sashk2006

Kristamaria- we just hung out at the main bar. No one lasted very long that night. We had originally wanted to go to Fusion that night but everyone went to bed. Pinz- I am not sure why they say that because it is not a problem at all for outside photographers. You just have to pay the $77 day pass.

Haha I replied to your comment on facebook Jennybelly but if you hadn't seen it, we got everything at Kohl's! Kristen- we went to the Brazilian and reallyyyy enjoyed it. It is nice but food is served on sticks in a 10 course meal so you kind of decide what you want and they will cut it off your stick for you. I do not remember the tablecloths. We also did the welcome bags ourselves. I did not know of the option for Maria to do them. It was really stressdul trying to get them together right as we arrived because everyone was wanting to see us and I had originally wanted to give them their bag upon arrival but all flights had been delayed or transportation had taken twice as long so everyone showed up within 20 minutes of one another. It made things alot harder. We had personalized hot sauces for favors and Maria had them waiting at the seats at the reception when the guests arrived so I was happy I had given them to her ahead of time. I actually made this open site of photos on photobucket to help everyone like they helped me. There is no personal information given out. Kerrie- you will be very pleased with Octavio. The hair costs $100. I hated to pay that but am happy I did. And yes, you can add a sand ceremony to any package.

kristamarie, thank you! hair--- I was actually a little frustrated at first as I went in with a picture and it wasn't looking like it, but I was happy with the results. They are great in the salon. My hair does not usually hold curls but she made it work! reception---- we just did dinner in the Italian restaurant. Maria really makes it feel like a reception as she announces you and lets you pick how you want the seating to be set up. Plus there is constant clinking on glasses for you to kiss. Oh and the cake! Strawberries and cream was terrific! We also did the symbolic just to save money. Adding the sand ceremony really made it special. They have a nice signing for you also during the ceremony. The ribbons, tulle, chairs everything was includes. We also booked enough rooms that we got the $300 symbolic ceremony for free. Questions are completely fine! This forum helped me out so much so I am more then happy to help others! You girls really will be so happy with everything. We have been home a week today and already have family members talking about going back :-)

We just returned from our wedding at Sandos and it couldn't have gone any more perfectly! Everyone said Maria would ease all fears the second you met her and I agreed the second we sat down with her. It was hard to not have anything set and stone until the day before the wedding but Maria took care of everything within a half hour and had us back to enjoying the beach. I feared alot of thing going into it- weather, rooms, hair, no rehearsal, etc. but I do not believe it could have gone any better. We stayed in the beachfront rooms which I would not change for anything. They are right on the beach and close to everything! We could walk out on the 2nd floor patio and see the ocean. Welcome fruit basket & huge supply of alcohol upon arrival and fun little towel animals on your bed everyday. My family that stayed in the haciendas were okay with them but wished they had gotten the beachfront rooms. We only had one person stay in the Riviera section. He liked the room size but it was just such a distance away. Not a complaint in walking but it was hard if short on time. The shuttles and golf carts weren't reliable enough to count on them. We did fun welcome bags (doubled as beach bag) with mugs, tylenol, shout wipes, lanyards that held towel and key cards and tip money and more that I can't remember. I think the lanyards were the most used item by everyone. Let me know if you want to see photos! Restaurants were a must book upon arrival. We had the French first and I am not sure if more then 2 of our 18 person group liked it but I suppose it was more of a preference of foods. The Brazilian is a must if you like your meats! As for the wedding, it went fabulous! First, I had my hair done at the resort and I was very happy with it. I was not done with that until 3:20 so very rushed for a 4:00 ceremony. Maria came and picked me and my father up in the golfcart and took us to the site. I had stargazer lillies in my bouquet which turned out wonderfully! We could not stop smelling them and everytime we went back to the room throughout the week, the scent would spill out for everyone. The site was set up beautifully. Kind of awkward, but alot of the beach go-ers will come over and watch the ceremony and take pictures of you walking down the aisle. I recommend doing the sand ceremony. The minister has a nice speech for it and also brings a lid for you to bring it home. For no rehearsal, it went with no problems. The minister walks you through everything. There is a hut after for toasting and a dance if you chose then off for pictures. I highlyyyyyyyyyyyyyy recommend Octavio Montes for a photographer. He is very professional and a great price. The pics were ready two days after the ceremony and he dropped the prints and the cd with a nice case off to us at the hotel. We chose to do the Italian restaurant for the reception. I didn't like that is was a buffet but it was the nicest and most accomodating for a wedding party. Maria has you wait outside then announces the couple to come in and everyone stares and claps! Random clinging from people you do not know all dinner ;-) All in all, I am so happy with how it went. I knew alot about the resort as it is where my fiance and I met 8 years ago but I still worried. They called for rain for every day and we never got any, thank goodness! The resort has undergone alot of changes so I was weary but my family absolutely loved it and believes all-inclusives are now the way to go!!! Just wanted to give a fast but very unorganized review of Sandos. Let me know if you have any additional questions! I also set a photobucket up if anyone wants to see the setup or Octavio's work. photobucket.com username: sandos2010mexico password: sandos2010

That is a good idea for occupying the guests while photos are taken. We head out Thursday and our wedding is on Saturday with rain in the forecast :-(

Yes, I have seen pictures with the first dance under the hut but I am just wondering if this is something we need to request as it is not a song Maria needs or anything. Nemmerz- I am sorry that happened. I know you were still questioning Sandos but I'm sure Secrets will be great. I have never heard of AKIDEMI photography. Glad you are sticking around on the forum tho'

I was just about to ask about the first dance. I have seen pictures where people do it in the wedding hut after the ceremony and before pictures. Does anyone know?

I had originally planned on a picture mat but was not sure if it would arrive back in good condition after luggage being thrown around.

Correction, around $350

you girls are right on track! I am stumped on what to do as a guest book, any ideas?

I never thought about having to be legally divorced in Mexico if you did the legal package, that would be one bad trip. We head to Sandos on December 16th, it is so close! We will be heading to the courthouse secretly next week. Are you guys getting a minister other then the one the resort books? Seems outrageous to pay like $250 bucks for them to be there less than 30 minutes and it not even be legal with papers involved. Was just wondering if there was a cheaper way to do it...

I like #2 also, and the hair!

Yes, definitely acceptable. And yes the blood and paper work does add up. My fiance wants to go ahead and do the justice of the piece thing now but I dont know about that. I know a few girls that didn't even get their licenses until after they got home so I am not sure how we are going to do it yet! Maria does not need a wedding license, I was also wondering about that but she said no.

Brandy- I haven't decided on my bouquet yet. I want stargazer lillies but so not sure if the hair flower will even go with that ( if it even matters)

Brandy- we got the same hair flower! What flowers are in your bouquet because now I am thinking if my hair piece should be matching my bouquet because it is not as of now. The seller is silverpencils btw :-)