swankster77

carlykay & sungoddess - your weddings are right around the corner! Yay - have a wonderful trip! I just posted my planning thread... review to come

Hey ladies! I haven't forgotten about you... just busy getting everything together to post my planning thread. Now that I finally have that out of the way I can focus on my review

Guestbook: Instead of doing a traditional guestbook we bought a bunch of postcards from zazzle.com for everyone to write us some advice or funny story. Here is the card we put out with them: Misc Decor: Shake this for a kiss! Placecards Hair Inspiration: Hair Trial: Bachelorette Party! Ok I think that's all I have! The rest I'll be posting on my Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Wedding review! Thanks again to everyone on this message board! I plan to continue to be active and help future brides with their planning as well so hopefully someone can benefit from my knowledge as I did from all of you!

OOT Bags: This was so much fun to put together.. I think I went overboard though! The main items are the bag itself - from old navy, beach towels from target and mugs from discountmugs.com. The other stuff was small and some of it was probably unnecessary:

Fans/Programs: Bridesmaids Gifts: I got the girls the necklace & flip flops I showed earlier as well as victoria's secret after sun lotion and a bikini bag from monkeyfootdesigns.com. I got a different pattern back to fit their personalities. A big hit! Sand Ceremony Reader & Personal Attendant gifts: VS Lotion and a hand bag hook: Groomsmen gifts: A monogramed money clip/wallet and gift card: Boudoir Shoot: This was such a fun experience! I went with Elegant Xposures in Oshkosh WI. Laurie Marie was wonderful to work with!

And my hair flower which is actually a flower pin: Found the bridesmaid necklaces at Target - so cute I found one for everyone (daughter, sister, friend) Invitation: I bought the paper from cardsandpockets.com. Love that store! I did the design & printing myself. Sand Ceremony set: I bought this from a seller on Etsy.com.

The dress: Found my dress the first day we looked... didn't want anything too big/heavy or expensive. Found this ad David's Bridal for less than $500 Bridesmaids & Junior Bridesmaid dresses: Originally I wanted a turquoise/teal theme wedding but we ended up loving the colors watermelon and tangerine from Davids. The first pic is my maid of honor in tangerine. The other bridesmaids had the same dress in watermelon - the cost of the dress was $135 w/$20 off because I bought my dress there. The 2nd pic is my junior bridesmaid who is my beautiful daughter - this dress was only $85. Both of these dresses had pockets - awesome! Groom/Groomsmen Attire: My husband got his outfit from JCPenny. Pretty simple - white oxford and khaki dress pants with brown shoes. He had a watermelon striped tie. The best man wore the same outfit with a tangerine tie and the other groomsmen had a watermelon tie. We bought the ties from solidneckties.com Shoes: I wore these shoes I bought and had dyed at Davids. This pic doesn't show them well but they're wedge style. I also had a pair of white flips to change into for the dance. They say 'what's mine is mine and what's his is definitely mine' kind of cute. I had all the bridesmaids buy their own silver shoes and then I bought them these from dessy.com to wear for the dance: And the groom/groomsmen shoes from payless: Wedding Jewelry & Accessories: I bought this set from Davids:

So is it too late to post a planning thread AFTER the wedding?! Here I am 1.5 weeks of marital bliss and I'm finally getting to my planning thread! I had every intention of posting this before we left but as you all know time is definitely stretched thin the weeks prior to the big day! I am so lucky I found this website... I seriously had NO clue before joining this community. All I knew was I wanted to get married somewhere far away and warm and tropical! Boy was there a lot more to it! The brides (former and new) on here have been such a huge help and I cannot thank you all enough for being such an inspiration to me! So I'll get started! The engagement: September 9, 2009. My fiance and I had talked about getting married for awhile at this point and we even looked at rings to I knew getting engaged was in my near future. However the day it happened I couldn't have been more surprised! It was a random weekday and I got home from work to find a note telling me to go to the place where our journey began... Lambeau Field! Our first date was a packer game so I knew this was what he meant. I don't have a picture of this since it was just him and I but here is the ring: Wedding Location: We knew we wanted to go somewhere warm like the caribbean. I used a travel agent that I get a discount with through my employer and she researched a few different locations. We decided on the Gran Bahia Principe Tulum. Not only was the price right but the pictures showed a place that looked like everything we had dreamed. Here are some pics: Wedding ceremony and reception location: Engagement Photo: We probably wouldn't have done an engagement session but my fiance worked with a guy that had a side business. They're okay.. not exactly what I had in mind but we didn't pay a lot either so that was good:

Quote: Originally Posted by sciencegrl10 Just returned and I have to say it was PERFECT!! We had the best time and everything was beautiful. I will write a full review soon. Congrats!! Same here - been back for about 5 days... it's hard to get back to reality after such an amazing week! Everything for me was perfect - such an awesome experience! I too plan to write a review... will post the link when I do!! Good luck to all the brides getting ready to leave soon!!

Quote: Originally Posted by jjohnson30 i am glad to hear that the food was good. are you girls doing OOH bags for all of the best. if you are or if you did what did you put in them for your guests. First of all the guests LOVED the OOT bags... I am so glad we did them. The things that were used the most were the bags themselves (the guests brought them EVERYWHERE!), the mugs - again EVERYONE used them all the time - a huge hit! The towels were also used by everyone since we noticed that if we lost any of the pool towels the resort supplied there was a $50 fee, other things that were used: tylenol, immodium/tums/pepto, bandaids, keycard/tip holder - even though the resort had actual metal keys with lanyard - most attached the pouch without the wrist coil to the lanyard. some things that I did not see get used were: sudoku books, cards, hand sanitizer (every restaurant had this at the entrance), drink mixes (the packets you pour into a bottle of water), spanish for dummies and water proof containers. Some things that some people used but not all: water cameras and off wipes. I have pics of our bags/contents... I'll post those in the OOT bag thread soon. Quote: Originally Posted by Patourn Swankster...first off the hop you looked beautiful!! Your make-up turned out amazing!! I'm so glad to hear that everything went off without a hitch! All that sense of panic for nothing! Also glad to hear that the Gran Tortuga was opened when you went! Can't wait until you post your review! I'm busting with questions but I'll wait a bit before overwhelming ya! ) On a separate note I have to tell you how awesome Jazmin has been! I sent her an email recently and today she called me!!! Because she is going on vacation and didn't have the time to reply via email! She was amazing! The video is very cool. I'm so glad that we decided to go with DJ Bijan! Looking and yours and swongs pictures makes me wish I was getting married next week! Thank you so much!! Yes, Jazmin is awesome... I got frustrated with her when she would take weeks to respond to emails but after being there and actually seeing just how busy she is and how hard she works for each bride I have a new respect for her! The day of our meeting I also saw her (and her trainee Mara) meet with 3 other brides. That does not include any weddings that she might have had that day. She is so on top of things - things that I didn't see her write down and I thought she'd forget - nope - she was spot on with everything. And Mara, who is new, was equally great! Quote: Originally Posted by waybuloo No pressure ladies but am dieing for your reviews!! :) :) Swankster you look stunning & the video looks like you had great fun at your reception Midnight 24 - Your photos are also amazing of your AHR & I love looking at photos...keep em coming!! I know exactly how you are feeling! I was the same way before I left! With that said - I have started my review (i'm writing it in word and then plan to copy/paste once it's done) I also want to add pictures so as soon as I get all that ready I'll post! In the meantime if anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to PM me! I am more than happy to answer any questions you might have... so if you'd rather not wait for my review - no worries

I'm on the run and will answer your question later about the OOT Bags cuz I have some stuff to say But wanted to quick post this link to the video that DJ Bijan posted on youtube!!! Check it out: YouTube - Kirsten and Aaron's Wedding Video

Quote: Originally Posted by MDLady So very cute!!! I love that song but couldn't find a version without the cartoon voices. It is perfect My wedding was last saturday and everyone LOVED that song! Lots of tears!!! I found it on iTunes.... I don't have the info with me at work but if you're interested PM me and I could email you more details once I'm home or even just email you the song!!

Quote: Originally Posted by tanyam Wow the pictures posted from the 2 weddings last week were absolutely gorgeous. I think I have definitely decided on my resort now thanks girls. You both looks absolutely beautiful and the pictures are to die for. Congratulations to you both One quick question for you... How was the FOOD? food quality is a big deal breaker for me...any reviews would be amazing..thanks Thank you!! The buffets were great in my opinion... a lot of the same things every day but everyone in my group liked it. As for restaurants... we had our wedding dinner at La Gran Tortuga and it was amazing... the salad bar/buffet/appetizers were really good and the swords with meat were unbelievable... everyone raved over it... plus it was so unique and different that a typical wedding dinner... I loved it. We also ate at Tequila a different night... it was also very good. Other guest of ours ate at Dolve Vita, Mikado and portofino... all great reviews especially Mikado (japanese)... we had 3 reservations we could've made but we didn't act on it until it was too late... my advice is to pick out in advance where you want to eat and set it up on your first night.

Quote: Originally Posted by swong Swankster you look soooooooo pretty!!! Thanks so much! Are you feeling remorse now that it's all over too? All that planning and it's over so fast! I'm so glad to be married though... and start my next chapter in life.

Ok decided to just use photobucket.. here are a few of my professional pics:

If you already make arrangements to book a package (other than the free included with your wedding pkg) then they take TONS more. Nestor took 600 pics of us! When we met with him he had narrowed it down to only show us 160. If we wanted ALL pics it would've cost over $2500! We had originally planned to buy the basic package of 36 for $540. But we ended up wanting 61. He charged us $15/photo and it ended up costing us $750. Plus he said they keep all images for a year and you can buy more if you later decide you want more. I'm trying to put pics on here from facebook... but it's not working. Do I have to use photobucket or is there a way to use them from other sites??

Quote: Originally Posted by waybuloo Welcom back Swankster glad you had an amazing time!! I have so many questions for you but I'll wait for your review first.......just a little one....DJ Bijan, video?? I have booked him as well, does his wife take a video too? Did they charge you for that? I didn't get a video from them... but she was there with a camera - I'm not sure what that was about... I didn't sign a release or anything. I was wondering if they'd use it on their website or something? I was planning to ask Bijan about it.. I'll let you know! Quote: Originally Posted by jjohnson30 swong those pictures are amazing cant wait to see more Swankster welcome back. thanks for the info on the DJ. how much was he. cant wait to see some pictures and see your review We paid $300 total for 2.5 hours.. I'm pretty sure this price was cheaper than the resort DJ. And he was perfect.. he didn't do much talking other than to announce my husband and I and call us out for our first dance. So it was song after song - which is what I wanted... I didn't want a DJ that talks a lot. A friend of mine took a ton of video with one of those flip-video cams... I'm hoping to upload it to youtube or something to give a better visual. SWONG - Gorgeous pics! Did you use Arrecife as well? Who was your photog? Ours was Nestor... I'll post some pics soon!

Quote: Originally Posted by swong Congrats and welcome back swankster!! I think I saw you and your wedding party at the pool!! You did? On the wedding day or actually IN the pool... swimming/drinking etc?? I wish you would've said something Quote: Originally Posted by Patourn Welcome back to both of you!!! Can you both believe that it is all over already Swankster, can't wait to read your review...you know I'll be full of lots of questions!! How did everything at the Spa work out?? The spa was ok... I had my makeup done and I didn't feel like they made me look dramatic enough.. not that I wanted to look obscene but I wear more make up on a daily basis than what Francisco made me look like. So instead of speaking up i ended up adding more eye make up in my room. But if you like a more natural look it was perfect. Oh and it was pouring rain right when I was done so they gave me a large umbrella and also had a guys escort me to the bellboy and got me a private car to my room so I wouldn't get wet! so nice!

Quote: Originally Posted by waybuloo I have just been quoted $8 for the two hours for the Special coctails at poolside reception....beer, wine, margheritas & something else. Also $190 per hour for the DJ.....however DJ Bijan from Mayan vibes has quoted me $150 per hour & I know a couple of brides from here who have had him on here & swankster is having him tomorow & they all say he is fantastic. Originally from New York so speaks english & Jazmin at Tulum has said it is ok that I book him so that is what I am going to do!! We did the special cocktails and it was $5 per hour for first hour and $3 for each additional hour... I think we paid around $330 or something like that... but there were more choices than what they tell you... and our reception ended up being basically on one side of the snack bar which has almost a full bar so if anyone needed anything they could get it there... but I didn't notice anyone doing this so I think we had something for everyone. DJ Bijan was AWESOME! You can't beat the quality and price... he played a wonderful mix and had just the right amount of lights. His wife accompanied him and took tons of video... I can't wait to see if they do anything with it. he was so easy to work with, played my list of songs and added a couple of his own as well as took requests as they came. I would highly recommend him to anyone! Quote: Originally Posted by Lou Okay GBP Brides.... I need to be talked down off the ledge. Can you help? I am starting to panic about the resort itself. We have 46 people coming with us (way more than we expected) and we have never been to the resort. I've been having nightmares about the resort being disappointing, guests hating it and everyone getting sick. Can anyone who has stayed at the resort help to set my mind at ease? DON'T WORRY! I'll be honest... when we first arrived there were a couple people who had air conditioning issues and mini bar not being cold issues... other than that everyone was completely happy. And all the issues were worked out for the most part. I think one building didn't have air for a day or 2 but it was ok since we all hung out by the pool/beach anyway. As for people being sick... we did have a couple that did get sick. My aunt was sick almost the whole time. She got antibiotics from the pharmacy and started feeling better only on the last day or 2. Other people got sick here and there but nothing that ruined anyones times. I keep thinking it was from all the eating and drinking... we're not used to eating such big grand meals every meal of the day for 7 days straight - plus all the fruity drinks. I bought some probiotics for my FI, daughter and I... we took them everyday and none of us had any issues. Quote: Originally Posted by jjohnson30 i am trying to figure out if we should have a pool side reception with a DJ. has anyone had a bad experince with this. did people find that alot of people danced at the recption with the DJ. for the people who did not have a pool side reception what did you guys do after dinner. We were supposed to have a poolside reception with DJ but the one day it rained was on my wedding day - go figure! It held out enough for the ceremony and actually for the reception but Jazmin didn't want the DJ to worry about his equipment getting wet so she put us on the north side of the snack bar Las Olas... I was so worried this was not going to be as nice but it was even better than I had hoped and am glad it was moved. We had a nice dance floor, shelter area, super close to bathrooms and bar... plus we had some of the snack part tables/chairs for the older people to sit...it was absolutely perfect! I'm surprised they don't offer that more often. they decorated it too - lots of white rope lights and white table covers. They used the chairs from the ceremony with my sashes too. It was all so perfect.. will write a full review and post pics soon!

I'm back!! The whole week and wedding was unbelievable... but can I just stress to you ladies getting married during the summer months to be prepared for the heat! WHOAH! It was insanely hot! I'll be writing a full review and be happy to answer any questions... will post some pics soon!

Yep we fly out tomorrow but actually leave home in a couple hours... flying out of Milwaukee which is about 2 hours away... staying at a hotel in Milwaukee tonight with about 15 of our guests... can't wait! I'll be sure to write a full review upon my return Thanks for everything ladies!

Thanks! I haven't eaten any carbs in the last 4 days and I'm down 5 pounds so it better fit!! I know this weight will come back in no time once I go back to regular eating.. I just hope it holds off til Saturday at least I'm all packed and ready to go! We fly out of a city that's 2 hours away so we'll be leaving to stay down there in a hotel tonight so we don't have to get up at 2AM to make our flight. I'm so excited!!! Good luck with the rest of your planning girls - I hope you all have wonderful weddings

Quote: Originally Posted by waybuloo Hi ya it was me who asked that....however Jazmin has also come back to me & said they DO pay but half the price!!!! Maybe its because I have 7 children in our group?? I dont know but anyway half price isn't too bad just annoys me that they say different things to different people don't they realise we all talk!!!! lol Yeah it's too bad they're not more consistent with everyone. I also am a little irritated that we have to pay for 3 hours even though our reception is only 2.5... I guess they round up. Oh well. Another concern I have is for our guests that will only be coming for 4 days (we have about 10 doing this)... they only get 1 a la carte coupon... I'm worried that they will use it on their own before the wedding dinner. What would happen? Would they not be allowed to eat with us? That would be terrible!

Quote: Originally Posted by swong I'm leaving in a few hours, I'm sooo excited!!! Thanks for everything girls, I'll keep you posted on what's going on down there!!! xoxoxo!!! ( super anxious~) Yay! Have fun! Maybe we'll run into each to each other since we'll be getting there on Tuesday! Congrats!!

I'm legally married!!!!! 4 days til I leave For the bride who was asking about if children are counted in the special cocktails head count (sorry, I can't remember who it was).. they are NOT. I just received confirmation from Jazmin and the head count was one less than our total (we have 1 child - my daughter).