May12

Hola Everyone! We just got back from Mexico and I've got to say....We absolutely loved it! This is probably going to be a long email, but I'll try to give the highlights and tips as condensed as possible... 1st, we DID get upgraded to the roof top excellence club ocean view for the week!! Excellence club was SOOOOO worth it...they treat you like royalty...and even have a full bottle liquor menu if you don't like what's in your room!! They are there for snacks, fruit, desert, turndown service with little mariachi figurines every night, champagne every day, flowers, and just plain check on you to make sure you are doing well! We got there before our room was ready and they gave us a room while we were waiting...who does that??? We didn't really use the rooftop until the day before we left because of activities and weather but it was fantastic when we did...not sure we'd need that level of room again, but definitely the Excellence Club! Now....Nayeli was ALL OVER IT!!! Absolutely no complaints or worries as far as she is concerned! She met with us on the Tuesday before the wedding as planned and had EVERYTHING in order, including our invitation that we mailed down. We went through every single little detail including drawing how we wanted our favors of margarita glasses and maracas laid out on the table. We gave her ribbon for our napkins, menus(our menus had the guest name on it and doubled as their place card-also had the individual meal choice on there), the margarita glass favors(with the ribbon tying the favor tags color coding who got what meal.), she had the spreadsheet and PowerPoint of who sat where, what they were having and who they were(bridal party). There was not 1 mistake at dinner! We even had 1 guest who had beef but no scallops and hers came out correct! She also had ALL of the other details...we dropped off a lot of things for her, explained it all and it was all there! Sand in the vase for the sparklers, photos of my Grandparents, postcards in their tray, Mayan book, markers, moved the talavera platter/bowl from the ceremony to the reception and filled it with extra maracas. She NAILED it! We also met with her and called for her a few other times for things and she was available shortly after we called. We had our witnesses sign everything as they came in and did our blood test with no issues. She got a hold of us when she had some questions and even took pics with her phone of the Talavera once she unwrapped it to make sure she had the right pieces for things! All of the bags were delivered to rooms, welcome cards were in everyone's packet at check in and those who arrived at 7:30 am for the excursion had their bags delivered to their rooms before they got back. And how about the fact that Nayeli knew who people were by last name when we introduced them to her!!??!! The only issue we had that day was the weather. In the morning and through the afternoon, the rain was coming down SIDEWAYS! UGH! Nayeli came to see me in the Spa while I was getting my hair done to give me options. This was my moment to internally combust! She CLEARLY saw my anxiety and said we'd wait until the very last minute to make a decision on the ceremony in the Gazebo, or we'd have to move it to the area where they have the ping pong tables....they move the tables and decorate everything, but after 2 years of planning, that's the last thing I wanted! She also told me that they had to start setting up the reception so it would have to be inside the CECO Terrace vs outside, and the cocktail hour would be under the covered part of the Terrace vs the X-Lounge...not ideal, but what can you do. Well after lighting the Mayan candle in the room and thoughts of sacrificing our friend who was "ejected" from Tulum, (a story for another day) the only issue was running the ipod down late-literally as people were gathering (My MOH forgot to do this) and the CRAZY wind!! Nayeli called 30 mins before we were to go to the gazebo and told us she'd be there in 20 mins with the flowers...right on time and they were beautiful-after all that worrying! When I left the room, I looked down at the Gazebo and there was a ladder there! They were putting the curtains back up-no wonder they didn't want me to look! The wind brought them down and Nayeli and Lleny had someone there in a second to get it back up(Frank filled me in). They also had to soak the rose petals to weigh them down so they didn't blow away! Like I said...the wind was CRAZY! I had my hair down...I hate it up, and it was everywhere...We had to tuck my veil in the back of my dress at the ceremony! So....not being able to control Mother nature, if you don't mind your hair up,go that route! I had a flat iron and curling iron in the bathroom at the reception as part of the bathroom emergency kit and had to "fix" several times. Now for the why I really love Nayeli part...the weather was clear for the moment but still a little iffy, but like I said, she saw my disappointment. We ended up being able to do the cocktail hour at the x-lounge and they MOVED EVERYTHING back outside at the CECO Terrace last minute so we could have the reception out there!! The only downfall again was the wind...the pictures we brought had to lay down and the photofalls to clip the postcards to them had to be weighed down. We were supposed to have lighted columns that change color, but we couldn't do them because of the weather. She still had the path lined with tiki torches and flags and the fountains were on and lit...it was beautiful! There were also some cool touches we added last minute...we had tequila shots in champagne glasses waiting for the bridal party at the end of the ceremony-one of my bridesmaids asked for this at the rehearsal, Kir Royal and Tequila Sunrises were passed out at the cocktail hour -our colors, and Nayeli had them make Margaritas to fill our favor glasses...something we didn't think of but our guests LOVED it! We had 31 people so the Ceco Terrace was perfect for us, and we filled it up. The only thing I would do over, would be to have the DJ signal us an hour and 15 minutes before the end of the night to ask if we want to extend the wedding. We did, but we forgot to tell them because we weren't aware of the time. The MC came to me 5 minutes before the end to tell me we were doing the last song! I asked then to extend it, but it was too late...the bar staff was closing up. We ended up going to the disco, but many guests didn't make it to much longer after that anyway. Our cake was the "tree" that we wanted...maybe too many flowers but it's what we asked for, not in the "selections, and they did it for us! But again, weather is really a factor down there...things melt and droop...it is what it is, unless you are inside, you cake will not look as perfect as they do here in the states, but MAN was it delicious! Each layer was a different flavor and all yummy! All other events of the weekend went off without a hitch! The excursion to Tulum/Playa Del Carmen, the welcome cocktails at the X-Lounge, all of the Spa appointments, rehearsal dinner at the Mexican Fiesta- 3 big tables were reserved for us, and brunch on Sunday. We had the in house photographer, Juan Carlos, who was awesome-(Also known as bluelense)! We had Lino, one of his photographers, come to Tulum for the day and take welcome cocktail photos, they were at the spa the next day, rehearsal dinner Friday night, and ALL day for the wedding. We also did a Trash The Dress session in Isla Mujeres 2 days later. We have a video of the ceremony, photo book, slide show, edited photos, and EVERY single photo they took!! We spent less then some of the outside vendors charge for JUST the wedding day! Our pictures totally capture the vibe of the weekend and are very us. He also came to deliver the photos to us on the Riviera Maya during our honeymoon. They were great! Overall, an amazing experience! They will COMPLETELY customize your wedding to reflect you...Excellence, the photographer and DJ! Some tips from Nayeli.... It's easier for her to help you when you know what you want! The more organized you are and can send pictures and ideas to her, the better it will be to have your vision come through. If you have no vision, or wait to the last minute then it's going to be tough and you'll probably get some multiple choice sort of answers. (of course some things are always last minute, but the more you can do up front, the less anxiety you'll have) Your wedding will be beautiful regardless because these people REALLY know what they are doing. Also, they are INSANELY busy....she was explaining how there were 30 weddings 1 week in April and there were a slew of weddings the week we were there and 3 on our day!! 1 at Beloved, 1 at Villa Balam Ha and ours at Excellence. Nayeli was there a few times and Lleny was there when she wasn't. There was also a MASSIVE convention coming in the day before we left that she was in charge of...like I said...BUSY! Somehow she still managed to see us 3 times the day we left and made sure to say goodbye. I really can't say enough about all that Nayeli did for us and for me. She was such a calming force and has a way about her that always had me at ease...not an easy thing to do! I know it's so much easier to say it will all work out when your on this end of the wedding process...over...but it really will. Every guest LOVED Excellence and the wedding and said it was the best that they'd ever been to. It doesn't get better than that! I am thinking that if you are getting married during off season, you will have even more attention! I'm not sure the staff there get too many days off during their peak seasons...we saw some people at breakfast AND dinner somewhere else! Nayeli has off some Sundays and usually emails at night from home...I feel awful about ever being cranky while I was waiting for emails...I had no idea what kind of constant running they do. VERY IMPORTANT!!! PAY IN PESOS!! We got the final bill and everything was better than we expected. We paid via credit card charged in pesos, and literally saved over $600 because of the day's conversion rate, once we saw our bank statement!! Everywhere in Mexico, they would prefer dollars vs pesos, but it is in your best interest to pay in pesos....over the course of 2 weeks, we saved a bunch this way! Here is the slide show they made of our weekend...it sums it up beautifully! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oFzYYWe7a6k&feature=channel&list=UL I'm sure there are a ton more details I can share with you, so let me know if you have any questions! Happy planning everyone!! Sheryl

Hi Sandytoes! We've been to Excellence before, in September, and what I am seeing, is that the "conditions" are different depending on the time of year. Don't get me wrong, it's HOT, but not as humid as it is in September when we usually come down here. As far as the beach, the locals call it Isla Blanca because after the hurricane in Cancun, it moved the powdery white sand there, and they had to rebuild the beach in Cancun. We saw seaweed last time we were there, but they do clean it everyday. The water is a bit deeper than in the Cancun Hotel Zone, so it is not as blue as it is here. (I'm here now) Beach chairs, floats, bali beds, hammocks, etc are all available for whenever you decide to plop yourself down on something. It's not like other resorts with fees and up-charges or fighting for chairs...nothing is reserved at EPM. Restaurants are awesome! We really liked Basmati, the Indian restaurant, but they're all good...at least the ones we got to! We had a swim up spa view last time and it was GREAT! Very private with the exception of the occasional guest floating by. We have the EC rooftop ocean view for the week of the wedding....I'll let you know how that is when we get there tomorrow! The menu is completely customizable! You can pull from different ones Silver, gold or both, work with the chef for something not on the menu, and change up what you want as a course. (We opted to not have soup so did an appetizer first) No additional costs for the gold package. Quote: Originally Posted by Sandytoes615 What is the beach like @ EPM? Is it rocky or mostly soft sand? Is it hard to get beach chairs? What were your favorite restaurants? Do any of them require reservations? Would you recommend a swim-up suite or roof-top terrace? What are the BEST menu options for the reception? Are there extra costs involved over and above the SILVER or GOLD package prices?

We have 3 different flavors...Rum and coconut on the first, vanilla and banana on the second, and tres leches on top. We're also having a "tree" piped on it, with flowers. (see pic) and we're not being charged anything. (and we have 31 people not 20-that they say the cake is for) We do have the gold package so that can make the difference....just keep asking how much EVERYTHING is along the way, and how much it would be with gold or silver. For us, we're saving a lot by doing the gold package.

Hi and Welcome! We are using blueLens and meeting with Juan Carlos tomorrow. We met him in September when we did the site visit and have been emailing. It's hard to get a firm quote from him. I think what they do is follow you around from getting ready to after the dinner. Where they can charge more or less depends on what you want included in your package. The more pictures, the more $$. What's nice, is that they seem to work with you to customize what you want. This could be a good or bad thing...I'll let you know! We also asked him to take pictures of other "events" we have going on. He is going on our Tulum, Playa Del Carmen Excursion with 16 of us on Thursday and charging us $500 for the day with all pics on CD...perfect! (We're calling this the "End of the World or BUS Tour") He is also taking pics of our Welcome cocktails with everyone on Thursday night at the X-Lounge for $200 with all pics on CD! We are having our cocktail hour after the ceremony at the X-Lounge, and the Reception on the CECO Terrace. They will not confirm your reception location until about a month or 2 before the wedding date. It also depends on the size of your wedding, the time and who else is booked that day. For hair and make-up, email the spa. They have been fantastic and will lead you in the right direction. I have a 1:00 hair appt for a 5:30 ceremony. Bridesmaids start at noon. They also set up a bunch of services for our group and have been a pleasure to work with...AND they get back to you usually the same day! Quote: Originally Posted by kdmccall21 Hi Ladies im new here! I am getting married 7/20/12 and have some questions. I would greatly appreciate any feed back! first- photographer, I have the gold package it says i get X amount of photos but upgraded thru Blue Lens. Did anyone else use them? they are telling me that Juan is the only photographer working at Excellence? is this true? they also gave me a quote of 2800 for 5 hours? is that long enough, it is with two photographers. not sure what is normal. Help! Also what do you recommend for cocktail/reception location? I want an outside terrace perhaps feeling who do you recommend for hair and makeup as well! Im lost. Ill leave it there for now thanks again

HOLA!! We are in Mexico and it is absolutely beautiful here!! We got down on Saturday and are staying at Casa Magna in Cancun while we run around getting OOT bag items and favors. So far so good! 7 of us are here now and it was a good option for those who wanted an extended vacation without doing an AI and can save a bit without staying at Excellence for the week. We check into Excellence on Tuesday am and meet with Nayeli and Juan Carlos. Some info for everyone about Customs: First, we had 9 bags with us, without a lot of other "stuff" we've bought down here...we were flagged immediately. We had to open all of our bags, some they looked in and zipped open things, some they didn't. Their main concern was really anything they deemed expensive or in mass quantities-to resell. We had 5 swiss army backpacks as gifts for the groomsmen-this was an issue. They also had some discussion about our raffia fans(we put fake flowers and ribbon on them)...funny, because that was the cheapest thing in there! They asked if we had a receipt for everything...HA!! When we said no, they moved on. The tums,headache meds, Emergen-C, sunscreen, mints, flip flop bottle openers, etc, we had assembled into those transparent fabric pouches you can find at AC Moore, so it didn't look as overwhelming. they zipped right through all of it. They missed the bridesmaids totes because they were buried. All of the other beach bags we bought here....thank god! Our cake servers, and some other "props" they opened but didn't do much with. They had 4 people looking in our stuff, asked how long we were staying and said if any of our other guests were bringing "gifts" aka OOT bag items, we may have to pay a tax. Now how they would know, I'm not sure, but I think it was their way of saying, "we're letting you slide". The REALLY IMPORTANT part of this process is to be SUPER nice and courteous. Tell them it's for your wedding and SMILE A LOT!!!

OH, wanted to let everyone know that I did hear from Nayeli, got the planner, sent her messages/changes back, and got a response BY THE END OF THE DAY!!! She seems to have everything in there and changed the few mistakes there were. Just waiting on one last change... I am soooooooo freaking out over everything right now and worried that I'll forget something, N is MIA, people miss their flights, etc. We leave on Saturday and I've been waiting for this for 2 years....now I feel like I need more time! MAN, I can't wait till the honeymoon!!

Hey Ally! Do you want to meet in the loby bar Wednesday night...if we don't see you in the pool during the day??

Laura and Brennas...you both look beautiful!! Congrats!!! Brennas, I think your story is going to make me start breathing into a paper bag! It sounds like you handled it like a pro! (And the flowers look great, btw!) These "misses" are making me very nervous...

MsBlissMpls...just stunning! Fantastic idea about bringing the flowers and candles back to the room! I've got to meet this Edgar guy! We leave in 5 days!!! Started packing today....we're traveling like the freakin' Howell's from Gilligan's Island! Nayeli promised our budget by Saturday...guess what?? Didn't get it yet...this is taking years off my life!! I should make a budget for her and tell her we've decided on our own prices...that might get a response!

Great website Ally! What a great love story! We can't wait to meet you guys!

YAY!! I know....it's almost here!! I too FINALLY heard back from Nayeli today...WHEW! Still no planning estimate yet but she swears she'll send it Saturday am. Fingers crossed!! Thanks for the reminder about the ribbon around the flowers! I almost forgot that...again! Let me know if you get your bags delivered free because that would be great! I did see guys in the restaurants with polo shirts. As long as they are collared shirts and nice pants, I think you're ok. We can meet up anytime after we get there on Tuesday. The only day we'll be gone all day on the excursion is Thursday, so just let me know what's good for you!

Your website is FANTASTIC!!!! I love it!! Quote: Originally Posted by danak71 Ladies I FINALLY sent out my Save the Dates! LOL My wedding website is www.lynnandmarcus.com The password is idoinmexico. Lynn

Lynn, I might just take you up on that!! Thank you so much! I just wrote her another email and I'll give her a call again tomorrow...GREAT idea about skype! There really are only a few more details to firm up, but I'm worried about the time frame now for the other things we need to order, and of course the fact that I do not have the flipping estimate!!! We really were doing so well until about a month and a half ago...then it all went south! Soooooo....if you or anyone does hear from her again, PLEASE tell her to respond to Sheryl before she has a meltdown...and I've resorted to talking in the 3rd person so I'm signing out now! Thanks Ladies for being here!! Quote: Originally Posted by danak71 I talked to Nayeli this morning and I should have sent you a message to call her right then when I hung up with her. I'm SO sorry I didn't but I was at the hair salon and I got distracted and forgot to send you a message. I actually put $10 into my Skype account and used Skype from my cell phone and just kept calling her office until I got her. I started calling at 10am their time and didn't reach her until about 12:30pm. She confirmed the date for me and answered a couple of questions. That might be the best way to just try and keep calling down there if you can. Each time I called I only stayed on the phone with the person for about 2 minutes if she wasn't there so those calls only cost about $.20. I think Skype charges $.10 per minute. I'd be happy to help you call tomorrow if you want. If you want to PM me some of your questions and I can try and help you get them answered. That's if you don't hear from her by then of course. Lynn

YAY!! That's really good news about getting through customs! Enjoy and CONGRATULATIONS!!

I LOVE seeing everyone's websites! How cool...and some really great ideas out there! I really wasn't thinking of doing at at home reception, but this is giving me inspiration! BTW....STILL no word from Nayeli! Has ANYONE heard from her??? 10 days until we leave...I'm starting to really get into panic mode! On the plus side, Juan Carlos (the photographer) has written back a few times and it IS possible to take pictures at Villa Balam Ha. He also quoted us a great price to take pics on our Tulum Trip and the Welcome Cocktails event. We also have heard back from Zoetry (where we're honeymooning) within 24 hours. I refuse to lose all hope!! A fun fact we JUST learned....the Mayan greeting is "Bix a bel"! Wish we knew this before printing everything!

Thank you so much! The credit for the stationary goes to Ginger O'Hara www.serendipitybeyonddesign.com. I know I raved about her before, but I mean it! She had pulled everything together for us and designed this based on my convoluted idea I had in my head....An upscale Mexican/Mayan-y sort of feel but not over the top and less literal with earthy colors of chocolate brown and burnt orange...she somehow understood that and gave us this AND included the burgundy in there which we incorporated into our colors! Genius! Here are some of the other things she did... Favor Tag- Luggage tag- this will be in a lucite holder with a leather strap attached to the OOT bags- it will be 2 sided Front and Back- Menus- Each Guest will have their name on the top and their meal choice. This way we did not need to do place cards, and with a group of 32, we didn't need tablecards. The menu will also have a shimmery burt orange backing on them, line on our invites... a Pic of our invites- Do not disturb sign- Thank you Cards-the will be folded in half in the middle of the design-

I'm in S. Jersey, so anytime in June AFTER my wedding can work for me! Good luck and happy planing Ladies!

Something else to think about... If you are delivering OOT bags to the rooms, they get delivered at turn down service. We have a welcome letter and timeline in the bag. We have our welcome cocktails on Thursday night when most people get in, which means they wouldn't see where they're supposed to meet us that night if they are already out for dinner. Sooooo, we found out we can do a small check in card that the front desk can give them, this way they know where to meet us that night. We also found that not as many people REALLY look at the website details as much as you think, so this was a must for us! Here's what we had done: The check In Card- The Timeline for all guests-this will be in the OOT bag- Our Welcome letter- These are the proofs, so the paper will make it pop, but just wanted to give you guys an idea. If anyone is interested in seeing our menus, favor cards, do not disturb sign, etc. let me know and I'll post them.

Congrats on the date change!! I'm glad you cuold get someoneto give you your new date. I STILL have not heard back from Nayeli....even with a phone call to her! We did our website on momentville it's: www.momentville.com/frankandsheryl

I started booking all things spa in the end of January...about 4 months out. First was booking mine (hair/make-up, nails, trial hair and make-up) via their website and then/now just email back and forth with them. We are planning some extras for our wedding party....the Marine Wellness for all the guys and girls, mani pedi's for all the guys and either nails or hair or make up for the girls. The spa has been AMAZING! They put everything together for us on a spreadsheet with prices almost immediately. I also have a few guests who want their hair done and they just told me a few weeks ago. They were able to get them all in, and they will be charging them separately. With the gold package we get 15% off so putting it all on 1 bill, even if you're not paying for it all might be better for your bridesmaids wallets...just an idea. Also, make sure you book your couples massage if you are getting one with your package! And timing for me worked out best to do my trial hair and make-up on Wednesday. Here's how the timing works for a Saturday wedding- 5:30 ceremony(where guests get there at 5): Nails: They suggest Friday Hair:Bridesmaids go first in groups of 3 at noon (depends how many you have doing their hair) I go at 1pm, my Mother is in at 1:30pm, guests go in at 3. Here's our "timeline" we did for them.....

Welcome back!! It looks like you had an amazing time and than you soooooooooooo much for all of the much needed info and ideas you've shared! I called Nayeli and "she was in a meeting". I'll let everyone know once I hear from her. So, I just wrote to Juan Carlos to see what was up with some of our planning and just to touch base to see if he was there! Here is his response...(and the quickest response by far...Kudos to Juan Carlos!) Hi Sheryl we are still here ... We remain Bluelense, but in the exellence our name is VIPphoto have, from bluelense ... in fact I already took 2 years here. Here we have all the information of your wedding, because we work with the coordinators, and we are every day at the hotel. if you want we can meet before your wedding day for details. We're saying in lobby I tell you that the package you have with us, we will be ready from geting ready to the end of dinner. (the quality of our work is still VIP...) we will take lots of pictures for you to choose which one you like, one or two days after your wedding. for more details please write us keep in touch! regards Juan Carlos Lancelotti

ABSOLUTELY!! Can you give me your name(you can PM me if you want) and I'll tell her you need the info, and see if she can tell me if something is open!

Actually, I just looked it up. Juan Carlos IS a photographer with Blue Lens. His name is Juan Carlos Lancelotti. Email is [email protected] and the phone is 011 52 998-1086763

YAY! Glad you decided on EPM...it is very luxurious, sleek and modern. That's what we loved about it and had the same...holy smokes, this place is amazing feel from the second we pulled up. We knew it was THE place! We are going with the in-house photographer and it is supposed to be Blue Lens...at least that is who we met and quoted us and we have not heard of any change. I think Juan Carlos is a photographer with them. Did you see them in the lobby?? They're usually to the left of the staircase if you're looking down towards the bar. Makes me want to double check though...I think I'll die if it did change...we're leaving in 11 days!!! I'm calling Nayeli today for some answers so I'll let you know!

AMEN!! That would be really nice right about now...or a MONTH ago!