nybride

I used Agustin of Cinematic Riviera Maya and thought he was amazing. I'm waiting for my wedding "trailer" to be sent to me. But if it's anything like the ones I've seen on his site, it'll be amazing. His work really looks like a film and he was totally unobtrusive - some videographers can be in the way at the wedding but we barely noticed him and he had an excellent attitude and demeanor! But most importantly, his work rocks! ANd his pricing was totally fair! Reach out to him! www.cinematicrivieramaya.com [email protected]

Just used La Mata band!! We were hesitant about bands, because we couldn't find one with a very strong English repertoire, but we finally found La Mata and saw them perform at Carlos N Charlie's. They were an AMAZING addition to the wedding. If you want a real raging dance party, I would recommend hiring La Mata band with a DJ (either their own) or another DJ. (It's not much more expensive at all) That way you have different pace of music - La Mata is more rock/dance and a DJ can play Rihanna, Gaga, Michael Jackson. They were so fun and many of our guests said they didn't even realize it was a band sometimes because they sounded authentic!! It definitely added a lot to our wedding to have live music and not only a DJ. They had a great long song list and definitely exceled at songs like "Don't Stop Believing," "Take on Me," "Tainted Love," "I'm Yours" and then also played some awesome reggae and other mainstream rock songs during dinner time. They just were really fun and fantastic. Additionally they were super nice and very responsive on email. Contact: Roberto [email protected] 984-131-8253

MOST AMAZING WEDDING DESIGN EVER. We just used Concepto Rosa, which was started by Emma and Mayalen who used to be with Eventos Euforia. They made the whole wedding more beautiful than I could've ever imagined! I am a designer based in New York and pretty particular about what I want (though I am still nice about it . They went above and beyond - they did multiple skype meetings with us, are total sweethearts, sent me photos of samples of the bouquets and centerpieces and they were very straightforward and flexible about pricing. We specifically asked for bridesmaid bouquets and boutonnieres to be inexpensive, while there were other things we were open to paying more for. The bouquets and boutonnieres were STUNNING yet well-priced. The little details in the bouquets were very unique. The whole look was very cohesive, striking and different from every other weddding we've seen. There were two things they did that were just jaw-dropping: 1. They made these fantastic "flower nets" where it looks like the flowers are floating. We did a few huge nets and then we also had centerpieces that matched. Every guest noticed it and was blown over by the creativity and uniqueness. 2. They made our chuppah so dreamy and beautiful. It was lush and filled with branches and flowers. The lighting also enhanced it very well, especially because we had a night ceremony. I cannot say enough great things about the job they did. They also did the tables and chairs for the party and helped us arrange a churro cart. They have a whole "Wedding planning" department but we only used them for decoration and flowers because we did a lot of the planning ourselves. However, I would entrust anything you need to them. CONTACT: Emma: (045)99 8168 7404 [email protected] [email protected] These photos are from our digital cameras while we wait for professional ones from Sianphoto ([email protected]) who was amazing.

We just used La Mata for our wedding and they were really fun for the wedding! We had the band and a DJ, because we figured the band is best at rock and rock/dance music, while the DJ can play Rihanna, Gaga and other dance songs. The band also has a big Spanish playlist if you are looking for that. I will just say they are really really pleasant to work with, were very responsive with communication in advance and performed wonderfully. People were singing along to their music so enthusiastically - they have a great accent for the American songs and their rock style is great for songs like "Don't Stop Believing," "Twist and Shout," "Take on Me," etc. It was great. Email: [email protected] Cell: 984-131-8253

Carlos Lopez Horta [email protected] They were great! Make sure to get a trumpeter!

In case any of you are shopping in New York City for dresses - there is an amazing store called Bridal Garden. They sell samples donated by designers at a fraction of the cost. They have (if at all) been worn once and are in good quality. Plus your money goes to charter schools in the New York area. If you want to save money, get an incredible dress and donate to charity - you can do it all here: Bridal Garden 54 West 21st Street New York, NY 10010 (212) 252-0661

We just used DJ Mannia for our wedding and they were great! We only decided to get an emcee a few days before the wedding and boy are we glad we did! Carlos was the emcee and he was incredible. He really was able to roll with the punches as our cocktail hour ran late and the food came out at a different pace than we expected. He was really flexible and very good at communicating with the photog and videographer about what was coming next so they could be available and aware of what to shoot. They also reacted quickly and well to our feedback - my now-husbsand told them to play more songs faster (instead of playing out the entire song) and they adjusted immediately. They definitely listened to our playlist and people were on the dance floor the entire night. Additionally we made a funny first dance and they followed our instructions perfectly. Overall we had an incredible experience with them! Highly recommend!!!

I believe the bands range in price from $3,000 to $5,000. La Mata has a big American repertoire but skews more rock. Hits band is more Latin but is more dance. Contacts: [email protected] [email protected]

Does anyone know what the policy will be for weddings BEFORE the date in late March?? Will there be "clothing-optional guests" during my early March wedding?? Yikes.

Hi! Thanks for all your awesome advice! I'm from NYC and getting married at Ceiba, too! Looking into getting the pashminas, did you have to tell them you had a wholesale ID to get that good price? Also, did you have a DJ you recommend?

Tracy - This is incredibly helpful! I private messaged you but want to post publicly in case anyone else wants to chime in! What is the nearest Costco or Kmart type place to Ceiba for granola bars, Advil, Immodium type things for the welcome bags. We also want to pick up a pinata! Would you recommend also getting individual bug spray for each guest? Our wedding is at sunset in March so I wouldn't want our guests getting too bitten up! Whoever is deciding on whether or not to have it at Ceiba - I haven't had the wedding yet but so far Diana, the WC there has been awesome. She's really responsive, her English is amazing and she's very HONEST - which is a key attribute! Don't forget to include in your budget chairs, tables, linens, etc. You can get them from Ceiba or from your own outside wedding planner. We visited the hotel and it looks beautiful and the staff is really sweet.

Raffaele Patá - [email protected] is a wedding planner who can arrange it. or Mannia Carlos Martinez [email protected] Tel: +52(998) 889 9226 / Cel: (998) 147 6748 www.manniacancun.com.mx

I planned to pay for the girls, too, as a kind gesture. But at these prices - I'm not sure!! I'm actually good at doing makeup but don't want to on the big day and definitely not for all of us

I have seen the work of many of these and look to be very talented, but the prices are quite expensive for some, especially if I'm getting my bridesmaids done, too. Does anyone have any recommendations for less expensive hair and/or makeup artists?

Hello! Does anyone have good recommendations for bands who sing English songs well? I have a few already but we haven't decided 100% on anyone and wanted to see more options. We have heard/seen so far: Balance Band Hits Band La Mata Thank you very much!!

Do you have any wedding bands you recommend that play English music well? Thank you!

Hello!! This is my first post - very exciting! Does anyone have recommendations for a great wedding band in the Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya area? Bands that can play/sing a lot of American music? I have hitsband and http://www.balancelabanda.com/ so far. Thanks!