Wedding Review

[Yanell]

I apologize for the delay, still a little under the weather...

 

We celebrated our wedding May 23, 2009 in Careyes, Mexico at the El Careyes Resort and San Mateo Catholic Church. We had a small wedding with approximately 40 guests.

 

Pre Wedding:

Westin in Puerto Vallarta - B+

We were pleasantly surprised! This hotel has a lot of character, I can see why many brides choose this location for their weddings. It lends itself for some amazing photos. When we were in P.V. the hotel was fairly empty and unfortunately many of the pools were closed. But the grounds were ample and the rooms were clean, the beach was nice and it's close to downtown. The only downside (I just hate this in general) they charged for internet and gym usage.

 

Costco & Sams Club - A

We stopped at these stores for snacks and alcohol. Prices were competitive and we found everything we needed!

 

Superior Tours Vallarta - A

We had all of our guests picked up from the P.V. airport and transported to Careyes (since its a 2.5 hour drive) it was important to have a spacious, comfortable bus with a restroom. Our guests seemed to have a good time on the bus! And Astrid and Azael are fantastic and very accommodating!

index

 

Blu the Salon - A++

This little salon is located in the Zona Romantica, which is worth a trip in itself. I originally went to this salon for my hair trial and loved it!!! Unfortunately I was unable to have the team come out to Careyes, but I would've booked them in a heart beat! I did however stop by for an amazing mani & pedi!!! Highly, highly recommend!!!

www.blusalonpv.com

 

Playa Rosa - A+

We had our Welcome/Beach Party at the property next door. It was about a 3-4 min beach walk and it was amazing!!! We had a trio and bond fire and both were well worth the cost!

 

El Careyes Resort - A+

Although the location is difficult to get to, it is well worth the trip! We had the resort practically to ourselves. The resort itself has 52 rooms and sits on a private beach. I am big on privacy and this place was perfect! Although the rates are a little steep for the tired/rustic rooms the location makes up for it! And our wedding coordinator from the resort was amazing!!!

 

I'll admit it was very stressful planning a destination wedding! Not being in control and approving every detail was very difficult for me. And even the day of, I saw many things that were wrong! For starters the flowers were not what I expected, at all! The dinner presentation was very different then what we had for our tasting! BUT, I can't believe I'm saying this.... you let it all go!!! I was having such a great time, I didn't care! My guests had no idea all these things were wrong! And they all seemed to enjoy themselves!

 

We had little problems here and there, forgot the readings for the church, the music wouldn't play, we were running about an hour behind on everything. BUT again, at the end it all worked out! Many of my family and friends stepped up and helped to keep things going! Everyone's involvement ended up making the experience all the more special!

 

We really didn't have any vendors to deal with since most was coordinated through the resort. The florist unfortunately ended up being the biggest disappointment. We did not have a DJ either, we chose IPOD and this worked out PERFECT for us! My husband did a great job creating our playlist.

El Careyes Beach Resort, Official Website.

 

Steve Stanton Photography - A++

I can't say enough about our photographer and that's that I haven't seen all of my pictures yet. I am basing this mostly on our engagement pics and a few wedding pics he has shared with us! He was great and easy to work with and I would highly recommend!

http://stevestantonphotography.com

 

Mishka Designs - A++

I've already said this, but the maracas Mishka made were amazing!!! It was completely last minute, but they were a great addition. We ended up using them as escort cards. My guests had a blast shaking them during our dinner (for kisses) and they were used out on the dance floor a lot!!! They were sooo much fun!!! Highly, highly recommend!

 

Promo Vision Puerto Vallarta - TBD

We hired Ray as our videographer and so far, we can say he showed up, was punctual and was pleasant...we are still waiting for material from him. As soon as we see something I will comment.

 

Dreams Villamagna in Nuevo Vallarta - B- (Husband says C-)

The upside: the hotel is nice, new and clean.

 

Downside: when we were there it was very slow. However the service at the restaurants was VERY inconsistent. The first night we were there we waited 30 min just to get menus!!!! Then when they eventually did take our order it was all wrong, extra food we did not order came out and the things we did order never did!!! The service was really bad! Same for breakfast! There was one morning were we got excellent service....just wish it would've been a little more consistent.

 

First time at an all inclusive and the food...as bad as they say!

 

Again, because they were so slow they only seemed to have ONE waitress on all day by the beach and pool! It was unbelievable!!!

 

I think this was my major gripe with the hotel! It still seems to be a work in progress!!

 

BUT, like I said it was physically a nice hotel! Everything is white (which I love) and there seemed to be lots and lots of weddings there!

 

 

My advice to all future brides...don't obsesses about the little things (I know its hard not to), but somehow (I hated when people would say this) it all really does work out in the end! And as long as you and your husband are having a good time, your guests will follow!! There is nothing your guests want more than to see you enjoying your wedding!! Enjoy the planning process and breath, take it all in and remember forever!!

 

Best wishes to all future P.V. Brides!!!

 

Yanell

 

Some professional pics:

[weddinggirl72]

Thanks for the review! Your dress is sooooooo beautiful! Can you tell me/us who the designer is? It looks like Monique Lhullier Katarina?? I am looking for something just like that.

[tylersgirl]

Gorgeous dress!!! Is it Maggie Sottero Amour Brooch? I love it! Congrats MRS.!

[Mel&B]

The first thing I was going to write about was your dress, and it looks like the other girls agree. It's so, so gorgeous! I can't wait to see more of your pictures. Great review.

[jk1101]

Congratulations and thank you for the review! Love your dress!

[Andi]

OMG! your dress is amazing!

 

I looked at some other teaser pics on your photogs blog....did you jump in the pool in that dress or is that a different one you are in the pool with?! HOW AWESOME!

 

can't wait to see more pics!

[godaloveme]

Thanks for the great review !!!

Loved your pic's cant wait to see more !!!

Congrats !!!

[~Melissa~]

Great review, thanks for sharing! Your photos are stunning. Love the one from above looking down on you in the sand. Gorgeous colors in the 3rd one. Congrats!

[lani76]

Excellent review! I would love to hear about your videographer once you receive the final product from them. Your dress is absolutely GORGEOUS!! Congratulations on your wedding...it sounds like it was absolutely perfect.

(oh...and I LOVE the maracas!)

[Erika J]

I loved your bouquet!!! were they white roses or light pink?