OceanWonderland

Great photos Indychic!! Love them He posted you and 2 other weddings on his blog too, they look even better in the larger size. I'm glad to hear you liked him and hopefully you'll get all your pics soon. I hear it takes about 6 weeks from most photographers, so I wouldn't worry about it too much yet, but in the middle of June, I agree, then I'd be like 'I WANT THEM!!!'. You look beautiful though, lovely photos. What great memories. Destination Wedding Photographer Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Cancun | William Sánchez

If it makes you feel any better about the VS convertible dress. I had my girls order it as well, in jazzberry or something. They each got it in, but ALL said it was way too sexy for a wedding. These girls range from a size 2 to 10 and it clinged to their bodies. Also, if there was absolutely any light behind it, you could see right through it. And since my wedding will be outside in the sun, I am concerned that if they have their legs open at all, everyone can see the entire outline of their body. Overall, we've decided it's just too sexy for the wedding, more like a going out party dress (bacherlorette?). Maybe if I was wearing a Pnina Tornai (sp?) dress, then these would fit into the theme, but my dress is Pronovias, and the styles just clash too much...romantic vs sultry. I thought it was going to be the perfect BM dress and you couldn't beat the price, but alas, we must continue looking.

It's so exciting!! Can't believe it's less than 6 months to go already. Everyone keeps asking me how the wedding planning is going and I'm like "ehhhh, haven't done anything in a while". Seems like most of the stress is at the very beginning planning stages and than a month beforehand. But I will say my girls STILL haven't found their BM dresses, and we've been searching for months!! It's either too sexy or not sexy enough..where's the middle ground? All I know is we better find it soon. On another note, have any of you girls started planning your bachelorette/bridal shower stuff? I know that's up to the BM's, but they want me to pick when and where and I have no clue. I can either do wine country or Vegas or Santa Barbara or San Diego, basically anything in CA or NV. And how soon beforehand? I don't want it to be months beforehand, because I want it to feel like I'm going to be getting married soon, but I wonder if people will complain if it's only a month before and they are spending money to go to my bacherlorette and wedding? Toughie..

Get any teaser pics yet? How was it working with him? Did it feel natural?

Got one for me, and one for the DH! Total $16 (including shipping), what a deal Thanks for the coupon code.

Quote: Originally Posted by carolina24 when we started looking flights from ATL non-stop were 330 and then they jumped to 650!! they recently went down to 270 and we jumped on them. I signed up for email alerts at tripadvisor and orbitz and just kept a look out each week till they dropped. I'm sure they'll go back down...good luck!! Did you end up booking through tripadvisor/orbitz or go directly to the airline and book through them? That's my problem I'm having. The rates on orbitz and such are GREAT, but when I actually go to the airline to directly purchase from them, the price jumps to $500-600, almost $200 more than the EXACT same flight/airline found on Orbitz. I don't get it at all. I'm having the same problem though. Flights were around $350 a few months ago and all of a sudden jumped and I try to book the flight all the way to where I can choose seats and guess what, the flight is practically empty! I can sit whereever I choose, I don't know where they get off pricing it so high when they've only sold 2% of total seats. And it says the 'promotional seats' have been sold out, huh, what?? You had 2 promotional seats and the rest are twice as much? I'm going to keep checking every day. My thought is that the prices can't really jump much more past $600 during the summer months (can they??) and if anything they will stay that high or maybe go down once it's July (?). My wedding is still more than 6 months away, but I'd like to book my flight and inform my guests who still haven't booked asap. Wish I would have booked when I first saw the tickets so cheap, but wasn't 100% sure on my dates yet...kicking myself for that! How long do you think rates will stay high for summer travel (even though my wedding is in November)...not sure why they'd increase those prices as well?

Awww, how exciting!! I can't wait to see them Congrats on becoming a Mrs! How amazing was your wedding?

Wonderful job, very impressive! You put a lot of work into planning your wedding and it will show to all your guests You really spoiled your bridesmaids as well, they are going to LOVE their bags, very generous of you. I also really like the family tree idea, you can always remember who made it out to your wedding and it will be nice to look at. And great photog!! Have a blast marrying your almost hubby

I'm going to be doing the 'free wedding package' and was wondering if we will still get a champagne toast after the ceremony? We are NOT having a cocktail hour, wayyy to much extra costs for no reason, but I would still love to have a celebratory glass of champagne right after saying 'I Do'. Do they serve champagne at the bars upon request, and is that free?

mimi73: HI! I'm getting married at DT on Nov 15, 2010. You are the closest date to me so far (at least that posts on this forum). There is also a November 2010 thread that you should look for, of all the people getting married all over in November. What day will you be arriving to DT? If we have similar colors, maybe we can try to go in on chair bows and such. Have you bought your flight yet? We already booked the hotel, but we can't seem to find an affordable flight (except on orbitz/expedia/etc), but the direct airline route is $200 more per person! I'm almost about to book on one of those large travel discount sites like orbitz and just take the risk...it seems like it only affects those who need to change/cancel flights and I don't plan on that.

Sorry to ask this once again..but to any of you recently married brides (who seem to disappear after getting married forever!) - did any of you inquire about the $20 restaurant menu for your reception, instead of the silver or gold? I will keep asking this question until it is answered My wedding group is already 70 people so the meal costs are very significant.

I think the Ipod docking stations USED to be removable, but they must have been stolen quite frequently because I hear they are bolted down now. I've read what girls commonly do is bring down their own Ipod station from home (you can buy them from anywhere between $100-500) or most likely borrow one from your friends or family. They aren't very loud though, so hopefully you have a small wedding group (<20).

Hey Girls! I bought this super cute Betsey Johnson dress a few weeks ago for either an AHR or TTD or even Bachelorette, but decided to go with the other white dress I purchased. IT IS BRAND NEW, NEVER BEEN WORN! Still on hanger and in the pink Betsey Johnson bag they give you when purchasing. This dress originally goes for $395, but I'm selling for $150 obo (buyer responsible for shipping costs). On the website, it says they charge $8.95 for 1 item regular shipping times, so I'm sure it's very similar at the post office (add extra for certified shipping, etc.). Betsey Johnson - Evening Glitter Rama Strapless Two Tier Dress - Size 8 Betsey Johnson Official Store - Evening Glitter Rama Strapless Two Tier Dress I wear a street size 6/8 and 34D/36C, and this fits great (website says 36.5 bust, 28 waist, 36 high hip). Please PM if interested and can purchase using PayPal. Thanks for looking -Leslie

I think it really depends on who the wedding coordinator is. I've heard that some are non-negotiable, that you either take or don't take what is in each package but they won't do exchanges or credits. But I've heard from other brides that they've been able to exchange some items for others with no charge. And you will never know until you get your bill after getting married (!). It's a crapshoot. I agree that it doesn't make since they won't credit you $799 if you wanted to upgrade, but I've found out over my wedding planning that a lot of things don't make sense! Like charging so much for freakin flowers and champagne. In the real world it doesn't cost NEARLY as much. Too bad you can't trick them at the hotels and say it's just for fun and not a wedding.

Quote: Originally Posted by bikegirl Is this updated info? If so, that's too bad. Last time I checked the website, it said you can use the free package as a credit towards a higher package, which is what had me leaning towards Dreams. Pretty sure it's up to date. I found it for 2010 wedding packages, but it might be different for 2011?? I was originally going to do the ultimate wedding Dreams package, but then I tried something else. I thought what if I do the free package and add things on ala carte and it ends up being about $2K cheaper in the long run!! And I still budgeted for a videographer, massages, mariachi band. And took out things I didn't need (photographer/cocktail hour). I also have about 80 guests coming, so the food part is a huge expense and I'm hoping with the free package I can get a cheaper menu option than silver or gold. I recommend trying the same. If you go to the Dreams Tulum thread on the first page it mentions all the ala carte prices and you can see how those add up compared to using the Ultimate. Also, just something for a lot of you girls to take into consideration before you book a resort in Mexico thinking it's going to save money...it might not! I thought we'd easily have a wedding for much less in Mexico, but we are still hitting our original budget and going over! Things add up, photographers aren't cheap, the food/alcohol (yes you do have to pay for that after 10 guests even at an all inclusive for the reception), centerpieces/flowers, hair/makeup.... I recommend searching for a budget to get a realistic idea of the costs. You can def. still get a wedding for free with a very small guest list, but I just wanted to warn you.

The Dreams resorts also offer a free package depending on what room/guests you have. It's the basic package ($799) that provides everything you'd need for up to 10 guests. I think it applies to every single Dreams resorts. As long as you have under 10 guests, you can eat at a restaurant as a group for free as well. This package is complimentary when booking a Honeymoon Ocean View or Preferred Club Ocean View category or higher for a minimum of 7 nights or if 5 rooms are reserved for a minimum of 3 nights in any room category. This complimentary package includes: • Services of the Judge or Minister* • Wedding organization and personalization by our wedding coordinator • Preparation and ironing of the wedding dress and groom's tuxedo/suit • Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding (based on availability) • Personal dressing assistant • Use of the Wedding Gazebo • Bride's bouquet • Boutonniere for the groom • Wedding cake and sparkling wine for 10 guests • Special turn down service at night • 15% discount on all spa treatments (product purchases not included) • Honeymoon package • Late checkout for bride and groom (based on availability) Restrictions/exclusions: This package can not be combined with the Dreams Eternity Honeymoon Package. The complimentary wedding package cannot be deducted when purchasing other packages. Subject to availability and based on double occupancy only. All taxes and gratuities included. Wedding services are not part of the Unlimited-Luxury package. The wedding packages are not cannot be exchanged for other services. Additional fees will apply for additional guests over 10. *Due to a government surcharge, a $300 USD fee will be added to cover the cost of the Judge.

I know you can make your own personalized photo albums (professional quality) on shutterfly and snapfish websites (and many more). They have lots of options. I imagine it would be much cheaper, except you have to use your own time and creativity. Costs of prints will really depend on what size you are looking for. 4x6 are usually 10 cents on those sites, but other sizes are more expensive. I'm not sure how much a photo album costs to make, but I'd say minimum of $20, but you'd really have to ask someone with experience. It will all be brand new to me once I receive my photos, hopefully one of my artsy friends can lend me their time and help

You do have to pay for a night at the hotel for him and his assistant as he is traveling about 4 hours + away, but only for one night. Also, it says for 6 hours you get about 360 fine-art retouched prints and for 8 hours you get 460 prints.

Really? I thought is prices were incredible! I searched this site for months and I couldn't find a photographer for under $2500, and in most cases that was for 5 hours of wedding photography and a trash the dress. You get a full day of photography and a trash the dress anywhere (cenote/beach) for $1550 with him, and he takes amazing photographs. I love the expressions he catches on the bride and grooms faces. Maybe it just depends on the photostyle you are looking for, but I think his meshes well with what I look for in pictures. And there was no way I could justify spending enough money to book with Del Sol, Elizabeth Medina, Claudia Rodriguez or Moments that Matter. They ALL take breathtaking photos, but it just wasn't in our budget. I feel I got very lucky finding William Sanchez Just my two cents.

When do you get married in April? Can't wait for your review! I love checking his blog for updates, and I love his latest photography session.

Quote: Originally Posted by Ashlynn039 I know what you mean Boo! My FI are currently arguing because the one person who HAS started looking into booking (his groomsman) he is discouraging from doing it and telling him to wait 90 days to keep an eye on flight prices. I was a little ticked.. why are you telling him to wait 90 days?! And over the simple fact that my FI has seen the flights for 40 dollars cheaper.. well guess what, your buddy makes great money and obviously doesn't care about the 40 bucks so stop it! ARGH! But other than the groomsman it seems like nobody is really getting in touch with our travel agent and putting down a down payment. OK, now THAT'S CRAZY TALK!! Tell your fiance he's crazy. If someone wants to book their airfare, let them!! haha We haven't booked our airfare yet, and I should have done it a month ago because it was $100 cheaper per person. I'm going to give it another week of searching every day (since rates change constantly) and if I can't find it that cheap again, then I'll just end up booking. I can't imagine how many guests are going to wait last minute, after already booking their hotel, to realize flight prices went up. Especially if a lot of us are leaving on the same day on the same flight, the good prices will be taken quickly. On a personal note, my fiance promised me sushi tonight (I've been craving it for weeks), and he just informed me we can't go now because there's a basketball game on! I'm getting jipped, no sushi and I have to watch basketball. Time to make a martini hahaha

I think you girls have convinced me to send out our invitations around June. Crazy me thinking Aug/Sept would have worked! I guess I better get working on those soon then. I want to do the message in a bottle invitations, just worried about how much postage is going to cost.

Quote: Originally Posted by Boo Hmm this whole no one booking is what is driving me crazy - we invited close to 80 people, and so far only part of immediate family has booked. Maybe it was crazy of me but I thought 50 people would come, now FH thinks that only 25 will, and he is completely fine with it. Sorry this is the first time that I started to second guess our decision for a DW, I can deal with the stress of planning and the lack of response from wedding coordinators, etc. but did it make anyone else feel like what is the point of going crazy over this if no one will be there to enjoy it? Sorry to be a bummer. It is always a little surprising the amount of guests that choose not to attend the wedding. I think most people get around 20-30 people (from the reviews), but you never know. People like to book late. You can always ask your travel agent if they've had any inquiries? Either way, I always like to remind myself that it really doesn't matter how many people come, as long as those closest to me are there. It could just be me and A, and our immediate families and I would be more than fine. Having additional friends attend just puts some icing on the cake. Have you thought about having an AHR (at home reception) in case a lot of friends don't come? It seems some people choose that route. Just have a potluck, a keg of beer or some bottles of wine and you can all celebrate your wedding.

I don't know..from what I hear, it sounds like a lot of people like to wait until the last minute. I've already sent the STD and I have a website set up so people can go there for information on how to book. I am not sure how many have put down a deposit yet, hopefully my travel agent will let me know in the next month or so. Regarding the invitations, I'm still unsure how early to send those out. I have a lot of friends getting married early summer and I still haven't received invitations from them, but then of course they aren't getting married in Mexico. Personally I was thinking about sending out the invites around August (3 months beforehand)...because if they REALLY wanted to come, you think they would have looked at my STD and website and started the booking process...but maybe I'm wrong. When is everyone sending out their invites?

L&A - Yes, I've seen you on the DT thread as well Finally another November bride at the same resort. We still have some time fortunately, but I agree, there is still so much to do. It's just hard to make some decisions without having ever visited the resort, like where to have the reception or cocktatil hour, or how to decorate. But I know it will all work out in the end, even if we end up bringing nothing but ourselves.