~Katie~

Quote: Originally Posted by Nikki07 Yup, they make you have a private event. I had asked if I could eat in the spoon restaurant and then just hang out on the beach with music and we could just grab drinks from the bar. I was told that we could, but I would have to supply my own ipod docking station as they don't rent it out unless you are having a private event. pffttt. I've decided that I'm just going to wing the whole thing lol. There's only 10 of us and I wanted something casual anyways. I think I'm going to do our first dance on the beach after the ceremony. Hopefully they won't charge me extra for that lol. hey Nikki ok I'm so struggling to figure out how the day will plan out...lol.... so you will be having your ceremony and then pictures but staying there for a first dance? do you think I could do that on the Sky Deck??!! I can't imagine they'll just let me go on the beach after our ceremony up there. Is an iPod docking station expensive? I would have thought that would be a much cheaper option, but obviously not from what you've written!! and how are you doing your first dance on the beach if you can't use the docking station? is there another option? think I'll end up getting everyone to sing haha sorry for all the questions!! thank you Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by gemwhite2b Hi Katie, Looks like all of us UK brides are in the same boat. I really wanted first dance and speeches etc but we are NOT paying pp to eat when it is a gourmet all inc resort and like you, are paying an arm and leg for a reception when we get back. I have kinda just got used to the idea that we will be in the spoon and hoping we just have a good time and regardless of where we are and if it is private. When i first booked i used to get all stressed about this stuff and now I have stopped letting it bother me. I will be the bride who is walking round the whole resort with her wedding dress on!!! hahaha. lol gem - that will be me and you both!! my FH has suggested we just eat in the restaurant and then hit Cancun!! haha can you imagine! but I won't want to change out of my dress I know already so we may just have to spend the night propping up the hotel bar instead. although, I was a little concerned about her reference to Spoons not always being available. ah well, I'm sure we'll manage to sort something out! im relying on my guests understanding that there's a big do when we get back so as long as we get some kind of something sorted for after the wedding (I don't want to get married and then that's it!) then I'll just have to live with it. oh the joys of the so called 'cheaper' option of getting married abroad! Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by gemwhite2b Also, does anyone else read trip advisor then question their decision to have their wedding at AS? I do this every day!! I am so worried that my friends and family have payed so much for what is supposed to be a 5 star hotel and it seems like every review is saying that is is def not a 5 star! It is alot of money to pay and I feel so responsible for my guests having the best time and the best hotel. gem, I purposefully DON'T read Trip Adviser for that exact reason! Plus what you've got to remember is that everyone has different levels of expectations and people only generally tend to review things when they want to vent....resulting in more bad reviews than good. just think of all the thousands of people who have been since it opened...compare that to the number that write bad reviews and then it doesn't look so bad. I went to Grand Riviera Princess in RM in February and worried myself sick with the reviews people wrote, but I went and had the most amazing holiday ever. Another reason I'm not reading any this time round! Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by sam33 hi katie we went to TA who we booked with. First Choice (who Thomson have merged with now) they are fighting our corner for us. ok cool. I was just wondering if it was the First Choice/Thomson wedding team or the actual TA's! sounds like I need to make a phone call to my TA...damn it. Thanks!! Katie

Quote: Originally Posted by sam33 hi Katie We receivedan email from claudia to say the hotel have banned her from the site as clients were using her photography services over the resident hotel ones, as hers were miles better. After looking at the hotel ones she is so right they are rubbish. If you have at look at the karisma website on the wedding section it lists the two phoptographers they "prefer" have a look and see what you think. We booked the silver package only because it was approx 700 pounds more for only 36 photos and blood test, we at the time though we could get a better deal. At this moment in time we have our tour operator "thomson" fighting with the hotel to get us permission to use an outside photographer, i will keep you posted of how we are getting on. We have them confirming also about the decorated wedding location included in the package we chose, according to the hotel all that is included in the price is a wooden isle runner, 12 chairs and a table with white linen, not the decorated location we hoped for. Apparently according to other people decorations are extra, such as sheers, hanging corsages for gazebo etc. I wait in anticipation of a favoured response from thomson, then i will be one very happy b2b Hi Sam....I'm in total agreement - we want Claudia too. She was on the list of approved photographers at the time that we booked as well. Did you go to your original TA or did you go to the Thomson Wedding Team to get them to fight your corner? We want to do exactly the same but I don't know which of them I should contact. I don't think contacting Tiffany is going to have the same affect!! And yes, any decoration you have is extra - they charge you for anything and everything. Let me know what response you get as well!! Katie.

OK, trying not to hyperventilate at the moment..... so here's my reply from Tiffany to my questions about photographers and options for eating and reception..... "The approved photographers are Matias Cano and Caribe Photography. Below are their links. Caribe Photography = Caribephoto Matias Cano Photography = professional wedding photojournalist photographer in riviera maya The following are the locations where you can have your private events at. Beach – Plaza Zavaz – Polapa Yoga – Zocallo Cocktial Terrace – Plaza Zocallo – Pool Deck – Zavaz Cocktail Terrace - The options above are for a private reception where you will have to pay for everyone. If you would like to just use the dinner reservation that is included in your package, you can however, this will not be a private event. This dinner will be at the Spoon Restaurant which is the only restaurant that we have for this reservation. (see spoon restaurant pic from the site...haven't learnt how to attach!) Behind the curtain is a private area, the on site team tries to offer this to wedding couples. However, it is not always available to give. Please keep in mind that if you do have this private area, you will not be able to have your own music or lighting. If having a first dance together or the other customary dances, you must have a private reception and pay for each guest." I'm confused....I thought we would be able to eat (for free) in the spoon restaurant for food and speeches etc, and then have our reception/party in one of the areas....have I clearly got that wrong does that mean if I want to guarentee (sp) that we have some sort of area that we have to pay for everyone to eat again? if we are forced to fork out those prices I think I'm going to cry ( we are having a big reception when we get back and thats already costing us an arm and a leg - there's no way we can afford to do both. K.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I know this is sorta off topic but Katie do you know any details about the Sky Deck? Are guests allowed to hang out there while we do our photos? I don't want to do a separate cocktail hour due to $$$. I just can't figure out what to do with everyone in between ceremony (pictures) then reception? Suggestions? Hi Kitten, Sorry I don't know anything really about it!! But I'm just about to email TIffany back so I'll ask for you (and me!) at the same time and let you know. Would be really useful if they could - plus it's not like anyone else is going to be needing it!! Hopefully let you know soon!! Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by Allisa We have a family friend who happens to be a photog! Thank god! We are paying for his trip for the week and like MrsVaughn2B have him at our disposal for the full week including a TTD session the next day! He is also super stoked which is really nice! Final payment went in today, and it was a month yesterday to our I Do's! Yipee! oooooooooooooo mega mega exciting!! I'm getting so excited about everyone else's, god knows what I'm going to be like when it eventually gets round to mine!!!!!!!!!!!!! god help you all!! lol Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by sam33 hi I tried to get the names but im at work tonight at the computer here is rubbish keeps blocking pop ups so cant get the names for you. If you go to Karismahotels.com, click under the heading weddings, then on the left side menu option click photo video package this will bring up the hotels prefered photographers, be prepared they are not brilliant !!! let me know how you get on Ah thanks Sam, but I had an answer waiting for me when I got into work this morning. For AS the photographers are: Caribe Photography Caribephoto Matias Cano Photography professional wedding photojournalist photographer in riviera maya If anyone knows anything about these 2 photographers, I'd really appreciate if you could share your views. Thanks, Katie.

oh and girls already married..... which is it that you had problems with - your hair or your make up done by the staff on site?? whichever it is, I need to know now so I have 8 months to practice if I need to do one of them myself!! THANK YOU! Katie.

I'm getting married at the Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya (by Karisma) and although the hotel is not totally adults only, it does have an adults only section. I also know they only hold 2 weddings a day. I hope this helps. And good luck with all the planning!! Katie.

Hey girls, Does anybody know who the approved photographers are for Azul Sensatori? I'm still awaiting a response from my WC!! Or if you're a vendor on here and you are, let me know!!! Thanks, Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by sam33 hi katie 2010 We fly from bristol on 8th. Our wedding is 14th May, getting excited now... Who are you using for your photos !! We looked at claudiaphoto.com and really liked her worked so we tried to engage her services but were told us she is no longer allowed to work on the azul hotel site. We then looked at elizabeath medina who has excellent work, unfortunatley she proved to be too expensive for us. At the moment we have enquired about the services of Cecilia Dumas, but are awaiting a reply from the hotel. How are your plans going !!! Hi Sam! Ah brilliant - you'll arrive when I'm married!! (god that sounds weird lol) hmmm photos, you will soon discover on here, are a topic of hot conversation!! no-one can find out why Claudio is not on the approved list anymore but everyone is gutted. I have just emailed Tiffany (my WC) and asked her to provide me with a list of their approved photographers so I don't build my hopes up looking at lots of lovely photos by people we can't have! did you go for the silver or gold package? we went for the gold as we thought it would work out cheaper because of the blood tests and photographer but if we don't like who's approved it could work out stupidly expensive if we have to pay the gold package and then the photographer on top!! Cecilia Dumas has been spoken very highly of in another thread on this site - http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t35088 so take a look at that, but I have no idea if they are approved at the moment or not!! plans are going slowly! as soon as I do something another 10 things I need to do seem to appear! I am dress shopping on Saturday (and hopefully buying), we've just put down a deposit for our reception when we come back to the UK, we're getting married on the Sky Deck so that bit of the wedding is sorted, and everyone (pretty much) is booked to come! but that's about it!! how are your plans going?? Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by sam33 Hi Its nice to know there is other b2b out there also having their ceremony at the sensatori resort in May 2010. My H2B and I are having a real headache with the planning aspect though, dont seam to be getting anywhere fast with the w/c. and everything seams to cost extra. Cant believe the hotels policy on photographers, we are having real problems with this issue. Welcome Sam ) I am also getting married in May 2010 - on the 7th. which date is yours? I'm there from 2nd - 16th so might see you there!! Katie.

oh, and I'm majorly jealous that you can all take pics of you trying on your wedding dresses....we're not allowed in the shops over here - no photos allowed but next saturday I'm going to try and get one of my BMs to take a sly one on their phone!! we'll see how that goes! Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by meghan Which meal option do you think is better: 1. Stuffed chicken breast with cottage cheese, sun dried tomatoes and olives, accompanied with potato gratin and mixed vegetables. 2. Pork Tenderloin with bell pepper pesto crust, roasted endive and corn cakes. Meghan, I'd say (if you don't have a personal preference already) to go with what the majority of people are going to like. For me, (I'm sooooo picky with my food its untrue - I'll lose weight before my wedding because I know I won't like much of the food there, but that's another story too!), chicken is normally the safest option. the whole meal seems less risky - with the pork you have pepper in there and corn cakes....but hey, that's just my fussiness again!! but just something else for you to think about! lol Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by Allisa I think I figured out how to post photos!! Here goes with dress pics again: all I have to say is wow, wow, wow and WOW!!! I love it!! the black detail around the top really sets it off - a bit of personality without being outrageous....and it REALLY suits you. God, I think I'm just as excited as you about it!! lol I'll shut up now, but it is amazing....just perfect for you. Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by gemwhite2b Katie, Did you saythat you are getting married on the Sky deck? Did you originally get the Gold package? Do yuo mind me asking how much on top you paid for Sky deck cos we were thinking of doing it there too. Cheers Hey Gem. Yes we're getting married on the Sky Deck ) We've opted for the Gold Package with Thomson largely as it included our blood tests and the photograher (altho the photog is now a totally different story!!) With Thomson you can only buy the silver or gold package - the Sky Deck you have to purchase direct from the hotel...so no deals or anything else, just the $1,700 on top of the wedding package price. A complete rip-off if you ask me, but it's the place both me and FH wanted to get married so we gritted our teeth and went for it. (plus I won't have to worry about the heels on my shoes haha) Hope that helps. Katie.

thanks everyone who's posted in here....I have just found this thread and am so pleased I have!! The photographer we're supposed to get with our package does just not cut it so now we're looking at getting in a different photographer. this will help millions! THANK YOU!!! Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by meghan Sorry, another post lol. I had so much to say as I was reading through the last 3 pages of posts and couldnt remember everything to say in one. Nikki, I went to one of the bridal showers last year. When is it this year? It would be nice to meet you so if you are going I just might. Katie, I agree with everyone else about your dress. My dress is even poofier than yours!! I had in mind getting a really slim fitting dress, but the princess one just suited me better. I wouldnt be concerned about it....as long as you love it! thank you meghan!! always good to know someone is doing the same as you!! ahh you girls have made me feel heaps better!! thank you thank you thank you!! Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by Allisa Hey Ladies! So, my TA got back to me and for purple and white large hanging corsages (without dictating the actual flower), I'm back to $60 and $33 for the small ones. At this late in the game I think I am going to bite the bullet and just pay for the 'bed sheets.' Katie -I can't wear tradition DW style dresses either.... I went for a dress that suited my body type the best, therefore making ME feel beautiful! That is the point- its your day, and the photos will be with you for the rest of your life and you want to love them! My dress has a crazy train -but who cares! I thought I'd include a pic for fun. Speaking of my dress -it hasn't arrived yet... I ordered it in Dec! The size we ordered is definitely going to be too big and I am reworking a huge amount of it (note the ribbons tossed on in the pic) and am starting to panic. Just a bit... Attachment 3991 Attachment 3990 We leave a month today!!!!!!!!!!! Hey Allisa, Thank you...I think I just needed to hear from you all that I should just go with what I want and who cares that its a big dress if that's what looks good on me!! lol but thank you (and to everyone else) you have all made me feel much much better about it all ) sadly, I can't open the attachments ( all this bloody points stuff and having permission etc etc so I can't see you dress! could you send me a PM with the link in it? I really want to see this train now!!! and OMG just a month to go!! how exciting!! yesterday I just sat there and imagined all my party on the plane going to AS and getting there and just, wow, i was so excited just thinking of how great its going to be!! you must be walking round with a fixed cheshire grin on your face!! Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsVaughn2B Katie, Wear whatever dress you feel like a princess in. Its your day! Just because you are having a destination wedding doesn't mean you have to wear a "destination dress". Also, ask the store you buy your dress from for packing tips. They will know the best way to pack the dress; they might even pack it for you if your bring in a suit case or carry on. Ah brilliant thinking Mrs Vaughn2b!!!! I will have to ask them at the shop what the hell to do! I know as part of my wedding package with the TA I get extra luggage capacity for my dress - though this one could be a bit difficult to get on a plane as hand luggage! lol Thank you Katie.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Katie - I was just in this EXACT same position... the dress I posted on here that I bought I emailed to my mom and my bridesmaids and all the bridesmaids loved it, my mom said it wasn't appropriate for a beach wedding, even though I'll be on the sky deck. That's what prompted my frantic thread asking if it was an appropriate dress or not. I told her to save her judgements for Sunday when I tried it on for her and all my bridesmaids. When I came out, they all gasped and I turned around and saw her nodding and looked at me and I said, "this is my dress isn't it?" They all said, yes, OMG, that is SO your dress. Moral of the story... go with your heart, it's hard to see a dress on a stranger and convince others it's your dress sometimes, when they see it in person it's different. Good luck! Ah thanks Kitten....I'm getting married on the sky deck too, hence why I wasn't so bothered about what the dress was like. I was thinking that would mean it wouldn't matter so much, and I've been to Riviera Maya before so I know how windy it is!! plus i have to have the hoop thing under the dress so makes it nice and airy underneath! lol lets hope I get the same reaction you did next Saturday!!! Thank you Katie.

hey girls! well...I come to you all once again (my god, I really don't know what I would do without you all here!!!) Firstly....this is the dress I found that I tried on (in secret!!) and have fallen in love with... Alfred Angelo... Find the perfect Wedding Dress, Bridesmaid Dress, Prom Dress, Flower Girl Dress or Mother of the Bride Dress at Alfred Angelo. only problem is when I sent the link to BDs and my mum saying I found this dress and want to try it on. - all the BDs loved it and all my mum said was just asked if it would be practical because of the size. (kinda burst my bubble in a major way with that statement) and suggested a 1940s style sleek dress instead. my problem is that with my figure (curves lol) I can't pull off a sleek A-line dress, I need the big dress as I have a small waist, but big hips and bum!! do you all think I need to consider my mum's practical point of getting the dress to Mexico?? I know I'll be hot in it, but I also need it for a reception when I get back to the uk. Advice please. its driving me insane whether to go with what I want, or be more practical!!!!!!!!! Also, strangely enough FH and I were discussing the fabrics for the gazebos over the weekend and were coming to the conclusion that $100 or $150 per sheet is just ridiculous and we'd probably be better off buying here and taking it with us - has anyone done this?? or did anyone go out in Cancun or Playa del Carmen and buy any bits there?? Thanking you all once again for your totally invaluable advice!! And welcome to the new posters on here! it's the best place to be - we'd all have gone mad by now I think otherwise!! Katie. x

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Wow where is the continuity with all this pricing!? I wouldn't accept the pricing, believe it or not everything can be negotiated. Don't settle ladies, they will bend if you're nice about it. I hope everyone had a great weekend, I'm floating right now because I had the most fabulous day, I bought my dress! Met the designer, he bought me a pair of shoes for my wedding, any I wanted (I know!) and took my measurements to make a pattern to make my dress for me... so no alterations. Still reeling from this day! I'll post pix if you guys want once I get them from my MOH OMG Kitten - how amazing!!! free shoes, a personally made dress....what more could you ask for?! and YES we definitely want pictures! ooo how exciting!! I went and had my first little nose round wedding dresses on Friday and found a gorgeous dress but can't do anything yet - I'll have to wait for the 'official' outing with my mum, chief bridesmaid and bridesmaid and my FH mum in 2 weeks!! I need to get a wriggle on and get one ordered within a month! Katie.