MJKH

I apologize if this tip is already somewhere here in this thread...I just don't have time to look...but I thought it was important. I was chatting with the owner of the bridal shop that I bought my dress from the other day about the garment bags that they sell and whether or not I should purchase one. She mentioned that a few of her brides have told her that when they've carried their gowns thru airport security, their dress bags have been opened and the wedding gowns patted down (even when they've been put thru the x-ray machine). She said to make sure that if it appears the security/customs agent is going to do this, that you ask them to put gloves on (if they're not wearing them already) OR change their gloves to a new pair to avoid them transferring any dirt, grime, etc. on to your dress.

Oh, they look awesome! And they made me tear up a bit...probably because it's almost my time to go. One week from right now we should be unpacking our bags in Mexico and assembling the welcome kits at the resort : )

I know!!! I don't know how old they are (how many seasons back) but I'm so sad I didn't order the wedges with the flower at the front. The style I tried fit so well and were so comfortable!

Your girl did an awesome job! Part of me is kicking myself for not trying harder to find someone locally to take down with us. I think that was a fantastic deal!

Wasn't sure if I should post this here, but wanted to let you guys know for the first time ever I saw BM shoes at Winners last night! Both in black though, both the styles below. I tried on the style on the right and they were STUNNING! $129.99...so tempted to go back and get them!

Your photographer will be able to take some AMAZING pics of you in these shoes! I think you did a great job : ) How many bizillion crystals did it take?

It sure did...thanks so much. I ended up sending her an e-mail just detailing the important things that needed to get done before we'd have a chance to sit down with her...like the birthday cake for two of our guests the day we arrive, booking the rehearsal supper and the spa appointments.

I have an urgent request for those brides who have been successfully communicating photos to Aracely and her team at the GS...HOW?!? I have tried sending powerpoints, word documents with photos, e-mails with photos directly inserted, all in vain. It's wasting my time and holding them up on the other end. I actually asked them if they have access to Facebook as I don't know how else to share this many photos related to hair and makeup, cake, decor and flowers, etc. HELP!!! Soooo frustrated...she asked about a link, but all of these photos were pulled off of google images.

Thanks!!! I can't wait to show friends and family and incorporate everything into our special week : ) I certainly learned a valuable lesson...if what you are after from an etsy seller differs in ANY way from work/samples they showcase on their site...whether it's colour, shape, size, etc., request a mid-point communication/photo share to ensure that you're both on the same page!!! I realize they're all busy, but it wouldn't take much time on their part to do this...rather than taking the attitude, "if you don't hear from us, assume everything is going well." Believe me, it would save a whole lot of time, headache and heartache on both ends...

Hi Rob, This is the address we're using to connect with Aracely Tovar, the wedding coordinator: [email protected] Our communication only kicked into high gear (on her end) about 2 weeks ago...and we leave in 2 weeks. It's been a bit frustrating on my part, but there is no doubt in my mind that they are a small, very hard working team. We have benefitted from having an assertive travel agent who has not been afraid to pick up the phone and call to make sure that the most important issues have been covered.

Ohhhh yes...and my mom is one of the worst culprits when it comes to "slipping" comments into conversations about "this" happening in Mexico and "that" happening in Mexico. Of the 32 of us going, we have been to the MR twice in the last two years and my friend was there around 11 years ago...Mexico will be a new experience for the rest of them. We just continue to tell people how much we loved it there...how amazing the people are, how comfortable we've felt there, etc. etc. And we've put up with a lot of excuses as to why people can't come to our DW. We're out to have the time of our lives and make everyone else feel bad for not coming ; )

Sorry, I should have clarified as my comment was rather random...there have been some brides (including myself) on BDW trying to work out whether or not if the bride wears an off white gown, it's ok for the groom to be in a white shirt.

Ohhhh, I'll say it again...you look amazing! And thanks for posting another pic of an off white dress with a groom in a white shirt. The whole thing totally worked!

With less than two weeks to go until we depart for our destination wedding, I just wanted to share my favourite Etsy purchases with you all from the following fine artisans: PALOMASNEST created our ceramic ring bowl, my bouquet charm, the mini monogram charm for my FI's bout, and mini charms for our parents' bout and corsages. WOODANDGLASS created our personalized glass swizzle sticks that will be in our signature drink served at the rehearsal dinner. Our custom made instant photo guest book was created by THEHANDMADEBOUTIQUE. I asked that the paper monogram on the front cover be left off to allow me to attach an engraved metal plate. LILAFRANCES created an amazing "MRS" wire hanger for me. And finally, in lieu of a card for my FI on our wedding day, I had QUOTESANDNOTES create this personalized mini book for me to write in and give. I felt it was important to acknowledge these amazingly talented folks, especially as I am in the midst of dealing with two other very disappointing Etsy purchases : (

I did...I haven't heard anything back. So, basically I'm giving her about a month...if I don't hear anything from her by the time we get back from our wedding, I'll have leave negative feedback on her etsy page.

Canadian brides, if you are anything like me and have left items to be printed until virtually the last minute, give Vistaprint a call. I have been waiting for the free 7 day shipping offer and haven't had one in a while (plus we still had a couple of projects to create). So, after finishing the last projects, I called and asked their customer service agent if she might be able to locate a valid code for me...she came back a couple of minutes later having located one, but it was a US offer. A couple of minutes later, she came back with the same offer but valid in Canada. SOOOOOO, I placed the order yesterday (Friday)...it should get here by next Friday...if anything goes wrong that gives us 7 more days to get replacements done and to us before we leave. Phew!!!

After a trip out to Costco this morning, we were ready to do a quick trial of our snack packs which will be given to our guests at the resort (along with their welcome brochure, key card holder, travel candle and personalized postcards from Vistaprint). This is what is going into a pack for the families with children...the other kits will not include the push pops/mini m&ms. So, here's the breakdown: Lindt 3 pack on clearance at Safeway this week for .85 Dove family-size chocolate bars on clearance at Safeway this week for $1 Push Pops, Mini M&Ms, Jolly Ranchers were from Dollarama (2/$1 or $1) Blue Diamond tin of almonds on sale at Wal-Mart for $2 Packages of nuts and box of Caramilk bars (FI's favourite treat) from Costco Mints and gum from Great Canadian Wholesale Club There is certainly no shortage of food at our all-inclusive, but we thought since everyone has a minifridge with water, beer and soft drinks refilled daily, it would be nice to have some treats for late at night. Just like the wedding survival kits, we had the oversize postcards printed thru Vistaprint, clipped the corners, used a bone folder (see foreground) to score the card to get a nice clean fold...and staple! We won't be assembling the kits until the afternoon we arrive in Mexico to try to protect the chocolate from melting and to have the kits look as nice as possible when they are delivered. Last projects with two weeks to go...wait for the final Vistaprint order and assemble key card holders.

I just have to say again how impressed I am with Vistaprint's customer service. If I'm not happy with an item (smudging, off-centre, etc.) I've called and within 7 days I have replacements. With just over two weeks until we leave, we've been scrambling all week with our welcome brochures, key card holders and ceremony cards. I've had my fingers crossed that a free 7 day shipping e-mail would pop up soon but, nothing. So, when I was talking with one of their customer service agents (she was helping me match font colours to a picture), I asked her about a 7 day shipping option and she went digging in her system for an offer and attached it to my account. Just let them know where you live...the first offer she attached was for the US...but she went back into her system and it wasn't long before she was back with the same offer for Canadians.

I plan to have one of my girlfriends "man" the guestbook...kinda. Here's our plan...immediately after our ceremony, there will be a champagne toast and some appies on the beach while the photographer outlines her plan to our guests for the group/family photos and shoots with everyone. Following that, the photog and my husband (whoa...that sounded weird!) and I will head off for pics for an hour. While folks are mingling, Erin will introduce the "activity" and do things like make sure everyone knows to take horizontal photos (as that's how we've placed the plastic sleeves in our book). She'll probably end up taking the majority of the first round of photos. They can have fun with it while we're away...putting their photos in the book and signing a note on their page. After that's done, as far as I'm concerned it's a free for all! We'll have the camera, book, props on a table in the palapa and people can take pics all night (or until the film runs out). We'll have a group of 34 (4 kids) and don't anticipate any major issues. As far as I'm concerned, as long as each single/couple/family has a pic on a page with their message when the night is over, I'm happy!

omg girl...so I only have had time for a quick look at your wedding pics and here are all the things I love so far... You in your dress...simply divine!!! Your hair was stunning and exactly what I want...were those fresh blooms? I must know what kinda lipgloss you were wearing...luscious!!! I love the picture of you with the marriage certificate : ) More later...welcome home!!!

Definitely one of my all-time favourites...great choice!

I have looked at these shoes online many, MANY times...I think they're so perfect! But how did you find the width? I ordered a different pair of BM's last summer and they were so narrow I had to send them back : (

If I remember correctly, they were $1.50 each here at Michaels in Canada last spring/summer. I wouldn't be surprised if they show up in the dollar bins again there soon. I would ask every time you go in there as stuff if sometimes hard to find and not where you would expect it.

Oh thanks, I try. I've often been tempted to start a new thread on BDW called "What could I do/make with this?"...because so many brides have so many amazing ideas that I would have never thought of! Like I have this long...maybe 8 feet...of alternating crystals/metal loops lying around...and continue to wonder "What could I do with this?".

Sorry, I just realized I made a mistake...the play packs in the first picture are from Michaels and not Dollarama...but they were $1. And if you go online and print a coupon from Michael's website, you'll get 20% off your entire order, so you'd get them for .80 plus tax.