. Like Sunbride said, there are alternatives at a later date. AHR, renewal of vows. Just have a fantastic wedding day. If I may make a suggestion - invite people you meet at the resort - I know it sounds unconventional, but it sounds like you were looking for a party (with the DJ and all), so make it a party. You'll help make memories for many others too! At the same time enjoy your day, it is all about you and your dear FI. big hugs!

Best of luck ladies!!! My vote is IN!

Good luck ladies!!!

Getting ready with my little sister: The girls and their ‘blue’ bags: Me: Group Shot:

Our Wedding Slideshow Created in Photobucket We did not have a slideshow of our photos made, but I did make one in Photobucket. It was really easy and I hope that you'll check it out! I am not thrilled with the quality of the photobucket slideshow, so courtesy of our fantastic mod's I have added in this plug for my super dee duper photobook from shutterfly. They were made for the wedding party, parents and ourselves, I am SO looking forward to receiving them... http://share.shutterfly.com/share/re...1AaOWzdk2ZMnPA Here are a selection of my absolute favourite photos: There are many more pro photos that were included in my lengthy review... In no particular chronological order…. Before entering the hall: The kiss at the end of our first dance: Before our TTD photo shoot: Trashing the Dress: We sent this one out in some of our thank you cards:

I just received this from Beach Wedding Shirts | Guayaberas, Linen Pants, Boys Linen Shirts, Mexican Wedding Shirts. - they were our source for all our guyaberas for our wedding! This is a quick reminder our 10% coupon will expire on 4/30/09, this coupon is good for all items including the ones on sale. Click here to see our new items or our items on sale. Save 10% Enter our LOYALCUST coupon code from today until 4/30/09 and receive double the savings. This cupon is good for all items including items on sale. Don't keep it to yourself foward this newsletter to friends and family. Offer Expires: 4/30/2009

I just posted this in the vendor reviews: Quote: Originally Posted by Amarillis This testimonial was provided to Laura -- She was absolutely amazing! Bridal Blooms By Laura We knew that our love for Cuba and the soft white sand was the only place on earth we would want to be to exchange our vows. As we began the planning process we learned that January is not only winter here in Canada, but also winter in Cuba. Although the Caribbean is known for their tropical flowers, we were concerned about selection. When the idea of fake flowers came up, we knew we didn’t want cheap plastic dollar store flowers. This is when we found Bridal Blooms by Laura. Bridal Blooms by Laura was a dream to work with. The process of choosing flowers was fantastic, communications over the phone and through email were done, we knew that she shared the same vision for our wedding; Classic, tropical, bright and cheerful flowers. When the ‘Real Touch – Floramatique’ floral arrangements arrived we were in complete awe. They looked, felt, and smelled real, absolutely amazing. They travelled perfectly, and we will enjoy them for years to come. Thank you for the wonderful flowers, Mr. & Mrs. Ontario, Canada Married at the Barceló Marina Palace; Varadero Cuba, January 28, 2009

This testimonial was provided to Laura -- She was absolutely amazing! Bridal Blooms By Laura We knew that our love for Cuba and the soft white sand was the only place on earth we would want to be to exchange our vows. As we began the planning process we learned that January is not only winter here in Canada, but also winter in Cuba. Although the Caribbean is known for their tropical flowers, we were concerned about selection. When the idea of fake flowers came up, we knew we didn’t want cheap plastic dollar store flowers. This is when we found Bridal Blooms by Laura. Bridal Blooms by Laura was a dream to work with. The process of choosing flowers was fantastic, communications over the phone and through email were done, we knew that she shared the same vision for our wedding; Classic, tropical, bright and cheerful flowers. When the ‘Real Touch – Floramatique’ floral arrangements arrived we were in complete awe. They looked, felt, and smelled real, absolutely amazing. They travelled perfectly, and we will enjoy them for years to come. Thank you for the wonderful flowers, Mr. & Mrs. Ontario, Canada Married at the Barceló Marina Palace; Varadero Cuba, January 28, 2009

From my planning experience - here is the #1 question to ask your potential TA... HAVE THE RATES BEEN CONTRACTED Otherwise, they are estimating price. Once the contracted rates were available I liked the #'s even better! On the aside regarding rates: Last year our group had the benefit of booking when the CAD$ was low. This year, although we are in "an economic downturn" many people will expect prices to drop. I have been told that this is not the case for two reasons, a) the CAD$ is not as strong the tour operators contract in US$ therefore we are seeing up to a 22-25% increase over last year in rates. Good Luck! Happy Planning Cuban Brides!

We arrived on the Saturday and were married on the Wednesday... this fit with the 72 hour rule.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jacilynda Amanda was MotM this month!! I must be on drugs.... HOW DID I FORGET THAT>

Wowzers, talk about a mess. In all honesty though, you should feel confident that this got caught early on... rather than much much closer to your big day. I'm sure your day will be perfect, and I"m sure you've helped others with this info! Good Luck and Happy Planning!

1: What is your current job, and if you had to switch careers, what would the other career be? Current job is an accountant If I had a choice to change it, it would be a restaurant owner, specializing in food and wine. 2: What is your favorite hobby? Fishing and Travel 3: What is your favorite holiday, and why Halloween - I love dressing up. 4: What is your greatest achievement? Moving back to Northern Ontario and being successful 5: What is your favorite animal... and why? Dogs, I love my baby. 6: What is your dream trip? Italy 7: What is your fav food? Lasagna 8: Who has made the biggest impact in your life? My sister. She has always been there for me. 9: If you were a crayola crayon, what color would you be, and why? Pink... i love everything PINK 10: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? Carribean, running a tiki bar 11: How many siblings do you have? One 12: What is your biggest fear? Snakes 13: What’s your favorite holiday dish you make for your family? Lobster on Good Friday 14: Do you have a nickname? Amarillis and I..e.mba 15: What causes do you support? Canadian Cancer Society 16: What is your guilty pleasure? Doritos 17. If you could have one special power, what would it be & why?? Teleporting with time travel. - i agree... 18. How old are you? 28 19. If you won the lottery (hundreds of millions) what would you do? Move to the carribean and run a tiki bar 20. What gadget do you not need, but still want? kitchen gadget: Jamie Oliver Flavour Shaker. 21. What is your favorite T.V. show? Law & Order 22. When did you know that FI was "the One?" When he told me he didn't care what his girlfriend did for a living, who she was or how much she made, he just wanted someone in his life that would be happy living in Northern Ontario. (sidenote: luckily I am a catch) 23. What is your favorite item of clothing? yoga pants 24. How many or do you want children? at least two 25. Have you ever met anyone famous? If so, who? Nope. 26. If you could be someone else for a day who would it be and why? I wouldn't want to be anyone else. 27. What is your worst bad habit? Doddling.. procrastinating... 28. What's your middle name? Does it have significance? Marie (all the women in my moms family have that name) 29. What's the craziest thing you've ever done? Running away with DH for our fifth date to the Dominican Republic 30. What is the one thing that your significant does that drives you CRAZY? leaves clothes on the floor 31. What’s your favorite movie? Home Alone 32. Why did you choose a destination wedding? We love CUBA! 33. How long were FI and you together when you got engaged? 2 years OK... this is too long... gottta run.

I guess I missed the mama drama with using your actual wedding dress... I am a beliver in using your real wedding dress... I did, and there is no damage to it at all! It was actually cleaner on the bottom after the fact. But i digress. I say $75 is a steal, it is really shimmery (honestly not my taste), lets see some pics of you when you get it in the mail!!!

Can't wait to see the pics when you get back!!

thanks island bride... I was B2B in January, so sadly I cannot be nominated... My nominations are: b2b: Billysbride! Mrs: Bachatabride (Amanda)

Marie Sam hit the nail on the head! I really think you need to focus on finding yourself. I am sorry you are going through this, but you are not alone. You have a huge support system right here. Keep us posted girl!

I spent a lot - but I think it was worth it! Teeth whitening and new veneers (for teeth that were damaged in a hockey accident as a child) $1500. Pedicure/Manicure $150 Shopping therapy.... IMMEASURABLE! $$$$$ I don't count the cost of excercise and gym memberships, as i do that anyway!

Stunning!!!! Just Stunning. You have captured all the aspects of a perfect passport invite!!! your guests are gonna flip!

I think it is a super fun - very Mexican idea! If you have a party crowd, I;m sure they'll be into it!

It looked great! this is a great idea instead of hauling all of the goodies with you!

Quote: Originally Posted by mummergirl hahahaha i am in total agreement on that one ... i'm not waiting until i'm 96 years old for diamonds! LOL Well put Mummer!

Everything looks great! congratulations!!!! The countdown is ON!