murmel

Quote: Originally Posted by mmc1105 Ladies I need some advice! I had contacted Del Sol about to be our Photographers, but just received an email that they do not accept bookings at Karisma Hotels. I'm super disappointed... Anyone have any photographer recs with a similar style? More photojournalistic I guess, rather than the more traditional approach? TIA We looked into booking them as well, only to find out they were banned. Anyway a couple of the other ones we looked at: 1) momentsthatmatterphotography 2) cancunstudios 3) claudia photo We ended up finding someone locally in Toronto, who we are flying down with us. His name is Taylor Jackson, and I am loving his work. I know that when we discussed not using the resort photographers, we were told it would be $500US, and it had to be an approved photographer. Or someone who was staying at resort (although they did not provide how long that person might have to be staying.) Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay I am having my east coast Bachlorette in Philly! I am doing 2 so that all my Northern girls don't have to fly down here and my southern girls don't have to fly up there. So technically I get 2 Yah for me Oh, how exciting! My girlfriends are throwing me a stagette in September, since they will all be visiting Toronto at that time. And my FI mother is throwing me a shower in October. It's great that the 2 parties are in different places, so that more people can join in on the fun Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 Ok, so I'm gonna talk about the photography thing, because it doesn't seem fair to me, and since I'm no longer staying at Azul Beach, I want to make sure the other brides are informed. Basically, I was told that I had to use either the resort photographers (which I didn't really like) or bring someone from the states with me and pay for 3 nights minimum. I was NOT allowed to use a local photographer from Mexico. I was told this was due to the contract they had with the resort photographers. I put up quite a fuss, as I really didn't like the resort photogs and felt like I was being steamrolled into using them. Plus, my contract didn't say anything about a minimum stay; it did, however, say there was a $500 fee to use an "outside" vendor, but that the vendor had to be approved by the resort first. So basically, they wouldn't approve anyone but their own photographers. After pointing out this discrepancy on the contract, Tiffany allowed me to choose a photographer off of an "extended list" that they use for their El-Dorado resorts. One of them was Claudia Rodriguez (who is fantastic!) so I chose her. She's moving over the Barcelo Maya Palace instead, and her rates are lower for that resort. I have NO idea why they would allow certain photogs for some of their resorts but not others. I just want to make sure that any brides that are thinking of booking at AB or AS are aware of the policy before they sign their contract, so they can decide if it's worth it to them. I still think both resorts are fantastic, but their photog policy kinda sucks (in my opinion) Not sure why they are fussy. But once they agreed to our photographer, we made sure it was in writing and that they would be no additional fee! (we are flying in our photographer,so he'll be on the resort the full week) Quote: Originally Posted by beaz2be Argh! I'm so frustrated (sorry if this is a bit of a rant). I've been going back and forth with Carolina about what wedding package we would qualify for, as well as promotions (since you ladies all mentioned the bride & groom stay free). So, she sends me the link. But it's only for USA brides. (I'm Canadian and although my fiance is American he lives here in Vancouver w/ me - but 1/2 our guests are coming from the USA... so I don't understand if we could still qualify). So... she sends me the link to Canadian promotions. And there's a GREAT Canadian bride & groom stay free promotion - - it applies to every Karisma hotel EXCEPT AS!!! aaaargh. I'm hoping that we might be able to negotiate out some kind of combo of the two promotions or something?!? Anyone around here had any luck with their negotiations with the WC's at Karisma? I just want what I think is fair - since it seems to be offered to almost every other bride. And I'm in kind of a bizarre situation with the Canadian/American stuff. Suggestions anyone? TIA I kept my eyes on all the promotions. And then talk with my TA. We tried to get the bride/groom stay free deal, that didn't work, but we have managed to get a room upgrade and 20% off on our reception/ceremony costs. So when you see a deal, ask them! You never know what they might agree to!

Quote: Originally Posted by Lolita29 The Christmas cards thing is a good idea. I even put on my RSVP's at the very bottom that responses not received on or before Feb.14 will kindly be taken as a not able to attend. I just don't want people to try to send RSVP's weeks before the wedding. I need to know my guest count so i can know the final bill of the wedding at least 2 months before and i also noted that no bookings will be accepted after March 14. And if anyone has any problems with these requirements than they don't need to come! HA! Is that too mean? Not too mean at all.... If I had my time back I think I would do something similar. We are doing RSVP via our website. Some of our guests are using it, and then there are others who have not replied, but have booked the trip with our TA. So I would highly recommend staying in touch with your TA to get numbers that match your RSVP count. We are asking for RSVP by November, and getting married January, so I hope that works.

Quote: Originally Posted by Mischaka I was a little uncomfortable not finding any weddings at the Catalonia Playa Maroma. and the pics that were sent to me didn't have a reception nor did they have any pics of one of restaurant options they gave me. So I decided to go with NOW Jade Riviera Cancun. and my TA is going to find out if they have my date available considering i'm 7 months out now. but i'm not going to say that I emailed the WC there too, to see if my date is available. i'm not going to say it. Keeping my fingers crossed that you get your date and the resort you want! It's hard trying to plan from a distance, especially when they can't even show you pictures of what to expect, but on the otherhand, Now Jade is suppose to be beautiful! Good luck, and let us know how it goes.

Quote: Originally Posted by Meghan18 Hi Ladies! I'm getting married Jan. 15th at the Gran Porto Real in Playa. Its so nice to read about other January brides! We booked our hotel and wedding date and then sent out save the dates pretty early....and then took a break from the planning. Its time to get back to it - exactly 6 months away!! This website is amazing, but its all a little overwhelming...I havent finished reading everyone's posts yet. We only have about 10 people booked at this point, but I'm pretty sure we will have between 30 and 40 guests - trying to gently remind people that they need to start planning. When are you guys going to mail out your invitations? Have you thought about when you will ask people to rsvp by? I thought I read that I have to supply the guest list 45 days prior to the wedding?? We sent out our STD a year in advance, and sent out our invites in June. Our early booking bonus ends August 31, and we have asked guests to RSVP by November 10, cause that's when the trip needs to be paid in full (they just have to put a deposit down right now). You have to usually give the resort 30-60 days notice of the guest numbers. but you'll have to check with the resort since it varies.

Quote: Originally Posted by pina13 Hi murmel! Can you recommend shops in Canada to buy the linen suits? As well, where did you get your bride's maids dresses from?? I really should start shopping for summer wear! oh soooooooo exciiited Hi Pina, Well I finally managed to get FI out shopping, since I figure linen suits wouldn't be around to much longer. We lucked out and got a Hugo Boss suit at the Harry Rosen outlet store in Mississauga. But we also saw some at Stars, Calvin Klein stores, The Bay, Banana Republic. We spent a few hours at the Square One Mall, and found about 7 suits. Not too many around anymore. There is a great forum somewhere here, to a company in India that does custom linen suits. I'll see if I can find it and PM you later. The bridemaids are wearing very simple cotton dresses from Smart Set. If you go to their website, it was the Rosette halter dress in the turquoise. All the girls love them! The groomsmen are wearing shorts and short sleeve dress shirts. We are planning on ordering from Dogfunk.com: Snowboarding Clothing and Gear from Burton, Volcom, DC Shoe Co., RVCA, Nixon, Oakley, Vans, Reef, DAKINE, and Forum or Swell - Surf Clothing, Shoes and Accessories from Billabong, Quiksilver, RVCA, Hurley and more! | Swell.com I agree with you girls, I really should pick up some sun dresses for myself and swimsuits before it's all gone!

Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Geez, at the expense of cheering Maggie up, you all are starting to make me feel bad about the Memorial Day weekend. Hurricane talk, cheaper flights, better prices.....Debbie Downer here. LOL Sorry, it wasn't meant to bring anyone down I think both cases have advantages. You will have a wonderful trip! And I think one of the other Memorial Brides said it best- 'it's likely your groups that are going to make it busy'. But what a party it will be Quote: Originally Posted by msmarmar123 Question for everyone.....what did FI do during the planning process? I like being involved in everything ( I like making the calls..emails...the forums...looking things up) but I am NOT Type A at all...the other day he asks what he can do...and I was kind of t a blank...I let hom start looking for clothes for him and GMs...what else are "safe" things for him to do? FI was in charge of stuffing STD's and invitations. Now he is onto GM clothing and choosing what color shirt he plans on wearing (he bought a white linen suit). He will be the one dealing with the jeweler for our wedding bands. And once we start the process of our cocktail reception and wedding dinner reception- he's in charge! He was a former chef, so he knows way more about it than I would. Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay Also he is very excited about the Donkey and has come up with a scavengar hunt photo contest idea (Again I just let him roll with it) He wants to get little stuffed donkeys to put in the OOT bags with a list of pictures you have to get of the stuffed donkey doing silly things. For Example: Donkey with a beer, Donkey on a random strangers chair while they are sunbathing, donkey at dinner, Donkey with the live donkey etc etc. The everyone will send us their pics after we all get back and we will crown a winner. Again His idea and I thought it might entertain people and they could have some fun with it. AHHH my FI cracks me up sometimes. Ooooo.....love that idea! Sounds like a lot of fun We had planned on doing a 'wedding mascot'. A little toy/stuffed animal/etc. that would randomly make it's way into photos.

Wow! Just stunning

Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach The hours are the worst part about the job. Criminals don't commit crimes 8-5pm, so basically we work when they work more often than not. This causes me alot of internal conflict because I would much rather be with my family at night after dinner than putting on my gear to head out the door. There is a saying in Federal law enforcement, "If Uncle Sam wanted you to have a family, he would have issued you one with your gear bag." My second gripe about it is that although it is 2010, women still have to work twice as hard (if not 3x's) to prove themselves in this male dominated field. You need to be able to shoot just as good as them, be willing to go through a door with or before one of them, and basically just overall hold your own. It's sad, but if they smell weakness, they will exploit it. And my last complaint is that it just doesn't jive with my personality some times. I'm pretty bubbly and outgoing and this work place is a very quasi-military profession and there are rules and policies in place to protect you and the citizen's rights. You make one wrong move and you can throw your whole career down the tubes. There's a lot of pressure to be perfect and that is unattainable to me. I basically supress who I really am during work hours to fit the mold of being boring, by the book, and bland. If you ever watch the Cop shows on TV, none of them really have hobbies or personal lives, it's all about the job. That is one thing I can say is modeled accurately about the profession in TV shows. I feel for you and the male dominated enviroment. I work with over 300 men, to 27 women (13 which have only joined in the last 3 years!). At least I don't have the military side of it, just the old boys club The shift work is always hard, but it just means when you have family time, you really take advantage of it. Quote: Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr : Yeah. I work overnight 7 days and I'm off 7 days so it's not so bad. I like having the set schedule and I get differentials. Otherwise, I would rotate and work 6:30-3, 9-5:30 or 1-9:30 and that's too random for me. Plus I like the fact that I essentially work like 14 or so days a month but get paid full time pay. Sometimes it's hard for me to get back in the swing of sleeping when most people do and that kinda drives FI crazy but it's that or take a pay cut. Midnights are the hardest! Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps My TA was notified and she notified me. I had Tiffany but now I have Fabio. Fabio showed us around the resort for our site inspection. Very knowledgable and friendly! I am sure he will be wonderful

Enjoy your 3 days before the wedding! I agree with everyone, be a little proactive and be prepared and you'll be fine. Wear sunscreen and relax under an umbrella, to avoid sunburn. It's still going to be just as relaxing in the shade, as in the sun! Enjoy a drink, or two, but stop there and enjoy some of the great fresh juices or refreshing cold water with lime! Eat what you're used to, don't be adventerous before the wedding. Bring some medications, just in case. Cold FX, Advil, Immodium, Claritin, etc. Once you feel prepared, you'll likely to realize you can deal with anything and relax!

Welcome! Hope you find all the information you need. Good luck with your planning, the big day is approaching quickly! You must be so excited

Welcome and congratulations!

Quote: Originally Posted by Season Thanks so much for the welcome and support! I'm so excited to get to talk with destination wedding brides. We are the first in our circle of friends and family to have one and getting the chance to share with all of you has confirmed that we made the right choice! A special hi to all the AS brides out there. (I'm on page 118 of our forum.) We'll be spending our honeymoon at the El Dorado Casitas so hello to you guys as well! FI and I stayed at the Casitas in April. You are going to love it! We had a great time there.

Quote: Originally Posted by erinbrooke124 Hi ladies! I'm also a 2011 bride. I've been on BDW for a while, but just came across this thread! We are getting married June 14, 2011 - the 14th is a lucky day in my fiance's family and it's my Papa's birthday - so it holds some special meanings for us So far...I've done our monogram (see below ), started playing with templates from other brides and making them my own (chapstick lables, playing card labels, pre-wedding newsletter), we've put a deposit down on our hotel, chosen flowers and cake flavor, put a deposit on a STD (I'm lagging on this one and need to get them out ASAP), and...I think that's it. Seems like more than I thought, but still have a lot to do and know time will fly by! Question - Is everyone doing a STD and invitation? I was thinking of sending a "tentative" or informal RSVP with the STD and then either skipping invitations and sending out newsletters to keep guests informed or just sending invitations to the people I know are interested. Seems silly to spend $ on invitations to people I know aren't coming. Happy planning! We sent out STD magnets, I think it was about $140 for 100 thru Vistaprint. And our invites were about the same. FI and I are fairly laid back, and I wasn't too worried about having a fancy invite (ie bows, monogram, etc.). But we did feel we should send offical invites out. We also included travel info/prices and our TA information. Quote: Originally Posted by Valentine_Baby To erinbrooke124 We are just sending out STD's with an R.S.V.P. to our wedding website . . .the way I see it the whole purpose of a DW is to save $$ and almost everyone has an email address nowadays! I am also a 2011 bride Getting married in October at MLD! We are doing the RSVP via our website as well. Although funny enough we have had a number of guests book their trip and RSVP yet. Thank goodness we stay in touch with our TA and she keeps us up to date as to numbers!

Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay We now Have Faye as well! My TA likes her but i haven't had a dealing with her yet. I just found out today. OK Ladies I NEED TO VENT! Deep Breath Long story short - I had reserved thru Cecila May 30th for my date but not put down the $200. My TA and FMIL were going back and forth between 2 resorts AS and The Royal Cancun. Unfortunately when you accept other people's $$ towards paying for the wedding you have to play nice and my FMIL being a former TA wanted to make sure we got the best deal. (She really did get us an awesome rate). Well for one reason or another that I do not know nor care at this point. All the dates for Memorial Day Weekend and the weekend before are now booked for AS. I lost the 30th. Cecila is gone. This all went down this morning. I had a minor freakout (possibly due to the fact that I am control freak and felt like things were out of control). After calming down, talking to the FI, Talking to my mom, talking FMIL I have a new WC (Faye) New wedding date (May 15th 2011) and feel back to normal. I really wanted May 30th but oh well. This morning was basically throw money at the 15th and see if it sticks. I will know for 100% sure in 24 hours. My FMIL and TA got Fabio on a call and basically got it done. AS was really understanding of my problem but booked is booked. It's our own fault for not putting the $200 down in the first place. WHEW - Thanks! I just had to get it all out and type it to feel better. NOTE: Ladies of Memorial Day weekend 2011 - I am sad we won't get to do that shot together. Also a word of warning. According to Fabio and Faye Thursday May 26th - Mon May 30th are BOOKED Solid with brides. They also said that there were some big groups. I would make sure your TA's and guest know that resort is going to be full that weekend and it's probably a good idea for guests to book ASAP. Again I am hearing this 3rd hand from my TA but might be something to be aware of. Is Anyone else getting married on the weekend of May 13 - 15 2011? Thanks for letting me get that all out. Good news I am offically (in 24hours when they email me confirmation) A Paying AS BRIDE!!!! YEAH! I am so excited! Congrats on taking that deep breath, not freaking out (I would have) and finding a wonderful new date! And like someone else said, your guests will likely get a better price, since it's not a holiday. It's likely a blessing in disguise

Congrats on finding your dress! It looks stunning on you. Do you need to 'replace' the bling piece with something? If it's just a pin, I would almost leave it with just the satin ribbon. I love the simplicity of the ribbon making the detail! Fabulous

I know it's after the fact! But #2 would have been my choice...and that's the one you got

Quote: Originally Posted by janapana Have finally bought a dress, but not a wedding dress. I tried loads on, and i just felt like a numpty in all of them. Long dresses are just not me, so as i was walking through one of the villages near where we live i saw a gorgeous royal blue/purple dress in the window of a shop, tried it on the next day and loved it.... it´s strapless and beaded and floaty knee-length chiffon and i loved it as soon as i put it on. Plus it only cost 300€, bonus! And they will alter it for free. It doesn´t matter that I´m not wearing white right? We don´t generally do things that traditionally anyway and i reckon bright purple will look great with all the green of the gardens and the fushia flowers i´d like. Nice to be back! Jo Nothing is traditional anymore! Whatever makes you feel beautiful is what you should wear I was thing bright pink for quite a while, but couldn't find anything other than horrible prom dresses LOL! So I got the wedding dress I had never envisioned, but love! And the fushia flowers against the purple will pop....love it! Quote: Originally Posted by svieira Hi all! New to this forum ... silly me... I started a January 2011 bride thread a few moments ago not realizing there already was one! I'm getting married at the Grand Palladium on January 19th, 2011... I booked the date 2 weeks ago, bought my dress, booked my photographer (Del Sol...amazing!), booked a DJ (dj MANNIA...also amazing)... and 27 flights are booked so far! Not bad for my crash wedding planning! I'm wondering what you guys are doing for the groom/ groomsmen's attire? I just came to the realization that they should probably buy it soon since summer clothes will be out of season before we know it! Congrats on your 27 guests! That's wonderful. My FI has choosen to wear a white linen suit, which we bought last week. (finally had to drag him out, cause the summer clothing is disappearing quickly) He has not decided on shirt color yet, but is perhaps leaning towards a fushia or purple. Our bridesmaids have very simple, cotton, knee length, turquoise summer dresses. Our groomsmen will be wearing dress shorts with short sleeve dress shirts (this is the next 'project' to be done). But I agree with you, if you want summer-ish clothing, get it now! Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 So I don't know who your TA is, but you need to send her a big bouquet of flowers or something...your rates are AMAZING! Seriously. When we were looking at the Sensatori, we got rates of $1380 per person for 7 nights, LAND ONLY! So with flight we were looking at over $1800. You got a hell of a deal. Thanks, they have been wonderful! And they are dealing with alot of unusual departure points and have made everything work so far. Quote: Originally Posted by Lindobride14 Yeah, I concur -- you got an awesome deal!! And your website is very nice - you make a cute couple! Thanks! Blushing...

Quote: Originally Posted by Lindobride14 Cute monogram, Joanna! Did you do it yourself? Speaking of kids, my nephew who is our ring bearer will be 13 months old on our wedding date. Who knows if he'll be walking. Our flower girl will be 2 and a half. If he's not walking by then, was thinking of having her pull him in a wagon. But where in the world would I get a wagon in Mexico? Anyone have any other ideas? Hmmm...some of the resorts have very large wagons that get used for seaweed removal, but 1) it will be to heavy for a 2 year old to pull, and 2) I don't think it fits the wedding scene. Depending on what you had planned in terms of walking down the aisle. If the bridemsaids are just walking down the aisle (ie groomsmen in front already), I would suggest one of your bridesmaids carry the ring bearer, and holding hands with the flower girl perhaps? If you have the bridesmaids and groomsmen walking in together, maybe the first couple can walk in with the flower girl, and the next couple with the ring bearer?

Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 I would never call you a dummy! I didn't know any of this stuff before I met FI either. So in the electrician union (I think it may be the same for plumbing union) a person starts out as an "apprentice". They do that for 5 years, and go to school every year (for my FI it was 6 weeks a year). At the end of that time they take a test, and get licensed as a "Journeyman" if they pass. The pay is way higher, which I'm super psyched about! We may be able to afford this wedding after all! That's wonderful news! We have a few friends working on their 'apprenticeship' and it can be very hard. So congrats to your FI for reaching journeyman!

Oh my goodness, so much to catch up on, and it's only been a day LOL!

We choose a resort (Azul Sensatori, Mayan Riviera) and keep getting our TA to get updated prices until we were happy. The TA we choose deals only with destination weddings (Weddings By Oceans) and has also managed to get us a number of 'upgrades', 20% off our reception costs, free cocktail party. We have done some group rates for Toronto and Ottawa guests (and had to pay a deposit for these). And our TA managed to arrange a great land only rate (ie all inclusive Hotel) for those guests that are flying in from other locations. So most of our guests will be between $1500-$1800. And we have guests coming from Edmonton, Saskatoon, Yellowknife, Toronto, Ottawa, Halifax, Moncton and a couple from the US. Good luck everyone! I know this was the most difficult part for us...and now the waiting for people to book is killing me

Quote: Originally Posted by michelle2011 Glad i'm not the only one then ha ha... i just hope Scarlett's attention seeking doesn't put stress on the day. I'm hoping she will want to follow in the footsteps of the older girls coming, (twins of 7, 6yr old and 9yr old).. maybe get them some colouring books etc.. bucket and spade sounds good. whatver make em happy! and to ease you through the ceremony ah ;o)... fingers x'd all the little en's are good x Yes, here's to keeping our fingers crossed they behave for those 30 minutes Quote: Originally Posted by hritlinger Hey there 2011 brides!! I am getting married March 11,2011 at Azul Sensatori in Riviera Maya. We got engaged July 2009 and pushed the date out on purpose due to cost and travel expenses for our family. I do feel like I have so much to do especially looking at this forum. There are so many great ideas that I never thought of. I am a true procrastinator at heart so I need to get moving!! I have a 6yr old son and 7yr old soon to be step daughter. We chose Sensatori bc it is family and kid friendly. My current demlima is what and where to go for our honeymoon. Our kids will be returning with grandparents so we are good for any adult only resorts. If anyone has any suggestions,let me know. Excited, Heather Welcome Heather! If you want to go to an adults only resort FI and I have been to a couple great ones along the Mayan coast. 1) El Dorado Casitas Royale, owned by Karisma is stunning. Very quiet, and every 10/12 suites has it's own pool and bartender. Lots of restaurants to choose from, and great service! 2) Excellence Riviera Cancun. Wonderful resort, beautiful beach, great service and food. 3) Grand Pallidum, White Sands Royal Suites. Only the Royal Suites area is adults only, so not sure if this quite fits the bill. But this by far has the most stunning rooms we have ever come across, especially the balconies (one with an outdoor jacuzzi and shower). And it is your honeymoon If you want any more specifics, just ask! Good luck with your planning.

Quote: Originally Posted by michelle2011 ha ha, yeh us girls will be to busy the men can sit and fan themselves with the pink fans, hee hee... I had a horrible dream that Scarlett got really ratty at the ceremony and spoiled it by having a tantrum.... I am going to get little things for the kids to do to keep them busy and i'm also having bubbles on the chairs so she can sit and blow away at them... anything to stop a tantrum.. lol.. i know she will prob be fine she will be nearly 4 when we are in Mexico.. just having a panic dream ha ha.... x I like the idea of something to keep the kids entertained. We will likely have a number of kids attending. I know so far 3 young boys, ages 5-11, and a little girl who will be 8 months old. hmmm...going to have to come up with some ideas!

Stunning pictures! Makes me even more excited about doing a TTD.

Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps I'm going to try to post a link to the pictures from my bridal shower. I had a ball. The Sex and the City theme turned out great!!!!!! Danielles Sex and the City Shower pictures by daniepps1128 - Photobucket Looks like it was a wonderful shower! You guys all look great