ML23

Everyone's pics are so great! Here are a few of mine...

Thanks Ladies!!! Destination weddings are definitely the way to go.. I love the beach and think its a perfect setting for a wedding! xo

Hi there, I am back and had a perfect wedding! ...just to clarify it was the Paradisus Princessa Del Mar in Varadero. The only thing I would caution you about is the mosquitos, make sure you bring lots of spray. It was fine during the day, but at night you'd definitely need to spray yourself. The grounds were beautiful and the staff was very accomodating. We booked the 2nd week at Sandals (which was much more expensive) for our honeymoon, but I actually did not like it as much as the Paradisus. I have pictures from both resorts on facebook that you can see. And I just posted under "Bride Referrals" my review of our amazing photographers (En Vogue Photography) where I've put up a few pictures from our wedding. Let me know if there is anything specific you were looking for and I will try to help. Yanet was the wedding coordinator at Paradisus, and she was fabulous! I had been emailing back & forth with her a few months before the wedding to ensure I knew what to expect in terms of what they could or could not deliver (example, wedding arch decorations, cake, flowers, hair, make up, etc..). I would highly suggests you take lots of pictures of what you want and see if they can provide it or not.

And a few more ...

I wanted to share my experience with En Vogue Photography... I found them through this (BDW) forum, and so ecstatic with the results!!!! Saskatoon Photographers Saskatoon Wedding Photographers Saskatoon Commercial Photographer Saskatoon Family Photographer - En Vogue Photography We got married at the beautiful Paradisus Princessa Del Mar in Varadero Cuba. Whitney & Dylan were the most creative and enjoyable pair to work with, they captured every moment of our wedding... spent the day after for TTD.. and also came along with us on a catamaran to capture all our friends having a great time! I received all the photos on 2 CD’s promptly after the wedding, which they had also professionally edited. Below are just a few of my favourite shots...

Hi punkie569, here are the pictures of what I did to add the crystals... it`s not perfect, but I was happy with the way they turned out...

Your pictures are beautiful!! Can't wait to print mine soon.

This is excellent, thanks jackie_c!!

Jesselyn10, The ones I saw at bakeries were not very nice (mostly plastic). Even at Michaels, they are silver plated, but still plastic-looking. My sister bought these ones for me from Chicago. Good luck!

I absolutely love love love my photographers... I had high expectations, and they exceeded them!!! Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Saskatoon Photographers Saskatoon Wedding Photographers Saskatoon Commercial Photographer Saskatoon Family Photographer - En Vogue Photography

I also have the letter G for sale as well.

I just got back yesterday. They did not even ask for anything related to travel medical insurance.. not to any of my 20 guests as well. Although a few showed them the papers we printed, they looked at it and said ok. We purchased it from Palm Financial: Palm Financial They did not seem to give anyone at the airport a hard time.

Thanks Newflores! No, she does not charge any fees! She also has a profile on facebook: Login | Facebook I am so excited! I am all packed and ready... plane leaves in a few hours!!!!

Hi Ladies, Sorry I didn't see this earlier... I am getting married at Paradisus Varadero.. next week, I leave in a few days and I'm very excited!!! I am dealing directly with the coordinator (Yanet) who has been wonderful with everything. I have a contact in Toronto if you are interested, she is a Destination Wedding Specialist for booking flights and coordinating the details. Her name is Bianca Harper, you can email her at: [email protected] Good Luck! Myhang

I had a great time and enjoyed meeting you all!! ..can't wait to see how all this planning will finally turn out! xoxo, Myhang

Hi bahiabride, I am planning on attending on the 23rd as well. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Purpleshells - Can you ask your TA where they got this approved list from? Here is more info from others regarding this topic: You will have to purchase health insurance when in Cuba - Cuba Forum - TripAdvisor

Some corporate companies offer travel medical insurance, so you may first want to check with your own to see if you're already covered (if so, just remember to ask for the policy to be printed out and bring it along with you to Cuba). Also, some credit card companies offer this with their gold card or platnum status cards - just check in case you are already covered (get your policy printed and bring it along). I have also found the following travel medical insurance provider, their rate is $25 + tax. Here is the link: Palm Financial Click on Buy Now, and select Worldwide excluding USA... enter your details to get the price quote. This is not great news... but I hope my info above helps!

Many people have messaged me asking about the travel medical insurance company I used, so here is the link: Palm Financial Please note that the $25 + gst is based on travelling from Ontario (where I am) for a 1 week stay in Cuba. I'm not sure if that is different for other provinces (or other countries), so please check yourself. The option you would choose is Worldwide coverage except for US. Click on the Buy Now and input your details for a quote. Hope that helps!

I would suggest giving her a gift bag since she will also be one of your guests (sort of)... I agree with the other ladies here, you don't want to leave anyone out. Besides, you don't know her well enough to know what she may or may not do. If she gives you a gift, you would be the one feeling awkward. Its a nice gesture, and at the minimum.. her son will really appreciate you making that effort to include her!

March 2010 Robyn & Mike - March 4th 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Rivera Maya Bev & Brian March 4th 2010 - Clubhouse Negril Martha &Brian (march132010) March 13th, 2010 Nassau Bahamas, Christine & Welsey March 19th, 2010- Dreams Tulum, Mexico Andrea & Andy March 19th, 2010 - Breezes Runaway Bay, Jamaica Katie & Ryan March 26th, 2010- Riu Palace Riviera Maya Issys & Miguelo - March 28th, 2010 - San Juan, Puerto Rico April 2010 Claire & John (adelaide) April 1, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret - Riviera Maya Holly & Adam (Scubadiva) April 2nd, 2010 - Megans Bay Beach St Thomas USVI Julie & François (ewok) April 7th, 2010 - Couples Swept Away, Jamaica Dawn & Glen (dewiggy) April 8, 2010 - Bahia Principe Tulum Mandy & Micah (cruisebride0410) April 9, 2010 - Nassau, Bahamas Shannon & Brian (shan13) - April 10, 2010 Las Vegas, Nevada Michele & Jim (jerseykitten) April 10, 2010 - Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa - Montego Bay, Jamaica Dee & Bo (mrsgtobe) - April 13, 2010 - Smith's Cove, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Kelly & Jason (kelitaw) - April, 13, 2010 - Sunbreeze Hotel, Ambergris Caye, Belize Beth & Jon (bholthof) - April 14, 2010 - Playa Costa Verde, Holguin, Cuba Steph & Jason (sperger) - April 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium, Punta Cana doblauvelt-April 16, 2010- Moon Palace, Cancun Sarah and Jed (sarah310) April 17, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Mexico Katrese & Dave (s_katrese) April 17, 2010- Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico Julianna&Kevin (caramiagrrl) -April 20, 2010-Nassau, Bahamas Stacey & Eric (La Romana Stacey) - April 22, 2010 - Dreams La Romana Rowena & Tak (Bride2010) - April 22, 2010 - Barcelo Maya Palace, MX Jenn & Steve (moonpalacebride) - April 23, 2010 Moon Palace, Cancun MX Wendy & Josh (midnight24) - April 23, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Riviera Maya MX Veronica & Patrick (vgirl17) - April 24, 2010 - Moon Palace, Cancun MX Joanna & Chris (jerzygirl85) - April 24, 2010 Dreams Tulum, Mexico Natasha & Kenneth (shortnsweet7675) - April 25, 2010 - Miami, FL (Carnival Glory cruise ship) Cheryl & Rob (HereFishie) - April 26, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Coba, Mayan Riviera Christina & Gregory (GregsBride) - April 24, 2010 - Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, Montego Bay, Jamaica Stacey & Ron (staceyg) - April 27, 2010 - Iberostar Varadero, Cuba Erin & Jeremy (ebredhawk) - April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Melani & Wyman - April 28, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba May 2010 Crystal & Dave (CrystalM) - May 1, 2010 - Magen's Bay, St. Thomas, USVI Amanda & Adam - May 4, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba Jessica & Jason (jstar83) - May 4, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba Heather & Eric (hockeymom97) - May 5th, 2010, Beaches Negril, Jamaica Myhang & Scott (ML23) - May 6, 2010 - Paradisus Princessa Del Mar, Varadero, Cuba Dyan & Chris (dyanh) - May 7, 2010 Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica Suzanne & Ryan (soxgirl)- May 7, 2010- Divi, Aruba Savannah & Billy (BillysBride) -May 8, 2010 Avalon Reef Club, Isla Mujeres, MX Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Dave & Sarah - May 12, 2010 - Barcelo Maya Palace, Mexico Jennifer & John - May 13, 2010 - Riu Palace Los Cabos Virginia & Sonny (oasisgirl)- May 13, 2010 - Dreams Tulum Christie (islandbride317) & John - May 14, 2010, Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, JA Heather & Andrew- May 14, 2010- Kauai, Hawaii Jessica & Matt (Future Mrs. Griffith) - May 14, 2010 - Dreams Resort PV Magalie & Travis (mlabbe) - May 14, 2010 - Playa Fiesta, PV Heather & George (dolfinluck)- May 15, 2010 - Dreams La Romana, DR Margaret & Matthew (mmontgo) - May 15, 2010 - Dreams Riviera Cancun, Mx Shannon & Robert (preciousmi811) -May 17, 2010 - RUI Palace Tropical Bay, Jamaica Mary & Pete (MissM)- May 19th, 2010- Los Cabos Amber & Mike (gokartmagic) - May 21, 2010 - Iberostar Grand, Montego Bay, Jamaica Jennifer & Isaias (jennifer769405) - May 22, 2010 - Playa Chiquita, Costa Rica Jackie & Mark May 25th, 2010- Aventura Spa Palace Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Samantha & Ralph- May 27,2010- Coco Reef Resort, Bermuda Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace Erin & Greg - May 28, 2010 - The Royal, Playa del Carmen Larissa & Eric (Edenl) - May 28, 2010 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Lenell & Tristan May 29,2010 Dreams Tulum Karen & Paul (KarenM) ~ May 29, 2010 ~ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Veronica & Pete- May 8, 2010- Dreams Puerto Vallarta June 2010 Jennifer & Ernie (jenninjamaica) ~ June 1, 2010 Breezes Grand Negril, Negril, Jamaica Jaymi and James (Jaymibaby) ~ June 1, 2010 Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, Jamaica Heather & Grant (Vallarta_2009) ~ June 2, 2010 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana, DR. Chelsea and Willie (ChelseaRose) ~ June 5th, 2010 Las Villas Akumal - Akumal, Mexico Stacy and Craig (Stacy015) ~ June 7, 2010 - Maui Stephanie and Michael (~Stephanie~)-June 11, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen Michelle & Arsen (michelle613)- June 12, 2010 Dreams Cancun Krystall & Nick (azulskies) - June 17, 2010 Olowalu Plantation House, Maui LaToya & Micah (lrdavis23) - June 18, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana, DR Stephanie and Chris (sspiris) - June 19, 2010, Destination to be determined Jessica & Steven (stevensFiance) - June 19, 2010 Kerin & Jim (*Kerin28*)- June 19, 2010 Worcester, MA Ashley & Brandon (ashnic2005)- June 19, 2010 Moon Palace, Cancun Jen and Guy (Super19)-June 21, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen Jessica & Bryson (Royal_lady10)-June 26, 2010 Dreams Tulum Cristina and James (CristiandJamie) - June 26, 2010 - Aventura Spa Palace July 2010 Jennifer and Juan- July 2nd, 2010- Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Kaytee and CJ- July 3rd, 2010- Destination still TBD! Quintina and Carloas (creoletexan) - July 3rd, 2010 - Nassau, Bahamas Jannae and Ryan (LadyTrunck)- July 6, 2010- Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico!! Sarah and Mike (bahiabride2010) - July 7, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Mandy and Chad- July 10, 2010- Sullivans Island, SC Lulu & Kirkton (lmuze) ~ July 10, 2010: Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, Montego Bay, Jamaica Cassie and Andrew - July 11, 2010 - Rancho Palos Verdes, California Edy And Jaxon (mswhatever) - July 17, 2010 Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton resort & Spa Jamaica Chelle and Todd (Janelley100) - July 17, 2010 Moon Palace Jessica & James -July 17, 2010 Paradisus Punta Cana Bobbett and Ricky (Natural)- July 18, 2010 San Juan, Puerto Rico Tracy and Cole - July 2010 in Playa del Carmen, TBD Louise (Woodsylou) and Andy - 30th July 2010 Moon Palace Golf and Spa Cancun Danielle and Ty (daniepps)- July 31, 2010 Azul Sensatori Resort Riviera Maya, Mexico August 2010 Melissa and Robby (hunniebee724) ~ August 19, 2010 NYC, Carnival Cruise Lines, Jennifer & Laurthel (Jennyco116) ~ August 20, 2010 Key West, Florida Crystal & Marques (hugrad) - August 9, 3010 St. Thomas, USVI Mindy & Jay ( MSG518 ) ~ August 21, 2010 Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico September 2010 Courtney & Chris-September 3,2010-Siesta Key, Fl Michelle & George - September 4, 2010 - Occidental Grand, Playa del Carmen Marisa & Dan - September 12, 2010 Glen Iris Inn, NY Cheryl & Joel - September 17, 2010 - Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico Kim & Mike - September 18,2010 - Cancun, Mexico Jen (jamk32179) & Steve- September 18,2010-The Royal Playa del Carmen Carolina (carolina24) & Alex - Sept 24, 2010 - Dreams Cancun Cindy (Shoesiesluvr) & Hector -September 25, 2010 - Gran Caribe Real Cancun Michael and Holy - 30th September,2010. Destination not yet decided. October 2010 Lori & Oliver (gossip girl) - October 10, 2010 - Destination TBD! Suzanne & Joe (sierra101010) - October 10, 2010 - Puerto Vallarta Ashley & Josh (xxashleyxx007) - October 15, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana, DR Chris & Crystal (Crystalballl) - October 20, 2010 - Playa Pesquero, Cuba Jo & Darren (Jo&Daz20-10-2010) - October 20, 2010 - Coral Coast - Fiji Luciel & Emil (luciel2820) - October 23, 2010 - Catalonia Royal Bavaro, Punta Cana Emma & Josh (EmmaGaussoin)- October 23, 2010- Dreams Riviera Cancun Alyssa & Adrian (MayanLily) - October 21, 2010 - Paradisus Riviera, Mexico Heather & Kevin (hat0112) - October 22, 2010 - Palm Beach, Aruba November 2010 Allie and Doug - November 5, 2010 - Sandals Regency, Saint Lucia Crista & Mike - November 10, 2010 - Azul Sensatori, Riveria Maya Mexico Jenna and Chris (MayaLove) - November 12, 2010 - Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Ashley & Mark - November 15, 2010 - Riviera Maya Karen and Angelo - November 19, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen, Mexico Melissa and Mark- November 21, 2010 Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Emily and Scott (Emily Joy) - T Giving Weekend, November 26, 2010 - Playa Del Carmen December 2010 Angela & Craig (Princess402) - December 8, 2010 - Dreams Riviera Cancun, Mexico Stephen & Sabrina (breeze616) - December 10, 2010 - Iberostar Rose Hall, Jamaica Shana and Jamel (chocolatedrop04)- December 11, 2010-Moon Palace, Mexico Jaime and TaBoris (jaimeburns) - December 11, 2010 Riviera Maya Carla & Christoper (adias.angel) - December 11, 2010 - Riviera Maya Vondra'a and Kevin(Peachy~Girl)- December 11, 2010- Miami, Florida Nichole & Ryan (coley8 - December 11, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana Anastasia and Derek (Adj) - December 18, 2010 - Sandos Beach Resort, Mexico Jen and Kory (Jnagan2011)- December 20, 2010~ Riu Palace Riveria Maya, Play Del Carmen, Mexico! February 2011 Anita & Josh - February 2, 2011- Dreams Tulum, Mayan Riviera, Mexico Tiffany and Jason - February 19, 2011 TBC May 2011 Mel and Vince (Mellyrox) - May 04, 2011 Grand Palladium Jamaica Raquel and Sean (Mrs.G2B) -May 14, 2011 The Royal Playa Del Carmen Shannon & Paul (IrishgirlinNY)- May 28, 2011 Riu Ocho Rios Nicola & Stephen (Nicyx) - May 2011, Date TBC, Riu Plce Riviera Maya JUNE 2011 Adrianne & James (adridashanne) - June 17, 2011, Grand Palladium Riviera July 2011 Chris & John (sunstarsmoon) - July 8, 2011 Couples Sans Souci Ocho Rios August 2011 Mallory & Glenn (Mallory57)-August 13th, 2011-Moon Dance Cliffs-Negril, Jamaica August 2012 Cathy and Charles - August 2012

I`m paying $4300, photos are extremely important to me. We get the full wedding day coverage, a TTD the day after, and we plan on taking our guests on an excursion which the photographer will also shoot photos of our guests enjoying themselves on the catamaran, beach, and snorkeling - oh, and we get 2 photographers!

Congratulations on your engagement!! This forum has been a great resource for me in planning my wedding.. you`ll find lots of great ideas here and helpful people! Welcome!

I did a lot of research, and finally booked my photographer yesterday and I`m so happy!!!

Hi, I leave on May 2nd... and only heard this today from my travel agent: Effective May 01, 2010, all visitors to Cuba are required to have travel medical insurance coverage that is valid in Cuba, and be able to provide documentation to prove that you do. If you do not or can not prove that you have insurance you will no longer be permitted to enter the country. Note that the Cuban Government is licensing companies to sell “insurance recognized in Cuba”, at the airport on arrival, I am sure that this will result in overpriced low coverage insurance being sold at the Cuban airports and the immigration officers being particularly vigilant at enforcing the rules as they see them. Buy valid insurance before you depart for Cuba, and bring all of the documentation with you. Saying I am covered by my company will not suffice, you must have specific proof of insurance coverage valid in Cuba. I got a quote from my agent for $25 + tax. She said that if you wait and buy it when you arrive, they can charge whatever they want (and said it may be as high as $10 per day or more). I hate having to reach out to all my guests now and have to tell them this news. Some companies do offer travel medical insurance, but make sure you verify it complies. I also know that some credit card companies offer it free on gold or platnum cards.