Excellence Playa Mujeres Brides Post Here!

[lalalaken]

@@kellyrene we did not use the resort photographer, however, since we did have pictures included in our package I decided to have him take a few pictures at our dinner the night before the wedding. Honestly, I was so relieved that I hired outside vendors for our pictures and video-- the quality was not even comparable. And although we paid quite a bit more for the photographer and videographer we hired, it was worth every penny! We used Kape Photography and Lalo Vargas Films. Here is a snippet from our wedding:

 

http://kapephotography.zenfolio.com/040414

 

[Soon2BeMrsGomez]

@@lalalaken, Hi, that was an awesome video and photos, thank you for sharing!  I too am thinking of having our wedding at EPM this year but in Nov. Just curious, did you have to pay that $500 fee to use an outside vendor? Oh, and your hair came out beautiful, was that your doing or did a hair stylist from EPM style it for you?

Edited March 5, 2015 by Soon2BeMrsGomez

[lalalaken]

@@Soon2BeMrsGomez Thank you! I did have to pay the outside vendor fee. I was reluctant at first because that money could have been spent on so many other things but in the end it was SO worth it! I also used the hairdresser at the resort, just bring a picture of what you want and they'll do it!

[Abbie0910]

@@kellyrene

We just got back from our EPM wedding. We were married there on 2-28-15

Our package included photography and videography, so we used those services in addition to bringing a photographer with us from Chicago. Because the photographer was a guest (for 3 days) at the hotel, I did not have to pay the outside vendor fee.

 

I could not be happier that I decided to bring a photographer from home. The pictures I received from the resort looked like someone just walked around and snapped at random. My eyes were closed, or my husband was mid talking with a funny look on his face. Meanwhile my photographer captured the same moments perfectly!!

 

Plus I have over 4,000 photos of my entire wedding weekend, Including rehearsal dinner and the excursion we took everyone on the day after the wedding.

 

You may want to consider bringing someone from home so you know what to expect. My vendor charged me $1000 for the 3 nights and 4 days plus expenses. So with his trip I'm at a total of abot $3500. He got an awesome vacation and I have a whole weekend of memories

 

Either way you go, I recommend using an outside service. You won't be sorry.

[kellyrene]

@@lalalaken & @@Abbie0910 thank you both for the information. I have confirmed my ceremony for 10/24/15. I actually decided at the last minute to do a site visit last weekend and everything I expected about the resort was confirmed. I am so happy with my decision to have it at EPM. The staff was INCREDIBLE and the food and drinks and everything else was first class. I am having a larger than usual wedding so I am probably going to be limited on where my reception will be but we are thinking either the Spice Terrace or the Cero Terrace.

 

One more thought... @@lalalaken you mentioned that you used the resort salon for your hair and you were happy. It looks like you had someone in the wedding party or a third party vendor do your makeup is that correct? @@Abbie0910 - did you use the resort salon or bring someone else in to do hair and makeup?

 

Hair/makeup & photography/videography are the last 2 things I am trying to decide on what to do. since it appears the resort is going to handle everything else. Your insight is so helpful.

 

Thanks!!!

Kelly

[msnoodlesoup]

@@lalalaken wow so beautiful! your videographer did an amazing job! what did he charge you?

 

i was planning to use the in house and now I am definitely rethinking that.

Edited April 12, 2015 by msnoodlesoup

[AshleyRupple]

Hi everyone! This is my first post.

 

I will be getting married at EPM on April 23rd, 2016. I secured the date a few months ago, but I'm just now really getting into the planning. We currently have about 60 people booked, but are expecting close to 80.

 

First on my list was locking down a reception space, but I'm finding out that you're not guaranteed a space until closer to the date. This is kind of a bummer, but what can you do.

 

I've done my fair share of stalking photographer websites, Instagram, Facebook... You name it to find photos of real weddings in each reception space. My vision was to have it outdoors, but under a thatched palapa, and I've since found out that isn't available at the resort (the materials they sent me described the Lobster House and Grill that way).

 

I don't think the Cacao (sp?) Terrace is really going to meet the expectations I have. I want tons of twinkle lights, lanterns, a big dance floor, long wooden tables, etc.

 

I have so many questions, but I'll start here:

 

Does anyone have any photos of the Agave Courtyard? My travel agent sent me some images of what she says is it, but I think it's actually the resort's main courtyard. I doubt the resort allows for private events / weddings to take place here. I did find some images of the courtyard / outdoor area of the Agave restaurant, which I assume is where they actually allow weddings.

 

The problem is that our travel agent says the resort won't confirm restaurant locations until 30 days before the wedding date. She said that I can always submit my request for first choice, though. Does anyone have any clarity, recommendations, or can share your experience with this? Is there a certain restaurant that's usually closed for weddings on Saturday?

 

Our second choice will most likely be the large Spice Terrace, since it'll have enough space.

 

Thanks!

[jenniferleigh1122]

@AshleyRupple we're in the same boat!

 

Hi all,

 

I'm in desperate need of advice and I can't believe how AMAZING this and the ERC forums are!

 

We're in the process of planning a wedding at either EPM or ERC and its torture trying to figure out which one will be the best for us and all of our guests! Both resorts have so many great qualities and its so difficult choosing without actually doing a site visit. Ideally, we're really trying to embrace authentic Mexico (even at an all-inclusive!) as well as make sure that the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception are fantastic (I'm terrified that the lunch buffet will be featured in the background of first dance...) so its all about location!

 

Grateful for your advice!

 

Many thanks,

Jenn

 

PS: does this property allow beach bonfires?

@@lalalaken Your photos and video are FANTASTIC! Had you visited EPM prior to choosing as your wedding location? The photos are simply gorgeous.

[evita325]

Hi jenniferleigh1122,

 

I am in the same boat! EPM or ERC! and I also want a beach bonfire for rehearsal dinner! Did you figure out what you are doing?

 

Thanks!

[jenniferleigh1122]

@@evita325 - I hear you!

 

I'm honestly leaning towards EPM though I haven't made a final decission. I can't get a straight answer from Raul who is handling my enquiry/proposal. We were hoping to have a bonfire for a send off however I'm still not 100% - I would honestly say EPM has had STELLAR reviews and the photos I've seen from previous weddings in this forum are wonderful. If you're looking for an "authentic and unique" destination wedding like I am, I would choose EPM over ERC however time will only tell!

 

Let me know what you decide as well!