taylorwd

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Amy, your brunette friend looks like Anne Hathaway!!!! Oooh, yes she does!!

Well, alright now you're talkin'! I live in Austin so I can help a little bit with this. Just to be sure, you do know that Texas is quite far from LA? A 3-4 hr flight, fyi. You'll be hard-pressed to find good BBQ and line dancing/mechanical bulls in the same place. Perhaps in Dallas? Dallas has far more cowboys than Austin. Dallas truly represents Texas. Austin is not your typical Texas town and has a reputation for being more liberal with having more culture, diverse food, and with a younger feel than Dallas. So, for the line dancing part, go to the Broken Spoke. For good BBQ, well there's so much to choose from! For the true Texas experience, go to Rudy's (NOT Ruby's with a 'b'). Hands down the best! Make sure you try the 'Extra Moist brisket'! It will most likely be hot by the time you're here so bring a bathing suit! You can go out to Lake Travis to swim or in Austin itself the thing to do is hit up Barton Springs Pool. Watch out as it's a bit chilly! If you an swing it, stay at the Hotel San Jose. The decor is modern, so if that's okay with you, it's really the quintessential Austin place to stay. Great location right on South Congress by a lot of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and boutique shopping. Not to mention the kick ass lounge area they have by the pool. Let's see, you'll probably want to check out 6th Street downtown. That caters to the college-age/early twenties crowd. And if you want superb tacos go to Torchy's! Austin has so much to offer and I could go on and on. Every time guests come from out of town all we ever do is eat b/c there are so many good places to choose from. Oh, and Austin is known as the 'Live Music Capital of the World' so you won't have a hard time finding live music if that's your thing. Whew! Okay, I think I've given you enough!

Quote: Originally Posted by courtney_b00 Lol I hear ya on taking it off & leaving it in places. I take mine off to put on lotion, etc. I used to take it off int he bathroom and leave it on top of the toilet, but then I left it there one day & learned my lesson! I guess this is why I'm so concerned about making sure it's insured for the correct amount. I'm the same way! I take it off for lotion, to do the dishes, to wash my face/shower, and when I sleep. Even though my ring is insured, it's one of a kind and I would be devastated to lose it! But I just can't do those things with my ring on, so it's a dilemna... Quote: Originally Posted by courtney_b00 Thanks! You too. Does it costs to have someone else appraise it? Yes, there's usually a cost associated with appraising your ring. Sometimes the jeweler you bought it from will include a free appraisal in the price, but it sounds like you need an outside person to do it. Quote: Originally Posted by Princess402 The appraisal should be for what the ring is actually worth, not necessarily what was paid. And I agree that you should insure your ring for what it is appraised at. However, as others have mentioned, usually the ring appraises higher than what was paid which means you got a good deal! Mine was bought at Costco and they guarantee it will be appraised at higher than what you pay. If the jeweller is saying that the ring is worth $1000 less than what he charged you, then he's got some explaining to do! Agreed. An appraisal being less than the purchase price just shouldn't happen! You can only insure your ring for the appraisal price, not the purchase price, so it's definitely worth it for you to get another one. Good luck and let us know how it goes!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Wow this is really frustrating... I was NEVER offered any promotion by DW.com. AmyKH, it's possible you booked so long ago that at that time, dw.com didn't have some of the promotions they now have with Karisma. I know that we were the very first couple to book their room rates promotion, and we didn't sign with Karisma until Sept. 2009. You should call your TA and ask. The worst they can do is say no!

Ah ha, now I see. I was confused b/c my "Bride and Groom Stay Free" promotion that I got when I booked did not include this 20% off room rates nor could we start earning free nights until we had well over 15 rooms booked (I don't remember the exact #). Mine includes promotions currently not listed on the website, but I see this promotion started with weddings booked between Dec. 23-Apr. 15. The fine print on this one does say that to get this promotion you have to go through a TA, and that every room you want to include has to be booked through the same TA. Interesting the resort is saying something different. We're also getting the Free Wedding Package and the Honeymoon and Anniversary Package, so I can't complain too much. Erin- That is amazing you're only paying $100!! I agree with AmyKH that you've truly broken the mold.

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda I picked a small business owner, so that's her prerogative, but seriously unprofessional. Then that's all the more reason for her to want your friend's business, IMO. She's small and can't afford the hit that a larger company could absorb. She should also be more concerned about her reputation since the majority of her business probably comes from referrals.

Quote: Originally Posted by renee1811 I am feeling overwhelmed at this point! It's just all these little things that just keep adding up, and in between work and school, I have not had the time to devote to taking care of the details. I have tried to delegate to my FI, but I have learned it is easier to just do it myself, lol. Saves me a headache in the end! Yeah, I gave my FI a To Do list at the beginning of January. His main thing was to book the party barge for our AHR. Um, that just happened on Monday!! Quote: Originally Posted by renee1811 How the heck can a TA refuse to work with someone?! That is complete BS. Some TAs seem to be on a completely different planet than us....I'm trying to imagine the look on my boss's face if i told him I didn't want to work with one of my students, lol. Seriously, refusing service like that just shouldn't be an option. It seems your TA has forgotten the bigger picture here and that like AmyKH said, she's working FOR YOU! I hope you can smooth all this over! Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart My list keeps GROWING too! Why is this! All these little details I am just thinking about keep popping up! Lucky, I wish I had spring break! Instead my life is work, working out, wedding stuff and errands... oh eat and sleep. Mine keeps growing too with little details I've forgotten. The latest being a nice padded hanger that I need to buy for my dress. I am very lucky to work for the school district and get spring break! Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Why do you need to pick another dress? I like the dresses you picked, I can only remember what the first on looks like though. Are you looking for another option? What's this dress situation all about amyb? You have two dresses?

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I still have a lot left to do, it's daunting, I feel behind! How is everyone else doing? I have a To Do list a mile long at the moment. Just tying up odd and ends. I have spring break off in a couple weeks, and I've decided that come hell or high water, I will get everything done that week! I want to be able to enjoy the last 3 weeks before we leave, so if it's not done by then I'm going to let it go. At least that's what I say now... This is off topic but we just had the best, most productive conversation with Fabio this morning. Where oh where has he been all my life?!

Quote: Originally Posted by gingerlover36 hey girls, I leave in 8 days for AS How exciting!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by renee1811 Yay, Tiffany just got back to me and confirmed that my Set Menu is still the same! AmyKH, we are doing the same menu--yummy!! I'm getting SOOO excited! It's been cold and rainy down here, and I am counting down the days until I am laying out on the beach with cool drink in my hand, and my husband (it's going to be weird to say husband!) beside me! Fantastic!! It's been dreary in Austin this winter, too. I'm so jealous of amybermuda living in Bermuda! I am definitely ready for some Mexican sunshine. We may just not come back! It seems every time FI and I travel out of the country, we always come back to the States 100% sure we're leaving it all behind to go open a B&B in a foreign country, lol.

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Oh yeah that's so handy! Claudia for 8 hours is around $4k. Eh, I'll find a way. Her work is amazing. WOW!!! You'll hate me if I tell you what we're paying, and our package includes up to 12 hours of shooting. But, I will say that Claudia's work is absolutely fantastic! And photogs are such a personal choice.

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda I got Claudia RIGHT AFTER they changed their procedures. Tiffany sent me all of the info with Claudia then told me I could not have her. But once they realized they sent me the wrong info, they let me keep her. This was May 2009. I bet flying in your photog is cheaper - I cant now that the hotel is booked!!! You could if you had my photog!! He has a house in Puerto Morelos. That's why we chose the $500 fee versus the 3 night stay. $500 is a lot cheaper than 3 nights at AB! I have no idea what Claudia Rodriguez's packages look like, so I can't say for sure. All we're paying for ours is his airfare plus the $500 to Karisma. And the picture money, of course! It's extra money we weren't counting on but worth it in our opinion. Now I see how you got her. Way back almost a year ago. Makes sense since I didn't book with Karisma until Sept. 2009.

Lol, sorry that was my fault! I took it from a post a couple pages back and didn't even think about it. My bad. And thanks for fixing it!

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert Hey Girls, I've been busy, but now I have some time off. I wanted to share with you my AHR photos. Here are some of them... enjoy. JenCamera's Photos- powered by SmugMug Oh I love your cake!!!

Hi ladies! I added myself to the list. This is so exciting b/c we're all so close!! April 2010 Brides April 9 - (kimmyg) Kimmy from Cincinnati - RPRM April 9 - (Chicken764) Martine from Casselman - Grand Palladium-Punta Cana April 10 - (jerseykitten) Michele from Jersey (Central Jersey by Six Flags) – Jamaica April 16 - (echo2_62) Meghan from Calgary - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico April 17 - (taylorwd) Wendy from Austin - Azul Beach, Mexico April 19 - (Sasse75) Jill from Hamilton, ONT - Grand Sunset Princess April 24 - (jess3414) Jessica from Phoenix, AZ - Dreams Cabo San Lucas April 25 - (shortnsweet7675) Natasha from Atlanta, GA - Miami, FL (Carnival Glory Eastern Caribbean cruise) April 28 - (ebredhawk) Erin from Cincinnati - Dreams Punta Cana April 28 - (Melidell) Mel from NWT - Melia Las Dunas, Cuba April 29 - (SuzyQ76) Suzanne from Calgary, Grand Riviera Princess, Mexico

Quote: Originally Posted by MrsVaughn2B I am still gathering pictures from people from the wedding but at least wanted to share this link with you. Of course when I get my link from the photog's I will post it as well. Welcome LOVE your dress!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I'm writing my ceremony too, do you tear up or freakin' cry while writing it? I do EVERY time and this makes me very nervous. Me too!!! It's the thought of seeing him for the first time that really gets me. Oh, and the vows. I cry every time! All I can say, the makeup artist had better do one hell of a job! Quote: Originally Posted by meghan Just wondering why so many of you chose to do the symbolic ceremony instead of the llegal ceremony? We chose symbolic b/c of the logistics involved in getting married legally in Mexico. I can't speak for Karisma since we'd already decided on symbolic when we chose AB, and it seems the policies vary by resort. Some need you to be on the property 2 business days before, some 3-4 business days. Some require that your wedding party is there with you for those required days. But, the biggest reason for us is that we wanted to write our own ceremony and vows. We also didn't want a stranger marrying us (my brother's going to do it) who we may not even have met beforehand. Oh, and the possibility of needing a translator there if the minister didn't speak English. I happen to speak Spanish, but we didn't want that for our guests.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Katie wow you did a LOT! Congrats on losing weight too that's awesome! Katie I agree, all the payments are due now and it's like my head is swirling with spending money. I have no one that has contributed a dime to my wedding either... and to boot, I've had to loan BOTH my mom and FI's parents a substantial amount of money in the month of January... talk about added stress. Yes, Katie, congratulations to you!!! Better to have it too big than too small. I'm with you ladies on the money thing. We're paying for everything ourselves (including footing the bill for my mom to go to Mexico), and it's been tough. February was the "uh-oh" month for us. Photography payments and room payments came due. Up until then it had been small payments (that added up to quite a lot, mind you), but now it's huge payments at one time. It's hard to wrap my brain around these dollar figures!! Next up, on Wednesday our Karisma payment is due for the wedding. Whatever happened to parents and family footing the bill, lol??

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I'm having a legal day AFTER Mexico in Vegas baby! My wedding party already knows about this because they are all invited. We are renting a giant suite in Vegas and inviting our people to come down and all crash in the suite with us and we will have an Elvis ceremony, then go directly out to party with our friends! Can't wait OMG that is so awesome!! I can't think of a better way to have a second ceremony. For our legal ceremony, we're going to the JP on April 1st. April Fool's Day seemed like an appropriate day to us! Those in our family who have asked know that we'll be going to a JP and that Mexico isn't our legal ceremony. We're putting so much into the Mexico ceremony (we've asked my brother to officiate in Mexico and we're writing the ceremony ourselves, for example), and we're putting nothing into our legal ceremony. So, our families have been okay with it thus far. We're treating Mexico like it is our legal ceremony; it's the one with meaning in our books. However, no one knows when we're actually going to the JP. That's our little secret

Quote: Originally Posted by tiffanyan02 Thank you for the great advice! It is so nice to have somewhere to go to discuss our weight loss goals. I have struggled this past week, but I am back on track. I hope spring is on the way soon. I'm sick of the winter blues! I'm hoping to do a 5k or two this summer as motivation to work out:) Good luck with the 5k!! Not being a runner myself, I'm awed by those who run. And good job getting back on track!

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda No, I have Tiffany as my WC. I am using Claudia for the extra $500 and now that I am getting closer to the date (and when the money is due - haha) I think I might be paying too much for pictures. They are amazing, but really, how can you screw pictures up there? I am doing a beach wedding, private reception and cocktail hour - for about 40 people its less than $10k. The hotel is more expensive, $3k for a week per couple, so see if you can get some good deals for your guests and room prices. I liked the small inimate property but also loved Hacidenda Tres Rios as well. They have some good deals going on now too. Good luck! I'm curious as to how you got Claudia Rodriguez? Maybe the rules had changed by the time I booked at AB (last fall) but they told me that the only two photographers I could have from Mexico had to be Caribe or Matias Cano since that's who they were contracted with. Any other photographer had to come from outside Mexico. We're bringing ours from the US and paying the $500 fee. I love him and wouldn't want to change photogs but would be annoyed if Karisma gave me the wrong info. japonick: We are also doing a private reception, though not a cocktail hour. We are bringing our own music. We would love to have a band but they're sooo expensive there! As for WC, I've never heard of yours, sorry!

Have an amazing time Lolo!! I'm sure everything will be perfect, and we'll be anxiously awaiting your return!

Quote: Originally Posted by taratoons Hey guys, I hope your planning is going better than me! I will have to sift back through all these pages to see what you have been up to. I'm not sure if anyone has heard of Go Travel South, but they went out of business on Wednesday, and this has majorly affected my wedding planning. Firstly, my fiance was employed by them, so now we are down to one salary, and our wedding is in forty-some days. Additionally, we had booked our wedding group through them, for 43 people total. Needless to say, I haven't had much BDW time lately, as we are trying to figure our re-booking everyone through other airlines, for similar prices. It's been a hectic few days. :0( Yikes, good luck!!!!! That is a lot to deal with so close to the date!

Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 Are you going to have to add another person to the reception and pay the cost? Honestly, people inviting others to my wedding would irritate the heck outta me...I know everyone says "the more the merrier" but these people cost money! My FI's sister was like "oh, I told Alyssa about the wedding, and she says she wants to come". That's great, but she ISN'T INVITED. Sigh. Yeah, my brother just decided to book an extra room so that he can bring a nanny along for his kids. Talk about frustrating! He doesn't even realize the awkward position he's put us in. Our wedding is so small, and we don't know her. We don't want to pay for her to come to the ceremony and reception. One person added on isn't too much money, but it's the principle of the thing!!

Quote: Originally Posted by momichele She also sent me an email to confirm this dinner menu. So girls give your WC a call and have them put it in writing for a peace of mind. Great advice!! Just get it all in writing and then you'll have a leg to stand on when they change something, which is inevitable. Quote: Originally Posted by japonick I have a question about a few things for the Azul Beach brides: 1) The wedding coordinator who has been in contact with me is Cecile Alix--has anyone had any experiences with her? 2) Did you arrange all of your extras through the WC or through Lomas? 3) Has anyone used an outside florist? or have a good experience with the resort florist? I looked at the Lomas site and didn't see anything I liked. Do they take photos and make you what you want? 4) Does anyone have any experiences with the Kids Club or Teen Club? Any tips?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! 1) I haven't heard of her either 2) WC 3) send the pics to your WC who will then submit them to Lomas for a price quote 4) Not personal experience but the good reviews were one reason we chose AB. We have 6 kids coming and wanted to be sure they were well taken care of. Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 KittenHeart I LOVE your new siggy pic! That is drop-dead gorgeous! I'm trying to get the cojones to do BD pics, but honestly I'd like to lose, like, 20 more pounds first before I'll be comfortable letting my inner vixen out . I'm working on it...have lost 10 already...but man it's coming off slow! Of course, it would probably help if I started working out (I'm notoriously lazy) so I'm going to start that soon....one of these days.... AmyKH, your new siggy is soooooo sexy!!! The camera just loves you! cjb0arder13, I just booked by BD shoot for March 16th and am super excited! It's something I've always wanted to do and I figure it's now or never! The girls on here are such an inspiration! Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda I think a page or a couple posts are missing b/c I cant seem to find where Taylor (who is Wendy, right?) says what the outcome of the Terrace was or the post where Amy says brides with upcoming weddings don't have to worry about the price increases.... whats the story? I know I shouldn't get worked up but its sooo hard to stay sane. Thanks Amy & Nicole! I actually had a mini bridezilla attack last week. So, FI and I are staying 1 extra night for alone time after our wedding. Turns out one of the GM (the one who did not book the hotel until it was sold out) are bringing their girlfriend now to the wedding and staying 3 extra nights. I told him that we are having alone time and will not be talking to them after Monday. Anyways, I have never met this girlfriend before (its a 3 month relationship now). She is coming to Mexico on Saturday, the day we are getting married, so I am not even going to meet her before she sits at my wedding ceremony. I asked GM to have her come friday b/c everyone will already know each other and she might feel left out, especially when he is doing wedding party duties before the ceremony and she is staying at AS not AB so wont even get to mingle before the wedding. I know in the grand scheme of things this will not matter, but I am having a hard time getting over it. You are not crazy! My post explaining the outcome, along with some others, are missing. The short of it is, my TA rocks for going to bat for us!! She got it worked out to where we are grandfathered in to being able to use the Blue Terrace. And as an added bonus we got assigned a new WC! She did so much work behind the scenes on this one that I want to send her flowers It's true that the Terrace is no longer being offered as an option for private events. Since you are also planning on having your reception on the Terrace, I would confirm asap that you still get it! Your bridezilla attack was warranted! But do not worry b/c your GM and his GF won't even be at AB. You won't ever have to see them or feel bad about ignoring them! We had a similar situation with my FMIL that took months to resolve. We set it up so that our guests could come as early as they wanted but had to leave by Monday so that we could stay and honeymoon through Friday. Without checking with us FI's parents booked through Tuesday. They said they'd stay out of our way and we'd never see them, but come on, AB is tiny! That's why we chose it and there'd be no way around seeing them. Plus, if I knew they were there I'd feel stressed at feeling like we had to avoid them. And no one wants to be stressed on their honeymoon. They eventually switched it to Monday, but it took many weeks of phone calls. I know how you're feeling, girl!