Chrestena

Hi girls!! I see lots of new brides-to-be We have just returned a few days ago (ended up lengthening our honeymoon) so I have been catching up on everything:) I promised I would come back on and say hello, and give details of our wedding, which was May 8th at the Grand Palladium. (I've missed you ladies). Thank you for the well wishes for our wedding day, I just saw them! Note: this will be long and detailed!! Our wedding was absolutely beautiful All the times I had played it out in my head, didn't even compare to the actual wedding we had. I can't tell you of one thing that went wrong. If you don't read another word of this review...please relax, and know that Vanessa has everything under control. She even remembered things that I forgot (petals for our flower girl to toss down the aisle). Vanessa is such a lovely lady, young, and very efficient and polite I was a very relaxed, calm bride, (it's why I chose a destination wedding in the first place...to have a beautiful, tropical wedding without all the typical, cookie cutter craziness) and Vanessa is just as calm. The resort handles weddings almost daily- and they are very good at what they do. After I got there, I realized how crazy I must have drove her with my incessant e-mails. There was no need to show her my sheet I typed up, she had it all right there herself. We ended up with 30 guests, and while I had originally had decided on the Punta Emilia wedding arch, (the beach gazebo), even though I had always wanted a toes in the sand wedding. However, when we got there, Michael and I took some time and walked the beach to both locations several times and stood there. For us, once we stood there by the water, we knew it was where we wanted to say our vows. There is an actual "aisle" created by palm trees. We saw it undressed (no wedding was going on at the time) and there is a little sailboard stand to the left, so we walked up and asked the man attending the stand what happens to the boats when there is a wedding going on. He said that they move everything out of the way. This location has it's own little thatched roof bar, and is just so beautiful. If you prefer the very white sand, and being close to the water- this is your spot. I have pictures I will attach (probably lots of them! It helps to see the actual location). The arch is also very beautiful- although the beach is more rocky and there are more trees and shrubbery blocking the view of the water. The water also has lots of rocks and seagrass in this area. Again, still very beautiful, just the water is not as clear as you are at the wedding site. You simply can't go wrong either way. I would highly suggest walking them both, standing at both, and seeing how you feel. Me heart knew immediately that I wanted to switch locations. I called Vanessa and as there is only one wedding at a time, it was not a problem. The hotel offered us one of the Mayan Suites as it was our 2nd time visiting this resort. (We stayed in the Kantenah, bldg 33) It was really pretty. About 5 steps from the beach! These have an outdoor shower, and a porch with a hammock. The ceilings are cathedral and the rooms are very pretty. All of us girls got ready here, while my groom and his groomsmen got ready in his brothers suite. The day we arrived, we settled in, and received a few envelopes included in our paperwork. Dont forget to open these!! We did, and one of them was our "Special Honeymoon Dinner" for the two of us, with the day and time we were to go. We didn't see it until the day we were packing to go home two weeks later, lol. Oh well! We flew in our two photographers from New York, where we live, but we did hire the Palladiums videographer (hotel shops-photo pro). We paid the deposit via Paypal a month before we left. The videographer came to our room, and shot for 2 hours (us getting ready, the ceremony, and the little time in between). We did not have him shoot the reception as the time must be consecutive and we had hours in between our ceremony and reception. This video is really a great thing to have! Please, if you can, I recommend getting one- he was only $500 for the 2 hours, and it was really, really worth it! I will try to post a link later this week so you can see it- it shows the rooms, and the walk to the beach, it really takes you through it so beautifully!! The videos are 20 minutes total. The getting ready part is to a song you choose, the ceremony is live, and the 2nd song you choose is another highlight reel of immediately after the wedding. I love it!! We did not partake in the new Karen Busson packages, as we had booked last year. We could have, but opted to keep what we had as it allowed us to make things personal. We chose white chairs, no color, but I asked Vanessa for flowers that were extremely tropical and had greenery as well. The only request I ever gave her that I was really adamant about was, no roses, no carnations, no babies breath, and very bright, happy and tropical. Flowers I didn't see everyday back home in New York. And not too big!! I am small, and I don't like when the bride is covered up by a monstrous bouquet. The bridal party went to the spa for eyelashes to be put on. We all did our own hair and makeup, but wanted false eyelashes. Mine peeled off on the golf cart ride back to my room from the SPA. The poor driver turned around and looked at me and said "Oh Senorita! Your eyelash!"...it was so funny. I pulled them off and said oh well! Mascara it is!! Everyone elses looked amazing though:) When I came back to the room, my dress was hanging freshly steamed, my veil, which is Cathedral length, was hanging, and also steamed beautifully. My bouquet took my breath away. It was exactly what I had asked for. It was wrapped in satin, with pearl push pins. We had champagne delivered, and took pics. When it was time to go...Vanessa came to get me, and she had in her ear/headset and was in communication with the other coordinator who was on site. Since we were steps from the beach location, I didn't need to ride in a golf cart, but was "snuck" through the beach and the palm trees...it was so, so romantic...many people stopped us on the way to say Congratulations, and everyone was whispering, it was really funny. Vanessa snuck us girls through the Royal Suites' [private beach area (beds with canopies) and we waited. I could see partial glimpes of my fiance through the palm trees, and I could hear the music (we hired the Spanish Trio to play and they made the wedding so amazing- I just told them to play whatever sounded beautiful- they played Canon in D, Spanish Guitar, while I walked the aisle). People were standing near, and watching, I saw in the video- I really didn't notice them at the time! Everyone was very nice though, and happy. Vanessa had me wait, while my father walked to greet me behind the trees so he could walk me. Vanessa had everything timed perfectly. The day was super bright and sunny, the sand looked pure white and the water was sparkling. The boats were all moved, the bar was set up and the Spanish Trio was near the pergola and the guests. My bridesmaids wore coral and the color against the turquoise water and the white sand was just so beautiful! Our minister was eloquent and had a beautiful accent, he spoke such a lovely ceremony. We did a sand ceremony with my daughters and Mike's son and daughter. We had our rings tied to a starfish with ribbon and we asked the starfish and rings to be passed to each guest for a blessing of happiness, which we would then pass on to our guests in return. When we kissed, as if on cue, a couple in bathing suits walked by and smiled...it was perfect, and the epitome of a beach wedding. All caught on video, I loved it!! The sound of the water crashing as we were getting married was simply perfect. The Trio played love songs while we signed our paperwork, and as we put our rings on each other. We repeated some of the traditional vows as we did the rings, but then we spoke our own personally written vows as well. It was simply perfect. The happiest day of my life. Immediately following the walk back down the aisle- the trio continued to play- they play for 45 minutes continually. They were awesome! Happy and funny and really good! They were singing, all the girls were kissing them (me too!) lol. There is a table set up with champagne which was passed around, some people went and got drinks at our little bar, and Vanessa moved the ministers table from under the pergola and we had our first dance right at the waters edge with the music by the trio. There were lots of bystanders, but they stayed at a distance, and never interfered, and they all were happy for us so it was all good. Our wedding was at 4, it lasted til about 5 as we had our dance, some drinks and a little partying right there at the wedding site. Since I didn't schedule our reception until 8 pm (this was intentional as I wanted time in between for photos and for people to change, or freshen up or get cocktails etc), Mike and I asked for some private time alone (no photographers either) and we walked together to one of the little bars and sat and had a glass of champage (me!) and a Cerveza (him!) and just took it all in. I put my legs and big skirt in his lap and we just had a half hour to ourselves to laugh, some kisses, and relax for our first bit as husband and wife. It has been a long road of planning! We deserved a little quiet time After that- pics and then the reception at La Laguna at 8. At our meeting I had dropped off SO much stuff to Vanessa for decorating. She had it all set up amazingly. We had a sweetheart table with a banner in front. Our cake was on it's own table with coral rose petals. We had a table set up for Mike's cigar bar, we had a table of photos and cards etc. The maracas were at every setting (our favors) and the food was off the the side (we did an h'ors d'ouvre reception). There was so much food! We had signature drinks made and signs to show what they were ("The Goombah Smash" for my Italian groom, and "The Mamacita Margarita" for me - it was blue lol). Since we opted against a sit down dinner, everyone was mingling and eating, and the dancing started right away. La Laguna is beautiful and overlooks the pool which had lights in the water. The room was decorated very pretty. The sound system worked perfectly. After our 2 hours were up at 10, we planned on going to the disco, however walking through the lobby back, there was a live band playing great music, and someone grabbed me to dance, and other people grabbed the bridesmaids and we all ended up staying there and dancing til about 2 am with more people we didn't even know...it was really funny. The next morning we had a brunch set up-and then a trash the dress session in the sea. We stayed for 2 weeks after the wedding. Vanessa put the bill together, and it is all paid at checkout. All in all, it was a perfect wedding that far exceeded our expectations and year and a half of (over) planning. I wish everyone on here, a wedding that also is more beautiful than you can imagine!! In hindsight, I think the key is to just not worry too much and realize why you're there. I kept worrying for weeks about how I was going to wear my hair...would it be too windy, should I wear it up or down, (I went with down) do I wear a veil, or flowers ( I did both!) ...which location...will I forget something...etc. When I stopped worrying, it all came together. Even the flowers I forgot to order for my hair, and the rose petals I forgot to order for my flower girl. They were there waiting for me anyways. Vanessa knows her stuff. Perhaps the funniest thing that happened, that maybe scarred me for life, was the humongous bug that flew into our room on our wedding night...haha! We spent about an hour trying to get it outside because I begged my husband not to kill it. (He didnt... We finally got the gigantic flying thing out. It was then that we really noticed that our entire room and bed were covered with rose petals. Even the floor and bathtub. They made an elephant out of towels and put my hubby's sunglasses and underwear on it!! Very funny!! however...we both had to grab a garbage pail and clean up about 2000 rose petals from our bed and floor. Everywhere! Not only that...but the petals had tiny bugs on them so those were everywhere. We actually couldnt stop laughing at how we had just spent the last hour and a half. Chasing and cleaning bugs! God Bless everyone- and I wish you all beautiful weddings!!! XOXO Chrestena I will post pics in the next post. Im afraid this one will be too long!

Hi Karen I had a question for you regarding the DJ App. I too, am not using an actual DJ, but bringing my iPod and iPhone for music for the reception. (We have the Spanish Trio playing for the ceremony, so we are all set with that part) But did you use the iPod or the iPhone? I have both, and am wondering what is easier to use. I am guessing the Wedding DJ App can only be used for the iPhone, and you said it fades in and out to sound more professional. I like that! Is it just a regular app you can download? Thanks! Chrestena

Mikeycelle!! What BEAUTIFUL photos!!! I am so happy you had such an amazing day...I have been thinking about you my fellow New Yorker!! You look just as gorgeous as I knew you would, and all of your planning paid off...you had a beautiful wedding I cracked up reading about your overdo-ing it on the chips and guac...lol. It is my fave too- so I better be careful! And with regards to Mike's mom breaking the candle...that is all stuff that you will look back on and smile! Thank you for keeping it real I loved seeing your pictures, and your sweet message above just made me choke up a little!! Great words of wisdom, thank you so much for thinking of me We leave in just a few days, (5!) and our wedding is in 9 days. I can't even believe it is almost here. Michael and I sat down tonight, had a glass of wine and laughed...thinking...wow! We have talked about this for a year and a half! Everything is done except packing...I want to have everything done ahead of time so we are well rested, no stress, and relaxed. I have just sent Vanessa all of our information in a really easy to read list...(thank you Carlota!!!) and nothing left to do except figure out what the heck to do with my hair If that is my biggest worry, I think I'm pretty good My Mike is lucky...I bought him a cool fedora to wear, no hair worries for him, lol. If I don't get the chance to pop back on here before we leave, I promise I will be back after we return to share photos, and have my own words of wisdom to pass along. I need to see everyone else's beautiful wedding days as well so I will be back many times...I am emotionally invested! XOXO Chrestena

These are great! Thank you...I have been worried about my makeup. I am very light coloring, (hair and eyes) but tan easily, so I dont want to appear washed out...I also worry about too much eyeliner, I typically don't wear too much black eyeliner, but I like how the bride in the photo looks! I also am thinking of false eyelashes, but worry that in the hot Caribbean sun they will fall off, lol! What is the most important to show up in photos, eyes or lips or both!

oh Maybride...I am so sad to hear you are upset about your wedding...if it helps at all, you look so beautiful, and you and your family look so happy in the photos! The location is breathtaking, and it seems like such a pretty day. I know of the wind here at the Palladium, we stayed here before and my photos on the beach have my hair looking crazy! Thank you for taking the time to tell us about the communication (or lack thereof) with the WC...Im with you Lauren- it scares me a bit! I like communication, and I know how I want my day to go...I understand there are always things that are going to happen beyond our control...but things like the dress disappearing (???) are pretty serious.' I hope you receive your professional photos and are able to see the day in a different light Carlota, great idea about the word doc! I have lists written out with copies for me and Vanessa, so you and I are very much alike! ha ha! I am just hoping for a beautiful sunny day! Mikeycelle- I have been thinking of you and hope you had a beautiful day also!! I am next- yikes! We leave in 12 days!! How it came here so fast is unreal to me!! But I am so excited to marry my handsome fiance that I love so much I wrote to Vanessa asking about things like decorative plates for the cigar bar we are having and about Las Rocas...we would like to head here after our reception. Ok, going to bed girlies!! XOXO Chrestena

Karen-Congratulations! Wow!! You look amazing!! I am so happy for you and your husband It looks and sounds like you had such a wonderful wedding day! Thank you so much for the review...it really helps to hear firsthand from the brides both before (to share ideas) and after (to celebrate with you, and to give advice). Your photos are beautiful, and you look so happy Now, after hearing your review, I am wondering if I should have them do my hair/makeup. I was going to do it myself, but then I will just look "normal", and I really love the hairstyle you chose. I keep wanting to do something special with my hair (I think I have had the same hairstyle since I was 4, lol) but I dont know what to do. I had a hair trial here in NY, twice actually, and really disliked what both girls did to my hair. Too prom- looking. Is the flower in your hair real? Its gorgeous, and I would like flowers as well...but some of the ladies on here suggested getting artificial flowers so as not to wilt, but yours looks great! Im also going back and forth between the beach gazebo and being right on the beach. I can't make up my mind. Ugh! I love them both! I think I will have to wait until I get there. Again, thank you so much for sharing the photos of your day with us!! Mikeycelle and Maybride- thinking of you girls, and wishing you the best as well! Carlota- I know you were looking for strappy, sparkly heels and I forgot to tell you where I got the shoes from, in case you wanted to search for some there as well. I was on heels.com, or 6 pm.com, I can't remember which online site, and the ones I went with are Vince Camuto. There are so many beautiful shoes on both sites. Also try My glass slipper.com They have pretty shoes there also Claire- Thank you! Great advice, and I will pop over to palladiumaddict.net right now. I appreciate that!! Lauren, Claire and Carlota- with regards to Las Rocas...our group is going there 2 nights before the wedding for a welcome party during the White Party, but you all mentioned going there after your receptions for dancing and drinks. Do they have music there always? I was thinking it was only for the White Party. Do you know if it is dancing and music? I would love to head there after our reception if that is the case~ Goodnight brides and brides to be! Christina

Karen-Congratulations! Wow!! You look amazing!! I am so happy for you and your husband It looks and sounds like you had such a wonderful wedding day! Thank you so much for the review...it really helps to hear firsthand from the brides both before (to share ideas) and after (to celebrate with you, and to give advice). Your photos are beautiful, and you look so happy Now, after hearing your review, I am wondering if I should have them do my hair/makeup. I was going to do it myself, but then I will just look "normal", and I really love the hairstyle you chose. I keep wanting to do something special with my hair (I think I have had the same hairstyle since I was 4, lol) but I dont know what to do. I had a hair trial here in NY, twice actually, and really disliked what both girls did to my hair. Too prom- looking. Is the flower in your hair real? Its gorgeous, and I would like flowers as well...but some of the ladies on here suggested getting artificial flowers so as not to wilt, but yours looks great! Im also going back and forth between the beach gazebo and being right on the beach. I can't make up my mind. Ugh! I love them both! I think I will have to wait until I get there. Again, thank you so much for sharing the photos of your day with us!! Mikeycelle and Maybride- thinking of you girls, and wishing you the best as well! Carlota- I know you were looking for strappy, sparkly heels and I forgot to tell you where I got the shoes from, in case you wanted to search for some there as well. I was on heels.com, or 6 pm.com, I can't remember which online site, and the ones I went with are Vince Camuto. There are so many beautiful shoes on both sites. Also try My glass slipper.com They have pretty shoes there also Claire- Thank you! Great advice, and I will pop over to palladiumaddict.net right now. I appreciate that!! Lauren, Claire and Carlota- with regards to Las Rocas...our group is going there 2 nights before the wedding for a welcome party during the White Party, but you all mentioned going there after your receptions for dancing and drinks. Do they have music there always? I was thinking it was only for the White Party. Do you know if it is dancing and music? I would love to head there after our reception if that is the case~ Goodnight brides and brides to be! Christina

Maybride and Mikeycelle...thinking of you girls and wishing you both a beautiful wedding celebration and days to follow!! Have fun!!! Lauren- I love the bags! Trying to figure out which ones I want but I'm running out of time:) lol. Yours look amazing:) Carlota- thank you for the info on the beach bash- I e mailed Vanessa as well- haven't heard back from her yet-getting nervous that she hasn't responded tommy last few e mails- my wedding is in 24 days:) someone mentioned that after a certain amount of guests booked, there was a discount- I'm on my phone app so I can't scroll back and look without rewriting this, does anyone have more info on this? I was hoping to get a room upgrade as we have been to the GP twice before, and this third visit we are booked for our wedding with 30 guests. Has anyone had any luck securing a discount after a certain number of guests or at least a room upgrade? Goodnight!! Xoxo Chrestena

Maybride and Mikeycelle...thinking of you girls and wishing you both a beautiful wedding celebration and days to follow!! Have fun!!! Lauren- I love the bags! Trying to figure out which ones I want but I'm running out of time:) lol. Yours look amazing:) Carlota- thank you for the info on the beach bash- I e mailed Vanessa as well- haven't heard back from her yet-getting nervous that she hasn't responded tommy last few e mails- my wedding is in 24 days:) someone mentioned that after a certain amount of guests booked, there was a discount- I'm on my phone app so I can't scroll back and look without rewriting this, does anyone have more info on this? I was hoping to get a room upgrade as we have been to the GP twice before, and this third visit we are booked for our wedding with 30 guests. Has anyone had any luck securing a discount after a certain number of guests or at least a room upgrade? Goodnight!! Xoxo Chrestena

Oops- with a microphone. Typo! Sorry:) xoxo -Chrestena

Hi ladies!! So many new brides-to-be since I logged on last! A huge Congratulations to everyone:) I had to pop on here because tomorrow is Karenk's wedding. Karen- I am thinking of you and wishing you and your hubby to be a beautiful, happy wedding day!! Mikeycelle, your day sounds like it is filled with all the best and I'm getting so excited for you! Both you and Maybride are the same week. I am one month away from our wedding day, and I can barely sleep- my mind is constantly thinking of " do I have everything done-am I forgetting something?" I can only imagine how you two are feeling:) I have to laugh because our dining room table has become wedding central- everything is laid out, organized and I have more lists and notebooks than a college student- lol. My shoes came today and they are so pretty. Mikeycelle, thanks for the backup on the veil. I did order one- so it will be interesting to see if I decide to wear it or not. I really think I will- it makes me feel bridal:) Caseylynndavis- welcome and congrats!! I have a timeline on my wedding website of the way our day will run- please feel free to check our the way I worded it if it can help:) our site is www.christinaandmichaelswedding.com. It must go in the browser- not a search engine like google- too many Christina and Michaels wedding sites to filter through. I hope it helps! Karenk-I can't wait to hear about your day- I hope you are snug as a bug in bed getting rested up for tomorrow!! Ok -since were girls-I have to share my wedding day shoes. They just came today and I love them! ps- anyone else have a fiancé that is getting nervous about saying the vows out loud in front of everyone with a micphne ? Lol.

That "Yikes" in my post was in regards to my countdown being so close- NOT to your beautiful photos Sue!! I just re read that, and it sounded wrong!

Oh my gosh! Karenk- your day is almost here!! How wonderful!! You must be getting so happy and excited- and Mikeycelle- you too! Im right behind you girls, were down to 40 days. Yikes! Sue- your photos are beautiful and you look so happy! I also love your hubby's hat- Mike is wearing a cuban hat too- very handome! Thank you for posting your pictures- and congratulations on your beautiful day!! Glad to hear yet another happy bride from the Palladium. I have been so busy these last few weeks- as Im sure you all are too- with last minute things. We have decided to maybe have a DJ, but we tried DJ Bob who I heard was great and he is booked on our day at another resort. Any ideas girls? Oh, and as a crazy last minute switch up- I bought a cathedral lenth veil. Crazy! I never wanted to wear one, and I totally changed my mind! I think Im going nuts. I wanted to wear it for the ceremony and photos. Any one else changing things last minute or am I the only crazy gemini bride? lol. I am getting so excited to see everyones pics and hear about everyones day. Thanks again Sue for sharing your beautiful day with us!! xoxo Chrestena

Carlota, About the people hanging around watching your wedding...I have heard that the wedding coordinators make sure curious onlookers don't walk too close, (the bridal aisle) or get near the seats, but I don't think there is too much they can do about people on the beach or nearby watching. In all the photos I have seen online of beach weddings, there are people in the background watching. This doesn't bother me too much...I think they are all just happy to see a wedding. Everybody loves to see a bride! I know I love to see weddings happening too! It might make for some funny photos XOXO Chrestena

Wow!! Thank you Ladyluck, for posting that review! That was great to read, and helped calm some of my worries. I have read back quite a bit on this stream and have heard many times from past brides "not to worry" as the wedding coordinators at the Palladium are very good and have this down to a science. This review just confirmed that for me. Good to know too that Vanessa (wedding coordinator) will be with us the entire day as she told me I had to laugh about the section that said the ceremony went by very fast! That is one thing I want to draw out a bit...it is my favorite part of any wedding, and I want to be in that moment for awhile We are saying our own vows, and having a sand ceremony incorporating our children, so I'm hoping it doesn't go too fast! Heatherlynn83, I wouldn't worry too much about the bad reviews- there are always those types of reviews for any location. My fiance and I are well traveled in the Caribbean and Mexico and have been to many high end, all inclusive resorts, including the Grand Palladium. We chose the Grand Palladium over many others. Yes, the service can be slower than we are used to in the a la carts, but I didn't really mind because to me...that is what vacation is all about! Slowing down a bit from our everyday crazy lives, and enjoying these vacation moments a little slower. The restaurants are not 5 star New York City restaurants, but they are decent. It is somewhat hard to find resorts that have the quality of big city restaurants, even when it is a high end resort. For some reason, the food tastes a little different, but that being said, we still ate and we never got sick, and we loved it. I am certain that your wedding will be absolutely beautiful I am wondering, from the review, why the cost of the minister wasn't included? It says it is in the paperwork, and even though the package is from last year, Vanessa said she will honor everything in that package still. Thanks again for posting that great review! Chrestena

Hola Chicas! (did I get it right?) kmanthes- I'm sorry Rocio couldn't book your restaurant of choice...but I agree with Carlota, Punta Emilia is really nice- it's on the beach and so pretty, If I remember correctly, it's near Las Rocas- the outdoor cocktail lounge and saltwater pool. We had dinner there and loved it! We also liked La Adelita, the Mexican restaurant...it was fun as well...the staff put a huge sombrero on my fiance and gave me a gun and then t hey took a photo. Good food though, so I think you will be ok where ever you decide to book. Oh, I thought we could pay a little of our bill in advance too...it doesn't seem that way from what I am reading in these posts. I didn't talk about that with Vanessa yet, but I was actually going to write to her this evening and discuss it as we only have about 60 days til our wedding...I wanted to knock that down a bit, but yes, it makes sense to have to pay the total after all is done. Carlota- I agree with Claire and will most likely tip Vanessa after the wedding...that is usually customary here in the states. And your cake topper is adorable! Thank you ladies for the kind words about my dress...I do really love it Lauren- the designer is Maggie Sottero And cake...I don't know either! I only told her I would love a white layered cake, with fresh flowers on it...I didn't even think about what flavor. And I still can't find shoes...lol...usually I find shoes I love and have to buy, when I don't even need them...now I really need a beautiful pair. I just ordered a "Bride" hangar for the dress, and my mother is making a banner for our sweetheart table that says "Baci"...(kisses in Italian, for my fiance) What are the choices for the cake? Vanessa never asked me about flavors? Thanks ladies!! Have a great night!! Chrestena

Hi ladies I came into the den with a nice glass of wine to read all the lovely posts!! This is becoming one of my favorite relaxing moments of my week. Welcome Carlota! Your English is beautiful! And congratulations...this has been such a wonderful place to connect with other brides and talk things through, and share ideas. We also, in a small way, get to celebrate with them after their weddings, through the photographs, like we did with Shayla! As for the tipping- I am from New York, and we tip for everything...ugh. So yes, we are planning on tipping Vanessa. In NY it is customary to tip between 15%-20%, so we were thinking we would only tip on the cost of the actual wedding services, not the reception. Our wedding came to $2200, (not including the reception, or cocktail hour- this is only the cost of our actual wedding package) so we would tip Vanessa around $400 US dollars.I am hoping this is fair.She has been such a great help, and is really good at communicating with me. I think it is worth it. Carlota- it sounds like our wedding day will be very similar!! We too, are getting married at the beach gazebo at 4 pm, followed by a cocktail hour, and finally the reception at La Laguna. (we will also be having a Spanish Trio play directly after the ceremony for our first dance). And my fiance too is from Italy! (although he is very American too...he came here as a baby). I will be sure to tell you how our day goes!! ( I have 65 days to go!) Shayla- thank you again for the beautiful photos, you look absolutely stunning!! And also, thank you for sharing the idea of bringing a list for the photographer...that is a great idea. Im glad to hear that there wasn't too much stress without having a traditional rehearsal dinner...and your right...as long as the guys know what to do...I should be ok... Mikeycelle- your dress is amazing!! oh my gosh!! The lace is stunning, and you will no doubt look beautiful As for favors...I will put up a photo below... we are doing OOT bags and favors, but only because we found these maracas for so little money. I know maracas might seem like the obvious choice for a wedding in Mexico, but they just seemed like so much fun- and they look really bright and happy We ordered them from a website called "Amols". We have 50 handpainted (from Mexico) maracas for under $60 (US dollars). Its funny how they made the trip from Mexico, to Texas where the Amols store is, to New York, where we live, and are going back to Mexico for our wedding. We are tying ribbon with cards that have our names and our wedding date on them. Karenk- your day is almost here!!! I am so excited for you!! Good to know you love the DJ App...I will be working with that sometime this week and next...and I am wishing happy thoughts for your wedding day Jengullage- I am with you on the mens footwear...we finally decided on the outfits for the men...which, I have to say-was not easy! They are wearing leather slip on shoes from Italy. I told them they could wear flip flops but they chose the shoes. I know you were asking about coral dresses...my bridesmaids are wearing coral dresses that are so pretty,from the Jordan line. I am attaching a photo of the dress but it is shown in the ice pink color, not the coral. The coral is a nice, bright tropical color-beautiful! If you go to their website you will be able to see it...it is really pretty in person...I don't know how you feel about ordering online, but if everyone takes their measurements, I'm certain it will be fine Lauren-I was thinking about the same thing with the hot sand, as you and Jengullage were. I also ordered foot jewelry for myself and the girls, but I still want shoes to wear for the ceremony and reception. I will wear the foot jewelry on the beach, or maybe not even on that day but on the honeymoon...I don't know. I really would like to find some beautiful shoes but I am still looking! Yes, my dress is in...and I love it!! I just need to have the train taken off and made into a sweep train...I don't want all that length in the back. Here is a photo- but please disregard my face! lol...I was looking at my dress with my hair and trying to decide what to do with it-wear it up or down, it gets so windy near the beach...so I look confused (or mad)...I wasn't! lol I am trying to decide also on a belt or not- and if you girls could give me your two cents that would be great...thin sparkly belt or no belt? Decisions, decisions decisions! Claire- I know you are anxiously awaiting your dress! I know it will be lovely!!! Ok- well, my wine is gone, and I should go check on the fiance...I've ignored him enough for tonight!

Karenk, I don't know what to do about jewelry and hair either! My dress finally came in- and I have an alterations fitting next week, the dress actually fits perfectly, which is amazing...but I am having the train taken off , so I still have to have some alterations done. Also, has anyone found nice shoes? I am having a hard time finding ones I really love...I love heels, Mike is so much taller than I am, so I can wear them, but I can't find beautiful sparkly, strappy ones...has anyone found a great website? Mikecelle- your day is coming up too!! Do you know if you are having a rehearsal the day before? Still wondering about that...I don't know why Im so nervous about that, lol...I guess I just want everyone to know what they are doing...especially me! The wedding DJ app sounds great...Lauren have you played around with it anymore? I still have to get going on my music...and we are still hammering out (and running out of time) what my groom and his groomsmen are wearing. He wants to wear a purple shirt??!! lol...oh my.... XOXO Chrestena