bikegirl

I think I'm going to take his name. My mom doesn't want me to as she didn't and in mainland China (where I'm from), it's not common to. However, like Leez309, I like the idea of the whole family having the same last name. I wanted to hyphenate but to be honest, I'm too lazy for that! It would be so long. I think I will instead make my maiden name my middle name. That I'll still have it there, but I can condense into just one initial. I'm not as familiar with western traditions but that's the way it was originally done, right?

^ Congratulations!!!

I still read the reviews on trip advisor but only for information like which beach is better between resorts, how the rooms are set up, activites available, etc. more technical things that i could probably get from a TA but is just easier to search myself. However, I generally disregard reviews on service and/or "horrible experiences" because I find a lot of times it is also dependent on how that guest acts or in the case of really bad experiences, a lot of the time it's just bad luck, a pure coincidence and not a consistent issue.

TLC4Rock, those are so beautiful! That's for posting a pic. I know quite a few quests of mine that would love those.

Quote: Originally Posted by Oryx We were thinking about doing this also... depending on the prices, we may look into going to Costa Rica or something. But if we do stay in Punta Cana, maybe the Iberostar Grand Bavaro. Or somewhere without children! We're not doing a honeymoon week but if we were and wanted to stay in Punta Cana, I would go with this - an adults only resort. I believe the Excellence Punta Cana is adults only and it's a beautiful resort!

Jess, everything looks beautiful!! I love the color contrast of your sash. Have a wonderful time at your wedding!

I wouldn't do it. He didn't spend the $500-1000 for a ring with better specs because he chose not to and I believe if he's purchasing it, he has final say. Although it's nice when your fiance seeks your input, I feel like it loses all its meaning if you dictate how much more he should spend or how much bigger the diamond should be. When you think about it....the guy is spending a huge chunk of money on a ring AND in most cases, contributing to the wedding budget so it's not small change. My ring is under 1/2 carat. I'm betting it's probably one of the smallest ones on here but I LOVE it. It's the one my fiance loved and knew I would love, within his budget, that is. You're planning to be with this guy for the rest of your life, right? There's plenty of time to upgrade for your 5 year, 10 year, etc, etc, anniversaries. That is the beauty of getting married, you can GROW together and hey...so can your ring.

^ Bumping this up as I'd love to know if any girls have additional info regarding their weddings? I have the guide available on their website but to contact them for more info regarding the wedding (photos, etc.) there's a lengthy form with info I don't want to disclose. Anyone have additional info from the WC about DPB? Thanks in advance!

Cool! Didn't realize this existed. Would make for a nice afternoon visit during one of the days. Thank for posting it!

Thx for bumping this back up. I never would've seen it! This is such a good idea...I'm definitely going to add it to my welcome brochures!

More focus on you, the bride, I say! It's not weird at all.

brooke, those look fantastic! thank you so much for sharing...this is really helpful, especially as FI and I picked out blue and brown, too.

Woohoo! Thanks so much for posting this! I'm going to try to make it after work this week.

Their work is absolutely beautiful! I'm totally fallen in love with letterpress stationery. The price is definitely worth it IMO. Unfortunately for me, it's not within the budget. *Sigh*.

Mallory, that's an incredible deal considering travel itself would be at least $1200-1500!!

Kimmy, they look wonderful!

Cindy, your website looks great!! I'm using weddingwire.com, too. Just signed up today. I tried a few other ones but the designs on weddingwire are much better.

She's going to get back to me today or tomorrow. I think she literally just added that this morning! I'll update you soon as I know!

Thanks for sharing guys! I was just curious what everyone else is going to be doing. I'm going to cut down on carbs, too as that has worked for me in the past. nsbride2010, i like the idea of hot yoga! a friend has been trying to get me to go, so this is a good push. I'm not very good at following exercise even though I know P90X would work if I followed through. I think I'm going to pull out the bicycle and bike to places instead of taking the TTC or getting the FI to drive. I remember I did that all summer one year and lost some weight without even realizing!

^ Thanks for the recommendation, Cindy*! She just started doing BDs, too. I'm just waiting for a quote. Sarah, I want to! I can't confirm just yet tho, so I'll be a No for now.

Sarah, I updated my sig to reflect the next get together. *Cindy, I'm going with Click!! YAY!!

Brandi, can't wait to see a pic of you in that dress! That style is so perfect for a destination wedding.

Leslie, thanks for the confirmation. You're right. I totally misread the info on the Dreams website. It says, "A $100.00 deposit is required to hold and confirm the wedding date. This deposit will be applied to the total cost of the package. If the couple receives this package complimentary, the deposit will be applied towards any upgrades that the couple adds on.". I misread that as the package is applied towards upgrades. Oops! Guess I read what I wanted to read. Lol! I like your idea of going a la carte instead of of a package. It seems a little illogical that if you qualify for a $799 package, you can't deduct $799 from a higher-level package. Do you know if you take items out of the complimentary package, if they credit the cost towards another item from the a la carte menu?

Crystal, those passports are so pretty! I love the vintage-y look of the insides!

Just curious, what are you ladies planning to do to lose weight for this challenge? Are you going on a specific diet program, going to the gym, etc?