islandbride317

You're gonna LOVE being a part of this amazing forum!!! BDW has proven to be invaluable in my planning, and it's comforting to know that there are other brides and grooms out there experiencing the same highs and lows during their planning process...a friend is always just on the other side of your computer screen! CONGRATULATIONS and Welcome to BDW...it's a wedding-planning heaven!

Spectacular! Sooooo pretty -- you must post pics of you wearing it when you can, ok?!

Jocy - you're beautiful, my dear! WOW, I'd even have to say the dress looks BETTER on you than it does on that boxy-framed model (she just can't hold a candle to a glowing, real bride!) Love the sweetheart neckline, the sheen of the fabric, and the subtle draping on the skirt, not to mention the amazing ruching -- you're going to be such a glamorous bride!

Personal preference, but I think #2 is the absolutely the winner between those two dresses! It's simplicity screams out "ELEGANT BRIDE, COMING THROUGH!", and it oozes sophistication.......I love, love, love it!

Thank you for sympathizing, Christina -- it's so comforting to know that someone else "gets" where you are coming from, you know? I appreciate your kindness, and everyone has been so supportive during this tough time. I will definitely let everyone know how this all plays out... Oh, and speaking of which, here's an Instant-Update! I just called my Mom and she is OUTRAGED about this whole thing (and my sister hasn't even mustered the guts to tell her herself yet!) I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight if I didn't call my parents to let them know immediately what one daughter is doing to sabotage the wedding of the other, and they are completely on my side - THANK GOD!

Christina, I see what you're saying and appreciate the advice, but there are somethings I can't bring myself to share, and our wedding day is one of those things! My sister is just being jealous and hateful, and it's uncalled for and really hurtful...I can't even put into words what I am feeling about it right now!

MODS - can you please retitle this thread "Update - cousin having DW same year, and sister wants to be married 3 DAYS after me!" GIANT HUGS AND SINCERE THANKS, MY DEAR FRIENDS OF THE BDW!!!! I love you all for being so supportive and for having my back! I sort of felt like I was being a little ridiculous about my cousin having her DW the same year as me, but the plot has just TOTALLY THICKENED!!! Really, you're never going to believe what I am about to tell you all....the sh*t has officially HIT THE FAN! Get this -- my older sister (and only sibling) has been with her fiance for close to 12 years now (engaged for 5 or 6 I think), and she has stated for years that she has no intention on marrying him. NOW, on my lunch break at work today, she calls me and tells me the following: SHE ALSO WANTS TO NOT ONLY GET MARRIED IN 2010 TOO, BUT SHE WANTS TO GET MARRIED 3 DAYS (that's right - 72 hours) AFTER ME!!! I've chosen May 14, 2010 as our wedding date (which she knows because she's already booked her trip to go to Sandals for our wedding), and she wants to get married on May 17, 2010 since that is she and her fiance's "anniversary" -- UN-F8CKING-BELIEVABLE!!! All of the other guests are tentatively leaving on the 15th, but John and I will still be on our honeymoon for God's sake when she wants to do her small, hometown walk-down-the-aisle! This is a terrible, thoughtless plan she's cooked up, and I'll never forgive her if she goes through with it! I AM totally BLINDSIDED by this one! She hasn't told our mother yet, and asked me not to since she may not go with 5/17/10, but I feel like I might need to disrespect her wishes on this one, since she has clearly NO REGARD for me and my wishes! I had to seriously ask her if she had suffered a head injury, or if she wanted me to help her go out and look for her mind (because she's OBVIOUSLY lost it), and I had to sit down because I felt like I could pass out at any moment! How could she think that I would go for that idea?! Hey, let me just share my wedding week with my sister, who's had 12 years to get married, and now she feels this burning desire to do it 3 days after me! I even looked around and said, "AM I BEING PUNKED?" in all seriousness! My blood pressure has just sky-rocketed, ladies....I feel like I am headed for a meltdown!!!

Aaaww, thanks Erinleigh! I've always loved rhyming things, and it's even more fun when it's wedding related! Hopefully someone can use them...

Uggh..I know your dilemma first hand, my dear! Actually, I knew that a lot of people we really love wouldn't be able to make it to our destination wedding for various reason (cost-concerns during this horrendous economy, health concerns, etc). So, it seems that we are actually going to be spending MORE on the AHR than the wedding itself, but that is my choosing. If that's not what you want, than by all means, you shouldn't do it. We were just thinking that if those we would have liked to attend weren't able to get there, then WE would try to bring some water and Caribbean flavor closer to THEM! We plan on booking a 3 hour cruise on a party yacht, showing our wedding DVD of the ceremony, and having a steel drum band and Caribbean food so they can feel like they were there! Hopefully it will transport them, so that the waters of Baltimore's Inner Harbor will feel like the Caribbean!

KarenK -- so glad you had a great dress-trying-on experience, love! Don't feel pressured by ANYONE (family, friends, or salesclerk) to buy anything that doesn't "speak" to you as YOUR wedding gown!

OMG, Lil Reeves -- you've spent your money wisely! I once bought a red Swingline stapler (the exact replica of the one in the movie Office Space) for $80!~ the gift garnered so many laughs, and memories to last! And the ballroom lessons -- good woman! I am still trying to figure out a way to make my dear FI take lessons without drugging him and dragging him there!

Oh, what a mess we find ourselves in! My younger cousin has announced that she is getting married in Hawaii within the same year that I am getting married in Jamaica -- woah is me! The issues is this: the only one of the "kids" so far on my mom's side of the family to get married is my male cousin (my bride-cousin's older brother) and that was a few years ago. Ever since, there's been a wedding drought, if you will. Then my FI proposes last August and at Christmas I announce that we're getting married in the Caribbean in May 2010 and everyone is excited. A few months ago, my sister (who is very close with bride-cousin) tells me that bride-cousin has just gotten engaged and is planning on getting married in September, 2010. I am freakin out that my family will have to decide between her wedding in Hawaii in September 2010 and my Wedding in Jamaica in May 2010 -- any advice on how to deal with this? She's emailed me, and was nervous that I would be upset with her. Well, I've already congratulated her but I felt the need to expressed my concern that our relatives will have to "pick" between us, due to the crazy economic slump a lot of people are in. I also told her that John and I will not be able to attend her wedding since we are assuming the costs of our wedding/AHR on our own. I want us both to have wonderful weddings, but damn! I wish she would have picked 2011! HELP!!!

Ugggh! What a mess...is there any way to tell from the postmark on the return/RSVP where it came from? That might help narrow it down, unless the majority of the people you've invited are all from the same area. Just a thought, since my FI currently works for the US Postal Service Good luck, and thanks marryinghimagain -- I'll be sure to mark my RSVP postcards with a number before I send them out!

Ummmm...JOSEE! YOUR DRESS IS TRULY, REALLY STUNNING!!! Like the others, I thought it was going to be this sad little cloth sack, and it's entirely the opposite! Sooooo gorgeous, love! Hope we get to see it on you. And like Amanda said, it's surprising that you weren't able to take pics after you purchased it. The salon where I got my Maggie Sottero dress is anti-photos, until you say you're buying it and then they'll even take the pictures for you! Maybe it's a Canada thing? Who knows! Anyway -- your dress is magnificent, and we're all dying to see it on you, the lovely bride-to-be

OH HELL NO, YOU'RE NOT WRONG, LASHAWN!!! Games, DRAMA, and Bullsh*t have no place at your wedding - period! Anyone or anything that makes you uncomfortable need not be there. This is something that is not up for discussion, nor should it be given further consideration. This cousin of his did not care about you or YOUR feelings when she was setting your FI up with someone else, so why should you give a sh*t that she is upset that she can't come to the wedding?! Boo-hoo, and too bad for her that she made such poor choices. And HELL YES darlin'! IT IS YOUR day, and if you would feel even the slightest bit at-ease that she is there, it's best she just stays home! Some bridges burned can never be rebuilt.... Enjoy your soon-to-be husband, the moments you will share, and the fact that only love and goodness will surround you on your wedding day! Feel free to PM me if you need to vent, because I am surely with you, sweetheart!

You know what? I've been thinking about it...and although I know I said my noms were already posted, there are some ladies that really deserve a nod! SO here are my nominations: B2B: Kittenheart MRS: Becks Go get 'em, ladies!

Ok...first of all, try to breathe and stay calm -- I know you must be panicked! But, here is where your TA can come in and do their best to make sure this burden is not fully on your shoulders. See what they can do about finding similar accomodations nearby (and your guests will still get an amazing vacation and can still get day passes for your wedding), or take shellk's advice, and make sure your guests that can't make it are at the top of your list for invitations to your AHR. Or...think about the following: I am also a Sandals/Beaches bride, and maybe you might want to consider Beaches Boscobel, in Ocho Rios Jamaica. From what I understand, both Sandals & Beaches Negril are the priciest of their resorts, and Beaches Boscobel might be more economical for your and your guests. It looks like an incredible place, and you'll still have a fantastic wedding there (Beaches Boscobel is where I am recommending my guests with children stay since I am getting married at SGOR)! Plus, since it's still within the same company, you might be able to transfer all of your booking details from one resort to another seamlessly (fingers crossed!) Perhaps you should PM TA Jennifer -- she's the expert on all things Sandals/Beaches! She'll be able to give you insight on what is possible and what it not. Either way, just give it a lot of thought before you move your entire wedding to a different resort (because it might not be what you had envisioned for your day). My thoughts and prayers are with you

Christina -- I am SO SORRY to hear about what happened! Sounds like you are turning your DW nightmare into a back-home dream come true! But, we'll return to the business at hand, eh? Did you end up selling the palm favor bags? If not, please PM me, because I am seriously interested in taking those off your hands.

PHENOMENAL pics, Ikumi! Such an edgy, artistic approach to photography, and don't you ever look STUNNING, new MRS.! Thanks so much for sharing, and here's wishing you wedded bliss

Just beautiful, Ginalyn.... You look like the essence of grace and bridal beauty, and I smiled throughout your slideshow

Victoria -- I love that your engagement/proposal was the perfect fit for a couple like the two of you! I think it should be representative of who you are, what you enjoy, and what you share, and your FI hit one heck of a HOMERUN....right out of the park! (By the way, I dig that his shirt says "Sons of Pitches" -- whoever came up with that one is a genius. Excellent play on words!) Oh, and I don't want to forget - your ring is beautiful, too! Happy planning, new bride-to-be!

I LOVE YOUR STORY, SUSAN!!! My FI is also not the overly romantic type, so I can truly appreciate the time, thought and effort it took for your FI to make his plan take shape and put it into action (and your loved ones were there, too which is icing on that beautiful engagement cake)! The perfect time and place to propose to the woman he loves -- PRICELESS And even though Mexico is going to be a better fit for your wedding, who's to say that you can't go back to Antigua for a future wedding anniversary trip, right? Maybe this time you can write him a poem, and read it to him as a surprise, to repay the favor?! Surely, he'll love and appreciate it!

They're absolutely phenomenal, and totally worth the wait! You and your new husband look so utterly blissful and thrilled on the most important day of your lives! And what a dress, eh?! WOW! Congratulations, new Mrs.

CONGRATULATIONS, MRS.!!! Hope your wedding was truly YOUR dream come true

Jacilynda -- I'm chomping at the bit to see your pics, married lady! Belated CONGRATULATIONS to you and your new husband, and from the teaser pics, I can already see that you had a magnificent day...what a beautiful bride you made! P.S. Love the new pic in your siggy, too! It looks like it was taken straight out of a high-fashion magazine