rach220

YAY! I have been patiently waiting for your review...since there aren't many Aventura brides on here I have been getting soooo nervous, but you are putting me at ease. It sounds like you had a wonderful time despite the little issues. Congratulations! You better be posting some pics up here I'll be waiting.... I do have a quick question...who was your WC? I have one in Miami right now who is really nice but isn't the quickest in answering my questions...I'm hoping the one I get in Mexico is better, and wondering if I can request one if I know they are good...sounds like yours was pretty good?

I think it sounds like a good idea...I know I would be especially happy to get a free coffee if I was up that early!

I agree with Kat...the TTD doesn't have to be right after the wedding...you can do it whenever...and if you really want a beach spot, just wait until the summer and head to the shore and do it! You have plenty of time to find a cheap dress too...

I definitely want to do this too...but it will depend on when the date is. It looks like there are plenty of people wanting to sign up...but if there happens to be room still I want in!

mine keeps getting deleted October 2008 Sherry & Patrick - October 4, 2008 - The Seawatch, Wailea, Maui Yari & Brian- October 10, 2008 Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Melissa & Chris - October 11, 2008 El Dorado Royale, Riviera Maya, Mexico Stacey & Ely October 14th, 2008 Dreams Resort, Cancun Mexcio Kelly & Paul - October 17, 2008 Rui Santa Fe, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Catherine (LadyP) & Lawrence October 18, 2008 St. Thomas, USVI Andy & Monroe-October 18, 2008, Paradisius Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Yvette & Alberto - October 20, 2008 St. John, USVI Molly & John (MEE) - October 24, 2008 Kenya & James October 25, 2008- The Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Leia & John - October 25, 2008 - Dreams Los Cabos Danielle & Tim October 31, 2008- The Wickliffe House, Charleston South Carolina November 2008 Tara & Joe (tvt) - November 2nd, 2008 - Las Caletas, PV Lisa & Jayson - November 5th, 2008 - Wailea, Maui Danielle & Derek - November 6th, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real Punta Cana DR Terri & Scott - November 6th, 2008 - Couples Negril, Jamaica Mike & Michelle - November 7, 2008 - Iberostar Lindo/Maya Micki & Carlos - November 7, 2008 - Curacao, Netherlands Antilles RJ and Stephanie-November 8, 2008-Dreams Cancun Erin and Cameron-November 8, 2008-Sunset Da Mona Lisa, Los Cabos Raymond & Lily - November 8, 2008 - Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Los Cabos Amanda(2bebridejamaica)& Jason - November 8, 2008 Beaches Negril Jamaica Tara & Patrick - November 9, 2008 - Dreams Los Cabos Kristi & Neil - November 10, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Heather & James- November 10, 2008 - Dreams Puerto Vallarta Nicole & Tyler - November 12th, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Tanya & Kevin - November 14th, 2008 - Riu Palace Los Cabos Jessica (ladycheese) & Dominique-November 15, 2008-Punta Cana, DR Angie (AwesomeBride) & Keith- November 15, 2008- Couples, Negril Kristin (GeminiLibra) & Ronnie- November 15, 2008 - Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Samantha (PDXlove) & Damon - November 20, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Christine & DJ - November 21, 2008 - Sunset at the Palms - Negril, Jamaica Eden and Brett (bande200 - November 26th - El Dorado Royale Amy & Greg- November 27th -Valentin Imperial Maya, Mexico Melissa & Ben - November 27th - Paradisus Riviera Maya Melissa & Kendall - November 28th - Dreams Los Cabos Erica & Larry - November 30th - Grand Palladium Palace, Punta Cana, DR December 2008 Susan & Jason - December 5, 2008 - Dreams Los Cabos Amy & Michael - December 5, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Danielle & Anthony - December 5, 2008 - Couples Swept Away, Jamaica Miriam & Herman - December 5, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana, DR Brianna & Danny - December 6, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Athena & Byron - December 6th, 2008 - The Royal in Playa del Carmen Ra'Shunda & Jason - December 6, 2008 - Secrets Capri in Playa del Carmen Laura & Josh - December 7, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Red & Matthew - Hopefully December 8, 2008 - somewhere in Jamaica! Sonia (chonee) & Juan - December 8, 2008 - Barcelo Maya Colonial Resort Anna & Sean - December 8, 2008 - Maui, Hawaii Kirsten & David - December 11, 2008 - El Dorado Royale Dianna & Eric - December 11, 2008 - Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica Andrea & Kevin (Kevsgirl) - December 12, 2008 - Shangri-La Caribe, Playa del Carmen Toni & Mike (Phillygal) - December 13, 2008 - Iberostar Rose Hall, Jamaica Me-Lihn and Matt - December 18, 2008 - El Dorado Royale Jamie & Duke - December 28, 2008 - Las Caletas, PV Terri & John - December 29, 2008 - Holguin, Cuba, Playa Costa Verde January 2009 Sara & Ron - January 3rd, 2009 - Riu Bachata P.P Becky & Sean - January 5th, 2009 - Riu Ocho Rios Andrea and Bo(Davematthews16)-January 7, 2009-Barcelo Maya Palace Kelly & Ron (KLC77)- January 10, 2009- Paradisus Riviera Cancun Erica & Chris - January 10, 2009 - Barcelo Maya Beach Jodi and Hal- January 11, 2009- Beaches Boscobel- Ocho Rios, Jamaica Erin & Martin - January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena - Dominican Republic Kristy and Mike- January 16, 2009- Dreams Cancun Michelle and Steve - Janauary 18, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Julia & John - January 20, 2009 - Las Caletas, PV Kate & Bill (soontobeamrs) - January 23, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, Puerto Vallarta Amy & Chad - January 28, 2009 - Barcelo Marina Palace, Varadero Cuba Amy & Brian - January 28, 2009 - Jamaica Lindsay & Jamie - January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro, Punta Cana Chantal and Sheldon -January 20, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Andrea (Pug3636) & Alan - February 4, 2009 - RCCL Western Caribbean Cruise Garrett and Jaime - February 5, 2009 - RIU RM Palace, Playa del Carmen Kate (kleslie5) & Steve - February 6, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, PV, Mexico Nikki & Dean - February 14, 2009 - La Ropa Beach, Zihuatanejo, Mexico Jenny & Greg - February 28, 2009 - Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Kris & Joel - February 28, 2009 - Riu Montego Bay, Jamaica March 2009 Angel & Sanford - March 1, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Jess & Greg - March 3, 2009 Georgetown, Cayman Islands Jamilah & Larence - March 21, 2009 - Montego Bay, Jamaica Tara & Hiram - March 23, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, Jamaica Lynn & Gareth - March 25 2009 - Sunset Jamaica Grande April 2009 Ana&Michael - April 1, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos Mamie & Joshua - April 2,2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris - April 4, 2009 - location unknown at this time! Kerry & Graham - April 4, 2009 - Capella, Cabo San Lucas Whitney & Erik - April 4, 2009 - El Encanto Inn, San Jose Del Cabo Manney & Jamie- April 22, 2009 - Riu Santa Fe, Cabo San Lucas Selina& Artie-April 23, 2009- Occidental grand xcaret Nancy & Kenny - April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Andi (CODestBride2009) & Reggie – April 24, 2009 – Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Leslie & James - April 24,2009 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Michelle & Jeff - April 24,2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Diana & Anthony- April 25, 2009- Dreams Cancun, Mexico Savannah & Billy- April 25, 2009 Maya Tankah/Tulum, Mexico Jenny & Brad - April 25, 2009 Azul Sensatori Ali & Patrick - April 25, 2009 Cabo Surf Hotel, San Jose Del Cabo, MX May 2009 Shannon & Chris - May 2, 2009 - Gran Porto Real Resort, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Beth & Jay - May 2 2009 -Dreams Tulum, Mexico Jaymie & Ales - May 4, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Wendy & Ivan - May 9, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Mexico Kelly & Chris - May 9, 2009 - Unknown, Riviera Maya, Mexico Shannon & Kenny (Shay2679) - May 07, 2009 - the Royal PDC, Mexico Kelly & Joe- May, 13, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Nyssa & Joel - May 13, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Mexico Miranda & Colin - May 14, 2009, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Cuba Marie & Scott - May 15, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexco Meagan & Jeff - May 15, 2009 Dreams Punta Cana, DR Maggie & Tim (IslamoradaBride) - May 16, 2009 Islamorada, Fla. K & R - May 22, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Bianca & Chris - May 23, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Kristy & Chris (froggie1013) - May 23, 2009 - Villa Capri, St Lucia Terry & Yamille - May 23, 2009 - Paradisus Riviera Cancun Jaime & Martin - May 24, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Tina & Nathan- May 24, 2009- Negril, Jamaica Carla & Mark - May 27, 2009 - Gran Caribe Real, Cancun, Mexico Lisa & Tom (mummergirl) - May 28, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Jenny & Bryan (SoontobeMsKniss) - May 29, 2009 - Key West, Florida Erica & Brandon - May 30, 2009 June 2009 April & Michael - June 1, 2009 - Wailea, Maui, HI Monique and Derrick - June 5th 2009 - Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Hanna & Josh - June 5, 2009 - Grand Palladium Colonial Mayan Riviera, MX Pauline & Roger - June 6, 2009 - Grenadian by Rex Resorts, Grenada Amanda & Thomas - June 6, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Carolyn & Michael- June 6, 2009- Gran Caribe Real Cancun, MX Crystal & Branko ~ June 10, 2009 ~ Grand Palladium, Riviera Maya, Mexico Ashley & Dave - June 11, 2009 - Valentin Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico Sorcha & Shannon - June 12, 2009 - St. John's, NF, Canada Jen & Brian - June 12, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya, Mexico Roe & Seamus - June 22, 2009 - Bermuda MarieSam & Tommy (msam007562) -June 26, 2009- Las Casitas Beach & CEA Center, Akumal, MX July 2009 Kim & Eddy - July 3, 2009 _ Iberostar Del Mar Stephanie & Robert - July 10, 2009 - Honolulu, HI Rosemary & Miguel - July 11, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX Rachel & Scott - July 16, 2009 - Aventura Spa Palace, Riviera Maya, MX August 2009 Jacilyn & Joe (Jacilynda) - August 8, 2009 - Hotel Akumal Caribe, MX Monique & Eric - August 15, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Karen & Dan - August 15, 2009 Michelle & Brent - August 19, 2008 - Wynn Las Vegas, NV Tiffany & George - August 22, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX September 2009 Marijke & Rob - September 1 or 2, 2009 - Parga, Greece Amy & Clint - September 11, 2009 - Cancun, MX Lisa & Gary - September 17, 2009 - Maui, HI October 2009 Natasha & James - October 7,2009 --RIU Palace, Cabo San Lucas Angela & Jason - October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Heather & Matie - October 22, 2009 -- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Ashley & Dustin - October 17, 2009 -- Dreams resort and spa cancun Jenny & Matthew - October 27, 2009 -- Melia Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Emily & Kevin - October 28, 2009 -- Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, November 2009 Jodey & Simon - November 12th 2009 - Dreams resort and spa Cancun Alicia & Rob - November 14, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Joanne & Mark - November 14, 2009 - Iberostar Grand, Mexico Mirna & Louis-November 15th 2008-Dreams Cancun Leslie & Gerry - November 16th, 2009- Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Valerie & Ryan - November 21, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Mary & Paul - November 28th 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico I am adding Dustin and Ashley October 17, 2009 At Dreams Cancun December 2009 Jen & Kenny - December 12, 2009 - Excellence Playa Mujeres Nadine & Jesse -December 30, 2009 - Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa January 2010 Ginalyn & Jeff- January 2, 2010 - Cancun, Mexico Aimee & Theodore- January, 8, 2010 - Iberostar Tucan, Mexico Shannon & Lauchlan- January 27th, 2010- Puerto Vallarta Mexico February 2010 Melissa & Sean- February 10, 2010- St. Thomas USVI Linda & Ton- February 22, 2010- Costa Rica May 2010 Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace December 2010 Carla & Christoper (adias.angel) - December 11, 2010 - Riviera Maya MX

Hi Cynthia- Welcome to the forum, and good luck with your planning!

I'm not going to be very helpful, because it sounds like you've tried all the "regular" stuff, but a friend of mine swears by "Purpose" soap...her doctor recommended it in high school and she still uses it on the outside of her upper arms...you can buy it at any drug store (comes in a blue/white box) which makes me think it wouldn't work so well...but my friend says it cured her so I guess it's worth a shot (her excema probably just went away and she's been using the same crazy soap for 10 years...haha) Good luck!

FI and I technically met at a bar...although I hate telling the story like that for that very reason! Everyone thinks you can't meet people at places like this... We actually went to college together for a semester (I went to a very small college) and we had 2 classes together, but never spoke. When we saw each other at the bar, the opening line was "You look familiar..." (from me by the way...I knew exactly where I knew him from and remembered him because he was the only guy in my women's history class...haha!) but he thought I went to high school with him.... Well his friend ended up exchanging our numbers for us because we are both really shy...he called a few days later and we had our first date (at the same bar actually...and it's still where we go every time we need a night out) and the rest is history... I tell people we met in college though, so SHHHHHH

Ooooh how exciting! We are getting married there in July and are planning to do the cocktail reception after the ceremony, then dinner, then depending on what time it is we were going to stop at the thai lounge for drinks, then we were going to go to the disco on site for dancing. We didn't plan a formal reception since we only have about 20 guests going and I doubt half of them will dance, so I thought a reception would be silly. Our thought is that the older guests (non-dancers/drunks) will leave after dinner or the thai lounge when we announce that we are going to the club if they don't want to go. We ideally want an outside photographer, but are unsure if we can afford one. Where are you doing the sunset cruise? It sounds beautiful! It will all come together once you get there...you are going to have an amazing time and I can't wait until you get back so I can hear all about it! I was getting so nervous that there aren't many Aventura brides on here! Have a wonderful time and don't stress!

Melissa-everything looks great! Have an amazing time and a wonderful wedding! Can't wait to see pics when you get back

I don't know if I'm posting this in the right spot, but I figured it's pictures, so it fits... Anyway, I'm so excited to have finished my free photobook from snapfish. Thanks to princessina for posting the offer from Oprah last week! Check it out here... Snapfish: Projects: Share: MemoryBook: Registration I bought 3...one for ourselves and then we are giving one to each of our parents as Christmas gifts (it's nice to have a gift crossed off the list too!)

Hi girls, I guess I don't really belong in this thread because I'm not getting married here...but I am having a small dilemma...I am getting married at the Aventura Spa Palace and we have already booked our stay for 10 days and our wedding ceremony time...and it is all paid off. We really liked the packages of the Palace resorts, and chose the Aventura because of the adults only feature (FI's choice). Now they have announced that the Aventura is going to allow children on half the resort...which I was upset about at first, but it actually works out for the best because I really wanted to have my cousin's daughter be my flower girl...and now she can! FI and I talked about changing resorts but decided it's not a big deal. Soooo, now that the adults only isn't a big deal, I want to change to the Isla Palace! I originally really wanted a beach ceremony and we comprimised on the resort and I ended up with a gazebo...it overlooks the water and it's not awful, but it's also not a beach. So I haven't talked to FI yet, because I change my mind a million times anyway...but I really want to consider this. We are about to order our STDs and I'm putting it off for a few days so I can figure this out. I feel like switching to another Palace resort wouldn't be such a big deal since our TA is a member and stays at all of them, but I'm not sure. I'm literally just starting to think about this and I guess I haven't thought it all the way through. I was REALLY excited to find others getting married here...there doesn't seem to be too many Palace brides other than the Moon Palace, and it has made me a little nervous. So I'm wondering what you guys think? Should I consider this or should I just stick with what I have...?

Hey Kristin! I know I am a little late, but WELCOME! I am getting married at the Aventura Palace, and was thinking about doing our trash the dress at the Isla Mujeres Palace...you'll have to let me know how your wedding goes and how all your pics turn out! Good luck with all your planning...how far along are you in the planning process anyway? (I'm feeling very behind...) Rachel

Beautiful dress! This might be similar...?

Can't wait...I love pics

Hi Michelle...I am starting to think we are very much alike...I am having this same problem right now. I am in grad school and my FI is still finishing his undergrad, and we both work full time. On top of it all, I am working a second full time job (unpaid because it's an internship for school) so we very rarely cross paths. I work 3rd and 1st shift at my two jobs (11pm until 3pm) and go to school a few nights a week. My FI works 3rd but is in classes during the day 3 days a week. Because our schedules are so backwards we NEVER see each other. In September, when it first started, we were both really good about conforming to each other's schedules as much as we could. For example, Scott would stay awake in the morning while I was at work so that he could go to bed with me when I got home around 3. But now we are so burnt out that we both sleep whenever we can and aren't trying as hard to be there for each other...I guess we are more worried about taking care of ourselves and getting enough sleep. It's so weird because Scott had spent a year and a half away overseas with the army and even then I spoke to him more than I do now. There are times that we go 3 days without seeing each other or really talking at all. Even though we live together we live completely separate lives, and it has totally been bumming me out! Just recently we discussed everything and came up with a plan...so here is my advice... We promised each other we would find one time a week that we spend together...2 weeks ago we both had Saturday morning free, so we stopped at gym where we work after our shift (oh yeah, and we work together but don't even see each other there...it's complicated), and then we went home and watched a movie (which really just meant we fell asleep to a movie together)...and this week we said we would see each other on Wednesday night because there is an hour that we cross paths, but he ended up getting home later than expected and we missed each other . Sooo, now we decided on Saturday AM again...hopefully it will work out. It helps to set a date at least once a week so it's soemthing to look forward to. And because it's just once a week that we are making the time it doesn't burn us out too much. I would also try to do cute things...for example...I left a note on the pillow last week saying I couldn't wait until Wednesday...he called me specifically to thank me for the note. He also packed my lunch for me one day a few weeks ago and left a note in my lunchbox...it was so cute, so I left it in there and every time I eat lunch now I see it. Just little things like that... Oh, and not to get too personal, but our sex life has also taken a bit of a hit with all this...it's not very romantic when you have to "schedule" time to have sex. So I've tried to spice it up a bit by wearing more lingerie and things like that (that I used to NEVER wear) and attempting to surprise him when he gets home and we have all of ten minutes before one of us needs to be somewhere else...hope that wasn't too much information for you... But yeah, it's definitely normal to feel like this, and I'm pretty sure that everone goes through it. Obviously the honeymoon phase can't last forever, and there are a million things you can do...I know this sounds crazy, but magazines like Cosmo always have articles about this and they give tips about how to keep the romance alive or whatever...some of the tips are dumb, but some are kinda cute and useful...I tried doing a search but I'm at work and I'm blocked from sites like that. Maybe you could check it out though? I don't know...just know that it is normal, and a marriage and later stages of a relationship always require more work. Obviously you guys love each other so I'm sure you're both willing to do what it takes to make it all work. It's important to talk about it and make sure he knows how you feel! Good luck!

So I just read page 2 of the thread, and Michelle, I'm so sorry about your surgery. That must be really hard...I hope you are feeling better soon! I feel like an ass for complaining about being a few pounds underweight now...I can't imagine having gone through that! Good luck with your continued recovery

Hey Michelle, I am so glad you posted this...I have been trying to gain weight since the summer (I had the flu in the spring and lost 15 pounds and have been unable to gain it back). It's hard to talk/ask about with friends and family because most people are trying to lose weight so they get mad. I'm not terribly underweight (5'4, 110lbs) but I just don't feel healthy. And I'm ALWAYS cold, although I didn't think that had anything to do with it because I've always been like that. Over the summer I had gained about 5 pounds back, but I lost it again when classes started in September...I think I've just been doing too much. The tips already posted have been helpful, but I'm wondering if anyone has any tips that are "quicker." By that I mean that I don't really have time to make myself meals because I am working so much and something like shakes would work better for me...does anyone have any recommendations on these?

Beautiful! Love the TTD! Very sexy...

Where's the link? Boo...

Yay! Looks great!

oops...I didn't realize you were still posting...I had only seen the first post when I sent the last message and have been reloading incessantly ever since! Can I just say WOW! You have everything down to the last detail...I'm so jealous! And only a few days to go! Your wedding is going to be beautiful! Congratulations and thanks for all the inspirations!

The pics are great! I really wanted to do this, but if my FI and I start off with tequila we will be puking by the end of the night....no good...

Your pics are AMAZING! We would have had no idea that you were sick if you hadn't told us...you're glowing!

Nice job Melissa...I love how you incorporated your logo on everything!