HaleGrifa

Beautiful dress...do you have any other pictures? As well do you think that the dress could be made strapless? Thank You Laura

Barefoot Jewellery ..... or also knows as bondgirl0072010 on the forum

Barefoot Jewellery .... I have an AMAZING Referral for you... Red-i by Chelsea ... she can be found on this forum, her website or facebook Red-I by Chelsea

Thank You! I just love them too! Le Chateau - approximately $129

Larger photo....

Love my Destination Wedding Footwear | Moon Palace 29 | January | 2009

Hola ~ I noticed that I have been receiving some lovely Welcomes to the Forum Thanks so much ~ Joe & I truly appreciate it. We were married January 29, 2009 ~ The most magical day of our lives! Moon Palace is a dream come true ~ our guests still speak of our Wedding Day & time away with them. We have since been back with our MOH & BM to celebrate our 1 Year Anniversary ... and have since become Members & are visiting again next year to celebrate our 2nd Anniversary! MP has become family & our 2nd home Wishing each of you All The Best! Laura & Joseph

Hola Moon Palace Brides! Terrific review! My Husband & I were married at Moon Palace January 29, 2009 with 30+ guests joining us. This was the most magical experience ~ the resort made us shine We are heading back with a crew to celebrate our 1st Year Married!! Depart in 2 weeks ~ you will love it so much; you'll end up returning every year! I would recommend MP to the most discerning Bride. Wishing each of you All the Best! Laura Hale-Grifa

Hello MP Brides & Grooms Please find below the link for Our Wedding Day January 29, 2009 ~ Moon Palace ~ Mexico MP was truly amazing . . . Our Weddding Day & Vacation was a dream come true! Professional Photo Link Laura & Joe Hiring a professional photographer is worth it! We had 2 photographers for 2 nights & 3 days . . . we have lots of picture perfect photos to remember every moment & can now reflect on the trip! As well, seeing as we had photography 'built' into our package pricing - I had the MP Photographer join us at our Welcome Dinner - great idea & fantastic photos! Please also see the photobucket link below - it details attire and such. Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket MP is stunning . . . our guests & us enjoyed every minute . . there are already 10 of us returning to celebrate 1 Year!! Wishing you All The Best xo Laura a.k.a Mrs. Grifa

Hello Ladies Our first dance song was . . . Sea of Love by Robert Plant & Jimmy Page (The Honey Drippers) YouTube - Robert Plant & Jimmy Page-Sea Of Love Bride Entrance to Chapel Gazebo * Israel Kamakawiwo Ole' - Somewhere Over The Rainbow Lyrics It was so fitting & beautiful - the most magical day of our lives. Best of Luck Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by liz1717 Is anyone here doing "assigned" seats for a private dinner? We are going to have one long table for guests and I'm wondering if I should bother making some sort of seating chart, or just let people figure it out based on the place markers/favors at each seat. For 22 guests, is it really worth worrying about? Doe anyone have a template, or a suggestion of where I could find one? Thanks! Hi Liz, We had 28 guests - we did do placecards. I purchased Starfish Photo Frames from Wedding Star and had each guest named printed with a palm leaf in the background (in my wedding colours). This was a great seating guide and favour - all of our guest loved the idea & they looked fabulous. Funny enough, when I visit my guests in their homes - they all have their frames displayed with their names! MP was amazing . . . Our Wedding was Truly Magical So happy to be Mrs. Grifa aka Laura Hale

Quote: Originally Posted by drtracy FYI ~ My aunt collected a bunch of sand from MP to take home for a planter. She had no problems taking it through customs. So sorry that you are freaking out. There are several awesome locations and hotels for weddings. MP is definitely one of them and you will have wonderful day. Another BDW bride taught me about inspiration boards, if you need to print and cut out pictures of MP from here or other sites. Put them on a nice board so that you can be continually reminded of what a beautiful place it is and how wonderful your wedding will be. The rates are a bit higher then some other places, but those places aren't necessarily for 5-star hotels with the same amenities. It is totally worth it! I don't think there is such a thing as a generic bride! Please do not worry - the MP is stunning - a dream come true. Our Wedding was truly magical . . . our group is already booked for next year to celebrate our anniversary. Happy MP Bride Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by Eureaka Thank you for posting this!!! I kept asking my WC in Miami for a map with the Grand included. I couldn't figure out why she wouldn't send one! This is such a help since I officially decided to switch our block of rooms to the Grand side. I couldn't make up my mind, and while I was trying on my dress I talked to another MOTB and she has a timeshare there and recommended it. I took that as a sign and e-mailed Marlyn. Hopefully I made a good choice! They said that if you need to travel, you can always request a golf cart... Here's hoping! Hola, FYI Brides They really do not make a habit of promoting the Grand Side - as it is usually time share based and is not yet completed. Please note that just because you reserve a block on a particular side of the resort, does not mean that is is guaranteed. MP is amazing and the weddings department is the best - no matter what happens you are sure to be pleased! Best of Luck

I think the last one is it! It looks very flattering on you - with a soft veil and compliments flowers & accessories - this is the look. Best of luck deciding.

Quote: Originally Posted by Myen Laura (Hale), Quick question - did you include Tammara and Grant in your guest count for your reception? Would you have to purchase a meal and reserve a place setting for them? Thanks, Myen HoLa Myen! Yes, we included Tammara & Grant in our guest count for all items that our guests received - they were included in the dinner and dancing, favour, after reception guest thank you treat in rooms etc. Treating them as a guest is the best things . . .they know when to be 'on things' & when to enjoy the party! They are amazing =) Wishing you all the best Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by Betsy Thanks!! The cake was $40 and purchased at MP - You have 2 choices of cakes - one is smaller and serves less people (the one that I chose) and the other one is huge and I think it was $200 anyways they let you choose the shape (round, square, heart) and I asked if I could have starfish and shells on it - My WC said sure, and there was no extra charge - I was super excited about it! I was SO impressed with the bar at our cocktail function, we got the free cocktail hour which we used as our dinner/reception b/c Our wedding was later in the day - there was tons of food by the way, and they set up our own private bar with every kind of liquor you can imagine, honestly I can't remember if it was top shelf, but we had waiters/waitresses going around asking guests if they wanted another drink, as well as 2 bartenders at the little bar the whole time! And it was private, only for my guests!! I was so impressed by that!!! Also, FYI we had no trouble at all at the Cancun airport, there were people there and some asked us if we needed rides,etc, but we just smiled and said "no thanks, we know exactly where we are going" which we did!! Just bring all your transfer docs with you and make sure you KNOW the name of your transfer company so you know which van/car to look for when you get outside the airport! Hi So true . . every function was amazing and top of the line! Our bars, food & service at our Welcome Dinner, Cocktail Reception & Private Dinner were huge - loads of selection . . very impressive! Our wedding was truly magical =)

Quote: Originally Posted by Betsy About the cake knife, we didn't bring one but I wish we had, the one we used looked like a large butter knife and in the pics it looks kind of funny. Nobody else even noticed it, only me LOL but it is one of those little things I totally didn't think I'd care about! Hello, We purchased a cake knife & server at home - I decorated them with a starfish & ribbon (to match our colour scheme) on the handle of one and a shell & ribbon on the handle of the other. They turned out amazing and held up wonderfully. It was a nice touch with our special ordered beach theme cake. We received lots of wonderful feedback and the photos are great. We were able to take them home & display them in our china cabinet. Worth the little bit of extra work. Good Luck Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by Jodimichelle Hi Laura Marachi band..is that an outside vendor? If you dont mind me asking- How much did they charge? I am considering having them during the cocktail and ceremony.. Thanks for the info. Lighting is a major thing. My Fiance is in the entertainment industry-Lighting and Music are key! jodi Hi Jodi, The Mariachi band - I believe is an inside vendor with Moon Palace - your MP WC will make the arrangements for their service. (so no worries if they are internal or external vendors) You may have noticed that they are listed as an option in the Wedding Packages during the ceremony. They are on a 1st come 1st serve basis - therefore if you know you want them, email your WC and put in your request. The Mariachi Band was $592US per hour - after the ceremony (we also reserved them for the ceremony, but this was part of our Deluxe Wedding Package-that I pre-reserved months in advance) They performed during our Cocktail Reception at the Chapel Garden - worth every penny. They were very entertaining - allowed us photo ops with them etc. We then had a private dinner on Terrace Venado - we used the self IPOD DJ system - easy to use and they had a staff member onsite to assist us the entire time. We also reserved the extra lighting. Lighting - have your WC fwd you the lists for DJ - Self-DJ & Lighting - worth it - the lighting makes a huge difference - looks great in pictures too. MP is amazing - We are already booked to go back next year for our Anniversary. Happy to help . . . Wishing you all the best Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by Myen Hale, Congrats - I can't wait to see your professional pics. We've hired Tamms as well and I'm super excited to be working with her and her husband as I've heard fantastic reviews from a number of ppl. Hi Myen, You will LOVE Tamms & Grant - awesome couple! It is nice to have a couple -Grant hangs with the boys, while Tammara hangs with the ladies. It nice to get 2 different perspectives and see all the things that you don't get a chance too. Please let them know that you meet Laura & Joseph Grifa (maiden name Hale) on the BDW Forum. I would love for them to know that we have referred their services. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy Laura & Joe

Quote: Originally Posted by Jodimichelle Hello Ladies!! It has been awhile since I have been on this site and I am not sure if I had read it somewhere on this thread, but I was wondering if anyone has had a band for their wedding or is planning on having a band for their wedding? Can anyone recommend a Mexican band? Just yesterday I went to a bridal show...and the event was mostly for those who are planning their wedding back in the states... flowers, Limo, Djs and bands....I went there mostly to get ideas. Anyway..I was watching one band, and they were amazing. Of course they performed with their entire band (10 person band) but they did a great job. So now I am "thinking" of having a small band. Please let me know! Jodi Hello If your wedding is at Moon Palace and you like the idea of a live band - I would suggest the Mariachi Band We had the Mariachi Band for our ceremony pre & post and paid for the Mariachi Band to entertain at the Cocktail Reception following the ceremony. Worth every penny . . . they sound great are very entertaining and friendly with guests. I don't know if there are any other live band options. If you are planning on keeping your festivities shorter, then go with the mariachi band the entire time, but if not I would suggest using the self-serve IPOD option. We did this for our private dinner on the terrace and it was spectacular (I would also suggest splurging for the lighting) Best of Luck Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by HaleGrifa Hi Anna & Fellow MP Brides, Photos - Professional & FaceBook FYI - I will be posting my professional link soon . . . Laura PS - If any of you are on FaceBook - our wedding guest have posted hundreds of photos. Friend me at Joseph Grifa Laura Hale & I will guide you as to where the photos are Wishing each of you all the best Laura UPDATE!!! Joseph Grifa Laura Hale on FB - Photos Photos on FaceBook - Soooo sorry - I have been advised by BDW Brides that our friends profiles are private. Therefore all of their amazing pics cannot be viewed Our Professional Link is coming soon . . . Can't wait to share

Quote: Originally Posted by katt Halegrifa , thank you for the menu. What great Ideas. I'm gonna use so for them. Well ladies I just found out yesterday from the mami office that I have made it mto 71 room nites. YES! I still have guest that haven't booked,at least 3. That should do it.I'm on my way to the unlimited parties. I have 40 Days to go and this was domn to the last min. I had to send out the big ROOM BLOCKS ARE CLOSING e-mail before people got it. So ladies don't worry people will book at the last min, it doesn't do much for you nerves but just hold on. I very happy to get the free week. I am so excited to have my wedding at the Moon Palace. I am definitly going to post links for everyone to check out my pics.We'll gotta go to work be back on at 5pm. Hi Katt Happy to help! Our menu was wicked - loads of food and beautifully displayed. Wow - you have so many guests - way to go! Who is your WC? Enjoy every minute Wishing you all the best Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by liz1717 I'm new to this website...We're getting married at MP in 6/26/09 and I couldn't be more excited...and nervous! I've been looking at this thread and have seen a lot of very helpful tips. I've seen several people mention various outside photographers that they are bringing, rather than using the MP photographers because the quality isn't so great. Has anyone used the MP photographers and been really disappointed? Or thrilled and would suggest the MP photographers to me? I'm starting to worry because I don't know how difficult it will be to find a photographer in the time before the wedding. Thanks! Hi Liz, We hired Tammsphotos.com - Tammara & Grant Terry (based of out the US) Tamm's Photos - Wedding Photography Intro ~ they travel to Mexico and shoot weddings - They were amazing and so much fun - they were like guests and have become friends . . . actually we are meeting up with them again in Mexico 2010 for some fun and photos!! I would suggest if you are looking to hire an outside photographer they are it! Excellent package and amazing quality!! MP Photographers - we decided to go with hiring a destination wedding photographer, as I wanted specifics and detail - as well there are time limits with the onsite photographers. We purchased the Deluxe Wedding Package - this package included photography - seeing as we had hired photographers, I had the MP photographer attend our Welcome Dinner. He did 1 1/2 of shooting and they were awesome - he was wicked - we ended up receiving a photo album (the photographer selects and puts this together) and we purchased all of the negatives - SOOOO Nice! Wishing you the best of luck Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by xoxo1441 Can you send me some pics pleaseeeee? [email protected] Hi Anna & Fellow MP Brides, Photos - Professional & FaceBook FYI - I will be posting my professional link soon . . . Laura PS - If any of you are on FaceBook - our wedding guest have posted hundreds of photos. Friend me at Joseph Grifa Laura Hale & I will guide you as to where the photos are Wishing each of you all the best Laura