speedy130

diahr, Thanks for the info. I did not know about a burlap runner, I'll have to ask. I have no idea what a burlap runner would look like! I guess it would blow away, that is a good point. I think you are right, it will still look nice without a runner with petals. That is probably what I will do. I might want to see your pictures when you get back, my wedding is after yours!!

Hi ladies, I am thinking I might do rose petals on the aisle. I am getting married in the gazebo, and the chairs will be outside of it. Do you think I should try to bring an aisle runner (white) for this? Red would clash with the colors so the runner they have will not work. I don't want them to be densely covered in petals, but the pictures I've seen look so beautiful! Has anyone done this? Do you know the length of the aisle or what size runner I should get? I am getting married May 7th and it is filling up for me too, only higher level rooms left. I sent out a reminder email to everyone, but I don't want to keep harassing them either. Hopefully the one email will be enough to get their butts into gear! We have around 30 booked now!!!!

I am also having trouble with the name change decision!! I always said I would never take someone's last name. My FI wanted me to, and I'm sure still does, but has come around to saying it is completely up to me and he won't be upset either way. I think he finally understands! My last name is used as my nickname by almost EVERYONE I know, so for me it is like changing my first name in some ways. Also, professionally I have published science research under my name, so I have established it and do not like to change it. However, I don't know what to do when we have kids. I completely agree that the tradition is there for the wrong reasons (being property), but part of me loves being a single family under one name. A unit. So my idea is to change it legally, use it in the future with schools etc, but keep my maiden name as the one I actually use. As L-Mango said, "That's why I am content to keep my maiden name as my official name but use my FI's last name for things like a passport, etc. If you don't change your name, whose name do your kids take?? What a mess. " But can you really have the best of both worlds? I'm gonna try it out, and see how it goes! Overall though, I am a bit resentful that we have to deal with it in the first place...

No worries, I figured it out. She only shoots on location, but I have a friend in DC who is letting me shoot it at her place. I cannot wait!

TLGnhci, What etsy seller did you get your jewelry from? I love it.

Congrats!

Thanks!

I also decided to go with a DJ and booked Ivan through the resort. I also confirmed my flowers with Marvin, I'm so excited! Randi, did you have to arrange that time with Ivan before you left? I have not talked with him directly...did he contact you beforehand or did you contact him? Do you or anyone else have his contact info? Thanks! Gorgeous pics ladies!!

Lisa, you look like you had a great time! I totally agree with your husband about the first dance too. For those who have been to the Royal, what is the best place to have people gather the night before the wedding for drinks (on the resort)? We aren't going to do a formal welcome dinner, but we want to offer a get together for people if they want. What are you thoughts? I have mailed out my invitations, and Saturday I have my first appointment for dress alterations! I have been engaged for over a year now, so it is finally starting to come together and it's so exciting!

I love your jewelry! Just to start of course, you looked stunning, as did your wedding. Congrats!

Stunning photos!

I love this necklace! http://www.leftbankjewelry.com/site/cart/productdetail.exc?cmd=view_cart_product&co_id=597&item_id=108629&prod_id=491

I purchased this groupon from another BDW bride and I cannot use it. Here is the site for the photographer, she is great! http://www.brookebready.com/index2.php You can use this for boudoir pics or engagement pics. She will travel up to one hour away. I am selling it for $60. She is aware of this and it will be no problem to use. The expiration date is April 11th. Here is the original groupon listing: http://www.groupon.com/washington-dc/deals/brooke-bready-photography PM me if interested or have any questions!

Everything looks amazing!

Thank you ladies for the make-up advice!! Now I have to decide what to do...

Everything looks great, love the candy bar!

Beautiful, great job!

I originally wasn't going to pay to get my make-up done, but I am beginning to change my mind. I am thinking about the MAC counter idea. If I go here (the US) first to get an idea of the right products, and then go down there...how much would that cost? How much is Norma from Cancun, or Fernando? We decided to go for the DJ so I need to budget in other areas now! Thanks Ladies!! Raveyn, you look amazing and so happy

Kelly - I did not realize you could order bulk to sam's club! I was thinking of doing my own bouquets etc. Another Royal bride did this, smckinney22. She talks about it in her review too. She told me there were a few flower shops in PDC, so that was my plan. Did you talk with Sam's club about ordering to Mexico like that? I'd love any info you have! I can send you the info on the other flower shops if you want, just PM me Dianhr - We got my FI's suit at Macys actually! It isn't linen, but it is cotton, lightweight. I agree with your point about linen, and it gets wrinkled so easily and I didn't see any suits that I liked where the material looked good. I just tried to stay away from any type of "wool blend" suit!

Thanks so much!!!

Great info, thanks!

I really want to do petals. I have no idea how much I would need though. Did you ladies do an aisle runner as well?

Beautiful!

This thread is great! Somehow I still cannot decide what to include and what not to. I want to be pratical but fun as well. Some people are only coming for a few days. I am going to do travel mugs and probably meds. I would love to include beach towels but they are pricey! Anyone get them for a good price somewhere?

This looks great!