elisha0607

We had our recpetion at the palmeras grill and it was really beautiful. I agree, Coral grill was my first choice but, they told me the same, it was only for super large parties. If you walk in Palmeras grill any day its nothing super special but saw a few weddings there before mine and thought it looked nice from the outside looking in. But, on the actual day of- it was PERFECT. They kind of close you in to only one side of the restaurant so it feels more intimate and they decorate everything so pretty. The chairs with sashes and the tables with runners. I paid extra for rose petals to be spread on the tables and just used the centerpieces that came with the package, and they added "crytal" like beads spread on the tables as well. It really looked so nice all done up. Best part was not having to worry about a thing for set up and being totally taken away when i saw how everything came together. As for the lap top question- mine is like 15 inches, it fit just right in the safe but i had so much other stuff in there it wasnt worth keeping it there so i brought a lock for my suitcase and kept that locked in there. I thought the "free upgrade" room (which ended up being ocean view) was going to come with free wi-fi but, it didnt. wi-fi is $12/per day or if you go to the "office" its $3 for 15mins, and you can print for free.

Quote: Originally Posted by michelle2011 OMG you looked gorgeous! The photos are wonderful thank you so much for sharing! That is the exact same package we were going to ask for. You have so many photos to capture every moment. Really lovely. Thanx No problem. Wait until you see the print quality- you are really going to be pleased. The colors are amazing. you are going to be more than happy. I see you're getting married in June. Our first trip to Barcelo was March 09, and it was warm but WOW was it hot while there this time around. I knew June would be obviously warmer but it was like upper 90s the entire time and didn't rain once. It looked like it might have rained off shore- far out in the ocean but never made it to land. That being said, the raffia fans during the ceremony were a HUGE hit. And the beach location for the ceremony was pretty shady, esp for the guests sitting. And being right on the beach gave a nice breeze.

Thank you all. It was such a memorable time. I posted all of the pics to my snapfish account, try this link to see if you can view the album. We chose the 100 photo package with the 100 digital copies and 100 printed in album and 40min DVD. We had so much great footage that we upgraded to the 65min video and they thru in 90 mins of video. We chose 119 pics (it was SOOO hard to choose), we paid for 110 and they gave us 9 free- all 119 on CD and in album. The print quality was GORGEOUS. Very bright and so crisp and clear. When booking, i corresponded with Francisco Aviles the whole time. I think asking for 2 photographers really made a difference. One photographer took more portraits and the other took natural shots so we had a good variety to choose from. Snapfish: Share:Registration As for the rooms... This was our 2nd time at Barcelo Palace. Room size was very sufficient. There is a living area and the bathrooms are HUGE.

Hi All, I just returned from my wedding last night. I had such a wonderful experience, I couldn't wait to post my review. Here we go: Customs in Mexico- We had a total of 3 suitcases and 2 carry-ons each (1 being my dress). I was so worried that customs was going to question me on my "welcome bag" items and favors-- i packed all of that stuff together in one large suitcase. I sent my dress down the belt first, and then that suitcase. They new it was for my wedding so they just asked what the value of the items were. I made an invoice i was prepared to show them but didn't have to. I told them $100, they asked me to press the "button" i got a green light and was on my way. Barcelo Maya Palace, Check in- We arrived about an hour before check in, our room was ready and we were all set in an Ocean view room, no ocean front rooms were available at the time. There was a huge Pfizer conference going on so they were totally booked. Good thing was that since everyone was in meetings all day no one was on the beach or pool. Wedding Coordinator- Victoria (email), Karen (on-site) There was not very much communication on Victoria's part prior to us arriving. So, I took it upon myself to email details of our plans for the week and wedding details. She did help put together the reservation for our Rehearsal Dinner before we arrived. There was a SLIGHT miscommunication regarding us wanting a LEGAL wedding. Karen contacted our room phone within 30mins of us arriving in our room. We planned to meet at 9.30am the next morning. There was a little more paperwork that we had to go through, I had the impression that could have been done beforehand if the Legal wedding thing was clear. But it was no big deal and Karen was excellent and efficient. One suggestion i have for those doing a legal wedding- make sure you complete the customs forms CLEAR- no cross outs or write overs. There was a slight issue with us getting the DAY/MONTH/YEAR thing wrong on the form but, Karen was great and figured it out. We had our blood work done later that day and Karen met with the judge the next day. Planning- we went over locations, flowers, cocktail hour, etc. We did it all within 2 hours and Karen put us at ease from the start. I can be a bit over anxious but she knew what she was doing. she had print outs of my many emails and was just super confident and i felt good leaving her. Concierge- We had a "Parents Dinner" where the 6 of us went to eat at the French Restaurant. We also gave our parents "private romantic beach dinners" as gifts- it was the first time either of our parents left the country so we wanted to do something special for each of them. The concierge was amazing at helping us arrange every and anything. Rehearsal Dinner- We had it the night before the wedding, at the Caribbean Restaurant. We had 20 total guests with us, including 2 kids- they sat us at 2 tables of 10. It was a lot of fun and the service was EXCELLENT! 2 of our guests stayed at the Tropical and we had to pay $15pp for them to dine with us, no problem. After dinner we head to the Lobby bar for toasts, etc., a security guard took note of the wristbands of our Tropical guests and gave us a problem when we were passing out champagne toasts and would not let them partake. We had to take it up with the Front Desk- they cleared it up quick for us and let them drink/stay with us in the lobby bar for the rest of the evening. Spa- I had my manicure done the afternoon before the wedding. note, it took over an hour and was $55usd. It was super relaxing and came out really pretty. Hair- my sister/MOH, mother and 1 of my BMs had their hair done- not sure by who but, all 3 came out beautiful and took about 45mins for each. Relaxing message with package- WONDERFUL. we did it in the Spa bc it was so hot and it was so great- i even fell asleep. My hair and make up was done by one of my BMs, lucky me- she is a GREAT hair and make up artist. Wedding Day- Hubby and I decided to sleep separately the night before. it was so fun running around the resort trying to hide from each other. I dropped off my maraca favors, raffia fans, bubbles and postcards (for guestbooks) at the WC office. Karen wasn't there but someone called her for me and we went over everything by phone and she reassured me everything would be ok- and she would have everything set up. Photography- we went with Photo Caribbean. We decided to go with the 100 photo package and requested TWO photographers- i wanted back up since i wasnt super impressed with them. we didn't want to go through the trouble of hiring an outside vendor and really liked the idea that the package came with a videographer and we were able to leave the resort with EVERYTHING. Photographers/videographer came right on time at 4pm. we took pics for about 30/40mins they headed to the ceremony site and got pics of the site and groomsmen. In all, i was sooooooo impressed with their photos and video. everything came out great. i was weary bc i wasnt totally happy with their website but they blew me away. Cecilio and Noel were my photographers. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!! Ceremony (5pm)- Karen met the GMs and groom at 4.30pm at Coral beach (beach area in front of coral grill). TOTALLY recommend beach site for wedding- its in between palm trees, totally private, and directly overlooks the ocean, it was breathtaking. Karen gave them a brief rehearsal and then came and picked myself and the girls up in my room at 4.50pm (in a stretch golf cart, so cute!). she set us up to walk out from the gazebo down to the beach. We chose the violinist- it was beautiful. For the legal wedding we were married by a judge. He spoke perfect english and the ceremony was wonderful, it was as if we knew him. we had one reading done (hand ceremony) and we also said our own vows. The judge incorporated all of this so smoothly. it was such a touching ceremony. the ceremony was about 30mins. we had a champagne toast and took group pics then couple pics. Cocktail Hour (6.30pm)- On terrace off of the lobby. We debated about when this should start but we wanted to enjoy it with our guests so we figured if ppl had time to kill they can just hang out at the bar. We chose the Open bar, Mexican package and Mariachi Band (we had them arrive at 6.45). This was the best choice we made. we arrived, after pics right as the Mariachi band came in. THEY WERE AMAZING, and really got the party started. They were singing to the female guests, dancing with everyone, just a really good time. The cocktails were strong and worth the open bar option- it was a FULL bar. Something Karen did that blew me away- i didnt ask for a signature drink (just didnt put thought into it), and the Guests were greeted with Turquoise drinks upon arrival, they tasted good and looked great in pics. There was even non-alcoholic ones for the 2 kids. Reception- Palmeras Grill. Because of the conference going on none of the conference rooms were available so we were set up at Palmeras. It was so nice. I didnt worry about a thing with setting up. our tables were set, with turq ribbon going across tables, maracas at place settings. She even used the extra fans we had to dress up the head table and guestbook table. We were all greeted with Apple Martinis- such a cute touch. we used our ipod instead of a DJ. I, very methodically, put together playlists and it was perfect. ALL my guests were dancing the entire time. Carlos was our head waiter. he was EXCELLENT. First thing he said was "i will be here to do anything you need, you wont have to worry about a thing, under one condition... everytime someone shakes your maracas for a kiss, they will have to take a shot of Tequila." It was GREAT, and boy did the Tequila shots flow... We had the Mint breeze package and went with the pesto chicken for the main course, it was phenomenal, as was all the food. We did not upgrade the cake- and it ended up being enough for all and there was a lot left over (we had 20 guests). We went to the discotheque after but hoped we would have just went to the lobby bar. the disco was not our scene (too many strobe lights). All in all, many of our guests said it was the best wedding they had ever been to. My parents were the most doubtful of the whole DW idea but had the time of their life. My biggest word of advice, do what makes you and your Fiance happy. We have no regrets, our wedding was so totally us and we had the best time of our lives. Karen was AMAZING. i was soo super relaxed and was able to enjoy every minute of our wedding bc she was so on top of every detail. I was at Barcelo for a total of 10 days and wish it never ended. Goodluck to you all. PM or email ([email protected]) me any questions. Sorry i dont know how to post pics. Sorry this is long, the end.

Quote: Originally Posted by sungoddess_08 I was thinking the same thing!! Next week you are so lucky!!!! I would be packed already lol. Where is everyone getting married? I'm getting married at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana on June 28!! We leave on June 22. Is anyone getting legally married before they go? I actually didn't plan too much - the point for me was to have an amazing day as simple as posisble -- that said, I did order mugs/bags with our logo and date on it as favors! My to do list: - Make a boutenniere for my dad (I want to make one that is different from everyone else) - Find a shell and starfish to make my own ring bearer holder - Buy some "real" looking petals for the aisle I'm at a dead end with these though -- I am not sure where to begin! lol Hi, for my ring bearer, i also used a sea shell. I dont know the name of the shell but the outer portion is blackish (and rugged) and the inside is bluish and iradescent. well, along side the shell there are very small holes that I strung some ribbon through and the rings will be tied to it. I bought the shell at Michaels for $6.99 (and 40%off). If you send me your email i can fwd you a pic.

For brides that had a legal wedding ceremony at Barcelo. How much of each day was spent in preparation? Would you say that each of the 4 days you had to meet with the WC?

Quote: Originally Posted by Pacific Thanks so much! You're going to have a fabulous time...I'm so excited for you! We were supposed to use Cecilia Dumas, but unfortunately 2 days before our wedding she called and had a family emergency. She replaced herself with Alberto Alvana from Cancun Wedding Photography He was fabulous, he did so much to get good pictures, and was so easy to work with and get along with! Cecilia was fabulous too, she edited our pictures, she felt so bad about cancelling, but life happens. We felt so sad for her and her family emergency. Both photographers were great! I'm sure your pictures will be great too...can't wait to see them when you get back!!! Enjoy every second! Thanks so much! we are using the resort photographer. I'm not thrilled with their work but, the price point of their packages made the most sense for us. So, we are just going to hope for the best.

Sfrench and Pacific, your wedding pics look great. you and all of your guests look so happy. I'm glad you had a good experience. We leave in 1 week for our wedding!!! Pacific- which photogrpaher did you use?

Quote: Originally Posted by NRLanders SPA prices..... https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&i...disp=inline&zw let me know if you cant open the link! i cant open the link, can you PM me?

we are doing a private catamaran charter through Paradise catamarans. They have gotten really great reviews on Tripadvisor and have been great to work with so far. its a 4 hour trip with snorkeling and we are adding lunch and alcoholic drinks to the package.

Hi All, Its sooo close! we leave in 3 weeks! I am done with most of my DIY projects. I need to start packing so i can get an estimate of how much baggage we will be bringing. Im hoping to get all of my OOT bags and goodies, fans and favors all into one big suitcase- wish me luck.

Quote: Originally Posted by Daily2011 I have tried to view her comments that way (as positive and concerned). I have told myself that it is just the way she is expressing love for her son. It was the "fat lady store" comment today that kinda sealed the deal on not being able to look at it that way. It certainly has not helped the self esteem any and I don't know how to deal with her (and his dad to a lesser extent) now. If you really think that little of me... I'm so sorry you're going though this. Your really going to need you Fiance's support to help you get through it and get through to THEM! That's just horrible. SOme people can't accept change and their son marrying and they deal with it in different ways- it seems they are picking at this but their may be a bigger issue. Just stay focused!

This thread has really calmed my nerves about many things. I leave in just three weeks and I am so excited. thanks for contributing!

Quote: Originally Posted by bride2b10 I read on tripadvisor that some people have had items stolen from their room. Is anyone else concerned about this or has had any issues? I stayed at barcelo maya palace a year ago and had no issues with this. I lock all of my valuables in the safe ervyday but on occasion when i forgot to put away my camera or ipod they were untouched. i would even say that the first day we left a tip it wasnt even taken! That being said, we left $5 the first day and $2 everyday/every other and $5 on the last day (we were there for 8 days). not sure if the generosity helped but it was def well deserved- are rooms were cleaned really well every day and our fridge was always fully stocked and tons of extra water bottles (we would leave notes askign for extra). I wouldnt worry.

Quote: Originally Posted by nmurch i was told by the coordinator that me and my witnesses need to be there 3 business days before.. ( for my NON legal wedding ) and 4 business days there for a LEGAL wedding! We were told the same- and we are arriving 4 "legal" days before the wedding but, i didnt know it was the same for the witnesses. Nothing I can do at this point, I'm just a few weeks away. Thanks!