HotTamale

Here are the differences: Cosmic Ceremony: It is a ritual of love, with no other commitment than to unite each other for love and as long as the love lasts. This ceremony takes place before the universal energy, and consists of presenting the couple to the following points: to the superior cosmic energy (masculine), to the mother earth (feminine), to the four directions, using the Mayan order and their names, to the guardians of the place where the ceremony is held, to the center of their own hearts, the temple of love. The ritual takes place in a circle formed by friends and family, who throw them flowers, play musical instruments, and play the conch shell (music optional, depending on group). Flowers of the four Mayan colors are used: white (representing North), red (East), yellow (South), and violet (West). After the presentation all present in the circle can pass to the center, one by one, to offer a message, a song, or a poem to the couple. Later, the couple communicates to each other whatever comes from their hearts, or whatever words they have previously prepared. If they like, this is the time to exchange rings as symbols of the union. The group gives thanks to all the directions, and with kisses, hugs, and applause finish the ceremony. Mayan Ceremony Is based in the Maya's connection with the universe and their gods, which is described in their sacred book the Popol Vuh, the ceremony brings the couple to the four cardinal points (north, south, east and west) to unite them to the feminine Mother Earth and the masculine Cosmic Energy, symbolized by a central sacred candle. An altar is created to represent these four cardinal points. Flowers mark these four points and on the altar there is traditional offerings to the Gods - corn, beans, rice, fruit – to represent the gifts of prosperity and fertility. North is represented by red flowers, East with yellow, South with purple, and West with white. Candles are located on the altar on the four cardinal points -- north, south, east and west – to symbolize the presence of the four Mayan cosmos gods. The center candle unites the feminine and masculine – Mother Earth and Cosmic Energy, the fifth flame - which is lit by the Shaman or by the one he designates. Prior to the ceremony, the area is cleansed at the four cardinal points by the Shaman with the sacred smoke from the Copal tree and the blowing of the ritual conch shell horn. Check out these sites: Tulum Weddings | Weddings in the Riviera Maya, Mexico | EcoTulum Resorts and Spa Maya Weddings Mexico Wedding Ceremony Wedding Planning Playa del Carmen Yaxche Mayan Restaurant and Maya Cuisine Playa del Carmen Mexico and Fuego Nuevo the Mayan Millinium Mayan Wedding Ceremony on the Beach at Al Cielo Hotel Near Playa del Carmen Mexico Riviera Maya Wedding Ceremony Locations | Destination Weddings Riviera Maya Maya Weddings Mexico Wedding Ceremony Wedding Planning Playa del Carmen Ajua Maya Restaurant Riviera Maya Currently, the places we are considering for a Cosmic Ceremony are Eco Tulum Weddings; The Tides; or a private beach in Playa Del Carmen. Afterwards, we will have our reception at Casa Del Agua in Playa Del Carmen on 5th Avenue. You can visit our wedding website to see how I've described it thus far, but keep in mind it's still under construction. We are considering the Cosmic Ceremony, as we are seeking a spiritual ceremony that will add deeper meaning to our lives. The idea of uniting with nature together seems very intense, and this is an experience we feel we can hold sacred. I hope this information helps. XO

I have found several wonderful maps using the follwoing website: Riviera Maya Hotels, Resorts, Rentals: Mexican Caribbean Vacation this website is awesome. Not only does it have several aerial maps (some a little dated, but gives the location), but the site is full of information such as restaurants, restaurant reviews, beaches/beach reviews, resorts/resort reviews, etc..... Much of the information on the website will have photos, and hyperlinks to connect you directly with each site. I have found that many of the sites that do not have hyperlinks, you can Google the name and find the pertinent restaurant, bar, hotel or whatever it is you need additional information on. I am unable to copy the maps to give each of you on the site due to protection, but here is the direct link to all the maps: Riviera Maya Map: Aerial photos, road map, Mexico

Fantastic, photos....nicely coordinated!

I have a TON of information, and photos, as we are thinking of doing this ceremony - I will send it all to you when I get home from work today!!!!

Welcome! I'm partial to Excellence. Dreams is really nice too, and so is the Grand Palladium. Will you have children attend the wedding? I have a lot of literature )electronic) that I can send to you for your hotel. Let me know. Welcome and Congrats!!!!

[uPDATE] Good morning, ladies! First thank you all so much for your sound support, it has been truly appreciated by me, and my fiance. I want to let you all know that we took the advice and FI had a "come to Jesus", if you will, with FMIL. Mind you, they live 2-hours away, so the talk was done over the telephone, and lasted approxiamtely a little over an hour. He conveyed everything to her. It was a battle, as she refused to see our wishes and dreams. He explained why we wanted our wedding in Mexico, how it was more financially feasible for us, how it was intended to be stress free, and that we are having a reception there, and we are willing to have AHR back home in Oklahoma as long as they are willing to pay. She took it as an attack - not a constructive conversation. She even said to FI, "Are you trying to put me in my place?" You girls would DIE, if you knew my fiance. He is a teddy bear and wouldn't hurt an ant! At the end of the day, she said that she and FFIL will attend. She stuck to her guns about providing me a list of over a hundred people for me to send STD cards to.....all people neither of us know - whatever. We still have yet to receive this list from her, as she promised it would be in our hands 2-days ago. My fiance even asked her why she doesn't call me to discuss the wedding with me, she had no response. He told her that I am the one that knows all the details and he would appreciate it if she would at least express interest in trying to get to know his future wife, and become more involved....she said she would try. So we'll see. My final thoughts. You are all right. I can't change her or anyone, and I don't want to. I have shifted focus on my life with my FI, and I can see clearly now. I'm going on planning our dream wedding full force. You girls rock with the support I received and for those out there experiencing the same, I hope this serves as a sounding board for you as well. I'm off to work. Love you all! BESOS!

YEAH!!!!!! YOU GIRLS ROCK!!!!!!!! Yes, this is the dress color and exact style - I LOVE IT! The colors of the ocean....it will be beautiful!

Quote: Originally Posted by JennyK I;m gonna go out on a limb and say Melissa Sweet yea I was right lol here's the link Style MS215 | Priscilla of Boston HOLY SH*T!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The pics are beautiful; your daughter is precious in her little Mexican dress! Congratulations!

This is the dress that I would like for my bridesmaids to wear, but I can't locate the name of the designer. Has anyone seen it and do you know the name of the designer? Any help is appreciate! Muchos Gracias!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, helluva deal! That's what I call being at the right moment at the right time!

I agree with above. Purchase the dress that you are the most comfortable in, and the one that "feels" right. From the sound of it, the second dress is you best option given that it will be purchased for you, and it's what you had invisioned yourself wearing. Good luck!!!!!

Welcome to the Forum - you will love it here!

Hello, welcome to the forum!

Welcome to the forum - you will love it here! Congratulations!

Welcome to the forum!

This is wonderful information - thank you so much!!!!!

I'm thinking about having our wedding here as well. Still waiting to hear back from the WC though.....beautiful resort!

Wow - I FEEL your pain! First and foremost, you must know that you can't control anyone else, people never seize to amaze me. First with your son - embrace the new moments together. I have a 6-year old, so if you have any questions let me know! Nothing should ruin your time with him, and most importantly your wedding planning. Second-Your friend that bailed on you last second - screw her!!!!! Seriously, who does that? Third - your MOH and her dress issue. I mean this is difficult. Shame on her for telling you anything negative about the dress. Shame on her for waiting till the last minute, etc.... Additionally, this is your time with your soon to be husband. You must stay positive and not let these outside factors influence you in a negative way. Keep doing what makes you happy and stay persistent with things that are in your control. Let me know how things go.

AWESOME!! I'll add a few later!

Beautiful!!!!!!!!!

Oh girl, you sound like me about 3-weeks ago! I did the same, changed plans, and changed plans again - so here I am feeling brilliant with my decision to have a DW! My words of advice are: Have patience; be persistent on contacting until you get a response; and I would choose a couple of other locations just "in case" this resort is stressing you out. There are plenty of other resorts that are equally as beautiful, unless you have your heart set on this one. My wedding is scheduled for June 2009 as well, and recently received confirmation from my resort. Let me know if there is anything that I can do for you! All will be fine:)

I have used it off and on, only by using my girlfriends, and I really loved it. I have a lot of freckles, and love how it mildely hid them, but didn't give me a caked on feel. I've been watching all the infomercials as well, and am tempted to purchase the kit. I am a loyal Estee Lauder and Laura Mercier fan, and believe that cosmetics should not be skipped on as far as expense is concerned. I come from a family of women that are beautiful, and have hardley any wrinkles and they tell me it's becuase they splurge on quality cosmetics. Hence my temptation to purchase Bare Essentials.

Have fun tonight!!! Drink lots of margarita's!

Welcome Jennifer! You are going to love this forum - it has helped me tremendously!