KarenM

Quote: Originally Posted by karenk77 Well I was actually in finance for a few years...then decided i should get my masters in elementary teaching bcuz thats what i always wanted to do...soooo..i leave my job go to school, finally am done can get a job and then they put a freeze on hiring all new teachers..chose the right time to make the switch! lol I think it's pretty damn amazing of you to do this!!! We NEED great teachers who love what they do so I really admire you for making the switch. Can you work as a sub through the school districts? Or even a classroom assistant for someone? I know it wouldn't be ideal but maybe to get your foot in somewhere? I'm not really sure how all that works out here tho. I really hope you find something!!!

ooooh, K, that dress is gorgeous! I didn't see that one when I was there or I may have ended up with a poofy dress despite myself! You're so right - you can totally work the dance floor in just about anything, as long as you can move! Sooo, this whole ttd acronym thing is short for trash the dress. And the concept is very cool. Basically the day after your wedding you, FI (well I guess he's your husband at that point!) & your photog go around your location (downtown, on the beach, on a horse, whatever) and take all sorts of great candidy-type shots. You get a ton of wonderful photos out of it b/c you've got more freedom to be artsy, sexy, whatever and aren't afraid to "trash" your dress, though some girls buy a cheap 2nd dress to do it in. Depending on the photographer, it can cost extra in addition to your package or some include it (or an engagement shoot). We're doing it & it's included in our package. If you search around the forum for TTD shots you'll find a TON, but here's a recent one of Jacilynda's http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t48445 Oh, and Slap - I love the halter dress! It gives a sort of Mexicany-yet-modern feel and has "cha-cha" written all over it!

Yeah, easy for me to say as I stuffed my face w/ cheese sticks & pizza for dinner. well, there's always tomorrow. or monday. Didn't you know? You HAVE to go out to eat after dress/bathing suit shopping b/c you starve yourself before going! he he

I hear you about the job situations here. It is just awful. I'm a new nurse & all of the new grads I know are having a ridiculously hard time finding jobs and nursing is supposed to be recession-proof! yeah right! nursing shortage my a**!! My solution was to just stay in school for another coupla years. What do you teach? Anyway, so success at Macy's! Great!! So, which dress was it? Did you write down the style #? Did you get any pics? And what about at the 1st place (pics or style #?)? I agree, the whole process is kind of confusing. I kept changing my mind about what I thought I wanted, but wound up back at square one in the end. Just go w/ your gut and how you feel in the dresses & you won't go wrong!! And DO NOT allow yourself to try on any $25,000 gowns at Kleinfelds!

thanks so much for the heads-up!

Di those are fantastic! Obviously a major labor of love, but muy muy bueno!!

August 2009 Tiffany & George - August 22, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Jenni & Tim - August 22, 2009 - Holden Beach, NC Elizabeth & Gabriel - August 31, 2009 - Carnival Ecstasy, Galveston, TX September 2009 Sarah & Zachary - September 1, 2009 - Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands BWI Marijke & Rob - September 1 or 2, 2009 - Parga, Greece Dominica & Ernest - September 5, 2009 - Azul Fives, MX Allisa & Vance - September 9, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, MX Erik & Zarina - September 9, 2009 - Las Veags, NV Benny & Shawn- September 9, 2009- Excellence Riviera Cancun, MX Amy & Clint - September 11, 2009 - Cancun, MX Lisa & Gary - September 17, 2009 - Maui, HI Trista & Jon - September 17, 2009 - Excellence Riviera Cancun, MX Amber & Donnie (foxybride) September 19, 2009 - Las Vegas, NV Dayla & Randell - September 19, 2009- Cancun/Riviera Maya, MX Vicki & David - September 26, 2009 - Buenaventura Puerto Vallarta, Mexico October 2009 Natasha & James - October 7,2009 --RIU Palace, Cabo San Lucas Kim & Curt - October 7, 2009--Dreams Puerto Aventuras Heide & Paul - October 10, 2009 -- San Juan, Puerto Rico Amanda & Anton - October 11, 2009 -- Las Caletas, Mexico Ashley & Dustin - October 17, 2009 -- Dreams resort and spa cancun Dustin and Ashley October 17, 2009 At Dreams Cancun Danelle & Antonio - October 17, 2009 --Riu Palace Riviera Maya Angela & Jason - October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Heather & Matie - October 22, 2009 -- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Josie & Marko - October 24, 2009 -- Dreams Tulum Dana & Eddie - October 24, 2009 -- Moon Palace Cancun Jenny & Matthew - October 27, 2009 -- Melia Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Emily & Kevin - October 28, 2009 -- Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Christene & Rattan - October 31, 2009 -- Palm Beach, Aruba November 2009 Melissa (SgtPepperette) and Grant - November 4, 2009 - Fort Myers Beach, FL Keira and Steve - November 05, 2009 - Bahia Pricipe Coba, Mexico Nicole & Curt - November 5, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya Megan & Shay - November 7, 2009 - Westin Los Cabos Erin & Trent - November 9th, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Jodey & Simon - November 12th 2009 - Dreams resort and spa Cancun Lisa & Doug - November 12, 2009 - Riu Palace Riviera Maya Carrie & Andy - November 13, 2009 - Beaches Negril Evelyn (koolatta) & Audie - November 14, 2009 - Catalonia Riviera Maya Alicia & Rob - November 14, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Joanne & Mark - November 14, 2009 - Iberostar Grand, Mexico Mirna & Louis-November 15th 2008-Dreams Cancun Heidi & Patrick - November 16th 2009 - Sirenis La Salina, Varadero Leslie & Gerry - November 16th, 2009- Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Angie and Tom November 18 2009 - Royal Decameron, Panama Valerie & Ryan - November 21, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Sarah & Tan- November 21, 2009- Valentin Imperial Maya Mary & Paul - November 28th 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Jessica (Jess) & Paul - November 28th, 200 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Josie & Jason - November 28th 2009- Playa Del Carmen, Mexico !! December 2009 Gina & Ryan - December 2, 2009 - Riu Palace Riviera Maya Leslie & Jay - December 5, 2009 - Moon Dance Cliffs Jamaica Kim & Justin - December 5, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Adventuras poohshek & spidey - December 11, 2009 - Riviera Maya Jen & Kenny - December 12, 2009 - Excellence Playa Mujeres Lesya & Dave - December 12, 2009 - Sands resort Turks and Caicos Jillian & Tim (Adlergray)-December 18, 2009- Blue Tulum Rsort & Spa Nadine & Jesse (cdnvb9) -December 29, 2009 - Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa Patty & Jason - December 30, 2009 - Barcelo Riviera Maya Colonial Karla & Abraham - December 31, 2009 - Negril, Jamaica January 2010 Melissa & Kent- January 5, 2010- Playa Pesquero, Cuba Bosola and Vlad (Bosi)- January 6,2010, Beaches Negril Jamaica Aimee & Theodore- January, 8, 2010 - Iberostar Tucan, Mexico Jessica & Matt(jrprice24)- January 8,2010- Sandos Playacar, PDC, Mexico Kerri & Elton (kpuckrin)- January 12th, 2010- BlueBeard's Beach, St. Thomas Nancy & Pat - January 13th, 2010 - Beaches Negril, Jamaica Melita (Melette) & Charlie - January 21, 2010 - Dreams Los Cabos, Mexico Catherine & Ian - January 22, 2010 - Playa Pesquero, Cuba Shannon & Lauchlan- January 27th, 2010- Puerto Vallarta Mexico Jocelyn & Sean - January 27, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Mayan Riviera February 2010 Sue and Mark February 2, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Melissa & Brian - February 10, 2010 - St Thomas (Limetree Beach) Melissa & Sean- February 10, 2010- St. Thomas USVI Krista & Glenn - February 18, 2010 - Curacao Linda & Ton- February 22, 2010- Costa Rica Amber & Sean - February 22, 2010 - Moon Palace Resort, Mexico March 2010 Bev & Brian March 4th 2010 - Clubhouse Negril Christine & Welsey March 19th, 2010- Dreams Tulum, Mexico Katie & Ryan March 26th, 2010- Riu Palace Riviera Maya April 2010 Claire & John (adelaide) April 1, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret - Riviera Maya Holly & Adam (Scubadiva) April 2nd, 2010 - Megans Bay Beach St Thomas USVI Mandy & Micah (cruisebride0410) April 9, 2010 - Nassau, Bahamas Michele & Jim (jerseykitten) April 10, 2010 - Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa - Montego Bay, Jamaica Steph & Jason (sperger) - April 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium, Punta Cana doblauvelt-April 16, 2010- Moon Palace, Cancun Sarah and Jed (sarah310) April 17, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Mexico Stacey & Eric (La Romana Stacey) - April 22, 2010 - Dreams La Romana Rowena & Tak (Bride2010) - April 22, 2010 - Barcelo Maya Palace, MX Veronica & Patrick (vgirl17) - April 24, 2010 - Moon Palace, Cancun MX Joanna & Chris (jerzygirl85) - April 24, 2010 Dreams Tulum, Mexico Christina & Gregory (GregsBride) - April 24, 2010 - Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, Montego Bay, Jamaica Erin & Jeremy (ebredhawk) - April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana May 2010 Crystal & Dave (CrystalM) - May 1, 2010 - Magen's Bay, St. Thomas, USVI Heather & Eric (hockeymom97) - May 5th, 2010, Beaches Negril, Jamaica Dyan & Chris (dyanh) - May 7, 2010 Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica Suzanne & Ryan (soxgirl)- May 7, 2010- Divi, Aruba Savannah & Billy (BillysBride) -May 8, 2010 Avalon Reef Club, Isla Mujeres, MX Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Heather & Andrew- May 14, 2010- Kauai, Hawaii Jessica & Matt (Future Mrs. Griffith) - May 14, 2010 - Dreams Resort PV Heather & George (dolfinluck)- May 15, 2010 - Dreams La Romana, DR Margaret & Matthew (mmontgo) - May 15, 2010 - Dreams Riviera Cancun, Mx Shannon & Robert (preciousmi811) -May 17, 2010 - RUI Palace Tropical Bay, Jamaica Mary & Pete (MissM)- May 19th, 2010- Los Cabos Amber & Mike (gokartmagic) - May 21, 2010 - Iberostar Grand, Montego Bay, Jamaica Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Samantha & Ralph- May 27,2010- Coco Reef Resort, Bermuda Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace Erin & Greg - May 28, 2010 - The Royal, Playa del Carmen Lenell & Tristan May 29,2010 Dreams Tulum Karen & Paul (KarenM) ~ May 29, 2010 ~ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico June 2010 Jennifer & Ernie (jenninjamaica) ~ June 1, 2010 Breezes Grand Negril, Negril, Jamaica Jaymi and James (Jaymibaby) ~ June 1, 2010 Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, Jamaica Stephanie and Michael (~Stephanie~)-June 11, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen Michelle & Arsen (michelle613)- June 12, 2010 Dreams Cancun Krystall & Nick (azulskies) - June 17, 2010 Olowalu Plantation House, Maui Stephanie and Chris (sspiris) - June 19, 2010, Destination to be determined Lulu & Kirkton (lmuze) ~ June 19, 2006: Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, Jamaica Jessica & Bryson (Royal_lady10)-June 26, 2010 Dreams Tulum July 2010 Jennifer and Juan- July 2nd, 2010- Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Kaytee and CJ- July 3rd, 2010- Destination still TBD! Jannae and Ryan (LadyTrunck)- July 6, 2010- Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico!! Mandy and Chad- July 10, 2010- Sullivans Island, SC Edy And Jaxon (mswhatever) - July 17, 2010 Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton resort & Spa Jamaica Bobbett and Ricky (Natural)- July 18, 2010 San Juan, Puerto Rico Tracy and Cole - July 2010 in Playa del Carmen, TBD August 2010 Melissa and Robby (hunniebee724) ~ August 19, 2010 NYC, Carnival Cruise Lines Crystal & Marques (hugrad) - August 9, 3010 St. Thomas, USVI September 2010 Courtney & Chris-September 3,2010-Siesta Key, Fl October 2010 Lori & Oliver (gossip girl) - October 10, 2010 - Destination TBD! Suzanne & Joe (sierra101010) - October 10, 2010 - Puerto Vallarta Chris & Crystal (Crystalballl) - October 20, 2010 - Playa Pesquero, Cuba Jo & Darren (Jo&Daz20-10-2010) - October 20, 2010 - Coral Coast - Fiji Luciel & Emil (luciel2820) - October 20, 2010 - Melia Cariba, Punta Cana DR December 2010 Chris & John (sunstarsmoon) - December 1, 2010 - Rui Ocho Rios, Jamaica Stephen & Sabrina (breeze616) - December 10, 2010 - Iberostar Rose Hall, Jamaica Shana and Jamel (chocolatedrop04)- December 11, 2010-Moon Palace, Mexico Carla & Christoper (adias.angel) - December 11, 2010 - Riviera Maya

I think they're all new; samples donated by the designers or other bridal shops. Although that was on my list, I never made it there cuz I found my dress at David's (in Paramus though).

I totally hear you! Wedding dress & bathing suit shopping are about the best incentives to work out ever. Keep us posted when you start! There's lots of great places in/around Chi-town to go looking!

Hey lady! So, I know David's is out for you. Did you & your mom go anywhere else (other than the first 3 places)? RK is a popular store (on 39th, right by the A), Macy's, Kleinfelds if you have the $$ (but they have sample sales too), Nicole Miller on Greene St, the Wedding Atelier on 5th: Wedding Atelier: Shop designer wedding gowns, bridal veils, wedding shoes, and bridal accessories in our New York bridal shop. The Bridal Garden seems cool too, discount dresses & the proceeds go towards educating NYC's kids! http://www.bridalgarden.org/ I actually found this article that lists all the stores. Hope it helps! New York Wedding Guide - Bridal Gown Store Directory

Those pics are just beautiful! I love your blue dress - so super cute!

That's so wonderful! What an amazing gift and I'm so glad you guys will have the dresses you love!

It's beautiful! How great you were able to get it a while ago too!

Love this show & I'm so glad it's back! hooray!! Tom & Tim (project runway) are my secret loves.

I love that pic too, Christina, and the ones you just posted! What a gorgeous little man! (love his hair too) Anyway, I LOVE TIM too!!! This & Top Chef are my 2 fav shows! I missed it tonight; will watch the re-run. It sucks for Bravo that they went to Lifetime, but I'm so glad to get to watch TC on Wed & PR on Thurs. Oh, & the making fun of Stella was priceless! good stuff

Wow! Congratulations Jac!! Such amazing photos! It looks like you had an incredible day (aside from the poopy WC's) and a wonderful stay! There are so many great shots, but I love that pic of you, Joe & Cattie. Such a beautiful family!

Thanks Heather! I really love it! I know an a-line with more structure can create great shape, it just wasn't what I was most attracted to. This dress just skims the body, is really light-weight and has a sort of old-world feel that I just love. Have you found your dress yet?

Hi girls! I'm also getting married in May (end of the month) and I looked up the sunset times - in Puerto Vallarta it's around 8:00 or 8:30. I think the sunset cruise is an amazing idea!! Or people could just go their separate ways for a siesta for a few hours before the festivities pick back up. Here are links for your locations Cancun looks like around 7:30 Sunrise and Sunset for Mexico РQuintana Roo РCanc̼n Рcoming days Jamaica around 6:30 Sunrise and Sunset for Jamaica РKingston Рcoming days

OMG what a great visual! Love this story!! Congratulations to you two!!!

josee & amy - you both have beautiful dresses!! And I totally agree -- stop looking! I know it's hard, cuz I do the same thing, but really what's the point? We already have dresses we loved enough to buy so let's focus on something else to spend our $$ on!

I've actually never heard of woodbury, (only lived here a year) but I have gone to the Jersey Gardens outlets in Elizabeth, NJ and The Crossings in Tannersville, PA (FI's from Scranton so whenever we visit we hit up the outlets). I'll def have to make it out to Woodbury soon!! Yeah, let me know about your experiences w/ Macys & Saks. You might also try RK bridal on 39th. They have a ton of dresses and you don't need an appt to go try on - just try to go on a weekday.

Ha! oh man that sucks. I know, I actually was shocked that I had a good experience. I didn't even want to go, but since my friends were pushing to have a vicarious experience and I didn't think I could get an appt anywhere so fast I figured what the hell? But, believe me, I've heard sooooo many horror stories about them and yours fits right in. I would've walked out too. They sent me an online survey after I bought my dress & I said that while I had a good experience I've known too many others, nation-wide, who have had awful ones. I also said they seriously need to spend more resources hiring professional people who like to help women find their gowns and who like their jobs. As far as Macy's, it may be worth a trip. Honestly I felt like they don't have all that many dresses (many many of the same type), but it makes going around their showroom pretty quick & easy. I'm sure people have found & loved their dresses from Macy's; they just had nothing like what I was going for (simple, non-poofy). But even if you hate everything there it's a good learning experience cuz if nothing else it'll give you ideas about what you don't like. Also, just thought of this, but maybe a different Macy's would carry a different designer? I went to the one at herald sq & they only had 1 (demetrios?).

Hey girls. Check out this thread on what guys are wearing. It's really helpful for ideas. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t1058

Quote: Originally Posted by kiki317 My dress was $500 from David's and the alterations were about $230. I did need a good amount of alterations though- Hem, bustle, taken in on the sides and i needed cups added and the halter top shortened. but i thought that was a fair price to change almost all the seams on the dress- LOL- too bad short and nothing ever fits right! I did have my last fitting last night and it's perfect! Hey Kiki, where in NJ is your David's? And how did the alterations come out? Also, Frazali, did you go to David's in Manhattan for your alterations? How were they? I got my dress at the David's in Paramus, but I'm not sure whether to go back there for the alterations or not. Thanks for your help ladies!

Quote: Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl If I wear an ivory dress, what color shirt should the groom wear? If we decide to go with a suit, what color suite woud go? So, I'm wearing ivory and this linen suit is what FI is wearing (minus the salmon shirt). Not sure what shirt he'll wear, but we're leaning towards white. But, if your FI doesn't want to wear a suit he could wear a short or long-sleeved linen shirt or guayabera with tan linen/cotton pants. Plus, depending on your wedding colors, you could always pick a shirt that's a really pale shade of one of your colors (like pale pink or green). here are some links for ideas Grooms - Island Importer Island Company Classic Linen Shirt at 6pm.com we found guayabera shirts for the groomsmen here & they do custom color embroidery Guayabera shirts, Mexican Wedding Shirts, Beach Wedding Attire, Beach Wedding Dress, Wedding Jewelry, Wedding Shirts