ashhtayy

@@Victoriabride both dresses are beautiful & look great on you. My vote is dress two based purely on personal preference and because you asked Good luck and let us know what you pick!

@@TinkerSofi poor guy. sending positive vibes for a speedy recovery! ps. love the guestbook cards. I love when brides switch it up and do something a little different. great keep sake!

@@TinkerSofi my FI was like "are you kidding me? Only four hours? Get them to extend it until as late as we can". My TA took care of it...its on my wedding builder and we have the sky deck until 1AM BUT I haven't told my FI how much it is yet. It's costung more than the rental of the sky deck. I have a feeling i may have to ask for that as a birthday present too lol

under cocktail hour and reception it shows up as $0 but under ceremony it shows as $1700. wouldn't that be nice if they "forgot it!" i can't remember - are you paying to extend your time on the sky deck?...$15/pp/hour (not including kiddies)

I should clarify - I don't think it is crazy for us brides to do, it is what we have to do - but trying to explain that to 75 people, half of which think you can "wait and find a last minute deal" gets crazy...and starts to drive ME crazy Is your guest list all finalized or do you have people still booking?

The website they give us to keep track of everything is SO confusing. It lists my massive grand total (in US ewww becaase of the exchange rate - not because of US lol) and then only provides a breakdown. It doesnt say what I am paying for hte always and forever package or the sky deck but when i do the math it = $1700 + $950 Scratch that - if you click on printer friendly it will give you a detailed view. @@racht33 My TA just called after talking to the Canadian Karisma Rep. She says that something just doesn't sound right with what you are being told because her Karisma rep said that nothing has changed and that no seperation has taken place. My TA also confirmed that, in our situation, we 100% get our GI perks (because she is an active GI TA). I really hope this ends up working out for you. I can't imagine after all the research, etc having to go back to square one. The GREAT thing is you found this forum and worst case scenerio if AF doesnt work out, you'll have tons of brides to turn to get information on other equally awesome resorts.

@@racht33 I'm so sorry that happened to you. I guess you are in the US? Us Canadians don't get the basic wedding package for free; that is why I am assuming you're from the States. I've emailed my TA to ask her. As I write this she replied that she hadn't heard this but would check with her rep. I'll post when I hear back.

@@racht33 I paid the $300 to block 15 deluxe rooms and $300 per room for an additional 10 deluxe rooms. I did deluxe because I felt that more than likely our guests would choose the cheapest option (especially becuase I went over the budget by $120/pp for TO guests). Although I haven't been to this resort, I know it isn't like a Gran Bahia for example that has 2000+ rooms - although I would like everyone to be fairly close, I decided not to sweat that because the resort isn't gigantic. Our STDs went out, and like all brides say, not many people have booked BUT I am happy to say we have 7 who have paid their deposit in the first week/week and a half I would recommend (look at me - I think I know what I am talking about because of read a lot of these forums lol) give everyone a final due date that is at least one week before your actual due date. Our fake deposit due date is exactly 365 days from our wedding day. This was not intential but did end up being one week before they were actually due. It's so crazy to ask people to confirm one year in advance, but...to my surprise, people are jumping on board! Good luck!

@@CaroV how good does it feel to be able to put a wedding date and location in your profile on here? lol I was SO excited. It's like this forum somehow made this real for me PS. CONGRATULATIONS! I wanted April so badly but the prices were over my guests budgets.

Hi ladies. I have Emma Fiallo as my wedding designer. I see a few posts about her but not a lot of information. Anyone have any feedback? Thanks in advance.

@@veryvalentine that space is so beautiful! you could get away with no decorations at all there - but why would we do that to ourselves? it's like we love the added stress and work those papel picados are the best. might be stealing that idea. congrats on the 6 inches - that's no easy task. take a moment and celebrate!

@@kcole123 you've helped me without even realizing it. I did in fact get the link to the centre holidays website specific to my wedding and put it on my wedding website. She did this before I even booked and then we had to change the date. I asked for it to be updated with our new date and it was. After reading your message I decided to take a closer look at her website and I noticed an error. Prices and departure dates were correct, just the return date of one of our two gates was incorrect. Thanks for making me take a closer peak; I cant believe I missed that. She does definitely have a ton of experience and coordinates so many weddings at once. She has done a great job making me feel like I'm her only bride so fingers crossed we don't run into any major issues down the road. Thanks for the msg. Also, sorry to hear about the ebook fiasco. They say third times a charm. Good luck.

@@kcole123 I've been creeping around this site for a couple months now and came upon your planning thread about a month ago. I found it because I was searching for reviews on our travel agent...your travel agent. Before I say anything about that, I'd like to say you did a fantastic job and looked so gorgeous on your wedding day. My fingers are crossed my FI and I can pull this all together half as well as yourself and all the other successful brides on this site. I am so early on in the planning stages that I don't have many specific questions for you BUT I am certain I will be looking for your advice and guidance in the future. Thanks in advance I also struggled to find a great TA. Our stories seemed to start off the same - like most DW brides, finding a responsive TA was troublesome. When I came across her I was in awe. She replies in no time, she provides information before I even ask for it (or know I want to know about that) and just before we booked I found out an acquaintance was using her for their DW this May and they have been pretty happy with her. Thus far I've had zero issues - only great things to say actually. We sent our STDs out last Monday (and the last ten or so today) and today was the first time a GF flipped me her correspondence with our TA. Yet again, she was unreal. Replied to my bridesmaid in 2 minutes and has the ball rolling on her "custom package" (because she and her FI can only attend for 4 nights). I am writing to ask you for any advice or red flags to look for. You are not the only bride that I have read that had great success in the beginning and then things started to go down hill. I'd like to try my best to remain optimistic but I also need to be realistic. If I need to be more assertive and ask to be more involved in the booking process, I'd like to jump in sooner than later. One thing I loved about her is that she said she would not bother me with the little things until she absolutely had to. She told me not to answer any travel questions and send everyone to her because I didn't need that added stress. Not sure what exactly I'm asking you but if you do have any advice with getting through this without pulling my hair out I'd really appreciate it. PS. Hope your burn heals well. You can hardly notice the bandaid and, like some of the other girls said, I doubt I would have noticed at all if you didn't tell us.

Spoke to my TA about this - although they are deluxe rooms they are more expensive. How much more expensive? Not sure yet but I've requested a quote. Essence is also the farthest away but my TA said she didn't mind that at all. @@acw271011 ^ see above

@@TinkerSofi sorry I didn't get back to you. That picture was actually taken at 5:30AM. When I asked if she thought we would need extra lighting up there in the evening she said "yes I saw lighting in the evening". I still have to clarify.

Rookie mistake. See attached @@TinkerSofi

@@TinkerSofi asking her now... I attached a pic she sent to me of the sky deck at night. Doesn't look very bright but also not set up for a wedding. I'll ask more questions.

@@TinkerSofi & @@racht33 my GI TA had not been to AF until she went this past week for her birthday with her girlfriends. She gave me some information that may be useful. - great evening shows: specifically mentioned Michael Jackson and 70s/80s themed show - all bars were great; couldn't pick a favourite - need reservations at Italian and Thai restaurant but no where else - all food was UNREAL - wifi is extra for everyone but bride and groom; very expensive; must pay per device; weekly fee cheaper than daily fee even if only going for 5 days; I think she paid like $180 for 7 devices for the week?! (My notes are at work, I'll clarify tomorrow) - resort was 95% full and it never felt that way - monkeys were amazing and mezmorizing - they no longer offer a shuttle to playa; $20 for 4 people, $40 for 7 (in van cab) - before going she said do not have your reception on the sky deck (just your ceremony). She changed her mind 100% after going. Said her and her friends all agreed it is gorgeous and worth every penny. She wouldn't recommend an early ceremony as it is so hot, even with wind, but said our 4:30 plan was perfect. We are doing 4:30 ceremony sky deck, 5-6:30 cocktails at zky bar, 6:30 on sky deck. - didn't recommend beach wedding. They don't move the loungers or anything so tough to not have them or people in your pics. Not private. - said all the gardens were gorgeous, but weren't going to offer the private setting my FI and I are looking for. - loved the pier (too small for our group) - essence was great; pool often emptier than others; less kids - not like a hard rock where music is blaring and you can't hear the person next to you; lots going on but didn't fel like she was in a constant party - spots with shade went fast but you could always get a spot on the beach - seaweed is bad right now and shouldn't be; staff worked tirelessly to maintain it - few rocks on beach; wear water shoes if you have sensitive feet; nothing to complain about - amazing spots for photographs all over resort; maintained beautifully - some brides got married early in the day and wore big satin dresses; she said they were sweating and really recommended I try and find something light - smoothie bar was amazing. All included unless GI is posted beside it. From what she could remember only protein powder was an extra charge (smoothies with proteins mixed in) Okay, off the top on my head this is everything I can remember. Please keep in mind this is from my TA, not me! Hope it helps @@racht33 do you have any more information on the playa crawl? If so, could you send it to me? Thanks! @@acw271011 this was a HUGE bummer for me as well...until I saw it was only going to cost $70pp to upgrade to the one bedroom suite (about $140 per couple). At that rate I think it's worth it. We just sent out STDs yesterday so not sure what people will book but I feel like at that price it's likely a lot will want (and be able to afford) the one bedroom option. @@snswedding2016 some info above you may want to read too! ^

@@veryvalentine in LOVE with option one - gold and glittery. I don't want a "colour scheme" persay but am definitely going with gold accents. SO PRETTY!

@@OL88 we choose Azul Fives for a variety of reasons - lots similar to what's on your lists. Number one for me was affordability for our guests, number two was a beautiful, private and unique setting for our ceremony and reception and finally, great food. Take a peak if you haven't already. I think resort may be a good fit. PS. We're all so biased. We all want to think our resort is number one

@@Meandhim loving your thread. Your STDs are amazing. After your wedding is done and you're looking for projects to fill your new spare time you should look into opening your own etsy store I have to ask (and sorry if I managed to miss it), any chance you're from isle-aux-morts? I'm not from Newfoundland but my godfather (moms cousins husband) is from there and I've been back with them for come home year twice (at age 5 and 25 lol). I had VERY little expectations when I went at 25 (just broke up with a BF and booked the trip with my fam to clear my head) and had the best time ever! I wish I was going back for it again!

@@TinkerSofi whichever colour you decide on will be great but I agree with the other ladies - I love the champagne. The extra sparkle is beautiful

Zucchni lasagna is a big hit at our place. http://www.skinnytaste.com/2009/02/zucchini-lasagna.html?m=1 Use Pinterest and search for paleo recipes. You'll find TONS of delicious and often easy to prepare food. @@calgarybride2015 & @@Meandhim

@@veryvalentine woo! congrats, congrats!

@@CaroV Hi! I was dead set on an March - May 2016 wedding at Azul Fives. Prices were astronomical in March and April. We are also a group of 50-60 traveling from Toronto and Vancouver. TA was able to find an unreal rate leaving May 29th and I bit...but...there was an issue with rooms. We couldn't prepay for more than 14 deluxe rooms so I felt the chances of them having room for all our guests was slim. For that reason we pushed it back a week (did not want a June wedding but loved the resort enough to push it back). We're paying $1620 from TO and $1820 from VAN. Also getting every 21st free (which sucks because some brides get ever 11th free) and getting cocktail hour for free (or photo credit or spa credit - cocktail hour is best bang for our buck). To get the extra free (one of the three I mentioned) you need to have a GI certified TA. I googled and found mine. Save the dates just arrived and am sending them out next week! Ah! @@CaroV PS. I also did spreadsheet comparisons. My fiancé thinks im crazy but this process (selecting a resort) is so overwhelming I'm not sure I could have done it without all the number crunching and insane organization of quotes.