murmel

Sounds like you had an interesting wedding. Hopefully all turned out alright at the end! We didn't have any problems with our ceremony, but then again we told them what we wanted and we just did a symbolic ceremony....wonder if that's why it was different. Your groom still looks great! And I love the ruffle of your dress! Congrats Safe travels Jamie! Good luck with the last minute packing and have a wonderful time down south! Enjoy every moment! Best wishes for your legal day!

I can honestly say depending on the beach you are getting married on, you can wear high heels. I wore 3 1/2 heels, all my bridsmaids wore heels (one wedges) and none of us sunk into the sand. Please keep in mind the resort where I got married grooms the sand daily and it was quite hard packed. I am sure if I had applied all my weight onto my heels I may have sunk a little, but I really didn't have any issues! I say get the shoes you love and enjoy!

Nicola, I am sorry I missed you before you went! But perhaps you will have internet access....Wishing you a stunning week, good weather, happy memories and a beautiful wedding! Enjoy the time with your family and friends, and I hope you manage to explore beautiful Mexico a little! Cheers! Miriam

If you find something you love, that makes you feel like a princess I would say buy it! If you like that style, but are not 100% sold on that exact dress try Maggie Sottero destination line.I know there are some with similar styling. (it was on my list, but I ended up with something different) http://www.maggiesottero.com/collection.aspx?line=d Happy dress hunting! We wanted to do the smore bonfire, but they were very very restrictive as to the time. Over the phone the latest we could get was 6pm-8pm. In my opinion way too early, and it's still dinner time. When we got to the resort, they said they might be able to do 7pm-9pm....but we ended up just not bothering. Love the idea of beer pong tables! Sounds like a lot of fun Unless the outside vendor is staying at the resort for a minimum 3 days, then you have to pay the fee for each vendor. (you may need to check your contract, the vendor fee was $500. I think it has now increased?) We didn't have to pay the vendor fee for our photographer since they stayed the whole week with us. That 's the one piece of advice I starting giving to destination brides. Start putting everything you plan on taking with you in one place in your house/apartment, just so that you can see how much it really is! We ended up with 4 large suitcases, 2 carryons, and 2 suitbags. And I tried to keep what I was taking down with me to a minimum LOL! Jamie- We did Place cards for our tables too! I love that idea. And your welcome books look amazing- so professional!

As long as you have your dress, your groom his attire....there is really nothing you can forget! Remember to just go with the flow and really enjoy the time with friends and family! Best of luck.

Beautiful dress Kerry872!

A lot of the ceremony is really your choice. They will accomodate you however you see your wedding happening. We had the guests sitting, then the men walked up the aisle, then the girls walked down the aisle. But I am sure if you want the groomsmen and bridesmaids to walk in together, or have your FI walk his mother in- they will adjust to suit you. That being said a general list of music you might plan for would be: (in brackets are the songs we used) 1) music while guests are arriving (Sail Away, David Gray; I'm So Glad, Royal Wood; All My Days, Alexi Murdoch; Changing Colors, Great Lake Swimmers; Your Precious Heart, Marvin Gaye) 2) groomsmen entering (Feeling Good, Muse) 3) bridesmaids entering (Wild Horses, The Sundays) 4) bride arrival (same as above) 5) signing the registry (Juliet, Royal Wood) 6) exiting (Sleepy Maggie, Ashley MacIsaac) Quote: Originally Posted by kerry872 Let me know how both are. Im doing exactly the same. Azul Sensatori followed by the El Dorado Casitas. But a long time after you to wait!!! xx You will love them both! We managed to stay at both last year and they were both stunning. The Casitas is perfect for honeymooners

I live in Burlington now, so more to the west end of Toronto or Mississauga would be good for me. I'm a shift worker, so usually weekdays are better.

Too funny! I would have run over to them and posed with them LOL!

Would love to get together and hear how everyone's plans are going! Let me know the date/time.

Most countries want you to have a passport that is valid to ensure safe passage back home. I found this just doing a search for Mexican tourist requirements: Passport Validity The maximum period of time that a visitor may stay in Mexico without a formal visa is six months. Therefore your passport, regardless of country of origin, should be valid for a minimum period of six months, however long you intend to stay to avoid any potential problems at the port of entry. Immigration authorities at the port of entry may allow or deny entry of any person into Mexico. If you have a passport that is valid for less than six months and you intend to stay in Mexico for a short period of time—perhaps a vacation—the Immigration Officer might allow you entry. Notwithstanding this, we recommend that you and your family members hold passports valid for at least six months from the date you plan to enter Mexico. Tisha: Really hoping your flight got out this morning! It was blowing a gale up here, and a ton of flights were delayed out of Toronto! Hopefully you are enjoying the Mexican sun right now!

We flew with Sunwing, and had a lot of luggage. First thing you can do is upgrade your seats (if they are still available) to Elite class (?-can't remember the exact name). It will get you and your FI 30Kg of baggage each (includes your carryon). We then had our travel agent call Sunwing and bought extra luggage weight (an extra 20 kg)....I can't find my bill anymore, but I think it was about $80. So we had a total of 80 kg baggage allowance, for me and my husband. ****Big note: if you want the extra luggage weight you have to do it in advance!!! If you try at the airport, they may refuse it. We did a welcome cocktail party on Sunday 4-6pm (63 guests). Most of our guests arrived on Saturday or early Sunday. Wedding was on Monday. And then we used the extra dinner reservation as a brunch for our bridal party on Thursday 11am (about 15 people). We didn't want to plan to many events for our guests, since it's their vacation time as well. Maggie, I know it's really stressful. But try calling Continential directly and see if you can prepurchase extra baggage/weight. A lot of time the airlines put those restrictions on so that they can take for cargo on board (ie. weight they get more money for). If they have the chance to plan for your extra weight and you purchase it, you might find they will be a little for helpful! Or see if they will ship your baggage as cargo on the same flight....(ie. it would not be your baggage, it would be cargo) Best of luck!

I don't think there was a shoe policy...but I would suggest having at least one pair of closed toe shoes just in case. If there is a shoe policy, I would think it would be at Le Chique, Sienna, and Tapas.

So very overdue, but I have finally managed to post our wedding and TTD photos! It's cold and rainy here right now, so I am really wishing I was back in Mexico! LOL Here are the links: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/72422/murmel-s-amazing-wedding-photos-by-taylor-jackson-azul-sensatori-mexico#post_1589952 http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/72421/murmel-s-sunrise-trash-the-dress-azul-sensatori And regarding Puerto Moreles, there are not many little stores. But there is a great dive shop/snorkelling tour and great fish taco stand!

So it's an ugly rainy day here and I have finally managed to post some of our wedding and TTD photos. Here are the links: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/72422/murmel-s-amazing-wedding-photos-by-taylor-jackson-azul-sensatori-mexico#post_1589952 http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/72421/murmel-s-sunrise-trash-the-dress-azul-sensatori Makes me wish I was back in Mexico right now! LOL

Well it has been almost 3 months since we got married and I am finally getting around to posting our pro wedding photos. We could not have asked for a more beautiful day. It was so relaxing and fun to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends! The Azul Sensatori was a beautiful resort with friendly staff, great food and lots to do. It worked out really well for us, since we had a huge group of 63 guests, ages 9 months to 73! We decided to bring our own photographer with us. And after months of research and looking at portfolios, we found Taylor Jackson close to home. He's based out of Kitchner, ON, and after sitting down to meet over lunch we knew we had found the right match for us. We love the journalistic style of photography (not to many set poses), and love the playful feel of the way he shoots. Taylor and his assistant were so much fun and easy to work with. It was like having two more friends along for the ride! Taylor has blogged a few of the wedding shots on his website: http://www.taylorjacksonphoto.com/blog/destination-wedding-at-azul-sensatori/ And then I added a few more of my favorites!

When I had started planning a destination wedding, I knew one of the things I really wanted to do was "trash the dress". My FI at the time needed lots of encouragement, but now he is really happy that he gave in! It was so much fun and the photos really will be a wonderful memory. We were thrilled that we found an amazing photographer, Taylor Jackson (based out of Kitchner, ON), who was super laid back and easy to work with. Here are just a few of my favorites!

Jamie, I don't think they have any lights, other than the strings of Xmas lights which you can rent (not sure of the costs) Quote: Originally Posted by justiner57 Hi Ladies, I have been traveling for work for 3 weeks and just getting a chance to catch up on all the Azul news! Congrats to all the ladies who have gotten married & are there now getting married, so exciting! We just sent out our invitations, they turned out beautiful and I couldn't be more happy with them. We booked our photographer, flying in from the states, and are excited to work with her on our wedding day. Still waiting on the final number of guests but anticipating between 30-40 people. On a personal note, I am dealing with some difficult Grandparents, my grandma & grandpa (on both sides) have told me they won't be coming because they don't want to do all the traveling. They are only 70, so I thought this was a little shocking but not much I can do about it. Any advice on how to handle people who are important and don't want to take the "trouble" to travel for the wedding? Also, wondering if any ladies who have already gotten married at Azul would want to share hanging lights & lanterns? Getting married at Zavas. Thanks It was very hard to hear from many family and friends that they could not attend, but such is life. Some are afraid of travel, heat, foreign countries, etc. Don't get yourself too worked up. If you want your grandparents to still be part of your wedding, perhaps ask them to write a special note, which could be read during speeches, or have a photo placed on a chair in the front row, etc. They love you very much and I am sure would like to attend if they felt comfortable. My husband and I took it a little personal at the start, but realized we choose the destination wedding and knew from the start that many would not be able to attend. At the end of the day, the wedding was beautiful and we shared it with many people we love! And thanks to our fantastic photographer we have wonderful photos to share- we made a photobook for each set of grandparents with Snapfish and mailed them the albums shortly after the wedding. Don't worry they will all be family soon! LOL I only had my sister, and a few friends attend, most of our guests were my husband's family. So I understand the frustration. Some people are more willing and flexible about travel than others. We also had some guests that just didn't understand why we couldn't have a 'normal' wedding at home and just didn't want to partake. Relax and enjoy those guests that do manage to make the trip and you will have a wonderful time! Resort fashion: Men only have to wear LONG pants (it can be jeans, casual cargos, dress pants, etc.) However shorts are not allowed at dinner (although you can likely get away with wearing them to the buffet). Most of our guests wore jeans with a golf shirt, or casual short sleeve shirts. Sorry to hear about your cash drawer and hairdresser! Best wishes that it all gets resolved soon. Maybe another friends has someone they can recommend in a pinch? Safe travels and hope the weather and your wedding are fantastic! Bring a roll of fishing line with you! You could easily tie the fishing line around the flame piece and then attach the other end to the top metal piece of your latern. They will also use the fishing line to hang the laterns, looks tidy since you don't see regular rope/string hanging down. Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay Ok I am only down to one problem...packing. I need to figure out how to get all this crap down. Good thing is I don't have to bring it back LOL! I have never travelled with so much luggage in my life! I am still surprised we managed to get it all down there....and I thought I was packing light! Hee hee Good luck Maggie and safe travels! To all the upcoming May brides- Wishing you all last minute packing luck, safe travels (don't forget your passports!), good weather, cold drinks and beautiful weddings!

Congratulations! Now for the second wedding Quote: Originally Posted by tundeneha By the way, how many lanterns are you getting to decorate zavas plaza...and what size? We took about 40 with us. They only used about 20, assorted sizes. We ranged from 10" to 18" in size, and used 3 colors.

We flew our photographer in with us. His name is Taylor Jackson and is based out of Toronto, Canada. He did an amazing job, was super easy to work with and he took pictures of all of our events: our welcome cocktail party, full wedding day/evening, trash the dress, photos of the resort. And it was all included in his price. Also as a guest of the resort, you don't have to pay the outside vendor fee...so remember to factor that into your pricing.

Nicola, Love Love love your veil and the hair comb! They will be just perfect with your dress I am so excited for you to be discovering Mexico....you guys will just love it! My heart belongs in Mexico too LOL. Good luck with your last minute packing and organizing! Wish you all a safe flight and an amazing wedding!

Our tables were done in a circular manner around the gazebo in Zavas Plaza. Which was really nice, since that left the 'dance area' open under the gazebo. I know we always had a bottle of sparkling wine in our room. No idea about champagne. We had the waiters serve our guests mojoitos instead! Thought it was a little more fun Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Quick question for you past brides - How much cash did you take with you to AS and was it ample? If not, how much to you suggest grand total for set up fees, tipping, misc, etc??? Thank you and I hope everyone has been well! Plan on taking about $150-200 cash for set up fees (if you are bringing any of your own decorations). We likely spent about an average of $20 a day on tipping (but that's really a personal choice). And take lots of SMALL bills....the front desk very rarely has small bills, and it's nice to be able to leave $2-3 for the maid, couple bucks for the lunch waiter, etc. Quote: Originally Posted by Vic0214 Ok so I have a question to all you ladies that i 'm hoping you can help me with. I have 16 people coming to wedding and i'm not quite sure what to do. I was thinking of getting a long table to seat everyone at the reception. Is that weird? We saw a smaller wedding use a square table. It looked so nice, I think it was for 12 people, (3 seats each side), but I am sure 16 would work well. Quote: Originally Posted by TLGnhci Girls, I am getting so excited!!! I have a massage appointment tomorrow after work which is much needed at this point!! I am also having an eye treatment done, which if it helps my eyes, that would be a miracle. I have awful allergies and due to bad shot reactions over the past year, the puffy eyes have gotten to be quite bad. I've looked into a lot of different ways to fix it but no luck just yet. So, fingers crossed! I had a very productive night tonight. FI is working, so I packed up the duffel with all the OOT contents, sashes and more, and also got some house cleaning done. Next Friday is my legal day!! So I will be officially married. I think in some ways it's still surreal, even after all the planning. Just think, this time 2 weeks, I will be drinking mojitos at AS!! So excited for you! Keeping my fingers crossed the eye treatment helps. Best wishes for the upcoming nuptials. Maggie- love the golf theme! So much fun!

Ladies, I need some opinions. We are having our AHRs soon (we have 2 scheduled, one in Toronto for our friends, and one in Ottawa for my husbands' family), and I wanted to know should I wear my wedding dress? Both of the receptions are being held in high end restaurants and we are doing cocktail receptions, open bar with hor'dourves. Any thoughts/comments? Any previous brides with recommendations? Thanks in advance!

Hi Melissa, You can check my Planning thread for my welcome booklet. http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/thread/69198/murmel-s-planning-journal-pic-and-template-heavy Good luck.

The day beds are fun for some shots. The carriage is in front of the Mexican restuarant. The large staircase up to the main lobby is stunning both day and night. The front lobby has some neat elements, and you can shoot from the 2nd floor down or up (spa is upstairs). Really depends on what you want. We did most pictures on the beach, the swimup bar, and LeChique.