Mlite83
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Posts posted by Mlite83
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Originally Posted by Brandi Kohler
We are looking at the lighting for the Bamboo room and are trying to figure it out. I know that there are the lights above the dance floor. But, our concern is if we are going to pay extra for the uplighting. It looks beautiful but it is $350! That is crazy for a few light bulbs! I have seen in a few pictures that they have small lights (like christmas lights) over the bamboo on the side walls. Anyone know if they are included or if that is something that I can bring? Any input on the lighting in there? Thanks!
We brought our own mini lights for the bamboo wall. I picked a few packaged up (from the floral dept at my grocery store of all places!) and just told Pilar to use them however they thought looked best. I attached a couple pictures to show you:
1st picture shows bamboo lighting - these were just the battery operated strands (didn't realize till I got there that I had 2 "cool blue" and 3 "bright white" lights but I was so happy I didn't mind)
The bamboo wall already has some natural lighting in it (see 2nd picture for this).
The 3rd picture shows the room with the lighting (standard from Now Jade) with our little lights on the bamboo. No uplighting or extra costs. Oh and those are battery operated candles in our luminairies for table decor, they were more for ambiance and decoration than actual lighting but the effect was very pretty and romantic.
*** Huge praise to my photographer SweetFire Photography (from Mexico) for her awesome skills - the top two pictures are taken by guests (pre-reception) and the last photo is by SweetFire, as you can see she works magic with her use of light and colour! ***
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Originally Posted by heathersierra
Has any past, present or future bride chosen to use the live music (1-45 min set of guitar or sax) that's included in the divine package??? I'm interested in knowing what type of music was played.
I like the ideal of the ceremony feeling as Mexican as possible, considering that's where I chose to get married. And I don't really want to fuss with the sound system and having to pick songs for the ceremony.
Thoughts?
We used the guitar player for the cocktail hour - he was fantastic. He played a mix of music and everyone enjoyed him. We didn't provide any guidance or requests for what he played - just said to do the usual for weddings. He is very talented and plays some of his own music and does covers too. We missed most of the cocktail hour for photos but what I heard sounded wonderful (and he gifted us a CD of his as a wedding present which is also quite nice). We had many positive comments about how he made the cocktail hour really special.
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Originally Posted by heathersierra
Where did you purchase the table luminaries? I assume you brought them with you. They look gorgeous in tha room!!
Thanks - we loved the look too - helped to make it feel really romantic. We made them ourselves - super simple and easy to pack!
I purchased vellum paper from staples and printed them on my home PC (with our names, date and starfish we used throughout wedding). We packed them flat in a file folder for protection and then once we got to the resort we rolled them and used glue dots to secure them into the cylinder shape and placed over the tea light (battery operated). The cost was very minimal, it was easy to do, wasn't hard to pack and took no space in the luggage not to mention we had so many compliments on them! Here is a better picture to see what we did.
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Originally Posted by Brandi Kohler
It looks great! Did you use up lighting in the room or is that the lighting that is already in the room!
No up lighting - just used what they have plus luminaries for centerpiece decor (that's what you see glowing on the tables). Plus we had a FAB photographer to capture shots like this!!
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I was going to bring my own lanterns but it just didn`t happen prior to leaving for Mexico. I had told Pilar I was bringing them so she asked for them to set up, I told her not to worry about it since it wasn`t a priority but Pilar was able to get some and surprised me by adding them to the Bamboo Room for us. You can see from this picture we had about 9-10 and it looked great! They were in 2 or 3 different sizes but I`m not sure what the dimensions were. The room is beautiful so it will look great with or with out lanterns tho
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Originally Posted by MayFlowers2014
Hi ladies,
Quick question...
We've chosen the Devine Package and were a little confused when it comes to the cake...
So if we don't upgrade the cake to one of the 3 tier pics... what do we get? Is it the standard cake from the eternity or something else??
All information would be appreciated..
We had the Divine package and did not pay to upgrade the cake but got a three tier cake for our 35 guests. I think the 3 tier is the standard unless you discuss something else?
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Originally Posted by MayFlowers2014
So this is not included in the devine package?? I thought it was...
This is for the complimentary/Your Moments package. It is included in the other two packages.
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Just to put it out there - we stayed at Jade in February and we didn't have any issues with illness...as a matter of fact several of my guests made a point to say how often they saw the bar staff bringing fresh bag loads of clean drinks to the bars at the pool. It is kind of funny actually to watch them carry giant clear bag with hundreds of cups stacked in them as they march around the resort with several bags at a time dropping them off. We also provided travel mugs to guests but after the first few days when the novelty wore off most people had switched to using resort glasses.
I know you all want your wedding week to be perfect and I just want to assure you it will be - your guests will be blown away by the resort. I know it's hard to put faith in something/someone without being there to oversee all the details leading up to the day but the resort staff works so hard to make everything amazing I really think in the end you will regret feeling so much anxiety over something that goes so wonderfully. I really recommend taking a step back from the TripAdvisor reviews - even with a grain of salt I think they just bring on undue stress and fear. I LOVED my entire Now Jade experience - would go back in a heartbeat (and so would my guests: 2 have & 2 have trips planned for this fall) but I haven't posted a review to TripAdvisor to share my experience (just been too busy being a newlywed I guess).
One of my guests did point out a review on TripAdvisor that was written for the same travel dates we had and the reviewer complained about juice not being fresh (untrue), not having enough glasses at the buffet (again untrue, or it they ran out it would be 2 minutes until a waiter would bring you one, not the end of the world) and that the restaurants were closed more often than not (definitely misleading, yes not all restaurants are open each night, but depending on resort capacity and/or special events usually only 1-2 were closed). So it really goes to show - those who have a positive experience don't necessarily think to write a review, whereas those who want to complain are quick to jump on the band wagon.
Hopefully this helps calm some frazzled nerves
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Originally Posted by Katryne
Question, so I've ordered the swatches of tropical linen and hawaiin linen. I'm almost certain I've seen hawaiin gray before but it wasn't in the swatches. The only gray was the tropical one and it was quite darker than what we had envisioned. Anyone know??
We ordered hawaiian light grey (x 5) for our wedding this past February (I think we ordered about mid-November)...if it wasn't in the swatches I would guess it maybe due to low/no stock available. I know when we ordered our samples last summer one of the beige's had a note that explained it was low in stock. That being said I don't know how long until the stock is replenished, maybe you could contact customer service?
Also I remember a bride on here did use the tropical gray and it looked very nice (maybe a bit more formal as it is darker), so you could check out her pictures as a back-up option.
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I don't know for sure but I would guess you could arrange a private event for an additional fee.
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Originally Posted by MayFlowers2014
Hey ladies... May 2014 Bride here....Does anyone know if you can have stuff like fire dancers or anything like that for the wedding???
Also do they have anything pre wedding stuff like a tequila tasting, cigar rolling or a cooking class kinda thing?
Any information would be appreciated.
Thank you
)The resort offers tequilla tastings, cigar rolling, cooking classes, sushi rolling, mixology lessons etc every afternoon. It changes daily but yes they have offer activities like that as well as the usual pool games (zumba, v-ball etc) and land activities (beach v-ball, yoga etc). The entertainment team works very hard to ensure people are having fun!
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Yup - Lori is amazing! Very creative especially with her use of light and colour.
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Just wanted to give a reference to my amazing photographer Lori Lemieux of SweetFire Photography. We used her this past February at Now Jade and were blown away - she went above and beyond (arrived early, stayed late, provided almost 150 extra photos). We constantly get comments about looking like the pictures should be in a magazine. You can PM me if you want more dets
Below are a few of my favs (hard to pick just 3!) -
Originally Posted by remykion
Mlite,
We have decided not to have a private reception due to budgets and that we are having a big reception on our return, however we will be making a reservation in one of the restaurants for our 21 guests, I appreciate that there is a set up fee of 20 usd per person. as you have already been there is there any of the restaurants that you would reccommend? or is there any restaurants that you would strongly advise to steer clear of?
We would consider paying the extra fee to have this more private on the terrace of our chosen retaurant just so that we can play songs off our ipod as we wouldnt be able to do this otherwise but again this will depend on finances when the final invoice comes through.
xx
It really depends on your preference for food - my group enjoyed all of the restaurants (and we had a couple of foodies). Several of our experienced travellers were very impressed with the quality of food even from the buffet. I think my favourite was Capers (Italian) or Spice (Asian). We were there for 7 nights but with Welcome Dinner, Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Dinner, and a Private dinner on beach, I didn't have a chance to try everywhere!
If you like Asian cuisine Spice is great and the terrace is private and has a very intimate atmosphere overlooking giant koi ponds. Many of our younger guests ate here a few times since they could do do the regular menu one night and then the tappenaki tables (different menu) another night.
Menu choices here - sushi, pad thai, udon noodles, seasame chicken etc.
Mercure the French restaurant is also very good but it very decadent food so be prepared for everyone to be in a food coma by the time your are done (and service is slower, as they really play into the "French" vibe) - about 2.5 hours for our group of 6 the night we went. This restaurant also has a terrace which overlooks the garden so that could be a very nice option for a private dinner if you went that way.
Menu choices here - filet mignon, salmon, chicken in puff pastry...probably more traditional "wedding" food.
Cin-Cin and Capers are side by side (in the same stretch of building as the buffet) and are both excellent in food, service and decor but more of my guests preferred Capers. Downfall to either of these is no terrace for outdoor dining.
Menu: Capers does amazing osso bucco and more traditional Italian fare like stuffed pasta.
Menu: Cin-Cin has seafood (ie swordfish) and stuffed chicken.
I never made it to the Mexican restaurant but our guests that did enjoyed it. The buffet featured Mexican cuisine regularly so I didn't feel as compelled to try it out.
Hopefully that helps!
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Originally Posted by khunt29
Oops clicked too early
We have hired PIC for our photos so we aren't using the resort photog for the wedding. Pilar said we could use him for something else but for one hour only. So we're thinking of having him cover one hour of our dancing, or if not then she suggested a photo shoot another time, either for us or for our guests. Just something to think about, she said he has done beach "photo shoots" with guests in the past, so that's an option..
We used it for a TTD at the resort (ocean, pools etc) and our photog from Adventure gave us more than an hour, probably almost 2 so he could get everything he wanted in. Pilar is probably just be cautious not to overbook them as they are a separate business entity. I would be surprised if they actually kept time to 1 hr.
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Originally Posted by remykion
Does anyone know if the pools are as cold as everyone on trip advisor keep saying they are?? My son loves the pools and I am sure he wont have a problem but they seem to make a POINT about them all the time...........Are they REALLY that bad??? xx
I was there in February with my group and no one (out of 35 guests) complained. They aren't heated but it is hot during the day so they are a refreshing temperature. I found it may seem a bit cooler when first getting in but you quickly got used to it if most of your body was in the water. It didn't stop us from spending hours in the water. One note tho - the way the resort buildings are laid out means most of the pools are in shade by 5pm (so the cooler water is more noticeable)...not a big deal since most people are heading back to their rooms by then for a rest or to shower and get ready for the evening. Also the ocean is a wonderful temperature so don't worry at all!
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Originally Posted by hortonk
oops sorry, this is under "reception"....
This fee is if you extend your reception beyond the 3 hrs included in the wedding package. Anything beyond what is included gets this additional fee in order to pay for the extra staff on among other things I would imagine...
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I notice that many of the complaints are similar and after being at the resort recently I honestly think some people just repeat common issues in hopes that they get something in return. One review I read shortly after returning from our trip in February I noticed had the same travel dates as me yet had so many (BS) complaints. Things that neither we nor our 35 guests agreed with. So perhaps instead of a grain of salt you might need a bit more...
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I notice that many of the complaints are similar and after being at the resort recently I honestly think some people just repeat common issues in hopes that they get something in return. One review I read shortly after returning from our trip in February I noticed had the same travel dates as me yet had so many (BS) complaints. Things that neither we nor our 35 guests agreed with. So perhaps instead of a grain of salt you might need a bit more...
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You can definitely have a DW for under $20K -- just depends on what exactly you want and where you go. We just had our DW at Now Jade (Mexico) in February. We had 35 guests (price per person from Toronto, with air and transfers for 7 nights was about $1450) and the wedding package we used was $3k. The package was for 25 people so we had to pay an additional fee for the extra entrees. Also we opted for a few extras that brought our price closer to $5500 but we decided what was important to us and went for it. Also I thought our resort went above and beyond for us as Bride & Groom and did give us many complimentary items (or if that wasn't possible they discounted the price).
Our resort was very upfront with the fees (in my opinion), just read over the wedding planning guides and contract to be sure you know what you are getting and what costs extra. Picking a resort is the most difficult part (definitely get a travel agent you work well with!) - not all resorts are made equal, nor are the wedding packages...so you have to decide what is important to you:
- Resort - location, price, features, amenities, accommodations etc
- Wedding Packages - legal vs symbolic option, number of people included (and resulting fees for guests over that), potential locations (indoor vs outdoor options), services and events included, any "bonus" items that may help cut down costs or be a nice treat for you etc
I hope this is helpful - don't get discouraged - you can definitely have your dream wedding with a DW just be aware of details (as any bride - traditional or DW would need to be). GOOD LUCK!!
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You can definitely have a DW for under $20K -- just depends on what exactly you want and where you go. We just had our DW at Now Jade (Mexico) in February. We had 35 guests (price per person from Toronto, with air and transfers for 7 nights was about $1450) and the wedding package we used was $3k. The package was for 25 people so we had to pay an additional fee for the extra entrees. Also we opted for a few extras that brought our price closer to $5500 but we decided what was important to us and went for it. Also I thought our resort went above and beyond for us as Bride & Groom and did give us many complimentary items (or if that wasn't possible they discounted the price).
Our resort was very upfront with the fees (in my opinion), just read over the wedding planning guides and contract to be sure you know what you are getting and what costs extra. Picking a resort is the most difficult part (definitely get a travel agent you work well with!) - not all resorts are made equal, nor are the wedding packages...so you have to decide what is important to you:
- Resort - location, price, features, amenities, accommodations etc
- Wedding Packages - legal vs symbolic option, number of people included (and resulting fees for guests over that), potential locations (indoor vs outdoor options), services and events included, any "bonus" items that may help cut down costs or be a nice treat for you etc
I hope this is helpful - don't get discouraged - you can definitely have your dream wedding with a DW just be aware of details (as any bride - traditional or DW would need to be). GOOD LUCK!!
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Originally Posted by JenO
Does anyone know what they mean by "preparation of the bride's gown"? Will they steam out a wrinkled dress? My seamstress told me she could do it to get out the deep wrinkles, and then show me how to fold it for packing so it wouldn't get re-wrinkled. But if the hotel will do it, I won't have it done here first. My dress is a big poofy thing with a satin skirt that is bunched, so ironing is definitely out.
Yes it is steaming you dress and veil. They will also press your FI suit. They do a very good job and return your stuff to the appropriate rooms a few hours before the ceremony...in our case my dress was in our room (they even thought to cover it by a sheet incase FI came in) and his suit was taken to the BM room. They also did the GM suits for a very reasonable price (I think maybe $8).
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Originally Posted by JenO
Does anyone know what they mean by "preparation of the bride's gown"? Will they steam out a wrinkled dress? My seamstress told me she could do it to get out the deep wrinkles, and then show me how to fold it for packing so it wouldn't get re-wrinkled. But if the hotel will do it, I won't have it done here first. My dress is a big poofy thing with a satin skirt that is bunched, so ironing is definitely out.
Yes it is steaming you dress and veil. They will also press your FI suit. They do a very good job and return your stuff to the appropriate rooms a few hours before the ceremony...in our case my dress was in our room (they even thought to cover it by a sheet incase FI came in) and his suit was taken to the BM room. They also did the GM suits for a very reasonable price (I think maybe $8).
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Originally Posted by hortonk
Im sorry if this has already been asked (im sure it has somewhere) what EXACTLY is inculded as far as photography in the Divine package? How many hours fo we have the photographer? What is the "Upgraded photo package"? I am ttrying to decide if it is worth it to bring out own photographer down or now but I dont have anything to comapre! thanks ladies!!!
We didn't use the photographer (included in Divine package) for the wedding day since we booked an external one -- SweetFire Photography from Playa del Carmen, AMAZING work -- but we did use the photography for a TTD two days later so I can give you an idea of what is included.
We had the photog for approx. 2 hrs (our shoot was around the resort - ocean, pools etc). Only 1 photographer.
The upgraded package means you get a hardcover photo book with 24 photos. You select them out of the photos they took, you can add more if you want for a fee ($15 per picture). There is a discount if you decide to purchase all of the images.
You get a DVD with the 24 images you selected (hi-res) and a slideshow they put together with all the images.
I love my TTD pictures but I will say I am so happy we opted for an external photographer because the resort photographers simply don't have the same creative spirit or attention to detail a professional does. For example in a few of my TTD photos you can see the ribbon that you hang the dress by poking out the side of my strapless dress - the photographer didn't notice to say anything, nor was it edited away during touch ups. In general there seems to be very little photo editing done by resort photographers (probably due to time constraints).
Here is a link to the TTD photo slideshow they put together for us http://11-02-13grahamttd.nowjade.adventurephotos.com.mx
OFFICIAL NOW Jade Wedding Thread
in Riviera Maya and Cancun Accommodations & Site
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Be aware that a kraft paper bag can't double for a pool bag since it will get mushy and rip if wet. That's why I went with VistaPrint bags too...guests loved them and used them daily at the pool for their things and brought them on excursions etc. Highly recommend.