claire0701

MrsTye2be I love love love your towel clip cards, such a fun idea and the guests will really appreciate them. I'm off to see where I can buy towel clips from...

Ccongratulations Shayla, glad to hear you had a lovely time at your wedding and that everything went well. You should post some photos if you get the chance. Perez, we are also getting married at the GP in July - what date are you? I still think it's so funny that we can all chat like this despite being in different corners of the world. I love technology haha! We have went for outside photographer as well, and don't think we'll stretch to a DJ as we're having a big party when we get home as well so the costs are quickly mounting! Glad to hear the WeddingDJ app is a success though, I'll definitely be buying that for the big day. We're going to go for a evening party at the saltwater pool after our meal so we can have first dance etc then. Hopefully it won't be too cold or windy - I hadn't really considered that. We'll just need to drink lots of tequila to keep us warm

You can let us know what you think - I've not had the chance to look up any reviews etc yet so hope it's worthwhile for you! x

Lauren, The app is called MyWeddingDJ and it's $4.99 from the App Store. I've not actually got it yet, bit read something online and though I'd need to keep it in mind for when the time comes! Maricelle, Thank you so much for your information, you are amazing and a huge help for me Normas09, I'm sorry I have no idea, I'm sure if you emailed Vanessa se might know, or even ask on the Palladiumaddict forum, the guys there seem to know everything about GP Claire

Hi HeatherLynn, It's such an exciting but difficult time choosing the resort where you're going to get married - it took us months of research! Yes, we have only been asked to pay like $25 to cover our photographers meal so pretty reasonable we thought. We get married this July so I would imagine that would stay the same for January. Yes you're right about the a la carte, if you have under 40 guests you can have terraced area of restaurant so pretty private which would allow for speeches etc I don't know if you would maybe have first dance here as you only have 2 hours there. If you go over 40 guests its more like $50-60 per person, although this would allow more time for your dancing etc. Because we have booked Portofino (terrace at no extra cost) we have also booked a cockatil hour for afterwards which is actually 2 hours and you get waitier service in a private area for $5 per person. We will have our first dance here. I quite like that idea that the resort is so huge so we can easily find our own space and time out in such a large crowd (2 weeks with your family can be intense!) I guess it's really whatever feels right for you and your guests. If you have any other questions ask away! You might also want to check out palladiumaddict.net which has a tonne of info as well. The cold fireworks look amazing, would be fantastic in the photographs too! I don't think we're going to go for a DJ, just bring our iPod all loaded up (you don't need to bring speakers etc, they have everything there) Did you know you can get an app which fades out and in your music and you can basically set a playlist for your whole wedding day? Must look into that more! Mikeycelle, have you chosen hymns for the Mass or more instrumental music? Are you having someone play for you? I haven't really thoguht specifics about the actual ceremony yet in terms of hymns, readings etc. Any advice would be great! Jenguallage - happy birthday for the other day, I hope you had a lovely day! And one piece of exciting news ... we have just been to order our rings yey! Meeting dressmaker tonight to decide on bridesmaids dresses too (we've opted to have them made so they can be exactly as the girls would like them) Claire

Becci, I will e-mail that stuff through to you tonight, hope it is of some help for you! The cocktail hour is actually for 2 hours and yes it's just $5 per person, it's $14 if you would like nibbles included as well but I think because we'll have had our meal they would be slightly wasted. We're also just trying to organise our party for when we get home, how close to you getting back are you having it? I think we're going for about a fortnight after we're home to allow us to recover haha! Mikeycelle, I haven't thought too much about music choice for the ceremony, i guess we could bring hymn music on our iPod because that works in the Church as well (if I remember correctly) We have hired a violinist so may just go for instrumental music throughout. Have you come up with any ideas yet? Danni, Our ceremony time is also 4pm, we're having dinner at Portofino 6-8 and then cocktail hour at Las Rocas so a pretty similar timescale to yours. We'll definitely go for speeches before the meal as well. It'll be lovely having your final fitting on Saturday, a wee glimpse of whats to come! Are you having your dress boxed by the shop you bought it from? Thank you for the info on legalities, it's the most simple, clear information I've been able to find and really helpful - thanks! Welcome Jen! You and I will be at GP at the same time, we arrive the day after your wedding! We have a slightly higher number 30-40 so Vanessa didn't mention Portofino terrace being open to others. I understand where you are coming from wanting it to be seperate, I would be the same. As far as I know you can still have decoration on the terrace although I'm not 100% on that. Maybe check with Vanessa. I have mentioned our timescale above, but you really do see so many alternatives you can go with whatever you think would work best for you and your group. My group are party animals so I know they will be dancing without too much encouragement. Lots of brides seem to head to the lobby later on for the live music and I'm sure there would be a great atmosphere there as well. The cocktail hour(s) is a nice time even for just mingling with your guests and taking the time to chat with everyone and have a celebratory drink together. We are having our day structured exactly as though we would if it were at home, but as they say ... it's your day so you can do as you please I'm not sure if everyone will be able to open the attachment but I will also attach the menu options Vanessa sent me for Portofino. I'm happy to forward via e-mail if you can't open the attchment. Claire

Thank you Sue for the info about the Catholic side of things. I was worried that it didn't seem we had to do very much on our end. I definitely remember to have our diocese send the Nihil Obstat direct to me so I can make copies etc first -thanks and good luck for your wedding!

Hi Becci, Congratulations on booking your wedding, it'll come round so fast now you have booked your flights! I'm also a UK bride and I opted to book just the holiday package through the travel agents and book the wedding directly with the hotel. If you could easily cancel the wedding part of your package without incurring any charges, I would recommend doing that. The wedding co-ordinator you will hear from will be a first choice co-ordinator (I'm assuming you booked with them as they are the only company to fly to GP) as opposed to the wedding co-ordinator at the hotel (Vanessa is mine) It means that whenever you contact your WC (first choice one) they will need to contact GP and then get back to you, where as you could contact GP direct if you book right with them. Does that make sense? I wouldn't worry at all about your date, you are booking so far in advance you will have your choice of dates and venues! We have booked Portofino for our meal as well and ahave heard all good reviews about it! I have a copy of the menu on email somewhere if you send me your email ill forward it to you. Unfortunately it is a set menu although I'm sure they would accomodate dietary requirements. The only way around the set menu is to go for the buffet although obviously then it wouldn't be quite so private (Portofino has it's own terrace) I think the UK traditions are quite different from American in that they seem to have cocktail hour after the ceremony whereas we go straight for the meal (more or less) so I've decided to have dinner then cocktail hour afterwards, it's private area and you can play music from your iPod through speakers with waiter service etc. This is when we'll have our first dance and the partying will properly begin! I haven't read anywhere about a room for the groom but I will prob stay with all my bridesmaid so between us there will likely be a few rooms empty. I can also forward you an email with pictures of flowers Vanessa sent me if you like. Hi Karen, welcome also! You're wedding is so close you must be so excited! How did the dress fitting go, I actually bought mine yesterday (yippee!) The sand ceremony sounds lovely and that's also great you managed to get chair covers for such a low price - well done you! Chreetena, your Spanish Trio does sound lovely and it's great that you can split the time to suit you walking down the aisle as well. We ended up booking a violinist for our ceremony and will just stick to iPod for the rest of the evening (until we hit the disco haha!) I have been trying really hard with choosing the right foods although you need to be super organised! The one thing I have managed is drinking 2 litres f water each day whih I would have thought was impossible for me! I've been making it up with lemon, mint, ginger and cucumber and it tastes great! Are the limes good for you as well then, I hadn't considered that! So I had a pretty successful weekend with wedding dress and shoes sorted all in one afternoon, I'm getting my dress customised though so not quite there yet, have that appointment a week tomorrow which I'm really looking forward to! Now, signing off from another long post

Mikeycelle, I'm so excited to hear how your sparklers work out after your big day ... i think i'll definitely be e-mailing Vanessa to ask for that bit of magic too! I love your OOT bags with the vows incorporated, I hadn't thought of the actual bag for 'to have and to hold' and had only managed to come up with travel mugs, although they are quite bulky for our luggage, and I don't know how much our guests would actually use them either. I'm glad you mentioned the additional $20 not being charged because you're in the church, I didn wonder that as we are in the Church as well. That's a wee bit off the amount I had in mind then Your postcard carousel sounds lovely too, is it all different pictures? I love the memorial ideas as well, it's so nice for the family to know you are acknowledging those who can't be there in such a lovely way. Is Zentropia Spa the one in the hotel? I can maybe get a review once your back with some advice about their make up and hair, I'm still not 100% on what to do there. The Bikram Yoga sounds great and good for you for sticking to it even though you hate it! I noticed Christina said she eats clean and had a look into that. It sounds like a great way to eat way more healthily, I'm definitely making more of an effort now to eat more 'clean' foods!

Oh my goodness, I just noticed I'd missed like 3 days of chat! Sometimes I get e-mail otifications and other times not, very strange! Lauren, I'm jealous of the thought of you heading off to enjoy the sun and a lovely wedding - our weather is dull, dreary and windy at the moment! I hope you are having a ball and the rest of you girls, time sure is ticking! I'd love info on the sparklers as well, I didn't realise I wouldn't be able to just pack these in my hold luggage - thank goodness you mentioned it! I love all your engagement photos as well Christina, you make a lovely couple! I can't remember who was aksing about cocktail hour but yes, there is an extra cost, but it's pretty low, I think around $5 per person for drinks only and maybe $14 (if I remember correctly) for drinks and appetisers. I've read that the canape's are very filling though and lots are provided. We've opted for drinks only seeing as we'll all have had dinner before our 'cocktail' hour. I hadn't really thought about the wind, hoping it wont be too bad as we have reserved Las Rocas, I loved how it looked in the pictures Vanessa sent. We'll also have our first dance here. I must make a note to e-mail Vanessa about all the legal side and paperwork requirements, but also about reserving an area at the white party on the Monday night for those who want to join us. Are any of you girls having full legal ceremony in Catholic Church? Claire

Hi Danni, I'm actually freaking out a wee bit about the legal paperwork requirements too. I did ask Vanessa a while ago and she just said we had to visit our Church here and do all the necessary paperwork. I'm not sure if you're getting married in the Church or elsewhere - I think it will vary slightly depending if it's a Catholic ceremony or not. I was also wondering about birth certificates etc. So do you need to have your birth certificate translated before going to Mexico as well? (someone mentioned this to me who was married at a different hotel) And is having your parent's name a choice thing then, I woud have assumed it would just have been whatever they stipulated? I guess I wouldn't be that fussed if our parent's names were on, they're on our birth certificate so not really needed? Maybe it depends on UK requirements for when we get back? Oh I'm more confused now haha! I'll maybe ask here what they would require on our return to ensure it's all legally done while we are in Mexico. Sorry I'm not being much help with your questions, I'm pretty clueless with all this paperwork side of things. We booked with First Choice, as far as I could find they were the only TA who can book Grand Palladium. How about you? The next few weeks will really fly in for you! Are you staying for the fortnight? Are you mostly organised (apart for the paperwork side of things)?

Oh Shayla that's so exciting! I can't wait till we're only 10 days away! Have a totally wonderful amazing precious time and yes! We'd love to hear all about it when you get back!! Hope you're all organised now and can just relax and enjoy every minute!

oh yeah Lauren your bridesmaids jewellery is gorgeous! I love the colours, they'll look fab in the photos and are something the girls can wear again. I really love your bridesmaids dresses, they look gorgeous! I loved your engagement photos as well and your roots are invisible! I also feel your pain with the weight issue, I think the idea of spending a fortnight in a bikini with such a large group is quite daunting although it sounds like you're making better progress than me. I started Insanity a few months ago and got through the first month - it was hard work! Work was crazy and I just could't find the time for it then, however Peter and I are determined we're going to start again and see it through this time. We're not specifically aiming to loose weight (although I have a few Christmas pounds which I could happily loose!) we're more looking to tone up and feel a bit more body confident. I'm also just going to try and be generally a bit more health conscious as I have terrible self discipline and eat junk all the time! I was reading last night about eating clean which sounds great although again I just don't know if I could make the time for it. Going to try with less processed foods etc though Every little helps!

Hi girls, Lauren, you make me laugh with your 'long post' warnings. I did start to read your this morning before work but realised then I wanted to reply straigh away and would definitely have been late! Here goes my long post then... After I post this I'm going to have a look at both your wedding websites (I'm quite excited about that!) Chrestena, I love the maraca's idea, they'd definitely add some fun to the evening! Unfortunately we don't have a Michael's here - although I wish we did! I'm going to keep browsing ebay for fan's and will keep the bubbles in mind too - I can get those pretty cheap from cash and carry stores here. Your memorial candle sounds lovely Lauren, a really nice touch, just like the lialac shirts Chrestena. It's lovely to remember those who can't be with us on this special day. I hadn't even thought about a microphone Lauren - what a sensible thing to consider! We're getting married in the Church so I might email to ask her about that as well. It's a shame there can't be outdoor fans for the evening - we're mid july so temperature will be high! I suppose by then as you say, the pictures will have been taken so it doens't matter if we're all a sweaty mess ... as long as we're having fun! I'm glad you were pleased with your save the dates Lauren, it will be so exciting when people begin to book! We have pretty much had our whole party booked since last April (we got a great price then so went for it!) Just a handfu waiting to book now - once the prices drop a little, they're really high at the moment - almost doubled! With regards to the hair and make-up, I had originally planned on having hair and make up done at the spa as I have read lots of wonderful reviews, however... I am pretty fussy and even at home struggle to enjoy having my hair / make-up done as I just want to change it / do it my own way! So for that reason, I think I'm going to do my own, I'm pretty handy with my hair and have been trying out some nice up do's the past few weeks and getting lots of compliments. My aunt is also a hairdresser and my sister is great at hair so they'll al be on hand. I think I'm going to go pretty easy with the make-up due to the heat and that I don't usually wear an awful lot. Lauren, it's so exciting that you're planning your wedding and house at the same time, my friends did it last year and although they thought it was crazy at times it was lovely that they had their new family home to move into on the night of their wedding! Speaking of my friend ... she ordered our bridesmaids dresses from lightonthebox.com and they were fab. I'm sure yours will be lovely. I totally hadnt thought about trying to swim in a fishtail gown so will need to keep that in mind when I'm looking! I have been dress shoppinng once before, managed to fit in two different shops but no dresses I had the 'the is it' feeling with. Hoping the next trip will be more successful! The Vistaprint stuff is super easy and amazing quality. I liked some of the pre-designed items and thoguht they suited the destination theme nicely so went with those for some things (postcards etc) and then uploaded my own complete design for other things (do not disturb signs made from rack cards). I just made my design up in Word and then saved as a jpeg (or picture) and uploaded that way. Really easy to do and clear on the website too. The quality is amazing considering it's practically free (just shipping). Chrestena, you should check out their banners for your golf cart, I actually got 2 so I can choose once I decide on colours for bridesmaids etc. They're great quality and roll up nice and small to fit in your case! I'm going to attempt the hangers with the metal wire spelling out 'bride' 'bridesmaid' etc so will let you know how they go once I give them a try. I'm quite ambitious and will give anything a try (I love DIY!) As far as I know Chrestena Gonzalo only does photography, although you could check out his website just in case. We decided right at the start we'd go with photographer and trash the dress over photographer and videographer. I hope you manage to find someone. There are loads of reviews on here, that's how we found our photographer! I'm really excited about the White Party idea now and again it can be quite informal, we don't want our guests feeling they have to spend their whole holiday with us - it's their vacation too! I'm not going to add anything to the tables, purely because of the issue of trying to get everythibng there and back (and the extra stress) although I think it would look lovely with some candles or table centres over and above the ones provided. Speak soon Claire x

Hey Lauren and Chrestena, I'm not sure how I missed all your discussions but have just spent the past 20 minutes reading and smiling ... it's so exciting and lovely to hear of other brides looking forward to the same amazing thing! I have not been out dress shopping yet, but have booked a date for 2nd Feb with mum, fiance's mum and mum-in-law and my 4 bridesmaids (2 sisters and 2 friends) so a big crowd to try and accomodate! Have been having a look on Pintrest at dresses though (I'm addicted!) and have pinned quite a few which I like the idea of. All are totally different from each other though That's great that you have decided on bridesmaids as well Lauren, that's next for me as soon as I get mine and know the style. We're still swaying on colours so hoping to see something which catches my eye. Glad to hear you managed to find chairs which you like more, that's another tick on the list! Did you ordered the crystal backdrop and bamboo sticks with flowers from the same place? Do you mind me asking if these were expensive? I hadn't thought of an outside vendor for decor, and am limited to how much I can carry (we only have 25kilos each for luggage). The Japanese lanterns sound gorgeous, and Im sure will be just as pretty as the fabric hanging. I was also hoping to buy fans as favours but am struggling to find a resonable price to get shipped to the UK. Love your idea for bubbles, I must keep this in mind if the sparkler idea doesn't work out. That's a shame to hear your sister-in-law can't now manage to the wedding. We booked Gonzalo Nunezlast ear and are super excited about meeting him and also the TTD shoot. We follow him on facebook so get to see wedding pics regularly! I'm sure your photos will be lovely, and it's always nice that you have worked with the girl before too. I hope you have recieved your save the dates and can get posting! I've also been thinking about oot bags and so far have decided on a 'wedding survival' kit ... all the medicines etc that might be needed, as well as the essentials which are sometimes forgotten - toothbrush, plug adaptor etc. but am trying to keep them pretty low cost. I did manage to get magnets, postcards, and buisness cards to ask guests to share their photos on photobucket when they get home. I also made up rack card door hangers and rack cards which ask guests not to post wedding photos on facebook until we have had the chance. Got all of that stuff from Vistaprint with only postage charge so was pretty pleased about that. Oh yeah, also ordered 'Just married' banners from Vistaprint too. We don't really register for bridal showers in the UK, although it is becoming more common the register for wedding gifts. I dont think anyone would mind (in fact they'd probably prefer) ordering online if it cuts out the transportation hassle! Failing that, people may just give you wedding gifts before/after the trip? Chrestena - i love the Senor and Senora signs . . . may steal that idea as well! Your wedding sounds lovely, especially the welcome party and morning after brunch. I think we'll definitely try to organise a welcome party similar to yours (white party sounds fab!) although I don't know if I'll want to see everyone the morning after, maybe need a day or two of alone time I'm going to have a peak at your wedding website as it sounds fab too! Take care girls and speak soon, Claire

Hey Lauren, Your colour scheme sounds lovely and also love the idea of the hanging crystals, they'll glisten beautifully in the sunshine! How did you get on with all your questions for Vanessa? Hope you got all the answers you were looking for. We have also chosen a 4pm ceremony time although we're in the church but will head to the beach for a few photos afterwards I'd imagine. I'm not sure about the option of different chairs, we're quite happy with the white covers/bow option so didn't ask about that. Vanessa had mentioned to me that we could book any of the Karen Bussen packages and our date is just shortly before your so maybe ask her again about that. It's nice to hear you liked Portofino as well and it seems both the options for your reception are lovely too! The lights and linen hanging do look lovely, I'm sure I did read a price for those somewhere but can't remember now. We have booked violinist for our ceremony rather than the mariachi band, I think they were $350 (if I remember correctly). I asked about outside vendor fee (for photographer) and Vanessa said 'the cost per day is 85USD, but I recommend just pay for their dinner at 25USD' not sure if that means you would just be 25USD? Your dress and bridesmaids dresses look really nice, have you decided on those now? I've still to go dress shopping again, think I'll wait till after Christmas now though. How you getting on with Save the Dates? Claire

Chesty Glitter-Jugs hillarious!!!!

Hey Lauren, That's fantastic you managed to get it all worked out We have found Vanessa to be great too especially with how quickly she gets back to e-mails. It'll be here before we both know it! If you look on the GP Weddings website it has quite a lot of info on decor and extras which is quite helpful. I think we're going to take our own paper lanterns which Vanessa suggested as they're easy to transport and super inexpensive. Where have you booked for your meal? Do you have a big party? We'll have about 40 so have booked Portofino based on the positive reviews of former brides. Vanessa has sent me the menu for there if you need I can forward to you. So far we have booked wedding, photographer and violinist but everything else to do. Vanessa has also sent me bouquet photos if you wanted I can forward those too. I haven't chosen colours yet so can't think about flowers at the moment. Have you got a colour scheme? You're right about the dresses, they do all look great! I've only been once, didn't find the one but saw lots of lovely options. Good luck with your planning also, if there's anything I can help with just holler. If you haven't already, you should check out palladiumaddicts.net it has a tonne of info. Claire

Aw sorry to hear that Lauren Are you fixed to those few dates? It seems a shame to miss out on the perfect place due to timescale. I hope you find a solution be it at GP or somewhere else x

gorgeous photos ... I can't wait!!

great job - well done!

I agree, pictures are beautiful!

We booked Gonzalo Nunez for our photographer, it was the one thing we really wanted to bring home with us! It's really close now till you can book - very exciting! You could drop an email asking some of your general questions, I did that before we booked to make sure I had all the info I needed and Vanessa was great as replying quickly. Our plans are going well, we actually decided on the destination wedding to try and eliminate some of the wedding stresses that can build up so we're pretty much trying to just enjoy getting ready. Besides the photographer, holiday package and wedding package we have all still to arrange, although we are happy to do flowers cake etc when we arrive. Next on the list...dresses and suits

I think I'd go for wedges, we all look better in heels

what a fab idea, i bet your guests loved that! Well done you two