Azul Sensatori Brides - POST HERE!

[JaimeCF2BR]

Question for you girls doing TTD at Azul...  Are you doing it sunrise, sunset, or somewhere in between?

[Less is more]

Thank you sooo much!  I have been stressing over this and you know what that is the best advise ever!  We will let people know what we are going to do at the welcome party and lave it up to them.  We want to take his daughter now our daughter to Xel-ha to swim with dolphins.  We need the time to be flexible so a private van sounds wonderful!  Thank you I can check that off my list.  It sounds like the entrance fees to the parks are much cheaper going that route as well.
 

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

We already had 3 events planned - a welcome coctail, wedding ceremony & reception and a farewell dinner.  B/c of this - I did not feel comfortable offering a required excursion.  In advance of our trip I wrote a page into my events booklet that said "optional tour of tulum".  when we got there we organized a tour of tulum and cenotes.  We ended up hiring a private van - 16 ppl for 320$ (20$ pp).  We paid for this (and this is a discounted rate).  For this we had the van for the entire day at our disposal and at our preferred timing.  People just paid for their entrance into Tulum (5$) and Cenote (10$) - still way cheaper than any planned excursion they could have arranged for the same. We told people we would pay for the transportation in advance - so it was their choice to come.

The thing is that many people were into coming originally (of the 33 in attendance) but then they saw how bright and sunny the day was so they opted out.  So it was nice to have the flexibility of booking on site the day of and hiring a private driver that had no time restrictions.  Our tour became a full day activity. 

Bug bites - for some reason this seems to be a problem with women and when you are on the beach.   I always get the same at any beach.  Hard mosquito type bites on the legs.  Mosquito repellent should help keep them at bay - but only necessary when on the beach. 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Less is more 

nv+gms

 

Did you do an excursion? if so what did you decide to do.  Did you plan it ahead of time with your group or once you got down there?  WOW 15 more days til my turn.  Oh did you need bug spray?

 

Welcome kerry!  These ladies are the best!  They will be your TA, help you coordinate and support you!  They have been heaven sent for me.  Trust me those 15 months will fly by so fast!  I was upset when we decided to have our wedding 14 months away from our engagement date but now I am so thankful we did.  Everything and I mean everything just starts to happen. So buckle up and enjoy the emotional ride to bliss!  It will all be worth it!

Personally we have a USD account and credit card already b/c we travel to the states often.  But any CND would prefer left over USD vs Pesos that are basically useless until your next trip to Mexico.  Also - if they want some amt of pesos - they can always be converted in Mexico. 

 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Ok great!  I really wasn't sure how easy it was for you guys to exchange for USD.  If its that easy, thats what I'll recommend.  Thanks again!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

Most use USD.  I suggested people use USD vs converting to pesos.  We always use USD for shopping (absolutely) and tipping (typically) when travelling to the Carribean.  But seriously - when it comes to tipping - money is money - use what you want - but we typically stick with USD b/c it is easier for them to exchange.  In all my trips to mexico - I have never exchanged for pesos and have had no regrets.

Good example of where pesos may be more handy - tulum - 10 pesos to 1 USD vs what is normal 12 pesos to 1USD for a 5USD admission fee.  Considering that - I would hate to be left with a handful of pesos for something this trivial.  If they really wish - exchange very small amounts once in mexico (from USD).  Transportation, day trips etc are already priced in USD at the resort so no need to exchange in my opinion.   
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Question for the Canadians...  Do you plan to use Canadian Dollars for tipping, shopping, etc.?  Or are you planning to get American Dollars or Pesos?

 

About half of our guests are Canadian, so I wanted to give them the best direction possible.

Thanks!

 

 

 

[Less is more]

Beautiful!!!  What package did you have again?  Ok so i am totally flipping out and second guessing. Were you able to make changes at the meeting and were they flexible?  I think it is last minute nerves but boy am i freaking out over here.  Love the rose petal toss idea i didn't even think of that!  wow.....got more work to do!

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

Had to post a pre ceremony pic of my site from one of my friends cameras.  I had fans with our ceremony info tied to each chair with a bow and a table at the back with a rose petal toss cone.  I had them fill the tall glass containers with sand so they would not fall over during the ceremony or when placed on the tables for the reception. 

 

[tundeneha]

Who are you guys using for your wedding photographer and videographer? The prices for the vendors via Lomas are pretty high....

 

Thanks!

[Less is more]

I choose Ivan Luckie with luckie photography.  He will be there all day at least 10 hours and do the TTD for $2000.  That is what he quoted us.  The wedding photos is in a journalistic style and he had some pretty cool shoots.  It was $1500 for wedding day and i think $500 for TTD.  I did pay $500 resort fee but for what we wanted that was still way cheaper than what the resort was offering. Here is his website www.luckiephotography.com   

check it out.....I have heard great thing about him but I think I will be his first client at AS.

[TLGnhci]

Jaime, I am doing mine at Sunset.  Maria is "famous" for her awesome sunset pics.  I would like to maybe start at a cenote and then go to a pretty beach somewhere, but haven't figured out the details. 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Question for you girls doing TTD at Azul...  Are you doing it sunrise, sunset, or somewhere in between?

 

Less is more, you are next girl!!  What do you have planned for your ceremony decor?  I am so unsure of what I want to do.  I've gone back and forth b/w settling for the candy cane style, leaving off one set of flowers and doing the drape look, and even maybe doing the flower curtains behind.   Ugh, I just don't know.  I love her pics as well, but I just can't spend the $.   
 

Originally Posted by Less is more 

Beautiful!!!  What package did you have again?  Ok so i am totally flipping out and second guessing. Were you able to make changes at the meeting and were they flexible?  I think it is last minute nerves but boy am i freaking out over here.  Love the rose petal toss idea i didn't even think of that!  wow.....got more work to do!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

Had to post a pre ceremony pic of my site from one of my friends cameras.  I had fans with our ceremony info tied to each chair with a bow and a table at the back with a rose petal toss cone.  I had them fill the tall glass containers with sand so they would not fall over during the ceremony or when placed on the tables for the reception. 

 

I found a photographer/videographer the other day that had good prices.  They are Cancunweddingphoto.com.  They have a facebook account with lots of pics. 

Originally Posted by tundeneha 

Who are you guys using for your wedding photographer and videographer? The prices for the vendors via Lomas are pretty high....

 

Thanks!

[nv+gms]

I loved the palapa yoga for my coctail party but I think you should think about the number of guests you will be having.  We had 33 guests with a few stand up tables and the canape station set up on the platform and it was pretty cozy.  Of course all of our fun extended out into the sand when the dancing got going.  Are you planning to set up tables on the beach and use the platform as a dance floor? 

Thoughts on decor:  lanterns, lights twisted around the poles, sheers and all the flowers you use from your ceremony (hanging flowers would be nice on the two poles facing the sea).   The ceiling to the structure is not high - so that is something to consider when thinking about how much you want to hang (you could probably get exact measurements from them if this is important for you).

Other considerations:  are your guests wearing heels?  I'm pretty sure the platform was constructed of wooden planks that may be a bit hard to dance on.  When we danced on the beach - everyone removed their shoes even though the sand is relatively firm.  However - you could rent a dance floor. 

Also note:  The area is flanked by day beds with canopys that cannot be moved (on each side of the palapa yoga platform).  The main area you get to work with is the area directly in front of the palapa yoga extending to the sea (the back of the palapa yoga area a small area of sand followed by a wall and it is where the bar was set up for our party). 

If you need a bigger space and Zavas is not available - did you consider Zocolo (Mexican restaurant) - they have an area that is outdoor overlooking the sea but also covered overhead (bonus if it rains).  This is part of a restaurant though - they provide you with a semi-private dedicated section.  I did not see it used for a wedding but I've heard that it is a good area.   

Originally Posted by bryteyedbride 

Glad you had a great experience.  I am having a legal wedding at the resort too, so I am relieved to hear how well it went for you.  Congratulations on being a Mrs.!  I have Palopa Yoga for my reception because Zavas was already booked.  Any suggestions on how to make it look nicer?
  

I have to tell you - I was in the same boat during my planning process with the WC in Miami.  Their focus is on the current weddings (1-2 months in advance).  You will find this extremely refreshing when it comes close to your date b/c they respond back and forth over several emails within minutes/hours of your questions. 

However, I know that this does not ease your mind right now.  What I found helpful is lining up a whole list of questions and requests and then scheduling a conference call.  Another strong recommendation I have is populating your own spreadsheet (aka detail sheet) - if you don't already have one from the WC - ask for it.  Track your changes by highlighting new additions, colour code fonts where you have questions and keep all your files.  Use the spreadsheet as your source of communication and not sporadic questions in a cascade of emails.  I also kept up on these forums - jotting down questions, thoughts etc and consolidating them into one spreadsheet before sending - most of what you can/can't do is already posted somewhere in here! 

Hopefully something in what I said can help you not worry.  Everything will be beautiful in the end! 
 

Originally Posted by bryteyedbride 

Hi  1106wedding!

 

I don't know if Angie left.  

 

I THINK I will be getting a new DW.com specialist in the next few days too.  I have not cared for mine for several months, but was trying to just deal with it.  My sister really got upset with her earlier this week, and that kind of got changes rolling.  I had pretty much just stopped communicating with the DW specialist except for on an absolutely "as necessary" basis. 

 

I have to say that when I spoke to customer svc at DW.com the representative (Amber) was very nice and genuinely concerned that this be a pleasant experience for me.  When I last spoke to Angie she told me that their priority was the January and February weddings.  Amber let me know that my wedding should be a priority even though it is months away.  I am pleased and very hopeful that I don't have anymore problems.  This experience with Amber made my whole impression of DW.com change to a more positive one.

 

I wanted the cold fireworks too.  My reception will be on the beach at Palopa Yoga because Zavas Plaza was not available.  Let me know if they change their minds and allow it though, as it would be nice!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

 

 

bryteyedbride - I haven't ordered the dancefloor even though it looks awesome. It wouldn't be big enough for our group (80ish expected) so we decided to skip it for now. I REALLY REALLY wish they'd allow the cold fireworks. I asked my new coordinator again just in case she gives me a different answer. Do we know if Angie left?? I sort of told my DW.com TA that she wasn't getting back to me about things but I was actually pretty nice about it!?

 

TLGnhci - oh good! Glad you like Erika so far! 

 

 

We did ours at about 10am on a nice Sunny day.  The earlier - the better - less people on the beach and not too hot.   A sunset one would have been nice too but it gets dark really fast so you need to be sure you have ample time for photos.  The other thing to consider if doing a sunset shoot - another wedding may be happening on the beach at the same time so it may restrict the location shots (e.g., pier area especially).  We had limited sun on our trip so we adjusted the date and time as weather permitted. 
 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Question for you girls doing TTD at Azul...  Are you doing it sunrise, sunset, or somewhere in between?

[TLGnhci]

Natasha,

 

For your cocktail welcome party, what time did you do it, and did the food suffice as dinner?  I'm torn b/w doing the Spoons dinner or a cocktail party.  I thought just cocktails wouldn't be enough food for people to continue partying afterwards. 

[bryteyedbride]

I chose Ivan Luckie too.

[nv+gms]

I can't tell you enough how flexible and accomodating everyone is.  I paid separately for eveything (e.g., I did not go with the exotic gazebo pkg) - I wanted silver sheers - which turned out to be a waste b/c it was overcast and I personally can't tell the difference between white and silver now in the amateur shots (we'll see what my photographer comes up with).  Plus - they only had one set of silver organza sheers - the one in the back is white - again - you probably can't even tell the difference between the colours.  Waste of money in my opinion - I should have stuck with the exotic gazebo decor b/c they set it up whatever way you like (e.g., not candy cane type) and it came with rose petals for a cheaper price.

My best advice - purchase the "fundamentals" of what you know you want in advance.  I wasn't sure if I was going to do the petal toss until a week before we left.  I did the background stuff at home (making the skeleton for the cone) and then ordered the petals on site.  Same price as if you ordered them in advance.  Key thing to remember is that you can always add to your package (including last min guests) but you can never take back something you chose not to do if you've paid for it. 

Good luck!!  Everything will be gorgeous - TRUST ME!
 

Originally Posted by Less is more 

Beautiful!!!  What package did you have again?  Ok so i am totally flipping out and second guessing. Were you able to make changes at the meeting and were they flexible?  I think it is last minute nerves but boy am i freaking out over here.  Love the rose petal toss idea i didn't even think of that!  wow.....got more work to do!