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Some may find it silly that I would write a post solely dedicated to a sweet treat. But when it comes to the Churros Cart at Le Blanc Spa Resort in Los Cabos, it's totally merits the attention. Trust me. 😉 Every afternoon between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m., the fresh Churros Cart strolls into the main pool area at Le Blanc in Los Cabos. And after you taste one of these freshly fried treats, you'll understand why guests at the hotel follow the cart's trail the minute it makes its afternoon appearance. These delectable treats are fried fresh right before your eyes, then rolled in a bed of sugar and cinnamon and can be filled with caramel if you please. It's addicting, so addicting! But again, the cart is only stationed by the main pool area for about an hour each afternoon -- so if you've got your heart set on trying one of these churros, then keep your eyes open. It's definitely worth the wait! The churros are just another perk of Le Blanc's delicious all-inclusive dining offerings. The luxury adults-only resort boasts world-class dining experiences, including 9 restaurants/eateries or snack stations along with 24-hour room service. For more information about booking a group, wedding, vow renewal or honeymoon at any destination location, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! -
Trying to decide between a traditional cake, cupcakes, donuts, or some other type of fun dessert in place of cake. What are your thoughts on this? Would you miss the cake at a wedding if there were other desserts replacing it? Have any good ideas for a replacement? Thanks everyone ???? -
The Casa Rolandi Restaurant in Isla Mujeres Cancun
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
The beautiful Zoetry Villa Rolandi retreat in Isla Mujeres Cancun is known for its picturesque grounds and spectacular oceanfront views, but the small all-inclusive luxury resort is also known for its award-winning Casa Rolandi restaurant, where every meal is a 5-star dining experience. Found perched cliffside along the island shores, this world renown restaurant offers diners a variety of organic à la carte dining options. The eatery also serve gluten-free and vegetarian dishes, or can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction. Specializing in Swiss-Northern Italian cuisine, some of the restaurant’s favorites include freshly made pasta dishes and delicious seafood. Here each meal is carefully prepared using only the freshest local grown fare and heart-healthy ingredients. During a recent visit, I enjoyed a specially prepared 3-course meal for lunch. The entire meal was delicious and included a ceviche salad, homemade ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms, and coconut ice cream for dessert. It was undoubtedly one of the very best meals I’ve ever had in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area. Casa Rolandi is one of two eateries on the property and is open for Breakfast from 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Lunch & Dinner from 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and Late night bites from 11p.m. – 6 a.m. Reservations are not required. To book or inquire about a stay at Zoetry Villa Rolandi in Isla Mujeres Cancun, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the website at www.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Hello everyone! I am desperately trying to find a venue to host my 100 guests for a casual welcome dinner/reception. We are looking to stay under 5k. We would like something different than beachfront because our wedding reception will be beach front. We are thinking a casual taco place, a place we can rent and get catered tacos/buffet, or some passed hors d'doeuvres on a rooftop or somewhere unique. Please let me know if you have any suggestions, thank you!!! - PDC bride -
All-inclusive resorts are known for offering a plethora of international dining options, but when in Mexico, the mark of a good all-inclusive resort is having an eatery that provides its guests with excellent Mexican food and drink experience. And for resort-goers at Dreams Playa Mujeres, the Tres Colores restaurant is the place to be. In line with the Dreams highly touted gourmet dining experience, Tres Colores offers an elegant Mexican ambience where visitors can enjoy authentic Mexican dishes served a la carte. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the shrimp tostadas, the octopus salad, the beef, chicken and shrimp fajitas, and the beef au gratin. Aside from savory bites and dishes, the restaurant also serves delicious drinks, including service from the popular cocktail cart where diners can indulge in international and domestic top-shelf spirits or the fan favorite -- margaritas being made tableside. Tres Colores is an excellent option for a dinner gathering for both small and large groups. The restaurant is open for dinner service from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is located near the main lobby. Semi-formal/formal wear is required. To find out more information about booking your honeymoon or destination wedding at Dreams Playa Mujeres or any other resort/location, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Villa Carola Perks: Host a PIzza Party for Your Guests
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
When you opt to stay at a private villa like the incredible Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts for your destination wedding celebration, you have the flexibility to use the private grounds to host various gatherings for your guests. From simple to elaborate, the villa space can be utilized as the hub for your group and it's the perfect spot for events like a festive Welcome Pool Party or perhaps a farewell lunch! As a guests at the villa, you can use the services of the private chef, bartender and staff for any planned events. If you want to host a unique celebration, consider a Farewell Pizza Party before your guests depart from your destination experience. At a villa-hosted pizza party, your guests will have the opportunity to create their own personal pizzas with fresh dough and delicious ingredients, including a variety of veggies, grilled meats and seafood. And of course, your personal cook will be on site to ensure your stone-fired pizzas are cooked to perfection and ready to serve fresh. And as usual, you can't beat the gorgeous views along the Villa Carola outdoor terrace. It's truly the perfect way to say thank you and farewell to your guests for being a part of your destination wedding experience. To find out more about staying at Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun is known for its wide variety of restaurants and eateries, but another excellent perk for guests is the resort's 24-hour room service and fully furnished in-room minibar and liquor dispenser. If you're like me -- not a morning person -- room service is the perfect perk when you want to sleep late, roll out of bed and enjoy breakfast or lunch in your pajamas. My husband also happens to be a late-night snacker, so the ability to order from Moon Palace's expansive 24-hour menu was so convenient during our stay (the grilled steak, shrimp cocktail and chicken lettuce wraps were his personal favorites!). Their 24-room service menu is simply a great option for those who want to drink and dine in the comforts of your own room. And because it's an all-inclusive resort, no fees or costs are involved to order room service. Best of all the service is quick, timely and your food is always served fresh! Another special touch that Moon Palace resort goers will enjoy is the in-room liquor dispenser and minibar. The liquor options include full-sized bottles of tequila, rum, whiskey and vodka. And inside the refrigerator, you'll also find a combination of juices, sodas and water -- so whatever your preference, there's an option for you. The dispensers and beverages are replenished daily, so you are always "fully-stocked!" Rest assure, when it comes to staying at Moon Palace, dining and drinks are readily available 24/7 and you don't even have to step out of your bedroom door to enjoy! For more information on Moon Palace resorts and its services, or to book your stay, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! -
When in Mexico, it's natural to have high expectations for Mexican food and drinks, and Los Caporales restaurant at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun does not disappoint. As one of the many eateries on the all-inclusive resort's grounds, diners at Los Caporales can indulge in delicious fajitas and tacos as well as several other well-known Mexican specialties off their a la carte menu. But perhaps one of the most popular items on the menu is their special Mayan coffee -- the perfect after-meal treat for your body and an incredible presentation for your senses. This speciality coffee is prepared with tequila, coffee, sugar, orange and topped with whipped cream. But before you indulge in its rich flavors, you'll be mesmerized by the preparation and presentation of this delightful post-dinner treat. It's definitely worth a try if you plan to stay at Moon Palace and a quite a bonus at the end of a great meal! Los Caporales is located in the Central lobby of the Nizuc region of the resort. The restaurant is open from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. for dinner daily. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Have you ever had a meal that was so good it literally made you want to cry tears of joy? Well that's pretty much how I felt while dining at Azul Beach Hotel's premier restaurant "Latino" this past April. Honestly, it was the first time I've heard my husband say, "I've never been this sad that my plate's empty" after he devoured his meal. And trust me, we have eaten plenty of delicious meals and we have the bellies to show for it Latino is one of five restaurants at the gourmet all-inclusive resort in Cancun-Riviera Maya, Mexico. And when I say they do everything well here, I seriously mean EVERYTHING. Nothing came out of that kitchen during the two times we dined there that I didn't absolutely love. The servers here will start you off with a deliciously fresh salad topped with mango dressing followed by a platter of "Latin Bites," which features a variety of appetizers made from different Latin American countries, such as Colombia, Valenzuela, Argentina and Mexico. Because Azul Beach is all-inclusive, we decided to splurge a bit and also try their tuna tartar and empanadas -- again, they did not disappoint because everything here is prepared to perfection. To satiate our thirst, our wonderful server suggested we try their special sangria lemonade and mango sangria. Let's just say, sangria has now become my new drink of choice The sangria here is absolutely exquisite. This portion of the meal alone will send your tastebuds into heaven, but it's just the precursor for the main course of your choosing. As big meat eaters, we opted for the highly-touted rib eye steak and tequila lime shrimp, both of which came with a side of grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes. This is where my meal basically brought tears to my eyes. It's honestly the best steak I've ever had in my life, cooked exactly the way I like and full of flavor. The shrimp was fresh and side dishes were just as incredible -- it was the perfect compliment to the steak, which I later learned is imported from Canada. As an all-inclusive resort, Azul Beach is focused on providing top notch quality food and flavors to its diners. So how do you top off a fantastic meal? With extraordinary desserts of course! Although we came into Latino during the last 45 minutes of the restaurant's hours, our server encouraged us to complete our meal with one of their speciality desserts. So with bellies already quite satiated, we topped off our wonderful meal with tres leches cake, churros and hot chocolate. Let's just say, I wish I could have put a dozen of those churros in my pocket to take home with me. It was a divine way to end a meal that my family and I still talk about till this day. YES, our meal at Azul Beach Hotel's Latino was THAT GOOD. The servers here are friendly and personable and if you want a combination of two dishes (say, surf and turf?), just ask and they shall provide. When you come to this resort, the staff is here to please and they want nothing more than for you to walk away with a dining experience that you will fondly remember for years. Latino is a great dinner spot for large groups but if you want a quiet evening with just your sweetheart, it's ideal for that too. The ambience is chic and serene and the food is impeccable. Latino bistro is a vibrant celebration of food, energy and music, culinary preparations from the Southern tip of the Americas up to the Northern part of Mexico. Refreshing and unpretentious, Latino is the perfect place for family celebration with enticing meals including an impressive kids menu. The restaurant serves a la carte dinner services from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
10 Reasons Why You Should Stay at an All-Inclusive Resort
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
I am spoiled for life. Why? Because I just spent eight blissful days at a beautiful boutique-style all-inclusive resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico and frankly, I don't think I'll ever be the same again. The minute I left Azul Beach Hotel, I was already thinking about planning a trip back with the rest of my family. First you must know that as a lifelong traveler, I am not accustomed to the all-inclusive way. Having only been to two all-inclusive resorts in the past, most of my travels comprised being "more adventurous" and thrifty -- that is, find a nice affordable resort and then trying a plethora of different restaurants throughout my stay. This is how my parents vacationed with us as kids and as I grew old enough to travel on my own, it's eventually how I vacationed with my husband and my kids too. But now, I'm 39 and I'm here to say -- my weeklong stay at this all-inclusive resort spoiled me rotten and I'm thoroughly convinced this is the way everyone should vacation and here's why: The steady stream of food and drinks. Let's face it, part of the lure of going on vacation is eating and dining on delicious food as you please. Well being at an all-inclusive resort, you have the ability to eat and drink till your heart's content. Want to sip on a cocktail or two after dinner? Or perhaps an early morning coffee or smoothie is what you crave. Food and drinks are readily available 24/7 and at an all-inclusive you simply walk into a restaurant or dining area and place your order without having to look at prices -- because you can have anything on the menu without worrying about the costs. All-inclusive menus also encourage you to try new dishes because everything on the menu is included. Have you ever wanted to try something new at a restaurant but feared that you wouldn't like it then suffer diner's remorse, then wishing you had ordered a usual staple? When it comes to an all-inclusive you have the freedom to be more adventurous when it comes to your dining experience and that can be pretty exciting, especially when you're on vacation! If you've got kids, knowing that they can order anything they want on the menu can also be a relief -- especially if you've got picky eaters. You don't have to worry about carrying money around the resort (with exception of money for tips). I have this habit of carrying my purse everywhere "just in case" I need money. When you're at an all-inclusive there is really no need to carry around cash except for tips. So you have peace of mind when heading out to the pool for the day that you need not carry a wallet full of your debit/credit cards with you. Being able to vacation without making sure you've got enough money on you is truly relaxing. It's easy to dine separately or coordinate meals together, especially if you have a larger group. If you've traveled with a large group before, you know how difficult it can be to coordinate meals while also making sure to pick a restaurant that can satisfy everyone's tastes and budget. At an all-inclusive, eating alone or planning meals together is a much easier process. Everyone in the group can eat/snack whenever they please, but if you opt to eat together, it's so much easier to choose when you know costs aren't involved. You'll love the flexibility and convenience of room service. My family and I are extreme night owls, so we're usually asleep while others are enjoying breakfast and just waking up as breakfast is about to end. But when you're at an all-inclusive you often have the option of 24-hour room service and that's like gold when you want to eat breakfast but you're not much of a morning person. It also comes in handy if you're a late night snacker -- like my husband. When you're at a regular resort, room service normally comes with higher prices. But an all-inclusive, price doesn't even come into play. You can snack as you please. Spending your day in the ocean or lounging by the pool can often leave you craving a delicious drink or snack and beach/poolside service is pretty much a given at most all-inclusive resorts. So rest assure, if you're sitting poolside reading a book all afternoon, you won't need to get up anytime soon, because soon enough a server will come by asking if you want a drink or snack. Lots of all-inclusive resorts will also have snack bars, bakeries or dessert bars on site to help curb your appetite in between meals. Now how perfect is that? The service is second to none. I can't say enough about the level of service I have received at the all-inclusive resorts I've stayed at. Your resort fees not only go toward lodging and dining, but you're also paying for top level customer service in every aspect of your resort stay. The staff is there to please you completely from the moment you check into the resort till the time you leave. During our stay at Azul Beach Hotel, we were blown away by the engaging nature and kindness of all the resort workers -- especially during our meals. The servers were funny and engaging and always went out of their way to make sure we were happy with our meal from beginning to end. The top-notch service alone makes the all-inclusive experience stand on its own. You have access to free entertainment. All-inclusive resorts are usually packed full of entertainment options for guests. Whether it be nightclubs, bars or lounges or shows for both children and adults -- you'll have a wide variety of entertainment and activities to choose from. These resorts are focused on keeping you happy and entertained while on the property so you don't feel the need to leave for anything. If you're the type that always needs to be connected, free wifi is usually also included during your all-inclusive stay. You have access to non-motorized water sports. Many all-inclusive resorts give their guests full usage of sports and water equipment like snorkels, kayaks, and paddleboards. Family friendly resorts will also give children access to beach and pool toys, which helps a lot when you're trying to limit how much to pack in your suitcase. While there may additional charges for certain sport/water activities, you usually get considerable access to a variety of tools/equipment with your already paid-for resort fees. It can help you save on your Wedding Day. Several all-inclusive resorts will throw in bonuses when couples choose to have their wedding on-site -- especially if you have a large group. These perks can help you save a ton when it comes to planning your celebration. So make sure to ask the resort what their wedding packages or options include. Often times, all-inclusive resorts will work with preferred travel agencies who can also offer additional perks if their entire wedding party/guests book through that particular agency. (Wright Travel Agency -- the official agency of bestdestinationwedding.com, is a preferred agency with several of the destination wedding resorts throughout Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica as well as other prime destination locations. To contact the Wright Travel, click here.) You don't worry about staying on a budget. There's something completely liberating about going on vacation and not having to worry about how much you've spent and how much cash you have left in your wallet. When you stay at an all-inclusive resort, the money for your lodging and food/drink has been paid upfront and your time there can be spent in total relaxation mode. If you haven't tried an all-inclusive resort, you should try it at least a couple times. Even if you're one of those travelers like me who's grown accustomed to always being on the go -- the all-inclusive experience is worth trying at least once. You just may find yourself spoiled by it like me and waking up post-vacation, wondering why no one is there bringing you a cocktail or ready with your morning omelette To find out more information about booking an all-inclusive vacation for your honeymoon or destination wedding, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
With Indian destination weddings celebrations typically occurring over the course of several days, food is a key detail couples must consider when planning their festivities. Although many resorts do not prepare Indian food on site, and will instead offer cuisine from an off-site caterer, Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun proves to be the exception. As part of its expansive vendor and decor options for Indian weddings, Moon Palace is also equipped with chefs who are fully trained to prepare Indian food, including all the authentic spices and ingredients needed to provide a variety of dishes throughout all the wedding festivities. So couples can rest assure that their guests will enjoy a delicious buffet of freshly prepared Indian food made on site. I recently spent several days at Moon Palace for a Southeast Asian Wedding Conference and experienced some of the fine Indian cuisine the resort had to offer. Each of the four buffet spreads I had the pleasure of indulging in included freshly prepared appetizers, sides and a plethora of main dishes -- all of which were bursting with delicious flavors and spices. “Palace Resorts takes pride in our ability to make dreams a reality. Indian weddings are visually unlike anything the destination has seen before, and we believe our valued guests will be awed by our latest offering,” said Gibran Chapur, executive vice president of Palace Resorts told Travelpulse.com. “Expanding our offerings and capabilities is a testament to our ability to make sure every detail of your wedding exceeds every bride’s desires and individual needs.” For more information on booking your Indian destination wedding at Moon Palace Golf & Resort Spa, click here. - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger. -
Part 3: Some Sweet Wedding Cake Inspiration
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Decor & Details
I don't know what it is about the Wedding Cake, but it's one of my favorite details to photograph on the Wedding Day. And well, frankly, cake is just awesome in general Wedding cakes come in all shapes, sizes and designs -- from simple to intricate, to colorful and beautifully simple. Wedding cakes are simply pieces of art with a whole lot of deliciousness to boot! And for many couples, the wedding cake design is a crucial part of the Wedding planning process. Here are some Wedding cake photos (taken by yours truly of MarieSam Sanchez Photography) to give you a sweet little slice of inspiration! (Take a peek at Part 1 and check out Part 2!) - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
Part 2: Some Sweet Wedding Cake Inspiration
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Decor & Details
I don't know what it is about the Wedding Cake, but it's one of my favorite details to photograph on the Wedding Day. And well, frankly, cake is just awesome in general Wedding cakes come in all shapes, sizes and designs -- from simple to intricate, to colorful and beautifully simple. Wedding cakes are simply pieces of art with a whole lot of deliciousness to boot! And for many couples, the wedding cake design is a crucial part of the Wedding planning process. Here are some Wedding cake photos (taken by yours truly of MarieSam Sanchez Photography) to give you a sweet little slice of inspiration! (Take a peek at Part 1, and check back for Part 3 coming soon!) - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
Hi There, My fiance and I are having our wedding at Grand Solmar Land's End this November 2015. When we looked at the price breakdown, their cake cost is $1400. From what we've learned through visiting multiple resorts, that price seems a little high. So we are considering using an outside vendor for our cake - despite a $200 outside vendor fee. Has any bride run into a similar costly situation, and if so are there any good recommendations you can give? Any tidbit info is much appreciated! Thanks!
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5 Wedding Cake Alternatives You & Your Guests Will Love
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
I cannot tell a lie, one of my favorite parts of being a bride was the cake tasting. Full disclosure: I am a certified cake addict, so yeahhhh, there's that. Is a Wedding Cake just not in your budget? Or perhaps cake just doesn't make your world go round like it does for me? No worries Here are some dessert ideas that you'll guests will love just as much as you do: 1) The Donut Cake: Donuts aren't just for early mornings anymore. With donut shops offering flavors galore, your guests will enjoy every delicious crumb of an assortment of donut delights. And don't forget the bride & groom donut cake topper! 2) The Cookie Cake: Pile your favorite cookies high and maybe offer some milk to go with that. Oreos are easy to stack up and best of all, they're super affordable so you'll be saving a ton of money with this cake alternative. And honestly, who doesn't love the sweet cream in the middle of of an Oreo? 3) The Cupcake Tower: Can't decide on the flavor of your cake? Indulge in some variety with a cupcake tower. With this nifty alternative, you'll still have the wedding cake taste and feel but with a whole lot of variety, and you can also offer these up as to-go gifts for your guests! 4) Mini Pies: There are cake people, and there are pie people. If pie is the apple of your eye, how about a variety of pies displayed beautifully on your dessert table? Your guests will love a sweet slice of pie to end the night. Or if you'd like to splurge a little, how about a mini pie for each person? 5) Cake Pop Cake: Cake pops will allow your guests to take their treat on the move and never miss a beat on the dance floor. Wouldn't cake pops designed with your wedding colors in mind look amazing? Or how about an array of different colored cake pops to make your dessert table sing with color? - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. I am the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife Wedding & Portrait Photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. -
Any former Hacienda Encantada Brides on here? Of even anyone who has done a site visit (and if you didn't decide to have your wedding here, why? Now that our wedding has been displaced twice from the Hilton, they are bringing us some options, and the Hacienda was one of them. Reading through the TripAdvisor reviews I had some concerns, and so I wanted to hear anyone elses experience with their wedding or their decision to book or not book this place. Unfortunately I won't have the luxury of going on a site visit like I did before prior to our wedding, so any place I actually haven't stayed at makes me nervous. I'm also looking at some of the Pueblo Bonito properties, so if you have any thoughts or experiences from there, please pass them along! Thank you! -
Any advice for making this a wedding adventure celebration to remember?
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It is usually the most expensive item of the reception: Dinner and Drinks! So what can you do to budget and organize well? Of course it all depends on your available money for the wedding total but for argument sake let's take a budget of about 100 dollars per person which is about average for all night bar and food service. First let's start with the bar. I personally do not recommend the 4 to 5 hour bar to anyone in Mexico It is a party and no cash should be needed at any time. Also, in our venue we do not close early so it is an all-inclusive all night concept. So just consider the bar to be open during the entire party. The costs are going to be based on if you want well brands or top shelf brands and also I often set up a Specialty Sctrach Bar with all fresh ingredients for Mojitos and Margaritas So as you can guess, the cheapest is an open bar with well brands and beer and then it goes up according to the brands used and if we set up a cool looking bar and lounge area. Second, the food, yummy , the food can cost about 40 dollars per person for a good quality 3 course dinner, up to 150 dollars per person for 8 hors d'ouevres and 4 course gourmet dinner with imported ingredients such as Foie Gras and such... The dinner/food service cost is really very variable since we in www.Martoca.com for example, create all our menus for each wedding according to the taste and budget of the couple. In order to plan your budget I suggest you take in consideration the duration of your party and if it is more than 5 Hours you should have a late night taco bar for example . You should not have your guests without eating for longer than 3 or 4 hours. I try to have something, even small hors d'ouvres for example every 3 or 4 hours... This is a cool tip: If you are a mixed culture couple like for example Mexican Bride and American or Canadian Groom, it is fun to do for example hors d'ouevres from Mexico and Dinner from the Cajun/Southern Sould Food/France/italy/Irish or whatever the couples better half is originally from or his ancestry, and then close with amazing cultural desserts from Puerto Vallarta region in our case or wherever your wedding location is going to be. So Bride or groom gets hor's d Ouevres then the other gets the dinner choices and the dessert is local And if the budget permits and your party is longer than 5 or 6 hours like in our venue we do up to 10 hours... you should invest in a Taco Bar. It is a great feature for your wedding and it is only about 10 to 15 dollars per person to set it up with awesome fresh made salsas and tacos. So to summerize you need to consider the bar, types of brands and duration of open bar and if you want a specialty drink bar set up like this one for example: Then comes the food budget, in summary you need to consider qulity of food for example the steak can be Kobe, Prime, Choice... do you want Organic or Grassfed beef, or Lobster and Jumbo Shrimp versus Chicken or pork. All this matters. This is why I always interview my couples and find out if they enjoy fine dinning or are "foodies" and if not then I go with a more standard menu. If they enjoy food and want the dinner to be a showpiece in the wedding then we will offer exotic menus and combinations and create amazing culinary experiences for our brides and their guests. Once you decide on the quality and type of ingredients the cooking cost the same if we are making chicken or Lobster Does this make sense? It is about ingredients and then we cook what you like to serve your guests. Then you must consider after quality of ingredients is the Quantity of "servings" i.e. Fists Hors d'Ouevres, then dinner, then dessert bar, then taco bar and Mexican Coffee flambee for example Here are some pictures of levels and types of food services offered. I forgot about buffets... sorry. We do not usually do buffets because the quality of the food suffers on the line. In Mexico labor is cheap so it really is no difference in price so buffets are not recommended by me. You should treat your guests to great 5 star service An important part of catering is the dinnerware and silverware and glasses used, as well as the table settings... this can vary from about 10 dollars per person up to 30 or 40 per person or more. It simply depends on your taste Thank You for reading and if you have any questions I am glad to help Jimmy [email protected] -
As you're planning the wedding reception menu, know that it's not just about wedding cake anymore. In fact, the latest trend is to cap off your nuptial meal with totally scrumptious confections that are all about who you are as a couple, while giving your guests a sweet reward.[/size] Come Up With Dessert Possibilities Here's the fun part of adding a dessert to your menu: research is required! Seek out your favorite delectable delights and sample the goods (so many treats, so little time). To put you on the express path to indulgence, here are a few key questions to ask yourselves: Where do you go out to eat? Maybe there's a special dessert on the menu at your local haunt that you always order-and always find yourselves fighting over that last bite. Is there a regional specialty that signifies where you live now or where you grew up? What are your favorite candies or childhood indulgences? What's your comfort food when you need something rich to soothe your soul (and belly) -- is it a hot fudge sundae? Milk and cookies? Any seemingly simple treat can be transformed into a witty (not to mention delicious) wedding dessert. Is it important to incorporate something from your ethnic background? Skip Wedding Cake Altogether If you're not a wedding cake kind of couple, don't feel obligated to have a four-tiered, fondant-covered masterpiece. Some brides and grooms are opting out of serving a traditional wedding cake. Cupcakes on stacked tiers with the top tier as a small cake is a stylish alternative. miniature wedding. Other options: Serve individual cakes in the shape of, say, an open Tiffany-style box filled with cream and berries. Have a dramatic chocolate fountain, actually shaped like a three-tiered wedding cake. The word on the street, however, is that the fountains can get messy if not manned properly, but no one ever said indulgence was a tidy business. Can't live without a grand wedding cake? Wedding cakes are gorgeous, but who says you can't pair yours with treats? If you choose a cake with light and fruity fillings, try richer desserts (chocolate, anyone?). Decide How You'll Serve Dessert Dessert is king, so why not serve it regally? Dessert stations -- basically a buffet setup that guests visit -- are where it's at right now. Even if you're doing a seated meal, a dessert station gives guests a chance to circulate a bit. The candy bar, many caterers include the sweets the couple loved from their childhood-like malted milk balls, jelly beans, and caramel popcorn. Empty bags are available for guests to take home their favorites. More trends: Truffle stations -- where an assortment of individual chocolates is offered -- will dazzle chocoholics. Have chocolate cordial cups filled with a delicious liqueur alongside truffles. Mini desserts passed on trays like hors d'oeuvres at the end of the meal will make a statement. Or have fancy flourishes added to the table: It's a nice finishing touch that can be as simple as pouring a special sauce or whipped cream on ice cream or as over-the-top as serving a flaming dessert. Love ice cream bars? Have a cart -- like the ones sidewalk vendors use -- positioned in a corner of the dining room so that guests can dig right in after dinner. That way, you can have your cake, or ice cream, or pie...and eat it too. TIP: Be specific with your caterer or baker about what you want. Bring a picture from a food magazine or track down the recipe. And don't worry about pleasing every single guest -- no matter what you serve, you'll score points for originality. Are you going for a Wedding Cake or Dessert Table? Please let us know and share! A few more ideas by del Sol Photography Dream Weddings Riviera Maya http://www.dreamweddingsrivieramaya.com [email protected] +52 984 145 9035 -
Cake Pop’s Rock In Mexico! I was recently introduced to the incredibly tasty world of Cake Pops while doing some research for an upcoming wedding here in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico! These delectable and trendy little treats are replacing large-scale wedding cakes in beachfront receptions all over Mexico! What a great and exciting new way to “Wow” your guests and save on your wedding budget! Have them as the lower tiers of your wedding cake, or replace your cake all together with these bite sized delectable treats. They come in any size, shape, color or flavor you desire and are also great as a “Take Home” treat for your guests to enjoy when they return to their rooms! Fresa´s Weddings is happy to welcome Elisa Taboada of Pocket Cupcakes in Playa Del Carmento our team of wedding professionals! She is the first and only Cake-Pop artist in the area! She is standing by to bring you and your wedding guests the “Something Sweet” you have been looking for! We just can’t get enough of these sinfully delectable little bundles of flavor! If you have yet to try one, do yourself the flavor-favor! Your taste buds will thank you! Happy Planning´Fresa´s!!! Have questions? We have answers! Don´t hesitate to ask us about all things ¨Wedding¨ in Mexico. http://www.fresaweddings.com/ Phone Canada : 519-859-8619 Phone Mexico : 984-111-5148 Skype : kristee.smith1 [email protected]
