marinah84

I wanted to do a planning thread, as I know it'll help me keep on timeline and organized! I'll be adding a little bit at a time, so will probably be post (and hopefully picture!) heavy. Some background on us and how we got here to BDW! Our Story We met during college, on the swim team. I'm older than he is, and we didn't really hang out in the same circles. After graduation, I went back to the team as an assistant coach, where we "re-met". We started dating, and moved in together in 2010. We found out about a surprise pregnancy in early 2011, which resulted in our gorgeous daughter. A son followed in late 2013, and we decided it was time to make it official! The Ring! We had gone ring shopping last summer 2013, and I had fallen in love with a ring from Rogers & Holland (http://www.rogersandhollands.com/assets/images/products/image/large/6370819.jpg). I knew I wanted a circle stone, with "wavy" accents, and most of what I tried on that I liked were similar. His uncle is a jeweler, and was able to create a similar ring with better quality stones AND match them exactly to a wedding band for the same cost. He proposed on 12/14/13, after our son was born and NOT on my birthday/christmas (which he thinks is cliche). He asked me if I was ready to go on the "next big adventure" on the morning he left for our new home to start his new job. I at first thought he meant the move, until he pulled out the ring! Here it is! Hopefully it shows up My fingers are swollen from pregnancy, my son was still a newborn at the time. It's actually a little loose now! Why a destination wedding? We are HUGE beach/snorkeling/diving buffs, and I knew the only way to get him to agree to a wedding at all was to do a Destination Wedding! Plus, our family and friends are scattered all over the USA, including us as we relocated early 2014 for his new job. We chose Cancun because of the beautiful beaches and water, and it is close to Cozumel (our first out of USA trip for both of us!). It is also an easy place to fly into from most of our guests, so that helped as well. Why 3.14.15? I've always wanted a unique wedding date, and my FI is an Engineer, so this date seemed to be perfect. 3.14.15 is the most "Pi" day you can get Why Crown Paradise Club Cancun? We have never actually been to the resort, nor are we planning to prior to our wedding. We chose the resort after a ton of research online. I found probably every wedding video posted as well as people's pictures they've posted publicly (those that said they were here at least) and read through hundreds of reviews on sites such as TripAdvisor and CheapCaribbean. Kid-Friendly: We have two small children (they will be around 18 months and almost 4 at our wedding), so we wanted a resort that offered a child-friendly experience for both kids. Most resorts are 4+. They also have beepers, which is handy if something were to happen. It also has an Adults only section, for our older guests who don't want to have to deal with kids. Price for Guests: We were also looking for an economical option, as we know it's going to be pricey for people to fly in/stay. Our goal was under $1500/week with flights per person, which Crown Paradise seems to be a fit so far! Free Wedding Coordinator: I've also loved my interactions so far with Evelyn, the onsite wedding coordinator. She's very fast, answers all of my questions, and has been great to work with so far! Wedding Packages: The packages here are reasonable even if you don't meet room nights, and they seem to want to bend over backwards as much as possible to help you make your day great. Obviously I'm still 8+ months from our date, but it's been a good experience so far! Wedding Party FI wanted a small wedding (he thought just our family & our parents...eek), so we compromised on our wedding party size (and guest list). We will each have 3 people standing with us; mine is my sister (matron of honor), his sister (thinking maybe maid of honor since my sister is married?) and my bff (bridesmaid). He has my brother and still has to pick his other two groomsman (haha). We have invited around 35-40 guests, primarily family and some of our best friends, so we anticipate 25 to come (based on initial interest). Colors Initially, our colors were going to be Royal Blue and Silver. However, with 3 bridesmaids and wanting to do an ombre effect, we actually switch to Sangria/Royal Blue/Teal as our colors, with silver accents. This was inspired by blue orchids, which contain shades of blues/teals/purpleish hues. I will have real-touch ones for some of our flowers, but the real ones are VERY expensive/can't import them/probably not even actually available. Here is my inspiration: My DRESS!! My FSIL was down visiting over her teacher's spring break in March, and we met up with my sister and mother at a bridal shop over 3 hours from our houses so we could all do it together. It was a year out, and my first time dress shopping, so I had zero plans to actually buy. We live in the middle of nowhere now, closest bridal shop is 1.5 hours away, so I just wanted to get an idea and maybe do some more online shopping. This was the first dress I tried on,and fell in love. It was in my price range, and fit like a glove. So I was able to get it at 10% off as the sample, and it's perfect! I wanted something fun and sexy for my wedding, since it's at the beach, and it fits that perfectly. I tried on a 2nd dress that was double lace layered and simply classically beautiful, but fit more for a church or garden wedding. I'm so thrilled to have found it! Now to find a belt that's not $200-400 that I like as much as the original belt I tried on (Allure S33 - please let me know if you know anyone selling it for $100 or less!!) FI Attire for Wedding We haven't gotten his outfit yet, but this is the inspiration for what we are looking for: khaki vest, white 3/4 or long sleeve shirt, khaki pants. Bow ties for the guys, white/groom and then matching ombre colors for the bridesmaids for the groomsmen. Starfish boutonnieres instead of flowers. The "REAL" Planning starts now! Now I'm focusing on the details of the wedding - I've learned so much via BDW and Pinterest, and am starting to DIY/plan like crazy! DIY Projects Here is the initial list of projects I'd *like* to do for our wedding. Some of it will happen, some won't! I work full time and have 2 small kids, with no family within a 5 hour drive, so I'm going to prioritize/get the stuff I really want done and hope the rest works out! Boarding Pass Invitations - I really wanted to do passports, but they were so intensive/expensive! I have the initial design completed, and will be working on those in June! I got starfish and seahorse charms I'll be using, and will incorporate the extras in other parts of my wedding. Inspiration (one of many from BDW!): OOT Bags - I have most of what I need for these (including the bags and contents). We will probably do local snacks versus bringing them, to save suitcase room. I still need to customize the bags and create the welcome letter/schedules (will do the schedules closer to the date as things change!). I did buy customized stadium cups (color changing with cold liquid!) for our favors. I still need to make Chapstick labels. Inspiration: Place Cards - I bought the luggage tags and will customize with the guest name. A project to do later on in 2014/early 2015, as we know who is coming. Inspiration: Starfish Boutonnieres - Love this idea! Bought ribbon and chocolate chip starfish (the white ones) off Ebay and will be making these for all the guys! The groomsmen ones will match the color of the bridesmaid dress. Inspiration: Realtouch Bridesmaid Bouquets - I will be making them using Calla Lilies I bought off ebay - they are very lifelike! Inspiration: Realtouch Bridal Bouquet - I will be making my own bouquet, due to wanting orchids (blue ones specifically, but any orchids are PRICEY in Mexico. Was quoted $50 per FLOWER by the resort!). I'm also making a rose throw away bouquet. My profile picture is an example of what kind I want, plus white orchids Inspiration: Wedge Flip Flops for Reception - I'll buy a pair of white wedge flip flops, and customize them with the ribbon & charms I've bought so far! Flower Girl Tutu: I have tulle in the colors I like, and will be making our daughter her dress. I want to have blue tulle on the bottom, and silk flowers on the top. We'll see how this actually turns out! Inspiration Ring Bearer Sign: This will probably end up being a flower girl/ring bearer sign, as my son will be only about 1.5, but I think it'd be great for them to carry down the aisle together! Inspiration: Mr Right/Mrs Always Right Chair Signs - I'll probably make these at the same time as the Ring Bearer sign, with similar materials. He made a joke about this the other day, without even knowing I was thinking about this being in our wedding! Sand Ceremony Frame - My FI is an engineer, and handy with tools, so we're going to try to make one of these. I can't justify spending 80-100 on it with shipping... Inspiration: Ipod Song List - Rather than have a DJ, we're going to save a little money and do an Ipod playlist(s), so we can use that money on other things (like a light up dance floor for the private reception!). I have a good initial list going, but it will be a work in progress most of 2014! Centerpieces - Our tables for the reception will seat up to 10, so I don't see needing more than 3-4 tables. The resort costs 40/table and is just flowers to match the bridal bouquet if you get it there... I want to use real touch white/blue orchids and incorporate white/blue LED subersible lights. Inspiration: Probably Not DIY Projects These are things I'll probably just buy... Heels for the ceremony - Most of the videos I watched of weddings at the resort had the girls in heels for the ceremony. You walk along the concrete for part of it, and the runner is on the sand. My FI is tall and I'm pretty short, so I'd love to make it more even if I can! I will probably do the blue "I Do" sticker on the bottom, for a flair of DIY haha Hairpiece for wedding - I'm athletic and have broad shoulders, so I'm doing down/half down for the wedding. Lots of hairspray!! I want to do something in my hair, haven't decided yet, but here are a few ideas: Inspiration for Half Down: Inspiration for to the side/down Garters - These seem reasonably priced, so I am not going to worry about making them right now haha Wedding Cake Topper - I'm actually working with an Etsy Vendor (https://www.etsy.com/shop/KadoodlesCreation) to design a custom topper that will incorporate our whole little family, 3 dogs included! This is a surprise for the FI, who desperately wants the dogs to be at our wedding haha Just started talking to her yesterday, and she's been great so far! Here's an example of one she has in her shop now: Toasting Champagne Glasses - If I get a lot done early, I'll make something myself, but otherwise I'll buy something like this:

@@malyna Thank you! The best part is that I brought my 3 month old baby with me, and no one could tell I just had a baby with the dress on! Score!!

@@Icis Do you happen to have a template for the back of your invites? I love the customization!

I'm leaning towards the Beef Tenderloin in Red Wine sauce as well - yum! But I also know lots of people like chicken. And it's in Mexico, so why wouldn't we go with a Mexican option? Too many choices!! They won't offer an official vegetarian option, but can accommodate guests who don't eat meat/gluten free/dairy free, etc. I'm a little bummed that I can't let guests choose, but then again, I'm having between 20-30 guests most likely, so it's not probably worth it for them to do that many options! I did eliminate some dishes I know I won't like (yes, selfish lol) as well as the ones that have mushrooms, because of allergies.

I got the Allure 9071 - it was the first I tried on, and I fell in love! Nothing else compared. Bonus - it was already in my budget, AND the sample fit like a glove so I got it (and a 10% discount!). I attached 1 of me and 1 of the model (I hope I did that correctly...) I think her facial expression is kinda scary..plus I love how the bottom looks on the real deal versus the stock picture. It's weird how it straightens out like that...

That is so awesome! Most airlines here don't book more than a year in advance. I'm in the US.

You can book into 2016 already? Just the resort, right, not hotels?

I love the site - you did a great job emphasizing the booking!

My resort does a plated dinner, and I'm looking at menu options now. I'm trying to decide on what kind of main dish to go with. There are 6-7 main dishes to choose from, in both beef and chicken. They said they'd be able to work around vegetarian/allergies, but that I can only choose 1 main dish. First thought - beef or chicken?!? We eat a ton of chicken, but also love beef. Most of our guests like both - I don't know of anyone who has issues with either, lol. Second thought - Traditional or Cultural? They have both sets of fajitas, which would be a fun "Mexico" dinner. But I'm not sure I want to be eating that in my white dress haha. Here are the options I've narrowed it down to, and my initial thoughts - what do you guys think? Chicken: Mexican chicken fajitas Chicken Breast with tequila sauce Beef: Mexican beef fajitas with tomatoe and onion Beef tenderloin rossini served on toast with Porto sauce accompanied with vegetables Beef tenderloin with red wine sauce I'm going to email the restaurants to get pictures of the dishes (hopefully they'll respond LOL).

I also bought an allure dress - just adore it! http://www.allurebridals.com/products/9071 I tried on a lot of Allures - they fit me the best out of the 4-5 designers I tried on. That one is simply stunning, I hope you like it when you try it on! We're going with something similar to this (inspiration picture!): http://pics-pinterest.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/31ba2dc7ac59ea4748aa764ae64fb01bdc90.jpg We'll do bowties in our colors (doing an ombre bridesmaid theme), with FI wearing white.

Yay! I followed back - I love your bright colors! My FI said heck no to pink or orange, haha. Blues and purples it is!

We did evite Save the Dates in February of this year, 13 months before our wedding date. We're sending out physical invitations this summer (probably july at this point...) and then will send reminders and/thank yous in November depending if they've booked/responded!

@@MrsRoy I love it! You'll have to see if you can bring customs into Mexico from the states. I'm not sure if you can fly them in (either in luggage or thru customs itself...). Maybe see if your wedding planner has a place you can buy them when you get there? I really want to do sparklers as well, but I don't think that I want to deal with the hassle!!

We moved to a new state this year, and we're actually from different states originally, so everyone is scattered. This is why we did a destination wedding int he first place haha. I'm a little bummed because I don't think I'll be getting a wedding shower or bachelorette party, more bummed about the bachelorette party! I threw my BFF one in Vegas in 2012, and it cost me as much as a mexican vacation...so I'm hoping they'll consider doing something for me My sister (MOH)'s wedding in 2010 I spent well over 1200 getting to the wedding & throwing her a bachelorette party, and it was in our hometown & state! \

I'm finding all of my best ideas on Pinterest. I honestly think I may have even found this forum through it...haha. I'm going to share my beach wedding inspiration board, in case it helps anyone! Beach Wedding Ideas: http://www.pinterest.com/marinarhianne/wedding-beach-theme-ideas/ Destination Wedding Specific: http://www.pinterest.com/marinarhianne/destination-wedding-ideas/ General Wedding: http://www.pinterest.com/marinarhianne/wedding-inspiration/ As you can see, I love it! Incorporating so many good ideas into the wedding via here and my boards

I checked out her shop, there are a lot of "video game" hubbys getting married apparently

Wowzers on #4 - I love the concept but that's just risque! Gorgeous, all of them!

I'm ALMOST to 150, so I'll definitely check it out when I get there Where did you have yours made? I'm working with an Etsy seller https://www.etsy.com/shop/KadoodlesCreation. So far she's been great, very responsive and flexible to what I want! Just started yesterday, so haven't gotten it yet

I have no experience with the wedding side, but work flew me out there for an awards trip last year and the HIlton was gorgeous! The area on the beach for the parties was phenomenal, as was the food. Gorgeous rooms, and we loved the swim up bars! They did a great job with our nightly events (first night was poolside, in a fiesta decor, so fun!) and the other nights were down on the beach. Get the light up dance floor if you can - it was SO much fun!

Welcome! I'm also interested in what others have to say about communication! We're planning on including a schedule in the OOT bags, and will pass around room numbers at the rehearsal dinner. I don't know the wifi situation, so I don't know if we'll be able to email/etc. I know my phone will be off personally

@@MrsRoy I'm making the playlist and asking him for song suggestions, and trying to incorporate songs I know he likes (or at least ones from the same time period/genre that I can also stand). He's not being very helpful when I ask! In a few months, if he's still not being helpful, I'll tell him he either needs to tell me a list of x number of songs, OR, he can front the cost of a DJ/listen to my music all night . We have a lot of older family members going (actually will outnumber people our age), so am asking them for suggestions as well!

Boys and their dogs! We saw a doxie on a motorized scooter in Cozumel a few years ago, so he thinks that they should be allowed to go. Are you showing him the topper ahead of time or surprising him with it?

I'm doing pretty well! Finishing up designing my DIY invitations is the big thing on our list right now. I've got my dress, venue, etc. My to do list (right now!): Figure out table centerpieces Shoes (thinking heels for ceremony and wedge flip flops for the rest of the night) Figure out hair/makeup Finish OOT bags (most everything is bought or ordered, just need to make the labels for the chapstick & the tags!) Make the real touch bridesmaid bouquets Make the starfish boutonnieres Make Ring bearer sign Make MR & MRS sign Buy a "Bride" robe Figure out bridesmaids presents (either customized robes or will pay for manis/pedis on top of hair...haven't decided yet!) I'm splurging and getting a custom cake topper made, with our family plus our 3 dogs. FI is sad we can't incorporate them into our wedding, so I thought this would be my "surprise" to him 2/3 of my bridesmaids are currently pregnant (well, one has a newborn haha), so we're waiting to get their dresses until Oct/November at the earliest. 5 months should be enough time (hopefully...). Are you excited for your wedding? It's getting SO close!