kmk2016

Im sooo relieved that one of my bridesmaids is a makeup artist and another guest attending our wedding is a hair stylist... both have agreed to do the bridal party hair/makeup for us at no charge. So wonderful of them, and allows for a few test runs (with plenty of wine) before we head down to Mexico so we know what looks good without the stress down there!

Congrats! Hopefully you find a pet friendly resort that is absolutely perfect!

My My Love by Joshua Radin is a must... but there are a couple others we love too. We want all the lyrics to mean something, and have something fun but still fitting for our recessional. We are probably not going to do the traditional "First dance" so the music at the ceremony is important! So hard to decide... I agree... and by the time we get married I will probably find another dozen songs I want to incorporate! HAHA

Congrats! and welcome!

I didnt think we would need a travel agent since we travel a LOT and rarely if ever use one. I liked to think I was very savvy on the internet in seeking out a great bargain BUT.... my wedding was an exception and there are so many facets that a TA was a must for us!! We found one that was not only familiar with the resorts we were considering, but who could get us better deals than I could ever imagine- perks for our stay and just a great piece of mind!

Thanks for sharing the wording for your welcome letters, we plan on making our wedding passports into a program/itinerary but needed to work on the wording for the first page welcoming everyone.. this is perfect!

Sounds like we have our bases covered- you are going in May, I'm in June and I read somewhere else of another bride going in July! So between us we should be able to get questions answered- even if we forget to ask when we are there!! The music is really important to me, and im not good enough at blending music to fade out songs between one and another- so Im hoping I can find a way to make the processional as LOONNNNNNNG as possible (HAHA Maybe I will start walking from the lobby!) We are planning on using songs that mean something to us (with lyrics) so cutting it off halfway through will seem odd I think! Hoping I can make it work- or come up with an unconventional route to the altar if necessary! (give all those hanging out at the pool something to look at HAHA) I have 4 bridesmaids, but I want my sons (7 year identical twins) to go out with the men, but then walk back up the aisle to come get me and bring me to the altar... they will walk me down as it's my second wedding and my Dad got the honor last time.

Well done! I love it!! Its such a great idea adding the flashlights!

I was just saying the same thing to my MOH... I have no idea how I am going to get there!!!

I will for sure!!! I plan on being super detailed when I'm down there (like timing the walk from the "start" of the processional area to the "podium" for the ceremony so I can plan music etc.).. I also have my heart set on Plaza Zavaz for the reception, It looks soooo perfect! Thankfully I am so far away from my wedding date I hope to have first pick at all my locations when I am there in June (At least I hope so!) I had originally wanted to sky lounge for the ceremony but the recent changes to the decor and the feedback I have read that it's so windy have me now leaning toward the beach setting as well. I will make sure to take lots of notes (Or post while Im down there in case you all have a question you want answered). Im very particular about food (as Im sure you are too as a chef!), so Im really hoping it is good! I realize it's an All Inclusive resort so Im not expecting spectacular- but im hoping to be pleasantly surprised!! (Its the primary reason we chose Karisma!)

These are the best bags I have seen! WOW your guests were very lucky you were so thoughtful!!!

Great topic! I originally planned for a cigar roller as a treat for my FI, but when I showed him the idea to gauge his interest, he said he wouldnt want that because he would have cigar breath and I wouldnt want to kiss him HAHAHA.. I love the idea of Mariachi... so maybe that... we are doing a smores bonfire as our welcome event as well. I really wanted Fireworks or Wish Lanterns, but our resort does not allow either... so I will be stalking this site looking for more great ideas!!

What's a shell ceremony? I have never heard of it... but it sounds really beautiful/interesting based on info you shared! Would love to know more!

thanks for the tip!!! My shopping addiction can kick into high gear!

ok question!!! You mentioned the cakes... and your concerns after mixed reviews (which I noticed too)... what did you think? Were your fears put at ease? Not only am I concerned about how it tastes... but Im probably MORE concerned with how they look! HAHA... I have to admit, the ones I have seen from past bride posts have been pretty sad looking... kinda like one made by your oh so helpful but less than talented aunt who wants to bake it for you herself... they just looked so clunky and amateurish!!! When they launched the Magical Memories packages, the cakes they showed in the brochures were a BIG improvement from what I had seen, but still not sure if they are an accurate representation on what you actually get! They "say" they will do anything you want if you bring them a picture- but based on what I have seen, I just cant see them recreating some of the cakes I have fallen in love with in my zillion pinterest searches! I was willing to forgo the cake all together, but it has become another "Must" for the FI... so I must oblige, I just dont want to be embarrassed of it sitting there at our reception!

anyone have and updates since Jasmines Bridal changed their process and no longer has the "designer service" upgrade? I noticed there was an added feature you could add to your order for "Photo progress shots"... that was around $30... which was totally reasonable. Has anyone ordered recently? Looking for anyone working with them since 2014! (and their new changes)

Hi Amanda!!! Congrats and welcome! let the planning begin!!!! I have heard some great things about the BBQ, I think I saw pictures of it in a page waaaaayyy back in this forum (yes, I actually read almost the whole thread! HAHA). We will be here planning along side one another for the next while- should be fun! I am doing the Bride's dress rehearsal this coming June.. just so I can taste the food and see the venues first hand! cant wait!

Definitely golfing.... I like to beat him and do it as often as possible! If you could eat one sinful food every day with no health ramifications, what would it be?

We are using fuchsia, hot pink and Orange... a small touch of chocolate brown (gazebo & chairs)

I was married 10 years ago and did the traditional home town wedding, so this time I wanted to do something different and magical to set it apart from my first. My FI has never been married so was hesitant, mainly because of the financial burden it would put on people to attend... but realized after very little convincing that the people who would truly want to be there and who we would want surrounding us on the special day wouldnt think twice about the cost and would be there... and others would simply send their regards and not attend. We came to a decision to give our guests a TON of notice (Allowing them to put deposits down almost 18 months before the wedding and slowly save for our big day) and hoping that will allow those who may not have thought about a trip to Mexico, a chance to consider it to join us at our wedding. I still feel a bit of guilt since asking a couple to spend $4000-$5000 to attend a week at an All Inclusive for our wedding is a LOT of money... but so far, the response from everyone has been surprisingly supportive! If it turns out that we dont have many people attend, I will understand and try not to feel bad for it. I just hope that my FI's family and closest friends attend or I will feel guilty more for him, since he would surely have been happy doing the whole things here at home.

Awesome! Yeah my FI was pretty upset about not being able to come (he too is a foodie and wanted to taste all the option and especially the cake), but work is crazy busy- and at the end of the day he knows I would just veto stuff if push came to shove giving me the ultimate decision! Sounds like it's a busy itinerary but still doable and will still allow for some relaxing poolside with a couple cocktails! I have booked 2 other sites (fives and beach in addition to sensatori where we are staying), but I may cancel the others since ultimately price and variety of activities for our guests trumps other options and so there is no real need to confuse myself by seeing the other venues! We have kids as well, and so do many of our friends... So we needed a kid friendly resort that wasn't going to completely bankrupt friends who are planning on bringing their kids along for the festivities!

Awesome information!!!! We are attending the June event... but were unable to add additional days, which I would have liked- but work/kid scheduled didnt permit it! In fact my FI cant take the time off work, so my MOH and I are attending. Your info was invaluable thank you!!! One extra question... how may people are in the group? Was it packed or fairly relaxed? And will we be the only non bride/FI attending? I dont want to get a bunch of weird looks from people who are shocked to see two girls at the event! Were there anyone else at your event that you noticed was missing a FI??

Im down for the dress rehearsal in June, so I will see it in person and see if I like it more in person. This is the only location that isnt on the beach correct? (Im not interested in indoor locations) That was a real bonus for me, since i like my heels and so do many of my guests... and the idea of getting married with a view of the ocean without getting sand in our sandals was a real bonus! but at the end of the day- the esthetics of the ceremony are important enough that if it will fit my vision better by being on the beach, I will suck it up! )

YAY!!! Glad to know I'm not alone here!