llevasseur

Hi Kimiko! Here are my comments to your questions: - Send me your email and I'll forward my playlists to you and the link to my video - Styling Trio is on their vendor list so there isn't a fee - I'm pretty sure the resort credits can only be used on the wedding packages and not individual parts of the wedding. You'd have to upgrade from the complimentary package to one of the other packages - We used most of our credits for golf and the spa (which is amazing!!) We also went to Chichen Itza with the credits. Other people upgraded their wine at restaurants, swam with the dolphins, and bought items from the gift shop - The great thing with the resort is that you get WiFi almost EVERYWHERE so we used Facebook messenger and WhatsApp when we found a good spot. Unfortunately, the resort won't give you everyone's room numbers so as soon as someone checked in, I'd write down their room number and kept it on a master list. We didn't do too many mandatory 'group' activities but I always posted when we were going somewhere (shuttle to Beach Palace - which I fully recommend, Chichen Itza, or just hanging at a certain pool). - We were in Sunrise but we were all over the place! That was pretty annoying I assumed we'd all be in the same building but it was like a 15/20 minute walk to some people's rooms. Unfortunately there was no way around this as the resort was sold out Good luck

Hi Ladies - I just returned from Moon Palace and posted my review under Moon Palace 2014. Please feel free to ask anything!! Or if you'd like to see any pictures or video Happy Planning! Lindsay

My review of the amazing Moon Palace: Travel Dates – October 31 – November 14 Wedding Date – November 6th @ 3pm Number of Guests – 28 (25 adults, 2 kids, 1 baby) Wedding Location – Ceremony: Beach 3pm - Cocktail Hour: Toucan Garden 4pm- 5pm - Reception: Toucan Terrace 5pm – 9pm (paid to extend the reception by 2 hours) Things we brought in our luggage: - Orange paper parasols for the bridesmaids (3 bought from Luna Bizaare, $8 each) - Light orange lace parasol for bride (bought from Luna Bizaare, $45) - Orange maracas (bought, $1.50 each) - Table numbers (handmade) - Table number stands (bought from Michaels, $3 each) - Senor and Senora sign (handmade) - Tumblers for bridesmaids. These were a big hit as they could fit two full drinks in them and the bartenders and servers were more than willing to fill them up ($6 each from Target) - Bubba Keg cups for the groomsmen. We ordered special orange writing that said GROOMSMAN and then their name. The guys LOVED these and toted them everywhere (bubba website) Services we used: Dream Art Photography (Perfume Package, 2 photographers for 5 hours (2:30pm-7:30pm) with 1 hour videographer) Honestly, this was the most expensive part of our entire trip and was a massive splurge but I couldn’t have been more happy with their customer service and amazing photos they provided us with. They were super pleasant and kept everyone smiling at the wedding. Tatti was amazing and took care of us girls…and her artistic eye is unmatchable. Tatti showed up at around 2:15 to take pictures of us doing finishing touches and we got some really special shots. After the reception they let me know that the pictures would be ready in a week and that I could review the photos and pick up the discs from the wedding office before I left. It was incredible, there was over 550 AMAZING photos! Plus the wedding video was sent to me the day after the wedding! My husband and I loved taking a look at it and sent it to everyone right away. They did an incredible job and honestly they were more than worth it even though they were on the pricey side. Gama Decorations We ordered very minimal decorations from them. Just centerpieces and some orange round lanterns. We wanted Mexico to shine through and be the main focus of our wedding so we just wanted touches of colour and sparkle. Styling Trio (Hair and makeup from Adrian, plus bridesmaids and mother of the bride) On the day of the wedding, like any bride, I was a little nervous but as soon as Adrian showed up with his team, they completely lightened the mood and put me completely at ease. From the moment I met him, he won me over with his charismatic charm and genuine smile. Not only did he do an amazing job on my makeup and hair but he made me feel like a princess. The techniques with the airbrushing were so flawless and he was able to enhance my features without making me feel like I was wearing a mask. I’m a pretty carefree person, but he constantly checked in with me to make sure he was going in the right direction. I ordered a flower from the resort and they put it in my hair exactly the way I wanted it. The other team members that worked on my girls did an incredible job and for $50 my ten year old niece (flower girl) got her hair and makeup done. I know the Spa is supposed to also be amazing (we used our Spa credits on pedicures, manicures and massages), but honestly I can’t believe that anything can top him! The experience was definitely something I’ll treasure as another amazing moment during the wedding day. JSAV(5 hours of service – microphone and speakers) Because of our small party, I opted to not get a DJ. I created our entire cocktail hour and reception playlist using an App called Wedding DJ. I LOVE music so I was happy to do it but I spent months figuring out the songs and changing the order, etc. It took a lot of time and effort BUT everyone loved the music and we danced the night away. If you’d like my playlist please let me know J For the service, I can’t say anything bad about them. They showed up on time and went a little late because my playlist had a couple of my favorite songs still on it. It was nice not to have to worry about the setup/cleanup but we probably could have duplicated the services by bringing a speaker system. It was about $425 for the service so I didn’t mind paying it because it was still cheaper than buying a system and lugging it around everywhere. Horse and Carriage LOVED this. I initially thought it was a little cheesy but the entrance was amazing and it was super special for my brother and I. Everyone was surprised and made most of them cry. I still love watching it on the video…so unique and special. Ok…MOON PALACE This was an amazing resort and is specially built for large groups that are travelling together. There is a ton of space, so it was easy to find a spot on any given day, no matter the time. We were able to eat at any of the restaurants without a reservation (except the Golf Course). All of the food was spectacular and we made sure to try them all! The Jacuzzi tubs were well used by all of our guests and the Spa was a huge hit. Most of the ladies went for manicures and pedicures and a lot of the couples did massages together. **TIPS** Palace Vacation Planners – you go to these people to book everything from Spa treatments to excursions. They are trained to upsell so be careful of the fine print!! Also keep in mind that they take FOREVER. Every visit I made there usually lasted from 45 minutes to over an hour. Make sure to get printouts of your resort credits to see what they’ve charged you (they double charged me for golf and it was a couple hours before they reversed it). Taxis from the airport – make sure your guests book a shuttle to go from the airport to the resort. It is only a 15 minute drive but the taxis were charging $60-$80 a ride. We had booked a shuttle in advance but some of my guests got stuck with a large bill Resort Credits – As with any promotion, there were of course limitations to what you could use with your credits. Everyone maxed out their Spa credits but most people had a considerable amount leftover. We did use them for golf which was more than worth it (it was amazing). You can use credits to get discounts on some of the items in the gift shop but remember you still have to pay the 16%. The one thing I would NOT recommend is the $300(16% is $48) Romantic Dinner. It was a nice dinner but compared to the rest of the resort we could have had just as nice of a dinner anywhere else. Weather – We were lucky and had AMAZING weather for most of the two weeks. There was only one day that was windy and a bit rainy. It was a warm 25-30 degrees during the day but at night the temperature was quite cool and most people donned sweaters or blankets. No matter where you get married, there is always a chance of rain…we were just lucky. BUG SPRAY – the one low point in our wedding was when the sun went down and we were attached by a massive swarm of mosquitos! Luckily some of my guests retreated to get bug repellent for the group, but some of them already had upwards of 30 bites! I felt horrible for everyone (I was saved by my long dress and husband’s jacket). DEFINITELY BRING BUG SPRAY for the reception!!!!!! My last tip…enjoy your time J Feel free to message me if you’d like to see pictures or the video.

Hi Ladies! I just returned from two weeks at the amazing Moon Palace! We had our wedding last Thursday on November 6th. Everything was even more amazing than I could have imagined!!! REVIEW TO FOLLOW Until I've written the review please let me know if you have any specific questions while everything is fresh in my mind. Lindsay

@jackielemman Ahh we leave tomorrow! Couple other quick questions Restaurant Reservations - did you have to reserve any of the restaurants in advance if it was just a couple of you? Like MoMo, etc? Bunch of my guests have been asking if they should. Excursions - same thing, did people have to reserve this stuff way in advance? Big Resort Map - I have a PDF one, and was going to print it out...but am hoping the resort just has big resort maps...do they? Thanks so much Jackie for all your help...it means the world to me!

Hi @jackielemman We leave on Friday!! Can't wait! Quick question - did you need any plug adapters for standard north american plugs (hairdryers, etc.)? Were there Ipad/Ipod chargers in the room (like connected to a radio?) How did you find the Chi products? Hair straightener/shampoo/etc? Thanks Lindsay

@@jackielemman Wow, what a great review. I leave in less than two weeks and am even more excited about the wedding! Can I ask you what you used as a standard percentage for tipping? How much did you give your onsite coordinator? Ahhh 12 days

My wedding planner just told me I have Valeria! So excited, I've read great things about her. Have a fantastic time Jackie - can't wait to hear all about it

I'm under 30 days until the wedding and have not been contacted by my on-site coordinator? Anyone else have this issue or know who I can contact? Thanks, Lindsay

@jackielemman When do you leave? You must be jumping out of your skin right now! I'm 30 days away and can't wait I'll be thinking sun for you.

Hi, can you tell me what the standard was for tipping them? Thanks! Lindsay

Thanks so much for taking the time to help us out Did you post it already?

@robertandreneesayido I've booked Dream Art and from my experience, NEGOIATE!!! They are pretty helpful with creating a package just for you but make sure you try for a deal. I told him my budget and they knocked off $500 to get within my budget. My wedding isn't until November so I don't really have any comments on their services, but they've been very responsive to emails. I booked two photographers for 5 hours and have opted for the livestreaming of the ceremony, costing me $3000 (originally $3,500). Good luck!

@@jackielemman Love the dress! I never thought I'd do a mermaid, but it was the most flattering, trust me I've got the legs and hips as well. Thank goodness for corsets!

Planning is going pretty good. I am sleeping better (no more night terrors, for now) and am trying to enjoy the process some what. My friend is supposed to be getting married in Cabo next week but everything has pretty much been ruined with the hurricanes so I'm trying to count myself grateful and not jinx anything for our side of Mexico! Glad to hear your dress came! I went for a fitting on Wednesday and love my dress more and more everytime I try it on. It's Mori Lee 5108. What dress did you go with?