rach220

I feel like such an idiot. I remember reading somewhere before we left for Mexico that I wouldn't need a copy in English to change my name. So when the time came to purchase it, I thought it was a unnecessary cost (that's my crazy budgeting). And now I'm kicking myself over $45!!! I was able to change it painlessly at Social Security, but not the DMV. I think I'm going to try a different DMV and hope I get lucky. I emailed my resort to see if I can still get a translated copy, but now it will cost my $175. All because I was being cheap before. Ha!

Yeah it's been a month for me too. I've already changed my name at work, so I have to sign my new one there. But everywhere else I sign the old one since that's what is on my license. I'm just waiting for it to become an issue with things not matching. But seriously, I feel like SS should trump DMV!

So I don't know what I was thinking when I got married in Mexico a few months ago and somehow didn't choose to purchase my marriage certificate in English. But it has pretty much ruined my life. When I got back, I headed down to the Social Security Office, expecting a visit similar to my experiences with the DMV (which as we all know, are never good) but I was pleasantly surprised. I was in and out in about 15-20 minutes and I think it was just a week later that I had my brand new social security card in hand. So I prepare myself for the DMV, both physically with every form I can find and mentally with the patience and calmness to get through it. When I enter my lovely DMV I opt to stand in the not-so-long "information" line, rather than the out-the-door "license" line. I wanted to make sure I had the right documents before wasting my time in a line. I think I only stood for about 2 minutes, behind 1-2 other customers before making it to the info counter. There was a unbelievably pleasant woman behind the counter who informed me that I had all the right paperwork and I could go stand in line 4 for my new license. She also verified that it would be no problem that my marriage certificate was in Spanish (I had called earlier that week). So I walked on over to the other side of the DMV to find that line 4 was not the out-the-door line (which was line 3) but instead a completely empty line next to it. As soon as I stood at the front I was called to the counter. Despite the dirty looks I got from the impatient people in line 3, this was by far the best experience I had ever had at the DMV. Well let's not get carried away now...the DMV would never let that happen. When the woman behind the counter greeted me and I handed her my form and my certificate she frowned and said that she didn't speak Spanish. I explained that I was told that wasn't a problem and she said that it wasn't, but she would feel more comfortable if the woman standing next to her (taking care of someone from line 3) would do it instead. However, when she asked the woman if she would take care of me, she said my certificate could not be in Spanish and I needed to have it translated. The woman taking care of me was like ok, and relayed that information to me (even though standing right there I had heard it anyway) and I explained again that both someone on the phone and the woman in the information line said it was fine. Line 3 woman again said no, and to make matters worse, it had to be translated by a place that the DMV accepted. When I asked how I was supposed to know what places that included, she said there was a list somewhere in the back. The woman helping me knew none of this, so the line 3 woman had to leave line 3 (causing more glares at me) to go find me this list. It took, no joke, at least 10 minutes. I thought I was going to be murdered, not by the DMV employees, but instead by the irate customers in line 3 who I was holding up. So I finally get my hands on this list and the closest place is an hour away from me. In what I think is a stroke of genius, I decide to email my WC where I got married and see if I can still get the translated copy that was offered. Well, I can, however, now it costs $175. They have to first order copies in Spanish (and there's a minimum of 5) and then translate it, and then ship it. The kicker? When we got married, all I had to do was check a little box saying I wanted a copy in English and it would have cost me $45. $45!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

None of our guests were given room numbers when they booked...I'm surprised you got them already! In terms of figuring out room numbers, we got ours when we arrived and left messages for people who hadn't left home yet (free calls!) telling them the room we were in and to give us a call with their room number when they arrived. of our guests We also called the front desk when we knew people would be arriving (we had everyones flight info) and they connected us to their room, but wouldn't give out the number. We only had 13 guests staying at the resort so it really wasn't that bad. Getting ahold of our guests that stayed at the Catalonia was much more difficult since they didn't have a voicemail system!

Hi hun, I'm sorry you haven't gotten the reply you're looking for! I don't know if this helps but... I got married at Aventura Spa Palace, but I would think the cake options might be the same, although I really don't know... We chose the cake from their package because we didn't care enough to pay extra. I wanted something very simple and wasn't going to pay for simple. I planned on putting my own flowers on top, but they had frosting flowers and it was too difficult to do so (especially with everyone watching at the reception-ha!) so we just left it alone. It wasn't what I wanted, but I wasn't that concerned with the cake in the grand scheme of things. Here is a picture of our cake... and one of us cutting into it... you can see how surprised we were that the frosting was literally stretching off!

That's technically where we got married...we stayed on the spa side though and had our wedding on the cove side since my flower girl was so young. Congratulations and great choice! You won't be disappointed...I'll be posting my review this week so look out for it!

On July 10, she emailed us with the time we would be meeting her and we did the rest when we got there! Just make sure anything you give her, you tell her you want returned. We didn't get all of our paper lanterns back, but it really wasn't a huge deal, just annoying. Good Luck to future ASP brides...I know it's frustrating now but I promise you won't be disappointed! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I'm surprised the ASP isn't more popular and although this forum has been AMAZINGLY helpful, it was hard to get answers from past ASP brides. I'd love to help out

On July 4, she sent us the ceremony that the judge performs. (I think it was literally word for word, so this was very helpful!) HI Rachel , Thanks for the info, Here im attaching the ceremony that uthe judge perform , and for the sons, we need 3, one for you walking down the aisle , the second one to signr the documents, and the last one for the end of the ceremony and walking out . Kindest regards Yazmin We ended up giving her a CD with more songs than this. We had 4 for people being seated, + the 3 she asked for. ceremonia civil.doc

June 22, I asked some last minute questions, she replied on the 23rd: Hi Yazmin, We're just making sure we have everything as we leave in a few weeks. I have a few more questions... What documents do we need to have? We have our birth certificates, but I thought I read somewhere about "apostille" documents. What are they and do we need them?[Yazmin Perez] we don’t need the apostilles any more , jus birth certificates , passports , and tourist cards (you will receive this ones once you arrive at the county ) I am bringing my own bouquet, but I think a bouquet comes in the free package. Is there any way I could substitute a hair flower or throwing petals instead of the bouquet?[Yazmin Perez] on the free wedding package there is NOT a bouquet included , but you can adda flowres for your hair $30 usd , or rose petals for the aisle $45 usd , just let me know Do you know the name of the minister who will be marrying us? I am making programs and wanted to print his name if we knew it. If not, it's not a big deal.[Yazmin Perez] is a Judge and his name is Raúl Herrera Do we need to bring any money in pesos or can we pay for everything with our credit card? I want to be able to exchange money before we get there if I need to.[Yazmin Perez] you can pay for everithing at the hotel with your credit card , you may need cash but we also take us dollars almost everywhere When do our witnesses need to arrive by?[Yazmin Perez] at the same time than you I am trying to choose witnesses but I need to make sure they will be there in time. Do we need to bring an adaptor for the outlets or are they the same as in the US?[Yazmin Perez] yes are the same. Also, we booked our stay through a timeshare member. Since we booked, the concierge level has been added for an additional cost. Our friend with the timeshare doesn't know anything about the concierge level. Do you know if timeshare members get the concierge level or if it's still extra? Is it something that we could upgrade when we arrive or would we have to do it ahead of time?[Yazmin Perez] you can up grade once you arrive directly at the front desk Is there anything else I need to do before we arrive? I just hope I'm not forgetting anything. [Yazmin Perez] **can you please send me your guest list ?? im attaching a format for that ¡! , thank you !!!

On June 3, I asked about the occupancy and how the resort was holding up after the swine flu craziness...(we were actually considering canceling!). Yazmin responded on the 11th: HI Rachel , we are better now but yes the occupancy is very low , however the activities continuo open here at the resort , the disco its open, the bars, we only close one restaurant (the buffete) , and we still have shows including the fireshow on wednesdays , and Mundaca its open . if you have any other questions please let me know regards yazmin

More questions, sent on May 18, reply received same day: Great...so if we took the shuttle to Playacar Palace for the day, we could walk to the nearby beach?[YAZMIN] yes How far is 5th avenue from that resort?[YAZMIN] one minute , its by the hotel I heard they have great shopping there...[YAZMIN] yes , that’s thru Also, unfortunately we need to cut our cocktail hour back down to one hour due to finances. So it would now be only 8-9PM if that's ok. [YAZMIN] its ok Is there power on the Pandero Terrace?[YAZMIN] yes We may bring our own small speaker for music through our IPOD and want to make sure we can plug it in.[YAZMIN] yes , you can Can you tell me a little bit about Mundaca Restaurant? I was wondering if there was an outside area that we could be seated in or if we would be indoors for the wedding dinner. There are 20 in our party.[YAZMIN] yes, they have a nice terrace by the ocen where we can set your table , its an steak house , served dinner , and is in front to the ocean . Also, we want to have dinner the night before the wedding as a group. I know we can only make one reservation as part of our package. Would we be able to get a table at a different restaurant all together the night before as well? [YAZMIN] we can make reservations for the day of the wedding , but let me check what we can do . Thanks, Rachel

May 1 I asked about nearby beaches (some of our guests were upset about the no beach thing and wanted to include info in our welcome books). She replied on the 7th: Hi Rachel , The closest one is Playa del carmen , its 20 minutes from here and we also have an other palace resorts there its call playacar palace , they sometimes have beach area and sometimes not, but by this hotel there is a beach area , and its very close to the hotel (playacar) . Thanks and regards Yazmin

I asked on March 28 about purchasing a bouquet with peonies and orchids...she didn't get back to me with the price until April 22, but had emailed in between to tell me she was waiting for an answer from the florist. Hi Rachel, We will not have peonis for that days , but the quote me the same bouquet I send you with white liciathus and orquids , or white hidrangeas and orchids , in $250 usd , please let me know wjat do you think Kindest regards Yazmin

April 4, I asked Yazmin what time the guests using day passes could stay until. She replied on April 9th: Hi Rachel, The price for the day passes is $84 usd per person , and they can arrive at 9am and stay untill 10pm . Thanks and regards Yazmin

On March 12, I asked her what time I should book my hair and makeup appointments for (although I didn't end up doing it until I got to the resort), and she replied the same day: Hi Rachel The Hair style take 1 hour and half, the make up one hour , if you will take both services make your reservations to be finish by 4pm, to have 45 minutes to go back to your room and put your dress on, then you will have the perfect time to get ready but also you will not wait to long to start with the wedding so I will say Hair style 1:30pm Make up 3:00pm If you think you will need more time to get ready then just move the tims half hour back . Kindest regards Yazmin

We asked on March 1 if we could have desserts served at our reception instead of appetizers since it was after dinner and she replied on the 3rd: Hi Rachel yes , we can do that , petit fours, cofee , te and open bar, instead of appetizers. regards Yazmin

I emailed her on Feb 23 asking if there was a cost for them to hang paper lanterns that we brought and she said replied on the 25th: No , we can help you with that , just bring them and give to the when we meet for details. Regards Yazmin

On January 15, I asked for a new picture of the Pandero Terrace, and she sent me it the next day...for some reason I can't find it on my computer right now though... We booked the Pandero Terrace for our reception and asked some more questions on the 19th...she replied on the 21st: HI Rachel , i have that terace reserve for you already , the dinner takes usually like 2 hours , nas yes this can be decorated with paper lanterns, let me verify a price for this and i let you know . the cocktail hour price depends on the number of guest you have if you are between 10 and 20 the price is $400 usd from 20 to 30 $600 from 31 to 40 $800 from 41 to 51 $1000. this is for the first hour and then $60 usd per extra hour per every 10 guest . thanks & regards Yazmin

More questions sent on January 9, answered on the 14th: Hi Yazmin, Thank you so much for responding so quickly! It is very helpful to have these answers for planning...especially since I am so far away...[YAZMIN] -I attached the document that Claudia sent me of pictures of places for the private cocktail and reception areas. We really like the first one of the cocktail reception areas...I think you said that was the Pandero Terrace. Is it near the ocean at all and how close is it to the pools?[YAZMIN] very close to the ocean , and also close to the pools , but not very close , please see a new picture of the pandero, this suffer a modification a few days ago, i have You said it was on the family side too...that is great news. We are going to have one child (my flower girl) so I am hoping for locations I like that are on the family side. We actually love this terrace so much we wanted to do our ceremony there too but you had said I have to get married in the gazebos...just wanted to double check to make sure an exception can't be made?[YAZMIN] how many guest you will have attending ?? this pandero terrace is only used for private events like cocktail partys , not for ceremonys , but im checking if we can made an exception -It would be really helpful if you had a map that shows the locations of restaurants and buildings on the resort...but if not, that is ok. [YAZMIN] no , i dont have one -We are only expecting about 20 guests...[YAZMIN] ok which is why we wanted a smaller area so it doesn't feel so empty.[YAZMIN] the gazebos are open areas , so will not look empty -I was looking at your website, and the mailing address says Tulum, but I thought you were located in Puerto Aventuras...can you verify what town you are actually located in so I can put it correctly on my invitations?[YAZMIN] this just change like a moth ago, now we are part of Tulum , also Puerto aventuras is part of tulum , we are located by Puerto Aventuras , in Tulum . I am sure I will have more questions as I think of them...thank you for being so helpful. Rachel ***So I know it was 5 days for a response, but factor in the weekend and the fact that I didn't expect to hear from her until 3 months before and I thought it was pretty quick!

January 8, I asked about our photographer taking the free transfer from ASP to MP (we split our photographer with another bride getting married there) and got a response the same day (although it wasn't the response I wanted): HI Rachel , You have to chek with the person that help you to make the hotel reservations , he cannot take the shuttle that we have because they will not take him with luggage. So just ask if the transfers are included . Trough how are you making the hotel reservations ?? Thanks & regards Yazmin

Here is another email of questions, sent by me on January 3, and answered on January 8: Hi Yazmin, I have quite a few questions for you...any answers you have will be greatly appreciated... -What time do places on the resort close (specifically the restaurants, bars, and disco?)[YAZMIN] restaurants for dinner close at 11:00pm , lobby bar 1:00am and disco 3:00am -Where on the resort are the restaurants located (which ones are on the adults only side and which ones are on the family side?)[YAZMIN] 3 on the family´s side ( mexican, steak house & italian buffete and 4 at the adults side, italian a la carté , mediterranean, oriental & californian light. -Where on the resort is the terrace? (Claudia in Miami had sent me a picture of a terrace for the cocktail hour) I am wondering which side of the resort it is on and how close it is to the wedding gazebo? If there is a map with specific buildings labeled it would help.[YAZMIN] if you can send me the pictures she send you , I can tell you , we have 2 gazebos, one in each side, and many areas for events like cocktail partys , this depends on the number of guest you will have , but send me that picture and I will tell you where is located -How big is the terrace? (it was the one that had a wooden structure overheard...not sure of the name)[YAZMIN] haaaa !!! it’s the pandero terrace , its located on the family´s side , and is very close to the gazebo, for cocktail party we can have untill 40 guest maybe 50 -Is there a restaurant that has more private space than others?[YAZMIN] no really , but Mundaca (steak house) and El Greco (mediterranean) are biggers , so they can set a table for all of you togeather ….how many guest you will have attending What is the maximum number of guests I can have at each restaurant for the wedding dinner?[YAZMIN] how many are planning to bring , so I can tell ou wich could be the options -I heard there are shows at night, usually on the same night each week. I know it may change, but we are interested in the fire show...is it on a certain night? Is there a show that is on Thursday nights usually (the day of our wedding)?[YAZMIN] the fire show is usually on Wednesday , and on thusday we have the casino show ….but like you say , this may change -I know there are shuttles to other Palace Resorts daily...what time do they leave and return?[YAZMIN] ther is only one at 8:40 am that go to Moon Palace and Cancun and retourns like at 5:00pm aprox . -Will you still be offering free excursions/tours as part of the all-inclusive price during our stay?[YAZMIN] depends the package that you buy , ask your travel agent please or the person help you to make the reservations , we have the promotions but depends on the package you get and the number of noghts you will stay. -If any of my guests use day passes to attend the wedding, what time do they have to leave?[YAZMIN] 11:00pm it’s the laters time -Are we allowed to use sparklers on the resort?[YAZMIN] only out doors -Do we have to use the red carpet runner shown in the wedding pictures in the gazebos? Is there a different color or could we bring our own?[YAZMIN] we only have the red carpet here , we can do it with out carpet or you can bring your own What is the size of the gazebo and how many guests does it hold?[YAZMIN] untill 100 guest -I heard the resort is being updated...will all the room buildings be completed by July or will only certain ones be finished?[YAZMIN] im not sure , they finish with the lobbys , and maybe do something in the buildings , but im not sure , let me ask. -Are the certain things that will change when the resort begins to allow children? Specifically will the disco and Thai Lounge still be there?[YAZMIN] we don’t have that info, yet , at the monet yes, the Disco will stay on the south side .

So I asked her about having the ceremony outside of the gazebo and got a reply the next day (December 5): Thank you so much! I didn't think we would be assigned a wedding coordinator until a few months before the wedding. Will you be the same person working with us once we get to the resort?[YAZMIN] yes , I will be your on site coorinator I do have one question that maybe you would be able to answer. I know I am supposed to choose from the 2 gazebos to have our ceremony, but I was wondering if there were other options? Claudia in Miami sent me some pictures of choices for the cocktail hour and there was a terrace that we really liked. It had a wooden structure over it. I was wondering if we might be able to have the ceremony there as well or if we must do it at the gazebos. [YAZMIN] the ceremony should be on one of the gazebos.I was also wondering where on the resort the terraces were located.[YAZMIN] we have locations from event every where , if you will require a private event please let me know , so I can reserve a location fro you Thanks and I look forward to working with you! Yazmin I really like the way she copies my questions and writes her responses right in after the question...I thought she was very organized and quick with her responses for the most part!

SO I was sort of frustrated, BUT THEN, later that same day (December 4) I received this email from Yazmin: Introductory Letter First let me begin by congratulating you both on this once in a life time occasion. My name is Yazmin Perez and I have been assigned to help you plan your wedding ceremony.I will be able to assist you with any optional or package upgrades you will like to do. You can choose to ride into your wedding in style with your horse drawn carriage. Choose from many flowers and styles, I can help you with your bridal bouquet and all flower selections. Please email me with the list of your wedding extra services confirmation (Palace Resorts Weddings ) you want to have , list of your Palace and non Palace guest, your hotel reservation (at least 30 days before your wedding ) any questions or concerns you may have regarding your wedding. I know that with the excitement of the upcoming wedding, we sometimes forget certain things… Please refer to your wedding contract in regards to the documents that are required for your ceremony. We don’t want you to leave anything behind. Also im attaching some formats that I will need that you help me to fill out with all your information and send it back to me by e mail. Guest List: im also attaching a guest list format, please send me all the info you can get from your guest attending in this format ,30 day prioir the wedding day. Laundry service: in case you need any type of laundry service or steam , as soon as you arrived to the resort you will find a format inside your closet, please fill out carefully and call housekeeping (the service takes 48 hours) Beauty salon & SPA appointments :if any of your wedding party needs to make their appointments prior to their arrival please let them know to contact Martha Ponce at [email protected] Breakfast in bed : the day after your wedding , you will receive a breakfast in bed , please let me know the time and the menu (please see attached) you can choose more than one. In order to check all the final details of your wedding , we will let you know on advance the day and time for our meeting at the weddings office . its very important to bring all your documents completed on the day of the meeting .please send me in advance via e mail the marriage application form filled out with capital letters(please see attached ) if you do not have witnesses for the day of the meeting we will provide them. I am here to make all your wedding wishes come true. You’re Wedding Coordinator Yazmin Perez with all these attachments too... I was shocked because it had said we wouldn't hear from her until 3 months prior and this was 7 months prior!!! WEDDINGS GUEST LIST.xls breakfast menus.doc Cake & bouquet & boutonniers.pdf FORMATOS ENTREVISTA.xls

On December 2, 2008 we received an email from Katrina Colon, Weddings Administrative Assistant asking us to sign the acknowledgment form about the kids change. I wrote back to her before signing it because it said our wedding would be in the north side gazebo (not the one we wanted) and I also asked if we could do the ceremony in the Pandero Terrace instead of a gazebo at all... This was her response on December 4: Hi Rachel Thank you for your response. Aventura Spa Palace will operate as two separate Resorts, effective April 2009. The north section will be for adults only. If you wish to stay on the north side, you will have four restaurants available, three swimming pools, yoga temple, spa and fitness facilities, the obstacle course, and labyrinth terrace. The north section is strictly for adults only and we will have security guards on the division making sure no kids residing in the south section will enter. However, adults staying in the north will be able to access the south where there is three other restaurants and pools. As far as the wedding ceremony goes, Both sides of the resort will have Gazebos to which you may have your ceremony. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience regarding these new changes. We will guarantee you that there will be no children on the north side. Please sign the Acknowledgement letter confirming that you have been notified of these changes. Have a great day Kind Regards, Katrina Colon As you can see, she didn't really answer my question...

I emailed Claudia with more questions on November 21, and received this reply on November 24: Hi Rachel, Bellow please find answers to your questions: 1. I was hoping to find out a little more about the gazebos at the Aventura...maybe some pictures if possible? A: Attached please find pictures of the ceremony locations at Aventura. However after April 1, 2009 the resort will be divided into two different resorts, the South side will allow families and the north side will be Adults only. In the pictures that you will see in the attached documents the one that says Tulum is the Adults only Gazebo and the one that says Coba is the Family Gazebo meaning children will be allowed. 2. I was also hoping to get an idea of photographers. I have heard that there are choices and was wondering if I could see some of their work so that we could choose the style we like best? I know that we cannot bring an outside photographer to the resort, but were thinking about bringing one as our guest because we really want a photojournalistic approach in our pictures and from what I've seen the resort photographer's pictures seem to be very "posed." I have heard of a good photographer (David Pena?) at the Moon Palace, but was not sure if he was available at the other Palace resorts too? A: You are definitely able to bring your own photographer, just as long as he stays at the resort as one of your guest. If you would like to see some sample pictures of what our photographers have to offer please click the link that follows: Palace Weedings Photography 3. We would like to do a cocktail hour after our ceremony...I understand there are terraces that this is held on...do you have pictures or locations of our choices? A: Attached please find pictures of the private function/cocktail location. 4. Any other add-on choices you might have would be helpful. Specifically flowers and centerpieces...I saw some online, but wasn't sure if only a few are included for the free package? A: Exactly three months prior to your wedding a wedding planner will be in contact with you to discuss the different flower options etc. Don’t worry about all the questions I will always try to help you with everything I can. You are also able to contact the resort directly at phone number 1-877-725-4933 when the automated machine comes up choose option 3 then 2 for Aventura Spa Palace. If you have any questions -or concerns, please let me know. Thank you and have a wonderful day! Aventura Spa Resort Ceremony Locations (30JUN08) (3).pdf eventos privados ap.pdf