Sita&Nate

I was rifling through my boudoir pictures I got at almost two months ago as I am putting together a photobook for DH's birthday coming up. I had wanted to give it to him on the wedding day, but seeing as how I didn't get to do my boudoir shoot until the day before we left for Mexico, it wasn't going to happen! I thought I'd share them with you wonderful ladies as I always loved seeing other people's boudoir pictures (the reason why I wanted to get them done in the first place!). I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience with Gina from Butter Boudoir in Vancouver during a marathon shoot in a Yaletown condo. Although it was a "marathon", I was easily there for over two hours. Her sister does your hair and make up and although I wasn't too crazy about the make up in person, it turned out well in the photos I thought. Gina also has a collection of accessories (i.e. really high heels, birdcage veils, necklaces etc.,) and props (lollipops) that makes it funner. Although I felt awkward at the beginning, Gina was wonderful at helping me find comfortable poses etc., Here are a few I really liked: Here is the link to her blog post: Butter Boudoir Photoshoot Butter Media Blog Hope this helps some Vancouver area brides who are interested in boudoir shoots out!

Hi~ I would try looking at the recent wedding photo posts and seeing what photographers' styles that you like: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/f76/ I loved having del Sol as our photographer, but I know over in Cabo that lots of brides have been very happy with Juan Carlos Tapia and Gilda Baldillo etc., Happy hunting!

Wow Magalie! What an adventure You'll have to keep us posted on where you two lovebirds are from time to time. I am turning 28 next week... haven't reallly thought about how I feel about it or anything, but I think every year gets more interesting and that I am more secure in myself, so really, better and better. I swing back and forth on the kids thing, sometimes I really want one and then a few weeks later I'd be like -- am I nuts? Maybe I am still a bit too self-centred to have a kid right now. We shall see!

No worries at all! Although I knew I wanted to get married in Mexico a year and a half out, the planning process for the actual wedding (not the trip booking stuff) and reception only took me 3 months before the wedding. And I had changed my mind about the location a bunch of times too! 7 months is lots of time in my mind. Plus, the bride-to-be who is buying my wedding dress, is getting married in September, only 2 months away! and doing a large local wedding at that~

Wow wow wow!!! What an opportunity! Very exciting, can't wait to see who the lucky couples are

Although my parents were very supportive of whatever we wanted to do, they were super uninvolved with the wedding planning process. However, they were generous with our wedding present, which was money. I don't think it helped that they live in another country most of the year, but I did feel a bit sad that I didn't get to go dress shopping with my mom. Yeah, there is just something about emotionally connecting with your mom when it comes to buying "the dress" for sure.

I was planning to walk myself down as well, but my dad ended up walking down the aisle with me. I am glad we did this because I was so nervous, and my dad reminded me to slow down (apparently I was speed walking) and breathe....

Sorry to hear about your change in plans Erin, I am sure you will have a fabulous experience either way! For me personally, if I were a guest at a wedding I'd rather help myself to food from a bar than have passed hors d'oeurves... maybe its just previous "cocktail" events that I've been to but they never seem to be distributed evenly amongst the guests and you never get to try everything you'd like to try!

Having Del Sol capture our wedding was amongst the top 2 decisions we made in regards to the wedding-- comes right after deciding to get married in Mexico. I don't think I pictures of me always turn out that great, but Sol sure made me look photogenic on the day it counted!!

Quote: Originally Posted by FutureMrsRobart I have tried contacting them twice off of their website contact link but no response. Is there a phone number that anyone knows of? TIA :-) Hi there! Wondering if the link maybe didn't work... Try emailing [email protected] at Del Sol has always been super prompt in getting back to me etc., I can't stress enough how great Del Sol is, will be one of your best wedding decisions seriously!!

I tan *really* easily and didn't mind having color but didn't want to be super dark either. For the 3 and a half days before the wedding I wore a really wide brimmed hat out in the sun, and slathered SPF 60 on my face, neck, shoulders and arms (wherever the wedding dress would show skin) and also wore strapless bikinis and dresses etc., so I wouldn't have tan lines. It worked great! I can tell that the higher SPFs totally make a difference because my body (which I used 30 most of the time) is a few shades darker than my face/neck, which I used SPF50+

Being a bride not too long ago, I can tell you that the travel agent you pick can save your sanity (or not!!). I went with a local Flight Centre TA, and I can tell you by the end of it I was ready to strangle someone (preferably her)--she caused me a lot of grief through the 9 month process re: booking errors, changing from a direct flight to a non-direct flight back to a direct flight, announcing to our guests that I was getting married to DH's brother on email etc.,. There has been some fairly mixed reviews about Destination Weddings.com, I suggest you do a search on the forum for them and decide for yourself. I can tell you though, if I were to do it all over again, I would have picked a TA from BDW!! Good luck!

Jenn, I would love to know what designer/brand your dress is~ so beautiful

HI Angie, there are sooooo many endless options for off-site receptions in the area it is not even funny! If you are interested in a sunset cruise, you could try Paradise Catamarans (Sail, swim, snorkel, parasail, and enjoy the Mayan Riviera with Paradise Catamarans. Our private catamaran charters make every outing a memorable event. do seem to have done weddings before. Or you could check out some of the restaurants/beach clubs in Playa Del Carmen (i.e. Kool Beach Club, Casa del Agua, YaxChe to name but a very few). Cruise the Mayan Riviera forum and I am sure you'll be inspired by other brides unique reception locations. Good luck & have fun researching!

Your review made for good reading with a glass of wine after a super long day!! Congratulations Karen, fellow May bride! Your wedding is super lovely. You illustrated your wedding week so well with the pics you took! I can't wait to see more from Fer!

Sorry ladies that I am not there right now (its been a super long and stressful day)!! Yes, I am officially a bail-er. Hope you guys are having a good meet up~~

Hi ladies, This is *inclusive* of all the wedding related costs since we got engaged a year and half ago, including our Mexico trip & mini-moon, and our legal ceremony etc., etc., Initial Stuff Engagement photos300 Save-the-Dates/mailing out250 Trip Related Anthony and my trip with airfare/transfers/Barcelo Palace stay x1 week with Air Transat3800 Extending our trip (for airfare) for one week300 Deposits lost on cancellations450 Helping people to pay for their trips1750 Wedding Attire & Decor & Prep Dresses x 21000 Alterations210 Veil / Jewelry / Shoes / other accessories300 Anthony’s suits x2 from Studio Suits320 Ties/Shirt/Shoes200 Facial/waxing/manis/pedis420 Bridesmaid dresses x3180 Parasols / Kissing Balls / Pashminas / Maracas / Papel Picado / OOT Bag Stuff (mugs, puzzle books, wet-wipes, SPF lipbalm, water guns) etc., plus craft supplies from Michaels etc., 1500 Wedding Day Related Expenses Wedding coordination + flowers + minister + firedancers + 2 sets of music (mariachi & guitar trio) +transportation to/from Barcelo3200 La Zebra food + open bar2700 Photography x 5 hours4300 Hair + Make up x 6 people600 Owner’s Suite at La Zebra +extra nights stay450 Tips100 Massage on morning of wedding for me80 Legal Day Wedding Expenses My dress from Marciano (include alterations)200 Hair80 Bouquet60 Mango Cake for 14 50 Champagne 100 Dinner at Chambar for the 2 of us200 Officiant + donation for use of her heritage beach front home170 Marriage License100 Other Mexico Expenses (i.e. extra week stay) Car rental x 11 days750 TTD session1200 Hotel (various ones over the extra week we stayed in Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, Isla Mujeres, Merida, Cancun)1350 Grand total26590 Oh yes, of course, I forgot the wedding bands which was another 4K!!

Maybe it's just because I didn't want to face the actual reality of what we spent, but it is a lot more than what I had anticipated definitely! I envy those brides who stay within their total budgets of 10K or 15K or less and have money to spare for their AHR! I think we spent around at least 20-25K (which still might exclude some wedding related stuff i.e. our legal ceremony, engagement pics, boudoir pics, TTD) but I will have to do a breakdown and post it in the proper budget thread!

Wow your house is nice!! Your taste/decor is impeccable! The pictures are gorgeously displayed--thanks for the inspiration!

I will definitely try my best to make it!

I think I'm just going to send evites and save on postage!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart It wasn't like a wedding reception at all, it was a way for people to come celebrate with us that weren't able to go, sign my guest book and bring a present! Wow, sounds divine! I like the idea of just serving one celebratory drink, that way no need to have some one bartend (you can't go wrong with champagne & raspberries can you? ). I so want to get some props like the mustaches too--etsy here I come! I wish I knew someone with a large backyard and a pool !!

Magalie! I've just been drooling over your photos on your photog's blog!! Wow, how incredible! Your bouquet is gorgeous and I loved your earrings, hair and make up, drink straws, menus, the setting... I could go on and on.... Simply beautiful.

Ditto! I think a Vancouver BDW get together is long overdue, and has not happened yet although it was in the works a while back.

Amy, I'd love to hear about the cocktail reception your sweet friends threw for you! Would super duper love any details!