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Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Thanks!! It's so much fun isn't it? I am deep in planning mode, I'm freaked because I have 16 days and pretty much no details. I think I have my theme nailed down, should be simple... now just need to make and get out the invite! Amy, I agree with Amanda....you're the master planner around these parts! Everything will be fine. Who goes to Vegas and doesn't have a blast?! Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz haha 4 is right...wait, maybe 5?!? Thank you You girls are just so full of compliments today!!! Oh girls!! As a result of all of your good thoughts and prayers and whatever else you were sending my way, my photog has definitely redeemed herself. Passports order, pictures and garmin sent! They will arrive tomorrow! WHEW!!!!!!!!!!! SUCH a relief. This week has been HELL and on top of all that photo drama.... I'm glad that all worked out. I was really concerned for you. Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I too want you to go SO bad! The F650 30 person limo I'm renting has a freaking color changing acrylic stripper pole, why am I so stoked about this?!! Uhhh, where do you find this stuff! Tres resourceful....can't wait to see. Sounds like soooo much fun. Now you're REALLY making me want a Vegas wedding Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb You girls are too funny! Got to love all of it...the planning, the encouragement, the compliments! And you are all so right! Amy, don't stress...Vegas is all about fun. Just go with the flow and I'm sure it will be amazing. You are a master wedding planner after all. Lindz, so happy about your photographer. I can't even imagine the stress that must have caused you! Wendy, what's coming up, AHR? Where are you having it? In Austin? Love it there. FI ad I may move there soon. Fingers crossed. He and the baby have been so sick for the past month. First the stomach flu and now strep (sic?) throat! Between that and traveling to NY for work and Boston for college reunion, I really could use some family around. And I think Austin would be a nice change of pace. Awww. Sorry to hear about your sick ones. I hope they get better soon.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Exotic Gazebo setup - Thanks for the pic. I was debating on this. Do you think it's better to this on-site? Quote: Originally Posted by gingerlover36 Question for past brides...or current...I am a huge emailer - much better with expressing myself through written word than speaking. However, I think I might get quicker responses if I call Miami direct. What method did or do you use? annnnd Do you think because I am 10 months out they might not be as responsive as if it was closer? I do like my girl she has been really sweet so far, and sometimes she responds the same day but lately its been 1-2 week response time. I function better with email since I work overnight. I also like to have a hard copy of everything we discuss. But, I can see how it may be more personal and possibly make them more attentive if you have phone convos. Maybe your WC will get to know you better that way and want to help you out more. Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Also, got some more pictures my photog put up on a website, these are temporarily up if you wanna check them out Amy + Daylen 2010 Love, love, love!!! Your pics are amazing!! I showed my MOH the other pics of your wedding (she didn't know what chiavari chairs were) and she said you remind her of Carrie from Sex and the City. I thought you might get a kick out of that. And just in case you're thinking about it, if you are planning to sell any of your stuff let me know. I really need lanterns among other things.

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda I would do it for that price savings! And if your Mom volunteered, let her work her magic! Just bring a couple spares and some tape & scissors in case you need to do any fixes. I cant wait to see this! You should defo post a thread in DIY for other brides too. Such a great cost savings. Good point Amy, thanks. I will do that. I wanted to post the pics for you guys to see what you think, but Sprint is doing some kind of maintenance with picture mail I guess. I'll have to go to her house and take pics myself. Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Thanks Renee. I was very happy with that decision too! It was this one I bought later: B/c I decided I did not like this one anymore: Always trust your gut - my friends loved this dress on me but 6 months later I still had doubts and bought the new one. Which I loved!! No offense Amy, but I definitely think you made a good choice. I do like the 2nd one better. What did you do with the 1st dress? I'm kinda having the same delimma but it's not because I don't like my dress or the way it looks on me. I just fell in love with 2 dresses. Casa Blanca Bridal :: Collections (the one I didn't get) Eugenia Couture (couldn't just paste the pic, but it's the one all the way @ the bottom right) Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Thank you so much! Can't wait to see your boxes! Once I see a picture I'll have a better idea of suggestions on packing. I say it can absolutelly be figured it so it works Man, FI would NOT let me book Zoetry but 50% off?! DO it girl! I'm positive it will be an unbelievable experience! LOVED my cigar bar! I originally got it for FI as a part of the wedding I knew he'd love. Everyone got down on the cigars and people were still looking for them after they left and asking me if I had any leftover after the wedding. I honestly only knew a few of us would smoke them but people really got into it. The experience was really cool and you get to pick $200 worth of cigars from the cataloge they have that FI picked once at the resort. I bought cigar togo bags not realizing they come individually packaged in a hard plastic case inside a cigar box. I didn't even use the to go baggies. I think it was well worth it, great photos, great experience, everyone was really impressed and people smoked cigars who don't even smoke anything in general. We'll have to see about Zoetry. That's all wishful thinking. I'm still getting flack about why our wedding budget keeps increasing! Thanks for the info about the cigar bar. I guess the budget just increased $600!! Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay Ok ladies I am one step closer! My TA is in chats with Tiffany and the resort to book my date in stone and get my group rate/block done! In the meantime, I typed out my ENTIRE budget last night and was A TON over so started making cuts only to get super depressed then cried to MY FI to which he reminded me that it really doesn't matter because we are going to have the best time no matter what. The funniest part is while making cuts with both decided we CANNOT cut the Mexican Donkey Cocktail Party. The Donkey seems to be the one keeping us sane when stress kicks in. I think of getting a beer from the donkey and suddenly everything is ok! Good News is budget is now back under a mangeable amount and next stop get this resort BOOKED!!! YAH! In GOOD NEWS I got an email confirmation for my appt at J. Crew Wedding Boutique in NYC. I will be up there for business in July so I am going to MY FIRST offical Dress outing to see what they have. Up till now it's been all on the internet! Budget is a concern of FI's too. I say, if you do it right you'll only do it once so.... J. Crew, that's exciting! I wanted to do the whole NYC thing too but knew that I would have to pay for people to come with me. So, I just went to Atlanta. I'm sure it's not as exciting as NYC. Hope you find what you're looking for!! Quote: Originally Posted by beaz2be Celina, would love to know how this works out for you, with cost; fitting in suitcase etc. as I'll probably consider the same. Thanks so much amyb. Slowly but surely, I'll figure out this forum. Good news - JUST found out we officially have our ceremony and reception. I sent in our deposit and we are officially getting married at AS!!!! so excited! We put down the 10 deposits this week to hold a group rate with our TA and then people only have about a month to join the group at the held rate. I better get on STDs real fast. We're planning to do email STDs and then traditional invitations (for the time factor mainly). Congrats!!

Amy F - I know you liked your cigar bar. Do you recommend it for the price? I'm thinking about surprising FI with it but I'm not sure how many people actually smoke. We don't regularly smoke but he does partake for special occasions and I thought they'd make great photo props. What comes with the package? Do they supply something to carry them in to take them home/save for later? Also, you keep saying you're bored and all, but I can give you lots to do!!! You can plan a get together for all us girls to vent and take shots since you missed that! Wouldn't that be something?!

I guess I should have mentioned that the reason she recommended these cardboard boxes is because they're less than half the price of the blume boxes we were going to buy. They're $3.49, only problem is figuring out how to pack them because they don't collapse. My mom swears she can make it happen without messing them up so cross your fingers!!

Hey Ladies, It's been a few days so I am just catching up. I have to say that my to-do's are being accomplished more slowly than I'd hoped. However, I think we've decided on our DIY centerpieces!!! FI's cousin came up with an idea to take these cardboard boxes (I know it sounds cheesy, but wait) and cover them in paper and decorate them the way we want to. So, hesitantly my mom and I went to Hobby Lobby and bought all the stuff. She then text me a pic of the box all decorated and I have to say it wasn't what I wanted but it looked good!! So, I will post pics as soon as Sprint stops acting up. My mom's a teacher so she's our for summer and needs stuff to do I guess. Also, reading your posts made me want to plan our honeymoon too. We haven't really even decided to have one, but I'm pushing for one after our AHR. So, I looked up Zoetry and I agree it's vvveeerrryyy nice! And in case you ladies are interested, they have a buy one night get one night free!!!! So, I am very tempted to book and surprise FI with that. I know it's still expensive ($1400 for 2 nights) but when else will you be able to stay somewhere like that for 50% off?

Those bags are really nice. I may order some for my bridal party gifts. Just fyi though, for anyone looking for reasonably priced tote bags, Dollar Tree has some that are really reasonable for $1. I purchased 50 the other day and am surprised by the quality. Bulk Jumbo Tote Bags, 19" at DollarTree.com

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart HAHA, I know... wait until you have nothing to do planning wise after your wedding and it's nice for a few weeks and then it's sad because you don't want it to be over! I actually did a little research and the Hangover Suite doesn't look anything like it did in the movie... it's kinda meh looking in real like and so for $5,000 I decided that wasn't worth it... (I'm thinking the price went up since it was in the movie) I am now in a MGM Skyloft, 3,000 square feet, pool table, flat screens, butler, all that stuff. Also you have to have a private guest list for anyone coming to your suite because it's escort only to those suites which is pretty cool. I paid $2,000 for the suite and I'm having everyone bring a bottle of alcohol and a mixer, get some hor'derves and done! You cannot make pre-reservations for Le Chique, I tried and they told me that your personal concierge is the only person who can make them and that depends on your building number. I didn't... I thought it may jinx it... haha not totally seriously but I just didn't want even have a thought of needing it. Not the most foolproof plan but you know what, it all worked out. The suite @ MGM still sounds amazing. I love that hotel. You're gonn ahave sooo much fun! I just rold FI your plans and he's trying to make it work. He loves Vegas more than I do. He's sitting here suggesting that we make it legal for New Year's. Lol! Too bad I gotta work. I kinda figured that about LeChique but just thought I'd ask. As far as the jinxing goes...I agree. I'm not a "gotta have insurance" kinda girl. I'm more of a "whatever happens, happens" so I'm shocked that I'm even considering it. Problem is, watching the news today with it being the 1st day of hurricane season and all they got me a little paranoid. So, I'll keep you guys posted on what we decide. Quote: Originally Posted by MrsVaughn2B Le Chique..... really hound your personal concierge about getting reservations as soon as you get there. We actually ate there twice and it was great both times. Make sure you make clear that you want to eat there and not having a reservation is out of the question. Thanks for the tip!! Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay OK Ladies, I got my budget and things are looking good. My grandparents really want us to move the wedding from 2012 to 2011 and it looks like I may be able to swing it budget wise on my end so now I am waiting on my FI family to be cool with it. Then I can talk to the WC at Azul Sensatori and see what dates in May of 2011 are open. YIKES! I am an event planner so it's not like I can't get everything I was planning to do over 2 years done in 1 rightLOL Question for you ladies; I have had 2 WC's contact me from AS Tiffany Borowsky and Cécile Alix. Did anyone have good experiences with one or both? Thanks ladies! I would be Lost without you guys! I have Cecile and I have to say she is prompt. Bullets and numbering are definitely the way to go and even then you may still have to remind her that there was a question she didn't answer. She is nice tho and seems to really want to help. She is a little uncertain about a lot of things tho, so if I were you I would take a lot from this thread and let her know that you know those things are available. Otherwise, she isn't upfront about your options, etc. It's kinda like if you don't ask, she won't offer. Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps I was trying to multi-quote but it didn't work but anyway I was told that the payment is due 45 days before, which for me will be June 16th. I sure hope that day comes and goes without them asking me because due to some screw up with the IRS I haven't gotten my tax return yet and I just found out that I probably won't get it until the first week in July. We were planning to use the tax return to pay off the wedding. We can rob Peter to pay Paul to pay the wedding off but who wants to do that It'll be just my luck that the resort will be looking for my payment on June 16th exactly! I feel your pain about the tax stuff. We're not in the same boat but this year I convinced my sister to go to the place I've been letting do my taxes for the past 3 years. We went and my returns came back no problem. Hers, however, was never filed!!! Come to find out, the place went out of business under "Liberty Tax" and never alerted us to that fact. They cleared out of the building and disappeared. Shady, shady, shady! I'm sure everything will work out tho. According to everyone else's experience with the matter looks like you'll be fine. Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Thank you so much for the reassurance, Taylorwd! I honestly think this thread is a blessing and a curse. :-) If you start reading from the beginning it is SOOOO negative. And then if you talk to ladies who have recently had ceremonies, all are happy! I think I might just need to stop reading anything prior to page #400. :-) Thank you! Honestly, I tried to start from the beginning. Even recruited my MOH to help me read. I would say that starting around pg 400 is about right because some of that info is no longer relevant anyway, i.e. photog policy.

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Ok girls, if you guys want to see my engagement pics... Go to Lauren Harris Photography and click "enter site." Then click "client proofing." Then UNDER "enter password," type nola and click "submit." There a TON!!! Oh, and you can totally tell how nervous we were in the first few, but they get better as you go through them. Her blog website is Lauren Harris Photography, but she has not posted on her blog yet, so you will have to go through all 500 pics. Your pics came out fab! It would definitely be a shame to have to dissolve your business relationship with her so I hope it all works out. I especially like the ones @ The Columns (love their drinks also, lol) and I love those pumps. Cute, cute, cute!!!

So, is anyone or has anyone purchased wedding insurance. I kinda feel like most travel insurances won't help me in terms of hurricanes/natural disaster so I looked up wedding insurance which isn't that expensive but is it necessary? What are your thoughts?

Meredith's To-Do-List 1. go to Hobby Lobby and get boxes, flowers, ribbon, wrapping paper and rhinestones for centerpieces 2. order FI's ring 3. insure my ring 4. decide on wedding insurance (to buy or not to buy) 5. simple table decor for cocktail party 6. order flower girl/ring bearer tees 7. come up with items for ring bearer's gift bag 8. think of ideas for aisle decor 9. ORDER/MAKE INVITATIONS!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd LOL, this doesn't surprise me one bit! At one point my WC said we were confirmed to have our reception at Spoon. My response was, "Um, Spoon? Isn't Spoon at Azul Sensatori? We're getting married at Azul Beach!" I used to ask her all kinds of detailed questions about the resort which she was never able to answer. Turns out she'd been on a tour of AB a couple of times but had never spent any real time there and has never stayed there. No wonder she wasn't familiar with the layout!! This is for sure one of the most frustrating things to deal with, but if you have the facts up front about who you can and cannot have (which so many of us didn't!), then you can get past it pretty quickly. Having a Karisma wedding is so wonderful! -- except for this one issue. I know, Wendy, I think we should all move to Miami after our weddings and become WCs so the future brides have more knowledgeable people to work with. After all, once its all over you guys are pros!! Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I got all 1,125 of my pro pix today and spent the entire day going through them at work... I've felt giddy and floaty allll day long, like reliving my wedding day all over again... I'm so jealous of you B2B's, you are going to have the time of your lives! My AHR/Cocktail Reception party is this Friday... my friends are planning and throwing it and it's so strange to be in the dark and not have to organize everything, my Type A part of my personality is freaking out a bit. I don't even know who's coming! Luckily I have some things to do for my Vegas wedding which I'm stoked about. I have about 25 or so people coming to that. Uhhh, jealous of us?! I'm jealous of your 3 weddings! Especially, the Vegas wedding and the Hangover Suite...I'm definitely envious. I love Vegas as wish I could do something there too. Maybe for our anniversary since everyone is crying broke already. If you don't mind me asking, how much is the suite costing you? Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Yeah Nicole's right... when I was there they said 16 course meal but they are tiny and unique. I tried making reservations twice when I was there and they were all booked up and they told me you had to make reservations 3 days prior. Does anyone know if you can make reservations at Le Chique before you check in? I know it's a long shot but I really want the experience. Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Ok my photographer...I need advice!! So, here is the deal. My photographer is AMAZING!! SO SO SO talented...AND we just clicked!! Well, I feel like she has really flaked on me...I can't get her to respond to emails or texts or phone calls or anything, and I don't know what to do. I will get a random text every few weeks that says she is soooo sorry she hasn't posted the pics...blah blah blah...and will send me the pics and other things "first thing monday morning." Then I never hear from her. Also, this is so stupid, but it just confirms her flakiness to me. She borrowed my garmin to get back to the airport for our enagement pics 1 MONTH ago. Well, I have given her my fed ex acct number and address and everything like 5 times. She keeps saying she forgets to send it, and now just won't respond to me. Like, I said, I know this is dumb to worry about, but it just seems really shady on top of everything else. Get what I am saying? And in my job (I drive about 300-400 miles everyday all over the state of Alabama), a Garmin to me is equivalent to a hair dresser not having a blow dryer! haha It is almost impossible to get around these tiny towns everyday without one. I had to go buy a new one. So, to make a long story even longer, here is the bottom line: I am spending more money on my pictures than I can even stomach. Paying her fee, her travel, her travel to NOLA for engagement pics, etc etc etc etc has gotten WAAAAY out of control. BUT it is worth it to me. However, this shadiness is scaring me to death!!!!!! What would you guys do? And she blocked me on facebook from seeing her status updates. Ok, that sounds so stalker-like, but it is true... Lindz, that sucks. I don't care how busy you are, if you are a business person that can't get to emails, you shouldn't give your email address out or hire a temp to answer them for you. Better yet, if she is just busy there are those automated messages that can go out saying such (I get them from my WC all the time, lol). I don't feel that's an excuse. And blocking you on fb....just shady. Let us know how that email goes (if she responds), but I would definitely have to come to some type of agreement with her before booking her plane ticket, etc to Mexico. There is still time to find someone else if she doesn't get her act together and I would stress that to her. She should definitely take into consideration the fact that brides are overly emotional and get back to you for that reason alone. Also, I would deduct the price of the Garmin from her final payment if you haven't already paid in full. My conscience wouldn't allow me to keep my mom's Garmin nevertheless a client's!!

Quote: Originally Posted by dakotaAZ Hi!! I am new to this forum but am pretty excited because it looks like you all have a ton of great information!! We are getting married at Azul Sensatori, tentatively on April 2, 2011. I do have a couple of questions but my biggest one right now is the photographer, I would like to use someone other than the ones that are contracted through Karisma. Any suggestions I live in Phoenix and am not sure how to go about finding someone and so many of you have beautiful photos!! Any suggestions would be appreciated! Thanks, Alissa Congrats on choosing AS! I think it was the right choice (it was for me). You will go through some stressful situations, i.e. the photog issue but when you hear from everyone that gets married there they absolutely love it. We chose to go with Andrew Jordan also. I got the resommendation from Wendy and when I got in touch with him he was very prompt and easy to talk to. So, its all about weighing your options and knowing how much money you want to spend. For us is a splurge but we figure we'll have the pics forever.

Quote: Originally Posted by renee1811 OMG, I leave in 12 hours!! Sorry I haven't been around a lot recently, and I hope everybody is doing awesome. I have spent the past few days running around like crazy trying to get everything finished! I hope everyone has a fabulous next few days, and next time I post, I will be a Mrs!!!! There is no way I'll be getting any sleep tonight! Have fun Renee and congratulations!

Quote: Originally Posted by Sammyhawk Thanks! I just kept saying "I am not going to Mexico to get married in a ballroom". I found out after I made the decision to continue on the beach that the backup was actualy the open air area next to the Mojito lounge, not sure what it is called, so that isn't bad if anyone else happens to encounter rain on their wedding day. The saddest part is that we didn't have the opportunity to do any pictures together in my original wedding dress. I had acrylics placed in the solon and a pedicure the morning of the wedding. I would definitely advise to get this done at home first. I was just thinking the french tips on my toes and polish on my nails wouldn't hold up if I was end the pool several days before the wedding. The girls in the solon were very very nice, but very slow. My appts were for 8&9 and I didn't get out of the solon until 12. I still had to shower and get our music to the wedding coordinator and then arrange to do my own hair and makeup with the photographer to photograph. So that ran late, I was literally getting into my dress just minutes before we were suppose to meet at the ceremony site. So that is definitely the sadest part. We got some great morning after the wedding shots in my second dress, but I'm sad I didn't get more use out of my original dress. I am looking forward to wearing it in June at our AHR, but no fantastic photographer at that event . Anyway, I will try to get on that planning thread. We actually found out yesterday that we are getting relocated. So I have a lot of new planning stress..here I thought I would have a little bit of a break after the wedding. We just relocated here (St. Louis) from Iowa last May, and just built a beautiful home and thought we would for sure be hear atleast 3-5 years. Well my hubby found out yesterday he is getting promoted (yay) but that means moving to Little Rock, AR. I have so many mixed feelings. I cannot believe we are moving again and so soon and so far from our families. We cannot tell anyone until next week, after it is announced with the company, but I am freaking out a little bit. It was totally stressful last year relocating and we have to do it all over again! House hunt and job hunt, the second time in a year! I still have unpacking to do, but ever since I found out about the relo I have done nothing but internet research. I went from wedding planning to planning another major move. Wish me luck girls, and in my down time- when I want to not think about the move anymore I will post some of my planning stuff. Good luck to you and your hubby. I'm sure everything will work out. Going through trials like this will make your marriage stronger. I know it sucks, especially since you built a house and all. The positive in this is being able to meet new people and experience new things.

Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps I believe the pool deck is different from Plaza Zavaz because I'm having a cocktail reception at the pool deck and the reception at the Plaza Zavaz and no one has ever told me they're the same place. I think I have pictures of both locations. Send me your email address and I'll send you the pics I have. I'm supposed to be attending a conference here in New Orleans but it seems as though I just came here to eat and drink! Thanks for that...my WC always makes me feel like I'm making stuff up Glad you're having fun here. Every once in awhile we should all skip work, eat, drink and be merry!! Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Meredith - Nice on the multiquoting! For Lindz's e-pics, I was referring to her new siggy pic and her avatar that show up when she posts. I'm sure she has a lot more but I haven't seen them yet! So don't worry, you're not missing out Ok, I thought there was a link somewhere that I missed or something. Such a dork! Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Meredith - you did MQ! All thanks to you! Now if you can tell me how to put everyone's to-do's together I may try to start next week. That's if Lindz changes her mind. She told me she was leaving for a business trip this morning so she may be a little busy. Quote: Originally Posted by rkf1046 I'm so behind on reading posts, but so sorry to hear about your friend. I know at any time this is an extremely hard thing to go through not to mention in the middle of wedding planning. My prayers are with you. Trust me you are not alone feeling at a standstill!!! Keep the faith! It will all work out in the end! Thanks! The funeral is Saturday, so that will be sad but we do plan to go out for drinks later. Hopefully that will lighten the mood although it kinda seems inappropriate I think we all need a little pick me up. Quote: Originally Posted by ~Katie~ hey girls, sorry I haven't been on here much - having been delayed getting home we had less time than we wanted to plan final details for our AHR that we had on Saturday, and since friday, I have had an ear infection and felt like total BLAH. Monday was my first day back at work and I lasted until 1pm when they sent me home....today I only lasted 10 minutes before they sent me home. but anyway....sorry. for those interested, here are some links to my brother's website. He worked alongside our hired professional photogs in Mexico, and worked alone with his wife for our AHR. pics from my wedding - JD Photographs - Kate and Chris' Wedding pics from my AHR - JD Photographs - Kate and Chris's Wedding - UK Reception there's also pics on my facebook from the official photogs so add if you like Katie Day. much love girlies xx I looked @ your pics on FB and you looked amazing!! Sorry you don't feel well but at least you didn't feel like that for your wedding (trying to look @ the bright side). Hope you feel better.

I was almost successful with multiquoting!

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Sorry girls, I have been MIA!! Do you girls want me to do the list? I will be glad to do it... If you're really sure you want to do it that would be great! If you get overwhelmed I'll definitely have your back. Let us know what you decide.

I was browsing the site and found a thread for sky lanterns. Has anyone getting married @ AS tried to use these? I'm wondering if they'll be allowed.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Meredith - I'm so sorry to hear about your friend. I know it is rough, even moreso going through wedding planning I'm sure ( I know I was very emotional planning my wedding) so just know my thoughts are with you and vent to us if you need. Why don't you take over and do the to do list's for the thread if they helped, I think you'd be perfect for it Also, the best advice I ever got planning my wedding was, don't listen to anyone HAHA, catch 22 I know. I agree with Meaghan, I think it's actually rude to send invites to guests who have already told you they aren't coming. I didn't send invites to guests not coming, I plan to send them announcements when I get all my photos and I'll do like a photo announcement just letting everyone know we thought about them and they are included. Wendy - LOL! Dear husband, now that makes sense Destination husband I guess does too but it's funny the first thing your mind goes to. Amy - Holy cow girl... no words can describe how excited I am for you!!! You think you're excited now? You're in for a brand new feeling... I feel like a part of a special club and have felt something that only happy married Mrs. feel and can't wait for all the amazing bride to be's I know that are about to join <---- sooooooo cheesy! LOL! Sammyhawk - Congrats Mrs.! So glad your day was unbelievable! I thought the same thing on my wedding day, you know if it rains, it wouldn't have even mattered, I would have had a blast regardless. Besides rain on your wedding day is gooood luck! Thanks Amy. As far as me taking over the to-do-list I haven't even figured out how to multi quote! Lol. If no one else will do it I guess I'll have to sit and figure it out because it was TRULY helpful. Something about other people looking at what you're doing that makes you behave

Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Hello Everyone! I'm a Newbie and just joined BDW about 3 days ago. My FH and I signed our contract last week for a May 2011 ceremony at the Azul Sensatori. I found this site after searching for reviews on MR photographers and I have been lost ever since. :-) I spent hte past 2 days just trying to read this thread alone and have only gotten about 75 pages completed. I posted twice, once as the automated welcome email asked me to, and another in a 2011 Brides thread. I have not received any responses thus far, so I don't even know if I'm posting correctly on this site. :-/ Anywho, it looks like there are quite a few of you in here and if anyone who has recently married at the Azul Sensatori is game to "initiate or haze" me into what what to expect and which vendors I should be looking at closer, please feel free! I am all ears and eager to accept all advice I can get. Oh and I have to share with you all that I am trying to break the bank to get Elizabeth Medina to photograph our wedding!!! I found her site by accident and I AM IN LOVE with her work!!! If anyone has experience with her as well.....I'm ALL ears! Have a great Sunday, Ladies and I so look forward to getting to know you all! All the best! I know its a lot, but try to read or at least skim the pages. It took me about a month to actually get to the point where I could start posting because I was reading most of the time. We're here to answer your questions, but reading past posts really may bring things up that you never thought of. The ladies here are amazing!!! I COULD NOT PLAN THIS WEDDING WITHOUT THEM. I kinda feel bad for the people who don't find this post or got married at AS in the beginning stages of the post. The things they must have missed out on! I'm not sure if anyone has told you this, but you can't use any Mexican photogs other than Caribe and Matais Cano (accepted vendors from the resort). Other than that, you have to bring someone with you, which I decided to do. I like Elizabeth Medina's work too, but from what I hear, the money you would spend on her, you can bring someone with you from the States and save money. Just a suggestion.

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Has anyone used the sparklers? Does anyone know if I can take it to Mexico? Chong I wasn't sure if you could get the sparklers through customs or if the resort would allow you to use them. If you're trying to use them for your exit after you're pronounced husband and wife, I decided to use biodegradable confetti from save-on-crafts. You can get a bag of it for $4.99. I'm going to make petal cones and put the confetti in there for everyone to throw. Let me know if they let you use the sparklers tho. Oh, and FYI my WC told me there's no such thing as the pool terrace for an event. She said I must be referring to Plaza Zavaz because it's close to the pool. Let me know if your WC told you something different.

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Meredith, So sorry to hear about your friend. How wonderful you were able to have someone in your life that you connected with and saw as an inspiration. I agree with everyone on the invites. No reason to send them to people who've already said no. It's both a waste of money and you could possibly make people feel worse if they really want to go but can't for whatever reason. If I got a STD that said "Invitation to Follow" but I had already said no to going, I would definitely not expect a formal invitation. As for all the other stuff, you also don't need to include that with the invites. You can send an information packet before you go if you like (or newsletter), or you can just let them know once they get there. For us, when our guests checked in they got an itinerary for the weekend and our ceremony details. DH = Dear Husband. But I like Destination Husband much better! Thanks Wendy. I really think I'll go that route and just include the info in a packet or something when they get there and not send invites to those that I know aren't coming. Except maybe family that may want to keep the invite for sentimental reasons.

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Girls - I am so excited I can barely breathe! ahhhhh!!! Meredith, I am sorry to hear about your friend. Its nice that you have had someone in your life that you admire; I am sure she will follow you in spirit throughout your life. RE your invites, I really think its bad to send invites to people who are not coming. Maybe ask a couple of the people who are not coming what they think Could you do that? Everyone is different so maybe your family & friends agree with your cousin and think its bad form? Also, I did not include any information regarding wedding locations except to say Azul Beach & beachfront wedding. Thats it. I have a welcome letter and a schedule for everyone when they arrive that have the locations on them. You dont need to tell people beofre they arrive where your reception is held. Chong - I printed menu cards and am having them places at the settings. I got the idea from a bride on here - I have the 4 courses listed as "first date" "courtship" "marriage" and "honeymoon" - How freaking cute is that!!!! Lastly, I got on the scale this morning, and yes I did have a couple bottles of wine between friends last night so I probably was a bit dehydrated but it said I hit my target wedding weight and lost 25 pounds!!!!! I am so excited!!!!! Probably will not step on the scale before I leave now and just keep this high note. OK, going to the beach to work on my tan now. Tomorrow is a spa day and finish packing, leave Monday at 6am!!!! woo hooooooooooooooooo OMG!! AmyB you're so close!! Congrats on the 25lbs too that's great!! Thanks for the suggestions. I may just go the more economical way and not do inserts but just add the info in the welcome letter. I just wanted people to be able to prepare (clothing wise) for our events. I guess it's not a big deal tho. Love love love the menu idea....think I'm gonna steal it!!