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Oh how I missed the forum! So happy to see all of the amazing new pics and happy couples. Congrats to everyone! xo

Hey Girl! Make sure to scope out the "MLD Brides" thread. There is TONS of info there about Melia Las Dunas Cayo Santa Maria. Also, scope out my review (bottom of siggy) we were there for two weeks, so I have quite a bit of info on there.

Quote: Originally Posted by Dmitri_Markine So much for democracy you have there Haha. Awesome.

Quote: Originally Posted by Drextc Wanted to know if the plugs at the resort are the same as ours or if we need to buy a converter. Thanks! We leave tomorrow morning!!!!!!!! Gettin' hitched in t minus 4 days!!!!!! Bring a convertor-- pay for good quality and MOST IMPORTANTLY-- Bring a cordless backup! My convertor didn't work and I was stuck with frizz everyday. Damn. Have an amazing time! I can't wait to see the photos when you get back!! Good luck with everything, and congrats!

Quote: Originally Posted by nsbride2010 Your dress makes me want to take the panel out of the back of my corset, its so beachy looking!!! Thanks! That was TOTALLY why I decided to do it-- like Bridal Air Conditioning... totally worth it. I loved it!

Mine are nominated already, but I wanted to send a congrats on the nom hug to Jess! You sooooo deserve it girl, this is your Month!

Lovely ladies, please give my Review (below siggy) a read. It talks a TON about the specifics of the week / planning and big day. Including lots of info on the photog and videographer. Also, definitely join the Melia Las Dunas Brides facebook group. It's SUPER helpful and has lots of reviews also. (Not to mentioned THOUSANDS of pictures)

Ask away ladies, I'm more than happy to help! Also, make sure to ask Melissa (MLD Canada rep) anything and everything you might be worried about. She is an amazing resource.

Quote: Originally Posted by LIW How much was the videoographer? $150 CUC Also, do you know if you can make substituitons with the wedding dinners? Of course. They will give you a list of options to choose from, but you just need to let them know your preferences. They will do different meals for kids, religious reasons (One of our GMs is Jewish) and also allergies. You just need to make sure to specify it when you are confirming the menu with Maria Elena. We have some people who are dealthy allergic to shellfish coming (I'm a little concerned about the "surf n' turf" meal), some people who don't eat pork for religious reaons and me (I'm actually allergic to pork). Can you make changes to the meals? Remember to stress the importance of the menu change. If it is a "deathly allergy" you need to ensure that they understand the gravity of the situation-- I would think about cutting the shell fish from your menu option for everyone... just to be on the safe side. As per usual--- answers in blue. : )

Quote: Originally Posted by niclec Hi! I have a question about photographers - How much did it cost for the photographer? $100 CUC for the resort photog. They will take photos for about 15-20 mins of "getting ready", the entire ceremony and then about two hours of pics afterwards. (They don't really have time limits, so keep them as long as you can/want.) Do I have to book a photographer ahead of time? Like everything else at MLD you book it all when you get down there-- however, after I did some research I realized that I wanted Alfredo as our photog, so I specifically mentioned this to Melissa during our convos via e-mail. And we got him, hooray! How much time do we get with the photographer? See above. Do they give you a CD with all your pictures? With the package you get 24 color prints tucked into a photo album. For an extra $5 CUC (yes, I said 5) you get every picture that he takes on a DVD. Should I get one of the picture packages they offer? It is soooo worth it, and-- if you don't bring your own out-of-country photog, it's also your only real option. Who got a videographer? Yup-- he was great. The music tubbing the video was kind of sappy, but it's really nice to have it. He caught some beautiful moments when we were getting ready, and its nice to be able to watch the ceremony later. We will likely dub over the music with something more appropriate. lol Were they happy with the finished product? Was it worth the $$? Yes and HELL YES. Feel free to read my review, it gives a pretty good outline of the videographer and photog. Thanks in advance! Nicky We leave in 12 weeks, 3 days!! Hope this helps!

Quote: Originally Posted by MsAmErika I work for federal law enforcement and Cuba is still listed as a hostile country so even if you were to travel there we very cautious and I wouldnt do much venturing away from the resort. HAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAAAHHAHAHAHHAHAHA Wow. For anyone and EVERYONE that has every considered going to Cuba: It is beautiful. The people are amazing. Don't trust every piece of propaganda... Just read the reviews, and don't act like an asshole-- a safe principal when travelling to ANY foreign territory. It's EXACTLY the same idea as travelling to Mexico. Seriously

Desties!! I love it!!!

Two weeks! DH and I actually went a week BEFORE everyone else came down for the wedding, and it was PERFECT. We travelled through the country, planned the wedding, spent some amazing quality time together... it was a fantastic way to get ready for the week.

American citizens can fly through Canada to Cuba, and the Cuban Officials don't sign their passport. I have met quite a few Americans (while on vacay in Cuba) that did it this way. However, flying straight from the states (unless you are a Cuban citizen now-- thank you Obama!) is out of the question. When in doubt, contact the Cuban consulate.

Quote: Originally Posted by niclec Converters - I tried to find some info on this and I sort of did - but it isnt clear. Do I need an electrical converter for the Melia Las Dunas? If I do - where can I get one? My niece is singing while I walk down the aisle, do they have a CD player and a microphone at the gazebo? When my parents walk me down the aisle, does teh officiant ask if he gives me away or whatever? I am thinking of having my parents walk down first, then me by myself...I dont have a bridal party. Thanks! YES-- bring a convertor. NO-- do not bank on it working. I bought a $50 convertor from a travel shop, and it didn't work. I wore my hair curly everyday-- it blew. Your best bet is to take a look at your "appliances / electronics" and see if they will work up to a 225 volt, then you don't even need a convertor. You can TOTALLY google it too, or try searching the forum. There is both a microphone and sound system that will be hooked up for the gazebo (I'm assuming you mean the new beach one?) You will need to mention your idea to the WC, of course, but I'm certain that they can accomodate you. Virg got married at the new gazebo (the week it debuted, woop woop) so I'm sure you can PM her for more info. The officiant will not ask if he gives you away, but you can have a "ceremony script" written up, and the WC will say anything that the officiant normally won't. The officiant only does the civil ceremony. Amarillis (Amy) posted an amazing thread that details her cermony, and also the legal ceremony on its own. Definitely check it out.