SDbeachgirl

I forgot to mention that we ended up using Marina Cancun for our sunset catamaran cruise the night before the wedding. It was a blast!! I'm so glad we decided to do that instead of a rehearsal dinner. It was a real treat for our guests. If you have the budget, I would recommend it. We also went through them to charter the transportation and they provided a really nice comfy bus. It was almost like a party bus because we all had drinks in hand from the lobby bar. Just a really fun night!

Dreams Riviera Cancun – Wedding Review We were very happy with how everything turned out and were so happy we chose this resort. We went to a different resort for our honeymoon and wished we were back at Dreams. As with any wedding there were some things that didn’t quite go as planned, however, I think most of it was transparent to the guests so I have to be happy about that. First of all, I am so happy that we chose the beach location. We had the ceremony on the beach near the boat rentals. It was on the opposite side from the playground and the bar. This was perfect! It was very private. There were some on lookers, but not many. We had use of the presidential suite and were able to walk out from the suite. I thought that was a nice touch. I was hoping that we could get ready in there and take our getting ready shots in there, but they wouldn’t let us. Not a big deal, just something that I had envisioned. There was a little confusion on where the guests were to meet. Ana had asked that I have the guests ALL meet in the lobby and she would walk them over. Somehow the message got changed to, the wedding party should meet Ana in the lobby and the rest should meet down at the ceremony location. I don’t know if it was a big deal, but just seemed a little unorganized. I think we probably started closer to 6pm instead of 5:30. The bridesmaids walked down to Somewhere Over The Rainbow, by Iz and my dad and I walked down to Only Time by Enya. We had Rosanna marry us. She was very nice but a little hard to understand at times….though not too bad. Our ceremony was probably about 30 mins long. We put our own ceremony together. We walked back down the aisle to I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. I thought our song choices worked out really well. After the wedding we took lots and lots of photos and never made it to the cocktail hour. This was ok, because we wanted lots of photos. However, there was some confusion after the ceremony of where the guests were to go. We had the cocktail hour set up by the pool on the grass (behind the canopy beds), but I don’t think anyone directed them…and of course I was pre-occupied with photos. By the time the guests got to the cocktail hour, the Caribean Trio had already started. I don’t know how much of it was missed, but it was a shame that they started and no one was over there to listen. There was a ton of food left over after the cocktail hour. I don’t know if everyone made it over there. I would suggest going over the agenda with the guests prior to the wedding, if you don’t want to have to worry about it on the day of the wedding. Or maybe include directions in your welcome bag. The DJ (DJ Mannia) first announced the bridal party to the song by the Black Eye Peas “I have a feeling”. Then he announced us (bride and groom) to “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. Again we got off to a late start, but this was the fault of Best Man. He took off and we didn’t know where he went. We really wanted to wait for him before walking into the reception. Reception set up: We had 5 round tables and 1 sweet heart table (for us). Each table had turquoise overlay and turquoise sashes around the white chairs. The centerpiece was 2 Cali lilies submerged in water in a tall vase. I saw it in a magazine and showed Ana. I loved it! It was very simple but elegant. I got a lot of compliments from my guests. The guests names were hand written in a frame covered in seashells. We had a friend hand make these. I had a medium sized white starfish on each table…which I never got back. Ana may still have them. We had the Caribbean buffet and my guests were raving about the food. I had some but couldn’t really taste anything over all of the excitement…ha! Based off of the reviews that they gave me, I would say it was a good choice. I was disappointed in the lights underneath the pool. When we visited back in November, we were blown away with how pretty the blue lights looked. Well, unfortunately they were VERY faded. Luckily for all of you, this was a piece that was broken and the resort was waiting for a part. I was so bummed that they had to be broken when I was there. I thought it would look so pretty in the photos  The DJ was ok, but I have some complaints about the company that I need to send over in an email. I spent a whole weekend putting together a play list and I emailed it to the company and they confirmed they got it. I even handed it to the owner when we met earlier in the week. However, the DJ did not have it. He only had the main songs that I wanted (thank goodness he had those!). I had also requested lights under the table and for the dance floor. I even had discussions with the owner in a face to face meeting earlier in the week. We discussed blue lights on the dance floor. We did not get a dance floor or lights under the tables. After seeing it, we really didn’t need the dance floor, but the point is, I ordered it. We also got the cold fire works. They had these and my guests were all amazed by them. I think there should be some awesome photos!! I’m really glad I decided to go with those. We didn’t use the resort photographers for the wedding but used them the day after the wedding. They took lovely photos! The videographer was good. He filmed the ceremony and then followed us around with the photographer and took some videos of us walking and posing on the beach. We got the video already and think it is good. The only thing is, he did not use the correct song for when I walked down the aisle. I’m not sure why, but I have emailed him. All in all, it was a fabulous wedding and we were really happy with how things went. My main complaint was that it didn’t seem that organized. I needed the coordinators to direct people a little better as I was too busy and couldn’t be bothered directing people.

Hi all, We got married on May 7th and I wanted to share some photos with you. I used an outside photographer and I think she takes a while to finish the photos, however she posted 4 teasers on Facebook. Check them out. Welcome to Facebook | Facebook Here are some amature photos that one of my guests took. http://share.shutterfly.com/share/re...=8Iat3DVw4cMiu Also, for those of you using an outside photographer but have the package that includes the resort photographer, make sure to schedule a separate session during your visit. Here are some photos that they took the day after the wedding. Our Dreams Honeymoon I'll try to post a review soon. Basically everything was beautiful.

Quote: Originally Posted by jstock311 Have you checked islandimporter.com? We used these linen draw string pants from Kohls. Loved them! http://www.kohls.com/kohlsStore/mens...inen+Pants.jsp

Quote: Originally Posted by AlisonJimmy Did you have enough time to take your pictures? My ceremony is at 6:00 and cocktail begins at 7:00. So worried I won't be able to attend my cocktail hour. We missed cocktail hour. Our photog was very thorough so I can't complain. Maybe you should change the ceremony to 5:30. We walked down to the pier and also took shots on the life guard tower. So it may have taken us longer than some.

Quote: Originally Posted by reaganlane My wedding is in October so MAYBE there won't be many families vacationing then! I've got people leaving their kids at home to get away and have a good time so I pray there aren't too many there! We went over thanksgiving and there were sooo many people...including kids. I was a little worried about having my guests frustrated when we had our wedding in may. I think it is all about timing. We just left the resort. We couldn't believe how few people...including kids were there. It was so nice!! I would say that as long as you don't plan to go over a holiday or spring break you should be ok.

Quote: Originally Posted by lilly129 Congrats!!! Was your reception on the deck? My fiance and I caught a glimpse of it if you were! Enjoy the rest of your honeymoon - can't wait to see pictures! Yep! That was us. Beach ceremony at 5:30 cocktail hour at 6:30 reception at 7:30

Hi all! I just wanted to log in and update you on how things went with my wedding on may 7th. It was amazing! All of my guests were blown away with the wedding and resort. I will write a review upon my return. I just want to say that we left the resort today and are honeymooning at the royal playa del carmen...I miss drc already! So glad we chose to get married there! The royal is too big and the beach feels like a public beach.

Hi All! I just wanted to say that I have 1 week from today until my wedding! I'm super excited. We will arrive this Sunday...yippee! I can't believe it is finally here. Thanks to everyone for all of the info and tips. I certainly could not have done this without the forum.

For those of you doing the Engagement Ring script, who hands the groom the engagement ring? Does the ring bearer carry it down with the other rings? I added this but now I'm not sure how it is done. Any help would be great! (Engagement Ring) The engagement ring is a symbol of promise and intention. Now the intention is realized and the promise fulfilled. Michael, please place the engagement ring on Jennifer’s finger over her wedding band to symbolize that the love that brought you together will always protect and sustain your marriage.

I know this was already asked, but I don't know where to look for it. Who all do we need to tip at the wedding and how much. I'm not sure how all of this works. I just want to make sure we tip where we are supposed to. 1. DJ? 2. Photog? 3. Caribean Trio? 4. Wedding Coordinator? 5. Anyone else? By the way, I will be there for my wedding in 2 weeks...

Is this something that is supposed to be given as a gift? If so, I don't think anyone is getting this for us. I think it is nice to have, but definitely not a necessity. I would imagine the resort would have something to cut the cake with. Are any of you taking a personalized cake slicer and knife with you to your destination? I'm just trying to decide if I should go pick one out and have it engraved.

What are some good songs for bridal party intro & grand entrance? Also, do the parents usually make a grand entrance? If so, do you have a separate song for them?

I think I have decided not to use a song. That's just one more thing I have to worry about not going right. Ha!

Quote: Originally Posted by ap070680 Did you negotiate your price for the Catamaran. I am also interested in doing a sunset cruise. They quoted me at $330 per hour if I do it for 3 hours. Also, they said transportation would be $600. I really want to have the cruise, but just wanted to see if you negotiated your price. What boat are you renting? I didn't negotiate the price. I did ask about the 3 hours. Originally he told me that 4 hours was the minimum. Our transpo is $300. How many people are you transporting? We were originally going to rent the anteres that holds 40 people. But we decided to upgrade to the Velvet Tiger that holds 50 people. We only have 35 people but figured there would be more space on this one

That's really bizarre! I grew up in SD. I only lived in Houston (Clear Lake) until I was about 3. I went to highschool at Mission Bay High. I lived right across from the catamaran on sail bay for about 7 years prior to buying my condo in Scripps Ranch. Welcome back! I'm sure your wedding will be beautiful right on the bay. I love that area. We see weddings at the rowing club all the time when we ride our bikes down to the beach. What area did you grow up in? Sorry to have totally gone off track of this blog. Just kinda funny. Small world!

I've been reading on trip advisor that the walls at Dreams are very thin. Actually we experienced this too but were not bothered by it. Regardless, we want don't want our guests to have to deal with it if any of them are light sleepers. So, my thought was to include some earplugs in the welcome bag. I would guess most people wont use them, but thought this would be one less thing we have to hear people complain about. Ha! I'm really worried about some people having complaints. Just wondering if anyone else had thought about doing this. It looks like most options of earplugs come in a pack and are not individually wrapped. Any ideas on how to individually wrap those myself? I thought I would also include a little note...something like this - "So that you can relax completely, wear these earplugs while resting"

Hi Stephanie, I just noticed you are from Houston and are getting married in SD. I was born in Houston and now live in SD! Ha! Funny. You are also getting married 1 week after me and 1 day before my bday. Just thought I had to point that out. Where in SD are you getting married?

Thanks! I went ahead and ordered some cute cards with just our first names on them. I like the idea of the photo card AFTER the wedding announcing our marriage. I may do that. Or maybe I will just send out a photo card as a THANK YOU to those who attended the wedding. I do like the idea of getting them out of the way now. I'm getting behind on my list though and it is stressing me out a little bit (since I have so many other things to work on). So I think I will try and knock these out this weekend!

Here's my script. I got some of the info from the scripts posted on this site along with some from other more religious scripts.I'm trying to get the minister's info so that I can see how long this would be. I don't want it to go over 20 mins. I also want to see if it flows ok. I'm still waiting on his info from the wedding coordinator. What are your thoughts? Will it run approx 20 mins? Does it flow well? I'm up for any feedback. Processional Presentation of the Bride We are gathered here today, May 7 2010, to participate in a most joyous occasion; to celebrate one of the greatest moments in life, by acknowledging the wedding of Michael and Jennifer. Being assured of your love as life long companions, and that you have your families blessings, I now ask, who gives this women to be married to this man? (Wait for response from Father of the Bride – “I do”) OPENING Blessings Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing more courageous, nothing higher, nothing wider, nothing more pleasant, nothing fuller nor better in heaven or earth, because love is born of God, and cannot rest but in God; it is above all created things. Love is the reason we are here. Michael and Jennifer have chosen each other, and we are gathered here to witness their vows of love and to offer our blessings and support for their marriage. On behalf of Michael and Jennifer, we thank all of our guests for being here on this beautiful day, in this beautiful setting. The fact that you all have travelled such a great distance to be here is a testament to the amazing amount of love and support they have. Many of you have given them much happiness, warmth, and guidance through the various stages of their lives. They would like to sincerely thank you all for being here to celebrate their big day. A special and respectful acknowledgement must also be made to those friends and family members who were unable to attend, or have passed on, but whose spirit remains alive and strong in all our hearts. I have also been asked by Michael and Jennifer to thank their parents for the wonderful lives they have given them, for the hard work and guidance they have provided, for their everlasting love, support, and encouragement. It is from them that they have learned the true meaning of love, friendship and family. CEREMONY Michael and Jennifer, you have known each other for a glorious 6 wonderful years, from the first glance of acquaintance to this point of commitment. At some point, you decided to marry. From that moment of yes to this moment of yes, indeed, you have been making promises and agreements in an informal way. All those conversations that were held riding in a car or over sushi or during long walks or bike rides on the beach - all those sentences that began with “When we’re married” and continued with “I will and you will and we will”- those late night talks that included “someday” and “somehow” and “maybe”- and all those promises that are unspoken matters of the heart. All these common things, and more, are the real process of a wedding. The symbolic vows that you are about to make are a way of saying to one another, “You know all those things we’ve promised and hoped and dreamed- well, I meant it all, every word.” Look at one another and remember this moment in time. Before this moment you have been many things to one another- best friend, companion, lover, motivator, workout partner, and even teacher, for you have learned much from one another in these last few years. Now you shall say a few words that take you across a threshold of life, and things will never quite be the same between you. For after these vows, you shall say to the world, this- is my husband, this- is my wife." PRAYER Let’s bow our heads in prayer. Gracious Creator, guide Michael and Jennifer and walk beside them together as husband and wife. Give them grace and love enough to forgive each other during those turbulent times in their relationship. Grant them also the gift of celebration so they can enjoy the many happy times they will share together. Dear Lord, grant their love for each other be as beautiful as it is in this hour, may it grow deeper and stronger in the years ahead. Amen Vows Michael and Jennifer would you please face each other and join your hands. Michael, as I say these words, would you please repeat after me… I love you, Jennifer. You are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully Jennifer as I say these words, would you please repeat after me… I love you, Michael. You too are my best friend. Today I give myself to you in marriage. I promise to encourage and inspire you, to laugh with you, and to comfort you in times of sorrow and struggle. I promise to love you in good times and in bad, when life seems easy and when it seems hard, when our love is simple, and when it is an effort. I promise to cherish you, and to always hold you in highest regard. These things I give to you today, and all the days of our life. I am forever yours……faithfully Blessing of Rings May I have the rings? Lord, please bless these rings that Michael and Jennifer are about to exchange. May these rings forever remind them of their covenant with one another, as well as the circle of love they have publicly created here today. May their compassion and kindness for one another always be like these rings, with no beginning and no end. May the precious metal remind them of their precious commitment, and if either begins to tarnish, may they joyfully undertake the sacred duty to make it shine brightly again. May their relationship always be like these rings, separate but close, simple but beautiful. May these rings always belong to their hands, and their love always belong in each other’s hearts. Amen Exchange of Rings Michael as you place this ring on Jennifer’s finger please repeat after me… Jennifer, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever. Jennifer, if you accept please say I do… [i do] Jennifer as you place this ring on Michael’s finger, please repeat after me… Michael, I give you this ring, as a sign of our marriage, and a lasting reminder, of the vows made between us today. I give you this ring, as a reminder that I will love, honor, and cherish you, in all times, in all places, and in all ways, forever. Michael, if you except, please say “I Do”. [i do] These rings mark the beginning of a long journey together, wear them proudly, as they are symbols which speak of love that you have for each other…. (Engagement Ring) The engagement ring is a symbol of promise and intention. Now the intention is realized and the promise fulfilled. Michael, please place the engagement ring on Jennifer’s finger over her wedding band to symbolize that the love that brought you together will always protect and sustain your marriage. HAND CEREMONY As an expression that you are joined together in love - will you please, once again, face each other and join hands? These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow, and always. These are the hands that will work alongside yours as together you build your future. These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other. These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind. These are the hands that will wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it. These are the hands that will tenderly hold your children. These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. And lastly, these are the hands that even when wrinkled and aged will still be reaching for yours, still giving you the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch. Our prayer for you today is that both of you will use these hands to build a marriage where all your dreams come true. Together, with these hands, you will now pour the sand to symbolize your unity. SAND CEREMONY As you stand beside the ocean tide, may your love always be as constant as these never-ending waves that pour near your feet, flowing endlessly from the depths of the sea; Your love came softly upon each others heart, just as the foam comes softly upon the sand, and just as there will never be a morning without the ocean's flow, so there will never be a day without love for each other. You have pledged yourselves on this day your love will be as dependable as the tide; as these waters nourish the earth and sustain life, may your constant devotion nourish and sustain you until the end of time. "You have just sealed your relationship by the giving and receiving of rings. But although you will be sharing one life, never forget that you are two separate people. Cherish and affirm your differences. Love each other. Keep your commitment primary. Together you will laugh and cry, be sick and well, be happy and angry, share and grow. Grow sometimes together, sometimes separately." Today, this relationship is symbolized through the pouring of these two individual containers of sand, one representing you Michael and all that you were, all that you are, and all that you will ever be, and the other representing you, Jennifer and all that you were and all that you are, and all that you will ever be. (PAUSE, for the pouring of the sand. Read the following passage as Michael and Jennifer begin to pour the sand together.) Michael and Jennifer, just as these grains of sand can never be separated and poured again into the individual containers, so will your marriage be a molding of two individual personalities, bonded together forming one heart, one life, and one family. Michael and Jennifer you have just given your hearts completely to one another. From this day forward, your lives are intertwined and nothing will ever separate you. Closing Blessing We close with a final blessing for your marriage: May you be blessed every step of your journey by the great God of Peace and Light, May angels always be with you, keep you and guide you, May the sun shine upon you, give warmth to your spirits and light your way, And may your every day be filled with peace, love, and joy! Pronouncement of Marriage Because, Michael and Jennifer you have expressed your love and commitment, and promised each other the joy of all your days, before God and this company, along with the sun, the sand, and the sea, you may now call yourselves by the old respected names, Husband and Wife. Ladies and Gentlemen, Family and Friends, it is my great honor and privilege to present to you, for the very first time, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Cesaro! Michael, you may now kiss the bride! Recessional

Quote: Originally Posted by ebernard4985 Did you already book with Paradise Catamarans? I have been looking into this for the rehearsal dinner and have contacted several different companies. Are you departing out of Puerto Morelos for your cruise or Puerto Adventuras? If I remember correctly the reason why I did not go with Paradise was because of the travel to Puerto Adventuras. He then told me they could go out of Puerto Morelos but that if the water is too rough they would have to cancel (too much of a risk for me). I just wanted to let you know about another company I found in Cancun. It is Marina Cancun and the sunset sail is $275 an hour for 3 hours. This INCLUDES open bar. They can also provide transportation for $350. My quote is based on 40 people, but they were by far the best price! I'm going with Marina Cancun also. I couldn't find any reviews on the company but they have been super responsive to my emails. Hopefully we made a good choice.

I had my hairstylist play with my hair today after my appointment. She did two different styles. They were both up dos. One of them was pull back completely from the front. The other was pulled back but a few pieces were left hanging around my face. She curled them and it looked really cute and much more playful than the first style. HOWEVER, I keep thinking about the climate on the beach. It is going to be hot, humid, and probably windy. I'm worried that the ringlets around my face will just become frizzy and straight. Whereas if I went with the first style it would all be out of my face and I wouldn't have to worry about it all day long. Anyone else have this dilemma? Any suggestions on how I could make the second style work well?

Quote: Originally Posted by ~Stephanie~ UM what do you mean they are out of English Beige?! Did they say if and when they would get more in? I was going to place my order this week and that was the color I had settled on! OMG, this sucks! I know! I was counting on this. Well they said they won't getting any English Beige in for 1 - 2 months. That is obviously not going to work. We are still going to keep the suits for my dad and FI but the GMs will have to get their pants somewhere else.

I'm so bummed. My FI and my dad are wearing the English Beige. One of the GM's is wearing the English Beige but their were 2 more that needed to order. Apparently they are now out of English Beige! Ughhh! I'm now on a wild goose hunt to find that same shade for the other 2 GMs. At this point I'm willing to pay the extra for something to match (maybe Tommy Bahama). Does anyone know of another place that would carry a similar shade?

Is anyone doing, or has anyone done, a photo guestbook? I'm trying to decide if we should use a digital camera and add photos later or if we should have an instant camera and lay it out next to the guestbook so that the guests can play with it and decorate the pages there. That sounds more fun, but I don't have an instant camera. I was just wondering if the photos will last and if there is a certain kind of camera I should get. I don't want to spend a ton of money on this...