jszy10

You're welcome ) Thanks so much! That is great that you got them to do that. In reality, it's free with resort dollars, so definitely worth it. I was disappointed with the lighting mostly...and the fact that they didn't capture me and my dad in the horse and carriage, but I'm still really glad we have it for memory.

** If you click on the smaller pictures they will get bigger!! **

Hey perry! I used the free cocktail party we got from having at least 5 guest rooms booked for our welcome party on Thursday evening. I didn't purchase any private events. After the wedding my guests either went back to their rooms to freshen up and/or went and got drinks and then met us at the restaurant for dinner when we were done with pictures. Because we were late getting to dinner our guests just ordered appetizers while they waited for us and I think everyone was just fine with how it all went! I was definitely happy with everything, and I'm glad I chose the cocktail party as a welcome party so that we could enjoy it with our guests. It was really nice to have that private event to welcome our guests and spend some time socializing with them. Because we brought all of our own flowers they let me substitute the free boutonierre and bouquet for a gorgeous alter display. Here is a good picture of what we received -- I loved it ) We did use our resort dollars for the videographer, but I'm not sure if that is an option anymore? Once I was home and watched it a few million times lol there were things that really bothered me about the video, but overall I'm happy with it. I am really glad we have it to watch and share. Here is the link to the actual video -- I uploaded it to youtube so that other brides could see it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBG7wLv2YAU Also, here is the link to my review in case you'd like to see it!: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/aventura-spa-palace-all-inclusive/reviews/4777 If you have any other questions, feel free to let me know ) I'll leave you with a pretty picture of a Playacar Palace wedding they were setting up while I was there!!! ) I do have a few other pictures of Playacar Palace on my facebook if you want to see more..

As far as the deep sea fishing trip, I used Tequila Sunrise Adventures (http://www.chartermexico.com) and I DO NOT recommend them. We had quite a few issues with them, including serious lack of communication on their part in the weeks leading up to the trip. I have heard great things about Captain Rick's (http://captricksfishing.com/) -- I was between them and Tequila Sunrise, and unfortunately went for saving a couple bucks instead. Captain Rick's is really only a $25 difference, so that was a dumb decision on my part :oP. One thing you want to make sure of when booking your fishing trip is to make sure the guys can bottom fish. We had that type of fishing reserved with Tequila Sunrise and they ended up taking them troll fishing instead, which was not very enjoyable for the guys. If you are unfamiliar with the difference, bottom fishing is where the boat stops and the guys fish...troll fishing is where the boat never stops and the guys will only get a fishing rod if there is a fish already hooked (which only happened twice in a matter of 4 hours for our 8 guys..which is why my husband was so disappointed). You are much more likely to catch fish and have a more interactive trip with bottom fishing. As far as XPlor, we just booked the trip through the reservations department at the hotel. It was a bit more pricey, but we just wanted everything to be taken care so we could enjoy ourselves. I think it was around $129 a person for roundtrip transportation and park admission (which includes all beverages and food). It was pricey, especially since we paid the $70 for our pictures, but we did really enjoy the day and are glad we did it! Hope that helps!!

Ugh...I had Dolce, and then it was Wilma...and then I was told it was Christina haha so I know how that feels. I really just kept a record of all of our discussions and would repeat them when my WC changed just to make sure she had all of the right info. I even printed out certain emails and took them with me just to make sure everything was as she said it would be, but it was fine. The records that they exchange from one WC to another for me were perfect.

hahahaha...I actually messaged one of those people who gave it a 1 and said it was a "scam" to tell them I couldn't believe they honestly felt that way about such a wonderful place (out a sheer entertainment for myself of course LOL) and she wrote back saying I must be an employee of the place and that she felt sorry for me and my guests that I had to have my wedding at such an awful place...hahaha. I laughed so hard at her. It really does shock me that few people have such a "horrid" experience there!?!?! I can't even fathom how that would be possible!!! I too am a tripadvisor stalker ;o) I didn't bring any music for my reception, I really don't think it would have been necessary. We only had 16 people there and we were all very content with conversations and eating. I do think the music that we hired was great for the cocktail party though. Even though I think just conversation would have been fine there too, it was really nice to have the mexican music in the background (we hired the trio). When we were there they were allowing you to spend all $1500 of resort dollars at the spa if you wanted to! I definitely spent over the original $300 limit. They did change a few things since we signed up -- like there is a limit of $200 for the dolphin swim, so if two go then you have to pay like $58. But there were also other things you could spend your dollars too that aren't listed. 4 of the couples that came for the wedding used their dollars for photo shoots, a few others used $100 towards a 3-bottle tequila set...and no one did this, but you can also use them to buy a spa product gift pack if you are trying to use them up. I actually even used some other peoples dollars for things -- like I made a hair appointment under my moms for my TTD session, and my mother in law had spa sessions she signed up for and didn't want to go, so I went to those too! haha.

I'm actually not sure what perks we could get? Maybe I'll send them a message and find out! We are going to book through BJ's this time because they have great vacation package prices! My husband asked me the same thing, and planning vacations is exactly what I'm doing LOL. We are already heading to clearwater for the phillies spring training over my spring break in april and then heading back to Mexico in June! haha. Then its baby-makin' time ;o)

Yay!! Have fun!! ) We are officially planning our anniversary trip back in June! We will be spending a few nights at ASP, then we are going to ride the fairy over to Cozumel Palace for a few nights!

Just saw this and had to share!!!! http://www.destinationweddingmag.com/blogs/priscilla-of-boston-to-close-all-labels-and-stores?cmpid=FB090111 There’s sad news in the wedding world this week: after 65 years of creating gorgeous gowns, Priscilla of Boston is shutting its doors. (The brand originally shot to fame in 1956 for designing Grace Kelly’s bridesmaids dresses.) According to a company statement, all Priscilla of Boston labels, including Jewel and Melissa Sweet, as well as its 19 bridal salons, are closing in order to focus on David’s Bridal, their sister division. What does this mean for you? While no new wedding dress orders are being taken, stores will remain open until December 31, 2011, in order to fulfill all existing purchases, even if your gown was promised at a later date. This also applies to existing alterations and bridal accessory sales. Orders for bridesmaid dresses will be accepted until September 12, so if your girls have been procrastinating, make sure they get their orders in by this date. Additional questions about existing orders can be answered by your salon consultant or by [email protected]. While we’re certainly feeling gloomy about this info (pictured here is Alise in a Vineyard by Priscilla of Boston gown, one of our faves from the Sep/Oct fashion shoot!), there is a silver lining for brides who have yet to purchase a gown: the Priscilla of Boston FAQ page hints at discounted rates on sample dresses and accessories during their salon closing sale. Contact your local Priscilla of Boston store or see the company’s official FAQ for more details.

Hey!! Sorry I just realized I never responded to you. I have tried a few of the insanity workouts, but I gotta say..they are nuts! haha. But you really feel like it helped in just two weeks? Did you do the program exactly how they designed it? I have no idea why I am having such a problem with motivation and working out, but my belly pouch has officially gone beyond the point that I am willing to deal with, so i definitely need to do something :oP. I guess this is what I get for doing P90X for 90 days and then NOTHING for the next 90!! UGHHH... So unhappy with my midsection right now...

I don't think they would or should be insulted at ALL!! This is your day, and it is hard to remember all of the shots you would have wanted when you are in the moment and things are going so fast. I actually sent my photographer inspiration shots to give him an idea of what I liked/wanted and he was more than receptive. If you are worried about how they may take it, you could always ask them if they would mind if you provided them with a list of shots you really want on your wedding day and explain that doing so would help you feel less stressed on your day ). Good luck!

Oh sorry, they were for our AHR, so no travel required :oP

The vases are from Michaels. I think they were around 9.99 regular, and my mom just went in every once in awhile and picked one up at a time with the coupons. Educators now get 15% off at Michael's too!! AC Moore is really getting to me with their discount...everything seems to be on "sale" even when it isn't marked, and they won't let you use your teacher discount on anything that is on sale. grrrrr lol

No problem, anytime!! We were so thrilled with his work and how perfect our memories are from him ). Have you check out his vendor review page? Mine is on there..and he also has a special discount code posted for BDW brides!! http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/octavio-montes-photography

Congrats!! You will be very pleased with him!! If you add me on facebook you can check all of my pictures out. The pictures he took are under "Our Wedding" and "Trash the Dress". https://www.facebook.com/jszy10

Hope this will help some of you? As far as hauling your decor and things there, think about packing carry on's with TSA friendly items and asking your wedding party and family to carry them for you. That is what we did, and it worked out great! Every person can take a carry on PLUS a personal item, so even if you ask a couple, I'm sure one of them could take a carry on for you!! And as for the RSVPs...we got 6 back, and 4 of them were no's. Only my mom and one of my bridesmaids actually sent the RSVP back. Everyone assumed if they booked, that was that. It is so hard not to stress about people not booking in time either, but try hard not to. People who want to and can be there will be, and those who aren't, well they just aren't. No one likes to say no to the bride and groom, even though we want them to just give us an answer. :oP

I bought all of my flowers from JoAnn's craft store. I actually just happened to be there at the end of the season and found them all 75% off!! That $20 actually got me enough lilies to make my AHR centerpieces too ) We found the other flowers from my centerpiece at Michael's.

Here are the DIY bouquets that I made for myself and my bridesmaids!! My key tip, watch out for clearance silk flowers at your local craft shop at the end of every season. I spent less than $20 on all of these bouquets!! My Bouquet: Bridesmaid Bouquets:

Hey ladies!! I have a one shoulder, corset back maggie sottero dress for sale. The dress was worn for 2 1/2 hours on my wedding day and for a few hours indoors for my AHR. It has been altered to height 5'5" and would fit a size 4/6 or under. It also already has a double french bustle altered in as well! (see picture). Paid over $1500 new with alterations. If you have any questions, please feel free to let me know!!