krizstyling

Thanks for the tip AIsha!

Wow, aren't these just the CUTEST! Original and goes with the theme. I absolutely love em. I also think for those numbers to be printed out on paper they sure do look pretty realistic haha.

I haven't had a wedding there but I did stay there last May 22nd - May 30th and had a FABULOUS time. I mean the resort is beautiful and the staff is amazing. We are even going back to their sister resort Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, we leave in 9 days and I can't wait. I did see the set up for one wedding there and it was absolutely stunning. I mean the views were crazy beautiful. Im sorry I don't have more info on the weddings. If you have any questions about the resort itself or want to see pictures please let me know. When you stay at their sister property you can eat and swim/visit any of their sister resorts. We are going to be having dinner there at Grand Velas one night while we are in PV.

Thank you Vanessa & Kate for the info on site visiting. I'm still trying to figure out if we can fit in during this trip or if we are just going to wait until the next one. I honestly don't think it's necessary...after reading the reviews I can't imagine a better place. All of you ladies and your reviews have been SO helpful. The only reason I really wanted to do a site tour was to convince the FI but he is like "whatever you want will be fine" he does the SAME thing with vacations...it's always up to me. The only thing he cares about is the music! He told me that's all he will end up caring about...which is fine with me but I have a feeling as it gets closer he'll start trying to get involved...lol. Anyway, I will let you girls know if I go! I kind of want it all to be like a "magical first time" when we get there, ya know, not knowing what is to come. So that's my dilemma! Is there anyone on the boards who are getting married at PF between May 29th-June 5th? Those are the dates we are goin to be in PV and I believe Blaire said we could come May 31st.

Autjo - I tried to read a book once of theirs but I just couldn't get through it. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE to read, but it's not like the Twilight series where it follows closely to the storyline. (yet another obsession of mine). About Georgina's baby...(on a side note I loveddd the show Mercy she was in and I'm SO upset they canceled it!!! It filmed right down the street from my house and I'm reallllllllly bummed!) anyway...I think that because no one wanted to help her...she is lying and saying it's dan's baby. I remember she said soemthing about turning everyone's world upside down because no one would help her. I think it's one of the "bad men" she was talking about...I think one of them are the father. It will definitely be interesting to see where they take this storyline...UGH! I hate the open endings too! I sooooooo hope Jenny never comes back.

Ugh, I would normally say, it's still early and to give them time but if they are complaining about money issues and then turning around to buy your sister a phone, I think it's time to stop talking and start writing. What I mean by that is, sit down, open up a word document and start typing a letter directly to your mother. Let her know why you chose a destination wedding, how important this day is to you, what you envision, how it is your vision and you couldn't imagine them not being there. The reason I say write a letter to her is because sometimes people tend not to HEAR you when you're talking, instead they are forming a line of defense. When you write it down and give it to them (send preferrably) there is no way they can open up their mouth to come with a defense. and if you're genuine and heartfelt in the letter, I think it really has a chance of getting through to her. I wish you the best hon!!

Ahhh...here's a review from one of the sites, seems other brides have had the same problems!!! "Firstly, I was charged with alterations for which the seamstress never did (when I tried the dress on at home, I felt something poking me near the hem. I noticed that ALL OF THE PINS WERE STILL THERE!) Secondly, they performed alterations for which I had never consented to (and then charged me for them!). Thirdly, they broke the clasp in the back so that the dress wouldn't zip up properly. The stories between the owner and her workers were never consistent and constantly changed in favor of the owner. It was impossible to reason with the owner, who is a real scam artist! Every time I tried to discuss the situation with her, she continuously interrupted me and stated, This is not up for discussion. You need to leave the store. She was extremely rude and insulting. Overall, Fantasia's Bridal in Rocky Point was a major disappointment! This was a major inconvenience, an extreme expense, and highly insulting. No other bride or her party should experience this." Apparently you're not the only one! I'm SO glad you brought your MOH and mother along who helped catch it in time!

What a HORRIBLE experience to have when getting your wedding gown! Also, I would copy and paste this review to other sites as well. By just googling their name and putting reviews at the end, other sites (one which the establishment even commented on so I know they read it) pop up and it would be nice that other brides find out about this. I'll be looking for a gown in a few months and NY is right next door. I will NOT be utilizing their services! Thanks for the post!

LA923 , I remember last season they said something about Jenny getting a spinoff show where she becomes a fashion designer and it revolving around the fashion industry. Sort of like a Sex in The City for young girls? I dunno ...I WILL NOT WATCH IT! Just because I am with you! Jenny is...UGH! Chuck cannot be gone. I agree with you there. The show and Blaire (my fav!) wouldn't be the same. =(

Ahhh Magalie! I am SO happy to hear everything you just said! I am SO anticipating your photos! We are also thinking about doing the 15 room booking so hearing that you did it and it all worked out is great! I'll save other questions until I read your review! I bet you were a beautiful bride. =) Congratulations!!

I have stayed at Breezes Runaway Bay, unfortunately since the last time I was there the staff has changed DRASTICALLY. I was there after the renovations. I don't think of Breezes as a Honeymoon place. It's more of a party spot. I'll post my review from tripadvisor below. There are other places you can stay for about the same price that are probably more honeymoon friendly. Here's my review: I stayed at BRB from 3/18-3/25 and WOW what a week!!! The stay included my sister and I (27 years of age). After scouring tripadvisor for days on end trying to figure out where to go and what fit our price range BRB seemed like a decent spot but some of the reviews worried us. I am an avid traveler (this was my sisters first trip overseas) and we wanted something that was all-inclusive (as that is the only way I travel) and fun for our age group with a great beach and spa (love spas!) and figured this was as close as we were going to get. After visiting BRB I realized why some people’s reviews weren’t what I experienced, simply because they are the type of people that expect everyone to cater to them for nothing. A closed mouth doesn’t get fed, period. I’ll explain more in the sections below that I have broken down to make this review easier to read for those of you who are only interested in certain aspects of the resort and to make it easier for myself. ARRIVAL: Couldn’t have been more smooth. Once we entered Sangster Montego Bay Airport we knew not to talk to any of the many people who asked to hold your bags and headed straight to the Superclubs lounge where we were offered water and after a quick smoke outside (yes we are smokers) we hopped on the bus and were on our way! We stopped off to get a few beers (which took only about ten minutes) and after another 40 minutes (about an hour total) we pulled into BRB! It looked exactly like the pictures. We went to the front desk and Sandra came out to greet us! Not only did she come out to greet us but because it was our first stay in Jamaica and my sisters first trip overseas she upgraded us to a Plunge Pool room! When people on here say that Sandra is the BEST, you really can have no idea until you MEET this amazing woman. It’s not just because of the upgraded room, it’s the fact that everytime she passed you she had a smile on her face and your name her mouth to say hello. Anything you needed you could ask her and she would alleviate. After arriving we showered quickly changed clothes even quicker and headed to the nearest bar as we knew it was too late to get into the pool or beach. BAR /DRINKS: WOW!!!! Let me tell you, anything you want you can have. And if they are out of something, why complain?! Just ask for another type of drink, you’re in JAMAICA on VACATION that YOU paid for, why in the WORLD would you BEG to find something to complain about?! No one only likes one type of drink and you should venture out and try special drinks anyway! Throughout our stay I can honestly say I think I tried every specialty drink and never went thirsty, I have posted pictures of various drinks but will also name a few SPECIAL bartenders etc so you know what to expect from each if you visit and need something. Kino – Everytime we came to the bar he had our drinks ready and waiting and knew if we asked for a shot, we wanted two each. Definitely have Kino make your Monkey Brain shot or your Bob Marley shot. Dean – He was a Trainee but seemed like he’d been there forever. He always kept the drinks coming but what was great about him was the fact that he would talk to you about his country Jamaica and gave me SO much knowledge that I feel would be remiss to disregard. Truly a class act and if BRB is smart they need to just hire him on full-time because it was truly a pleasure getting to know him and his culture and he served great drinks too! Lennox – When Lennox wasn’t working we couldn’t get our favorite drink! If you’re ever at BRB make sure to seek out Lennox and ask him to “Make it RAIN” he has the best drink called “Rain” and its his specialty so only he knows what is in it and it’s GREAT. Special mentions of bartenders that also look after you and are tons of fun: Jermaine, Sandre (He loves Mariah Carey), Kelroy & Courtney (who makes AWESOME reggae CD’s, and is EXTREMELY funny). SPA I received a body scrub and a massage while there and both were exceptional. Being from NY I am used to paying about 250-350 to receive both services and so $135.00 couldn’t be beat in my opinion. A special treat was after my body scrub I was able to get up and they take you to this lil shower off of your massage cabin and its outside! Of course no one can see in but you can see the trees and sky above you and sun shining down on you, I wanted to stay out there forever! Also there is no extra cost to have your massage with someone else! Perfection. They worked those much needed kinks out of me and even had a few moves I’ve never had used on me before. Please remember, tips are not included for the massage therapists, tip them and tip them as well as you would in the States or Canada or wherever you are from. POOLS Games all the time and fun people can be found in the pools. You’ll never have to worry about a lounger although people are rude and do set towels on them it’s fine because there are always plenty of chairs (Altho ridiculous that anyone would set towels down to save seats) and plenty of sun or shade depending on what you want. The pools were cleaned every morning and the resort was at 90% occupancy while we were there and I never saw so much as a LEAF in the water. BEACH This was the best part of the resort in my opinion (do I say that about everything)? Such soft sand and enough loungers to get as much sun as you want no matter how big your group is. We played many fun games on the beach also and even saw a cute little sand crab. I loved the water, the beach and everything about it. I am a beach girl and this is by far one of the best beaches in Runaway Bay. ACTIVITIES I’ll break this down by my favorite activity person(s) and the games we participated in: Dwane (Kumar haha): He was awesome. His spirit and joy when leading activities was second to none. I know people on here talk about Chris a lot but this week Dwane FAR outshone any other activity staff person. He lead goat racing for us (I won!) and it was extremely fun! Not only does he do a great job with activities but we were lucky enough to share lunch with him one day and he is a great conversationalist, don’t miss out on talking to him! Jason: He lead Mixology (oh man that was sooo crazy if you don’t do any other activity this is a must!) the rest of the week I was called RUM by so many resort guests I forgot what my name really was. That’s how badly I kept messing up haha. But seriously everyone that played this game at the end gets a list of Jamaican drinks and it is going to come in handy next time I head to the club! I can just hand the bartender the sheet and tell em I want a cool runnings! Jason was the perfect MC for this event! Keniel – GIVEN He is NOT part of the Activity hosts but he should be! Well he is great at his job as a Photographer too but we had SUCH a blast with him. He shared his knowledge on everything from where to get the best side of the road food to where to party to the newest reggae jams (which we then downloaded!). DO NOT miss talking to this guy or having him take your photos. Aldean – She has got to be the sweetest girl and can dance her butt off! She helped us to make Toga’s for the Toga party and also made sure we were always okay and told us about the various activities going on and where to have fun off property. There was also a Battle of the Sexes going on and of course us ladies won! (apparently on a winning streak for the past 5 weeks now) so ladies if you’re going soon make sure to play and keep up that streak! When you’re playing these games you can win fake money, If you get 20 of the fake money you can get a free bottle of rum, 25 you can get a bottle of Tia Maria, 30 you get a bag of Blue Mountain Coffee. Or sometimes during certain games (Battle of the Sexes and Bingo) you win bottles of rum or coffee straight out and we won twice) so it’s not hard. PLAY THE GAMES! They help make your stay more active, I didn’t gain any weight while at the resort because I was always running around doing one of the activities they had going on, in fact there were times I FORGOT to eat, not because the food was nasty, on the contrary, but because I was having SO MUCH fun trying to do EVERYTHING that I just forgot. FOOD We ate at every restaurant. By far the best is Pastafari. We had a waiter named Odane who was fantastic! Our meals were brought out hot and delicious and exactly as ordered (and we are a bit picky) and he was kind and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend him. Munasan was also great, we had Mr. Fabulous (who is in the video I posted) and he was a riot. The food there is just as if you were eating at Benihana. Order it all! We were so stuffed after every meal at every restaurant we never ONCE even tried dessert. Starlight Grill was also good but by far we preferred Munasan and Pastafari due to the food and great servers we had! The Buffet had awesome pasta’s and yummy panini’s and tasty chicken, potatoes or whatever you wanted. I had pasta A LOT hoping that the carbs would suck up some of the alcohol from the night before and I believe it might have. That pasta was GREAT. And they are not shy about giving you as much shrimp or scallops or whatever else it is that you might want, if you want more ASK. Again a closed mouth doesn’t get fed. ROOMS As stated we had a plunge pool room but we also went into a LOT of other people’s rooms as we made many friends there that will last a lifetime. Each room looked entirely clean to me and big enough for two/three people. If you want to stay in the new side request the 1000 block. The shower is to die for, 6 shower heads and one you can take off of the wall to get at the sand that may have ended up in hard to reach places. I thought for sure I’d miss my shower back home but after returning home I found I missed BRB’s showers! The beds are comfortable! I have no idea what anyone is complaining about here unless they have orthopedic beds back home, then I can understand because they are used to one thing and need it…but other than that these beds were soft and they gave you different types of hardness/softness pillows. And if you need something ASK. Room service was awesome and everyday we had a cute towel art on our beds. I would leave out my ipod, blackberry, camera etc (just forgot to lock it in the safe) and I never ONCE had anything stolen. Our refrigerator was stocked well with 5 bottles of water, 4 beers and different assortment of soda’s everyday. OMG! One day our room wasn’t cleaned and our refrigerator wasn’t serviced! CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! THE NERVE! You know what we did? We called and asked to have it cleaned and serviced and fridge restocked, you know what happened? It was restocked and cleaned. Problem? Amended. Don’t complain about something that would take you less than 30 seconds to fix. Seriously. You’re on vacation, It really breaks my heart how hard this staff works and when I read reviews by people who act like they are too good to pick up a phone and ask for something (esp when it’s not like they are paying the price they would pay at a Boutique Hotel or the Ritz). The rooms also had enough drawer space for two people, a lounger, a flat screen tv that we only used once but had tons of channels (including BBC for news and MSNBC). There was a closet by the huge mirror with the sink OUTSIDE of the bathroom (which was great for those times one was in the shower and the other was putting on makeup or doing hair etc). OFF PROPERTY EVENTS Priory Beach – A great party on Sunday nights about ten minutes away from the resort that played REAL REGGAE music. If I had any complaints my one complaint would be that the resort itself does not play any REAL reggae (no vybz cartel, no Movado, no Busy Signal). But if you don’t like it, bring an ipod dock and take it to the bar with you and play your own music! Our friends did that and we all took turns playing the best in reggae. I highly recommend prior Beach party, AFTER 11! This is for those of you who want REAL Jamaican music and dancing. Margaritaville – I didn’t want to go here but the staff kept telling me it would be fun so I finally relented and Jason led this excursion. I filled up my bubbakeg and hoped this place wasn’t as Americanized as everyone said it was. Well it was Americanized but guess what? The staff and the Jamaicans that were there made up for it ten fold. This ended up being the highlight of my trip! I danced, I sang, I drank, I partied! Drinks weren’t as expensive as I previously thought. I was able to get a HUGE glass of PinaColada with basically straight up rum and two Heinekens all for 12 bucks. That’s a steal in my book. DISCO Okay so this was fun. We closed it down every night. It was never PACKED (except for Toga night) but the DJ took requests and would play anything you wanted! The bar in the disco stayed open until you were ready to leave. I think every night we ended up in there we were up until four am! The people REALLY make this resort. If you go up to the bar and you see someone that looks like they’re having a good time, TALK TO THEM! IT was the best feeling in the world to meet sooo many different people and we even have a few offers of vacations to visit them that I plan on taking them up on! And hopefully they take me up on the offers to come visit NYC! We’ll be back to Jamaica soon and hope to schedule trips with them in the future! OVERALL This resort is great for all ages! I am 27 and partied with people from the age of 18-73. I mean I seriously can’t imagine a better place to PARTY. And if you have a child that is 18 and you are thinking of bringing them but concerned about them drinking, JUST DO IT! You seriously ONLY live once and I guarantee one hangover they won’t be drinking again. One last thing: This resort is a non tipping resort, but seriously, if you get good service a few bucks here and there doesn’t hurt. As long as you do it slyly there shouldn’t be any issues. I averaged only about 10-15 dollars of tipping a day and some days not even that much, what is a few bucks here and there? It means a lot to the staff to know they are helping you out and you are showing your appreciation. My trip wouldn’t have been the same had it not been for the STAFF and PEOPLE so I tried to show my gratitude as best as I could and I hope you do the same.

Yes there is another season.

Whew! Pazz! I appreciate that rant! You basically said everything I think/feel about bridal shows! I am constantly shocked by "say yes to the dress"...it's not the brides who have the attitudes but the sales people! I just cannot BELIEVE they think this will help their business. I live on the eastcoast and if anything..I am going to stay FAR FAR FAR away from their shop. I wouldn't even step foot in to scope it out!

Bachata!!!!!!!! OMG!! I just watched it. I HATE JENNY HUMPHRY with a PASSION. I always have. I cannot STAND that girl and after tonight, I mean I honestly didn't think it was possible to hate her more but man do I EVER! And I'm GLAD she is just a character on a show because I honestly have hate inside of me...lol. As for the very last scene.... Dont read further if you don't want it to be spoiled girls... OMGgGGG I PRAY chuck is okay. I'm like....freaking. I love this show. I'm a bit excessive I know...but man...

I'm watching it now! I'll definitely check back in here after I'm done!!

On another note: Magalie was married yesterday! I am SO excited to hear about her wedding!!! Magalie I hope it was everything you dreamed and more!

Thanks so much for the welcome Vanessa & Mel! Did either of you do a site visit? What did it consist of? We are staying at the Velas (casa velas & velas vallarta) so we won't be spending the night there.

HAHAHAHAHAA I love the fact that a Jonas brother is on there! "Proof of the fact that getting married a virgin makes you get married YOUNG"!

Just emailed Blaire!!! I thought maybe I was taking it a bittttttt overboard with the planning a whole two years in advance (even tho FI asked me to figure it all out so we can give everyone a year or so headsup). So I just thought maybe it was too soon but this is why I love this site! Alllllll of the helpful info!

By few I shoulda said October. We are HOPING to go back in October. We usually only go once a year. But this year to PV and then somewhere else in October but I kinda want to just do PV twice this year. I am in contact w/ Blair to get some of the worksheets etc so I'll email her and see about a site visit. I totally forgot that I read they were closed for a few months! You are such a help!!

I can't believe you're the same Melissa! I absolutely LOVE your picture in your signature and actually it was one of those that made me just fall in love w/ the setting of Playa Fiesta. We are definitely going to try and do a site visit but I wasn't sure if I should reach out to them this early being we will be going back to PV in a few months. Thanks again =) You are a rockstar!

Quote: Originally Posted by Mel&B Hey Kristy, As far as the lunches go, I would mention that they probably won't even be at Playa Fiesta for lunch on most days. I imagine that people will want to go to the beach, take a zip-line trip, go shopping, etc. On those days, they will still have to purchase their lunch, so does it really matter if they're buying lunch at PF or in town? And while Playa Fiesta does have really great food at reasonable prices, it's also fun to go in town and eat at the local restaurants and experience the local culture. I hope that helps you explain things to your guests. Thanks for the vote of Confidence Mel! I appreciate it! I wonder if you're the Melissa I emailed with about Playa Fiesta from Tripadvisor? If so, here you are helping me again! Hahaha That sounds like a really great way to describe it. I also see your point about two years away and I've heard that from A LOT of people saying "Well we can't commit to something two years away why so early?" which I understand but then I'm like umm you said you wanted a fair notice so you know to save and I'm giving it to you! So I dunno...it's all blah blah blah at this point. I just want the wedding of our dreams. That's it and I haven't found one place that measures up to PF in my eyes through the reviews with everything we want. Kate also brought up a great point about eating chips and guac. We are on our way (on the 29th) headed back to Puerto Vallarta for vacation at Casa Velas and sooo many times we skipped lunch and just had nachos by the pool. Makes sense! Thanks for typing while on vacation Kate!

Quote: Originally Posted by moosiemoose1 Hi Kate! From what I have found online, I am smitten with Playa Fiesta and am really interested in having our wedding there (my fiance Jereme is too). Your review was extremely helpful and your photographs were amazing! The only reservation we have is regarding the 20 room, 4 or 5 night minimum to book a Base Wedding. Did you go with this package, and if yes, did you have any troubles meeting the room minimum? We have a little over 100 guests on our list, and we expect 50-60 to actually attend but many of them have time shares or may not be able to stay for a full 4-5 nights. Any insight you can offer would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! This is the exact same issue we are dealing with. Our date isn't until 2012 but we are trying to decide on a place right now and I don't want to give up the elegance of Playa Fiesta for a place like ...a place I'M not happy with. However, we have taken the advice so many ladies give about asking our guests their thoughts on if they can afford it etc. Many have said yes and some have said they will see and others said "Well if it's too expensive we'll stay at a different place for 2 nights just to be there for the wedding". It's disconcerting to say the least. I would love to hear how other ladies explained it. Most of the problems my guests are complaining about is the fact that they would have to BUY their lunches as they don't come in the all inclusive. I'm like it's 16 dollars a day! Where in NYC can you get a lunch for 16 dollars that isn't at a deli?! Give me a break!

I'm sure others will disagree with me but once again, I KNOW it may be rude...but again. THIS IS YOUR DAY. I think if more brides thought about the wedding being about them and their FI and their husband a lot of the bad feelings etc wouldn't come up during the wedding. I would definitely call them and let them know you are considering other options. You don't have to be rude about it but just be honest. You couldn't sit around and wait and you guys came up with alternatives, that's the truth. What happens if you say yes and then two months down the line they still aren't sure whether they want to do it or not? I would go with your gut on this hun. Good luck!

I think it's great that she realized the error of her ways but is it a too little too late? I don't mean to sound rude here but this is YOUR day. If there was even so much as an inkling or an IOTA of a possibility that there could be drama...I'd say no. You don't have to be rude about it but just let her know that unfortunately you had already moved on with the plans and have as many people in the wedding as you originally planned. That's just my two cents but whatever you decide, I hope the best for you!