Choosing The Resort –

We were lucky enough to have been able to visit the area about a year and a half before our wedding to check out a few resorts.  We narrowed our list down to the Royal and Iberostar, based on price, location and reviews.  Although I loved the architecture and feel of the Iberostar, in the end we felt that it was far too large (it was HUGE) and a bit isolated for our taste.  The Royal was just so beautiful and in such a great area that we fell in love with it – the other huge perk was the family-friendly sister resort right next door.

Planning –

We had a long engagement (2 yrs.) so I took my time with planning and really didn’t kick into full gear until about January.  Although I am bit of a perfectionist, I didn’t want to go crazy with worrying about details.  After all, this is part of the reason we chose a destination wedding!  No offense to any brides who went all out with decorations, etc., but that was just not our style!  We were VERY lax about the planning; we picked our centerpiece 2 days before the ceremony :)  I put together OOT bags for the guests, which were a great hit.

Dress –

I found my wedding dress at a bridal boutique in Providence RI, called Ana’s.  I fell in love with my Maggie Sottero Reese from the moment I tried it on and it was just perfect for my special day.  It was a true wedding dress while being light enough for the beach.  I would NOT, however, recommend Ana’s.  I picked up my dress a week before I was supposed to leave and when I got home and tried it on, the top had not even been touched (alterations; it was huge).  I had to drive all the way back down there and wait an hour while Ana fixed it.  Although I’m happy with the way the dress fit, looking back on pictures I still think the top could have fit a bit more snug.  Additionally, the bustle on the train broke about 20 minutes into the reception – although it’s light material and was held up by fasteners, I do not think it should have come apart this quickly.  Thank god the dress was light, as I held it over my arm all night!  Lastly, I was charged for steaming when I specifically told them I did not need it; I was told that she didn’t look at my paperwork prior to steaming the dress.

Photographer –

Nathaniel Thompson Photography….Words cannot describe our experience with Nathaniel!  We booked his services in January and I had regular contact with him prior to the wedding; we customized a package that included an assistant, an engagement session, 8 hours of photography on the wedding day and a TTD and it was very affordable.  Nathaniel and his assistant, Norm, were two of the most genuine people we have ever met and made us feel comfortable within moments of meeting face-to-face.  We spent a total of about 15 hours with them (shooting) over 3 days and really felt like we got to know them on a personal level.  It was actually quite sad to have those few days come to an end because they became a part of our wedding experience as opposed to hired services.  What’s more is that his photography is PHENOMENAL!  We could not be happier with our photographs and got so many compliments on them.  As part of our package we received all proofs, which came in a nice, leather case with our picture on it.   Truly, truly worth every cent!  Here are some of my favs:

Wedding Coordinator –

I was assigned one of the Mexican (resort) coordinators right from making my deposit, which I believe is because I went directly through the resort from the beginning.  I worked with Michelle and had fairly regular contact with her from Day 1.  During my time on the forum prior to my wedding there were a lot of girl’s worried/concerned/upset about their contact with WC’s and they had a lot of issues.  I, fortunately, did not run into any problems prior to the wedding or once we got down there.  I was pretty laid-back about the whole thing and even though it would often take Michelle a while to respond to my emails, or there would be a slight language barrier, it really didn’t make me concerned.  I kind of figured it was partly the cultural/language differences and they do SO many weddings that they have to know what they’re doing!   As you will see below, Michelle did an outstanding job on the day of our wedding and I could not have asked her to do anything differently – she executed everything to perfection.  We met with her the day after arriving in Mexico and reviewed all aspects of the wedding to confirm the details.  Michelle was available for my questions between then and the wedding, which helped me to be reassured that things were going to go smoothly!

Resort–

Amazing!!  By far the most amazing place I have ever been and would go back in a heartbeat!  The resort itself is just gorgeous and kept immaculate (we saw housekeepers cleaning phones with toothbrushes!), both rooms and grounds included.  Staff are incredibly kind and helpful, especially the romance coordinators who made us feel like we were the only couple there.  One thing that stuck out to us is how genuinely happy all staff are – every time you walk by an employee they cover their heart with their right hand and slightly bow their heads.  Incredible hospitality!  We received a bottle of champagne and fruit platter upon arrival, turn-down service every night (standard), rose petals on the night of the wedding, a GORGEOUS bouquet of flowers from WC on the day of the wedding along with a silver picture frame, and a dessert platter on our last night.  Our original room was on the third floor, above the lobby, so it overlooked in the garden and ocean at a distance.  We got a free upgrade the day after our wedding (due to availability) and spent the rest of our time in an oceanfront from right over Gaviotas.  Both were beautiful rooms.

Beach/pool/entertainment –

No complaints!  We spent the first half our stay largely on the beach, although I wasn’t lying out for fear of getting burned.  The second half we tended to spend more time at the pool which was nice because it would get very hot and you could put your lounge chairs in the water.  Entertainment staff is incredible; they all have so much energy and work around the clock.  Nightly entertainment was okay, nothing special; on the nights after our guests left we tended to walk around 5^th ave or turn in early (the overall crowd at the resort turned a bit older, anyway).  The nights at the resort were livelier when we had guests.

Restaurants –

We were blown away by the food, as were our guests.  It’s always hard to know what you’ll get with an all-inclusive but it was truly a 5-star experience.  The buffet (which we had for lunch, daily) had fresh seafood and a la carte food that you could choose to your liking.  All other restaurants were phenomenal and I think the only one we didn’t get a chance to try was the Italian one as there was always a long wait.  Portions were small, as it is gourmet, but perfectly filling and delicious!  We had the private/romantic beach dinner a few days after the wedding and my only complaint was that it was very windy!  We also tried the Chef’s Plate (included in our package), which is all-inclusive to only those staying in the highest tiered suites, and it was like nothing we had ever eaten.  It is a 7-course meal and out of this world!  I think my favorite restaurants were the Asiana (although the sushi was just okay) and Maria’s.

Hair/Make-up/Spa –

We had the couple’s massages as part of our package and thoroughly enjoyed it.  No complaints and VERY relaxing!  I also had a pedicure prior to the wedding and it was so-so, not a full ‘spa’ pedicure that I would get at home but just a quick soak with paint.

I had my hair and make-up done for the wedding, which I was a little nervous about.  I brought a picture of the hairstyle I wanted (recommended to do this!)  and the stylist did it perfect!  Without hesitations she just dove in and whipped it up!  Although I wish my hair had been a little more natural (less hairspray and ‘hard-head,’ it was SUPER windy the day of our wedding so I think she knew what she was doing.  Make-up was perfect as well; natural yet covered and was camera-ready.

Ceremony –

We were married at 4p in the gazebo.  The ceremony itself is very brief, maybe 20 minutes at the most, and was led by a female JOP.  She read a very nice poem, we said our vows, and then did our fingerprints/signatures.  My only qualm (that I can’t change!) was that it was very windy and I felt like I was paying attention to my little bangs that kept blowing in my face!  After the reception, guests had appetizers right outside the gazebo while we went down the beach to take some pictures.  We then joined back up with them for about 10 minutes right before the reception.  Guests were taken to the reception while we finished up some pictures and then we walked over.

My Bouquet:

Reception & DJ –

Our reception was on the beach, right next to the pier.  We had about 20 guests, so it was on the smaller side, and there were 3 tables with a head table.  My decorations consisted of chair sashes and a starfish bottle opener (w/written message) for each guest.  Again, simple because I knew that the beach and ocean would be by far the best decoration!  The reception was absolutely amazing and I could not have asked for anything more perfect!  The food was fabulous and service was great (wedding cake was hazelnut, I believe, and so yummy!).  One waiter was assigned to the head table and would be asking us for more drinks before we were barely even done!  Our reception went from 6-10 and it was really the perfect amount of time.  All of our friends have said it was the best wedding they have ever been to :)

We used Dj Dorremix and had one of their staff dj’s for the reception.  Prior to the leaving for Mexico we filled out a form listing songs for first dance, etc., and any songs we did/did not want.  We probably listed about 15 songs that we absolutely wanted and I must say that the dj got everything down perfect.  He played every song that we wanted and got the perfect mix of genres.  I actually emailed them after we got home and they sent me a copy of the playlist from that night, I now have all the songs on my iPod listed under “11.11.10.”  Such a fantastic company – our guests loved the balloons and masks!  I think it’s the only wedding I’ve ever been to where everyone danced the entire night :)  I would agree with the review below that Dorremix is absolutely worth whatever the price – and to splurge for the light-up dance floor.

Nightlife –

Definitely go to Coco Bongo!  It is by far the best place to be.  After the reception we went to the Blue Parrot and it was okay – we ended up leaving because some sketchy guys were being weird towards my sister.  5^th Ave to the left of the resort) is full of restaurants, bars and cool little shops.  At night it’s all lit up and a really cool place to walk around.  We spent many days/nights strolling the streets.  Definitely a great bonus to staying at a wonderful resort.

I would recommend a destination wedding to anyone who wants something out of the ordinary and memories that will last a lifetime – and not to mention the benefits of saving a few bucks and less stress!  On top of that, I would HIGHLY recommend the Royal PDC.  I went down there with no real expectations and left feeling SO happy that we chose the resort and had the opportunity for such a wonderful experience.  I really could not have asked for anything more for such a special event! 

The other benefit to this forum is getting to know people….I was able to meet up with Randi (below), as we were wedding twins, and also met another bride a few days later who is on the forum.  It’s really a great way to get and share information and meet some new people along the way!

Please let me know if you have any questions – I am more than happy to answer about anything I may have missed!!