2011 Iberostar Brides

[nucci]

For not being creative they look great haha.  Did you just buy paper with that design on it and then print it out??  I'm not great with the computer but I will def look into it.  I've seen the timelines you're talking about and they are super cute!!  Did you google it??  I google everything these days!

 

Karla said that brides in the past have used paper lanterns and it looks great.  She said I would need about 30 and could use different sizes but not exactly what sizes were used.  I might just guesstimate.  She said we would have to tip the staff for having them put up but whats another $40!!!!  

[Hannah5611]

The picture in the background is a picture i found on GOOGLE (lol)  ...its a picture of playa paraiso beach which is the beach that the resort sits on .....AND, the pic on the back of the 2 lawn chairs is another pic that I GOOGLED - it is taken from our actual resort....

 

so I found the pic of the beach, and then somehow inserted it into my background (dont remember exactly how I did that..haha)....then, I bought trifold brochure paper (the nice, thick, shiny paper) from an office supply store, and hit print (double sided, flip on short edge) .....I still need to work on centering them when they print, but I have some time before I need to have them to my travel agent AND I dont have my ceremony time until next month  

 

I totally agree that you should just guess on the sizes, and I am sure it doesnt matter - that is awesome!! Let me know where you get them and how much they cost!!

[nucci]

When is your wedding again?

 

Karla emailed me a bunch of pics from another wedding where they used the paper lanterns and it looks so awesome.  I'm def doing it now.  I'm prob going to buy 24 and 30 inches in a few different colors.  I'll let you know prices when I actually do it.

 

I'm trying to make decisions on little things now.  I think I might do program fans.  I think I will order the fans and print out the program and hot glue it to one side.  I know Vistaprint always has specials so I could order postcards and print up the program or just use cardstock. 

 

As for everything else I need a final number which hopefully I'll have by the end of the month!

[Lindobride14]

Hi ladies!!

 

Well, we're back!! Our wedding was nothing short of perfect.  It was a dream week.  Every guest kept commenting on how the place is a paradise and they don't know how I planned such a beautiful wedding from hundreds of miles away. 

 

All I can say is: any worries you ladies may have about your wedding here, throw it out the window.  It will be more wonderful than you can even imagine.

 

I don't have time to do a planning thread or full review at the moment but I'll touch on a  few points briefly:

 

First, if you're getting married at any of the Iberostar properties, have your reception at El Faro, the open air venue at the Del Mar.  It is the best party atmosphere and perfect ambience.  I cannot recommend it enough. 

 

Second, whatever you do, GET DJ DOREMIXX!!!!  Numerous guests were commenting that this was the best DJ they have ever heard.  Our cousin was even inquiring what he would charge to fly him to Chicago for an event.  He brings out props like masks, glowsticks and long skinny white balloons which sounds cheesy but really gets the party going.  People that arent the most confident dancers like having a prop.  I never left the dancefloor once.  Not even to get a drink Haha.   He's that good. Trust me.  He transitions one song to the next in such a way that you never want to leave. 

 

Third, tip your chef before the wedding.  THe food at the resorts is GOOD but it's not GREAT.  Hey, it's an all inclusive.   the chefs here do so many weddings that if you want preferential treatment you have to give them an incentive. We really wanted our wedding dinner to be a bit classier than the food we'd been eating throughout the week so we asked Karla to meet with him beforehand and we tipped him $200.  THe food was much much better than that which we had sampled previously.  THe steak was served over some roasted potatoes with a really good sauce.  It was the best steak I had all week. Everyone remarked that the salmon was delicious as well.  We really fought for some different sides other than the corn on the cob and baked potato they were offering and I'm very glad we did.  If you dont' ask for changes to the menu they won't offer it.

 

We also paid extra for hot appetizers to be served during cocktail hour and they were delicious.  If you go this route, get the shrimp cocktail served in a martini glass with pico de gallo and lime, the chicken wings, empanadas, fried calamari, and mushrooms with cream cheese & caviar.  They were all delicious.

 

What else?? Oh, the romantic dinner on the beach was simply phenomenal.  Those of you who did the Mac Daddy Package are in for a real treat.  it was the most romantic date we've ever been on.   Make sure to bring your camera.

 

The Presidential Suite at the Del Mar is off the chain!  We did not want to leave after our wedding night so we ended up paying the upgrade to stay in the Pres. Suite for our last two nights.

 

I stayed in the Suite with my sister the night before the wedding and we all got ready there the morning of the wedding.  If you're seeking an outside hair/makeup artist go with Trevor from Waves Playa and Adrian of Stying Trio for your makeup.  My makeup looked amazing and stayed put even through the following day during our (very splashy) TTD session!   PM me for their info.

 

Lastly, If you havent chosen a photographer yet, Ivan Luckie did an amazing job.  He is a true artist and takes very creative shots.  I haven't seen any pro pics yet, but I am confident they'll be beautiful.

 

If anyone's interested in seeing some of our guests' photo albums, I will PM you our snapfish photo share site. 

 

I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding.  My best advice to you ladies is don't waste another minute stressing out about your weddingl  Your guests will be telling you it's the most fun wedding they ever attended!

 

[Hanna20]

Welcome back!!! I'm so glad to hear everything went well! I would love to see those photos that you mentioned..... We actually just had a photograpger crisis this morning! My photographer bailed on me!!! She has a family matter that she will be out of town for during our wedding. So now with just over 2 months to go I am forced to find a new photographer:( I am so disappointed but I hope that it will all work out and I am able to find someone on short notice.... fingers crossed!!!
 

Originally Posted by Lindobride14 

Hi ladies!!

 

Well, we're back!! Our wedding was nothing short of perfect.  It was a dream week.  Every guest kept commenting on how the place is a paradise and they don't know how I planned such a beautiful wedding from hundreds of miles away. 

 

All I can say is: any worries you ladies may have about your wedding here, throw it out the window.  It will be more wonderful than you can even imagine.

 

I don't have time to do a planning thread or full review at the moment but I'll touch on a  few points briefly:

 

First, if you're getting married at any of the Iberostar properties, have your reception at El Faro, the open air venue at the Del Mar.  It is the best party atmosphere and perfect ambience.  I cannot recommend it enough. 

 

Second, whatever you do, GET DJ DOREMIXX!!!!  Numerous guests were commenting that this was the best DJ they have ever heard.  Our cousin was even inquiring what he would charge to fly him to Chicago for an event.  He brings out props like masks, glowsticks and long skinny white balloons which sounds cheesy but really gets the party going.  People that arent the most confident dancers like having a prop.  I never left the dancefloor once.  Not even to get a drink Haha.   He's that good. Trust me.  He transitions one song to the next in such a way that you never want to leave. 

 

Third, tip your chef before the wedding.  THe food at the resorts is GOOD but it's not GREAT.  Hey, it's an all inclusive.   the chefs here do so many weddings that if you want preferential treatment you have to give them an incentive. We really wanted our wedding dinner to be a bit classier than the food we'd been eating throughout the week so we asked Karla to meet with him beforehand and we tipped him $200.  THe food was much much better than that which we had sampled previously.  THe steak was served over some roasted potatoes with a really good sauce.  It was the best steak I had all week. Everyone remarked that the salmon was delicious as well.  We really fought for some different sides other than the corn on the cob and baked potato they were offering and I'm very glad we did.  If you dont' ask for changes to the menu they won't offer it.

 

We also paid extra for hot appetizers to be served during cocktail hour and they were delicious.  If you go this route, get the shrimp cocktail served in a martini glass with pico de gallo and lime, the chicken wings, empanadas, fried calamari, and mushrooms with cream cheese & caviar.  They were all delicious.

 

What else?? Oh, the romantic dinner on the beach was simply phenomenal.  Those of you who did the Mac Daddy Package are in for a real treat.  it was the most romantic date we've ever been on.   Make sure to bring your camera.

 

The Presidential Suite at the Del Mar is off the chain!  We did not want to leave after our wedding night so we ended up paying the upgrade to stay in the Pres. Suite for our last two nights.

 

I stayed in the Suite with my sister the night before the wedding and we all got ready there the morning of the wedding.  If you're seeking an outside hair/makeup artist go with Trevor from Waves Playa and Adrian of Stying Trio for your makeup.  My makeup looked amazing and stayed put even through the following day during our (very splashy) TTD session!   PM me for their info.

 

Lastly, If you havent chosen a photographer yet, Ivan Luckie did an amazing job.  He is a true artist and takes very creative shots.  I haven't seen any pro pics yet, but I am confident they'll be beautiful.

 

If anyone's interested in seeing some of our guests' photo albums, I will PM you our snapfish photo share site. 

 

I wouldn't change a thing about our wedding.  My best advice to you ladies is don't waste another minute stressing out about your weddingl  Your guests will be telling you it's the most fun wedding they ever attended!

 

[Hannah5611]

Welcome back and I am so glad it was your dream wedding!!!  JUST LIKE HANNA, my photographer (who was also a guest) just BAILED on my last week and I am SEARCHING like crazy for someone affordable!!  How much was Ivan Luckie???  I would also LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your pics if you could PM me!!!   CONGRATS!!!!

[Hanna20]

Hi Hannah,

 

I have spent a good portion of my day emailing a number of photographers for their availability and pricing. If you are interested I can send along some of their responses. The ones I have received back so far have been pretty good about working out some sort of a "deal".... It all really depends on your budget and what you're willing to spend (ours is not very big). I'm sure you have also received some quotes already so is anyone standing out so far???
 

Originally Posted by Hannah5611 

Welcome back and I am so glad it was your dream wedding!!!  JUST LIKE HANNA, my photographer (who was also a guest) just BAILED on my last week and I am SEARCHING like crazy for someone affordable!!  How much was Ivan Luckie???  I would also LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your pics if you could PM me!!!   CONGRATS!!!!

[Hannah5611]

I received quotes from $450 to $4000 (and a lot of people that arent available!)......my budget is VERY low because I did not originally have a photographer in budget.....

The Lindo keeps avoiding my question of what they will charge for me to bring in an outside photographer - I PM'd Lindobride to see what she was charged because the photographer I am going to go with told me it can be quite a hefty fee!!  BUT, the Lindo photographer starts at $500 for ONE hour of pics....

 

ok - so I actually have a friend here in Chicago who has an aunt that lives and works as a photographer in the Cancun/Riveria Maya area (totally ironic)...her prices START at $450 BUT you get 4 hours of coverage, a CD with all the pics, and a DVD - that was the BEST deal I found - so I have her booked as of now (but I am worried about what the Lindo is going to charge still)

 

Anyways - her website is www.pamelastarr.org/  

 

let me know if you have found any good deals!!! 

 

I am going to send you a quick PM...

 

Hannah

 

Originally Posted by Hanna20 

Hi Hannah,

 

I have spent a good portion of my day emailing a number of photographers for their availability and pricing. If you are interested I can send along some of their responses. The ones I have received back so far have been pretty good about working out some sort of a "deal".... It all really depends on your budget and what you're willing to spend (ours is not very big). I'm sure you have also received some quotes already so is anyone standing out so far???
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hannah5611 

Welcome back and I am so glad it was your dream wedding!!!  JUST LIKE HANNA, my photographer (who was also a guest) just BAILED on my last week and I am SEARCHING like crazy for someone affordable!!  How much was Ivan Luckie???  I would also LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your pics if you could PM me!!!   CONGRATS!!!!

 

[radiochic10]

I can tell you the fee to bring in an 'outside' photographer to any Iberostar resort for your wedding is $300.  They have a contract with a photo place there & they won't let it slide-BUT-here's what we're doing.  A friend through work is a professional photographer & offered to do our wedding (including anything revolving around it...i.e. rehearsal dinner) in return for the trip.  So-we're bringing him to Mexico-he gets a little vaca AND we don't have to pay the fee because he's a GUEST at the hotel.  There's where the loophole is.  They don't charge you for the photographer or even a videographer as long as they are staying at an Iberostar property for at least 2 nights.  Maybe that will help you if you have a friend who's a photographer.  Everyone knows someone who is-it's worth asking around to your friends & family.

 

Hannah!  Welcome back!!  I just emailed with Karla & I was asking about the weather because according to weather.com it looks like it's been raining there A LOT & she said there were 4 weddings in the past week & they all went perfectly & I even thought-yours was one of them!!! YAY!   I had a few questions----since we're leaving a week from Monday! HOLY cow!!  First, I'd love to see your pictures!  Could you email them?  Can you tell me what the sides were that you got instead of the corn & potato?  Did you have any cold apps & were they ok?  Not sure about adding hot at this point since now I'm thinking I need the extra $ to tip the chef! And can you tell me how much it was to upgrade to the Pres. suite the rest of the time or is that too personal???  Just trying to figure out the final budget and it's amazing how many things are nickel & diming me to death now! (Like our favors-which are MIA.  I shipped them Jan 6th & the post office can't find them!  Cost $54 just to ship and I think I'll have to re-order them and pay extra to have them personalized quick & shipped to my sis's house so she can bring them when she comes the 12th!)  And I am SOOOO glad I went with DJ Doremixx after reading your review! yahoo!

Thanks! Erin

 

PS-still love that my "Mac Daddy" label has stuck!!! HA HA HA

[Hanna20]

I am not 100% sure about the Lindo but I know that Beach/Del Mar charge $300 for external photographers and you have to buy a day pass for the photographer and assistant for $50 each.... so $400 total.
 

Originally Posted by Hannah5611 

I received quotes from $450 to $4000 (and a lot of people that arent available!)......my budget is VERY low because I did not originally have a photographer in budget.....

The Lindo keeps avoiding my question of what they will charge for me to bring in an outside photographer - I PM'd Lindobride to see what she was charged because the photographer I am going to go with told me it can be quite a hefty fee!!  BUT, the Lindo photographer starts at $500 for ONE hour of pics....

 

ok - so I actually have a friend here in Chicago who has an aunt that lives and works as a photographer in the Cancun/Riveria Maya area (totally ironic)...her prices START at $450 BUT you get 4 hours of coverage, a CD with all the pics, and a DVD - that was the BEST deal I found - so I have her booked as of now (but I am worried about what the Lindo is going to charge still)

 

Anyways - her website is www.pamelastarr.org/  

 

let me know if you have found any good deals!!! 

 

I am going to send you a quick PM...

 

Hannah

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanna20 

Hi Hannah,

 

I have spent a good portion of my day emailing a number of photographers for their availability and pricing. If you are interested I can send along some of their responses. The ones I have received back so far have been pretty good about working out some sort of a "deal".... It all really depends on your budget and what you're willing to spend (ours is not very big). I'm sure you have also received some quotes already so is anyone standing out so far???
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hannah5611 

Welcome back and I am so glad it was your dream wedding!!!  JUST LIKE HANNA, my photographer (who was also a guest) just BAILED on my last week and I am SEARCHING like crazy for someone affordable!!  How much was Ivan Luckie???  I would also LOVE LOVE LOVE to see your pics if you could PM me!!!   CONGRATS!!!!