claruickie

Sorry dont know what your name is "worstbride" but I think you need to take a wee break from this as you seem soooooo stressed out - a caring opinion from reading your posts. Enjoy the festive period and come back in the new year refreshed. We are getting married on 20 June next year and have Eugenia as WC, I only heard back from her this week after emailing her in September so you have plenty time after me. QUOTE FROM HER EMAIL "For the moment I am in high season of wedding groups and I have just little access to my computer dont worry, your wedding is 100% confirmed and sorry for the delay in reply. I'm sending you some files that I need you to fill out and please send it back to me" I have replied to her with all my questions and gave her the details she needed from us. Wedding planing should be exciting and fun not stressful, take care I know it will come good Kirstin x QUOTE FROM HER EMAIL "For the moment I am in high season of wedding groups and I have just little access to my computer dont worry, your wedding is 100% confirmed and sorry for the delay in reply. I'm sending you some files that I need you to fill out and please send it back to me"

Quote:Originally Posted by christy12 Hey..we've been home for a week now and are definitely ready to go back! Its weird not coming on here to check this forum every couple of days! I honestly don't think our wedding would have been the same without this amazing resource! Anyways, i have been working at my review for the past week and have finally finished it. So here it is! The resort Our entire group stayed in the royal golden section in the buildings closest to the beach (mostly 65 and 67). We were in building 65 on the 3rd floor with a view of the ocean as well as the wedding site. The rooms were nothing special but were always clean. When in the bathroom you could hear conversations going on in other bathrooms (we constantly heard a couple giving their child a bath). The bed was surprisingly comfortable. The resort is huge, however we managed to randomly run into almost everyone in our group of 30 everyday. We spent most of our time by the pool and on the beach closest to our rooms (MUCH quieter here and there is a bar). We ate at 4 of the a la carte restaurants while we were there. I am a vegetarian so I typically ate the one thing on the menu I could eat. I found the Mediterranean restaurant the best of the ones I went to. Our wedding dinner was at the Frutos Del Mar restaurant which a lot of our group said was the best a la carte restaurant they had been to. My favourite thing I ate all week was the 7 peppers soup at this restaurant (minus the shrimp floating in it). The Tequila restaurant was a huge disappointment. My veggie fajitas looked like a Chinese stir-fry (with carrots, sprouts and zucchini) and had no flavouring. The buffet was okay but nothing special. There was not a huge selection of vegetarian food and by the end of the week I was sick of chips and guacamole. Our entire group was in agreement that the Coba buffet was the biggest and the best. Overall, it is a large, very nice resort. Wedding coordinator meeting We met with Eugenia the day after we arrived. She had all of the information we had discussed over email for the past year compiled and everything was accurate. She was very sweet and extremely easy to work with. Her English is very good. We gave her all of the wedding stuff we had brought during the meeting (chair bows, fabric, fans, glow sticks) which were all set up perfectly on the wedding day. She had also arranged a welcome dinner for our group in the buffet for that same night. Wedding day Our ceremony was at the Akumal beach location at 3 p.m. All of our guests met at the snack bar at 2:30 and were brought down to the ceremony location shortly after. Eugenia delivered me my flowers just after 2 and came back to get me at 3. Even though I was only meters from where I needed to be (I could see the ceremony site from my balcony) they put me in a cart and drove me the 10 or so meters to where my dad was waiting. I posed for a picture with my dad and was off walking already (we did not have a bridal party). I walked down the aisle to Yiurmi’s River Flows in you, which was perfect. The officiant spoke good English and added a bit of humor. Our primary complaint (of the entire day) was that it was an extremely religious ceremony when we had specifically requested as little religious content as possible. He read from the bible and said “amen†more times than we could count. We ended up snickering a bit throughout as we found it funny just how religious it was. Our guests commented on this as well. After the ceremony we had champagne with all of our guests then moved on to photos. Our guests moved to the lobby bar to have some drinks before dinner while we took a few more pictures. We only used the resort photographer for the 10 free photos (and later bought another 20) as we had my dad and brother take photos. Our dinner was at 5:30 pm at the Frutos Del Mar (seafood) restaurant. We had a springtime salad, 7 peppers soup, and the choice of either salmon or chicken. Myself and the other vegetarian had a pasta dish. Everyone said that the meal was good, and for many it was the best a la carte meal they had had all week. We opted to have the tres leche wedding cake for our desert, which was really good! At 7:30 pm Eugenia came and picked up our group and brought us to our poolside reception that was beside the small pool. Our DJ (we hired DJ Bijan) was there waiting for us and we had our own bartender at the bar beside the pool. We paid for the cheapest bar option and were given most things. I think a few people had to walk ~20 feet to the snack bar to get wine. Eugenia had left the glow in the dark stuff (necklaces and bracelets) I had given her with the DJ, which I took and put on the tables. Our guests LOVED these (and they proved to be beneficial when we went in the ocean later!). Our biggest complaint was how fast the 3 hours went by! Almost all of our guests danced for the entire 3 hours, and many (including us) were sore the next day! At one point about 10 people were standing and dancing on pillars in the pool (only 3 fell in!). The original plan had been to go to the disco after the reception to continue dancing, however most of us were danced out. Instead about half of us went to the beach and went swimming in the ocean. We all still had our glow in the dark stuff on which looked pretty cool when that was all you could see in the ocean. After about 10 minutes though security came and told us we were not allowed swimming, so we ended up back at the snack bar. I think we all were in bed by midnight! I cant stop looking at your photos they are gorgeous and make me giddy.com Which Coco Bongo's did you go to - Playa del Carmen or Cancun ? Kirstin x

If you book an outside Photographer from Mexico you have to pay for a day pass for each photographer that comes along on the day (cant recal the cost but it is on other threads on here) if you fly someone from Canada you will have to pay for them to stay 5 days at the hotel. Regarding Arrecife yes looking at different peoples wedding photos the poses are the same but you have to remember that they photograph at the hotel locations multiple times per day and know how to capture all the fabulous photo styles and know what works! I have been talking with a recent bride who booked an outside photographer in Cancun and was disappointed in their photos When they went to choose the 10 photos from Arrecife they got in their wedding package they bought an extra 20 as they were so much better than the photographer they paid for. At the end of the day you will know whats the best choices for your day - as with everything financials always play a big part in the determining things too. Kirstin

I am delighted to say i received an email today from the hotel since not having heard from them since September ! Happy happy happy ðŸ‘😉 Eugenic replies from email address :[email protected] there are other addresses which are [email protected] and [email protected] Good luck x

Being the fact I am having a Mexican wedding I would like to book the Mariachi band - totally cheesy but I will regret it otherwise! Did anyone have this or anyone booked for their future wedding? Thanks in advance Kirstin x

New brides to the forum there is a page called "post your wedding date" add all your wedding details to it the link is http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/9132/post-your-wedding-date/610#post_1814381 Its good to see if anyone will be there at the same time as you, I know from here that some brides from US and Canada have then split costs for photographer when dates close together. Hope this helps you December 2012 Caitlin & Andrew (Speckles121) - December 1, 2012 - Moon Palace, Cancun Mexico February 2013 Tamara & Chris (tkuzma)- February 7, 2013 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya Miranda & Colin (mlite83) - February 9, 2013 - Now Jade, Riviera Cancun Fabi & Brian (FabiLara)- February 12, 2013 - Le Kliff, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Kiel & Kayla (kkeeve01)- February 26, 2013 - Sandos Caracol Eco Resort, Playa del carmen March 2013 Kaela & Joel (mrsnova)- March 1, 2013 Barcelo Maya Palace, Riviera Maya Kary and Phil (karyc) - March 2, 2013, Azul Beach Hotel, Riviera Maya Nickie and Lee (nickieb) - March 15 2013, Gran Bahia Principe Riviera Maya APRIL 2013 Erica & Brian (airica26)- April 10, 2013, Moon Palace, Cancun, Mexico Faith & Michael (LTLFAITHY) - April 27, 2013 Now Sapphire Riviera Cancun MAY 2013 Kristie & Randy (KristieT)- May 15, 2013 Beach Palace, Cancun, Mexico Andrea & Aaron (AndreaandAaron) 16 May 2013 Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Mayan Riveria Tova & Justin (ChocoTaco7568) - May 18, 2013. Now Jade Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa Tamara & Edgard (trivera5521) - May 18, 2013 - Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe, Punta Cana DR Krista & Pat (cinnagirl) - May 28, 2013 Dreams Palm Beach, Punta Cana, DR Jennifer & Holger (mspokran) - May 19, 2013, The Royal, Playa Del Carmen JUNE 2013 Kirstin & Ian (claruickie) Thursday 20 June 2013 ~ Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Mayan Riveria Shannon & Keenan (Shannonmarie) June 14, 2013 - Now Jade Rivera Cancun Resort & Spa Kisha & Ben (kisha311) - June 22, 2013 Beaches Turks & Caicos Alana05 29 June 2013 ~ Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Mayan Riveria JULY 2013 Laura (Laurab1105) 22 July 2013 - Gran Bahia Principe Akumal, Mayan Riveria AUGUST 2013 Katryne 6 August 2013 - Grand Bahia Principe Coba, Mayan Riviera SEPTEMBER 2013 Taryn & Stephen (tarynm) | Sunday, September 1, 2013 @ Azul Beach, Puerto Morelos, Riviera Maya, Mexico OCTOBER 2013 Greg and Yvonne (Red 400) 19 October 2013 @ sunset da mona lisa or le reve NOVEMBER 2013 Paisley & Philip (2bmrstremblay) | Sunday 3 November 2013 Aboard the Carnival Magic, Galveston Texas, 7 Day Caribbean Cruise Pascale & Eric (Papoue) | November 13, 2013 @ Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, Montego Bay, Jamaica DECEMBER 2013 Alexis & Alexander (islandsunrise) Saturday 14 December 2013~Atlantis Resort~ Paradise Island~(Nassau, Bahamas) Kirstin x

Yip it does, I didnt used to reply to things but do so now to get my posts up. Hope that something emails me the document though X

You are like me and still a "NOOB" so you need 150 posts before you can download documents Ive sent a PM to ask if it can be emailed ato my personal email address. x

Congratulations Christy, great photos and beautiful dress. Cant wait to read your review Kirstin x

Just back from holidays and working my way through the forum to see whats been happening so apologies for all my replies beingn posted one after another! Ladies you will not be able to access the flower brochure until you have made a certain amount of posts on the forum, not sure how many it is but I cannot access it either Sunshine could you possibly send a private message with the document as an attachment when you return thanks

New brides to the forum there is a page called "post your wedding date" - link is http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/t/9132/post-your-wedding-date/610#post_1814381 Add your details to it. Its good to see if anyone will be there at the same time as you. I know from here that some brides from US and Canada have then split costs for photographer when dates close together. Hope this helps you Kirstin x

COngratualtions Fraggle on your wedding and delighted to hear it all went well - knew it would having holidayed at the hotel twice before and spoken to brides there at the time - none from the UK though. The hotel is gorgeous eh Can you settle some confusion please (or maybe its just me) Eugina my hotel WC hasnt mentioned getting our documents translated or legalised however all the paperwork from First Choice/Thomsons says you need to get it done?! What did you do? Many thanks in advance and look forward to seeign your photos x

Hey Andrea and worst bride dont fret it will all come right in the wash. Im not sure if things are handled differently depending on where you are from and how you book your holiday and wedding. Im in Scotland and booked our holiday and wedding in May this year, had a couple of emails from Eugina my WC to confirm wedding location, time and date but havenot heard from her since September and she said it would be 4 months before wedding (20 June 2013) that she would be back in touch. I want to sort my flowers, cake and restaurant so emailed her today but dont expect a fast reply. Having holidayed at the hotel twice before I know from seeing more than 1 wedding per day so appreciate and understand how busy the WC are and they work with the bookings in chronological order, You will read on here that past brides had the same frustrations but as their time came closer it all worked well and their reviews also say that all things worked out. I know its easier said than done but it will all fall into place Kirstin x

Tammy from recollection reading on here somewhere Arrecife only keep the photos for 1 year. We have booked the Sunshine package with First Choice/Thomsons so get 10 photos in that package and have booked to get an additional 50 photos. In case you didnt know the photos in the packages are only of the actual cermony. Kirstin

Hi Tammy Eugina is my WC too, I havent heard from her since September when we first booked holiday and wedding via First Choice/Thomson. We are there 10 - 24 June - getting married on 20 June. She said she would be back in touch 4 months prior but I am impatient so emailed her today to ask for the flower, wedding cake and restaurant options. Hope you find this forum as helpful as I do. Kirstin x

Wishing you a fab holiday and wedding Kelly, look forward to hearing your review and seeing photos when you return. Best wishes Kirstin Xx

Trisha thanks for the info on flowers and cake - the answers I wished for so I'm a happy bunny 😃 Ladies regarding Arrecife photographers, I don't think they are any more expensive than what id have to pay at home in Scotland for wedding photos. We are going with them despite reading some negative comments on here, i have spoken with a number if brides from around the world that used them as well as looking at the said brides albums (& all those albums on Arrecife website & fbook page) they are gorgeous. It's not cost effective for us to fly in an external photographer but as you seem to be located in Mexico & Canada it may not be so expensive for you. Trisha above aka Faber photography has experience of the Bahia from being a bride there herself as well as photographer and from what I recall reading before bridal parties have split costs when booking her for weddings close together. Remember and add your names, wedding location and wedding date to the page on here (can't add link from my phone) that way if thinking about external photographer you can see if anyone else around your date to split cost. Trisha has a fountain of knowledge and will guide you in any way she can, as she has done myself. Good luck xx

Hello all Who have you gone with for your Wedding insurance? This totally slipped my mind so not done anything yet but I am going round the twist reading all the options available. Any feedback appreciated, especially from UK brides Thank you Kirstin x

Shellee Congrats on your wedding. What a great review a gorgeous photos. Ladies thanks for your replies about flowers and cake - its gerbera and roses I would like are they in the options? I have emailed (again) asking for the flower options to be sent to me . . . . drummign my fingers LOL x

Thanks ladies for your replies x

Hi again Not sure how to start a new thread hence writing on here. Its 8 months til our wedding but would like to get some idea of the flowers available at the hotel also the choice of weddign cake. WC said they would be in touch 4 months before wedding but you guessed I'm rather impatient! Not just that would like an idea of costs of flowers if not impressed with those given with the package. If anyone is able to post or email me any details I would aprecite it. Thanks in advance Kirstin x

Hi again Not sure how to start a new thread hence writing on here. Its 8 months til our wedding but would like to get some idea of the flowers available at the hotel also the choice of weddign cake. WC said they would be in touch 4 months before wedding but you guessed I'm rather impatient! Not just that would like an idea of costs of flowers if not impressed with those given with the package. If anyone is able to post or email me any details I would aprecite it. Thanks in advance Kirstin x

UK Brides - Wedding Insurance? Who have you gone with for your Wedding insurance? This totally slipped my mind so not done anything yet but I am going round th the twist reading all the options available. Any feedback appreciated Thank you Kirstin x