itsfinallyhere

Welcome and let me tell you no matter when it come it is WELL worth the wait. cheers

I too am going to purchase a wedding album for them. I am not giving them anything on the day of, because like DGG we are doing and paying for everything ourselves, (including an extra set of invites for parents to send out, mom upset because her name is not on them!) So I think with everything I have done and will do enough. I cannot afford anymore.

I have been to both Cuba and the Dominican and I can tell personally that both places are beautiful. The beaches are wonderful, maybe even nicer than Mexico. What I remember from the DR is that it was nice. The people that live on these island are generally dirt poor. And because of that they tend to take care of everything so it lasts a little longer. Yes in some places it is dirty but we have that problem here. As far as the people they are very nice. Cuba holds a special place in our hearts so I could go on and on about the people and the places. They are a special people that thrive under adversity. Always smiling, always welcoming especially to children. They are a warm and gracious people. They do their country a service with the attitude they have. Many of us could smile while living like they do. But both countries have their advantages. One of the reasons we chose Cuba was because of how easy it is to get married there. No jumping thru hoops. Its all pretty simple. Good Luck

I am staying with my sister in her room.

WOW Jess are you a therapist? That is a great idea. I too have a list of questions that was given to me that I thought I knew the answers to, but I didn't. At least no where near as much as I thought I did. But it is a great way to keep communication lines open and like Jess stated broach certain touchy subjects in a light manner. I would love to see some of your questions.

WOW that dress is nice. You sure did luck out. I can't believe that you were able to find two dresses and I can't seem to find one!

Hi ladies, I have a problem on my hands and was hoping you would be able to help. Please get comfy as this may take a little while, while I give some history. My mom and I have not always gotten along. But for the last couple of years things have been going great. She is really excited about the wedding and wants to help. My older sister got married and my mom was not apart of that and missed out on everything. My sister and my mom had a HUGE falling out. Anyway, I am concerned about the invitation because I now have to order and am unsure of how to word it. You My FI and I are footing the whole bill for the wedding. My mom is fickle and wants things to be traditional but only in some ways. They have not offered to help pay for anything. That is why we decided to have a DW because of cost. I have waited for this for a long time ( 20+ years) because we couldn't afford it. She wants to throw a shower that I will have to contribute to (at present no idea of how much money I have to spend on a shower). She also wants to invite everybody she knows. I may recall their names but not their faces. But because my mom is so excited I know she will be disappointed and heart broken if her name is not on the invitation. I think too because this is the first wedding she is involved in planning. When I asked FI about it he got upset, because they are paying for anything. He said if I do that and his Dad decides to go (Don't know yet) then he wants to put his name on it as well. We never talk or see his dad thats why he doesn't know yet! I feel stuck in the middle. And know that I am going to disappoint no matter what. I hate stress and try to avoid it at all cost but I have to decide very soon. Oh one other thing I am not sure if this makes a difference but this is FI second marriage he is 47 and my first I am 40. We have lived together practically the whole time and we have two kids (7 & 10). Thanks any help you can give.

HAHA every halloween we tell our kids rent is due and they have to give half their candy to mom an dad ( all the good stuff CHOCOLATE!) Dems da breaks!

Hi ladies if its books you like to read to help I have a great book and read! It's called "The Five Languages of Love" By Gary Chapman. It is a great book that help to understand how other express and give love. I found it really helpful when we were in trouble. It help us find a way back to each other. It gives you suggestions and quizzes. I highly recommend it.

We are getting little paintings on blank invitations done by a local we are hoping to find in the market. Once this is done we will frame them (bringing frames with us).

I think one of the hazards of a beach reception is the wind. It is usually windier as you get closer to the beach. Something to think about.

Travel mugs are always good. Maybe nice travel shaving kits? Boxes? (wooden)

Get an etching kit That would really put the finishing touches on it. You did a great job they are beautiful

The idea I have is a nice wooden box maybe engraved. You might be able to pick up a hand made one when you get there. He could use it for jewelry or change. I loves boxes so whenever I am stumped I get a box of some kind.

I have to tell you I agree with everybody else. I know my FI would be offend if we got an invitation like that. You are inviting people you know so they probably will give you money knowing you already have everything you need. Others who may not know so well will give money because they don't know you so well. But here is the thing sometimes people give a gift because they can shop for what they can afford (maybe find a deal or something on sale), and sometimes people can't afford to give cash because you are usually give more cash then you would spend on a gift (because of sales). This might case that person unease as they may feel unable to give enough. By requesting money it kinda sounds like you want everybody to pay for your wedding instead. It send a bad vibe out to start the celebration with. Sorry I know it's not what you want to hear, but asking for something (anything) like that is tacky.

I love the "rain or swine" It makes it kinda like a trophy/souvenir. And I choose the long necks because they can fit a lot of cooler bottles too ( I don't drink beer).

I had them too. What was suggested to me was buy a pair of VERY good runners/sneakers the are very comfortable and give good support. Maybe a walking type or cross training. Anyway you need to wear these all the time, or as much as possible. I think the filp flops are comfy because they have molded to your feet but are not helping because they provide no support. As far as walking on the beach I think you will be ok because of the surface and textures that is a beach (it gives, not like grass or concrete). Good Luck I hope this helps.

I think your dress will be fine. Dry cleaners do amazing things today. Just make sure you are sending it to a reputable place.

I like #3 what are your colors? That would help too because they are all very nice.

Hi girls We are thinking about booking with Empire Group, in Toronto. Has anybody ever dealt with them? Any advice to be had? Are they good to work with? Please help. And Thanks for the help you girls are awesome. When I can't it anywhere you, somebody here knows where or what!

We picked the invites last night. I have to tell you very little is the way I originally pictured it. But I'm lovin' none the less! Still working on the dress thing. Ans am a little upset because I gave my MOH cart blanch ( I think that is how you spell it) as far as the dress goes. I showed her the color I want about 2 months ago and she has found nothing. I hate waiting!

I too am having very few people at our wedding. Mostly family and a few close friends. I am doing oot bags, but am going to personalize them a bit more. Pool toys for the kids, a book for people who like to read, underwater camera for the shutterbug, chocolate and candies for my uncle who has an incredible sweet tooth, etc. Because w are smaller and I know everyone its easier to do this and customize it. I think it will also help keep costs down. And it is a way to give a little something extra back to them since they went to the extra effort of coming to our DW.

I am not having a long engagement (it happened for me on Dec. 22/08 ). I am getting married on Nov. 16/09. But I did have to wait a while for the ring (20+ yrs.) and have dreamed about my wedding day forever. All I can say is count the blessings you have and don't stress about the rest. It will all come in good time. Like everyone is saying enjoy this time now, it will pass to quickly. Also try to squeeze in some extra girlfriend time because the place is all yours now. Before you know it he will be having superbowl and playoff parties! Men can be such pigs! LOL Can't live with, can't live without (but who would want to anyway, life would be boring without them!)

I will be wearing drop earrings with matching necklace and a tiara. Too much, no I don't think especially because it is a set. Maybe it would look to much if it wasn't. Its your day to shine or sparkle as you wish

Wow wish I could luck out like that. I guess I have to keep looking. Those are great