talicea7812

Lomas Travel- not much they can do about that. According to Fabio the prices Lomas quotes are within the range of other Mexico vendors. I have done my own research and find that statement not true. However, I am able to bring in my own flowers. Only problem is we have to get them and bring them to the resort. My FI said no problem. He is going to meet our florist at the gates of Azul to pick up the flowers. The cost of a cab the couple miles vs. the cost of the Lomas flowers...cab ride is def worth it.

THE BREAKTHROUGH... Well...I finally heard back from the florida wedding coordinator supervisor and persistence has paid off... Hair & Makeup- the fee has been waived. Reasons...I am using a team that does airbrush makeup and the resort doesn't provide that service. As for the day pass fee... I put up a fight that I shouldn't be penalized for wanting a service that the hotel can't provide. Also, day passes are for people who will be staying the day at the resort and partaking in the amenities. the stylists will come and go without even stepping foot in those areas. I have submitted their names to the hotel so on the day of the wedding there will be no issues.

@@June7BeachBride look up Christina and joe on this site. Shes my friend who did the pink and orange for her wedding and I loved it! I think she has a link to her photobucket pics and you can see what everything looked like.

@@travelgal78 theres a couple guys Alex & Alex who also do the airbrush makeup

@@travelgal78 Hi Leslie... I'm an Azul Beach bride & El Dorado is a Karisma resort...correct? I have been approved to bring in my own hair and makeup team bc I chose someone who does airbrush makeup and the resort does not offer that. Normally they wouldn't allow it but I was able to find a way around the rules thanks to the airbrush aspect. I've also had the day pass fee waived bc I put up a big fight about it since day passes are for wedding guests who will partake in the resort amenities, whereas my stylists will not. I am using Beso Brides. Check them out on facebook. Very affordable and do nice work

OOT BAGS.... Since planning on the resort end of things is at a total standstill, I've turned my attention to OOT bags. I'm not planning on doing anything crazy but I do want to show some sort of appreciation for ppl making the trip. The plan: I ordered luggage tags (specialist ID) and designed pre-travel brochures (vistaprint). The plan is to distribute these to wedding guests ahead of travel & we are making that our "favor." I designed an insert for the luggage tag. Now for the welcome bags. I wanted to include useful items that people will actually use & appreciate. I thought about buying cheap beach bags but the items I want to put in the bags are all small... So I'm just going to use something simple. I came across bags on oriental trading that have a picture insert slot. Im going to use those and print out our peacock wedding monogram to put in the picture slot. I've also ordered some cute personalized items from etsy: Peacock Chapstick- In tropical flavors- $34 Peacock Packs of Gum- $40 DollarTree.com (sunblock is currently out of stock but im hoping to get it when it becomes available) Travel size aloe- $24 Not purchased yet: but will buy within the week Bath & Body Works- Hand sanitizer in the tropical scents - Also...in the past ive purchased travel size lotions for $1. I usually find them by the registers at checkout...so if they are available I will purchase them for the ladies. Also found cute maraca pens on oriental trading. $10 I will of course add the other usual items. Welcome Letter/booklet Hotel Brochures Not sure if im going to do any more than that. The items are small but the cost for the bags is going to be btwn $150-$200. Wasn't really planning on spending that much but i loved the personalized items

@@KaraEbeth the photographer was a huge issue for me. I was totally not impressed by either photographer for the same reasons you mentioned. Last year I was actually shopping around for a coaching position and said that if I get it I would splurge and fly in my photog from home...Well lo and behold I got the job!!! So Im paying for my girl to stay the 3 nights (I actually ended up extending her stay a day bc it was cheaper to pay the $200 for the extra night then to have her fly in on a Friday) so a win win. I actually saved a little bit and she got an extended vacation. I know not everyone can do that... haha. I wouldn't have if it wasn't for the extra job! Anyway, not sure what your budget is or if you are interested in getting a videographer but if you want both...look into companies that provide both services. You will avoid paying the outside vendor fee twice. Also, talk to the vendors and tell them about the fee. Usually they will offer discounts on their prices to help balance out the fee. Im now in a similar situation with the video. I really want the cinematic style but Caribe and matias don't do that. So I will have to pay the fee to bring someone else in. Dunno if we are going to be able to afford it. Another suggestion...since u seem to have a situation similar to me with sticking to budget. I set up a registry on honeymoon wishes. My FI and I have been together for 5 years and already have an established life. We don't need household items nor do we have any place to put them. So the registry is set up so that everyone makes monetarty donations to our wedding/honeymoon. If your interested in checking it out u can look mine up. Honeymoonwishes.com- Tina Alicea My shower is this weekend so we are hoping that the gifts will help us afford the videographer!

thanks for the info! I had a feeling that no matter what I bring im gonna be charged full price for the setup

yea...were supposed to do a small church wedding after for family that legit couldn't make it then a reception after. But when I say reception its gonna be like a back yard bbq. im not paying out a bunch more money

haha...I didn't want to do only immediately family bc for my side its only my mom. Then there's my FI's mother. She is obnoxious. I'm dreading the thought of being on vacation with her. I could write an entire blog devoted to her. When this is all said and done...im not talking to problem maid. I see where our friendship ranks with her and I've always been the type to just cut people off who do no good for me. The bitchy side of me is trying to make her hold on bc I feel like she owes me. I should prob tell her to F-off... but like I said, I feel like she needs to pay her dues.

Well...I just returned the message to problem maid and it goes something like this: "I really don't know if I want to "chat" right now bc anytime we talk nothing positive seems to come out of it... And right now im happy. Soooo Im assuming this talk has something to do with the upcoming wknd? If the chat is about anything other than "im really looking forward to this weekend," just don't call. And im sorry if that sounds mean or rude or whatever, but I've let the drama with you really get to me and at this point im excited for the bach party and shower and I don't need any negativity to overshadow that. " Now I wait for the reply

I agree with acw... it took me a long time to be okay with everything. I was also hurt when I found out my 2 bridesmaids that are coming are only staying for 2 days!!! and not bringing their significant others. I know some of this may seem petty and stupid but my initial reaction was hurt feelings. To keep a long story short, I made peace with it. It is what it is and I can't change it. I always thought of my wedding not just as a celebration as a love btwn a husband and wife...but a special opportunity to share that important day with the most important women in your life...in essence also a celebration of friendship. Well I cant force other people to see it that way. So I've turned my attention to my FI's friends. They are awesome and excited and have made sacrifices to be there. I'm really looking forward to vacationing with them. So...again...I can't wait for this to be over. with the drama with the maids and the situation dealing with the resort...the sooner the wedding is here the better. I just want to be married and start that new chapter in my life. u

@@KaraEbeth I just really cant wait for the planning and everything to be done with. The hurt feelings are insane! and to think...I didn't want to pick a maid of honor bc I said no one friend is any more important than the other. My other maid (Florida girl) has barely even talked to me through the whole process. Around Christmas she was up to visit and didn't even say anything! Then me and my 3rd maid were going out for brunch that weekend and she was supposed to join. She ended up backing out bc she was having guests over and originally thought they were coming over later in the day! Seriously? I figured I wouldn't see her again til bach party weekend...so you can't tell the guests to come later bc you have other plans? I mean aside from what I feel is a lack of caring & like you said no one really asking/caring about how planning is going it just hurts...bc these are the 3 girls who's weddings I've been in & I was very involved! Most involved in the wedding of the BM who has backed out of my wedding. My 3rd maid (and presently closest, most involved and caring) told me that Problem maid wasn't sure if she was going to attend the bach party and shower bc of all the friction btwn us- which is fine. However, she has repeatedly told her that she would contribute to the shower since she agreed to help all those months ago. I am trying to be as nice as possible bc my maids are depending on her contribution...but at the same time I don't want her at those events and taking credit when the credit is not due. She texted me last night asking if we could talk. I haven't responded.

PRICE GOUGING CONTINUES... So I have sent the same 3 pictures to the Karisma coordinator & to several Cancun vendors. Now I know that Lomas is a rip off...but here's just how bad it is Lomas Quotes Bridesmaid Bouquet- Green orchids & Blue Orchids $225 Brides Bouquet- Blue Orchids, Hydrangea & Roses $350 Centerpieces- Blue Orchids & Hydrangea $350 Total Cost for Lomas flowers= $2200 Marvin with Maya Floral Quoted: Bridesmaids- $75 Brides Bouquet- $185 Centerpieces- $75 Total for outside vendor (delivery not included)= $635 Karla from Hacienda Sisal quoted $470 for all flowers if the reception was held at the restaurant. Can you seriously believe the difference in price?!?! That's insane!

im considering this. Im not really happy with my resort and how they are handling my wedding planning. My TA quoted 2 private vans $270 each or private bus $575. Cancun Limo quoted $660 roundtrip Im also waiting of price quotes from the planner at the possible reception location.

im getting married at Azul beach and their outside vendor fee is also $800 and the approved vendors are awful. Im flying in my photog from the states and its cheaper than a local plus the fee. Definitely worth it...she was my "splurge" for the wedding

@@JMK923 Sounds like you had a blast. Loved your review! and cant wait to see pictures. So you can walk from sensatori to beach? about how far? I was actually interested in doing that but didn't know if it was possible. and are you able to eat and drink there? You mentioned they charged you the full $250. What did you bring down? Thanks for your help and congrats on being a Mrs.

@@cgcabezas I'm using Beso Brides...but alex & alex also do airbrush. Both also have facebook pages. Beso- hairenquiry@@gmail.com besobrides@@gmail.com Alex & Alex alegracia.creative@@gmail.com My planner is Carol Ramon. I have a copy of her email giving the okay for Beso to come in the day of the wedding. I'm also waiting to hear back from the wedding coordinator supervisor. I intend to get something in writing okaying it also- then print and have the papers on hand if there's any problem.

Hey @KaraBeth I'm sorry to hear about your situation. Planning a destination wedding has been the hardest, most hurtful & disappointing experience of my life. Ive dealt with similar issues to you...so I can def sympathize with you. I have 3 girls that I consider best friends. One ive known the longest (17 years) complained about my original wedding date pick bc it was on her bday- moved it to april. She them complained about the dress 4 months after it had been picked and wanted another one chosen. We went out that weekend to pick a 2nd option bc they needed to be ordered ASAP. when rsvp/food choices were due she took a week to respond and then said due to financial issues it would only be her (no hubby or child) A few days later she messages me on facebook to tell me she's decided to not go to the mexico wedding. they have financial issues- car repairs and several other wedding this year. (im not even going to go into how upset/mad) I was. She said she still wanted to be involved in planning the shower and bach party. I also intend on having a small at home ceremony and she is supposed to attend that. she ordered a dress at my dress shop. She was supposed to call in her payment the Monday after the weekend that we picked it and never did. Now the dress is in and she refuses to get it. she claims that she ordered from another dress shop but i don't believe her. On Valentines day she announced she is pregnant and due in august. Soooo by my calculations...when all the dress issues, financial problems, and drama with her were going down...she knew she was pregnant and didn't intend on going. she also caused problems with the bach party/shower...which is this weekend. My one BM moved to florida and is flying up for the weekend. she wanted to do both in one weekend to avoid flying up here twice. Problem maid was mad bc the night of the bach party she had a beef and beer to go to? Really? if its for a cause you really care about you can donate money or a raffle basket. Also with both parties coming up this weekend my other girls have informed me that Problem maid hasn't contributed in any way...financially or other. she hasn't said she's out completely but she won't participate. I'm just blown away by her actions. when it came to her wedding I was the only person that showed up to her engagement party with a gift (a very expensive set of toasting flutes) Her MOH refused to do anything and no one could get in touch with her... I stepped up and headed all the planning. Not to mention you should have seen her ungrateful reaction the day of her shower. Shes just one of the many issues ive come across with planning. Kara...its going to suck. People will complain. Some will book that you never expected...while those you thought were definite will make excuses. Its crazy...when you ask ppl to spend money to share in your day so many aren't willing...but if you did it at home they would flock to the reception for the open bar. I've spent so much time feeling bad and upset...but really it got me no where. You can't force people to care or to save...or to even keep their comments to themselves. I invited 80 people. We will have 24 actually coming. It is going to be small & not what I ever dreamed of...but im going to make the best of it and create the best experience I can for the people that are making the trip. Its hard...especially in the beginning to handle the upset but like so many people have said to me...its about me and my fiancé. Its really everyone elses loss that wont make the trip. and please...vent on here all you want. I find it very relieving to just kinda get it all out. Plus you are not alone and its always nice to know that someone out there is going through the same stuff. Also, on a side note...900 for for days does seem a little steep. Now I know your a different season than me but my deluxe rooms were 635 for 3 nights plus 201 for an additional night. who is your travel agent? are you using a GIVC agent? mine is and shes awesome. she even got 500 knocked off our family suite. if your not locking in with your current TA I would shop around. some have better relationships with the company and therefore I think get better rates. good luck

I hear ya on the getting the vision to come together. Its hard! Everything looks great so far! Your venue is awesome...I especially love the palapas for the reception. so perfect

THE VENUE... I chose Azul Beach resort for the wedding. It was recommended by a travel agent friend. She said the 2 nicest resorts were Azul and palace. After doing some pricing we opted for Azul bc it seemed a bit more affordable. So I narrowed it down to Azul and let my FI chose which one. He checked out pictures and some hotel reviews and settled on Azul Beach. We will be staying for 6 days. In an effort to save money...we will spend the first 3 days in a deluxe (aka. basic room) the Saturday of the wedding we will switch over to the Family Swim up Suite. We chose the family suite because it is larger than the wedding & honeymoon suite and actually a little bit cheaper. Since I will have hair and makeup coming to the room to pamper my ladies, I wanted plenty of room for getting ready & pictures. We are getting married on the beach. At this point we are supposed to be doing it in front of the palapa but I've seen pictures of real ceremonies in front of it and it doesn't look as nice as the stock resort photo- may change to totally on the beach. We are having a cocktail party at the Wave Lounge and reception (unless plans change) is scheduled to be held at Chil Beach Terrace.

ENGAGEMENT & HOW WE MET... Ive been reading some other brides planning forums and all of them start with how they met & their engagement stories. I just kinda jumped into the planning. Soooo to back track a bit. My fiancé and I met at the Cheesecake factory where we both worked. It wasn't love at first sight...but I always thought he was good looking We didn't talk for the first year. We traveled with different groups of people- him with the cheesecake crew and me with my non-restaurant friends. He said he decided to pursue me after reading on Myspace that I was single & he liked the way I looked outta uniform. lol. We got engaged Feb 12, 2012 in a way that was absolutely perfect for me. I was pregnant at the time with our daughter and my 30th birthday was looming. We were at a cheerleading competition- I coached a middle school team that just competed in the freshmen division. I was on edge because my team of mostly 7th grader were up against the older 9th grade teams. anyway...when im at a competition cheer is the only thing on my mind. If you've ever been to one there's always that annoying break in between performances and awards where they play music and everyone dances. The previous cheer season my squad (totally unprovoked my me) went up into the stands and danced around my FI doing the single ladies dance. Well at this particular comp the song was played again...and out walks my FI to propose to me in front of the huge crowd & my favorite team. It was awesome...and moments later my team took first place! Our daughter in my belly, a ring on my hand and a first place trophy. A solid winning day.

@@mrsrobertkarlik having a stylist in your group would be amazing! save money! and put your mind at rest! Even tho I've hired someone already im still nervous! ppl never take me serious when I tell them how difficult my hair is. when I sit down in the chair its under control...but that's because ive been dealing with it all my life and put a lot of work into it! Next week im going for a hair trial before a dress fitting. I want to have a plan A & B depending on the weather. I also want to see some style now so when I get to mexico im not like, "well I like this hairstyle but maybe..." Hopefully this will help me narrow it down and I can take pics to show my stylist. Hair is the one thing that really makes me anxious. I'm actually getting a keratin treatment to help ease some frizziness and help out the stylist. Im hoping it will also help my hair hold a style longer.

I need to stay off this site!!! I was just going to do the regular chair sashes...but I love the ruffles! did a little searching and found a design in my theme- peacock I think just cutting the fabric in a spiral will create the ruffled look. then just gather them and im thinking fix them all together with a fabric flower? This will be my next DIY

I seriously spend too much time on the computer...and I just keep getting more ideas. Today I came across these beautiful chair sashes! I love the ruffles and it adds a little something extra to the ordinary chair decorations. I've looked online and I've only been able to find them for chivalri chairs...so it would be a DIY project. Lucky for me my step mother in law is amazing with a sewing machine. I've sent her the pics and asked her how to get the fabric to ruffle... I'm sure she'll know...or at least figure it out. She also loves DIY I wouldn't do these for every chair- too much work and extra fabric to carry down to Mexico. So if they can be made I'm thinking just adding them to the Bride and Groom chairs. just a little something extra. I would still do the regular chair sash then attach the ruffles in the center (I like the color fabric in the first pic but the overall styling of the second)