chong

Quote: Originally Posted by wendyjd Chong, the prices on ebay were great, close to half of retail... of course make sure to use a reputable seller. here is a pic of my "real" ring... the one I'm using for the ceremony, not the one I plan to wear to work/around the house... I ordered the fingerprint ring from etsy.com, a great website I found out about thru bdw. Oh wow! I LOVE your band. That is gorgeous!!! I bought mine already and it's pretty simple with small diamonds all around - not like the HUGE diamonds like yours. I wish I knew about it before GORGEOUS!!!

you did a great job! thanks for posting the template. congrats on your wedding!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by wendyjd Don't know what type of band you are looking for but I found an amazing deal on an eternity band at Mr Jewel which is an ebay seller/store. Hes located in NYC and he makes the bands to order, the ring cost me less than half of what it sold for in stores. If you are looking for unique rings, I ordered our 2nd set (I don't feel comfortable wearing a big diamond ring to work every day), sterling silver bands with OUR fingerprints as the texture for the rings on etsy. We are waiting on the fingerprint kit... just ordered them this week. I can't attest to the quality of the rings but they look great. Oh wow. that's sounds awesome. Fingerprint texture is a great idea. How unique! I guess I never thought about getting my bands on ebay. I would love to see if when you get it all done!!!

Do you guys have any recommendation on where to go do a cake tasting? We are not sure what we want for our cake flavor and want to (really really want) go cake tasting. Any suggestions?

Quote: Originally Posted by murmel We rented from Excellence Car rental. We had them pick us up at the resort, then got the rental car. Once we returned it, they also drove us back to the resort, no extra charge. We were driven to the Cancun office, about 20 minutes away. They were very helpful, even if the car was a bit older...but at least I wasn't worried about people breaking into the car. Plus their rates INCLUDE insurance, additional driver and 'get out of trouble' card (basically it's a card they give to tourists, so in case you get pulled over, the cop is suppose to just give you a warning and let you off the hook- but you do have to ask for the card!) I drive standard, and most of the cars seemed to be standards, so in case you need an automatic make sure to request it. Excellence Car Rental [email protected] Excellence Car Rental, cancun car rental, car rental in cancun | Mxico We are thinking about doing our wedding reception at the beach BBQ area. Also have to tell you girls, my FI 'kidnapped' me yesterday for a Surprise Day. We both worked an early shift and then we got into the car and drove for about 2 hours! Well we checked into a lovely hotel, and went out for a great dinner. And then he lead me to a concert...to my surprise it was...Sting! (And I love Sting!) We sat in the 11th row, as Sting performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra! Hee hee I love Surprise Day! Can you share how much the rental is like in Mexico? Horay for another bride who wants to have something to do with BEACH Oh your FI is so sweet. I hope you enjoyed your day. Quote: Originally Posted by beaz2be Oh, I think the beach reception would be GORGEOUS!! It's FI who isn't into it. He says that possibility of windy and sand combined is not what he wants on his day!! (Guess I gotta let the man have SOME say) :wink: Hey, I'm totally planning to "borrow" that idea too - just saw the thread the other day. Originally, I had suggested that if people wanted us to kiss they should stand up, do a shot of tequila and shout "TEQUILA" at the top of their lungs. But that got vetoed by FI too - he said that knowing my family and our friends nobody would make it past dinner - and I should remember it's an all inclusive so nobody would be stingy on the shots!! hahaha (hey, wait a minute - that's him getting to make the decisions AGAIN?! What's THAT about) j/k. Haha. My FI was all about the beach idea. Yes, we need to make sure they have voice in the wedding planning. I did see the tequila idea on one of the threads. We also have many light drinkers (including me) so we didn't think it was for us. I love the maracas!!! Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb Oh ans ladies...i have been dreading coming on here because i knew you all were posting up a storm and it would take me forever to catch up. I am so behind in life (or so it feels) right now that I didn't want to feel bhind here to. But nevertheless I came back and I am caught up. Thanks for all of your words of encourgament on Tuesday. I needed them. It has been such a rough week. On top of all of the wedding stuff, FI got into a car accident, his family dog was put to sleep this morning and we just found out his aunt is really, really sick. So sad. All the complaining about the wedding seems silly now. (Even though there is so much to say about my TA... I can get into that at another time.) So thanks ladies for listening. Oh. I am so sorry to hear about everything... is your FI OK? Sometimes things just happen all at once. If you need a distraction, please let us know. I hope your weekend turns out better. Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb Oh and Chong, I forgot to tell you...I know that you are planning to do your pre travel brochures soon. Vista print has 25 for free or 100 for the price of 25 on sale until the end of the month. Yes, I saw that promotion. I will be working on my pre-travel brochures this weekend. (I am not looking forward to it...) Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd These maracas are great! We used them as well and had them on all our reception tables. Just some FYI about them though: 1) they come with a really, really strong chemical smell so make sure you unpack them and let them breath for a while, and 2) the paint on them is rather fragile. Even though we packed them in a bunch of newspaper in a suitcase, they got banged up and the paint chipped. Thanks! I definitely will need to pack them well. I did noticed that the paint on the maracas comes off very easily. It was cheap and I know we are going to have fun with it. I will make sure to unpack them as soon as we get to the resort.

Quote: Originally Posted by YrishCathe Hello EVERYONE!!! Thought I'd say hi! I'm also a fellow October Bride. 10-10-10 to be exact. We are getting married in Playa del Carmen. We are having our ceremony at an old Catholic Church and then the reception is at Wicky's Beach Club! I am So EXCITED!! I can't believe it is less than 3 months away--It's going to fly by so fast!!! Are most of you girls done with the planning I still have so much more to do!!! COngratulations to everyone and happy planning for the last stretch!!! Welcome 10-10-10 bride! I am also getting married on 10-10-10 at Azul Sensatori Resort in Riviera Maya. Less than 3 months away makes me nervous!!! Quote: Originally Posted by Cindy* Hello to the new october brides!! So we finally bought the groomsmen's pants so their outfits are now complete. I received my pashminas in the mail today so those are done. A couple bummers though. 1. I ordered my totes and was so excited about them but then they called and said the colour I ordered was discontinued. Now I have to start all over again and find new ones. I'm so bummed. 2. I haven't heard back from the DJ even though I sent him an email like 3 days ago to confirm him. I know he is on Cabo time but until its confirmed, I'm stressing. CJ - go get a dress! I would hate for you to wait to the last minute and end up getting one you don't absolutely love. Oh and post pics when you get it!! Oh I am sorry to hear about all the last minute issues. I am sure everything will work out! Deep breath! Quote: Originally Posted by Bride Loving CJ Hey ladies! So I talked to my dad today about the dress. He's going to fly me to dallas and drive my mom down to meet me and we can go shopping for my dress. This will take place at some point in the next 3 weeks. Also, the invitations are being ordered on Friday so they should be back next week. So now all that's left is waiting for the passports to come back and shopping for the bands which will take place this Saturday! Whoot, whoot!! Moving along here!! Horay! I am so happy to hear that your mom will be part of the dress shopping experience. You need that moral support when you are picking the dress!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by mistibuard Hi MaggieandJay! My date is actually 3/12/2011. I hope that I haven't posted it incorrectly. Side note- I went to a Sandals presentation today in the Galleria area (even though I've already booked my wedding), and I won a free bottle of wine and a $250 spa gift certificate. I am learning to take advantage of every opportunity. Oh sweet! We need to have a list of events that we can check out and hopefully win freebies! I am all about it. Enjoy that spa gift certificate!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd I know a lot of ladies have already commented on this, but Spanx should not cost you $200. That's just crazy. I've used both Spanx and Dr. Rey Shapewear. I really like the Dr. Rey! Since my dress was so form-fitting, the salon recommended I wear a slimmer underneath to smooth everything out. I bought one and brought it to my first fitting, but once I put it on, my seamstress and I quickly agreed I shouldn't use it. My dress was so unforgiving in having any extra room that that teeny extra layer made the dress fit that much tighter--i.e. too tight! I'm glad it worked out that way because I would have been melting with that on underneath! TOTALLY NORMAL to be freaking out and feel overwhelmed with 2.5 months to go. Things really kick into high gear at about the 3 month mark and then it's full steam ahead until you get on that plane. Haha.. Dr. Rey! Dr. Rey from Dr. 90201?!? That's hilarious! I will definitely check it out. Just like your salon, my designer is recommending to wear a "light" spanx to smooth everything out under the dress. I will have to find something and try it on with the dress to see if it's really necessary. Thanks for the info! yeah... 2.5 months to go and I am so exhausted. I am ready to be on the beach, drinking margaritas and get married! I have so much to do and nothing is getting done this week Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I just got my Elite Banner!!! Wooo hoooo!!! Horay! Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Could you please send me pictures of your reception location? ? ? I would love to see them because I am currently trying to decide between the location you mentioned, Plaza Zavaz, and a beach wedding. The only reason I am hesitant to have it on the beach is because I read that it gets really windy there in the evenings and I believe others said their guests were cold on the beach. Can you think of any other cons or pros of a beach reception you may have witnessed while there that I should keep in mind for our guests? My 85 year old grandmother will be there and I want to ensure that she is comfy....although I'm sure she'll probably turn in when we start dancing. Yeah.. I am little bit concerned with the windy night but we figured it's better to be little bit chilly than hot and humid without any breeze. We are going to tell the guests to bring a light cardigan. Guys will be fine. We've been wanting to have the beach wedding and reception so we are very happy with our choice! Quote: Originally Posted by Mahalo79 yay!! We just got our date confirmed! April 25th, 2011 at 4pm. getting married at the catholic chapel at El Dorado Maroma, but reception back at AS. Next I have to tell officially "meet" the WC and tell her what wedding package we want. I am going to be busy reading the older posts tomorrow at work, hope it is not too busy lol, lots to read. also don't know what reception dinner options we have. I would have written back to all of you who were kind enough to welcome me, but I'm not down with multi-quoting yet! Also my ticker is so small! Haha, oh well at least i figured out how to do it. Thanks for listening to me vent! Congrats! Now the planning begins Someone asked about maracas?!? I bought maracas for our wedding at Fiesta Party Supplies Fiesta Decorations | Amols' Fiesta Party Supplies. These maracas already say "mexico" on it and they are all slightly different size since it's handmade. We are putting them on the reception table. I have attached the picture here... the tag says "Instead of tapping on your glass, here is a system with Mexican Class. Stand and shake with all your might to see the groom kiss his bride tonight." I copied it from one of the brides here. I thought it was super cute. You can even get small donkeys and pinatas. My FI wasn't crazy about the donkeys or pinatas but it's sooo cute.

Everything looks great! I hope you had a wonderful wedding!!! I LOVE your wedding dress. I think you picked the perfect one for you! OH MY GOSH!!! Enrique is so HOT. I cannot wait till my bachelorette party to have my own Enrique!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Hmmm I need to find that video… I was searching for smokey eye tutorials because that’s what I wanted on my wedding day. So the video may not be pertinent to what you’re looking for… AH I found it! YouTube - Perfect Wedding - Bridal Make-Up HAHA! I’m the same way, I’ve been with my hair dresser for 9 years now, 3 years longer than DH. Wow...this video is awesome. unfortunately i am a handicap when it comes to makeup. i thought it would be easy when i watched the video for the first 10 mins and then i got overwhelmed with the eyes... so complicated. i am determined to try it myself to see if i look like a bride but i am not too optimistic... thanks for the link! i wish i had the long relationship with my hair dresser. i've been moving around every since i was a little girl so i never had a steady hair dresser. i am so ready for a good one to stay with Quote: Originally Posted by beaz2be Bigbop - re: the reception site. I knew from the get-go that the private reception was important for us and I was concerned the same way that with possibly 2 weddings/day there might be a conflict. I knew we'd want it outside but prefer NOT the beach. So, I booked Plaza Zavas when I booked my date. I wouldn't provide my deposit to Karisma until I had confirmation that I could have BOTH the ceremony date/time as well as the reception location. It took a long time to get confirmation on it and I was worried I'd lose my date entirely - but it worked out. Of course now, depending on how big our group gets, it looks like we may have to readjust our planning if we're too large for the space. But I'm not going to worry about that yet. :-) That's so funny that nobody wants to have the reception on the beach. that's where we are having the reception. we are very excited about the beach!!! Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Gingerlover, aside from that link I PM'ed you, these are for you. I've been scouring inspiration boards for the past week or so just browsing for things I like. Hope these help some...... Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach I love it. I never made an inspiration board. I love your peacock idea!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by knacarato OOOPs! Forgot to post my date: October 24, 2010 welcome! post a picture of your dress once you find it!!! that's a great price.

silly question... does the resort provide beach towels for everyone? if so, how is it provided?

Quote: Originally Posted by msmarmar123 He's a Bug (Part Bostyon Terrier/Part Pug). He was a rescue last year..about 4.5. This was his "profile" pic on the rescue site...I saw it and fell in love with him..knew he had to be mine His name is Baby Grinchmas (Baby..cause that's what he came with...and he looks so much like the Grinch). Actually his full name is Baby Grinchmas Theodore Pugglehead....we call call him Baby G Love Him He is cute! I LOVE the name. He does look like happy Grinch! Quote: Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr Guess I should have read completely before I asked (didn't want my multiquote to be too long). He's cute. My FI wants a Pug and I'm not a big fan (of Pugs and most animals in general) but your dog is cuter. I have fallen in love with my BM's American Bulldog. Love him to death and think one may convert me into a dog lover....we'll see! LMAO at his name too!! Very creative...and long. Everyone thinks my FI's name is Theodore because his nickname is Theo. I want english bulldog. I am in love with them. Just not ready for a dog yet... but I like the idea of it. Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay Where do you go in Houston? Beauty Express on Bellair... hole in the wall but does a good job!

msmarmar... your sig picture...what kind of dog is it? never seen one like it before

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Mine was yesterday! Turning 29...on a MONDAY! OUCH! haha I really did have a great day though! Happy belated birthday! Quote: Originally Posted by gingerlover36 I am tempted to do that but I don't think I can do makeup well enough to pull it off. I am considering getting the LOMAS person to come in but its like $500 on their website. Is that stupid of me to do? thoughts? PS my FI told me today that he hated the color combo I have been doing. Thanks love for this tidbit that would have been helpful when i showed you the color board 2 months ago! I luckily haven't done much but did have everything envisioned a specific way and got samples of invites and stuff like that. I am definitely doing my hair at the salon with a trial run done here in Houston. For the make-up... I saw $168 for makeup and it includes a trial run. I am not getting bridal package because 1) too expensive 2) I hear the suite only allows 3 people at a time. so you can't have anyone else but maybe your bridesmaids or mom.

Quote: Originally Posted by beaz2be PS ladies - all the to do's kind of freak me out... makes me scared about how much there is that I am just avoiding. Eventually I'm sure I'll get moving, but at this point I'm chillin' (and helping my folks and my FI's folks who are both throwing engagement parties this summer). PPS - It's my birthday today and I just looked at my profile thing on the side and my age has changed. BOO! haha Haha. The To Do's List is freaking me out even more. I keep looking at other's list and decided not to do the list for myself. I got less than 3 months to go!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Quote: Originally Posted by Mahalo79 Hello Ladies! Well, I just wanted to say hello and say that I am waiting for our date confirmation at Azul Sensatori, then it will finally be official and I'm so excited! I am so happy to be able to talk to other brides from A.S. My date would be April 25, 2011. I thought things would seem easier once I picked a resort lol, now we seem to have many more things to do, wedding packages, getting guests to pay on time to get the right rate etc. I feel like I might start driving my friends/co-workers and family crazy with wedding talk so i am happy to have this forum, you all know what I am going through! You can always talk about the wedding with us here!!! It's my place to ask all the questions without driving my friends/family nuts. Congrats on your date and looking forward to getting to know you. Quote: Originally Posted by gingerlover36 Is your dress super fitted? If its not i don't think you necessarily HAVE to wear spanx but like someone else mentioned go to a department store or look online. Shouldn't be $200 though Quote: Originally Posted by ~Nicole~ Chong - I didn't wear spanx. I wanted to wear the least amount possible, so I had a corset style back to the dress and had padding sewn right into the dress so I didn't have to wear a bra. Yeah... something about the dress material will show any wrinkles or skin fat rolling over if proper spanx is not worn. I will have the "padding" sewn on the dress but apparently spanx is highly recommended. I don't want to be HOT. I thought $200 was too much. I might have to look at the department store. Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb Oh girls! I went away for three days and you left me with so much to read. I caught up and hit all of my multi quotes and then it didn't work. So much to say but will have to go back and do it some other time. I just got home from work and am baking cupcakes for my son's 1st birthday tomorrow. So bittersweet. The birthday, not the cupcakes:) Again, I had so much to comment on but here are the highlights: Old Bay - Glad you all love it. we put it on everything growing up in MD. Makes everything so yummy. Sky Deck - When I booked you had to book the Silver package or above and add on the Sky Deck. I have since downgraded to the Pearl Package and am still doing Sky Deck. I am trying to downgrade to free package since it is well, free, and it actually gives me more than the Pearl package does. I've sent several emails about this with no response, I am going to take Amy's advice and tomorrow I will just say that's what I want. I am done with asking. It's not like my WC or my TA ever feels the need to respond to me anyway. That brings me to my next point, I have almost 70 guests coming! You think that they would want to take care of me. But no, I have to ask my TA over and over again to call my guests back. charge them in a timely manner, book them over the phone if that's what they prefer and the list goes on and on. Amy is willing to work more for people who are nice. That makes so much sense. But also being in the service industry, I know that I wouldnt be were I am or have the clients I have if I didn't respond in a timely manner and answer the questions asked. I've told my TA that. She doesn't seem to care. Ahhh...can you sense my frustration? Chong, you are already on OOT bags? Man, I feel really behind. I have SOOO much left to do. I did. however, schedule my first dress fitting for Wednesday. How long do they usually take? Due to my very hectic schedule, I was planning on taking a slightly extended lunch and going. The dress fitter is a 5 minute drive from work. You think that will work? Chong, what else are you working on now? In terms of looking for updated packages...I really use this site as my measure. One of you girls mentions a sweet deal, I try my luck and ask for it. Sp far almost 3k saved. Hoping they will let me downgrade to free wedding package which (after adding on flowers) should be at least another $500-600 saved. I know I'll spend it elsewhere, but better than throwing it away on "extras" I will not use. In terms of negotiating, Amy you seem to be the master. I asked for a better price on the chivalri chairs but Tiffany my old WC told me that wouldn't happen. They are a must use for me so I guess I will ask,I mean tell, my new WC that I need a better price. Fingers crossed that it works. Oh there must be so much more but time to hit the hay. My weekend of flights to and from the east coast in addition to 3 parties in 3 days has got me beat. I need to wake up soon to decorate cupcakes and hopefully work out. Ah, why am I so overwhelmed all the sudden? Is this normal for brides 2 1/2 months out. AHHH! I can't believe it's that close. Deep breath. Ok ladies....good night! Holy Smokes! You are having 70 people That sounds awesome. I have about 35 people... still waiting on few people. It would be fun to see how everything will work out. I only have few things put together for OOT. I still have few things to buy for OOT but I figure I will start now. My next thing to work is the pre-travel brochure. I am so not excited about it. I am so ready to be done. I don't know how people have years to plan the wedding. With my personality, this is just too much time to make decisions. No worries... I am sure everything will come together at the end Take a deep breath and start decorating the cup cakes... maybe you are done by now and relaxing!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by lilly129 I haven't heard of Cleopatra's secret either...BUT...I used to hate waxing and then I found European Wax Center which uses the purple wax which is a lot less painful (still painful...but less painful) AND I go every four weeks on the dot so it seriously gets easier every time I go. My bachelorette party is this weekend!! I'm going to Boston though because that's where all my closest friends are...I moved to Houston from Boston about 3 years ago. Chong - I live in the Heights too - actually a little further up, right around the corner from Cedar Creek. I heard there's a new place on 11th - Bistro something - that's supposed to be good. I spend most of my time in the Heights and Washington. Have fun! That sounds awesome. I've only been to Boston couple times but it's one of my friends fav places to visit. Can't wait till hear some stories and pictures!!! I need to be more consistent with waxing. maybe that's why it's so painful every time I go back... too much time in between. Hmm... Bistro on 11th. I might have to check it out. I've been eating around Washington area - too many places and not enough time and money

I LOVE the 1st one. The bottoms look soooo nice and it fits you very well. If you like the belt on the 2nd one, you can always add that to the 1st day. Good luck picking one

Question... did you guys wear spanx under your wedding dress? My designer is telling me I MUST wear one in order to look flawless under the dress... but I am not sure where to buy one. He knows someone who sells nice spanx and costs around $200. Do you think it's too much? I don't want to buy a cheap kind and end up regretting when I see the pictures. Any recommendations?

Quote: Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr Chong & Beaz2be - It's nice to finally put faces with names. I'm glad you girls figured it all out (posting your avatars). I know it was a pretty trying experience for me. Now you know what I look like. Watch out. You might see in NO walking down canal st. Haha

Congrats! These ladies are correct - you should come join us at Azul Sensatori thread. They are awesome and full of great information. You will be so excited once you start to get to know all of them... Photog issue at Azul Sensatori is something to be aware of. I just found about about Ivan Luckie and he is really great and super reasonable price. I wish I had seen him before I put my deposit down. I am happy with my photog choice but the price was pretty hefty one to pay. Talk to you at the Azul Sensatori forum!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Chong - You can bring as much as you want, you just pay for it. Check the specifics on the airline you're flying. Ours were by number or by weight and we paid to bring them all by weight I think which ended up being cheaper. I pre-packed all my luggage and weighed it and measured it and calculated out exactly how much it would be etc. Thanks! You are always full of great information Check out my profile picture!!! I finally did it. What a pain to get this picture up here.

Everything looks beautiful. I hope you had a wonderful wedding and can't wait till read your wedding review!!! Congrats! Chong - I am KOREAN