heidilynn28

Hope your wedding went beautifully hoyt!!! Can't wait for your review! Since then Ariadna has contacted me and there are no more communication problems...thank god!

Ummmmmmmmmm hi everyone Have any of you heard back from Ariadna within the past week and a half? I sent her two emails since the beginning of last week and she hasn't replied to either of them. I know they had quite a few weddings last week/weekend, but wondering why she's taking so much time.. especially since we're about ready to send in our deposit. Just want to confirm 1-2 things before faxing her everything...........! Help!

PhillyBride09: You can get high/wider calf boots at Naturalizer. Not sure if you have that store, but I know it exists in the States and you guys usually have a nicer selection than us here in Canada. You have to actually ask the salesperson for the wide calf size. I would love to buy a pair but they're pricey and usually offered only in winter.. they don't seem to make spring/fall boots, but you might have some luck! I also have wide calves and bought a pair of nearly knee-high boots from Aldo.. I can squeeze into them because they're latex and stretchy.. but trust me they don't look good enough to wear with a tight pant! The heel is much too high so be sure to check that out.. cuz if you can't walk in them, what's the point, right!? We are back from our vacation to Mexico.. and I haven't been to the gym yet. Called in sick today and going to go to the gym this PM for at least 45 mins to do some cardio and get back into things. Haven't weighed myself yet to see the damage the trip did.. scared!! FI finally proposed, got my ring (see engagement story topic called : "I finally got a ring!") to see my ring and story if you're interested!

Thank you everyone! I'm so happy and love the planning.. now if we could just get a good deal on the resort we chose.......things would be even better! lol

You're lucky.. already the resort! We can't decide.. we want Mexico too, but too many to choose from that must fit our budget!

This is such a great engagement story.. I love it!

I've been on this forum since August 2009 and have been reading reviews, getting ideas, etc. but didn't have an engagement ring! I've been with my boyfriend for 5 1/2 years and marriage has always been in my life plans. I guess the wedding bells were starting to bother me because since Xmas, I have been basically planning my own wedding without having an engagement ring. I thought I would get head of the game and see what planning a destination wedding was all about (we knew it would be down south if it ever happened). Well, I mentioned going to look at rings to my bf some time at the end of January and to my surprise, he said yes (he's always stressed about weddings costing so much and rings are so expensive, bla bla..). We looked at rings, I gave the jeweller pictures, etc. Two weeks ago we drove to my friend's place 2 hours away because we were heading to Mexico for my spring break (I'm a teacher and have limited vacation during the year..). I had warned my bf that if he ever did propose, I would like it to happen either around my friends or my family. The night before we took the plane, my friend's husband and my bf decided to cook us supper (which was weird..). So we ate and had dessert.. and we're all talking around the table and my bf grabs the cordless phone and dials a number. I'm not paying too much attention to him but I'm wondering who the hell he's calling because he hates the phone. All of a sudden he says out loud "Linda (my mom), are you ready?" So I look at him.. thinking what in god's name is going on...he stands up, takes out a small piece of paper and says my name.. comes beside me and starts saying a little speech about how we met. (BTW, we met in an IKEA parking lot). He said that what seemed like an odd place to meet became natural. Like at IKEA where you have to build furniture, we had to build our relationship over the years. And when you mix Ikea's logo colors, blue and yellow becomes green. Green means natural, green means go (he's a car guy.. I guess he was referring to traffic lights.. lol). He said he was ready to make this commitment with me and was ready to ask me this: .. he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife! He was all nervous and had tears in his eyes because of course, I was crying and my lips were quivering! I can't say I was really surprised because I was sort of expecting the proposal at one point or another.. but I was impressed with the little speech he had prepared. So, I got my ring.. love it to death, it's growing on me more and more every day! (Pic below). Sooo my mom was on the phone listening to everything!! She was so happy and was able to say congratulations right away (she lives 9 hrs away from us). So that's our story.. we're planning a June 2011 wedding in Mexico. We already did a site visit at the Valentin Imperial and it's our number one pick. It's quite expensive for guests ($1770 per person) so we're still trying to decide if we stick to it regardless of the price, or we change places and make a compromise.. It's not easy but this forum is helping me so much.. (so thanks to everyone)! Here is the ring:

Hi everyone! I just got back from a week's stay at the Royal in PDC. We witnessed 3 weddings during our stay.. one in the lobby garden (Mexican, local wedding) with like 100 guests.. it rained (spitted a bit) around 6h30, everyone went into the lobby for about 25 mins and when it was over, everyone went back outside.. not much harm done. Another wedding was on the beach (near the beach entrance, beside the pool).. VERY close to all the beach chairs, no intimacy, in front of everyone.. if you want to get married on the beach.. you might want to rethink this one since the location isn't that great! Prepare to have everyone watching and possibly walking behind, etc. The last wedding was very small in the gazebo. Less traffic in this area (at the end of the large courtyard near the beach, but not on it). This was my favourite set up by far! I'm attaching pictures to give you an idea of the way things look... I hope it helps a few of you. Tips and advice: - Get up early (6h30 max) to reserve chairs on beach and at pool - Try to sit on the left side of the pool when facing beach or else you get shade all afternoon on the right side of pool (jacuzzi side) - Restaurants are amazing, you will eat like queens and kings.. - Say NO to the sales meeting the first morning (they will say it's not timesharing but it is.. we were stuck there for 3 hours because they wanted us to be club members and they will deal you down but they lie lie lie so just refuse and don't get sucked in like us.) - Do order room service it is absolutely yummy, especially breakfast (beats the buffet hands down). You can order bottles of wine or sparkling wine with room service no problem - Very windy in the evenings, bring long sleeved shirts, especially if you want to eat at Pelicanos restaurant, which has no wind protection, it's all open - 5th Avenue is 2 blocks away from the hotel. Coco bongo + other clubs are within a 5-min walk - The shows SUCK, they are cheesy and corny and not worth it... plus they only start at 9h45 (a bit late). - If you're a light sleeper and go to bed early, ask for your room to be far from the lobby.. the music and shows are so loud until at least 11pm so don't expect to sleep easily at this time - Activity team at the beach is amazing.. Rosario, Adam and Oscar will stand out.. they get points if you give them good comments on your checkout survey, the employees get days off if they have enough points - Asiana restaurant is amazing. The restaurants across the street at Gran Porto Real are good, but the service is one notch down from Royal.. but it can be different to go over there. I guess that's about it.. if any of you have more questions, feel free. I'll try to check back in this thread often to help out!

Quote: Originally Posted by astreit Does anyone know the dress codes for the restaurants? I'm writing my pre-travel letter and am trying to put the dress code for each restaurant so my guests can pack according to where they want to eat. I have VERY casual guests coming, so most of the guys will need to go buy dress pants. I know some allow beach clothes though, I'm just not sure which ones. Thanks! There is a dress code for men at the Maria Marie's French/Mexican restaurant (one of the best in my opinion). Men need to wear shoes and long pants. Women can pretty much wear whatever they want at any of the restaurants. Note: Not all guests have access to the Chef's plate restaurant - only those who upgrade to ocean view/ocean front and have VIP treatment can go to this restaurant... so I didn't get to try it. They wanted us to pay 80$ per person x 7 nights for the upgrade.. they were out of their minds!

It's all hard to believe! I find it weird that the ex-producer and his father went to visit Rozlyn! What the heck was that all about!? I didn't like Ally before.. but seeing the backflashes last nite, I think he should be with her. Have you guys noticed in the previews for the finale that both girls have screwed up faces and don't look happy? I know the camera can do tricks but still.. gives a weird impression. I think he won't choose either one. But if he chooses one of them, I want him to pick Tenley. She's a bit too bubbly but Vienna is a spoiled brat and I don't see him putting up with her in the long run LOL

Been going good since last week.. been to aerobics 3 times since Friday. I know I won't make it to the gym 5-6 times a week, just no time.. but will try and walk outside when I can't go! Trying to cut down on the carbs of course but not eliminate completely! Good luck everyone!

dislike libraries?

nice BD pic!! Well girls.. I'm heading to Mexico next Sunday and we're staying at the Royal in Playa del Carmen (just a vacation). I have the chance to go do a site visit at the Valentin Imperial Maya.. my #1 choice. We haven't put a deposit yet, but if everything keeps going in the right direction, we might give it while we're there with the WC. I'm so exicted!! jstar83 gave me her travel agent's contact info.. I'm so grateful for that! Next is the photographer.. but terribly worried because the resort charges 400$ for outside photographers We've decided we want to hire a DJ so we want DJ Doremixx, he charges 750$US for 1-4 hours and the hotel is charging me 200$ to have him be on site. Pisses me off, but what can I do. Trying to find a photographer from Mtl/Ottawa/Toronto that I can fly down myself and have them stay at the hotel as a guest and take my pics.. but haven't done enough searching yet.. anyone know of any destination photographers that are reasonably priced and would come?

Ohh good idea to start this thread! I am planning a June 2011 wedding and want to lose a chunk of weight before Sept/Oct for dress shopping (not going near before then!). I'd like to lose 40 pounds before dress shopping.. it's a lot.. but I have to try. Second day straight to the gym.. going tomorrow and have an aerobics on Monday.. I just have to kick myself and get there, cuz that's the hardest part.

Hi everyone, making last minute decisions but will surely be booking within the next 2 weeks at Valentin Imperial in Riviera Maya for June 2011!! It's a steep price for my guests ($1800) but at this point I don't care.. whoever will come, will come.

pregnancy: not ready

You could also email the hotel, they usually have their maps in an electronic version..! Good luck

ahollo02: Ariadna sent me the EXACT same email.. I guess they must have some pre-made ones for all the requests they have! We are almost 100% booking with Valentin despite the high price for our guests. I'm really going to do what I want to regardless.. I already talked to a few of my friends and they said it's not 100-150$ that will stop them from coming. Yay! Ariadna sent me 4 pictures for reception locations: Lobster pot (brownish wooden gazebo), mexican terrace (open area with small fountain in the middle of area, tables around fountain) and the much too large terrace at the main entrance. Since we're only going to be about 25 people.. I might choose the gazebo (Lobster pot) but will still try for some place near a pool.. we'll see! Just found out today that I can meet Ariadna March 3rd during my vacation in Mexico. I will take tons of pics and can send them to some of you who are curious.

Yes.. the 1800$ is 7 nights all included, flight as well. It's cheaper here in canada if you buy your package that way. After a good night's sleep, I'm more inclined to stick with my first choice. Still waiting to hear back from one place.. but I'll give guests a price range and they will know what to expect. Thx for your thoughts!! KRama: Wish we could get Azul sensatori at 1600$ LOL ... it's something like 2000-2100$ here!!

Some of my friends will come no matter what.. because they will see it as a vacation at the same time, and they can afford it.. but others will probably not come because of price - which is sad. But is 1800$ considered expensive for a 5* in Riviera Maya? I kind of think it's in the average.. but some people won't be able to understand paying that amount. :/

Ok hi everyone, I'm kind of messed up and starting to stress myself out. I've done A LOT of research and ended up with 4-5 resorts to choose from for my wedding (June 2011). The top qualifier is Valentin Imperial in Mexico (Riviera Maya). Package is amazing, resort is beautiful and has everything I want. Problem is.. as of right now, it will cost my guests around 1800$ for a 7-night all inclusive. I've talked it over with my mom, she says they will be there no matter what BUT not to count on many other people attending because the price is high (I want a 5 star - I originally thought it would cost between 1500-1600$ for that time of year). I know it's my day, I should do what I want bla bla.. but can I really impose this price on my guests? Not sure they will be able to afford that! ? So - do I pick another resort with a lower price (1500-1600$ pp) and pay more for the wedding package + extras? What experience have you guys had with travel agents blocking rooms? What kind of a discount do guests usually get? I'd most likely deal with a travel agent who will get a 7-night all inclusive rate for guests, because it's more convenient instead of dealing with the hotel and have to search for flights. Need help and advice from some of you who have been there.. desperately! Thx for reading and/or replying!

jazzygirl: would you be able to send me Melanie's email address? I tried emailing the resort and my messages keep getting sent back to me! I would really appreciate it.. thx! Congrats btw!!

So glad to have news from you.. good luck with everything and stay strong

HATE lol carrot cake? (yah.. I have a craving!)

Thx for the info!