cristina2011

Flowers for Sale! I've finally decided to part with my custom silk bouquets. They're a mix of pinks and fuchsia peonies, roses, and phalaenopsis orchids, and made of very good quality. The bride's bouquet is the largest (and a good size). It contains 9 peonies in total (3 different kinds), multiple phalanopsis orchids, and an array of roses (open and buds) in various shades and sizes. The 3 bridesmaids bouquets are a smaller version without the orchids. Both have greenery and can be wrapped with or without ribbon. (The stems are realistic so either would look nice.) I also have a matching orchid boutonniere for the groom too. Price: $175 for the all of the above, or $150 if you need the above for just 2 bridesmaids. (One of my bridesmaids is hoping to keep her bouquet!) EMAIL me at [email protected] if you're interested. (I'm in Vancouver, so you can pick up locally or we can arrange shipping.)

Oops, I wasn't checking my mail here!! Sorry girls. The flowers are actually still available. Email me personally if you want them: [email protected] Happy planning!

Flowers for Sale! I've finally decided to part with my custom silk bouquets. They're a mix of pinks and fuchsia peonies, roses, and phalaenopsis orchids, and made of very good quality. The bride's bouquet is the largest (and a good size). It contains 9 peonies in total (3 different kinds), multiple phalanopsis orchids, and an array of roses (open and buds) in various shades and sizes. The 3 bridesmaids bouquets are a smaller version without the orchids. Both have greenery and can be wrapped with or without ribbon. (The stems are realistic so either would look nice.) I also have a matching orchid boutonniere for the groom too. Price: $175 for the all of the above, or $150 if you need the above for just 2 bridesmaids. (One of my bridesmaids is hoping to keep her bouquet!) PM me if you're interested. (I'm in Vancouver, so you can pick up locally or we can arrange shipping.) Bridesmaid bouquets Bridesmaid bouquet close up More pics available here: https://picasaweb.google.com/cristinabittante/FlowersForSale?feat=directlink

Flowers for Sale! I've finally decided to part with my custom silk bouquets. They're a mix of pinks and fuchsia peonies, roses, and phalaenopsis orchids, and made of very good quality. The bride's bouquet is the largest (and a good size). It contains 9 peonies in total (3 different kinds), multiple phalanopsis orchids, and an array of roses (open and buds) in various shades and sizes. The 3 bridesmaids bouquets are a smaller version without the orchids. Both have greenery and can be wrapped with or without ribbon. (The stems are realistic so either would look nice.) I also have a matching orchid boutonniere for the groom too. Price: $175 for the all of the above, or $150 if you need the above for just 2 bridesmaids. (One of my bridesmaids is hoping to keep her bouquet!) PM me if you're interested. (I'm in Vancouver, so you can pick up locally or we can arrange shipping.) Bridesmaid bouquets Bridesmaid bouquet close up More pics available here: https://picasaweb.google.com/cristinabittante/FlowersForSale?feat=directlink

Hey ladies! I hope all of your wedding plans are going well. I was just wondering if any of the April brides have received their marriage certificates yet? It's been 3.5 months and I haven't seen anything come yet... Happy planning! Cristina

Hey Girls, Just wanted to let you know that my review is back up now on the new Iberostar Laguna Azul Reviews page. You can find it here: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/iberostar-laguna-azul-varadero-cuba Cristina

Flowers for Sale! After a month of contemplation, I've finally decided to part with my custom silk bouquets. They're a mix of pinks and fuchsia peonies, roses, and phalaenopsis orchids, and made of very good quality. The bride's bouquet is the largest, and contains 9 peonies in total (3 different kinds), multiple phalanopsis orchids, and an array of roses (open and buds) in various shades and sizes. The 3 bridesmaids bouquets are a smaller version without the orchids. Both have greenery and can be wrapped with or without ribbon. (The stems are realistic so either would look nice.) I also have a matching orchid boutonniere for the groom too. Price: $175 for the all of the above, or $150 if you need the above for just 2 bridesmaids. (One of my bridesmaids is hoping to keep her bouquet!) PM me if you're interested. (I'm in Vancouver.) Bridesmaid bouquets Bridesmaid bouquet close up More pics available here: https://picasaweb.google.com/cristinabittante/FlowersForSale?feat=directlink

Hi Ladies, Yes, as some of you have gathered, my lengthy review was taken down thanks to Anna Wasniewska from Cineart not liking what I had to say about her. Since my review was entirely accurate and reflective of my experience, BDW could only ask that I repost my same review under their new Resort Review section. I promise to re-post it as soon as the ILA is added to this new section. (I have requested that Admin add it.) Linner, Rendee, M and M, BeccaB, and DeeBrideToBe - you'll find answers to all of your questions at the above link. If there's anything else that I can help answer, feel free to ask and I'll do my best to respond. DeeBrideToBe - Congrats on your decision to book Genevieve. I have no doubt that you'll be beyond happy with her! Happy Easter & wedding planning to the rest of you! Cristina

Hey Ladies, Got my photos just this evening! I think I've made the album public so you girls should be able to see... Unfortunately there's not a lot of the palapas set up, but hopefully should have some more when I get the rest of the shots from the photographer. http://www.facebook.com/album.php?fbid=10150547208425174&id=576055173&aid=654504&l=a55576ba5c

Yes, I had heard about the mosquitos and was concerned myself. I didn't notice them at all at the palapas though. I did get a few bites one evening after visiting one of the a la cart restaurants, but don't worry about bites at the palapas. Bring lots of string to hang your lanterns. I brought 3 rolls of fishing line and ran out!

Hey Ladies! Just got back from the ILA the other day. Wedding went well -- lots of little details for you girls, but I'm trying to catch up on 2 weeks of missed work right now so I'll try to keep this to a minimum. (It probably won't happen, but anyways...) Photographer - We brought our own photographer who was absolutely amazing! Her name is Genevieve Albert and she is based out of Montreal. I can only speak highly of Genevieve, compared to all the other photogs I researched. I am true photo critique and Genevieve's work is incredible (and reasonably priced). Anna from Cineart (another photographer who shoots weddings at the Iberostar resorts) personally tried to scare both myself and Genevieve that we would have issues bringing a Canadian photographer into Cuba unless we had Cuban connections, a visa, a letter confirming sponsored work in Cuba, and yadda yadda yadda. I want to clarify that we had no visa and issues whatsoever. Genevieve stayed at the resort, shot 2 weddings their, and Yahimara verified previously that brides can bring their own photographers so long as they stay at the hotel. In my opinion, Anna from Cineart is instilling fear in brides and other photographers that Cuba is dangerous unless you know people and your way around. Fortunately, Anna's poor tactics shone through and we were able to see past her scheming ways. Music - Burn CD's!! We tried to hook our iPod up and it was not possible until later that night at the Disco. Even still, my playlist didn't play in order at that point. I had burnt CD's as back up and was thankful that I did! Ceremony - Had the ceremony on the spa terrace at 4pm. Despite the heat, there was a strong breeze blowing which kept guests cool, and the shade the terrace provides is perfect to keep guests from squinting in photos. The pool activities start getting loud around the 4pm mark, so we paid the activities team $20 CUC to keep it quiet and they thankfully did. (I think if your ceremony is at 2pm, you would be fine though.) I wasn't a fan of the ceremony set up on the beach. The gazebo is super close to the water and there are so many ignorant people that gather around peoples' ceremonies as if they are invited. If you do plan on a beach wedding and this might bother you, I would suggest making small signs you can hammer into the sand asking people to please respect the couple's space (and pictures) for their special moment. Make sure you bring your music for walking down the aisle, unless you want to walk down to the Cuban trio. I would also suggest writing your own vows, since the ceremony is both difficult to understand and impersonal. From the time I walked in to the time I said I Do, it was less than 10 minutes. Reception - Had the gala set up at the palapas and opted for the lobster dinner ($45 CUC/guest). In my opinion, the palapas are the most picturesque set up available and offer the greatest privacy for a large group. We had 35 people and used 3 palapas. We sat 13 under one, 14 under another, and the bridal party of 8 in between the two. We were able to do all of our speeches there and play music. The wait staff was great. There were a few other menus to choose from, all of which seemed decent. Since the palapas use the same kitchen as the Cuban restaurant, I think you would be safe to go with almost anything they offer. I know you could go with the free menu and pay just 15 CUC/person to use the palapas. If you're looking to save money, I would consider doing that. Decorations - I had envisioned hanging a variety of pink paper lanterns above the tables, but the wind was so strong that the lanterns ended up being hung under the perimeter of the palapas. (Wine glasses were blowing over and breaking it was so windy!) I also had fuchsia petals sprinkled on the table tops, with 72 frosted glass tealight holders and seating cards for everyone. I brought down about 50 paper lanterns in 3 shades of pink. When Yahimara returned my suitcase of decorations after the wedding, it was completely empty which I found a little odd considering there was so much stuff that hadn't been used. I know Yahimara stayed late to see my reception and took a lot of pictures, so I got the feeling that she planned on keeping my supplies to offer them to future brides. I wouldn't have minded if she asked me to donate my decorations to future brides, rather than assume that I didn't want them anymore. (I had planned on using the lanterns again at home for our celebration with friends and family that couldn't make it.) When I asked her about getting the decorations back, she said she didn't know where they disappeared to. I spoke to a gentleman who attended a reception at the Steakhouse and he set the food wasn't very good. Some of our guests that visited the Steakhouse also complained about it. I would suggest the Romantico restaurant as good option for small groups; it is indoors, but very classy and tasty. Nice decor too. The Del Chef and Steakhouse aren't anything to write home about. I would pick the Cuban over both of them if you can't get the palapas. After Party - We booked the beach but had to move it to the disco due to weather concerns. Again, bring a CD for your first dance! Still, we rocked it out at the disco till the wee hours of the morning. It was good fun. (Note: you can only book the disco for your private party until 11pm, then it opens to other guests) Flowers - I made arrangements for myself and the bridesmaids. It was probably one of the best decisions I made, since all of the bouquets the resort seems to make are on the dated side. (In my opinion). My complementary bouquet was pink roses. I specified that I didn't want any baby's breath or other fillers. Yahimara will ask you what your second and third choice are if they don't have your first pick. Despite being a tropical island, their flower selection is on the weak side. Hair Salon - There is only one hair dresser at the ILA but she works very fast and is really sweet. She does have a tendency to do the same 1 style on brides, which seemed to be the case on me despite having pictures of my trial updo. Still, she graciously fixed it without any hesitation at all. The power went out twice while I was having my hair done, so we used iPads to light up the windowless salon so the hair dresser could continue! The bride's hair costs 50 CUC and the bridesmaids cost 30 CUC each. I would suggest bringing pictures of what you want if you have something in mind. The hairdressers english is ok. I think she understands more than she speaks. All in all, our guests had a great time and I have no regrets. We took everyone to Havana on a private bus two days after the wedding which ended up being a great decision. Everyone loved it and it is a stunning city. Mark & I got back into our wedding attire and we had our wedding photos taken in Havana. I can't wait for the pics!! I will share with you ladies as soon as I have a link. Ok, I better get back to work. Hope that helps for you ladies! For those considering another resort, I would also look into Paradisus Varadero. It was our other resort we were deciding between and we ended up staying there for a brief honeymoon afterwards. Their wedding gazebo is stunning and they have lots of nice outdoor options for receptions. For those booked at the ILA, I'm sure all of you ladies will love it. Congrats to you all, Cristina

Hi Dee, In lieu of wedding favours, we're taking everyone to Havana! As for table decorations, I'm bringing fuchsia petals and 72 tealights in frosted glass holders. I'm also going to hang 45 paper lanterns (12") from inside the palapas in 3 different shades of pink. I think it's going to look pretty cool. I made the bouquets myself since the resort's available flower selection appears pretty lacking. Can't wait to share my pics!! I think I too will bring regular cd's in case the iPod set up doesn't work. I'm wondering if an mp3 disc will work... I have a lot of music. So excited for it all! Cristina

If ANY of the February/March brides could provide any additional insight/tips, PLEASE share!!! I'm specifically wondering about 2 things: (1) could you hook your iPod up at the palapas? or can you play an mp3 disc? (2) has anyone had the private beach party afterwards and is the DJ any good? We leave for the ILA this Sunday and I can't wait to see the resort & various settings. We plan on having our ceremony on the terrace (depending on how it looks in real life) and reception at the palapas with the gala menu. Sooooo many last minute details to do. Thanks in advance to anyone that responds to this. I'll do my best to provide a thorough review for you future brides when I return. All the best, Cristina

I think they do ceremonies at either 2pm or 4pm. I'm guessing they won't do 3pm because there wouldn't be enough time between weddings (in case both brides want the same location).

Hi Emily, do you mean the palapas?!? If so, please take lots of pictures!!! I'm confirmed for the palapas & gala menu on April 4, and I'm hoping to hang pink paper lanterns from the ceiling of them. I'm not sure if I'll also have to invest in some mini lights to hang inside them, depending on when it gets dark. I'm interested in seeing what table decorations they offer (if any). Where are you having your ceremony? I'll definitely be thinking of you March 3 & eagerly awaiting your pics!! Have an amazing time & congrats!! Cristina

Hey Ladies!! My wedding countdown is on! Less than 8 weeks away. I can't believe it. So much to still do... Does anyone know more about the ILA's "beach party" option for after the reception? I would love to see some pictures of it set up, but Yahimara doesn't have any pictures. It's so hard to plan and prepare for something you can't imagine! I know there have been some recent brides that have been married there, so any insight you could provide would be HUGELY appreciated. Also, any word on the new beach gazebo set up?? Congrats to you newly booked brides out there! Cristina

Wow, that's soooo exciting!!! Take lots of pictures and let us know how it goes! Have you decided on where you want to have your ceremony & reception? I would love to know more about the "party" options, other than renting the disco. Looking forward to your review when you get back!! Have a great time!

Hey Ladies! I've screened the ILA Facebook forum and have been able to add a few more ILA brides to the list. (What an excited dork, I know...) All the best to the 4 brides getting married at in the next 3 days! Can't wait to hear your reviews and see your pics! Cristina Iberostar Laguna Azul Brides November 31 - Nicole & December 1 - Krishna69z December 1 - Erin & December 2 - AliciaM December 9 - Lisa1981 2011 January 7 - Jenn & Mike - 2pm February 4 - Sandra & Greg (Sandra&Greg) February 10 - Jon & Janine (bride.to.be) - 4pm February 18 - Amanda March 3 - Emily & Steve - 2pm March 31 - Ella & Benji March 31 - Maria & April 4 - Cristina & Mark (cristina2011) - 4pm April 7 - Jayme & April 8 - Lyndsey & Jeremy (LRohr) April 12 - Cindy-Lynn & April 14 - Luna81 May 4 - Ron & Mel - 2pm May 4 - Kelly & Reese (Kelly62) ~ 4pm May 5 - Janet & Larry ~ 4pm May 5 - Zaneta & June 8 - Helen & Anthony (Helen73) July 15 - Donna & September 19 - Melissa &

Does anyone know how long your witnesses must be in the country before your wedding ceremony? For some reason I remember reading somewhere that it must be a minimum of 3 days and it cannot be family... Does anyone know?

Hi Krista! Congrats!!!

Gorgeous!! Thanks for sharing & congrats!

I hadn't given the tan lines all that much thought, but I better get on it. I will be in Cuba for an entire week before the ceremony, so I need a few bathing suit options. I have 2 tube tops already but they're old and just average. Will have to get on that before all the bathing suits clear out for winter!