northernflasher

Memorial Candles for ceremony table: Memorial candles for guest: Cocktail hour photobooth accessories: We plan on setting up our camera on a tripod on self timer setting and letting our guests do their thing whilst we have our professional photos taken. Also we set up a Recipe card for our welcome drink and I found these cute shell napkins on offer which we used at the cocktail hour. Our Luminaries: These were in a circle on the sand to mark out the dancing area. In all honesty the ones the hotel provide are a little larger and held up much better than mine. If you are going to take your own I would recommend getting paper ones, mine were like a shiny gold coated paper which cos of its texture and weight didn't fold over at the top like the hotel ones so they all blew in on the candle and burned the bags or put the candles out. Hotels luminaries: So I think thats everything. Feel free to ask questions about my set up or the hotel in general and I'll try to help in any way I can. Happy Planning. The End.

Approved legal Ceremony I have attatched this below because when I was planning our wedding I came across conflicts as to whether or not I could personalise a legal ceremony. This ceremony was approved and performed by an English speaking judge, although my WC made a point of telling me "I was very Lucky" to have it accepted I just wanted to let you all know what can be accepted. I basically wrote in the entire legal ceremony as a basis and then added in our personal sections so the judge didnt have to try to figure out where to put the "required" wording. I think this is one of the main reasons it was accepted. The Legal Mexican ceremony is highlighted in red but minus the reading from Ocampo's letter which we did not agree with and did not want as part of our ceremony. A thousand thank you's to the member who's ceremony I borrowed from, im sorry to not have acknowledged you here but if you recognise it please let me know. Attachment 27 DIY Fans: These were a real bargain. Purchased from ebay seller jimbobsjoblots price £1.35 plus postage for 8 fans. After reading lots of reviews which commented on huge variations in size of some of the raffia fans I must say these are all virtually identical in size and quality and Im really pleased with them. Highly recommend. I attatched white floral/diamante corsages for the ladies fans and green/blue corsages for the fans to be used as part of the decoration. DIY Maracas: I placed one at each seat in the chapel to serve as a place marker and to shake at the kiss and one at each place setting for the reception to make a pair per guest. Knowing what I do now I would definateley say DO NOT waste the stress, time and effort making these yourself. My guests loved them but when we went on a shopping trip to Playa del Carmen you can get beautiful handpainted ones for $1-$2 each. My guests would have been just as happy with these with a handmade name tag attatched and I would have saved myself weeks of stress!!! I also printed each person an individual menu which proved invaluable when the seating arrangements were messed up! Also shown in this photo are my wine glass luminaries which I diy one per person for each place setting. DIY Ceremony Programs: These took forever to create but everyone loved them and could follow the ceremony despite the poor English of the judge! Each page represented an element and featured a part of the ceremony eg fire for the memorial candles, air for the vows, earth for the sand ceremony etc... I wrapped each one with a personalised silk handkerchief which I DIY with stick on diamantes. Ceremony program front cover overlay If you would like the templates for Any of these please pm me as I dont know how to reduce the file sizes to be able to attatch them here. More coming.....

I included luggage tags for the immediate family which had already commited to booking. Attachment 35 Attachment 36 Bridal entrance song for ceremony is to be sung and played accoustically by Davids brother and is inspired by trace bundy's version of guns n roses " sweet child o mine" Trace Bundy Sand Ceremony set: I have a photoshop template of the diy funnel we used but I dont know how to reduce the file size enough to be able to attatch it here. If anyone knows how or would like me to email them the template PM me. Wedding Coins set: Bought from gold Charms, gold Pendants, 14K Gold Jewelry, gold Chains, gold Bracelets, gold Earrings, Jewelry, Sterling Silver, Groomsmans gifts, Groomsmens gifts, Groomsman's gifts, Groomsmen's gifts, Gifts, Leather Bags, Handbags, Wedding accessories, wedding We used them in the ceremony and it added a nice Mexican touch. $34 plus postage. Still coming.......

Bmaids dress: Ordered on a whim from online retailer e-dressit.com. Excellent quality, delivered within a fortnight, fully lined, gorgeous silk crepe chiffon, made to measure and fits perfectly approx £120. Highly recommend. DIY Boarding Card Invites: I really dont remember who I got this template from but thank you so much and if you do recognise it speak up!!! Attachment 32 Attachment 33 Attachment 34 More coming......

Wedding Dress: This was really hard, I knew I was never going to pay high street prices but I wanted to at least try on dresses to get an idea of what I wanted. I tried on nearly 60 dresses and didnt love any of them! My original plan was to get a knock off dress from china but because I didnt have one dress that really stood out for me I thought it would be too stressful trying to explain what I wanted to someone on the other side of the world. Luckily Davids stepmum has a seamstress friend who was happy to work with me and create what I wanted for a fraction of the original price. Not quite as cheap as a knock off from China but I realise that being the control freak that I am it worked out perfectly for me being able to be so hands on throughout the whole process. I did find it all very stressful and it really went down to the last minute to get it finished. My dress is loosely based on this original but i'm wearing the corsage and pleated train at the back. Mine also has a cowl neckline and ruching on the bodice. The original £1,500 Mine. £400 My shoes: I dont do heels but I really wanted some girly peep-toes and Im thrilled with these flat pumps from New Look for £22. We only had a very small wedding with 13 guests, most of which are immediate family so we asked all the men to wear khaki pants and white shirts and all the women to wear colours of the ocean so we would all complement each other in the photos. More to come....................

So here it is, totally an afterthought as I didnt have time to sleep or eat in the run up to the wedding, I was still putting finishing touches to favours the day before the wedding sitting on my balcony at the resort! Firstly Thank You all so much for your invaluable advice, inspiration and support. This would all have been so much harder without this forum and without all of you. I apologise and give you my upmost thanks if you recognise your templates here without a credit. I've deleted all the originals so I dont know who to thank! Please speak up if you recognise anything so I can add a credit which can help other brides in the future. Here goes.... Engagement: 2nd March 2008. We met in March 2000 whilst working as cruise-ship photographers for Royal Caribbean. David took me away on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate my 30th birthday and went down on bended knee on a secluded rock cove in St Kitts on my 30th Birthday. He had planned the whole thing for months and chose the ring himself which is perfect. Our Cove..... She said yes!!!!..... We decided that seeing as we spent so much time together in Mexico during those first few months of our relationship that it would be the perfect place to get married, plus neither of us are very traditional and working as wedding photographers here in the UK we wanted something totally different for our wedding. We picked the 26th March 2010 as its exactly 10 years to the day that we first met. Wedding Rings: My engagement ring was picked by David and is exactly what I would have chosen for myself, what can I say, the boy knows me... My wedding ring is actually a half eternity ring that I totally fell in love with right after our engagement and just had to have. His is a gorgeous titanium and sterling silver inlaid band. Grooms suit and Best man outfit, Grooms 11 year old son. We couldnt find matching shirts for the two of them anywhere so we ended up getting white and dyeing them and the handkerchiefs with dylon china blue dye: More coming, please be patient..........

Cocktail hour photobooth accessories: We plan on setting up our camera on a tripod on self timer setting and letting our guests do their thing whilst we have our professional photos taken. http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_0252.jpg Also we set up a Recipe card for our welcome drink and I found these cute shell napkins on offer which we used at the cocktail hour. http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_0245.jpg Our Luminaries: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ges/MD2857.jpg These were in a circle on the sand to mark out the dancing area. In all honesty the ones the hotel provide are a little larger and held up much better than mine. If you are going to take your own I would recommend getting paper ones, mine were like a shiny gold coated paper which cos of its texture and weight didn't fold over at the top like the hotel ones so they all blew in on the candle and burned the bags or put the candles out. Hotels luminaries: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_8201.jpg So I think thats everything. Feel free to ask questions about my set up or the hotel in general and I'll try to help in any way I can. Happy Planning. The End.

Memorial Candles for ceremony table: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_0228.jpg Memorial candles for guest: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_0238.jpg More to come....

Approved legal Ceremony I have attatched this below because when I was planning our wedding I came across conflicts as to whether or not I could personalise a legal ceremony. This ceremony was approved and performed by an English speaking judge, although my WC made a point of telling me "I was very Lucky" to have it accepted I just wanted to let you all know what can be accepted. I basically wrote in the entire legal ceremony as a basis and then added in our personal sections so the judge didnt have to try to figure out where to put the "required" wording. I think this is one of the main reasons it was accepted. The Legal Mexican ceremony is highlighted in red but minus the reading from Ocampo's letter which we did not agree with and did not want as part of our ceremony. A thousand thank you's to the member who's ceremony I borrowed from, im sorry to not have acknowledged you here but if you recognise it please let me know. Attachment 37 DIY Fans: These were a real bargain. Purchased from ebay seller jimbobsjoblots price £1.35 plus postage for 8 fans. After reading lots of reviews which commented on huge variations in size of some of the raffia fans I must say these are all virtually identical in size and quality and Im really pleased with them. Highly recommend. I attatched white floral/diamante corsages for the ladies fans and green/blue corsages for the fans to be used as part of the decoration. http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_0231.jpg DIY Maracas: I placed one at each seat in the chapel to serve as a place marker and to shake at the kiss and one at each place setting for the reception to make a pair per guest. Knowing what I do now I would definateley say DO NOT waste the stress, time and effort making these yourself. My guests loved them but when we went on a shopping trip to Playa del Carmen you can get beautiful handpainted ones for $1-$2 each. My guests would have been just as happy with these with a handmade name tag attatched and I would have saved myself weeks of stress!!! I also printed each person an individual menu which proved invaluable when the seating arrangements were messed up! http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_0249.jpg Also shown in this photo are my wine glass luminaries which I diy one per person for each place setting. http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...lass-shade.jpg DIY Ceremony Programs: These took forever to create but everyone loved them and could follow the ceremony despite the poor English of the judge! Each page represented an element and featured a part of the ceremony eg fire for the memorial candles, air for the vows, earth for the sand ceremony etc... I wrapped each one with a personalised silk handkerchief which I DIY with stick on diamantes. Ceremony program front cover overlay http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...er-of-serv.jpg If you would like the templates for Any of these please pm me as I dont know how to reduce the file sizes to be able to attatch them here. More coming.....

I included luggage tags for the immediate family which had already commited to booking. http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...uggagetags.jpg Attachment 35 Attachment 36 Bridal entrance song for ceremony is to be sung and played accoustically by Davids brother and is inspired by trace bundy's version of guns n roses " sweet child o mine" Trace Bundy Sand Ceremony set: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_0236.jpg I have a photoshop template of the diy funnel we used but I dont know how to reduce the file size enough to be able to attatch it here. If anyone knows how or would like me to email them the template PM me. Wedding Coins set: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...VER_Unity_.jpg Bought from gold Charms, gold Pendants, 14K Gold Jewelry, gold Chains, gold Bracelets, gold Earrings, Jewelry, Sterling Silver, Groomsmans gifts, Groomsmens gifts, Groomsman's gifts, Groomsmen's gifts, Gifts, Leather Bags, Handbags, Wedding accessories, wedding We used them in the ceremony and it added a nice Mexican touch. $34 plus postage. Still coming.......

Bmaids dress: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...es/MD705-1.jpg Ordered on a whim from online retailer e-dressit.com. Excellent quality, delivered within a fortnight, fully lined, gorgeous silk crepe chiffon, made to measure and fits perfectly approx £120. Highly recommend. DIY Boarding Card Invites: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ecompleted.jpg http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...CF0006-1-1.jpg http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...tailinvite.jpg I really dont remember who I got this template from but thank you so much and if you do recognise it speak up!!! Attachment 32 Attachment 33 Attachment 34 More coming......

Wedding Dress: This was really hard, I knew I was never going to pay high street prices but I wanted to at least try on dresses to get an idea of what I wanted. I tried on nearly 60 dresses and didnt love any of them! My original plan was to get a knock off dress from china but because I didnt have one dress that really stood out for me I thought it would be too stressful trying to explain what I wanted to someone on the other side of the world. Luckily Davids stepmum has a seamstress friend who was happy to work with me and create what I wanted for a fraction of the original price. Not quite as cheap as a knock off from China but I realise that being the control freak that I am it worked out perfectly for me being able to be so hands on throughout the whole process. I did find it all very stressful and it really went down to the last minute to get it finished. My dress is loosely based on this original but i'm wearing the corsage and pleated train at the back. Mine also has a cowl neckline and ruching on the bodice. The original £1,500 http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ydressback.jpg Mine. £400 http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_5812.jpg My shoes: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...oedetail-1.jpg I dont do heels but I really wanted some girly peep-toes and Im thrilled with these flat pumps from New Look for £22. We are only having a very small wedding with 13 guests, most of which are immediate family so we asked all the men to wear khaki pants and white shirts and all the women to wear colours of the ocean so we would all complement each other in the photos. http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ages/MD934.jpg More to come....................

So here it is, totally an afterthought as I didnt have time to sleep or eat in the run up to the wedding, I was still putting finishing touches to favours the day before the wedding sitting on my balcony at the resort! Firstly Thank You all so much for your invaluable advice, inspiration and support. This would all have been so much harder without this forum and without all of you. I apologise and give you my upmost thanks if you recognise your templates here without a credit. I've deleted all the originals so I dont know who to thank! Please speak up if you recognise anything so I can add a credit which can help other brides in the future. Here goes.... Engagement: 2nd March 2008. We met in March 2000 whilst working as cruise-ship photographers for Royal Caribbean. David took me away on a Caribbean cruise to celebrate my 30th birthday and went down on bended knee on a secluded rock cove in St Kitts on my 30th Birthday. He had planned the whole thing for months and chose the ring himself which is perfect. Our Cove..... http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...images/369.jpg She said yes!!!!..... http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...images/374.jpg We decided that seeing as we spent so much time together in Mexico during those first few months of our relationship that it would be the perfect place to get married, plus neither of us are very traditional and working as wedding photographers here in the UK we wanted something totally different for our wedding. We picked the 26th March 2010 as its exactly 10 years to the day that we first met. Wedding Rings: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...s/DSC_7410.jpg My engagement ring was picked by David and is exactly what I would have chosen for myself, what can I say, the boy knows me... My wedding ring is actually a half eternity ring that I totally fell in love with right after our engagement and just had to have. His is a gorgeous titanium and sterling silver inlaid band. Grooms suit and Best man outfit, Grooms 11 year old son. We couldnt find matching shirts for the two of them anywhere so we ended up getting white and dyeing them and the handkerchiefs with dylon china blue dye: http://i913.photobucket.com/albums/a...ages/MD330.jpg More coming, please be patient..........

Quote: Originally Posted by TA Maureen Post your thread and write continued at the bottom then continue it by replying to it. Quote: Originally Posted by Cindy* I think what most people do is post it in parts. So do a post with your first 10 pictures and related planning. Put more to come or something like that at the end. Then do another post as a reply to the first post, etc. Just keep posting until you get everything in. If you check some of the other threads, I believe that is what they do. Good luck. I can't wait to read your planning thread. Thanks girls here I go................

Quote: Originally Posted by AmyandRich Hi ladies! I am leaving tomorrow for Dreams Tulum.... we are getting married Friday!!! We are both soooo excited! We will be using the resort photographer and will be sure to post pics and a review upon our return in the middle of the month. Congratulations. Have a wonderful time. Enjoy every minute of it.

CAN ANYBODY HELP ME..... I'v been trying for the last hour to post my planning thread and it wont let me do it because it says I can only post 10 pictures into my thread. How do I post my thread with the amount of pictures I need. I know most planning threads and reviews have tons of pictures so whats the secret I am literally about to give up!!!

Sorry it took so long ladies but here is my approved legal ceremony exactly as I submitted it to Natalia, my WC at Dreams Tulum. I have highlighted the legal wording in Red and I recommend keeping those parts in to make it easier for the judge to approve. Insert your own names where appropriate. Feel free to use all or part of it. I once again thank whoever I "borrowed" from. Thanks so much for your help. Good luck with your ceremonies Let me know if I can help.... LEGAL CEREMONY BRIDE: GROOM: WEDDING DATE: WEDDING TIME: WE STRONGLY REQUEST NO RELIGIOUS REFERENCES OF ANY KIND ENTRANCE NAME SINGS & PLAYS GUITAR SOLO, “SWEET CHILD O MINE.” NAME TO START SINGING BEFORE THE BRIDAL PARTY ENTERS, NAME WILL INDICATE TO YOU WHEN GUESTS ARE TO STAND. BRIDE WILL ENTER AT A SPECIFIC POINT IN SONG TO ALLOW FOR WHOLE SONG TO BE PLAYED & HEARD BY GUESTS. BRIDAL ENTRANCE ACCOMPANIED BY 1. NAME (FATHER) 2. NAME (MAID OF HONOUR / SISTER.) BRIDE AND GROOM STEP FORWARD TO LIGHT THE CENTRAL MEMORIAL CANDLE. Officiant: “These candles are a symbol that our love for those no longer with us burns bright within our hearts and today as always their spirits shine upon us.” WELCOME Officiant: “On behalf of Groom and Bride it is my honor to welcome you and thank you all for travelling such great distance to be here today. According to the laws of this country we are gathered here to join the bonds of matrimony which is an honorable status. As witnesses of this important act there are present here: 1.……………………. 2. ……………………….. 3.……………………4. ……………………….. Who will sign the marriage document.” READING TO REPLACE OCAMPO’S LETTER Officiant: “It was once said that falling in love is like being the first to discover the most beautiful thing in the world, to find something so lovely that no-one else had even noticed. Love often starts in little ways. It comes quietly with a smile, a glance or a touch but you know it’s there because suddenly you’re not alone. Love means finally finding a place in this world that shelters you and is your very own, where you feel you have been forever and where you will live, grow and learn. The beautiful thing about love is that its an experience we share with all people throughout the world, and yet to everyone who falls in love it is the most unique and precious thing in the world.” VOWS Officiant: “ I now ask two questions to your witnesses, 1.Are Groom and Bride persons you know well? 2.Are there any objections for them to be joined in legal marriage in Mexico?” Officiant: “ Groom do you accept Bride as your beloved and wedded wife?” Groom responds: “Si Accepto” Officiant:Groom please repeat after me: “ From this day forward I promise you these things…. I will laugh with you in times of joy… And comfort you in times of sorrow… I will share in your dreams… And always support and encourage you… I promise to love you in good times and bad… I will help you when you need it… And step aside when you don’t… You are my best friend… And I will love and respect you always…” Officiant: “Bride do you accept Groom as your beloved and wedded husband?” Bride responds: “Si Accepto” Officiant: Bride please repeat after me: “ I do not need you, I choose you… I choose you today in witness of all the people who love us… I choose you tomorrow in the privacy of our hearts… I choose you in strength and weakness… I choose you in health and sickness… I choose you in joy and sorrow… I will choose you, over all others… Every day, for all the days of my life.” EXCHANGE OF RINGS Officiant: “Today, you join yourselves together for life, as friends and lovers, husband and wife. The rings you are about to exchange are the symbol of never ending love and commitment each of you feel deep within your soul. Officiant: Bride and Groom please join hands and Groom repeat after me..:” “These are the hands of your best friend… That are holding yours on our wedding day… As I place this ring on your finger… May it always remind you of my never ending love… And may it always remind me of the precious treasure I have in you… Wear this ring with joy… For your love has made me complete. Groom places ring on Brides finger. Officiant: “Bride repeat after me…” “These are the hands of your best friend… That are holding yours on our wedding day… As I place this ring on your finger… May it always remind you of my neverending love… And may it always remind me of the precious treasure I have in you… Wear this ring with joy… For your love has made me complete. Bride places ring on Grooms finger. COINS CEREMONY Reader stands and hands pouch of coins to Groom. NAME Reads: “It is a Mexican tradition for the Groom to present the Bride with 13 coins on their wedding day. These coins symbolize the promises which have been shared and the elements for a happy life together that the groom pledges to provide. As the bride accepts these coins she shows her unconditional faith in the groom and the promises they have made.” Groom pours coins into Brides hands “The coins symbolize: LOVE TRUST COMMITMENT RESPECT JOY HAPPINESS HARMONY WISDOM WHOLENESS NURTURING CARING CO-OPERATION AND PEACE.” SIGNING OF THE MARRIAGE DOCUMENT. NAME TO PLAY GUITAR DURING SIGNING OF MARRIAGE DOCUMENT. SAND CEREMONY Child comes to stand with Bride and Groom and reads: “Today me, dad and Bride will join our lives together. The separate bottles of sand symbolize our lives before today, And everything we are and everything we will ever be as individuals.” Bride, Groom and child pour Sand “As the sand is poured the individual sand no longer exists but will be joined together as one, Just as these grains of sand can never be separated again, From this day forward this is how our family will be.” Group Hug. Child sits down. PRONOUNCEMENT Officiant: “ Groom and Bride, With friends and family we send you forth on life’s journey together. May the love and happiness you share today be with you always. In the name of the law and the society and with the authority from the Solidaridad Municipal here in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, I now declare you husband and wife, You may kiss the Bride…. Guests perform Maraca Shake! Officiant: “May I be the first to introduce to everyone Mr and Mrs NAME

LEGAL CEREMONY BRIDE: GROOM: WEDDING DATE: WEDDING TIME: WE STRONGLY REQUEST NO RELIGIOUS REFERENCES OF ANY KIND ENTRANCE NAME SINGS & PLAYS GUITAR SOLO, “SWEET CHILD O MINE.†NAME TO START SINGING BEFORE THE BRIDAL PARTY ENTERS, NAME WILL INDICATE TO YOU WHEN GUESTS ARE TO STAND. BRIDE WILL ENTER AT A SPECIFIC POINT IN SONG TO ALLOW FOR WHOLE SONG TO BE PLAYED & HEARD BY GUESTS. BRIDAL ENTRANCE ACCOMPANIED BY 1. NAME (FATHER) 2. NAME (MAID OF HONOUR / SISTER.) BRIDE AND GROOM STEP FORWARD TO LIGHT THE CENTRAL MEMORIAL CANDLE. Officiant: “These candles are a symbol that our love for those no longer with us burns bright within our hearts and today as always their spirits shine upon us.†WELCOME Officiant: “On behalf of Groom and Bride it is my honor to welcome you and thank you all for travelling such great distance to be here today. According to the laws of this country we are gathered here to join the bonds of matrimony which is an honorable status. As witnesses of this important act there are present here: 1.……………………. 2. ……………………….. 3.……………………4. ……………………….. Who will sign the marriage document.†READING TO REPLACE OCAMPO’S LETTER Officiant: “It was once said that falling in love is like being the first to discover the most beautiful thing in the world, to find something so lovely that no-one else had even noticed. Love often starts in little ways. It comes quietly with a smile, a glance or a touch but you know it’s there because suddenly you’re not alone. Love means finally finding a place in this world that shelters you and is your very own, where you feel you have been forever and where you will live, grow and learn. The beautiful thing about love is that its an experience we share with all people throughout the world, and yet to everyone who falls in love it is the most unique and precious thing in the world.†VOWS Officiant: “ I now ask two questions to your witnesses, 1.Are Groom and Bride persons you know well? 2.Are there any objections for them to be joined in legal marriage in Mexico?†Officiant: “ Groom do you accept Bride as your beloved and wedded wife?†Groom responds: “Si Accepto†Officiant:Groom please repeat after me: “ From this day forward I promise you these things…. I will laugh with you in times of joy… And comfort you in times of sorrow… I will share in your dreams… And always support and encourage you… I promise to love you in good times and bad… I will help you when you need it… And step aside when you don’t… You are my best friend… And I will love and respect you always…†Officiant: “Bride do you accept Groom as your beloved and wedded husband?†Bride responds: “Si Accepto†Officiant: Bride please repeat after me: “ I do not need you, I choose you… I choose you today in witness of all the people who love us… I choose you tomorrow in the privacy of our hearts… I choose you in strength and weakness… I choose you in health and sickness… I choose you in joy and sorrow… I will choose you, over all others… Every day, for all the days of my life.†EXCHANGE OF RINGS Officiant: “Today, you join yourselves together for life, as friends and lovers, husband and wife. The rings you are about to exchange are the symbol of never ending love and commitment each of you feel deep within your soul. Officiant: Bride and Groom please join hands and Groom repeat after me..:†“These are the hands of your best friend… That are holding yours on our wedding day… As I place this ring on your finger… May it always remind you of my never ending love… And may it always remind me of the precious treasure I have in you… Wear this ring with joy… For your love has made me complete. Groom places ring on Brides finger. Officiant: “Bride repeat after me…†“These are the hands of your best friend… That are holding yours on our wedding day… As I place this ring on your finger… May it always remind you of my neverending love… And may it always remind me of the precious treasure I have in you… Wear this ring with joy… For your love has made me complete. Bride places ring on Grooms finger. COINS CEREMONY Reader stands and hands pouch of coins to Groom. NAME Reads: “It is a Mexican tradition for the Groom to present the Bride with 13 coins on their wedding day. These coins symbolize the promises which have been shared and the elements for a happy life together that the groom pledges to provide. As the bride accepts these coins she shows her unconditional faith in the groom and the promises they have made.†Groom pours coins into Brides hands “The coins symbolize: LOVE TRUST COMMITMENT RESPECT JOY HAPPINESS HARMONY WISDOM WHOLENESS NURTURING CARING CO-OPERATION AND PEACE.†SIGNING OF THE MARRIAGE DOCUMENT. NAME TO PLAY GUITAR DURING SIGNING OF MARRIAGE DOCUMENT. SAND CEREMONY Child comes to stand with Bride and Groom and reads: “Today me, dad and Bride will join our lives together. The separate bottles of sand symbolize our lives before today, And everything we are and everything we will ever be as individuals.†Bride, Groom and child pour Sand “As the sand is poured the individual sand no longer exists but will be joined together as one, Just as these grains of sand can never be separated again, From this day forward this is how our family will be.†Group Hug. Child sits down. PRONOUNCEMENT Officiant: “ Groom and Bride, With friends and family we send you forth on life’s journey together. May the love and happiness you share today be with you always. In the name of the law and the society and with the authority from the Solidaridad Municipal here in Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico, I now declare you husband and wife, You may kiss the Bride…. Guests perform Maraca Shake! Officiant: “May I be the first to introduce to everyone Mr and Mrs NAME

It's coming ladies, I promise.....

Quote: Originally Posted by mimi73 Can anyone tell me how the quality of the bouquets is from the resort? I am wondering if the one's supplied in the packages are very nice. Is there a flower store in Tulum that may be a more cost effective option? Thanks girls! I was really impressed with my bouquet, it was exactly as I described. We saw approx 10 other weddings at the hotel whilst we were there and the bouquets were all really beautiful. I'm guessing at least some if not all of those were done by the resort. I would say save any excess costs in this area, the hotel seem to do a super job.

Quote: Originally Posted by krista.baird Hi ladies, thanks so much for the advice! I'm definitely going to go the free wedding route. Sunbride, in their new wedding guide they actually have pics showing the different setups included in different packages and the free wedding is just the chairs, no gazebo structure at all, not even the wood poles, so Im not sure if they remove it or if they have a different location that doesnt have gazebo poles. mmmm....strange... I was just there for three weeks, the gazebo structure stayed up the whole time, it's actually more solid and permanent than it looks, it even has lights wired into the corners. Every beach wedding we saw in that time (approx 10) was performed under the gazebo. Most were with tulle drapes, I think maybe one was without.

Bling : Statement

Quote: Originally Posted by absonnek Sorry girls, this is gonna get lengthy! I just returned last week from my wedding (the Dreams of Love mid priced package, 25 guests), and we were really disappointed in how much they "nickel and dimed" us too. The previous brides who got to bargain or exchange services were lucky. A summary of our "bumps in the road": We paid $150 for the sound system for the ceremony (which lasted 7 minutes by the way) and with the wind and ocean, our guests couldn't hear it any way. Anabel had us pay the day before the ceremony for our "extras" which included 2 kids meals (going rate per hotdog is $25 +tax and service). The kids wanted to go to Explorer's club after the ceremony so we told Anabel they wouldn't need their meals...no refund. They wouldn't allow my hair and make up to be used toward another service. We had our own photographer but the resort's took pics at our rehearsal since 30 were included in the package. They were terrible (did not use the flash and never got a pic of me and my groom). Also, when I had my meeting with her she had decided where our cocktails and our reception would be...no compromising (despite filling out all the paperwork and submitting it on time). Also, don't think you can get out of paying for 2 extra adults for cocktail hour by having it near a bar and saying you'll go get your own drinks. I tried that too. We did not use the 2 boutonnieres for the guys but had to pay full price for bridesmaid bouquets. As for the dress steaming...it came back looking worse than when I sent it. To the point I had tears in my eyes. And don't forget the extra $33 for them to receive the package I sent to myself there via FedEx. For an end result of nearly an extra $600. For the positives, my flowers were gorgeous. The canopy with white chairs (no bows or flowers!) was beautiful. I got ready in my room while staring at the ocean and watching the crew set up for my big moment. The reception meal was one of the best we had all week. Our real photographer did an amazing job. No one noticed my wrinkled mess of a dress in the wind. I got married to my best friend while surrounded by those who love me (and didn't care about the lack of flowers, bows, dance, etc). My advice- keep it simple. And, if the costs related to the legal ceremony bother you, do your legal ceremony at home before you go or after you return. For us, it wasn't worth being legally married in Mexico for 2 days then waiting months on end for the marriage license to file in the US. We vowed ourselves to each other (which mattered to us) and signed the legal stuff when we got home. Good luck! Whether you spend your life savings or go as cheap as possible, it will be beautiful. Such a shame you had issues during your stay but your honest account will no doubt be of great help to upcoming brides. Unfortunateley it does seem as if inconsistencies are still common as we were married a few weeks before you and didnt encounter any of the issues you faced. Yet another good reason for as many brides as possible to post reviews and give there differing opinions and experiences. Im gonna start working on mine asap. Will look forward to reading yours soon.

Quote: Originally Posted by mimi73 Does anyone know the answer to this question.. My MOH will be flying in to DT earlier in the day than the rest of the wedding guests, and she will be bringing the OOT bags for me. I want to get around the $3 fee for 'delivering' the bags to the guests rooms. If she gives the front desk staff the bags will they had them out upon guest check-in? Has anyone done this before? Unfortunateley in my experience I would say its unlikely. Our photographer checked in a few days after us and they were a bit off that we asked them if they could hand him a letter when he checked in. This was after they said he wasnt booked in at all and just walked off leaving us standing there in a major panic, but more about that in my review.... My experience was that unless you were checking in or out they are not interested. On the other hand concierge were fab and couldnt do enough for you but they sit at a desk on the opposite side of the lobby to check in so they wouldnt be able to give out your stuff either. Sorry! If I were you I would think of an alternative or if its too much of a hassle, factor in the bell boy costs. Could you maybe meet everyone for a welcome drink in the lobby bar and give them out personally?

Quote: Originally Posted by mimi73 Does anyone know the answer to this question.. My MOH will be flying in to DT earlier in the day than the rest of the wedding guests, and she will be bringing the OOT bags for me. I want to get around the $3 fee for 'delivering' the bags to the guests rooms. If she gives the front desk staff the bags will they had them out upon guest check-in? Has anyone done this before? Unfortunateley in my experience I would say its unlikely. Our photographer checked in a few days after us and they were a bit off that we asked them if they could hand him a letter when he checked in. This was after they said he wasnt booked in at all and just walked off leaving us standing there in a major panic, but more about that in my review.... My experience was that unless you were checking in or out they are not interested. On the other hand concierge were fab and couldnt do enough for you but they sit at a desk on the opposite side of the lobby to check in so they wouldnt be able to give out your stuff either. Sorry! If I were you I would think of an alternative or if its too much of a hassle factor in the bell boy costs,could you maybe meet everyone for a welcome drink in the lobby bar and give them out personally?