upstatekj

@@victoriasalv - I am def purchasing additional flowers for the ceremony - and then use for the reception. Will be figuring out how many this week, but thinking atleast 4 bouquets so I can use them as centerpieces for my reception tables. 2 months left for me and I'm starting to stress! Need to make some decisions about decor and details. Has anyone ever used the aqua wellness at the spa? I believe it is a large pool with jets or something ? I've read so many reviews that it's so amazing so just curious what it really consists of and if it's worth the extra $38/day. My mom has back and neck issues so thinking she would enjoy this.

@@victoriasalv We are doing the shots at the reception - they are acting as seating assignments We are not technically having a welcome dinner, just a cocktail hour with apps. This was actually included in the package we got through our travel agent. I've mentioned the weekend events on our wedding website, you can view it here if you want! www.dave-kristin.ourwedding.com @@Crystal17 and @@hapykat - you guys must be so excited!! Time really does fly by. Can't wait to read your reviews and see your photos! Glad to hear Jessica is so organized! Are you both doing any extras for your guests like excursions? Also, and this may be a personal question - what are you all giving your MOH/groomsmen and parents? Was thinking it might be nice to treat them to the spa at the resort as part of a gift. Are any of you (or your men) planning on golfing? I believe the closest course is at Excellence Playa Mujeres around 30 mins away.

@victoriasalv I'm getting married on July 6 and I sent me STD's out in August, and my invites out in January. Most people know by then if they are going or not. We are having a welcome party at the X lounge on Saturday (hopefully followed by beach fireworks for the 4th) a semi-private rehearsal dinner Sunday for the bridal party, and Monday is our wedding, 5pm ceremony on the beach followed cocktail hour at los olas, and hopefully the reception at the lobster house. We have around 45 people coming. I came across a "fisherman's knot" ceremony ritual and I think we will do that. My fiance is a huge fisherman, and the symbolism is really sweet. other than that, i have no idea what we will do/say it's just a symbolic ceremony as we are getting married in NY, but we aren't advertising that to the guests - we want them to think it's the real deal. Def bringing with me welcome itineraries, ceremony programs, menus, and "take a shot and take your seat" labels. Probably some candle holders for the reception tables. Still undecided about purchasing maracas. Are you all using round tables at your reception, or long rectangles? Not sure which is better spatially in the Lobster House.

I'm giving my guests 2 dinner entree options: the beef and scallops (or just beef if there is shellfish allergy) and the chicken. Def more work but I have some picky eaters. I'm planning on having shots of tequila when guests first enter the reception, with their name and table number (take a shot and take your seat). At each table setting I'm having limes with a place card and will somehow incorporate their entree choice. I've recently discovered the Vitamin String Quartet so I am using a few of their songs before the ceremony when guests are arriving (will have around 15 mins of that). My sister is walking down to The Piano Guys "A Thousand Years" and I think I am walking down to Sigur Ros' Hoppipolla. Haven't decided on what we are walking out to. I'm wondering if anyone is paying extra for ceremony flowers and if so, I'm assuming you will be using those for reception centerpieces as well? I'm still not sure if I want round tables or long ones. I think we'll have around 45 guests - just not sure which set up makes the most sense in the Lobster House.

@@hapykat - How many bridsmaids do you have? I've heard the walk is not far - around 30 seconds for each. I'm toying with the same idea because it's a relatively quick walk. I have a question about flowers! What kind of flowers did you guys choose? I've read that orchids, dahlias, field poppies and bougainvillea are native flowers to Mexico so you'd think they would not be that expensive. I've sent Jessica a few different bouquet photos and each time she comes back with outrageous pricing: $320, $220 - this is on top of my gold package! I asked her for a list of flowers and pricing so we'll see. But I'm wondering if it's more about the color of the flower than the actual flower itself? any insight on this?

My fiance and his groomsmen are wearing navy chinos and white collared shirt, rolled up. I wanted a more structured look. I'm sure they will all hate me because they will be hot though!

FYI - I asked Jessica how long the walk was to the beach gazebo - she said 15 seconds! Seems a bit short to me, I asked HNeal and she said this: 15 seconds if you're speed walking! The full walk is a couple minutes b/c you wait behind the building and walk down the stairs to the beach. Once you reach the top of the steps all of the guest and groom can see you. From there I would think at least 30 seconds probably longer. I think I'll time my songs for one minute each (one minute for my sister, my MOH, and one minute for me).

@happykat - where are you ordering the pinata from? what are you putting inside of it? fun idea!

My wedding is about a week after yours and I haven't really made decisions, either but yes, i think it's time!

@@Giocivs88, I had asked about baby's breath and it is an option, fyi. most arrangements are possible, it may just cost more to import. i'm trying to find a bouquet that is exactly what i want in terms of colors and flowers, but having tr ouble!

I remember reading earlier in this thread that girls have used her and loved it. I contacted her and she is pricier than a few others - a 6 hour shoot is $5250. her photos are pretty amazing.

did you ask for a specific type of flower? perhaps it's the vase rental that increases the price?

@@Wrathwitch - you must be so excited! i wish we could get away now!c @@saramatthews beautiful!! how windy was it on the pier during your ceremony? And who did your hair/makeup? Was it Elias?

@@saramatthews - beautiful pictures!! i'd love to see both ceremony and reception pics. what food choices did you go with and how was it?

@saramatthews - congrats!!! and yes, pictures please! wondering how 49 people fit on the pier for the ceremony?

@TA Wendy - We chose the EC ocean view, although we may be upgraded when we check in. A few of our friends are doing the swim out and I'm sure they will love it! @@SusanMarie813 - we are also using Juan Navarro. When are you getting married? @@Sabes44 and @@JenniferH114 - how much direction are you planning on giving Juan re photos? Are there certain pics or a style you want, or are you letting him do his thing? Is anyone doing a trash the dress session at cenote? I'm tempted - what a cool experience. Has anyone heard back from Jessica about dancing options late night? I know the dance club was replaced by the sports bar - just wondering if they have music there?

@@Giocivs88 love that look!! Where is the dress from? Are you concerned that the men will be hot ?? I'm getting married July 6 and I'd like the men to wear chinos and a long sleeve button down - but I don't want them to hate me Can someone remind me how long the walk down the isle on the beach (to the gazebo) is? I believe brides have said a 1 minute walk? I'm trying to coordinate my ceremony music.

What are all of your men wearing?

@@Sabes44 Can you please send me your picture, too? [email protected] thank you!! @JenniferH114 - fire show sounds so fun! do all ceremony/receptions last 6 hours? or is yours extended bc you're incorporating the fire show?

cheers to 2015! Has anyone ever done a rehearsal dinner on the beach? I'd like to do something a little special for the bridal party - something that feels different than what we are doing at the reception. Ideas? Anyone thinking about doing or execute a photo booth?? I'd like to bring the supplies to have one but not sure where the backdrop would go, if we have the reception at the Lobster House. @@HNeal - would you recommend doing one based on your experience?

thank you @@HNeal! Very helpful!! and your pics are BEAUTIFUL!! a few questions: What types of decorations did you bring for the reception at the lobster house? how hot was it during your stay? what did you push for with Jessica? FYI ladies getting married next year - I was told Elias is no longer working at the resort salon after December!!! i'm pretty unhappy about that - i've only heard amazing things about his skills - and now not sure what to expect for hair and makeup!

hi ladies! @@CancunTrish can't wait to read your review! are you all paying for your guests' transportation from airport to resort? or is that incorporated into the price of their stay? any idea on the price range?

Yes I'd love to! Maybe next week? I'll chat with Danielle about it.

@@HNeal, @ karijean - and anyone else actually - this is kind of a silly question, but in your wedding invitations, what did you name as the location? riviera maya, cancun? puerto morelos, mexico? excellence riviera cancun? thank you

thank you for the pic!