tad515

Congratulations and welcome to the board. You'll find a ton of great info on here!!

I love your wedding date!! Congratulations and welcome!

Congratulations and welcome!! You'll find tons of great info on here!!

Congratulations and welcome!! You'll find tons of great info here!! Happy planning!

You know, I think doing it "just the two of us" style is such a wonderful idea. This is my 2nd wedding as well and I had the fairytale wedding the first time around. It's funny because planning this one is so different. I don't care about all the little details like I did before....it totally stressed me out. Really, all I really need is the two of us. Your day, your way.....and there would be no one else you have to please but the two of you. Then come back home and throw a big 'ol party!!

This is such a tough one. I would never be able to afford $4000/couple, personally. Punta Cana is supposed to be one of the most affordable islands too. Any way you can give them 3 or 4 nights as an option, rather than the entire 7?

I love it!! What a gorgeous dress!!! Congrats!!

Hi!! Welcome!! You'll find a ton of info on this wonderful board. We're looking at having our wedding in the Riviera Maya as well. Congratulations!!

I think it's a huge sign of respect when the guy asks permission for their daughter's hand in marriage!

Quote: Originally Posted by sspiris Hey Tracy, We love both places too. Nice to know The royal is next to the Real. I know the beaches at the Grand Porto Real (GPR) are not that nice, (have seen many pic's on trip advisor, and heard lots of erosion has occured in the 'downtown' area beaches. So the beach is my only concern with GPR. I think it is one of things that we just have to check out for ourselfs. Sandos has one of the most beautiful beaches in the PDC area, right next to the reserve. The prices are not bad for Sandos also. Did you get the group rate info? The prices are even lower. I will post them below for you. We are heading out there in August, we were going to wait til september, but I am already starting to get anziety about not having a location yet. We were planning on staying at GPR the whole time beacuse of the price (need to save all the money we can) But were weren't sure if we should just stay one night at Sandos or just go visit. Have not figured it out yet. Please let me know what you think after your visit, the more eyes and hears the better right? Thanks for sharing your info. Oh and when is your wedding? Cheers. Steph Steph....I couldn't download your attachments either!! We're shooting for a July 2010 wedding, either the 24th or the 31st or somewhere around there. You know, it was the beach pictures and bad reviews of the beach at the GPR that made me start looking at Sandos. I wanted to be close to downtown, but the whole reason we're doing a destination wedding is for the beach. From what I've seen, the pictures of the beach at Sandos looks just amazing! When are you getting married? I think it's funny we're between the same 2 resorts, and for the same reasons!

Quote: Originally Posted by sspiris Hey Tracy , How was ther porto gran real? I plan on staying at The Grand Porto Real during our site visit. Thanks Stephanie Hi Stephanie...I haven't been to either resorts. We've just been doing a lot of research online, reading reviews and studying the different wedding packages offered. I love the packages that the Gran Porto offers, there's the sister resort, the Royal right next door if people choose to stay at an adults only all inclusive (for more $ of course), 5th Avenue is right across the street, and the prices are just right. We started looking at the Sandos because of me and all my research. We'll have kids with us, one being my 4 year old....and I'm not sure the Gran Porto has a zero depth pool and that's really what we need. It sounds like the Sandos has that. We've not being picky, but one thing we wanted was to have our dinner/reception on the beach....like a beach party. I just want to be barefoot in the sand all night long and I know my fiance wants to be in shorts, and well, with no shirt on! (I'm not letting him know that's still up for debate! LOL!) When you're going for your site visit, do you plan on visiting both the Sandos and Gran Porto? I'd love to hear what you think after seeing both of them in person. - Tracy

I think it's a great idea too! My best friend got married almost 10 years ago....she sang "Wing Beneath My Wings" for her husband and his Mom to dance to. There was not a dry eye in the whole reception. People still talk about it 'til this day! Let us know what you decided to do!!

It's easier said than done, I know, but you can't stress about travel plans that you cannot control. All you can do is pass the info along and if they choose to wait and book....so be it! As long as you have your trip already booked, that's all that matters! My brother just got married in Vegas 3 weeks ago at Manalay Bay, ironically....and Vegas is seriously hurting! We couldn't find an open club on a Thursday night if that tells you anything and the casinos were EMPTY! I've never seen Vegas so "quiet". But even with that, there was still traffic! You'll need to account for that with or without something big in town. Luckily, the Flamingo and Mandalay aren't that far away from each other. I may live under a rock, but I've never heard of the person doing the flight you're talking about. (I'm about to google him!) I can't imagine your guests will have problems getting a room because of it. It'll all be fine!!

Honestly, I personally don't need a ring. It's the love, respect, and committment that's important. And I say this as someone who doesn't have a ring yet! I think it means more to other people than it does me. When I talk to family or friends about what our plans are.....they immediately look at my finger and ask when I got engaged. Then I'm questioned as to why I'm planning a wedding without a ring. What's that all about? It's funny though, I can't wait to put a ring on his finger though!

I have the whole summer off!: I wish I was a teacher!

June 2009 MarieSam & Tommy (msam007562) -June 26, 2009- Las Casitas Beach & CEA Center, Akumal, MX July 2009 Aaron & Kristie - July 2, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras Kim & Eddy - July 3, 2009 _ Iberostar Del Mar abullard1-July 4 2009 Michelle & Chris-July, 8th, 2009 The Royal Playa Del Carmen Stephanie & Robert - July 10, 2009 - Honolulu, HI Geralyn & Steve - July 11, 2009 - RIU Montego Bay, Jamaica Rosemary & Miguel - July 11, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX Kelly & Jonathan - July 13, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Resort Rachel & Scott - July 16, 2009 - Aventura Spa Palace, Riviera Maya, MX Brianne & Nathan (soccergurl3-July 16th 2009- Moon palace Resort,Cancun,MX Kathleen & Dan - July 17, 2009 - Beaches Boscobel Deanna & Bill (deefalvey) - July 24, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX maryyy - July 28, 2009 - Melia las Dunas, Cuba August 2009 Branden & Shivani- August 6, 2009- Almond Morgan Bay, St. Lucia Jacilyn & Joe (Jacilynda) - August 8, 2009 - Hotel Akumal Caribe, MX Monique & Eric - August 15, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Karen & Dan - August 15, 2009 Tiffiney & Ryan - August 15, 2009 - RIU Vallarta, MX Megan & Doug - August 15, 2009 - Miami, FL (Carnival Cruise) Michelle & Brent - August 19, 2008 - Wynn Las Vegas, NV 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 Marijke & Rob - September 1 or 2, 2009 - Parga, Greece Dominica & Ernest - September 5, 2009 - Azul Fives, 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 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 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 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, Dustin and Ashley October 17, 2009 At Dreams Cancun November 2009 Melissa (SgtPepperette) and Grant - November 4, 2009 - Fort Myers Beach, FL 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 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 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 !! 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Quote: Originally Posted by keilag that is a good question. I willask and let yoy know. I leave for vaca in a few days Thanks keilag....I appreciate it!! - Tracy

Hi everyone! We're between the Gran Porto Real and the Sandos for a July 2010 wedding. It all depends on whether we can get a beach reception at the Sandos or not. I know there's a 40 person minimum...but what if you have less? Can you pay for 40 guests, but only have 30? Thanks! Tracy

Hi, my name is Tracy and we are in the very very early stages of planning for a June or July of 2010 wedding. I have been reading post after post and I am so glad that I've found all of you! The ideas and information on here is incredible. So, just to let you know we are all over the place as far as a destination. The trouble is there are simply too many choices! LOL! All we want is a ceremony & reception on a beach at an all-inclusive resort. Besides that, we're pretty low maintenance (although I've envisioned tiki torches set up on the beach to light the dinner/reception). Mexico, Dominican, Jamaica, Puerto Rico? Playa del Carmen, Punta Cana, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo, Ocho Rios, Negril, eeek the choices!!! We really need to find that one affordable (for our guests) resort, regardless of which destination, that will allow us to have a reception dinner in the sand! The more I read the more overwhelmed I get which choices! Well I look forward to keep reading and participating in this great forum!