BethHeppert

The shoes are actually Chinese Laundry...I added the rhinestones myself just using fabric glue! Thank you so much for the nice comments. I love the pics, too!

What really captured me by Del Sol was they way they tell a story with their slideshows (a very happy and blissful story)! My husband and I are so happy that we used them and are so happy to share our slideshow: http://delsolphotography.com/blog/content/galleries/?gal=368

We just received our wedding slideshow today from Del Sol Photography. For starters, I would like to say that they told us the estimated turn around time was 7-10 weeks at this time of the year. Our wedding was November 27th so it has been a hair over 4 weeks...(WOW!!) I love those who under-promise and over-deliver! Given that it will probably take a few more weeks to get all of the pictures back, we feel that the wait is possible now that we have received some pictures (though I have already looked them over about 30 times and I've had them for a few hours...times a few weeks...eek!) As a review of the wedding day, I got a pit in my stomach when I heard that the photographers were on their way up to the room (which p.s.- was no hassle at all at The Royal Cancun). I think it was just that it became real. Until that moment I was in control (so I'd like to think) but at that moment I knew everything was about to get rolling and.... the rest is very happy blissful history! Our photographer was Vincent Guihard & his assistant was Rodrigo Sanders. Vincent was more than awesome. He was very down to earth and patient and kept thanking ME for the pictures (go Vincent for making a bride feel special)! Before we left we inquired about an hour extra and he told us he would be more than willing to say but was honest that he has pretty much all of the pictures and there would probably be a lot of duplicates (meaning, the rest would just be a bunch of sweaty drunk people on the dance floor, which he already had...my words, not his). My husband and I really appreciated the honestness. We couldn't be happier with the slideshow. Although I do not think a lot of the pictures are particularly flattering to me (I swear those lens are adding 10 lbs ), I LOVE love LOVE the slideshow and love every picture in it! They did such a great job of telling a story of that day and capturing the mood and the moment(s) that I honestly cannot stop watching it and smiling! THANK YOU Del Sol Photography...you are the best! For anyone hesitating on spending that little extra on the BEST, do it, the photos last, your memories will fade a bit as you and your husbands grow older and older together! I can't wait to see the rest of our pictures when we get them. Thank you again Vincent, Roldrigo & Del Sol! A link to our slideshow (ENJOY!) http://delsolphotography.com/blog/content/galleries/?gal=368

I purchased the bags from discountmugs.com for $8.54 each (for 25 of them). They double as a beach bag and cooler bag (how cool!). I designed the front of the bag using Word. I wanted to make it wedding-ish, of course but did not want to include our names because I wanted to have the option of selling extras (on one of the many destination wedding blog websites I have stalked for the past 8 months). Of course, I blinged it out a bit by gluing rhinestones on the front and added cute labels that read "To Have & To Hold...& To Keep Your Drinks Cold." (chuckle chuckle). Clearly I had way too much fun with these bags. The other goodies included: Welcome Book/Meet the Guests My invitation RSVP cards were mad-lib style so I included a copy of everyone's RSVP with their photo and how they know the bride and groom. This was a last minute add that I really loved (and hopefully it helped everyone with names/faces)! Room Key Card Holder I attached these to the inside of the bag by gluing a safety pin together (so no one got pinched if it came un-done) and clipping it on with the handy-dandy heart shaped retractor clip. These were made out of badge holders I purchased from securityimaging.com for 60 cents each (the badge retractor reels were 65 cents each). Of course I added some personal touches like the cute "vowels" (see pic) in the shape of a heart. Our guests really did seem to love these and used them (which of course made me the happiest bride everrr)! Koozies Of course, I had koozies, I mean what is a destination wedding without them? I purchased these from kustomkoozies.com and made them custom with my heart design that I put on the bags. I also added a rhinestone to the heart (I couldn't resist) for a touch of bling. Oh Sh!t Kits For these I bought little first aid kits that were only $1.00 each and removed the label and added my own (which I designed on Word and printed on to name badges/tags). As you can see, I included bandaids & cleaning wipes, Pepto-Bismol, Excedrin & Gatorade packs. "In Sickness & In Health" For cuts or for hangovers or when Montezuma attacks, Find what you need here and know that we've got your back! Scavenger Hunt Disposable Cameras I made several different check-lists & the top read: "Use your camera & scavenge around, Hunt for the pictures that need to be found. Shoot away & complete the list, Find the moments that we may have missed!" To make these, I purchased bulk disposable cameras online from . I then took an outline of the paper cover and scanned it into Word. I did my designs and words inside of the layout and then deleted the outline. I created a second Word document and flipped the outline so I could print the outline and the wording on each side of the paper and cut around the lines without it showing on the final product. I used an exacto knife to cut the holes. I then folded and attached them to the cameras using tape and glue. Cutting neatly is not exactly my specialty, but they were still cute! Not pictured, I also included underwater cameras in both of our parent's bags. These were passed around the pool and should make for good pictures (I haven't developed them yet!)

When I started thinking of a destination wedding, I couldn't think of a better way to "Save the Date" than a message in a bottle. When I started browsing online websites, I was quickly turned off by the pink sand, sparkly sea shells or frilly looking paper. I was looking for something more natural and "realistic" looking. ...They always say if you want it done right, do it your self. Step 1: Purchase supplies. Supplies needed: - Glass bottles (I purchased mine from ebottles.com for $1.48/ea including cork) - Sand (I already had some we had purchased to fill our outdoor basketball hoop) - Any ornaments or sea shells (I purchased some small sea shells from Michaels) - A beachy scent (I purchased Pina Colada scent from Michaels) - Raffia string to tie around your message (I purchased from Michaels) - Parchment Paper for message (I found mine at Walmart) - A funnel to fill the sand - A pencil to assist in rolling the message - Packaging to mail it in (unless you are hand delivering). I purchased 4x4x8 boxes and brown crinkle paper from ULINE.com. The boxes were perfect size and the crinkle paper stuck with the "natural" look. Step 2: Print your message on Parchment Paper I just used Word to draft my message and printed it on my parchment paper. I also printed name tags to attach to the exterior of the bottle. Step 3: Give your paper some character! I choose to burn the edges of my paper using long matches and a candle (to re-light the new matches). This is quite messy...I did it over my sink...and still made a mess and inhaled quite a few fumes but it was all worth it! Step 4: Fill the bottles with sand & add your scent I used a funnel I found in the garage and filled the bottles pretty easily (I filled the bottom about 1 inch to ensure I left enough room for the message). A helpful tip is to "bake" the sand before using it. This allows the sand to dry out as much as possible so it doesn't stick to the edges when you're filling the bottles. After filling, I added a few drops of the Pina Colada scent in each bottle and dipped the bottom of the corks in the scent. (p.s.- This was my favorite part. Every time I smell this scent now it makes me think of the bottles, the engagement, the wedding, very happy thoughts)! Step 5: Roll the message and tie with string By far the most difficult and tedious part. Rolling these little suckers small enough to fit in the bottles was not simple (or fun) but it did get easier as I got the hang of it and you have to keep in mind that the crinkles are all giving the paper a little "character." I used a pencil to roll it, starting at one end and keeping it as tight as possible. There really isn't a rhyme or reason to the method except for practice. Once I got it small enough I quickly put the end inside of the bottle before it expanded any and I had to start all over . THEN I tied the string around the middle of the paper and left about 4-5 inches of string hanging out the top of the bottle. Next, press the cork in (it goes in pretty easily, especially after dunking it in the scent so don't press too hard!). Then repeat, repeat, repeat! Step 6: Attach label & finish with string I punched a hole in the label using the tip of my pencil (a hole punch would have created an "unnatural hole) and then just tied knots in the string around the label. The bottle looked a little plain so I tied some string around the bottle to spruce it up a bit. I thought it looked quite nice. Step 7: Box them up and ship! I stuffed my boxes with lots of the brown crinkle paper and made sure they would not break and then taped them up. To label the boxes, I printed addresses and return labels on my parchment paper. I just ripped the paper to give it "character" and glued it to the box. I also created a label that said "FRAGILE, This Side Up" using the same paper and rip/glue method. I hand delivered a few of them and shipped the others. The shipping of course took up the majority of the cost but I was proud and excited about the bottles (and I think it was worth it..the price and the time consumption!). *Other good ideas, that I did not use: - Using a plastic bottle so you can just ship it without boxing it...would also be cheaper. - Giving your paper character by using tea bags, rather than burning the edges.

I've never heard of these but am so excited to try them. Look at the reviews on Amazon! http://www.amazon.com/Zaca-Hangover-Topical-Patch-Pack/product-reviews/B00370XYGM/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

FYI- for any other brides who are interested, I am doing The Master Cleanse/Lemonade Diet for 10 days. The basics are: - Drink a senna (laxative) tea every evening, including the evening before you start. - Drink 6-12 lemonade drinks everyday (Recipes is 2 tbsp fresh squeezed organic lemons or limes, 2 tbsp organic grade B maple syrup, 1/10 tsp cayenne pepper and 8 ounces of water) & lots of water! - A salt water flush every morning (1 litre of salt water mixed with 2 tsp of non iodized sea salt)  I'll let you know how it goes for me. I have not been doing the salt water flush (I've replaced it with another cup of the laxative tea).  I started the morning of day 1 at 131.6 pounds (I am 5'3). Day 2- 128.2 lbs  Day 2 & 3 are supposed to be the hardest but so far so good. I'll update at the end to give a detail of the process. I am getting married Nov 27th so am using this as a jump start to super healthy eating before I leave for Cancun (leaving Nov 19th)!

I have been there when they were having beach weddings and it was not that close to the gazebo. When I was there there were several weddings on the same day and each bride was in their old world and did not seem to be worrying about anything. I'm sure everything will be perfect on your day! I'm getting married there Nov 27th 2010 (coming up so fast!) but we are getting married at the Gran Caribe gazebo (in between the 2 properties) and having the reception on the terrace behind the gazebo. So excited! Happy planning!

Like most brides, I would LOVE to lose 10-15 pounds before the wedding. I do work out and I am vowing to eat healthier (starting tomorrow, as always), but I have seen/heard a lot about cleanses and am wondering if anyone has ever tried one? I know that after you begin eating solid foods again it will gain back, but I am looking for something to jump start my diet (because once I feel skinnier, I generally tend to eat better). Any advice?

Love the dress. Still for sale?

Looks amazing! You'll have to post wedding pics so we can see the final product. Congrats and good job!

I do not have any experience with this but I think the OOT bags would still be worth it and very much appreciated. You can probably just drop them off at the front desk of the hotel and ask them to put it in there to make it less laborsome. Â As for finding out where they were staying, I think it's normal to follow up and request that information. Where in Australia are you getting married?

I wish I was getting married in Hawaii just so I could use Aloe-ha! Â Really cute!

We have stayed in a swim up suite and loved it! The only problem is that the way the hotel is positioned, it blocks the sun so you only really have sun on your pool in the morning and early afternoon. It is still a really nice room though, we loved it!

I bought my wedding dress already (which I LOVE) http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_illusions&styleID=2705 http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_illusions&styleID=2706 http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_illusions&styleID=2704 Â but I'm looking for a short reception/after wedding dress and am having trouble finding one. Does anyone have any suggestions of websites/stores?

I am in Northern Virginia and getting married at The Royal Cancun on November 27th, 2010! So excited! Â I got my dress from Demetrios (Macy's Bridal at Tyson's Galleria): http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_illusions&styleID=2705 http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_illusions&styleID=2706 http://www.demetriosbride.com/us/index.php?page=collection_illusions&styleID=2704 Â I love it! Â Â

Great review! Did you use a travel agent for your guests to book flight/hotel?

ahorton314- Congratulations! I am so excited to take a peak (and of course admire how great you all look)! Congrats again!

Well, we had our engagement party last weekend and I went ahead and invited guests not invited to the wedding. When I sent out the invitations, I sent 2 separate cards. 1 had the party details and the other was a smaller card that said: "Mike & Beth are planning a small intimate wedding in Cancun over Thanksgiving weekend this year. Accordingly, we are honored to host their engagement party so that they are able to celebrate their upcoming nuptials with all of their family and friends. We are overjoyed for the happy couple and hope that you are able to join us on this evening!" No one seemed offended. It was a great party. Hope this helps!

Our wedding is scheduled Nov 27th, 2010 & our site inspection is on June 15th (less than a month away...so excited)! How are your guests booking their stays? Through the hotel directly or through a travel agency? We really wanted our guests to stay at the hotel and are actually paying for 3 nights at the hotel for the majority of our guests (our checkbook hates us! ) but I am having trouble figuring out the best way to arrange that. I was told through the hotel that any changes to the reservations result in a $50 fee and I know some guests may want to stay loner/upgrade their room. Any suggestions?? Thank you!

My wedding is planned for Nov 27th, 2010! We have been to the resort twice and are going a third time for our site inspection June 12th. I hope a wedding is going on while we're there so I can check it out! I have a question, hopefully someone can help...How are your guests booking their flight/rooms? Through the resort or through a travel agency?

I am getting married at the Royal in Cancun on Nov 27th, 2010. I have had trouble with communication...has anyone else experienced that (first I was speaking...well, emailing with Suzanna and then I was switched to Leila)? Neither seem to really answer my questions or confirm my reservations (although I have already paid the deposit). Please let me know who ya'll have been coordinating with and how the communication is! Thank you! Also- is everyone booking through the hotel or through outside vendors?

We were planning on inviting all of the family that is invited to the engagement party to the wedding, but wanted to invite a lot of friends to the engagement party but not to the wedding (only friends invited are in the wedding party). ..what if we put on there to not bring a gift to the party??

I know that the etiquette indicates that no one should be invited to an engagement party that is not invited to the wedding. However, etiquette (according to my mother) also indicates you should get married in a church and not in a (beautiful) gazebo in Cancun, so I'm going on a limb here. I am having a small wedding but have a lot of friends and family who I would like to celebrate with at an engagement party. I have asked around to my wedding party (friends) and they think that everyone will understand that it is a small destination wedding and that it's fine. Of course, my mom thinks it is bad etiquette (etiquette smediquette) ..but I really do not want to be rude and offend anyone. Would it be okay to invite others (we want a rather large engagement party) if we included a separate note with the invitation indicating something along the lines that we will be having a small destination wedding in Cancun on November 27th, etc. and to not bring gifts..? Please advise if you have had similar parties/invitations and suggestions of the wording of the note! Thank you!

I know that the etiquette indicates that no one should be invited to an engagement party that is not invited to the wedding. However, etiquette (according to my mother) also indicates you should get married in a church and not in a (beautiful) gazebo in Cancun, so I'm going on a limb here. I am having a small wedding but have a lot of friends and family who I would like to celebrate with at an engagement party. I have asked around to my wedding party (friends) and they think that everyone will understand that it is a small destination wedding and that it's fine. Of course, my mom thinks it is bad etiquette (etiquette smediquette) ..but I really do not want to be rude and offend anyone. Would it be okay to invite others (we want a rather large engagement party) if we included a separate note with the invitation indicating something along the lines that we will be having a small destination wedding in Cancun on November 27th, etc. and to not bring gifts..? Please advise if you have had similar parties/invitations and suggestions of the wording of the note! Thank you!