SDSteph

Thanks so much jessica!!!

I am heading out to Houston to Dress shop with my mom and looking to try on some NM dresses. Let me know if you have seen them around or know where to find them. Thanks in advance!

I had too much time on my hands today and decided to type up the list from the book I have not even opened!

Wedding TimeLine taken from Guide to Destination weddings Do your research (10+ months)Think about destinations Think about honeymoon too Figure out budget Consider what size wedding you want Select destination and look at locations Research wedding consultants Choose your timing Start Gown shopping Start Making Decisions (8-10 months) Invite your attendants Book wedding location Reserve rooms for your guests Create a wedding website Organize the guest lists Plan your scouting trips Begin selecting your vendors Book caterer if needed Book entertainment if needed Book photographer Book videographer Focus on fun Stuff (6-8 months) Send out save the dates Book wedding travel Book florist Register for gifts Choose officiate Order your gown Pick bridesmaid dresses Book honeymoon Finalize details (3-6 months) Find cake provider Pick out invitations Plan grooms attire Confirm local marriage requirements Get papers in order Shop for wedding rings Invite everyone (2 to 4 months) Mail invitations Think about wedding day hair Book hairstylist/makeup appointment Record Final RSVPs Make and or buy favors Shop for gifts Put together out of town bags Little Details (3-6 weeks) Arrange other wedding events Pre-wedding info packet Finalize ceremony Make a list of details you need to attend to The countdown begins (2 weeks) Get hitched if not doing legally in destination Confirm all travel reservations Organize wedding insurance papers Ship any wedding gear ahead Get gifts ready Finalize head count Pick up rings Call hotels Update wedding website Print programs or needed information Ready to go (1 week) Pack (see packing list) Finalize photo schedule Confirm Final vendor Meetings Pack up gifts and favors Update transportation providers Pick up your dress Have final beauty treatments Finalize seating plan Assemble trouble shooting kit Confirm guest reservations The day before you depart ( 3-4 days before the wedding)Touch base with point person Be in touch with wedding party Pick up tuxes Call airline Finish packing Get cash Create reception rundown Upon arrival (2-3days before the wedding)Meet with wedding coordinator Inform key players Check in with hotel Have final tasting with caterer Touch base with officiate if possible Finalize party plans Have hair and makeup trial Get dresses steamed Have family dinner Organize final payments Day before wedding Have bride and groom pre-wedding breakfast Throw attendant outing Do a walk - through Get manicure, pedicure, massage etc Greet and enjoy your guests Apply sunscreen!!!!!! Wrap up details at rehearsal Sort out receiving line Sign the marriage license Relay information Go to bed early

love it! cant wait to see more!

HA ha i might end up a 5 dress bride if I dont make up my mind! I love the straps on the anjoliqe

Quote: Originally Posted by Malisa Amazon. We liked the idea of only registering in one place. Amazon is a great idea! Thanks for sharing!

Quote: Originally Posted by FutureMrs.D I'm trying to open these attachments but getting an error message?? Would you be able to send these to by email? I will post them for you. Below is the flower catolog the first three pages are included in the cost http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r77/sspiris/flowerspage6.jpg[/img

I also decided against the park fot the same reason..........its so beautiful.......I wish it was not so expensive. Oh well. Yea have lots of occidental grand xcaret stuff Here are some links to some pictures at the hotel Site Jason and Alicen Brian and Jennifer Here are the Occidental Grand Xcaret Prices- I know your not needing a cermony but here is what I have I'LL STAND BY YOU BASIC WEDDING PACKAGE & FREE GRAND WEDDINGS (Service for up to 20 guests) From this moment on at The Ceremony: On-site wedding consultant Grand ceremony décor & crisp, classic table setting Fresh, elegant floral arrangements or displays Bride & Groom's bouquet & boutonniere CD Music system Judge & documentation services Save the best for last at The Reception: Delicate wedding cake Celebratory champagne toast Newlywed's In-room Services: Continental breakfast in bed, once per stay WEDDING PACKAGE COST: $2115 or FREE with 12 Royal Club Jr. Suites for 4 nights ---------------------------------------- JUST YOU AND I PREMIUM WEDDING PACKAGE (Service for up to 20 guests) From this moment on at The Ceremony: On-site wedding consultant Grand ceremony décor & crisp, classic table setting Fresh, elegant floral arrangements or displays Bride & Groom's bouquet & boutonniere CD Music system Judge & documentation services Save the best for last The Reception: Delicate wedding cake Celebratory champagne toast Semi-private reception * Select Wedding Amenities: Matching Occidental Grand shirts Dinner for just the two of you! Nightly turn-down service His & hers manicure & pedicure His & hers massage therapy Surprise wedding gift Newlywed's In-room Services: Continental breakfast in bed, once per stay Arrangement of fresh, local flowers Celebratory welcome fruit basket WEDDING PACKAGE COST: $3245 * At one of our a la carte restaurants ---------------------------------------- LET'S STAY TOGETHER VOW RENEWAL PACKAGE (Service for up to 10 guests) From this moment on The Ceremony: On-site wedding consultant Grand ceremony décor Fresh, elegant floral arrangements Bride & Groom's bouquet & boutonniere CD Music system Minister Save the best for last The Reception: Delicate wedding cake Celebratory champagne toast Lifetime Lovers' Special moments alone: Continental breakfast in bed, once per stay Dinner for just the two of you! WEDDING PACKAGE COST: $1810 -------------------------------------------------------------- All prices are in U.S. Dollars and include taxes and services charges where applicable. Prices are subject to change without notice. LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR WEDDINGS IN XCARET • Valid Passports are required for US Citizens to wed in Mexico. • Tourist cards are required from all foreigners & obtained upon arrival at airport. • Final records of divorce or death certificate if widowed. (Records must be translated into Spanish and attached with an Apostille. An Apostille is obtained by the Secretary of State of your Country and required by Mexican authorities.) • Blood Test to determine Blood type, HIV, RH Factor and Venereal decease must be done at the Hotel, at a cost $160.00 USD per couple (paid cash directly to the Doctor) • Four witnesses (Passports, or IDs and tourist cards required) Grand Xcaret Staff can serve as witnesses for an additional fee. Here is the reception INFO that I have For less than 30 people I can offer you a semi private reception at one of our a la carte restaurant. This dinner has a charge of 15 usd per person and includes a semi private area of the restaurant with a special set up in white, open bar and service. For 30 people or more I can offer you a plated 4 course menu at one of the 2 different venues we have for private reception. This dinner has a charge of 50 usd per person and includes the private area for the reception, set up with banquet round tables, white linen, open bar for 3 hrs and service. For 50 people or more I can offer you a buffet dinner at one of the 4 venues we have for private receptions. This dinner has a charge of 40 usd per person and includes the private area for the reception, set up with banquet round tables, white linen, open bar for 3 hrs and service. (this is what i want to do, so i asked specifics) 1. The beach club. Subject to space availability, we can fit up to 90 people on the terrace (picture)and all types of entertainment are allowed 2. The beach. All types of entertainment allowed 3. The snack bar. Party will start after 7:00 pm and no DJ or loud entertainment allowed 4. The palapa caleta. We can fit up to 90 people with the dancing space outside, all types of entertainment allowed. This came from the WC Hope this helps. Here are some reception pictures at the hotel but not sure which area, maybe the palapa caleta?

Welcome the royal and Gand porto real are right next door to each othere and are sister hotels. One can stay at the grand porto for less but still attend the wedding at the royal, it is a cheaper option for guests if intrested. Cheers! Here are some threads that might be helpful! http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t17108 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t43618 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t43986 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t23592 http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t20293

Looks like it turned out great! So happy for you!

Thanks ladies that is really helpful!

My letter to the private school Hope all is well in Sunny California. This has been a really difficult week for me. After being smitten by Faith Lutheran, another offer planned itself in my lap from my former high school, Northwest Career and Technical Academy. During my brief employment with the technical academy, they pulled me in as a new teacher, gave me an opportunity to try on something new, even got me my teaching license, and now has offered and created a long term position for me to stay with the high school. While I agree that Faith Lutheran is a perfect fit for my personality, commitment, principles and career, I believe loyalty is going to win this battle. This was a very difficult decision for me but feel a long term position is healthier choice for me during this economy and at this point in my career. It would be my greatest request to keep you as a contact for that my teaching career is just beginning. It was a pleasure meeting you and being briefly acquainted with your amazing school and I wish I could have gotten to experience more. I am very grateful to you for your assistance during the interview process, and I thank you for your consideration. Sincerely,

yea i was always a happy smoker! Its a hard choice to give up a good friend...........a moment alone, quiet time to yourself away from the world! But is is worth it for your heath and you will be so happy with yourself when you know you can do it.

Quote: Originally Posted by EmenGeeRoxx Can someone please tell me the difference between these 2 Occidental Grand Xcaret, All Inclusive Riviera Maya, Mexico All Inclusive Resort Xcaret Weddings - Cancun Mexico wedding riviera maya spectacular eco park Are they one in the same or is one for the resort and the other just for the park? Thank you. Yes.........one is in the actual park. You can do your entire reception from the Eco Park. It is so beautiful and reception is in a really cool cave, yet I looked into it and it is really expensive. The Grand Occidental Excaret is a huge AI hotel that sits in the Xcaret eco park and they offer wedding options also. Here is the info for the Eco Park wedding: 1. Chapel 2. Ponds 3. Temple ruins 4. Observatory ruins “St. Francis of Assisi” Chapel Ceromony The uniquely shaped Chapel is perched on the highest point in Xcaret offering guests spectacular ocean views and natural scenery. This is an ideal location to celebrate any religious ceremony. The maximum capacity is 190 persons. Includes: •Use of the area for 1 ceremony service •Candles and torches to Light the Entrance towards the Chapel •Tree trunk with Bromeliads in front of the altar •Decoration of different sized candles next to the altar •Prerrecorred music during the ceremony •Microphone for the Priest/Minister •Microphone for readings •Sound system •Cushion to kneel for the Bride and Groom •Event coordination and supervision •Security guard • Table with 4 baskets for the offering with Mexican grains: • Rice • Beans • Coffee • Corn USD $1,650.00. Capacity 190 people. Available schedule: Winter: 18:00hrs Summer: 19:00hrs Ceremony at “Ponds” A Caribbean Sea view area where a natural stone made altar is set at the lower level, nearby the natural pools called Ponds. Includes: • Use of the area for 1 ceremony (legal, with minister or Xaman) • Hostess for welcoming and guide the guests • Candles along the path to the area of the ceremony • Lighting atmosphere with candles and torches at the Ponds area • Leather and wood wraparound chairs (up to 50 chairs) • Tree trunk with Bromeliads in front the stone altar • Flowerpot with orchids • Background music during reception of the guests to the area • Lighting • Microphone for the Judge/Minister • Security Guard • Paramedic • Coordination and supervision of the event •Specialized personnel USD 1,600.00 up to 50 people. USD 2,000.00 from 51 up to 100 people. (A table set up at the upper area is suggested when this option is selected) Available Schedule: Winter 18:00hrs Summer: 19:00hrs Xcaret gladly lets to your consideration different locations to perform the ceremony, in all cases to help you; we can offer the Judge/Minister or Priest contact information, given that we do not arrange civil or religious legalities. Catholic ceremonies must be performed at the “St. Francis of Assisi’s Chapel” to consider them valid by the Catholic Church, according to the ecclesiastical legalities in Mexico. Please take note: • If Only one location is rented the price will be as stipulated in the manual. • If 2 locations are rented for Ceremony Service each one, the price for both will be USD 2,700.00 in the understanding that if one of the locations is cancelled the applicable price will be based on the number of locations and/or type of the event. •This preferred price only applies in case of ceremonies (civil or religious), it is not valid for other kind of services as cocktails, after wedding parties, reception or other events different to the one approved above. • In case of requiring a different service of all the options included in this handbook, and once this service is allowed, the price of the location/area will be determined according to the requested service and is totally independent to the prices shown in this document. • The following areas are considered “locations” : 1.Chapel 2.Ponds 3.Temple ruins 4.Observatory ruins Ceremony at “Ponds” A Caribbean Sea view area where a natural stone made altar is set at the lower level, nearby the natural pools called Ponds. Includes: •Use of the area for 1 ceremony (legal, with minister or Xaman) •Hostess for welcoming and guide the guests •Candles along the path to the area of the ceremony •Lighting atmosphere with candles and torches at the Ponds area •Leather and wood wraparound chairs (up to 50 chairs) •Tree trunk with Bromeliads in front the stone altar •Flowerpot with orchids •Background music during reception of the guests to the area •Lighting •Microphone for the Judge/Minister •Security Guard •Paramedic •Coordination and supervision of the event •Specialized personnel USD 1,600.00 up to 50 people. USD 2,000.00 from 51 up to 100 people. (A table set up at the upper area is suggested when this option is selected) Available Schedule: Winter 18:00hrs Summer: 19:00hrs Ceremony at “Observatory Ruins” This spectacular scenario will take you back to the past; ideal for prehispanic or non denominational ceremonies. Includes: •Hostess to welcome the guests to the Observatory area •Candles along the guests´ path to the ceremony •Torches and candles in the ceremony •Table set for the ceremony •Leather and wood wraparound chairs •Tree trunk with Bromeliads •Flowerpot with orchids •Background music during reception of the guests to the area •Lighting •Microphone for the Judge/Minister •Security Guard •Event coordination and supervision USD $1,600.00, Includes tax. Maximum capacity of 70 seated people. Available schedule: Winter season: 18:00hrs Summer season: 19:00hrs Reception Info “La Isla” Restaurant First level (350 people maximum) Upper level (250 people maximum) Includes: •Hostess to welcome the guests •Air conditioned in the first level •Set up of round tables for 10 people each at the first level •Set up of rectangular tables for 9 people each at the upper level •White tablecloth with ticker placemat for round tables •White tablecloth and White or blue placemat for rectangular tables •Wood and leather wraparound chairs •White or cobalt blue chinaware •Rustic centerpiece for round tables ( wooden tray with river stones, water and candle) •Bulb style centerpiece for rectangular tables •Security guard •Paramedic •Coordination and supervision •Background music •Lighting and audio professional staff •Service personnel •Floating candles on the river •Candles on the edge of the main stage •Lighting with candles and torches at: •Special lighting at internal caves of “La Isla” •Special lighting at the exit pathway from the restaurant. •Special lighting at the Snail shaped pathway entrance to “La Isla” Available Schedule: Winter: From 19:00 hours on. Summer: From 20:00 hours on. USD $8,300.00From 451 to 600 People USD $7,300.00From 351 to 450 People USD $6,300.00From 281 to 350 People USD $5,600.00From 181 to 280 People USD $5,000.00From 121 to 180 People USD $4,500.00Up to 120 People The price of the rent includes 5 hours of the area up to 02:00am; from the 6th hour or 02:00am on, the restaurant has an extra charge of USD 600.00 each hour. Maximum time for finishing including extra hours: 04:00hrs At “La Isla Restaurant” restaurant a minimum of 100 people consumption is required to perform weddings in the weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) of the following months: February, March, April, May, November and December. A minimum of 70 people consumption is required to perform weddings in the rest of the year (January, June, July, August, September and October) To decrease the guarantee will not apply once the first down payment is received and/or the contract is signed. Uncorking of wines and liquors: The uncorking fee covers Pepsi brand soft drinks, orange, pineapple and tomato juices, bottled water, regular coffee and ice during a five hour event, and gives you the right of bringing all the liquors, wines and beer of your preference. $27.00 USD per person, 10% tax and 15% service included. *For additional hours from the sixth on applies $6.00 USD per person per hour. 10% tax and 15% service included. NOTE: - Uncorking doesn’t cover cocktails and blended drinks. - The wines, beers and liquors must be delivered with an inventory no later than 3 days prior the event at the Park´s General Warehouse during a schedule of 09 to 14hrs. -All the wines, beers and liquors have to fulfill the Mexican regulation with the “Secretaria de Hacienda” stamp. OPEN BAR ON DOMESTIC ALCOHOL •Cocktails: Piña Colada, lemon, mango and strawberry Margaritas and Daiquiris. •Brandies: Presidente, Don Pedro. •Rum: White Bacardi, Ancient Gold and Solera. •Vodka: Smirnoff. •Tequila: Hornitos, Cofradía reposado and Conmemorativo. •Beer: Corona. •Soft drinks: Pepsi, Mirinda, 7up, Pepsi Light. •Juices: Orange, pineapple and tomato. •Bottled water of 500ml. •After dinner drink: Kalhúa, Xtabentún, and Anis (sweet and dry). •Table wines: Red wine Monteviña Merlot, White Monteviña Chardonnay. •Whiskey: J & B, Canadian Mist, Red label. USD $34.00 per person per three hours. USD $11.00 per additional hour, per person from the forth hour on. Includes 10% tax and 15% service. BANQUETS Served Menus Menu I Please choose 1 of each course; Appetizer •Castile Gourd cream with Roquefort cheese •Chinese style sea food soup •Chopped seafood “salpicón” with toasted bread “tostada” Main course •Fish fillet stuffed with lemon vegetable noodles and covered in a light shrimp sauce •Filet mignon in Coconut sauce and Ginger grilled vegetables •Chicken Stuffed with goat’s cheese in chipotle sauce Dessert •Apple pie with vanilla ice cream •Combination of Champaign marinated fruit •Chocolate Bonbon USD $ 60.00 Price per person; includes TAX and service. Menu II Please choose 1 of each course; Appetizer •Grilled Endive salad with Tuna Blackened with Tangerine Dressing •Cold appetizer bar (5 pc. per dish) •Cream of Tomato and “epazote” with Black Olives First Course •Cold cucumber cream •Thai Style Shrimp Salad with Peanut Dressing •Salmon Tartar with Grilled Mango and Apple Main Course •Fish fillet stuffed with seafood in shrimp sauce •Surf and turf coconut shrimp and Fillet Mignon brandy and “epazote” sauce •Combination Beef, Chicken and Duck Brochette in a Light Curry Sauce Dessert •Maracuya Carlota with blackberries and red fruit sauce •Frozen lime pie with strawberries and passion fruit “coulis” •Warm Chocolate Melt in Bailey’s Cream USD $ 68.00 Price per person; includes tax and service. Menu III Please Choose 1 of each course; Appetizer •House Cheese Bar •Mixed Sushi bar •Salmon Carpaccio •Cold cream of Cantaloupe with Orange Dried Shrimp First Course •Cream of Shrimp with breaded squid rings •Cream Duet, (cream of “Huitlacoche” and manchego cheese) •Fancy Lettuce with grill brie cheese and dried fruit dressing •Shrimp Salad with black sesame and asparagus tempura and “ajillo Chili” Dressing Main Course •Surf and Turf with Duck Breast and Prawn in Brown Sugar “piloncillo” sauce •Grilled Rib Eye Roll (12 oz) dressed with “Guadalupe’s Vineyard” sauce, accompanied with asparagus, endives and mashed sweet potato. •Delicacies from de Ocean (Shrimp and Fish Brochette, Squid Stuffed with vegetables) in Oyster Sauce •Fish “Pave” in carper butter with parsley •Meat Fillet stuffed with shrimp crest covered with creamy lemon sauce accompanied with vegetables or Xcaret style potato. Dessert •Assorted Flambé Fruit (strawberry, banana, mango) ( Served) •Sweet crepes (served) •Pettit four (assorted fine baked desserts) •Chocolate delight USD $ 80.00 Price per person; includes tax and service. Temple_Ruins_Ceremony.doc Ponds_Banquet.doc La_Isla_Restaurant.doc

Congrats!!! I live in Vegas so if you have any questions or need help researching stuff just let me know! Cheers and happy planning!

That video made me smile sooooooooooo big! We are a crazy bunch and are trying to incoropoate some funny stuff. We are going to do the pulp fiction dance for our first dance! LOVE the entrance! I am sending it to my FI right now.

Love this idea let me know if you find any other websites.

I baby sit at least two nights a week and that money just goes straight into our wedding account. I pretty much do the same things I would be doing at home but somewhere else and it gives my FI some time to himself. Also I know Vet clinics are always hiring pt work on the weekends. A great administration job if you love animals and great discounts also. Good luck

So here are some more details.............. I was hired on mid-year last year at a Career and Tecnical Academy, a great school with great kids, they hired me based on my background as a scientist and without a teaching license because I was a teacher from the Museum of Natural History and I taught at a Aquarium for a long time. The principle helped me get my teaching license and created a amazing teaching position just for me in the Biotech/Bio Chemistry area of my qualifications. However will all of the budget cuts teaching spots have been really cut back and many are losing there jobs. During this summer I have been in the process of being hire but it has been a slow process so I started looking out for my financial well being and too a shot and applied at an amazing private high school a block from my house. They are in need of a Chemistry teacher. I interviewed, loved the principle and was offered the position. The position is only garenteed for a year. I am still waiting on my contact from the other school and there are only 20 days still school starts. The salarys are just about the same because the private school is giving me a few years experience so that my salary is higher. The benifits are better at the public school of course but that is not really that big a deal. The private school is a 3 minute walk from my house and my "current" school is about 20 minutes away. Both school are the best schools in town with regards to the student expectations and standards, which doesn't really matter to me anyways. I have taught all demographic and enjoy them all. I feel commited to the tecnical academy and feel I should be loyal to them however I am not sure I should pass up a rare opportunity to teach at a great private school. I really want to just do eany miny miny moe

I know this has nothing to do with destination weddings but has to do with my sanity. I am faced with a tough decision to choose beetween two schools to teach. On is private and one is public. They both offer so many advantages and disadvantages. I am really torn and do think I can make the decision. Uggggg!

Started doing this new work out and I love it. I have always hated my flabby arms and hated the way they look in pictures, so I decided to try this crossfit workout with my FI. The link below has a huge list of optional workouts but we started with one that is listed below for 20 minutes! So just keep repeating over and over! 20 situps/crunches 10 pushups (I did the girly ones with my knees bent) 15 quats After two dayes after my first day I could not even take my shirt off I was so sore.....FI had to help. And Icould not even do one push up the next time but I kept trying a few mintues later I was good to go. So stick wit it. So far we have only been doing it for 3 weeks, the first week twice a week, the second we did it twice again and this week we are up to three times a week and are working up to 6 times a week. You can do it anywhere and all you need is possible a jump rope and pullup bar if you choose workouts with those excersises. Good Luck!!! Let me know if you have any questions about it. Link for workouts.......so many to choose from. http://www.crossfitnordic.se/wp-cont...t-list-v10.pdf Do it everyday or every other day and work up to every day

Yea funny how it is hard to get rid of those things sometimes...........its like your accepting who you are now and not looking back at the past...............I guess we all weighted 10 pounds at some point in our lives

Not sure ..............yet but I might try a friday or even a sunday if needed, why not? I would rather have it on an off day than get rushed out of a room due to the next wedding.

Be carful with the butterflies and a destination wedding. As a biologist there are way too many introduced species. Make sure you pick a species that lives in mexico and get them from mexico. Releasing a speices that doesn't live there can really harm the native wildlife. Good luck and sorry to be so serious with this post.