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Quote: Originally Posted by Mrs.StephP.2Be Hi Ladies! Here is the link to my photos. Enjoy! SO great!! You looked so beautiful, thanks for sharing Who did you use again?

Quote: Originally Posted by beckerba Thank you so much for the information on the lanterns. Have you thought about the wind and how you would anchor them down if needed? We are using ours for the ceremony and tying satin ribbon on the tops and hanging them on the chairs in the aisle. So we thought we would just move them over to the reception, but I don't know what I will do with them there.... I found some good ideas on The Knot maybe under the "Pink" section. Quote: Originally Posted by mkondracki I agree with Jo'Zeen. I am always a little more confused after she answers my questions. I was going to request someone else, but she actaully seems like the best person to deal with. I'm confused, is Jo'Zeen another Miami coordinator?

Quote: Originally Posted by JHarwood2Be Nope, haven't heard back yet. I'm almost about to get my TA involved. If they think they are getting a payment from me on March 10th, they better get moving, cause so far....nothing is planned! Well, when I told Tiffany I was upset and asked for her supervisors info, she gave me Fabio's information. So that will get me nowhere. Good luck to you I'm sure you'll be getting an email soon for money. I just am holding stock in all the positive reviews about the on-site coordinators. Quote: Originally Posted by Mrs.StephP.2Be Hi Ladies! So I am trying to upload some pictures for you but they are all in .jpg format and therefore are not able to be attached. I don't know much about computers. Could some one help me out? I know this same question has been asked before on this thread but I've been searching for the past 20min and can not find the answer. Thanks in Advance! Oh, and about the whole final payment thing. We didn't pay for anything until the day of our meeting with the wedding coordinators. I did not even know our final bill until then. I emailed Fabio several times about a week before we left to get my final quote and didn't hear back from him at all. We had a very small wedding so we had an idea of what to expect but I still think this is ridiculous and very unprofessional. Can't wait to see your pics!!! I wish I could help, maybe if you post them on picasa or kodak gallery and paste a link?? I agree about the unprofessionalism. argh. Quote: Originally Posted by beckerba I am looking for Chinese paper lanterns for the reception tables. Anyone know of a good vendor for ideas? Does anyone know how the resort sets up the tables for the private receptions (dinner). I am trying to figure out how many people can sit per table. This way I know how many lanterns I will need. Thanks everyone. Asianideas.com has a big selection for cheap, all colors and sizes. And my mom bought some from Hobby Lobby. 8 people per table and I have the dimensions of about 73 inches around (it was given to me in 1.98 meters)

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbride2009 Hi Erika...yes, I had an email waiting for me this morning. I emailed her Friday at 421pm mountain time (621pm Eastern) and she emailed back at 950am Eastern this morning. Apparently the weddings aren't free anymore as of last month, so if you booked prior to then you should be okay, but get it in writing!!! Thanks for the reply But I was referring to payment of private events, from what I understood before, they have just been so unorganized that they haven't been enforcing the rule. So now, they're still unorganized but trying to enforce this rule. But it's hard to pay for a private event, when you don't even have a quote of what the cost is! So I'm just warning everyone to stay on top of them for quotes, because even if they are slow and not doing their job, they still expect you to pay them 45 days til the event.... I opted not to do the free wedding, because the cost of the room required to qualify for it ends up being more than just booking the room I wanted and paying for a package. I'll have to check out TA, I've been trying to stay away because my dates coming up soon.

Hey Ladies, I need help/verification. Has anyone who has been married recently actually paid for the wedding the "45" days before they've gone down? Because I just got an email from Tiffany at the end of the day Friday, saying that we have to have everything paid in two weeks. I haven't even gotton a final quote from them yet!!!! They are just so inconsistant and ridiculous, it took more than two weeks for them to get me a freakin' bouquet quote. We still have guests booking late too Quote: Originally Posted by JHarwood2Be I just emailed Tiffany for the first time. I haven't heard from Fabio since the end of November. I'm ready to get some planning done! Have you heard back yet? Quote: Originally Posted by milejilo Is everyone using regular luggage to pack their wedding stuff? I have some items I fear will get crushed in a suitcase... any ideas? We are going to try and bubble wrap some things, and carry on some things with our fingers crossed

Quote: Originally Posted by Dreams425 My shower invites were mailed today! Its starting to feel so real! When is everyone having their shower? Mine is March 14th! I know, there aren't that many weekends left! My friends shower is March 1st, bachelorette March 21st (but we're going to the courthouse March 17th, oopsie!), and family shower March 28th, then we leave for Mexico April 8th. And my dress is suppose to arrive mid-Marchish.....if not, another purchase from JCrew will be in the works. Quote: Originally Posted by Andi I am with you there! We actually have done NOTHING for the AHR...don't even have a tentative date yet! oops! I am thinking though that it probably won't be until June or July and it will be a simple BBQ in the park or something like that. I honestly don't even really care to have an AHR but my parents and relatives who are not going to Mexico are nagging us! Same here, we've talked about it but planned nothing and everyone keeps asking

Thanks for all the detailed reviews ladies Congrats to you all! And Tsasha I'm sure yours will be great. Chloe, what exactly do you mean about guests being disappointed with the Swim Up Suites?? Krista, great info about the on site planners. Has anyone been having problems with the site loading lately?? I swore I posted something yesterday and it didn't post, and I have just not been able to get the site to load at all lately, weird.

Thanks for you review Steph! Congrats again and can't wait to see your pictures Quote: Originally Posted by beachbride2009 I think I'll ask Tiffany in my next email to her because I've been chatting with a girl who's getting married at the sister property the Seaside Suites and she was told the WC at the hotel will man the iPod during the ceremony so no one has to be distracted...I would think it would be the same for all the Karisma hotels, plus it would be anice gesture, it's only a half hour or less of their time, but it means so much to the bride & groom, and we are all bringing a ton of business to their resorts!!! I'm positive they play the songs for you during the ceremony, just not the reception

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbride2009 Oh Erika, I would die to have peonies...but I've never seen them in a bouquet in Mexico, have you? I KNOW!! I love them, she just said they weren't available for my date. I know here in the states they are available sometimes til early April. So I'm just trying to figure out what flowers are available when...does anyone know? I saw a thread for Cabo flowers and seasons, but wasn't sure if they would apply to us... I'm trying to get it narrowed down because I want to decide on whether I should order a flower for my hair or a brooch w/ feathers And I wanted the flower to match if possible.

Quote: Originally Posted by mineelbi Great News Erika I will be arriving on your wedding day - maybe we can meet up after your wedding and before mine so you can give me advice - how many will be there for your wedding? Right now I have around 30 guests ... I am very excited and really looking forward to it ....M Fun! Sure, I'll be at the resort until the 22nd so we can definitely meet up PM sometime b/w now and then and we can exchange info. Quote: Originally Posted by tsashamia Hi! I'm leaving in 10 days! I'll try to post a very detailed planning journal and put a link here. I'm also going to try and post a detailed review when I get back. Can't wait to be in Mexico! Congrats!! And best of luck, I'm sure everything will be Fabulous Quote: Originally Posted by daifje Hope to join this thread. Not too sure how to!!! I fell in love with this resort online. My fiance and I are going to check it out this weekend. I'll take a bunch of pics and post them when I return. Has anyone gotten married there yet? I hear that there are two weddings this weekend. Will keep you all posted Welcome, hope your visit is fun Quote: Originally Posted by heather hunder Has anyone picked out Bouquets yet? If so which ones?Thanks Tiffany is working on finding what flowers are available for April but the hotel has been slow getting back to her. So far I found that Peonies and Magnolias are not so I'm waiting to see if Dahlias or Ranunculuses or what is around I'm now 74 days away. eek!

Ladies, Does anyone know what the charge is for setting up the private reception? Quote: Originally Posted by andrea110808 We did not use the DJ, we used our iPod and it was good in my opinion. Yes, you do have to "run" your iPod all night but it was totally fine. we had a relaxed crowd and we danced and danced all night long.They are VERY strict about the 11pm end time. Andrea, Did you have someone keeping track of the time or did someone from the Resort let you know when 11pm was getting close? Quote: Originally Posted by mineelbi Hello ladies, I am getting married on April 15th 2009. I have been reading some reviews of the resort and I am getting a bit nervous. I am pretty laid back but I want it to be a great experience for my guests too .... is there anyone else getting married that week I will be leaving that day, I'm getting married on the 11th. But I would guess our stays will overlap.

Quote: Originally Posted by [email protected] Anyone doing the set menu for $12/person? I was wondering if this is still considered a "private dinner" so they still provide all tables, chairs etc.... We are doing one of the set menus, either the $30ish or $50ish one. It seemed the easiest way to go for me because it includes 3 courses and the International bar/coffee which I thought was the most reasonable. I'm not really considering a cocktail hour, because I just don't think there is enough time. Our wedding is at 5 pm and you only have 4 hours for a reception and I think they have to be over no matter what by 11pm (is that right?). Does anyone have an idea of what their timeline for the evening will be? Quote: Originally Posted by Mrs.StephP.2Be Hello Ladies! We're back and we're MARRIED! Just wanted to write a quick note to let you all know there is nothing to worry about. We had such a good time! The resort is beautiful, the service was excellent, the food was sooo good and most important the wedding was amazing! I will write a more detailed review as soon as possible, but in the mean time ignore the nasty people on TripAdvisor CONGRATS!!! Thank you for taking the time to do a quick post, can't wait to hear the details

Quote: Originally Posted by andrea110808 married on Nov 8th... We had our reception on the plaza in the middle of the resort and it is much more private than it sounds especially since it is dark outside. we had the absolute best dance party of our lives for our reception. the lighting they did was great and the music off our ipod and the bar tenders....it was perfect and everyone was dancing all night. nobody could walk the next day from either being hungover...sore legs and feet or both. I would not worry about your concern for not wanting to dance in the middle of the resort...it was not a problem for the 35 of us! That's where we are planning on having ours, but I was worried it was too big for our group, we are having about the same number as you. Did you add the dance floor, or just use the cement? Congrats! And I loved looking at your pics, we are using Erick. Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Since this is my first wedding and all... I was wondering if anyone could give me a little insist to the cost of all things. If you wouldn't mind telling me how much you paid for your Azul Sensatori wedding with how many people etc. or how much you expect to pay. I just booked my date and I'm wondering if my budget is at all close to the reality of how much it will cost. I have no one else helping me financially except me and my FI so I want to make sure I don't go broke on my wedding! Thanks so much! We originally budgeted around 15K but are going way over that, I don't even know for sure, but will soon!(I'm starting to do final planning) But this also includes my folks paying for our attendants and spouses for 3 nights, which is a BIG chunk. Now we are looking at over 20K for around 40 guests. And we are not doing anything extravagent on decor, I'm a less is more kind of girl.

Quote: Originally Posted by chloe We are leaving next week and I still have some trouble getting Fabio to get back in touch with me, although he does now within a few days. When I was requesting locations, my TA intervened and was able to get in touch with him and act as my liason. And during the earlier process, if I really wanted something secured (like the photographer) it was again my TA who was able to get in touch with him and make that happen for me. My phone calls/ emails went unanswered. I think he is dealing with almost EVERYTHING. It is too much. Why is the hotel not getting him more Help? Us brides are big business for the hotel. We deserve a little more attention. That's too bad. I'm sorry you're having such troubles. I would call the 1-800 number and tell them it's urgent someone assist you. It seems they're in a small space, not a big office, but I could be wrong. When I called to speak w/ Tiffany, Luis answered and I was connected to her pretty quickly. They should hire another coordinator, from what I understand according to one of my TA's is that Tiffany was originally the Family Concierge, but when Nancy was no longer w/ them, she maybe is doing both......

Quote: Originally Posted by [email protected] Sorry to change the subject but I haven't sent invitations yet and need suggestions and samples on what others have done ASAP. I did an emailed STD which has worked well. We are having a reception when we get back. I don't know etiquitte on who to send what to or if you send a formal invite to all even if they aren't going to Mexico. We get married in May and I want to have a formal invite sent out by the end of this month. Then I was thinking I would send a reminder STD mexico postcard when we get back for the reception.... I also struggle with the wording because even though it's a non traditional wedding I want the traditional wording as my parents are paying and I feel the need to mention them. Any ideas or examples would be greatly appreciated. Is your screen name your email? I will send you a copy of ours. I'm getting ready to send them out right now. I was freaking out because I've had them for a few weeks now and hadn't sent them. But I read on the Knot that even with a Destination Wedding you send out invites only 10-12 weeks before. We did Save the Date as well. What we did because I wanted something w/ formal wording too, was have two pages. The first one being the formal invite w/ my parents names and the second page is a boarding pass that I figured guest would put on the fridge for a reminder. I think the Postcard idea is great too.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Can you add me too? I just decided! May 8th 2010Thanks! Quote: Originally Posted by LivvandScot We're booked! May 7th 2010! Welcome Ladies So have people thought about doing a Unity Candle (maybe too windy) or Sand Ceremony? What other options are there?

Tell me about it, I'm starting to freak out now too!! I can't believe it's 2009. This week so far I've ordered palm fans, feathers, and am trying to get my invites out. My hands hurt.

Quote: Originally Posted by Beecher2Be Hey Everyone, Just back today from my wedding at the Sensatori and it was Wonderful! Rest assured girls, this place was great and you have nothing to worry about! Congrats!! Can't wait to hear all about it Quote: Originally Posted by beckerba I am confused by the photography selection. I think Mexican Photography and Claudia moved off the Karisma site correct? Are they still available? Is anyone willing to share who they have chosen? I'm using Claudia too. I was told that if I didn't pick one of the hotel's packages that we had to pay the $500 fee, but she's still approved. Doesn't make sense to me and I'm not sure what the deal is, but I'm just booking through her myself and I'll figure it out later. I don't like the packages the resort offers.

Quote: Originally Posted by JHarwood2Be Erika, That is a great report. It makes me feel like some good change is happening. This new resort thing has sure turned out to be a roller coaster. She sounds like a good contact to have. How's your planning going with Fabio? I have Tiffany, it's going slow. I hoping to get some progress this coming week Quote: Originally Posted by chloe Hi- I am not a full member yet. We have a lot of concerns about Azul Sensatori, so we are curious about the weddings ahead of us. I am not sure what I am doing on this site yet, but weclome any information regarding this hotel. We are getting married at the end of January 2009. After reading reviews of this hotel on trip advisor and the experiences we've had trying to get the details of our wedding in order we would be happy at this point to change hotels and have a different wedding coordinator. Unfortunately, we already have all our 60+ guests booked and they don't all have trip insurance. We are hoping to hear some positive information about weddings/ experiences there, since we are excited to be married. Thanks! Congrats! There are plenty of us on here for support. I'm sure you're pretty busy w/ last minute details. But feel free to ask us any questions and if you have time go through the thread and read different posts. There is tons of info on here.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mrs.StephP.2Be Hello Ladies! We have been pretty quite lately! To be honest I have been trying to avoid this website as well as TripAdvisor in the past few weeks. I leave in a week and reading bad reviews was not helping me stay calm. Best of luck Mrs. Steph! I'm sure everything will be great So I had a phone conversation with a Rep from Karisma whose office is in the Sensatori. She was very nice and positive. I just went over some of my/our concerns that we've been hearing about the resort. Some of the main points were: Theft- She actually didn't gloss over it, she admitted there has been problems and they have taken the steps to prevent it. Beefed up staff, gotten rid of some, etc. Every resort has it unfortunately, you just have to be careful. Beach Butlers-They will only be in the Premium Section. There are Beach waiters everywhere. As of right now they are having BBQ's on the beach everyday, a taco cart, and a hamburger/hot dog stand. So people don't have to get dressed to go into restaurants for lunch. Restaurants-Even during full capacity there will always be one or two closed each night, they switch back and forth. And during times where the resort is not at full capacity possibly more will be closed. Showers-are being fixed, she said they were tested before opening but sometimes they don't catch everything until people stay at the resort. Premium Alcohol-if you are having a private event, you are guaranteed the Premium Alcohol from the list. Otherwise, it wasn't clear if everything was available. All in all, it was a good conversation. It was kind of tough because she was calling from Mexico over the Internet, so at times there was loud buzzing to where I couldn't hear her and at one point we were disconnected. Plus, I've been really sick so I forgot to ask many of the things I wanted to know. They do monitor the message boards to see what people are saying. She mentioned that there was just a wedding w/ over 60 guests that went really well and she's hoping the bride will do a review on TA. She says things are improving every day. They've even brought employees in, in which their job is literally to walk around the resort asking guests how they're doing and what they need or what could be done better. So I feel like they are definitely making an effort to get the resort up to par. I'm suppose to keep in touch with her and we're going to speak again before I go down in April. But I do definitely feel better about it all Happy New Year!

So I looked like a crazy person at Target today..... I've been really sick and I couldn't even move out of bed yesterday....but I really wanted the books!! So I tried to make myself presentable, went to Target, made a beeline for the $1 section and proceeded to dig throught the bins for about 30 minutes. They had all the books mixed together (cocktails, digital cameras, ipods, etc. for dummies). So it was quite a process but I bought all of them And it was really funny because I was in the check out and the place was a Madhouse, long lines everywhere so the people behind me in line were excited because they didn't think I had much in my cart until I started putting all my $1 books on the counter. I looked crazy.

Sorry about your troubles I had the same problem, we unfortunately were stuck with her. But I was determined not to let that ruin it for the rest of my guests. So I had a recommendation from another bride on here and booked another TA to finish the rest of our bookings and plans. She has been wonderful, I just wish I had found her sooner. At least you still have plenty of time before your date. Best of luck.

I just found this thread! I just realized our wedding is three months away and starting exploring outside my resort thread I'm so excited we just received our invites, now the task of getting them sent out.

Quote: Originally Posted by Tranch This is a similar post that a few other girls did, but there has been no answer yet. Would these be the same flower chooses for the Mayan Riviera. Thanks to anyone that could answer this. I too would like to know the answer to this, thanks

Oh my gosh, thanks for the tip. I hope I'm not too late, I'll be at my Target first thing tomorrow!! I would love/hate to see how much I spend at Target in a year