upstatekj

hi all! i'm back! we had an amazing time. minus a few bumps relating to ceremony and reception set up (and Jessica overall, actually) everything was perfect. Juan Navarro was AMAZING. everyone had so much fun and had a great time. will write a more detailed review later!

I did find out that Visa charges 3% in international fees, and Cap One does not charge anything. One week from today I'll be in Mexico! Jessica sent me a list of everything we have agreed on for our welcome party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony and reception - she is very organized so don't worry!

Curious what credit cards you used to pay for your weddings - i.e. i'm trying to avoid international fees and Visa charges 3% on international charges. Do any of you know the best way to handle this?

@@JenniferH114 - any photos from Juan yet? Can't wait to see more - the ones I see on your profile are beautiful!

@ jenniferleigh1122 I think some other brides have looked at both properties, too, and have decided on ERC if they are on this thread I have been to a wedding at EPM and it was beautiful of course, but I wanted something different for my wedding. I love the gazebo option for the ceremony, and the piers for photos, and EPM does not have those options. I do not believe there is a bonfire package here. EPM is newer, however, they have been updating ERC over the past year as well. I don't think you can go wrong with either choice!

have fun! maybe i'll see you there!

@@Giocivs88 - I fly out on July 2, wedding on July 6. Can't wait!

2 weeks from today we'll be in mexico! and yes i am nervous/anxious/so excited!

Thank you @@Sabes44 and @@JenniferH114 - you've made my decision to have a first look easier! I am also concerned about it taking away from the walking down the aisle moment, but i also feel like i will be overwhelmed enough seeing all of my friends and family! Glad Juan knows of nice spots to take us. Did you guys take photos in the spa at all? I saw this one photo of a couple standing beside those VERY tall white curtains and it's beautiful. Just curious how much direction I need to give Juan in terms of locations for photos, or if he knows best where to go?

Did any of you do first looks? I'm going back and forth on that! If so, where on the property did you do it?

How was the music during the ceremony? Was it loud enough for all to hear? What songs did you choose @@JenniferH114 and @@Sabes44? Did you just have your songs on your phones and Jessica handled the transitions?

@@JenniferH114 - did you request lobster for your reception? That entree sounds different than what Jessica gave me. I have "GRILLED FILET OF BEEF TENDERLOIN GLAZED WITH ROASTED PUMPKIN SEED SAUCE AND SCALLOPS WITH SERRANO CILANTRO BUTTER ON PAPAYA MANGO RELISH SERVED WITH HORSERADISH-INFUSED MASHED POTATOES AND FRESH SEASONAL VEGETABLES" as my choice, but yours sounds better Anyone else have different entrees?

@@JaimeCKL - the spa normally suggest times. I'm getting married at 5 also and my hair appt starts at noon. But I know that's more than enough time! My MOH, mother, and mother-in-law are also getting their hair and makeup done, and I think their appts are around 1:30.

@@Sabes44 and @@JenniferH114 - did your officiant stand in front of you at all times during the ceremony? Jessica told me they would stand in back so the photographer could get photos with the ocean in the back. How windy was it on the beach during the ceremony? Also, how was your reception food? What choices did you go with? Thank you!!

@Sabes44 - thank you! How was the weather during your stay - how hot? did it rain at all?

@@Sabes44 - you looked beautiful!!!!! stunning. congrats! i can't wait to see your Juan photos! Also, I just asked to see your shutterfly pics

@ JenniferH114 you used Juan Navarro right? Can't wait to see pictures!

@@Sabes44 - nice job on your website! How did you get a 6pm ceremony slot? That will be perfect with the sunset! The latest Jessica gave me was 5! @@kathryn78 - mine is: dave-kristin.ourwedding.com

@@Giocivs88 - how long are you staying at the resort? I'm arriving on July 2. Maybe I'll see you! I'm still waiting on a few things (lobster house confirmation, pricing on peonies) but things are coming along! Printing menus, programs and itineraries next week. Ordered wooden table numbers in spanish, wooden signs for the ceremony, a "take a shot and take your seat" sign and chair signs. I was going to order maracas for the tables, but we are sending each guest a luggage tag in the mail a few weeks before they leave to get them excited and give some packing tips. Still have to write my vows and finalize music. I'm getting so excited though!! Time flies by.

@@Crystal17, how was your hair and makeup? Was Elias still there?? Do you have any pics we can see yet?

Hi Katheryn78! and congrats on your wedding! A family friend of mine is a travel agent so we used her to coordinate our group. Because of the quantity of groups she has coming to Excellence Riviera, we got a pretty good deal, I think. Room rates are tricky - if you are constantly looking and staying on top of rates, you can def find better rates than what they provide. And also the timing of your wedding will effect the rates. We ended up with a rate of $210 per person per night for the standard room (I'm getting married July 4th weekend). And included in our group package are amenities like free welcome party, 10% off spa services, early check-in, etc. I had some guests question the rates but it was only a matter of a few dollars and our travel agent kindly explained that there are additional items included in ours. Our travel agent also coordinates transportation to the resort which is a huge help for me. She's also been to the resort so I bounce ideas off of her to help with my planning. Maybe go back to yours and ask if they can try to meet the current rate? They are flexible sometimes.

@@JenniferH114 congrats!!!! Good luck with everything!! Can't wait to hear about it!!

please do - thank you @@Sabes44!