KCDawn

We're doing our pictures before the ceremony so we don't miss the cocktail hour with our guests. We're using Juan Navarro. He and his associates are the photographers included in the package. I contacted Juan directly and ensured he will be our photographer. I love his work and after getting quotes from a lot of the other photographers, it just made sense to upgrade our package rather than go outside. We just have to pay the difference between the listed package prices to upgrade, but Valeria, the other coordinator, told me we would only get $350 credit if we didn't use the photography. Plus they charge a $100 outside vendor fee. I would contact Cecilia about guests staying at Silversand or Capri. I know they have a deal where they can come to Secrets for dinner, but I'm not sure if that applies to the weddings or not. It also probably doesn't allow them to spend any kind of extended time there. That may be what you want, but for us, we want to spend time with our closest friends and family. That's why we invited them.

That's a great idea! I was afraid I wouldn't be able to walk in the sand with wedges. Did you have any trouble with that? Can you share a picture of the wedges? Thanks!!

Thanks Laura! I just started paying attention to what other girls are doing with shoes for beach weddings and I think I'm leaning towards what you said. I'll wear the heels for pictures and pre-ceremony, then maybe just barefoot for the ceremony. I love the barefoot sandals! Hopefully I won't trip on my dress! Oh I think you girls talked me into it! p.s. I might have told you this already, but I LOVE those bridesmaid dresses!

I think you girls are talking me into it! I have to talk to the Fiance about it and figure out the shoe situation, as silly as it sounds. I already bought some expensive heels and if I now have to make my dress shorter, I probably won't be able to wear them. What is everyone wearing for their beach ceremony? Sandals, bare feet?

Thank you for sharing your pics Annie! You had a beautiful wedding!! Cri and Beachbride - Thanks for your input on the beach ceremony. I thought we had that part settled but I'm really liking the beach setup. I'm just not sure I want to give up my heels yet. :-) Did you see any weddings at the gazebo? What were your opinions? Was the privacy any better/worse there? Thanks!

Cri, that's gorgeous!! I showed this to my fiance and he asked if we could switch our location. How was the privacy? I was worried being on the beach that there would be sunbathers too close.

Thank you so much! I really wanted to use something other than a plastic bag and these are perfect!

Where did you get the packaging for the Too Much Fun, Too Much Sun kit? They look so nice!!

It's a shame how little things like this can really bring down the excitement of planning a wedding. I think having your mom stand in is a great idea if you really feel you need someone up there. Don't ask someone just to fill a spot. I have a feeling that would get awkward quick and you wouldn't feel that comfortable with it on the big day. We're not having a bridal party and we both have close friends attending the wedding. No one seems to be bothered by that at all! Actually I think they're all a little relieved to not have all the responsibility. They can still be included in the day without an official title or standing at the altar. A few of my FI's friends are going to give toasts. With a DW there are lots of opportunities so you can split it up - welcome party, cocktail hour, reception, etc. Also, we both plan on spending some quality time with our friends the morning of the wedding while we're getting ready. That's just a few ideas. I'm sure you could come up with a lot more. Bottom line, it's your wedding and you should be happy with it.

I confirmed with Juan that he would be our photographer too. I just did it over email as well. I figured having an email from him stating he would do it was enough. I let Valeria know that was the case and she updated the contract to include the upgraded package I discussed with him. I plan on touching base with Juan a few weeks before the wedding just to make sure. I guess the worst that could happen is one of his associates does it instead. I would be bummed but I've heard good things about them as well.

We're using Juan! I was in touch with him a few months ago when we confirmed everything but I haven't had any reason to contact him since. I follow him on Facebook and he's been posting pictures from a lot of weddings and TTD sessions lately, so I'm guessing he's just really busy. This does seem to be a busy wedding time right now. I'm sure he'll get back to you at some point. The pictures I've been seeing have been fabulous though!

Thanks!

Wow! I thought I had a lot of people coming. That's impressive! No wonder you're getting anxious. Definitely let me know what Cecilia says about the food. I'd love to do a tasting, but I'd also like to have as much decided before we get there as possible, so I'm a little torn on that. My Fiance is letting me handle things too, but I will get his opinion on the food. That's one of the few things he'll have an opinion about! Haha! I haven't gotten much into the details with Valeria yet, but I'm afraid that once I do it's going to get confusing. From what I've heard you get a lot of different answers and things aren't always clear. I guess that's the downside to getting married in Mexico. It's going to be a crazy few months!!

Cri, I second what Amber said! I can't wait to see pics and hear how everything went. Same thing for CKRN and Beachbride! I'm down to 4 months now! The panic is slowly starting to set in. It seems like there is SO much to do! I'm trying to lay out a timeline to organize everything I need to do. Does anyone know how early you need to give a final guest count to Valeria or Cecilia? Did you/ are you picking out the menu and flowers before getting to the resort? How early? We're expecting 30-40 guests so I'm guessing some of this needs to be decided ahead of time. Thanks!

Are you looking at the Steins or the Travel Mugs?

That is adorable! Where did you find it?

Congratulations!! I can't wait to hear all about it! Have a great time! I'm so excited for you!

I don't know which fabrics can or can't be embroidered, but I think they're nylon so I would check with the person/company doing the embroidery if they can use that kind of fabric. I like the nylon because they won't stay damp.

Thanks!! That's what I'm hoping!

Do you have a link for the wet bathing suit bag from La Vie en Rose? I tried looking on the website and I couldn't find it. Maybe I have the wrong site. Thanks!

No, these aren't from weddings at Secrets. These were just inspiration pictures to give ideas how to dress up a similar structure.

Congratulations! Welcome to the forum!!

Congratulations Cri!!! I'm so excited for you! Enjoy your trip. Can't wait to hear all about it!

Thanks!! The pink one with the starfish is my favorite too I don't think everyone in our group will agree so I went with the variety. I wasn't originally going to get the blue, but my Fiance liked that one the best so I included it.

I haven't tested it yet, but I estimated they're about 13 x 16. Just looking at them I think they would fit a towel with no problem and room to spare.