Sandals Antigua Brides??

[SarahTD]

Vickie-  So exciting!  30 days will go by so fast.  You're not going to believe it.  We were in a butler suite- the Oceanview Honeymoon Suite (we had no view of the ocean, though the room was wonderful) on the Caribbean side.  We didn't use our butlers as much as they probably would have liked, but our room was so close to everything that it was easy to pop back in for something.  We did have them bring us pizza to the pool a couple of times and once to the ping pong table while my in-laws were having a tournament.  We often came back to our room to find snacks and champagne and lovely bubble baths.  They also made a "rehearsal" dinner for 12 at Mario's happen.  Not sure how we would have swung that on our own.  I had asked the advice of someone who uses butler service every time and she sent me a list they always give the butlers when they get there.  It was a little structured for me, but I'll be happy to track it down and I can send it to you on Facebook, I think.  I'll send it to Alex at the same time.  

[marleydog]

Hey Sarah,

 

Loving the pics of the conga line.  You all look like you're having the most amazing time.

 

Thanks for the info re the reception set up & so glad to hear the photographers know exactly what they're doing.   I worry about the photos although I'm sure they'll be just perfect.

  

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

This was the start of the conga line.  That's Sasha behind me.  

More conga.  Not the most flattering picture of me, but I was really hot!

 

Alex, I think that size would still work perfectly for you.  They had the bar set up already and then I guess they set up the table while we took a few pictures.  I came back and it had appeared.  It may have been tucked away by the bar because I'm not honestly sure when it popped up.  I didn't really direct the photographers.  They told us what to do and, if we thought of something we wanted, they were very easy going about everything.  

 

 

 

[marleydog]

Hi Viki,

 

We went for the cheap photo package.  $375 for 19 images on a cd.  We thought we'd print our own off once we got home.  I'm pretty sure our guests will also be snapping away.  We decided against having a video.  Mike's dad is bringing a video camera but I'd rather he enjoyed the service rather than being busy filming.  Also it might be a bit difficult given that he's walking me down the 'aisle'.  LOL

 

I'm not really using the spa.  I'm going to do my own make up & I'm having my hair down in the villa / bungalow (or whatever it's called).  I will be going in there for my hair rehearsal but that's about it.  The couples massage sounds good.  We may end up booking that once we get there. 

Originally Posted by viki6069 

Thanks Sarah I will look into it here to see about a refresher course.  My certification is through PADI but I got certified in Okinawa, Japan about 20 years ago and haven't gone on any dives in like 18 years so I don't even know if I have a record of it.  If we have to get totally certified all over again might just stick to snorkeling expecially since you said the diving wasn't fabulous. 

 

I think we might go ahead and just pay for the $500 small package of photos and then at least we have the photographers for sure.  Still debating the video???  Are you getting the video Alex??

 

Also not sure I want to spend the extra money on the ocean front private dinner if you don't think it is worth it. 

 

Did you use the spa for anything.  I am booked for hair and makeup and we are really wanting to do the couples massage.

 

[marleydog]

Hey ladies,

 

I didn't know your get a special dinner at Mario's or Bayside.  That sounds great.    We've also booked the beach candlelit dinner for our last night.  I know it was expensive but we thought it would be such a lovely way to end our 'weddingmoon'. 

 

 

Sarah, I did chuckle when I read your post about them trying to sell you things whilst you're still naked.  

 

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

Vickie,

  It wasn't the ocean front private dinner I was talking about.  The night of your wedding (or another night you pick), you get a "special" dinner at Mario's or Bayside where they decorate your table and all of that.  We didn't do the private dinner so that is still probably very cool.

 

   My sisters got us the Scents of Love couples massage and it was lovely.  We followed it up with facials for both of us and that was also wonderful.  The only downside is that you're barely sitting up and still naked when they are trying to sell you products.  They take no for an answer pretty quickly though.  I do recommend the spa.

 

   I love my video and I'm really glad I have it.  You might consider it since it will just be the two of you.

   Hope all is well with everyone.  I'm so excited for you!
 

 

 

[marleydog]

Evening Ladies, I hope you're all well. 

 

Sorry I haven't been on for a couple of days.  Things have been so hectic over the past 3 weeks.  I've just started a new job & it's a pretty steep learning curve.  I also hate being the 'new girl'.  By the time I've got my head round things I'll be off to Antigua for 2 weeks & probably forget it all.  LOL.
 

So glad to hear you had a great weekend Viki, we did something similar here for Father's day.  OMG  you get the dress soon.  How exciting,  I'll bet you cant wait.   I'm sure it'll fit perfectly.  I know exactly where you're coming from with the countdowns.  If you're anything like me, you cant help yourself.  I lay in bed on a night, absolutely shattered but cant stop going through the wedding step by step.
 

Good call about the veil.  I couldn't make my mind up at first but I know Mike really wanted me to have one.  If it gets too hot, which I'm sure it will, I'll take it off after the ceremony.

 

Viki, are you also in a butler suite?  We've got one too & we're not sure how the whole thing worked.  Thanks Sarah for the sheet you sent.  Viki, If Sarah hasn't sent you this, let me know & I'll send you a copy.

 

I wish I could work out but I'm so lazy when it comes to things like that.  I'm just being careful with what I eat. 

 

Did I tell you all that I had a call saying my dress is in?  I've left my fitting until 9th July so that I dont have to worry too much about losing / gaining weight.   It's also my hen night on Friday.  I know it's a bit early as there's still 6 weeks to go but there are a few people who cant make the hen night so I've got a few more quieter nights out.   I'll be sure to post lots of pics on Sunday....Or when I get over the inevitable hangover.  

 

How's everyone else doing?     I hope you all have a great week.  

Originally Posted by viki6069 

Hi ladies!  I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  We were so busy and had a nice cookout with our "Brady Bunch" for Father's Day   I pick up the wedding dress on Saturday with my daughter and my soon-to-be step-daughter.  Lets hope it fits!  We have 30 days until we leave and I just can't stop counting down the days.  I know we are probably driving everyone crazy with our countdown but we are so flipping excited.

 

I have decided I am going to wear a veil so just have to find one now at a reasonable price.

 

Thanks Sarah for all the info.  I got confused with the dinner.  Were you guys in a Butler suite?  and if so, any recommendations on how to use the Butlers?  I read somewhere to let them know ahead of time what we want and it will be ready by our arrival

 

Just keeping busy now and working out like crazy to get ready for those bikinis

 

 

 

[marleydog]

Hi Sarah,

 

I think I've got my posts out of sequence.   Thanks again for sending the butler info.  I hadn't read this post when I said to Viki about forwarding her a copy.   You loose track really quickly on here if you dont log in every day.  

 

Hope you're having a good evening.
 

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

Vickie-  So exciting!  30 days will go by so fast.  You're not going to believe it.  We were in a butler suite- the Oceanview Honeymoon Suite (we had no view of the ocean, though the room was wonderful) on the Caribbean side.  We didn't use our butlers as much as they probably would have liked, but our room was so close to everything that it was easy to pop back in for something.  We did have them bring us pizza to the pool a couple of times and once to the ping pong table while my in-laws were having a tournament.  We often came back to our room to find snacks and champagne and lovely bubble baths.  They also made a "rehearsal" dinner for 12 at Mario's happen.  Not sure how we would have swung that on our own.  I had asked the advice of someone who uses butler service every time and she sent me a list they always give the butlers when they get there.  It was a little structured for me, but I'll be happy to track it down and I can send it to you on Facebook, I think.  I'll send it to Alex at the same time.  

 

[nmw134]

Alex, when you get a chance could you forward me a copy of the butler's list as well through facebook?  Thanks!

Nancy

[SarahTD]

Here is the butler request sheet:

 

 

Butler Request Sheet

 

 

October 30 – November 6

 

 

 

Drinks – please keep our refrigerator stocked with bottled water and Diet Coke, also Diet Dr. Pepper if you have it

 

Snacks – we like a snack delivered on the beach each morning (around 10:30 or 11am) and in our room each afternoon (around 4 or 4:30pm)

Our favorite snacks include:

• Fruit
• Shrimp cocktail
• Cheese and crackers
• Chips and salsa
• Anything chocolate

 

Lunch – we like lunch delivered on the beach each day (around 12:30 or 1pm) 

 

Dinner Reservations – we like to eat dinner early each night (around 6:30 or 7pm), also please RSVP for us for the Sandals Select dinner

 

Spa – please book an appointment for Eric for a sports massage and for Shannon a hot rocks massage on Sunday afternoon (around 4pm)

 

Tours – we have an all-day tour booked for Tuesday, November 2 (7:30am til 5pm) and we would like to have our breakfast in our room that morning and dinner on the balcony of our room that night 

 

Departure day – we prefer a late check-out if available and would like to have access to our bags up until the time we leave

[Koresh]

 

 

Originally Posted by SarahTD 

 

Hey everyone!  

Please feel free to ask me any questions.  I know how helpful this was to me before I went and I'm happy to help.  First of all- it was AWESOME!  The resort is amazing and the people were so friendly.  I loved every minute of it.  Okay, now down to the important part THE WEDDING:

 

It was incredibly easy.  We met with Sasha who really knows her stuff and is very friendly.  We decided on the large pavilion by the reflecting pool because everyone would fit and we could also have the reception inside it.  Great for 12 people, but probably won't apply to Alex and Viki so you will have more options.  We didn't commit to any photos until we saw them and no one pressured us at all.  We did have it videotaped.  Very steep at $500, but I'm so glad I have it.  We had several friends taking photos also and they saved us a lot of money.  Sasha walked us through everything so don't worry that you'll be left not knowing what you're supposed to do or where you're supposed to go.  The ceremony was wonderful.  I thought I would be nervous and teary, but I wasn't nervous at all.  I felt very relaxed and I had no idea how much fun I would have during the ceremony.  Vaughn was our officiant and he was funny and kept things light.  I got a little teary, but it was very joyous.  The flower ceremony was a bit of a letdown and I think it was my fault that I didn't make it clear to Sasha ahead of time that I wanted a big deal made of it.  Vaughn just kind of said they want to give flowers to their moms and then we did and that was it.  They were dressed roses and our moms appreciated them, but it just felt a little passed over and not as special as it should have been.  The reception was great.  We had the steel drum band and it was really good for a large group.  I will confess that there was even a conga line.  The food was pretty good and the drinks flowed.  

 

Here are the only negatives: We picked our menu and time for the morning after breakfast in our room and it never showed up.  We gave up and went to Bayside which is where we wanted to eat anyway, but it was a pain having to wait for it and not have it show up.  Also, we picked the menu for our special wedding dinner.  We could choose between eating from the menu at Mario's or a special menu at Bayside.  We chose Bayside and what sounded like a delicious meal.  It took 2 hours!  There was a 40 minute wait for the entree and we didn't even care by the time we got it.  We were wishing we were with our friends and family at Barefoot.  Now, those are really the only negatives so that isn't bad at all.  Oh, this is important- watch where you're standing for the pictures.  The photographers put us in the grass by some flowers and I ended up standing in an ant hill.  I got 17 bites and there are photos of my new husband pulling ants out of my dress. It wasn't a big deal and it didn't put a big damper on things.  The nurse visited and put some alcohol and caladryl on the bites and we moved on.  That was even before the conga line!  Makes for a good story anyway.  Overall, I loved my wedding and I'm so excited for you guys because you've really made a good choice.  I can't wait to hear about your experiences.

 

Viki: The reef in Antigua is not very pretty honestly.  We saw some rays, lobster and urchins along with some barracuda and other fish.  I feel any day spent under water is a good day, so we still enjoyed the diving, but this is not the place to go to expect great diving.  The dive guys are really nice once they warm up.  We were able to store all of our gear there so we didn't have to lug it back and forth.

 

Please let me know if you have any questions about wedding, resort, etc.  I'll be happy to help! 

 

Hey! We heard your band and saw you from our 5th floor med village room =) We were married on June 1st.

 

I just thought I would come back to this site because we got a lot of good information from here. We had Luana as our coordinator, I don't think I ever saw Sasha, but she looks very similar to Luana lol. We are thinking of writing up our experiences here as well. I must say though, they didn't walk through anything of the ceremony with us. She showed us the beach where we chose to be married and the aisle, but nothing else. She said the officiant would ask us about what type of ceremony we wanted, but on the walk out to the beach 15 mins before the wedding the husband asked her and she said she didn't need to know so he just told her lol. (religious or not, regular vows or self written vows, etc)

But we're easy going and had no problem with it - it really was simple.

 

We did the bird island tour and the snorkeling was average. Very clear water and lots of small colorful fish, but nothing extraordinary.

 

I will say though that we had an AMAZING 10 days!

 

[viki6069]

Hi Everyone...gosh have been just so busy.  My son is on two baseball teams so on top of everything else we pretty much are at his games every night.  He had a fabulous game last night and got the game ball (MVP).  I'm picking up the wedding dress on Saturday!!!   Everyone say a little prayer for me that it isn't still tight LOL. I am so sore today because Bob and I did a 6:00 a.m. bootcamp workout yesterday and OMG!!! LOL but I did love it...he hated it but is willing to give it a shot again   I have always enjoyed working out; just stepping it up for Antigua.

 

Nancy:  Welcome to the site and congratulations on your upcoming wedding.  Some of us are still in the planning process and getting ready and others as you can see have just gotten back and have been so helpful with the information coming back.

 

Sarah:  How are the newly weds doing ???    I read your review on trip advisor.  Great review and you have been such a help to us.  THANK YOU!!!  I got the Butler list and thanks so much!  We are going to put our requests in and try to use them to make our stay even more enjoyable but we may get out there and like you said not really need them as much.  Your pictures all look so much fun.  I have been on trip advisor reading all the reviews and it is so wonderful that almost all of them are so good.  Really a lot of info there.  Just so exciting.

 

Alex:  I am with you on the whole new job thing.  I HATE starting a new job!  I hope it calms down for you.  You will really be ready for Antigua by then.  Your veil sounds beautiful.  I am looking for one with some crystals or something on it too to try to catch the sunlight.  I'm a romantic too lol. I know you can't wait to get your dress.  We are staying in the Mediterranean Honeymoon Sunset Penthouse One Bedroom Oceanview Suite LOL.  We have a butler and concierge.  I don't know why it would have both??? but it does.  Those suites are either located on the 6th floor of the Cypress tower or the 4th floor of the Almond Building.  I called Sandals yesterday and put in a request to have our room in the Cypress Tower.  On the map it just looks like it is a better view of the ocean and it is higher up too.  I also read somewhere that it is $30 to have your dress steamed which isn't bad at all.  I have hair and make-up at 1:00 p.m. and then wedding is at 3:00 p.m.  Hopefully it won't rain!!! I wonder what they do if it is raining?  I wish these WCs were all on the same page because she did not even give me an option of a $375 cd package   So worried about the photography but maybe shouldn't over worry about it. 

 

Oh another thing:  My friends/family/coworkers are throwing us a big wedding shower the week before we leave, and I found on the Sandals site that you can do a registry with them.  So...we set it up where they can buy an excursion or spa packages or put money towards our trip where we can use it for photography or anything we want.  I am so excited about that because we have everything and this way our friends/family can get us a gift which we truly will be able to enjoy and have fun with.  So, just wanted to pass that on to you guys in case you hadn't seen it. 

 

Hope everyone is doing well!  I won't give you our countdown today LOL!!