HNeal

@@hapykat I ordered the maracas and papel picado in advance from Maracas Mexico. They are based out of Puerta Vallarta and shipped directly to Jessica at the resort. They do ship to Canada and the US but it is very expensive so they actually recommend that they ship directly to resort. It worked out well for me. I was so happy with the finished product. I sent them a pic of my stationery and they hand painted the design to coordinate with that. Below are a couple extra pics of the maracas. Maracas Mexico does have a website: www.maracasmexico.com and they are also on facebook. As for the two excursions...we did pay for all of our guests to attend. It was a big expense but it was something when we were deciding on a destination wedding that we said we wanted to do. We wanted all of our guests to be able to experience some things that we love to do in Mexico. @@upstatekj I forgot to include that I also brought table runners for the reception table, cake table, and guest book table.

@@JenniferH114 I think you made a good choice with the DJ. I also read mixed reviews and was nervous about this. We were so happy with the decision. If you want the reception to flow in a specific manner or are picky with your music I would definitely send them a list though. They were able to pretty much get any song I requested as long as they have enough advance notice. Tipping seems tricky in this situation b/c it is not a typical wedding. To be honest I am not sure if I even did this correctly. I did not tip my photographer and that is only b/c I had no idea how to go about it. I did not know how to tip on a $3000 bill with a lead photographer, second shooter, and assistant. I just had no idea what to do. I asked around to some people that I know in the business and the feedback I got was that tips are not expected or customary for a photographer that is hired for an entire day. However I have heard many people do tip so I am sorry I cannot help you there. As for Jessica....I was told that her service fee is included in the wedding package cost so I followed advice of other brides and did not tip her. Our guests tipped the bartenders throughout the night for their services. I did tip the servers at the end of the reception. Sorry this was probably not much help and may have confused you more! Jessica allowed us to be flexible with the menu. We had the Gold Package but chose some options from off of the Silver menu. Having two entrée options was fine I would just consider the size of your group in this decision. I would tell her what you want and see if it can be done.

@@upstatekj Thanks! I brought quite a bit for the reception. Candles for the table, the lumineers for the table, maracas, and papel picado and paper balls to be hung from ceiling. The maracas and papel picado I had custom made from Maracas Mexico. They are amazing and not too expensive. They are a family run business in Puerta Vallarta. It was sooo hot when we were there in August (high 90's). I love the heat so for me it was fine. The ceremony and cocktail hour were not hot b/c of the breeze off the ocean. The reception was scorching! But I swear no one minded at all b/c we were having so much fun. There were a couple of things I had to push for with Jessica...entree options, time of ceremony, and a couple little odds and ends. It seemed like everything I wanted as long as I asked for it I got it! That is a shame that Elias is leaving. He is so good.

Hello Ladies! Sorry for the delay but I posted a very long and detailed review in the ERC review section. I also posted some pics in my photo gallery. You can access it by going to my profile. I'd be happy to help and answer any questions!