dstinationdrmr

Quote: Originally Posted by chong oh hi hi... i am also getting married on October 10, 2010 at Azul Sensatori... I really need to talk to someone about the planning. I have done NOTHING!!! what time and where are you getting married? I have reserved 530pm ceremony on the beach. i am started to worry if this is too late... with no sunset and all. if you get a chance, please reply back to me. i would love to talk chong Hi Chong, Calm down, it will all be ok. Just make a list (I've found that this helps me stick to what I need to do). Prioritize by importance, i.e. book your ceremony and reception locations if you're having one, book a photograper if you want one. Make sure the things that can get booked up are taken care of. Also, if you are having guests come for your wedding you may want to get a travel agent. Mine is Jennifer from VIP Travel and so far I have no complaints. She is handling a lot of my stuff and negotiated an exceptional rate for us all. I am doing the Sky Deck wedding @ 4pm and haven't even booked my reception location yet. Hopefully that will be done this week. Google sunset times if you want it to be sunlight for your reception, if not, go with 5:30. After all, it will give you more time to get dressed, etc. Let me know if there's anything else you need.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Hi Girls!!! Thanks for the warm wishes I brought my laptop and am on to email the coordinator some stuff, thought I'd sneak in and say hello! (FI's napping) The weather here is perfection, not a grey cloud in site since we arrived!! Everything has gone completely smooth and my meeting with the coordinators today was amazing, they have their shiz in order for sure. The resort is gorgeous, the service is amazing, just thought you AS b2b's would love to hear some good news from onsite. Tipping is definitely how to get ahead here, just keep that in mind. I'm gonna get started on the OOT bags now.... I'm really already having a blast and guests arrive tomorrow and I can't even wait!! Stilll can't believe I'm really here I'm so happy things are going so well for you and I hope the rest of your stay is extra fab. Oh, and....HAPPY WEDDING DAY TOMORROW!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by meghan I love that I am in the 1 month mark now on my ticker!! That is soooo exciting!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I just wanted to jump in here mid last little details and final packing... I just wanted to say thank you to all you girls, truly my support system and a true example of what can be achieved with such a great group of friends I've made, I love you girls!!!! It still doesn't feel real, this is so crazy, I feel like I'm floating (I get it now Wendy) I will be thinking of you girls and will be back here as soon as I return!! XOXOXOXOXO Awww!! I am sooo happy for you and Katie! (tear) I hope you have a fab time in Mexico. Toss back a couple tequilas for me!! And I wish both couples long happy lives together.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Ladies, I posted my planning thread and thought I'd share it with you all! I forgot a few things some some are on the 2nd and 3rd page in between some comments http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...-thread-58383/ Great planning thread!! You make me feel like such a slacker. Lol!!

Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb If you google "photos of Sky Deck" "Azul Sensatori" or just "Sky Terrace Azul Sensatori" a lot of people's wedding photos pop up. You should get a better idea of the location from there. At least I did. One couple who used Elizabeth Medina (photog) has some great pics on her site of the space. Thanks for the tip!

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Hey ladies...here are a TON of pictures of the Sky Wedding option... azsskywedd BananAlbum Thanks for the links!!

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz That's a really good idea...I think I am going to do something like that for our welcome cocktails. Not an official "cocktail party" but "meet and greet" type deal at one of the bars. Not sure if you were interested in a private cocktail party, but someone posted a link to promotion a that Karisma was doing about a month ago (I cannot remember who it was). I asked my WC about it and they actually gave it to me. We were already planning a cocktail party and were planning on spending $500 on it but to get it free when they nickel and dime us for everything else was refreshing. So, if you're interested it's worth a try. Booking Engine | Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Are you considering Andrew?! He is AWESOME!!!!! I cannot speak highly enough about our experience with him. From the early stages of planning to actually getting to meet him and work with him, we cannot think of anyone we would rather have had as our photog. I haven't seen the pro pics yet, but he showed us some as he was taking them and they were just amazing. I'm jumping out of my skin wanting to see them!! LOL, I think I'm more excited to write my review of Andrew than I am about the resort! He's just that good of a guy. Cleveland Wedding Photographer-Andrew Jordan Photography Yeah, we are considering Andrew. He called me the other day and does seem really nice and friendly. I am just trying to get FI on board with the cost. It would really take up a huge chunk of our budget and I'm not really trying to budge on much else, so I'll let you know how that goes.

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Hiya ladies!!!!!!!!!! I'm back and we had the MOST AMAZING time!!!! AB could not have been more perfect for our wedding. I can't wait til I get my pictures and can share with you. Oddly enough, being a bride I didn't carry around my camera that day so I'm at the mercy of our families and my photog, LOL. Unfortunately, it rained and rained and rained our first 3 days there. Not just sprinkles or mist but full on side-blowing rain. We had to cancel the sailing trip (no worries for all you gals that have booked with Paradise Catamarans...full refund with no problems) and ended up renting vans to take our guests into town for dinner instead. They were getting a bit stir-crazy with the rain. BUT, somebody was looking out for us because we went to bed the night before the wedding to pouring rain and woke up to blue skies on wedding day!!!!!! The clouds rolled in around ceremony time but the first drop didn't fall until the final blessing. Perfect timing if you're going to have rain on your wedding day! I'll write a full review later with all the details but I just wanted to pop in and say that the whole experience at AB could not have been any better. Superb everything: food, staff, beaches, onsite team. Absolutely perfect! Now I've got a lot of catching up to do!!! Sucks that it rained! I prayed that it wouldn't for you, then I spoke to Andrew Monday and he told me what happened. I just hope it didn't ruin things for you. From your mini review it sounds like things worked out though. Congrats on being a MRS!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by rkf1046 OK, so I am a little unsure of myself now...I had a conversation with a co-worker about why would I register for gifts if I am not inviting everyone to the wedding. We are having about 25-30 people hopefully and I am inviting few work friends and not much of the our extended families. I am curious if everyone else registered. I of course don't expect that everyone will get us gifts especially those who are coming but I also know that people who aren't coming or understand the logistics of a destination wedding may want to buy us a gift. What has everyone else done? I don't see the big deal if you don't want to buy a gift than don't. The conversation just made me start second guessing our decision...I am pretty sure I read some postings about this before, but of course I can't find them. I understand where your coworkers are coming from BUT it is your day! If you want to register...do it. My FI and I are registered at Macy's, Bed Bath & Beyond and Honeymoon Wishes. A lot of places give you a percentage off of the registry items that are not purchased. So my advice would be to register even if people don't get you a lot of gifts at least you can get things cheaper for yourselves that you may have been looking at. Honeymoon Wishes is a site where people can basically give you money. You can set a dollar amount to things that you plan to do on your honeymoon (if you're having one) or you can put that money towards things you want to do at Azul. For instance, you can request $40 for "a manicure to show off your ring" or $100 to go towards your plane ticket, etc. Check it out. Hope this helps!

Wow! I'm so excited for you ladies that are so close to tying the knot!! Amy B - I'm sure everything will work out with your dress and hopefully you DON"T have to stalk her! That would suck.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I'm doing the Donkey Cocktail hour with the 5 Mexican passed canapes on the yoga palaps on the beach, which may or may not be offered anymore. I'm doing a private reception on the Zocollo Terrace with the Surf & Turf, steak and lobster, appetizer is a trio of ceviche & dessert is chocolates with raspberries. It was the only thing I could think of that all my guests would like. Hey, I think we're doing our wedding and reception at the same locations. Aren't you doing the Sky Wedding? I just added it to my detail sheet last week. It took a long time to decide if that's what we wanted to do (considering the extra $ involved) but I just really love it. Do you have pics of the Terrace that you can send me? Cecile, my coordinator sent me some but I just can't really get a good idea of the setting.

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Congrats on finding your dress!!! WHo is the designer? Eugenia Couture

Amy - one more item on my to do list (sorry) - purchase cake accessories Thanks!!

Hey Ladies, Just got finished catching up. Wanted to let you all know that I found my dress !!! We went all the way to Atlanta to find it (there are only 2 retailers in the entire south). The whole way there I just kept hoping the trip would be productive. Could you imagine driving 7 hours only to go back home and buy a dress?! The best part of it all was my mom paid for it!! She initially told me all she could contribute was $500 and the dress was much more than that so it was all totally unexpected and greatly appreciated. On top of finding my dress I also found the BMs jewelry @ Macy's One Day Sale. This was a big deal because I got hooked on necklaces that I found months ago. I finally purchased them to find they looked horrible in person! Amy - I would like to add my to do list please. I've been trying to sick to a list like you suggested, but I got help from an unexpected place. Since my BMs fell off with helping me because they all seem to be going through stuff right now, FI's cousin has stepped up to help me. It all kinda threw me off my list because she has many great ideas, but I needed the help. So, hopefully, now I can make the list and stick to it. dstinationdrmr (Meredith's) to do list: - pick a photographer already!! - finalize FI/GM suits and ties - buy gift for officiant - buy his ring - finish compiling addresses - set up pre-marital counseling - order sample bouquets - update website for BMs Also, are any of you familiar with bloom boxes? If not look it up. FI's cousin actually told me about them. I'm thinking it may be a good alternative to renting the resort's $20 vases or packing them. Let me know what you all think about them.

Congratulations Crista! Babies should always be considered a blessing. Hopefully it will all work out and we will still be getting married the same week. If not, it's not the end of the world. I like your attitude about the whole situation. Keep up with the positive thoughts....the baby can sense it! Lol.

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Boy, I don't know that's a tough one! No, I probably wouldn't on the slim chance most people ended up going. You take a chance either way I guess. All you other AS ladies, what are your thoughts? How many did you invite and how many are actually going? We invited about 150 people and are expecting about 50-60.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I can safely say we've all been here or close to it and BTW, you have plenty of time, seriously it's amazing what you can actually get done in 2 weeks! Regarding the people that want to help you... they need to just get excited again and feel like their needed... I know, I know but it's true. If you yourself and muster up a little excitement go grab coffee with one or a few of them and say, "Hey I'm really getting into planning now and need (fill in the blank) done and thought you'd be PERFECT doing this since you're so creative or good at (fill in the blank). This helps, you need to get people involved or else they feel like they are forcing you. Also, one lesson I learned... don't wait for people to tell you anything because they won't. Just ask, up front and blatantly. Tell your grandmother, are you planning to come to the wedding? I need to know by (fill in the date) so I can plan for it financially, other than that I will consider you not coming. I'm sorry if this comes across rude, it's just how it has to be, direct with no fluff and you'll get answers, I hope, haha! Also, just do one thing at a time... chose a photographer and do nothing else until that's done, then move on to the next item. Keep a list and check stuff off, you'll be moving in no time! I do a to do list for the thread every two weeks, feel free to add some stuff to do and you focus on those items for 2 weeks, it's easier to focus on a small list instead of thinking about your whole wedding all at once. Vent away my dear, this is why we're all here, we all understand exactly what you're going through and have been there. Good luck! You know what KittenHeart? I'm going to take your advice. What you said wasn't rude...it's real! No need for me to sit around waiting on them. I'm going to try to stick to a list (Lord knows my mind wanders way too much). I have personally diagnosed myself with ADD this late in life. But I will definitely try the to do list. When are you guys updating it for the next two weeks?

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Way to stay focused!!!! No problem with ranting to us...I do it ALL the time. Everyday is a different battle for me, so I know how you feel. One day I am crying my eyes out and on the verge of depression, and the next day I try to find something to look forward. I think weddings are just tough for everyone, especially a DW. There is a lot of money involved and a lot of emotions and OPINIONS. That has been the hardest thing for me to handle: not taking these opinions personally! And don't worry, you have plenty of time! Just start making a short list of things to do and don't let yourself get too overwhelmed with the big picture. For now, you have the resort booked! That is the most important...have you found a TA yet? Photographer is a good next step...and you can even start dress shopping!!! That's the best part! Let us know if we can do anything for you! Thanks! It's really good to hear that I'm actually NOT losing my mind. Yeah, my TA is actually the one that suggested AS. She's great! She's the least of my worries. If anyone doesn't have a TA I highly recommend her. She got us fabulous rates. I am actually going dress shopping in Atlanta this weekend. They're having a trunk sale for my #1 ranked dress. So keep your fingers crossed on that one! I'm sure I'll need LOTS of assistance. I tried to go back and read all 600 pages of this thread, but it's just not happening. So I apologize in advance if I ask a repeat question.

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz I am actually flying my photographer in. Should be a fun weekend...Boudoir shoot, engagement pics, and Jazz Fest!!! Whoo hoo!! My FI's brother and fiance live in Nola. It is definitely one of our favorite places...we go about 10 times a year. HOw long have you lived there? Do you love it? Any suggestions for some cool picture spots? We were thinking some in the Quarter/Jackson square, some on the street car to Uptown/Garden District, and then some at the Columns hotel, etc down there. I have lived here all my life. You are coming at one of the best times of the year. You'll definitely have lots of fun. And you definitely are going to the right area. The French Quarter is definitely the best area to get really interesting pics. You could possibly get pics riding in the one of the horse and carriages there. Make sure you go to Woldenburg Park. It's right on the Mississippi River and the well known boats (The Natchez and The Creole Queen) dock there. Maybe you can get them in the background of some of your pics. Definitely look @ Studio Tran's website. They are one of the most sought after photography businesses here (I wish I could afford to bring them with me to Mexico). But look at their engagement photos and sometimes they'll put locations at the top of the album. City Park, Lafreniere Park, all along St. Charles Ave (gotta get the streetcar in some pics). Believe it or not, if you go to Audubon Zoo, there are a lot of photo ops there too. Where are you staying? How much time will the photographer allow for pics?

Quote: Originally Posted by GroomsArePeopleToo I understand and respect that. Keep me in mind if things change. I do have the benefit of not needing to stay at the resort, but there still is the vendor fee. If I book something else during the same time frame there is always the option of "Day After" shoot too. Ok, thanks! I'm crossing my fingers that more money will mysteriously appear (preferably from his parents, lol). But I will definitely keep you in mind. In the meantime, can you send me your pricing info? I'll show my fiance your work and see if he'll budge.

Quote: Originally Posted by GroomsArePeopleToo dstinationdrmr, Wow! I'm sure all your plans will come together, best wishes. I will be shooting Wendy's wedding this coming week. Watch for links to check out the images. Let me know if I can help. Thanks! I actually looked at your site and saw your work when she recommeded you on an earlier post. I do like what you do. Problem is, we are soooo over our budget we are probably going to have to stick with the sucky options that the resort offers. I will keep an eye out for those pics tho.