JHarris

I could be wrong but I think Lady Di may have used them. I know she used the resort photographers and the pictures looked nice. I think we're going to use them as well, might as well. LOL

Randi - how many people are going on the catamaran and what did they quote you? That sounds like a great idea.

No AHR either! That's the beauty of a desitnation wedding. We invited everyone on our list (150) and are expecting maybe 40-60 guests. Hopefully more like 40. =) Save a little and have a ton of fun!! I'm so excited. We're going to do a welcome party at Blue Parrot. Anyone else using them?

I do!! Here is is contact info and current pricing that he sent me: email: Fernando Fuentes: [email protected] BRIDE TRIAL HAIR AND MAKEUP $180 DAY OF THE EVENT $350 SERVICE FOR BRIDESMIADS AND FAMILY ONLY MAKEUP $90 ONLY HAIR FROM $50 up to $80 To secure him for your date, you will need to put a deposit down. It can be just for your services or you can do a combo - it doesn't matter as long as you put something down. The deposit is 50% of services. It may seem weird but there are several ways to pay: either a certified check, or money order or directly into his bank account. if you send money by mail, it'll be addressed to his sister's address. Don't worry - this is normal and many brides can attest to it. Let us know if you have any questions! Janna

Hi Liz! Definitely ask your WC about it. If the girls are a part of the wedding - then it shouldn't be a problem. Per my WC guests are allowed to arrive 3 hours before the wedding time. Unless you plan on using a room on the Gran for getting ready. Janna

On a side note: My TA is doing a site visit next month. Does anyone have any picture requests? I asked her to take pics of the ballrooms (salons hehehe). For any brides that need more pics if they are not planning on a site visit - let me know!! I'm compiling a list. =) Janna

Thanks for that reminder!! Glad to hear it all worked out even with the different times. =) Great review by the way. Everything looked amazing. You planned a beautiful wedding. I love that they have a Walmart! That cracks me up!!

Welcome all new Brides!! So glad to see so many newcomers!! As most of you have read - always confirm with your WC bc rules can be changed and it depends on who you get. We all have varying responses but the most common theme is that we asked. I can't wait to hear about everyone's planning!! WOW, two brides in February and a couple next month! I just love weddings. LOL...

So sorry to hear about your dad! Even better that he's getting stronger everyday. =) I can't believe your date is arriving soon! Congrats!!

RunningBride! You look so beautiful!! Fernando did a great job. When did you do your trial run with him? I love your pics! It makes me so happy and excited to see such beautiful weddings - so glad that i picked The Royal to have our wedding there. What did you chose as your reception food choices? Janna

As of right now, I have 17 guests booked. We're expecting about 40-60 guests or so. We invited everyone, about 140 total. I too ordered my dress. Waiting for it to come in. I sent out save the dates in September and unfortunately I have to send out notes about a change in date - just a day later. They scheduled a country music concert right next door to my wedding! Luckily for me, the day after time was open and I took it. Currently designing our formal invitations that we'll send out beginning of December. The only thing left are the small details, like escort cards, table menu and numbers and site visit. It's a great feeling to get stuff done early!!

WELCOME BACK LADIES AND CONGRATS!!! RunningBride- you look absolutely stunning!! I love your hair, it looks amazing. Fernando and his hair guy did an amazing job. YAY!! I'm so glad I got Fernando! I'm thinking of a half up and down myself but not sure how the humidity will affect my hair in June. hhmmm.... Did you use the luxury package? I thought the bridal bouquet of dozen roses were included? Smckinney - Can't wait to see your pics and how their salon did! I'm using them for my rehearsal dinner night. Was it easy to communicate with them? I'm pretty good with my spanish but I don't know every word. LOL... If anyone has gold chair sashes and wants to sell them, PM me! As of right now I'm guessing 40 or so. Gracias!!

RunningBride!! WELCOME BACK!! So glad to hear it was amazing and worth it. YAY!!! Can't wait to read your review. =) How was Maria Marie's for the rehearsal dinner? Were you able to make it a little bit more private?

Hey Risa - June 17th for me. I have 11 rooms booked right now. We decided to do group rates for the rooms since they had that early booking special before October. I really pushed as many people as I could to get booked for their deposits bc it meant securing that rate for everyone that books after my 11 rooms were filled. I had 30 days to book my min and literally made it with one day left. LOL.... needless to say I was stressed those few days before the deadline. We have a TA and she's handling all the bookings. I sent out my save the dates in September - will have to send out another notification due to date change - just a day later and will send out formal invites in December. We are discouraging our guests from booking through expedia and other discount sites bc we've heard too many stories from other people how those people get bumped over guests that book directly through the resort or TA. You're getting married on that Sunday before me and we have 3 weddings and a country music concert scheduled as of right now. So it's going to get crowded very quickly and could possibly sell out. We didn't want to take any chances for our guests. I do agree that the majority will book closer bc they think they have plenty of time. I've been trying to scare my guests by telling them if they sell out on the adult side - you'll be forced to stay on the family side since we have so many events that week. LOL....

JoZee - when you contacted La Tortuga - did they say you had to be a guest at the hotel for a private party? How did you get around that?

JoZee - that would b awesome. I really like prix for large groups myself. Do you think it'll b cool enough rooftop? We have some older guests and I wouldn't want them to be uncomfortable. The inside rooms look just as pretty. Lisa - me too!! So glad everyone recommended Fernando. Doesn't hurt to ask. And I have it in email that she agreed to it. =) WOW, can't believe they upped the price that much. I wonder if you can do a signature drink to save some $$? How interesting.

Lisa - When I talked to my WC she basically told me either you use it or you lose it. You can't exchange services and they don't refund for non-service use. Instead of a champagne hour, why not 30mins and then do open bar? I agree that people are not keen on champagne and would rather have open bar. I was able to use the makeup and hair service from the package for my rehearsal dinner since I'm having a makeup/hair person come on the wedding day. Ladies - Does anyone have a pricing estimate or dinner list from El Bistro at La Tortuga? It's a perfect spot for rehearsal dinner. =)

I was charged in US dollars as well. Did you book directly through the hotel or have a TA? I used a TA and was not charged anything. How strange.

Natalie - if you're having a symbolic wedding - have a special guest perform the ceremony for you. We're having a close friend perform ours (we already did the legal part) and my WC said we could do whatever we want if we went that route - plus saving yourself $400 on a civil servant or judge to perform for you. Unless you have the free wedding - then that person is included.

lol.... man, that's a seriously dry script. Hopefully you can tweak their script and add some meangingfulness. YAY!! You got your final bill. It only took short of forever.

As close as you are to your date - I would be freaking out but then again - it's at that point of what can you do? You contacted her, you talked to her, what else is left? LOL... That is a great attitude to have!! It will be beautiful and amazing as you planned it.

Lisa- I always thought it was 30 days? LOL.. I just love this place. =) Wait, why can't you have the Tres Leches cake? If it's included - that makes no sense. Did they say why? How strange. If this place wasn't so beautiful and all the former brides had a great wedding - I would have picked a different place. It's hard enough getting my guests to sign up for group rates.

Jes - OMG! I would be freaking out by now. You would think they would want to be paid! How strange that she hasn't asked or processed anything. Especially when it says on the website final due 30days before. LOL!!! From previous posts that I've read - Zulma is supposed to be pretty on top it.

Tell me about it!! Looking forward to the big day - even though it's 8 months away. LOL.....

Lady_Di - thanks! Good info about the $100 in pesos. When you were - did you experience any issues with the police or military officials? The news and trip advisor have been talking about increased violence in Mexico and corrupt police. I'm sure that area is highly protected since it brings tons of tourists but still safety is a concern! Thanks! Janna