We just returned from our wonderful stay at the VIM, and EVERTHING was above and beyond our expectations. We worked primarily with Ariadna who was sweet, professional, assuring, and top-notch. Ana also was with us during the ceremony and was also all of those things. The clarity of what I say may be lacking because I have a touch of the flu, but will give it my best shot:

Wedding coordinators: cannot say enough about how helpful and excellent these ladies are! They go the extra mile to make sure everything is perfect. Ariadna spent stayed with me and the bridesmaids before the ceremony, and Ana stayed with the guests, so everyone knew where to be and when and didn't have to worry about anything. Ariadna promptly met my every wish with a smile and even sent my bouquet and wedding cake back to our room while we continued the party in the plaza. Ana helped us negotiate a good rate when our flight was cancelled and we had/got to stay another night!

Flowers: I was really picky, didn't like anything in the catalogs but sent my own pictures, and the flowers were better than I could have imagined. I was beyond pleased. I paid a little extra to have orchids in my bouquet but would not have changed a thing.

Hair and Makeup: I took pictures of what I wanted, and I could not imagine a better interpretation. I was soooo happy with the outcome!

Ceremony: Kiko Florez was our minister and did a superb job, the yuppah was gorgeous, beach set-up was perfect, no complaints at all!

Food: While the food overall was good, I thought the soups were the stand-out at every meal and the main course at the rehearsal and reception were mediocre. Some guests raved while others were not so impressed. I wouldn't say it was ever bad, just not always excellent. Overall though, the food at all restaurants was above our expectations, and so were the drinks. Ginger (Japenese) was our favorite but they were all good. Our romantic six course dinner was the best meal I've ever had, and the French restaurant was a romantic, formal setting (Hurricane Paula knocked out the beach option which was fine, no bugs).

Reception: We used Doremixx for our DJ and thought he was well worth the money. Kept us dancing all night long!

Photographers:

Del Sol: We used Del Sol for our ceremony pics and haven't seen all of them yet. I will include a link to the slideshow for anyone who is interested in viewing Sol's beautiful work. I feel like we presented a big challenge as subjects because we were both tense until the reception when we finally felt like we could let loose.

Sol was easy-going, friendly, and professional and did her best to set us at ease. My husband is just really uncomfortable being in the spotlight. That said, Sol did manage to catch some beautiful shots, and I am eager to see more.

I recommend checking out their website if you're interested in seeing more work: www.delsolphotography.com/  Their trash the dress sessions are especially breathtaking and possess an ethereal quality (they take them in cenotes), but we couldn't spring for one and just used them for the ceremony. Also, they have a sticky on bestdestinationweddings.com under Riviera Maya vendors that includes slideshows from numerous resorts. See our link below for our slideshow.

Wedding Slideshow

Blue Lens (resort photogs) shot our reception and I was pleasantly surprised by how wonderful the pictures were. Ashley Posusta was our photographer, and she did an amazing job. Again, I feel like it's unfair to compare photographers because at the reception we were all relaxed and focused on having fun, whereas before, we were tense, nervous, and not ourselves (even though everything was perfect, and we should have been more relaxed, we're just not those people).

Resort: the grounds were beautfiul, the service was 110%, and we cannot say enough good things aout the VIM. We met several couples who are lucky enough to frequent all-inclusives all over and they all liked the Valentin best. One couple comes to Riviera Maya two times a year and the VIM is their favorite.

The Valentin is the perfect place to get married, celebrate an anniversary, or just spend some time in paradise!