katiemac

Jill! How very exciting that your wedding is just around the corner! Good luck with everything. I can't wait to read your review and maybe even see some photos. Katie

Thanks for the review Andrea! Sounds like an overall wondful day and night. I am happy that you mentioned the Thursday Fiesta night thing. My FI and I are getting married ONE year tomorrow, and I think it falls on the Thursday. If not, we will make sure to watch the fireworks. Thanks again. Katie.

Norma! Congratulations...you look so beautiful in your dress. You must be so proud of yourself, as you should be! You can see how much happier you look . Katie

Hey, he is doing pretty good. Problem is is that we need his oncologist to tell us that what he sees in his scans and bloodwork is also good. My FI has an amazing mental and physical resilience, it is very inspiring and encouraging to be around. Cancers fickle though, so we definitely are looking forward to our appointment tomorrow where a plan, pathology and prognosis will be given to us. So nerve racking! Thanks for asking.

Thanks for sending prayers and thoughts our way. I just looked at my post, my FI has been battling cancer since 2011 not 2012. We find out on Friday the pathology of the tumor and the treatment plan. Hopefully we will receive some good news finally. Katie

Tell pops to get checked!!!! I'm on my Dad too. Men are so stubborn.

Ladies, I just found out that my wedding planner will be Paloma. Has anyone worked with her yet? So many brides seem to have Jazmin (I'm assuming she takes care of Tulum brides). Is Paloma awesome too? Say yes! But be honest, haha.

Crystalz, I am very sorry to hear about your uncle. Cancer is a terrible thing that nobody deserves. My FI is sitting happily on the couch right now watching curling match after match. His appetite is good, and he even ran an errand today. Thank you for your well wishes.

Crystalz, I am very sorry to hear about your uncle. Cancer is a terrible thing that nobody deserves. My FI is sitting happily on the couch right now watching curling match after match. His appetite is good, and he even ran an errand today. Thank you for your well wishes.

Hello... Congrats on picking a spot! My FI and I were supposed to go to the Gran Bahia Principe in Jamaica next Monday, but he had unexpected emergency surgery so we are now not able to go. It was for a vacation, not for our actual wedding. Two of our friends are still going, and I hope they absolutely adore what the chain has to offer. We are getting married at GBP in Mexico next year. I know that the PR division of GBP in Jamaica has been amazing and prompt with us, the one correspondent has even wrote to me to tell me that my FI was in her thoughts and prayers. So very sweet. Katie

Hi Racheal, Thanks! I did not make them myself. I ordered them through Vistaprint. I considered doing a DIY STD, but honestly, with everything that keeps happening with my FI's health and me working full time plus care-giving, I knew that they would never be done. I wanted to give our guests at least 12-13 months notice. I really like the STD I picked out though! Super simple, with our wedding colour, which is also the same colour of the FI's cancer ribbon. I can't believe how inexpensive Vistaprint is. Most likely me and my artsy bridesmaid will make the invitations. I am just not sure what I want yet. There have been many cute inspirations on this site though! You are getting married very soon...you must be so excited. Katie

Hello Ladies... My FI is home! So crazy...just lying on the couch like nothing happened. We do have to wait for the pathology to come back, so he may need to undergo radiation and more chemotherapy. He is just happy to be home with me and our dog. I stayed up late and addressed each and every STD envelope and could not be happier. I have to be optimistic and know that we will be married on the beach next March. Thanks for all of the kind words. The women on this forum are not only helpful and giving, but so generous with their support too. Me and another bride are considering starting a thread for couples that are planning weddings in the midst of illness. It feels wonderful knowing people read my post and sent a positive thought our way. Enjoy your planning and I am sure that I will have questions for you girls soon about wedding related issues!! Katie

Okay Alicia! I am glad to know that my post gave you some energy! I love that!!! To make this thread, we should name it. Any ideas on the name? And by the way, I think that you are fantastic with words. My FI came home today. Only one day after surgery! Isn't that wild? He is sleeping, eating, laughing, kissing....I am amazed. We are still hoping that the cancer is secondary from his original cancer, rather than primary. Let me know what you think, and continue to thrive off that energy. You will make amazing things! Katie

Thanks for the kind words... Graydon is in stable condition and might even come home today! Crazy considering he had brain surgery yesterday. I am fairly certain his prognosis is good because the tumor in his brain was not primary brain cancer. I am happy that people are sending positive vibes and prayer our way..every bit counts. Katie

Alicia, Thank you so much. Your story is so inspiring too...maybe we should start a thread for people in our situations. I don't think that you should post-pone your wedding. So far we have not. My FI actually proposed when he finished an 20 aggressive chemotherapy session over the course of 3 months. Our wedding has given us something to look forward to. A silver lining of sorts. I must say, he doesn't so much as plan like I do, but I know he likes that I am all over it! I hope that your setback is only minor. I know it is hard being off work, as Graydon has also been off since April. I hope that you will keep me updated on your progress in regards to your health and planning. Just keep looking forward to that amazing week in paradise with a bunch of people that you love around you. Katie

Hi Everyone again! This will be a different type of post... My FI has been battling cancer since April of 2012. He has had chemo, one minor and two major surgeries. We were under the impression he was in the clear. We picked our resort, ordered STDs, made our wedding website and picked our bridal party. My FI began experiencing headaches that were abnormal. I emailed his oncologist and an MRI was ordered. On Valentine's Day, we were called and told that he had a 4cm brain tumor and to go to the hospital immediately. We have been so positive, but when you hear brain surgery, I thought the worst. He still made an effort to make me smile and happy on Valentine's Day even though we were in the hospital. The surgery was this morning. He looks great. They got the tumor. He has no side effects that we were warned of. It is amazing. The neurology team is amazing and sensitive and patient. We are waiting for the pathology to confirm that the tumor is cancer, and he has to start radiation if so. I am sharing this because I searched BDW site for a group for the people that are planning their wedding in the midst of illness. There didn't seem to be any. Not to preach, but cherish your health, and the health of your partner. I felt like the luckiest woman on earth today when I saw him in recovery. I share my story, because I know people will wish him the best. And we need that! On a lighter note, I am pumped to go back to planning. I came back from the hospital today to find my STDs delivered. It looks like I will have something to keep me busy while I keep him company in the hospital--carefully print the addresses of my favourite people on the planet to invite to my DW in Mexico. Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that this is nearly the end of our journey with cancer. I hope this was inspiring rather than depressing. Katie

Hi Everyone again and congrats to the new joiners! I was reading this page on Valentine's Day, and everyone was so happy that I did not post. My FI has been battling cancer since April of 2012. He has had chemo, one minor and two major surgeries. We were under the impression he was in the clear. We picked our resort, ordered STDs, made our wedding website and picked our bridal party. My FI began experiencing headaches that were abnormal. I emailed his oncologist and an MRI was ordered. On Valentine's Day, we were called and told that he had a 4cm brain tumor and to go to the hospital immediately. We have been so positive, but when you hear brain surgery, I thought the worst. He still made an effort to make me smile and happy on Valentine's Day even though we were in the hospital. The surgery was this morning. He looks great. They got the tumor. He has no side effects that we were warned of. It is amazing. The neurology team is amazing and sensitive and patient. We are waiting for the pathology to confirm that the tumor is cancer, and he has to start radiation if so. I am sharing this because I searched BDW site for a group for the people that are planning their wedding in the midst of illness. There didn't seem to be any. Not to preach, but cherish your health, and the health of your partner. I felt like the luckiest woman on earth today when I saw him in recovery. I share my story, because I know people will wish him the best. And we need that! On a lighter note, I am pumped to go back to planning. I came back from the hospital today to find my STDs delivered. It looks like I will have something to keep me busy while I keep him company in the hospital--carefully print the addresses of my favourite people on the planet to invite to my DW in Mexico. Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that this is nearly the end of our journey with cancer. I hope this was inspiring rather than depressing. Katie

MichCraw.... Beautiful, beautiful photos. In your last 3 pictures you are wearing a purple dress. That is a very similar style and colour that I would love for my girls to wear. Could you tell me where you bought that?? Very pretty!!

@ elissae, Is the Destination Wedding Planner helpful??

Congratulations everybody! We just booked our wedding in Mexico for March 2013! I am excited, yet a little nervous about the Spring Break thing as well. There are some kids and teachers in our group, so we actually had to book during the March Break for high schoolers in some Canadian provinces. I have been told by one person on this site that the resort we have booked at is too far away from Cancun to attract the party animals. Don't get me wrong, our group will certainly give students a run for there money, but I don't want a chaotic week if some guests are looking for relaxation!!! I love this site so far! Katie

Hi Kristen (and other brides too)! I am staying at Coba just after you, in March of 2013. We have some teachers in our group, and hopefully I will get a teaching job soon too, so we decided it was safest to do a March Break wedding. We are hoping to get married at the Akumal Beach location, so fingers crosses. I hope that you are able to get the Tulum Gazebo too. My friend got married there and absolutely loved it. I have decided to go with my own photographer too. I absolutely love her work, and I have been following her blog for years. When Trisha posted the prices for Arrecife Photography, I couldn't believe it. When I compared the prices with my photographer, it was only a slightly higher price to fly her down for a week. With her I get an engagement session which I am choosing to have taken in Niagara Falls where I grew up, a full days coverage with between 6-800 images on a DVD that are not watermarked--she is staying from the point of me and my FI getting married until our first dance-ish, and then we get a TTD the following day. She will also set up an online gallery for my friends and family to view the images. I feel that I am getting what I want out of her, and good value. But there are so many beautiful pictures from the resort photographer, too. Did you make your decision?

We are newbies from Toronto. Our wedding is booked for March 2013 in the Mayan Riviera. I cannot figure out the wording for our save the date cards. I am including our wedding website for sure, but should I ask people to RSVP online as well? I am planning to do formal invites, but I wouldn't mind getting an idea of how many people might be coming! Any examples of STD wording so far?

Hi Jen, We are getting married at Coba as well, but not until March of 2013. We decided to bring our own photographer with us as well. We are paying approximately the same as the best package that the resort photographer charges, but we are getting way more images plus a trash the dress session. I absolutely love her work, but I thought she would be too expensive to bring, but it wasn't the case. I have not been to the Coba or any other Gran Bahia property. We are going to the GBP in Jamaica at the end of February to check out their style. Fingers crossed we are impressed because we already paid our deposit for the wedding! Good luck...April is just around the corner. Katie

Hi Jen, We are getting married at Coba as well, but not until March of 2013. We decided to bring our own photographer with us as well. We are paying approximately the same as the best package that the resort photographer charges, but we are getting way more images plus a trash the dress session. I absolutely love her work, but I thought she would be too expensive to bring, but it wasn't the case. I have not been to the Coba or any other Gran Bahia property. We are going to the GBP in Jamaica at the end of February to check out their style. Fingers crossed we are impressed because we already paid our deposit for the wedding! Good luck...April is just around the corner. Katie