CourtandMatt

I totally agree!

Yes he was in a fraternity and these are his frat brothers. That's funny that you caught that!

I LOVEEEEE YOUR INVITATIONS!!

Thanks ladies for your comments! I am so happy to have someone to vent with/to! My FI totally does not understand why I am upset about this. Uhura526: I don't think it is me. I think it has to do with the guys and their brattyness. Let me give you an example: When we were looking to purchase a gift for my FI's BM's wedding, the BM for that wedding (who is also one of the groomsmen for our wedding) told us that we were being cheap for only wanting to spend $150 and we had to spend way more than that on the gift. My FI relented and we ended up spending over $200 on the gift. I have a bunch of other examples I could give but I don't want to bore you all. I really wish my FI would re-assess his relationships, but he refuses to even here me out on this - he keeps saying "these are my best friends." MissBubbles205: I told my FI to tell his BM "no" and to have a serious talk telling the guys that if they don't feel comfortable with the cost, that they don't need to be there - we will understand. My FI only ended up saying the first part I believe. He really wants his guys to be there... These guys have known about the destination wedding since January 2012. They have had plenty of time to save. We have saved plenty so if they cared to they would have saved as well. Tulumbride2013: I have heard of ppl paying for their bridal party. I honestly wish we had that much money, but even if we did have that much money there are so many ppl before these guys that I would pay for like family members. Thanks for the comments! I love the support that we all give eachother!! May 2013 brides!

Ladies! I have to vent! Last night my fiance told me that he finally talked to his best man about our wedding and his BM asked him to ask me for some concessions (in other words, if we could pay for the groomsmen's trips). I was so upset for multiple reasons, but the main ones are as follows: 1) These are wealthy guys complaining about money to come to our wedding! One is a lawyer, the other has a job and has family money, and the other has a job and lives in a condo owned by his family (plus his wedding over the summer cost over $50,000). 2) My FI spent over $1500 on his BM's wedding and wedding extras (e.g., bachelor party, suit, gift, etc.) and his BM would only have to spend $1100 for a vacation in Jamaica that includes three nights at an all inclusive and airfare (granted that does not include his wife's airfare but if they are so needy for money than why would they both go). His BM's wedding was in Long Island, NY. 3) There are ppl that are planning to come to our wedding that have not been complaining but have a right to complain about the money because they legitimately can't afford to come. I would rather pay for those people! 4) My bridesmaids have not said one thing about wanting money from us and they are ones that are not by any means financially wealthy. They are just so excited for us and for their vacation in Jamaica. I just feel terrible for my FI. His guys are not going to do anything for him (no bachelor party or any other party - my girls threw us an engagement party and are offering to do a bachelorette and shower) and instead they are asking us to pay for their trips! Grrrr... Has anyone else had any similar situation?? I did not want a bridal party for this reason! I didn't want drama and I didn't want anyone to use the "bridal party excuse" as a means to ask us for money. I told my girls that if they have any hesitations whatsover about money, they don't need to come and I will not have any hard feelings towards them because I understand that it can get expensive.

Thank you! Let me know if you have any questions!

We are doing welcome drinks where we just tell ppl to meet at this one bar (we aren't reserving it but from what I heard it doesn't have a lot of visitors). We will hand out OOT bags then. For our "rehearsal dinner" we are actually doing a "rehearsal snorkel" and we rented a private catamaran for the day before the wedding. I do think it is crazy to spend money on food at an AI, but we have the exact same issue with our AI. We then decided we might as well use that money elsewhere and take them on a more fun excursion. Since you have ppl arriving on Thursday, could you instead do a "thank you dinner" or something else on Saturday - maybe an excursion with your guests??

ShayF: I love my TA (granted she is a family friend). She has been awesome to work with. She is located in Massachusetts, so not too far from you, and has been super accessible via email and phone. Her info is as follows: Our travel coordinator is Ellen Paderson at Smiles and Miles Travel, Inc. You can reach Ellen by calling 508-238-4088 or by emailing [email protected]. You can see the prices we got through her on our wedding website: http://walters-doolin.ourwedding.com/view/4896518494100463/8330464.

IN case my private message did not go through, I would love to buy your fans and take the postcards and starfish beads off your hands! I am in DC!

That's great news!! Will the resort than just set it all up??

I LOVEEEE your invitations!!

We are addressing the invitations to the individual person, but we are completely open to having them bring a guest. We figure they are coming so far, why not let them have someone special with them, even if it is just a friend of theirs.

I totally love the idea of a farewell brunch on a catamaran but we had a lot of people against it because they weren't sure if they are leaving on Sunday (the day after the wedding) or later. However, I really still love the idea. It is like a thank you to your guests and such an awesome way to end the vacation!

We finally settled on a catamaran! We booked a catamaran from 10am-1pm the Friday before our wedding that includes open bar, appetizers, a DJ, snorkeling and a stop at Margaritaville. The catamaran can take up to 100 guests. The cost was $2925 plus $10pp for transportation to and from the hotel. I am sooooo happy that we don't need to think about this any longer. The cruise is through Island Routes Tours, which is affiliated with Sandals. Btw, Laura, in case you are interested: Island Routes has the same catamaran but one hour shorter (so a 2 hour catamaran) from $1950 plus $10pp for transportation. (At least we were quoted this, but they continued to change the prices throughout our conversations).

Mine are going out hopefully at the end of October/beginning of November.

Has Floral Fantasies given you quotes?? If so, could you share the prices? It would be good to know how they compare to other prices that ladies have posted.

My photographer recommended both Elite and Roxroy so I thought I couldn't do too bad with either of them. Plus, my FI liked Roxroy's sample videos and considering my FI works in TV production, I thought that this was a good choice. Roxroy really sold me with his great communication, answering my millions of questions, and I liked the sound quality of his wedding video (I want a full length wedding video so he sent me a clip of his sound quality). I also found some good reviews on here. I just found that the only complaint seemed to be how long the video takes to get to the bride & groom. Hopefully it all works out!

Wow. Sadly, I am happy to know that there are so many of us going through a similar friend/family issue. I have to say the one thing that is keeping me sane through all the drama is that I am truly happy if only my mom and brother are there and I know 100% that they will be. I just keep saying that the rest of our guests are just a bonus. BTW - I am so jealous of all of you who have guests booked. My friends and family travel ALL the time, they talk about going, but only 1 room has been reserved (and it was one of my mom's friends who I don't know)! I assume they are all waiting for the invitation, which hopefully will come out soon. But, really? Man o man. I hope people get their act together soon. I set the deposit due date for December 15 (some people thought November 15 was too soon).

I agree about loving Elite, but the price really was too high for me. We ended up booking Roxroy Godfrey. I put some more info on my planning thread.

It is interesting how people's true colors really do come out when it comes to weddings and, in particular, destination weddings. My former best friend (she has become a former best friend through this process) told me right after getting engaged, "you better not be doing a destination wedding." Then, we picked a date and place and she goes, "I guess I will have to come by myself and it will be so expensive because [her now fiance] may have job by then and probably wont be able to get off of work." BTW, this was Jan 2012 and I still don't think he has a job. Then, we change the date because we wanted to find a cheaper date (it was like $100 cheaper per person to switch from April to May for a three night package), and she goes "I can't go. I will have finals then." She hadn't even gotten into law school by then! So long story short: I no longer consider her a friend. I don't mind if people can't make it because of a legitimate excuse: (1) money; (2) illness; (3) what not. But, she was looking for an excuse not to come. And, after all of this, she got engaged and of course is going on a super expensive honeymoon to Mauritius and Tanzania around the same time as my wedding. My point of this story is (1) we will all find out who our true friends are and (2) we have to do what is best for us, which is a destination wedding. I am truly not that sad about the loss of her as a friend. Instead, I am so happy about finding my true friends - the ones that told me "what are you doing looking at venues in the U.S., we know you have always wanted a destination wedding." They knew me better than I knew myself.

Here is a LONG UPDATE: · Flowers/Decor: Unknown. Probably book through Tai Flora. I will work on this in December. · Booking: o Matt and I are booking our hotel and airfare in October since that is when AirTran will be releasing their non-stop flights from DC. We will be in Jamaica from Wednesday, May 1, to Tuesday, May 7. We only have one room booked as of yet. A lot of persons seem to need the invitation before they will book. We are estimating around 70 guests. · Invitations: o We put in a deposit for invitations through EmDotZee. This is what they will look like: http://emdotzee.com/blog/2012/01/palm-trees-coral-antique-boarding-pass-invitations/ Ours cost $758.95. · Colors: o I really wanted a neutral wedding that is focused on the beach – so tans, creams, etc. Matt thankfully has agreed to this. · Outfits: o Courtney: My dress is bought. Alterations will start in January. o Matt: Matt will probably order a cream suit through Studio Suits. o Groomsmen: Matt will probably have his guys just order the pants and vest from Studio Suits that matches his outfit. They will all wear ties. Matt will confirm this with his best man in October. o Bridesmaids: The bridesmaids will wear a neutral-colored dress that they pick out. I have already discussed this with the bridesmaids. I want their personalities to show through their dresses, but for their dresses to be in a neutral tone. I gave them some ideas here: http://pinterest.com/courtneymara/bridesmaids/. o Moms: For photo sake, I was hoping we could get the moms in a similar color. My fiance's mom will pick out the final color, but my mom gave the options of soft blue, lavender, red orange, or peach. o My brother who is walking me down the aisle: Once Matt confirms his outfit, we may order a similar outfit. · DRAFT Wedding Weekend Itinerary: o Wednesday: § Matt and I will arrive. We will hopefully have a family and bridal party dinner at the Japanese Hibachi restaurant. o Thursday: § Day: I assume most people will arrive today. § Evening: Welcome drinks at Blue Moon Music Bar (not renting it - just have everyone meet there). Followed up with bonfire beach party at Iberostar Rose Hall Beach (this is one of their daily activities, I believe, so it is free). o Friday: § Morning/early afternoon: Private catamaran cruise with DJ, snacks, drinks, and snorkeling. Not for sure. Still trying to negotiate. Ends at Margaritaville. Party ppl will probably stay there for the afternoon. I was thinking that this would act as our rehearsal "dinner"/ thank you to our guests. § Evening: Maybe book a dinner, but I don't want to overwhelm our guests. Maybe let out chinese lanterns in the sky. Go to nightclub. o Saturday: Morning: Working out, brunch with ladies, hair & makeup 4:30pm: Wedding on beach 5pm: Champagne toast on the beach 5:15pm - 6:30pm: Pictures/Cocktail Hour 6:30pm - 10:30pm Reception o Sunday: Brunch is free – so at leisure or we can say that the wedding couple will be at a brunch place during a certain time frame. Matt & Me: Couples massage. o Monday: Go to Negril for the day. Cliff jumping. o Tuesday: Return to U.S. · Officiant: o Stephen Henriques will officiate our wedding at 4:30pm. He charges $800. He will be doing our Jewish ceremony. · Excursion/Rehearsal Dinner/Gift for the Guests: o I have negotiated a price for a private catamaran cruise through Island Routes Tour that has great reviews. I am still trying to decide if this is too much for us to spend, but it is probably the same cost as a rehearsal dinner in the U.S. The cruise can take up to 100 persons and will be $2925, plus $10pp for transportation to the dock from the resort. If we have 45 or more guests, it is cheaper to the do the private cruise than pay to join up with a cruise (which costs $75pp). They have a great refund policy of a full refund if we cancel up to 60 days prior to the booked date. This catamaran cruise would act as our gift to our guests (instead of doing an out-of-town bag – we would still do a welcome brochure though) and the rehearsal dinner. · Hair & Makeup: o I have booked my hair, airbrush makeup, and eyelash extensions, in addition to the hair & airbrush makeup for my bridesmaids. Our makeup artist and hair stylist is through a highly recommended company in Jamaica called Chasity Artistry Rashel Edwards. They will come to the resort and do everything in our hotel room. It cost us $498. · Photography: o We are still booked with our Minnesotan photographer Sandy May. We will have her onsite for six hours (3:30pm – 9:30pm). This will cost us $1600. · Videography: o We booked Roxroy Godfrey for seven hours. There will be two videographers, he will make two wedding day highlight HD DVDs and/or blu ray discs, in addition to providing us with a full length wedding video. It cost $1250 (this is with the $50 discount for full payment). That's all for now!

WELCOME & CONGRATS!! I like how we both have a Matt!

I vote for this one:

I am not sure if we will do welcome bags. I assumed so, but if we pay for an excursion, I thought that would be a better gift. We will of course do a welcome letter and party.

I tried to copy and paste pages, but it didn't work (see my blank message earlier). Get to 150 posts and you should be able to open this document! EMC_Price_List_(R)1.pdf