ROYAL PLAYA DEL CARMEN BRIDES: were kids allowed for the day? ...and other questions

[MichaelandAraceli]

Hi Ladies

I just got back on Sunday night and EVERYTHING turned out AMAZING! We booked The Royal last November and it's been such a long wait...I can't believe it's over.

 

We were in Playa for 10 nights and we had 80 degree days and sun...EVERY day! The day of my wedding was 84 degrees ( a bit hot) so by the time we had our first dance we had a few rain drops come down for about 5 minutes (if that). The people at the resort told us the first two weeks of December were very chilly at night (unsual for them) but by the time we got there on the 16th- the weather was perfect. It sounds like we lucked out! I brought a sweater and a pashmina and I didn't use either any of the nights.

 

Also, Zulma was super calm and sweet! I got my hair and makeup done at the Spa Azul and I loved how my hair and makeup turned out. The vilonist we hired did a great job and DJ doremixx did great- all of our guests LOVED the light up dance floor we got (we had a beach reception infront of Pelicanos). Finally, we hired Jonathan and his assistant from Del Sol/La Luna and they were great to work with. I can't wait to see their work. I'll work on a more specific review ...I'll try to have it up this weekend. Good luck to all of the 2011 Royal brides- you'll love it! Happy New Year! 

 

 

 

 

 

[msglave]

Hey Ladies!

 

I hope everyone had a great holiday! I am so sorry to have been MIA, but we got back late on the 18th, my husband's (so used to saying FI) bday is on Christmas, we hadn't start Christmas shopping yet and we ere trying to pack stuff to move! i haven't done the review yet, but wanted to check in to see if anyone had pressing questions. Thanks to those who wished us luck on our special day and posted best wishes.

 

I skimmed through the pages that I missed and want to address those things.

 

We had a total of 48 people at the wedding. The ceremony was in the gazebo on the beach, cocktail hour was in the central garden and the reception was on Pelicano's beach. I loved having the 3 different locations. Michele was our wedding coordinator and we LOVED her!

 

I DO NOT recommend Adrian for makeup. I had my hair and makeup trial scheduled for the same day. Adrian had told me the trial would only take 45min-1hr. We were supposed to meet at the front desk and he never showed. When Doranna (hair stylist) arrived, I had been waiting on him for over an hour. BTW, I HIGHLY reommend Doranna! She was sooooooooo sweet, punctual, knew her stuff and HOOKED MY HAIR UP! Those of you who've been around know that I was really nervous because my hair is very thick and unrelaxed but Doranna was GREAT! She is also cheaper than Fernando. Anyway I was telling Doranna about Adrian not showing up. She knows him and was saying that's not like him. Anyway, she called his cell phone. He was sooo apologetic. He said he had gone to the wedding center to meet with me (although the email correspondence said front desk). Adrian was willing to come back anytime to do my trial and discount our services.

So, I agreed for him to come at 7am the next morning (the day before the wedding). Let me say that Adrian was a BALL of fun! My girls and I had soooo much fun with him! He was even empathetic when I had my meltdown and started crying. It was like a scene out of bridezila, lol! I'll tell you all about that later. Anyway, it took Adrian like 4 hrs. to do my trial. WTH? What happened to 45 min to 11 hr? I missed the meeting with the WC & witnesses, the meeting with the DJ and breakfast with my FI (at the time :-)).  Of course, I didn't trip because I was just concerned that the makeup looked great.

 

I was not in love with the makeup. I have an area on my lower jawbone/chin with dark spots and even with the concealer and makeup on, you could see them. You could see dry skin through the makeup (WTH?) didn't you use a moisturizer? He had filled in my eyebrows with a heavy black pencil which made me look like something off a horror movie. Worst yet was that the foundation was not the right shade for me. I will say that Adrian was very understanding and continued to make every change that I asked. He was very patient (and funny) and continued to try to make it better,  Finally, we came up with a look that I was ok with (still didn't love) but was ok with-thinking that having it airbrushed would last longer that if I had applied it.
 

Anyway, the night before the wedding I DID NOT SLEEP (I'll fill you all in on that one later too). In the middle of the night, I checked my email and Adrian had emailed me earlier in the day (the same day he had done my trial) to say that he had to go to Mexico City on the day of my wedding and would be to me by 1. Are you FUC@@@g serious??????????? My wedding was at 3!!!! It took him 4 hrs to do a passable look and now you want to come two hours before the wedding. Keep in mind that he had 5 bridesmaids to do and one guest. Adrian had previously told me that he was going to come at 8am and bring two assistants. Now, you're telling me that at 8, you WILL NOT be there but you would send your assistants??? I have NEVER seen their work and you are not their to supervise them? Not being funny, but it was obvious from the hard time Adrian had matching my complexion that they were not used to doing makeup for African-Americans. Now, you want to send two assistants to do my whole party and you show up basically when I should be finishing? SOOOOOO NOT ACCEPTABLE!!!!!!! I emailed him back to tell him that would not be acceptable. There was no real apology or anything. I couldn't believe it!!!!

 

Luckily, I had visited the MAC store before I left home and replenished my foundation and powder. Thanks to you ladies, I knew there was a MAC store on 5th so my MOH and a couple of bridesmaids ran over before the wedding to get the eyeshadow colors I liked from the trial. Since I had never worn eyelashes before and was not sure how the individuals  would look, my MOH brought strips with her. So, I ended up doing my foundation, my MH did my lashes, and my cousin (who is good at makeup) did my shadow, blush and lips. Guess what??? It turned out PERFECTLY!!!!!!!! I loved my makeup. It looked so much better than what Adrian had done and saved me money.

 

Let me tell you, I was seriously stressed when I read his message. He had also told me to make sure my brows were cleaned up when we got there, but during my trial, we discussed that he was going to do them. The trial was a COLOSSAL waste of my time (1/2 day) for nothing! As nce as Adrian is, I would definitely NOT recommend him!

 

As far as the wedding video goes. Lisa, I am not sure why you don't have yours. We brought ours back from Mexico with us.

 

Let me know if you ladies have any other pressing issues. Also, I uploaded some pic on FB today. You will have to add me to see them. I do not add friends that I don't know so if you send a request, please include a note with your BDW name and mention that you are from The Royal thread. My FB name is Raveyn Glave Murray. I will also try to post a couple of pics on here. We used Victor Herrera and are supposed to have our pics back by the end of the week.

 

Let me know if there's any other questions!

Originally Posted by jesmcan 

Welcome back Danielle!! can't wait to see and hear all about it

 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicagoBride2011 

Welcome back Danielle!

 

Question for you past brides that used parasols for BM and MOH....did the girls hold them the entire ceremony or put them down?  If they put them down did they blow around?

My BM's closed them and held them through the entire ceremony. It worked out perfectly. I will post a pic tonight when I get home. They said it worked out really well. I don't recommend putting them down because ya it does get very windy.
 

 

Originally Posted by msglave 

Thanks ladies! I can't believe it's here either! OMG! I am freaking out! I'm gonna try to post my planning thread before I leave, but I'm not sure. If I don't It'll be a post thread. The limo picks me up at 4am and I still have sooooo much to do!

YAY!!!!!! so happy for you msglave - I now you have worked really hard to put this big day together and I wish you all the best. I will be thinking of you this Saturday and of course I can't wait to see pictures and hear about it. That's the best part for us BDW girls  lol

 

Originally Posted by diahr 

MsGlave...So I finaly got in contact with Adrian from Waves.  Are you doing a trial? If so, is he charging you for it and how much?  Also, he didn't seem to know anything about the free shuttle service?  How are you getting to the salon? Of course, I can wait for you to get back and question the mess out of you than lol!! HAVE A FABULOUS WEDDING!!!!! 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by msglave 

Thanks ladies! I can't believe it's here either! OMG! I am freaking out! I'm gonna try to post my planning thread before I leave, but I'm not sure. If I don't It'll be a post thread. The limo picks me up at 4am and I still have sooooo much to do!

 

 

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

Quote:

Originally Posted by msglave 

Thanks ladies! I can't believe it's here either! OMG! I am freaking out! I'm gonna try to post my planning thread before I leave, but I'm not sure. If I don't It'll be a post thread. The limo picks me up at 4am and I still have sooooo much to do!

OMG, Yay!!! How exciting! Make sure you relax and take it all in. Pull hubby to the side and just watch all of the wonderful things that are your wedding. (oh, i'm so jealous- i want to get married again! lol)

 

Big group hug to you! 

 

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

Quote:

Originally Posted by msglave 

Hey Ladies!!!!

I just wanted to give you a quick shout out. The wedding is in 3 hrs!!!! The resort is beautiful! I have a whole lot of tips. I won't be back for another week. I'll try to check back in before then!

Woot! Congrats and have the best day! **big hug**

 

Originally Posted by bride2bdebbie 

Hope you had an awesome day msglave!! Can't wait to hear all about it. Congratulations!!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by msglave 

Hey Ladies!!!!

I just wanted to give you a quick shout out. The wedding is in 3 hrs!!!! The resort is beautiful! I have a whole lot of tips. I won't be back for another week. I'll try to check back in before then!

 

 

Originally Posted by jesmcan 

Congrats orbiting!!! the mayan ceremony looked so cool!

 

Msglave can't wait to hear about it and see pics. Enjoy your honeymoon.

 

Lisa - That is annoying but you gotta do what you gotta do and don't worry people will get over it

 

Originally Posted by diahr 

Hey Ladies - I agree it is quiet around here. It's probably just the holidays.  I'll give everyone a loooong status on where I'm at.

 

First and Foremost - I am over budget for the wedding and the honeymoon combined!!!!!  Not good since my FI and I are paying for everything ourselves.

 

1. Ceremony is at 5 at the gazebo.

2. Cocktail Hour will follow on the beach in front of the Gazebo (Our WC confirmed that they will not be setting up during the ceremony)

3. Reception - Private in the ballroom.  I think I will need AC after being outdoors for so long. 

4. Honeymoon - Staying the Royal and upgrading to a Swim Out Suite after the wedding

 

I am hoping/praying that I can get 20 people to book so we can have a private reception.  I think I will get close to it.

 

Items Confirmed

Flowers - Marvin

Colors - Coral/Platinum with Yellow or green accents (not sure on the accent colors)

Photog - Cecilia Dumas

Favors - Picture frames that double as place card holders

Chair Sashes - Raza Linnes: I am getting 50 for the cost of renting 25 from the resort. This way they can setup the reception at the same time as the wedding so guests do not have to wait (heard that happened in one review)

Dress - Ordered and almost paid for.

BM Dresses - Ordered and almost paid for.

 

Items Pending

Makeup - Going to book Adrian from Waves but I am waiting for MsGlave to get back so I can read her review.  She used them for her wedding

 

DJ or IPOD?? (No Budget) - with 20 people, not sure it's worth the expense, but I really want one.  FI is against it though..He wants to do the IPOD and pay the Royal to operate it.  Did I mention I am already over budget??

 

Videographer (Budgeted $700) - I really want one, but it seems ridiculous to spend at minimum $500 for the Royal package for 30 EDITED minutes. The next package up is $700 for 60 EDITED minutes.  FI hates this.  We both think it would make more sense to just buy a good camcorder and enlist our buddy to operate it. At least then we get all the footage and we keep the camcorder.  I've heard not too great things about doing this, but I think we will have to chance it.  After the ceremony we plan to play  "Pass the Camcorder" so guests can record video from their point of view.  Cheesy???

 

Welcome Dinner or Welcome Cocktail  (Budgeted $500) - I was going to do a Welcome Dinner at the resort since it wasn't in the budget to do one of the surrounding places.  Then I saw a review from a Royal bride who did a Welcome Cocktail at the Royal instead to save money.  I thought this was a great idea since light snacks are included, but when I priced it out, it only saved us $100 usd. Not sure if it's worth it...but then again why spend $100 to feed people at an all inclusive resort.

 

BM Clothes - I don't know.

 

That's it for now...All I can think about is that I am over budget and the wedding is in less than 4 mos!! Yikes!

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

I think the camcorder is a good idea. I didn't hire videographer (although I got the ceremony as part of my package..still waiting on that). However, my brother took video clips during the reception and i am soooo glad he did! I didn't even know he was doing it! It made us relive the whole thing all over again and the songs could be heard perfectly- i loved it. 

 

Originally Posted by ChicagoBride2011 

Quote:

Originally Posted by msglave 

Hey ladies! We got back late last night. I am going to catch up on my readings and post my Review later this week. I also have to do a belated planning thread. Just wanted to check in to let you all know that our wedding was PERFECT! Despite all the complaining I did, I couldn't imagine our wedding being anywhere else. It was truly beautiful. My husband's birthday is on Christmas and we have not even started shopping yet. This week is going to be hectic but I will try to catch up soon. Hope everyone's planning is going well.

Welcome back!!  So glad to hear it was perfect!!!   I want to see pics!

 

Originally Posted by diahr 

Yaaaaay!!!!  So glad to hear that your day was perfect!!! How was the makeup guy?  We need pics! I can't wait for your thread / review.
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by msglave 

Hey ladies! We got back late last night. I am going to catch up on my readings and post my Review later this week. I also have to do a belated planning thread. Just wanted to check in to let you all know that our wedding was PERFECT! Despite all the complaining I did, I couldn't imagine our wedding being anywhere else. It was truly beautiful. My husband's birthday is on Christmas and we have not even started shopping yet. This week is going to be hectic but I will try to catch up soon. Hope everyone's planning is going well.

 

 

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

My dallas AHR is coming up next weekend 1/8 -yay!  I have been asking Funever to send me the dvd video of the ceremony so I can play it at the AHR and they keep telling me it is sent and to wait until Jan 1 O_o because it was sent on Nov 30th. Arrgh lol

[msglave]

Here's a couple of shots ladies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[msglave]

I tried again but it's till not working. You can click on these links and the pic will open in a seperate window. I'll try to upload the images again tommorow.

 

Here's a couple of shots ladies:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[MyPaperProposal]

Oh no!  I am booked with Adrian for my wedding...!  

 

You said Doranna was good?  Does she do both hair and makeup?  If so, can you send me her contact info?  I want to check if she's still available =/

 

Mike and Araceli - you both look beautiful!  Congratulations!

 

~Sarah

[SWallace]

@MSGLAVE: I'm sorry to hear about your experience with your makeup!  I am super worried about things like that not working out, glade to hear that your bridesmaids were able to help you out!  The Adrian that you mention, is it Adrian from Styling Trio Riviera Maya? 

 

[msglave]

Doronna's website is http://www.dorannahairstylist.com/. You can send her a message through there. Let her know I referred you! I'm telling you, she was so sweet. She fit in just like one of the family. She really knew her stuff. Trust me, I'm really particular about my hair and was VERY pleased with her. She does not do makeup, but has someone who does although I don't know about their work. Yes, it's the same Adrian from Styling Trio.

[kshows03]

I almost booked Adriane and am so glad I decided against it.  That is just aweful msglave!  I am so glad it worked out for the best (better outcome and cheaper).  I have booked Doranna for my hair so I am glad you liked her.  I still cannot decide if I want to do my hair up or half up/half down.  I have pretty long hair and like the way I look better with my hair down, but I am just so dang nervous about the wind.  We are getting married in Feb at 2:00 PM.  I'm nervous if my hair is blowing all around that I will get annoyed.  Did anyone have this problem, or is the wind pretty decent?

 

[ChicagoBride2011]

Welcome back Araceli and Raveyn !!!  You both looked gorgeous!

 

Raveyn sorry to hear about your makeup mishap, that is horrible.  It seems like everything worked out in the end though and your makeup looked great.  You still shouldn't have had to deal with that though. 

 

 

[J&E2011]

YAY! I can't believe 2011 is almost here!

Congrats to all my fellow 2011 brides!