jmb0902

Congrats!! It looked wonderful, and your review is so thorough... LOVE your siggy pic!

Quote: Originally Posted by krista.baird Hey there, Aurora also quoted me $3 per person for a setup fee, but everything I've read on here says that once you get down there that you won't even be dealing or see Aurora, as they have different people for answering emails and doing actual wedding coordinating of the event. There were several people who said they were quoted things by Aurora and then once they had the wedding contract, they weren't charged the things that Aurora had said. I think Aurora is really by the book, and the wedding coordinators are more flexible. Everything I've read says that if you bring your own stuff, you will be charged $150 for setup for everything - sashes, tulle, decos, etc. and that's it - no $3 per person charge, just a flat $150. I'm just hoping that doesn't change before I get down there. My experience with certain things like this (and for instance having more than one entree choice at the reception) is you just say outright "we want 13 of the chicken and 12 of the beef" for the entrees, don't really "ask". With the setup fee, we were going over any "extras" I wanted added to the package and I just put in the $150 as a setup cost for everything (ceremony and reception) and it wasn't questioned. I didn't even mention a $2 or $3 a person charge, I just said we would pay$150 for everything. Hope this helps!

Quote: Originally Posted by vdaybride Everything looked great. Your DIY makeup was fabulous..great job. Congrats on being a MRs. 4 days!!! Congrats vdaybride... so excited for you!

Quote: Originally Posted by angie_tx just one question, where do you buy those LED throwies...?? Angie - You have to actually buy the part and put them together yourself (usually at the resort)... it was really easy... here is the thread with the instructions: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...anterns-37079/ P.S. I just bought all my stuff on Ebay and it was really cheap!

Quote: Originally Posted by vlynnw Great review! I'm completely inspired by your TTD pics! Do you mind sharing what types of things you switched out in the package with the help of your TA? There are a couple things I really want to switch like photography since I'm bringing my own but don't know the best way to handle it. The most major thing I had Tammy work on for me was getting the videographer (b/c we were bringing our own photog) - Natalia had origininally said "no" when I asked if I could do that, but Tammy went directly to Landy (who is now a manager I think) to discuss it and she said okay. The only other thing I really had her do was let us get a "groom's cake" for our Rehearsal Dinner included in the cost of the $20pp instead of paying $4 pp extra for it (it kind of just substituted for the dessert that usually comes with the dinner).

Quote: Originally Posted by Rk_cheung Absolutely gorgeous pics!!! You looked beautiful! Did the people at the resort do your hair? and Where was that location of the cave you took pics in your Trash the wedding?? Absolutely stunning! The people at the Spa at the resort did my hair. We took our pics at "Dos Ojos" cenote - it is right on the main highway from Cancun on the way in to Dreams Tulum (it is on the right and has a billboard - you could easily miss it). Let me know if you have any other questions =)

Quote: Originally Posted by stacey Congrats Jo!! I have no clue on the answers to your questions. Have you seen your OBGYN yet? Not yet, that's the crazy thing - I called and they said they don't do the first appt until 8-10 weeks along... so the first week of March!!

Quote: Originally Posted by carolina24 congrats on the wedding and baby!!!! everything looked amazing How many lanterns did you take, they look great! Thanks for the review Thank you!! I took 31 lanterns... 6 16" Turquoise 6 8" White 5 12" White 4 12" Turquoise 4 12" Light Lime 6 16" Light Lime from: Paper Lanterns, Party Supplies and Chinese Paper Lanterns - PaperLanternStore.com

Thanks ladies! I have just a few paranoid questions - like, shouldn't I be feeling/responding in some way by now? All I have are thse kind of weird cramps (which worry me!) occasionally, but no nausea or sickness or bloating or anythign! Do any of you remember what it was like your first few weeks??

Quote: Originally Posted by DTurner51410 Amazing Review... After looking at your review and how amazing your wedding was really makes me wish my Wedding date was here. I have just a few questions..... ** How did you get Jelly Beans there?!? did you have the WC buy them?!? I LOVE the candy vases! very cute.. ** if you could recomend 3 things to spend my money on weather it be Photographer, Reseption, etc what would you recomend?!? ** Is there any advice you would give?!? I am so excited and i cant wait to experiance what you got to experiance at DT... Congratulations on your Wedding! Danielle Bride to be May 14 2010 Hey Danielle- We ordered the Jelly Belly's from their web site (they come in 16 oz. containers)... we just left the containers sealed and brought receipts for Customs. The vases were $1 each at Walmart - totally worth it! I would say the top thing to spend money on is pictures - to me, they are what I will have forever to look back to remember the day. The second most thing is the location, I know it cost a lot of money for everyone (ourselves included) to travel and then actually have our wedding at a resort - but you have to remember that drink/food is pretty much included so that would have been a major expense for the reception if we hadn't done it with a package!! I don't know what the rest of my priorities would have been, but pictures and location were definitely most important! The most advice I would give is PLAN! This will make it so much easier once you are actually there to enjoy yourself. Also - the best advice I can give is to be laid back and relax - things will definitely go wrong, but why let it ruin your day?? So many brides get so caught up in the details and negative that they don't enjoy it, or it passes them by! So plan all the way up to the time you leave... and then let it go! =) Hope this helps!

Quote: Originally Posted by krista.baird Thanks so much for the GREAT review!! And oh my a nude sunbather! Yikes! I'm glad they were able to get her outta there...I didn't think that people would sunbathe nude at a family resort! Don't worry too much Krista - out of 7 days there this is the only nude sunbather I had seen or heard of!!

I am very proud to say I have finally... POSTED MY REVIEW!! *~*jmb0902's Long, Detailed, PIC FILLED Review of Dreams Tulum!*~* Thank you so much SunBride and everyone else who has helped me out - and don't worry, I plan on hanging out to help all you planning ladies! Let me know if you have questions!

THE END! Sorry if I didn’t answer all your questions, but if you think of something let me know! And check out my planning thread too =) Love you all, Mrs. Scott.

DJ Dorremix: 10/10 http://doremixx.com/ I would say for cost and for service this is one of the best decisions… by far. We were just going to rent the sound system and use an Ipod – but to rent the sound system again at $150 (now more) and have to worry about it, DJ Dorremix was $550 for 4 hours and was definitely worth it. We sent him a play list ahead of time and when we wanted everything done (and Anabel was there to guide him along with the dances, cake cutting, etc.). He brought cold fireworks, lights, balloons, and glow bracelets and necklaces – he was a hit!! I would definitely recommend him to anyone! One thing we did when I sent the email to get everyone’s shoe sizes and meal requests was ask them all a song request – we put them all on our DJ list so everyone there had their own personal song =) Photographers: Critsey Rowe & Thomas Geist 10+++++++/10 I don’t even know where to start with this! It was probably our best decision of the entire wedding! I decided early on that photography was one of the most important aspects to me. I started out with the local photogs and realized how expensive they were… and that a lot of them were already booked. I didn’t even think about flying someone in because I thought that would be ridiculous… well, it wasn’t! I had always loved Stacey’s TTD pics on the forum and decided to contact Critsey, the photog who did them, and it turned out that Critsey (plus her husband Thomas who is also an excellent photog) was comparable to the locals even with travel- which amazed me b/c she has been published many times in magazines and has even been featured on the TV show “My Fair Weddingâ€. We did an after session/TTD on Sunday… we first went to “Grand Cenote†and they would not let us in with cameras. We then went to “Dos Ojos†cenote and everything was wonderful from there. My husband said that the TTD day was the most fun he had, and the most memorable (other than getting married)- for me, it was exhausting because my dress kept trying to drown me!! I think their pictures speak for themselves, they are absolutely amazing… Here is the link to all our pics: http://www.pictage.com/787972

Cocktail Hour: 9/10 We did our wedding a little bit different because of the time availabilities – but it ended up working great! Our ceremony was at 12:00, then we did pics afterward while everyone did their own thing. I even changed into my bathing suit and hung out at the pool until the reception! We decided to have the cocktail hour on the beach right next to our reception site at 05:00pm – which worked out well b/c we kind of got to supervise the set up of the reception. The cocktail hour was great and we had very attentive waiters (although if someone didn’t want to wait for their drink the bar is literally right there too)- there wasn’t anything too exciting about it, haha. Our choice of hor’dourves was great – we had the smoked salmon on melba bread, proscuitto and melon, mushroom stuffed with cream cheese and black truffle. Cocktail Setup: Reception: 10/10 Our reception was everything we could have hoped it to be… from the food, decorations, and DJ it was wonderful and everyone had a great time. I honestly don’t remember the food but heard it was great (except the dessert – it was this strange chocolate jello thing that no one really ate – but it’s presentation was great!). My family and I set up all the LED’s the day before so all Anabel and the people helping would have to do is put them in the lanterns and hang them – I suggest doing that b/c it would have taken them forever to do that. I wanted 2 LED’s per lantern, and after some visuals/explaining to the guys setting them up they got it figured out. I also brought starfish, sea glass, and glass pillar candle holders (which didn’t stay lit very well regardless of the glass) for the tables. I had a memory table and name place card table, as well as 2 other small tables – one for the cake and one for a digital frame we brought down with a slideshow of old funny pics of us and all the guests we had there- it was a hit! Also, Seaside Grill was closed during our reception – making it very private… but they kept the pool bar open so we had that to use – it was great! We didn’t buy a guest book until we got down there (bad I know!) – but we found this beautiful coffee table book that wasn’t too expensive at the resort and everyone signed it… it ended up being a great decision! We chose the Tres Leches cake (Three Milks) with strawberry filling – and it was great!

Flowers – 9/10 The flowers were absolutely beautiful – stargazer lilies are my favorite!! The only reason I didn’t rate it super high is because when I was walking after the wedding I had the flowers pointed down and they ALL fell out of the holder onto the ground… yikes! Some drunk guy in the pool said he wished he had taped it for YouTube, haha. I didn’t cry or anything but it was pretty awful! Luckily my photog helped me out to arrange them all back in the holder and it was fine. My BM’s carried parasols so I didn’t pay extra for their flowers – I did however purchase extra boutonnieres for my dad, and pin corsages for my mom, MIL, and grandmother. Ceremony – 9/10 I would definitely suggest renting the sound equipment; otherwise no one would have been able to hear anything. Although we did have a “rehearsal†there were quite a few surprises in our ceremony- my husband thought it was endearing and memorable… I couldn’t stop laughing =) On the other hand – some brides may be taken aback or offended. Rodolpho (sp.?) was our pastor (I had the wrong name on the program- oh well!), and seriously broke into singing a Beatles song (“All You Need Is Loveâ€) during our ceremony… everyone had a good laugh, but he was lucky we are pretty easy going. Also, he sprung a “special reading†on our Best Man (which was a page or more long) that our Best Man luckily took in stride and did a great job. My husband thinks he made our wedding memorable… and we all laugh any time we hear a Beatle’s song =) I burned a CD ( I brought 2 copies) of songs for the ceremony, and Anabel made sure they worked before the actual day (I also put them on my Ipod for backup): Processional: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow†– Israel Kamakawiwo’ole Bride Processional: “Pachelbel Canon in D Major†Recessional: “Alive†– Black Eyed Peas; “Love Song†– 311 The only other issue we had was a NUDE sunbather right next to the wedding setup when my husband went to check it all out… I laughed about it, but really didn’t want her around or in my pics!!! So Anabel somehow got her out of there before guests arrived and the wedding started.

Let me start out by saying this is the best forum with the best members! I couldn’t have made my wedding what it was without all of you, and I hope I’ve helped some of the rest of you along the way. It is quite an affair; I’m not sure what I am going to do with all of my new found spare time! I could get another job =) But really, thank you, and thank you Tammy for starting this! We had our wedding on November 28, 2009 at Dreams Tulum in Tulum, Mexico. A DW was the best decision we made! We stayed one week (we got there on a Wednesday) – we decided to stay at DT the entire week (we were going to have a separate honeymoon elsewhere) because we never get to see and spend time with our families. Don’t worry, we’re going on a “real†honeymoon in March =). We had 25 guests including us (and 2 kids), and 2 photogs fly in as well. Wright Travel Agency/Vacations for Less – 10/10 I started out using Tammy/Wright Travel Agency – but of course right when we were getting things started for the wedding Tammy was about to have her baby! So… we ended up working with Teresa Stauring from Vacations for Less. Everything went very smoothly for the most part, and we didn’t personally have any issues with transfer or hotel check-in. There was some confusion on the room release dates (so make sure you pay close attention to the policy) but Teresa was able to negotiate with DT so we would not have a penalty – thank you Teresa and DT!!! =) Tammy really became a lifesaver when we got closer to our wedding and I was trying to “negotiate†some trade-offs in our package. She got a hold of Landy and they were very accommodating – I think it really matters on who you talk to at DT. Arrival in Cancun The airport is as crazy as everyone says, and 2 of the 6 of us got our bags searched at Customs – but they didn’t ask for receipts for all our wedding stuff (but I would definitely bring them in case). My guests said they really appreciated my pre-travel brochure (it’s in my planning thread – check my siggy) and that it helped them a lot understanding the airport and the transfer situation. Luckily, on our transfer there our van was full with all our guests (and therefore didn’t have to stop anywhere on the way) – some of our other guests did though, prolonging the already 90 minute drive to DT. On our way to the airport we did pick up another couple in Playacar (Playa del Carmen) and it added on about 30 minutes to our commute. Some guests weren’t happy with the long way out there, but they also didn’t stop at the nearest gas station and buy 6-packs for the ride—which is the best advice ever! Our trip went by in no time! Dreams Tulum – 9.5/10 Of course it was my wedding, so it’s hard for me not to have rose-tinted glasses when it came to that week! We were greeted with champagne and cold towels right when we stepped out of the van. All of our luggage was taken to our room for us and we went to check-in. We had no issues with our check-in, but one thing that was kind of annoying was that some people were given two doubles who requested a king (including our friends who just got married!) – and others were given a king who requested two doubles (like my brother and sister who were sharing a room – which was actually pretty funny they got a king). DT said they were at full occupancy and had no other rooms. We suggested a switch but everyone was already unpacked and didn’t want to move (so my brother slept on the couch). We got a wedding arrival letting from the Wedding Dept. as well as a BEAUTIFUL flower arrangement in our room (and champagne and fruit). We stayed in a Dreams Jr. Suite Oceanview next to the Dolphin pool on the 2nd floor (room # 6203). We were originally in the room next door but the A/C was broken and on at all times – making it frigid! We didn’t get our room switched until the WC Anabel got involved – in fact it didn’t seem like much got done unless we utilized Anabel… so use your WC! There was kind of a funky smell one of the days… but we were hardly in there so it was fine. Some people complain about these rooms b/c they are so close to the pool and activities, but we didn’t really notice- we thought it was a great location, especially since the beach set-up and our reception were right outside our door. The room itself was very nice, and very spacious. I was glad we didn’t spend the extra money on the Honeymoon suite because it didn’t really seem it offers that much more in terms of “nicenessâ€. Our flowers from the Wedding Dept. (they accidentally gave us two—don’t worry, they took one back, haha) The staff at DT is truly amazing – they are the hardest working, most pleasant people at any resort or hotel I have every stayed at. The hotel is exceptionally clean as well – they take pride in their work and in their resort, that is obvious! All of our guests were very good about tipping, even though it is not required, we all wanted to because of the service! Wedding Coordinator (Anabel) – 10++++/10 Anabel was absolutely amazing! I cannot say enough about her and how hard she works. I was a little scared at first, because before we actually arrived Natalia had been the WC I traded emails back and forth with, but Anabel had all the emails I had sent to Natalia and had already gone over them. We met with her the day after we got to DT in the AM to go over everything we wanted in terms of setup, menus, etc. We decided to go from the free package to the “Dreams of Love†package once we got there, only due to how many guests we ended up having and the fact we wanted a sit-down reception dinner. I will say that the “Wedding Planning Form Update†they send you to fill out about a month before your wedding helped her a lot – I would suggest you make sure it is super detailed! I even included pictures on it (of bouquets, cake, etc.). We did all the planning that day and then went through a walk through of where everything was going to be located. What we paid extra for: $150 for the sound system/mic at the ceremony $150 for setup at the ceremony (tulle and chair sashes) and the reception (30 lanterns/LED throwies, centerpieces, guest book table, name card table) Extra meals/Apps/cocktails (if you have over 20 people) Extra boutonnieres/corsages Some trade-offs: (with the help of Tammy W.) Videographer for ceremony instead of resort photography (we had our own) Be sure that you check over your totals when you pay your bill! My parents paid ours, but I was there because I had a good idea of what it should come out to. There were simple mistakes (like we were charged for the Gold menu instead of Silver menu) – but those mistakes added up to a couple hundred dollars! I brought Anabel a Bath & Body Works gift as well as a tip at our first meeting – and my parents ended up tipping her additionally after the wedding… she really was wonderful!! Rehearsal Dinner – 10/10 We were originally going to do the free option and do our Rehearsal Dinner at the World Café – but my husband’s parents thought it would be more intimate and a better way for some people to meet each other if it were more private. A few months before the wedding I contacted Natalia about reserving the Wine Cellar at Portofino for the dinner. At first she said she couldn’t give us permission, but after a while she said she talked to the manager and they gave us the okay. The dinner came out to $25 a person (with tax and everything) and we got to pick out the menu ahead of time. People have said for their weddings and rehearsal dinners the WC’s have only let them choose one entrée, and others get 2 – I just chose two entrees, gave my guests their choice and then emailed Natalia with the totals. I had no problem having two entrée choices for the rehearsal dinner nor the reception- just don’t give them the option to say no! My husband’s parents also wanted to do a groom’s cake in lieu of the desserts they had offered – they got in contact with Natalia to see if that was possible and she said it would be $4 a person for the cake! I had Tammy W. address the issue with Landy and it turned out we got the cake for no extra charge instead of their dessert on the menu, so it worked out well! Cake topper for Groom’s cake: The food was wonderful and so was the atmosphere. It was a little cramped b/c all of us were at one long table and it’s not that big of a room! I wanted to make sure I got some good pics of the Wine Cellar because I searched everywhere before we went and couldn’t find any. We did a cocktail hour before the meal – where my sister showed an embarrassing slideshow and the groom’s parents gave Crocs to everyone (they are from Boulder, CO where Crocs are from). This also gave a more intimate forum for toasts, well wishes, etc. that really weren’t that possible at the reception. The Menu for Portofino is attached! We picked one thing from each course and then had guests choose between 2 entrees we selected. We also had 1 vegetarian (who got a choice of pastas b/c we didn’t want her to have to have veggie lasagna two nights in a row!) and 2 kids meals (which were buttered noodles or spaghetti I think). Spa – 9/10 I was very pleased with my hair, and I think for the most part my 2 bridesmaids were. We encountered some serious translation issues however when my one bridesmaid tried to explain what she wanted done. I would definitely suggest anyone who wants their hair done to bring pictures- this would have alleviated a lot of the issue. I did not get my makeup done at the spa, I was kind of put off by some other bride’s reviews and didn’t want to have to worry about it. I did a makeup lesson with someone in my hometown just for the wedding/taking pictures and that worked out well!

Quote: Originally Posted by angruck Hi Everyone, I know I haven't posted my review (crazy work schedule) but here are some pictures from elizabeth Medina at Dreams Tulum for my wedding! Check them out to see how beautiful the location is! We are the Chris and Angela Wedding on the blog Elizabeth Medina Photography Angela your pics are beautiful! I love Elizabeth's work =)

No BD pics so our TTD will have to do =)

I just found out last week that I am pregnant! I know it seems really early to get excited but I can't help it =) It's hard not to tell everyone I know... but we are waiting to tell family until the first US and everyone else at the end of our first trimester. I just wanted to check in b/c I can finally post on this thread!! All of your kiddies are too cute, it is so exciting to see all the bump/nursery/baby pics on here! xoxo jo

Just so you all know- I NEVER saw kids in the pool past 6... and no one was even around the pools for any of the receptions I saw... and we were there over Thanksgiving and the resort was packed. That's the first I've heard this, and we didnt' experience it the entire 7 days there... just so you know!!! =)

Quote: Originally Posted by BellaBeachBabe Hi! I saw your pics and you set up was beautiful! I was just wondering if you had any other views of your recepetion area. From the pics you posted, we aren't able to see everything. (DJ, dance area etc...) I am planning on having a similar set up but I want to see how it would look in advance. Thanks so much! You're in luck! We are getting our pro pics in the next few days... and my photog said they have some great shots of the reception site. I will let you guys know as soon as I post them!! Also- I will be posting my review as SOON as I get the pics to put in them =)

Quote: Originally Posted by jerzygirl85 I am thinking of having my reception by the dolphin pool. I originally thought the adult pool but i don't want to hear the nightly entertainment which I think is by el patio. I am having 40 guests, do you think there will be enough room for tables and dancing by the Dolphin pool? I also hired DJ Doremixx and got the light up dance floor. Will there be room for a dance floor or should I just get rid of it? I think you'll have plenty of room... for both the tables for your guests and a dance floor if you want it. We would have had plenty of room for a dance floor if we wanted it (the concrete between the DJ booth and the tables were fine for us - it kind of created a dance floor area).

Quote: Originally Posted by angie_tx Thanks!! I loved your planning thread, you had so many unique ideas. did your paper laterns have any light in them? i was thinking of buying the same number of laterns that you had, but all the ladies were saying they had some light issues by the pool and paper laterns were a great way to help with that. Thanks, p.s. i loved that side braide in your hair!!! Thank you! Our lanterns did have LED throwies in them (there is a thread on how to make them)-- but I will say they were more for the look than for light. The DJ's lights helped a lot too. I didn't really think not having that much light was an "issue" for us... the only thing we really needed it for was signing the guest book and reading the menu!

Quote: Originally Posted by angie_tx Does anyone know if there is room to dance if your having your reception at the dolphin pool terrace, and if so should i rent a dance floor or is that pointless because there's already a hard surface to dance on? Also does ayone know if you should keep all reciepts for goods that you bring down in your suitcase? Is there a max of $200? Thanks! Hey Angie! We had our reception at the Dolphin terrace, and there is a perfect set up for a "dance floor"... we hired DJ Dorremixx and it worked out well. It's just concrete, but it was better than having them set up an actual dance floor that costs a couple hundred $$. You may be able to see some pics of the set up in my planning thread =)