KCDawn

@Vav11238...I love the bags! They're so creative. The polaroids are a great idea!

Thanks so much for sharing with all of us! It's such a help. I love that old mansion. I hope we can get some pictures there. How much do they charge to entend the reception an hour? We might want to consider that. Thanks again!

Would you be able to post these so everyone can see them? I can't open attachments yet :-(

Thank you for sharing!! I LOVE that hanger! I've seen lots of those but that is by far the best looking one I've seen. I saved that seller for when I order mine :-) Thanks for sharing!!

Wow!! Everything looks awesome! Really impressive. Did you take everything in suitcases with you? How many did it take? I'm still deciding how much of the decoration type stuff I want to make and bring with me because I'm afraid of how much it will take to get it all there. It really turned out stunning though!

Sorry to but in, but I think I can answer this. We're having about 40 people and doing the Ultimate Package. The additional cost is about $105 per person over the 20 people included in the package. As far as reserving the restaurant, it doesn't seem to be an option with a large group. The max number of people you can have is 25. For a group of 10-25 they will charge you $18 per person plus tax & gratuity to reserve a space in one of the restaurants. I had to get the per person charge from Valeria, but the guidelines for reserving the restaurant are in the pdf wedding guide on the Secrets Website.

That's great you got a sample! Could you send it to me too? [email protected] We were leaning towards the Mexican trio too, but I'd love to hear both options. Thanks!!

We're using the trio! We're having them play during the cocktail hour, which we're having on the beach. I've read posts and seen pictures of other brides who've done this and it looked like fun. I'm not sure what the difference is, but I'm guessing it's different instruments. I was just going to figure that out closer to the wedding. I'm sure either one is good :-)

I just got a copy of the Spa Price sheet. Hair styling for brides is $59 and makeup is $49.

That's a great idea! My fiance loves top gear too. LOL I"ll have to check that out. Thanks for the tip!

I asked Valeria up front before the contract was written up what the extra per person cost is and she said it was $105. The contract has everything broken down, so I added up all the extras and verifed the $105.

We're expecting about 40 guests. According to Valeria (and our wedding contract) the charge per guest over 20 is about $105 per person for the Secrets Ultimate package. It would be a little bit less for the Secrets of Love package. We're expecting about 40. For the Secrets Ultimate package, it's about $105 per person over 20.

Where did you get (or how did you make) the map that is on the inside of the passport cover? I love that!

We have the 4pm slot for our wedding in September. From what I've seen, that is the most popular time slot and it books up first. It's unfortunate with a 5 day window you're not able to get the time you want this far in advance.

I agree...weddings are traditionally un-traditional! Really, I think all of those rules have pretty much gone out the window anyway. You just do what works for you. As of now, my fiance and I are pretty much paying for everything ourselves but we're both in our 30's. My parents have done enough for me already. They did pay for my dress and my shoes though, which was great!

I agree...weddings are traditionally un-traditional! Really, I think all of those rules have pretty much gone out the window anyway. You just do what works for you. As of now, my fiance and I are pretty much paying for everything ourselves but we're both in our 30's. My parents have done enough for me already. They did pay for my dress and my shoes though, which was great!

I hadn't thought to use the photographer like that or to even have his reaction captured. What a great idea! Thanks!

For those of you who have or are planning to do the boudoir album, how did you (or how are you planning to) present it to your groom? I've seen where typically the wedding day gifts are given to someone who acts like a messenger. Since this is something very personal I would be concerned that he's getting ready in a room with his friends and this isn't something I would want him opening in front of them.

I'm looking forward to hearing what you find out with the flowers! I've been debating whether to get an outside florist because of the resort's prices. Of course, the more outside vendors we use the more coordination I have to do which is what I was trying to avoid with the destination wedding

According to the FAQ's on Juan's website, you will receive the printing rights with any photos chosen in your package. It also says you choose your pictures. I plan on confirming this with him as our wedding gets closer just to be sure. Here is the link to the FAQ's: http://juanphotos.com/faqs.php

So nice! Love the colors.

Wow! These are great! You've totally inspired me to make my own.

We are doing our ceremony and reception at the gazebo, but having cocktail hour on the beach. We're also planning on doing the beach bonfire the night before the wedding. We are using Juan for our photos. I had the same experience as bpokatie. I contacted him independently not knowing for sure at the time that he was the resort photographer. He sent me the Secrets photo package list. We are upgrading to the 3 hour package with the cd of all the photos. He was great in helping me pick the package. He was totally on board with my ideas for the schedule of photos for the day and didn't push for more than I needed. He also said he was available on our wedding day and has us booked so he personally, rather than one of his team members, will be our photgrapher. I'm so excited to have him as our wedding photographer!

I've been working with Valeria too. Our wedding is Sept 29, 2012. I've just started working with her, but everything has been good so far!

We're deciding between the Gazebo terrace and the Baracuda terrace for the reception. We're doing the ceremony at the Gazebo. We're expecting 30-40 guests. Any suggestions??