Beach Palace Cancun Brides

[JenniBassler]

Hi!!!! I'm BAAAACKKK!!! It was the most fun, perfect week ever! I can't wait for all of you to go so we can talk about how wonderful it is there. I honestly teared up having to leave!

 

Mario (my WC) had some suggestions for cocktails to pass around at all my private functions so I don't think having a private event would be any issue at all.

 

The bamboo structures with lanterns were $155/each.

 

The speakers for 3 hours (2 speakers/ipod setup with NO technician) was $312.17, but they actually ended up sending a tech anyways to just help control the stuff.

 

I will do a review asap and post a link to pictures AS SOON as I have them back. I can't wait to see them!!!! If you have any questions - ask away. Let me just say that your day will be PERFECT! It is so wonderful there and all they want is for you to be happy.

 

Also, I got my hair done at the spa and it was perfect. I LOVED it. My sister and one of my friends got their's done too and they were both really really good. Neither one of them had a picture of what they wanted, but I did. The salon has a book of pictures to go through so that is helpful.

[KristieT]

Originally Posted by JenniBassler 

 

Hi!!!! I'm BAAAACKKK!!! It was the most fun, perfect week ever! I can't wait for all of you to go so we can talk about how wonderful it is there. I honestly teared up having to leave!

 

Mario (my WC) had some suggestions for cocktails to pass around at all my private functions so I don't think having a private event would be any issue at all.

 

The bamboo structures with lanterns were $155/each.

 

The speakers for 3 hours (2 speakers/ipod setup with NO technician) was $312.17, but they actually ended up sending a tech anyways to just help control the stuff.

 

I will do a review asap and post a link to pictures AS SOON as I have them back. I can't wait to see them!!!! If you have any questions - ask away. Let me just say that your day will be PERFECT! It is so wonderful there and all they want is for you to be happy.

 

Also, I got my hair done at the spa and it was perfect. I LOVED it. My sister and one of my friends got their's done too and they were both really really good. Neither one of them had a picture of what they wanted, but I did. The salon has a book of pictures to go through so that is helpful.

Jenni!!!!!!!!

Welcome Back! Congratulations! I am so happy to hear everything went perfect for you! I am so excited to read your review and see all your pictures!

 

I do have some questions. Where was your ceremony and reception? Was it really windy? I have been reading reviews of crazy wind.

Did it rain?

Did you have a big dress, where you sweating all night? I am worried about the heat a little bit.

 

Any tips on things you wish you did, or wish you didn't?

 

What room did you stay in?

 

Did you do any tours?

 

Does the bride and groom get a different color wristband? ( i cant remember where i read that)

 

How were the restaurants?

 

 

Ahh so many questions! So much excitement!!

 

Congrats again Jenni on being a Mrs! Whoooooot!

[JenniBassler]

Thank you!! Okay - Here's what we did as far as events went... We arrived Tuesday morning and it was just an easy play in the sun day. Every day drank and we just took it easy that night. Had dinner at the steakhouse which is just a few tables outside. It was good, and don't take this to mean it wasn't but of all the meals I had all week it was my least favorite. Tuesday lunch was the only lunch I ate at the buffet bc I was starving from traveling. I just ate random stuff and it was good, but nothing exceptional. At every meal at the buffet theres like a made to order station - waffles or omelets at breakfast and at lunch fajitas or something - he waited for those on Tuesday and said they were great. I was too hungry to wait. Every single day I ate lunch by the pool and it was SOOOO GOOD. Quesadillas, chicken tacos, cheviche, GUACAMOLE. I ate guace and pico with every meal (even breakfast) and now I havent had it in like 72 hours and I am having withdraws, burgers by the pool are also great, but the french fries, not so much! The pool water gets a little warm and by about 2-3 in the afternoon the sun is on the other side of the hotel so we would move to the beach, or I recommend the roof top pools, they are small and there aren't a lot of chairs but it wasn't crowded at all up there and the drink service was faster too! 

 

Wednesday - Dinner girls had a private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 on the Sky Terrace. When I met with Mario on Tuesday he said for this he had planned one long table with white clothes and turquoise napkins. I didn't know they ever did anything but white so I was happy to have some color. They also add little hurricane lanterns with candles and then my BMs had some bachelorette decor to add too. He also had recommended mojitos as a passes cocktail which I dont much care for, but to have trays of cocktails I thought would be nice so I went with it. Turns out they were different flavors and were a huge hit!!!

Worldwide Hors Doeurves and Italian Menu - Both AMAZING! The Worldwide had this Mushroom au von vent things... it was like a puff pastry with some mouse inside, I don't like mushrooms - but since it wasn't a mushroom really OMG - I want one right now. It was awesome. Then we went to sports bar at 10 when that was done to drink for a little while before we went out in town. 

 

Thursday - Private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 also on Sky Terrace as a Welcome Dinner. For this Mario had planned white long cloths on the big round tables and orange cloths on top. Worked for me because I had brought maracas to decorate with so it looked really mexican (he suggested the passed cocktail be margaritas) and they had those candle lantern things for this too! (non of that did i pay for - they just did it) for this I had International Hors Doeurves and BBQ menu. I loved the potato skins on the BBQ and all the guys loved the wings appetizer! Every one kept saying how good the food was both nights!

 

Friday - This day for lunch I missed poolside and ordered my trustee quesadillas room service and my little sister ordered sliders. I took one bite of her sliders and told her it was my day and she had to have quesadillas because those were soooo good I wanted them. HAHAHA. I wasn't bridezilla, I was joking but she didn't care and let me have them. What a sweet baby sis! Friday we had our ceremony on the Sky Wedding Deck at 5:30 - I did hair at 1 and I felt like it was a perfect slow paced day. We did not do any first look photos though. The cocktail hour after was on the Infinity Terrace (passed cocktail different flavored martinis) and the Reception was on the Beach. People went ON and ON and ON about how good the Hors Doeurves were at the cocktail hour on Friday which was Superior. I literally didn't get to taste ONE. We had some trouble getting my dress to bustle so that took a bit, then we did pictures and then they had already removed them from they warmers but by far those must have been the best because I kept hearing how amazing different things were. Something about these shrimp and pineapple skewers and beef medallions. We had the International Buffet at dinner and it was excellent also. The snapper was great and so was the roast beef. I HATE chicken cordon bleu so I wish I would have swapped that out for something. We did tres leches cake with butter cream icing and did not pay for a bigger cake even though we had 60 people. We have MORE THAN ENOUGH CAKE! Plus, there is other desserts! I wouldn't bother upgrading cake. The cake is way prettier in person then in the photos too!! Much more elaborate. 

 

It never rained one time. It was beautiful always. The only time the wind was an issue was Thursday night's dinner. It was really annoyed that night - but I think it picks up later. The ceremony at 5:30 was fine. I did not wear a veil though - for that very reason. I anticipated it blowing out of smearing lipstick all over my face so I just wore flower in the hair. 

 

Yes, my dress was big. I was really worried about being hot too and I wasnt at all. By night it is mid 70s and the breeze kept me comfortable. My mom kept trying to talk me into a reception dress and I was like NO I know I will not want to take off my dress even if I am in misery. I want to wear it to the grocery store, I AM WEARING IT AS LONG AS I CAN!!!! We had a VERY full dance floor and I never thought about being hot once. We moved to the sports bar after and ordered late night pizzas and continued the party and I kept it on all night. Until about 5 AM. No issue!

 

We stayed in room 610. It was right in the center with a perfect view! We had a little issue checking in  - they tried to put us on the first floor and not upgrade us to the concierge level and I am not very good at confrontation so my MOH, who speaks fluent Spanish had to lay down the law and got it taken care of. They were saying there was nothing they could do because the hotel was full. So checking it was a bit of a mess but it all got straighten out. The bride and groom had the same wristbands as everyone else. Our group had different wristbands from others, I heard someone say it has to do with who you book through?

 

Oh yeah, restaurants - steakhouse we covered, husband and I never ate at Wok but my family did and said they ordered a bunch of appetizers and all were excellent and that they really enjoyed dinner (even sushi, said they had about 12 different rolls) and my mom was really skeptical of asian in MX, but was very pleasantly surprised, I LOVED breakfast buffet everyday, everything there was really good. I ate a huge breakfast in there every morning, then just snacked at the pool until dinner, the Italian restaurant (where men must were pants) we delicious also, I had a fettuccine with pesto and asked if they would add shrimp for me - sooo good and husband got salmon with a goat cheese and honey sauce which is WAY outside the box for him - he loved it! Most the other guys with us got the filet there which was far superior to the steaks from the steak restaurant outside! Our last 2 nights there we went outside the resort for dinner. We decided we werent wasting all inclusive money since our stay was free. We went to a place called La Habachuelas (means The Stringbean) which was a beautiful restaurant and we both had lobster (I also had some shrimp and grouper), husband's was cooked flambé table side - it was really fun and great! And our last night we went to Harry's (pretty expensive) but THE BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! Since we had lobster the night before we both got surf and turf (it's a prime steak house) so we had filets and king crab legs! If you splurge on a nice dinner out GO THERE! I had to close my eyes eating the garlic mashed potatoes. It's right on the lagoon so request a table outside. I took my ipad with me and would goodle these places and make reservations online using open table via the hotel's wifi. I can't tell you how great this meal was!!! I don't have any photographers pictures yet, but if any of you have instagram there are some on there my name is jennibjohnson or you can search #johnsonweddingfiesta

 

 

The only thing I wish I would have done differently is done the champagne toast AT DINNER and not AT THE CEREMONY. They have you wait to walk back down the aisle after the kiss while they pass out champagne and it was really awkward to just stand there waiting when the natural thing is to run down the aisle. Maybe I will feel different because I am sure its great pictures, but our MOHs and Best Men did their toasts at dinner at the reception so I feel like we should have just saved the champagne for that.

 

 

Sorry this was LONG!!!! But fun to relive!! I'm glad I can finally answer questions, I know what it was like to have SO MANY!!!

[JenniBassler]

Oh.... excursions.. We didn't do anything with our credits but we did do one. It was called XPLOR and it was AWESOME! It's in Playa so you take a tour bus (nice bus) like 1-1.5 depending how many people you pick up. It picked us up at 7AM and we got back to BP at like 6PM. Its an ALL DAY THING. Theres like 15 Zip Lines, you can swim in natural sink holes and grottoes, caves, you paddle these rafts through caves, drive these vehicles through the jungle, they go through water... google XPLOR cancun. It was so much fun. They have all inclusive food and stuff there and it was good! We are really glad we got out and did something fun. They take lots of pictures for you while you are there too - $35 for one persons pictures and $75 for 2 and you get them all on a USB. We only bought mine since we did most things together he is in like all of them. It was awesome - highly recommend!!!

[JenniBassler]

Crap! One more thing. The credits were really hard to use. That is just that. We bottle a tequila pack (100) so tax/fee was 11 - same for a 10 pack of cigars, and I used the spa - 100 for my hair (LOVED) and an 80 minute deep tissue massage (185) - the dinner on the beach isnt lobster its surf and turf and thats what i had at the steakhouse so we decided it was prob the same thing just private on the beach and just didnt want to mess with it and the excursions on only certain days. So I suggest looking into these THE DAY YOU GET THERE so you can have as many chances as possible if you want to use that for any of their excursions.

[KristieT]

Originally Posted by JenniBassler 

 

Crap! One more thing. The credits were really hard to use. That is just that. We bottle a tequila pack (100) so tax/fee was 11 - same for a 10 pack of cigars, and I used the spa - 100 for my hair (LOVED) and an 80 minute deep tissue massage (185) - the dinner on the beach isnt lobster its surf and turf and thats what i had at the steakhouse so we decided it was prob the same thing just private on the beach and just didnt want to mess with it and the excursions on only certain days. So I suggest looking into these THE DAY YOU GET THERE so you can have as many chances as possible if you want to use that for any of their excursions.

 

 

Originally Posted by JenniBassler 

 

Oh.... excursions.. We didn't do anything with our credits but we did do one. It was called XPLOR and it was AWESOME! It's in Playa so you take a tour bus (nice bus) like 1-1.5 depending how many people you pick up. It picked us up at 7AM and we got back to BP at like 6PM. Its an ALL DAY THING. Theres like 15 Zip Lines, you can swim in natural sink holes and grottoes, caves, you paddle these rafts through caves, drive these vehicles through the jungle, they go through water... google XPLOR cancun. It was so much fun. They have all inclusive food and stuff there and it was good! We are really glad we got out and did something fun. They take lots of pictures for you while you are there too - $35 for one persons pictures and $75 for 2 and you get them all on a USB. We only bought mine since we did most things together he is in like all of them. It was awesome - highly recommend!!!

 

 

Originally Posted by JenniBassler 

 

Thank you!! Okay - Here's what we did as far as events went... We arrived Tuesday morning and it was just an easy play in the sun day. Every day drank and we just took it easy that night. Had dinner at the steakhouse which is just a few tables outside. It was good, and don't take this to mean it wasn't but of all the meals I had all week it was my least favorite. Tuesday lunch was the only lunch I ate at the buffet bc I was starving from traveling. I just ate random stuff and it was good, but nothing exceptional. At every meal at the buffet theres like a made to order station - waffles or omelets at breakfast and at lunch fajitas or something - he waited for those on Tuesday and said they were great. I was too hungry to wait. Every single day I ate lunch by the pool and it was SOOOO GOOD. Quesadillas, chicken tacos, cheviche, GUACAMOLE. I ate guace and pico with every meal (even breakfast) and now I havent had it in like 72 hours and I am having withdraws, burgers by the pool are also great, but the french fries, not so much! The pool water gets a little warm and by about 2-3 in the afternoon the sun is on the other side of the hotel so we would move to the beach, or I recommend the roof top pools, they are small and there aren't a lot of chairs but it wasn't crowded at all up there and the drink service was faster too! 

 

Wednesday - Dinner girls had a private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 on the Sky Terrace. When I met with Mario on Tuesday he said for this he had planned one long table with white clothes and turquoise napkins. I didn't know they ever did anything but white so I was happy to have some color. They also add little hurricane lanterns with candles and then my BMs had some bachelorette decor to add too. He also had recommended mojitos as a passes cocktail which I dont much care for, but to have trays of cocktails I thought would be nice so I went with it. Turns out they were different flavors and were a huge hit!!!

Worldwide Hors Doeurves and Italian Menu - Both AMAZING! The Worldwide had this Mushroom au von vent things... it was like a puff pastry with some mouse inside, I don't like mushrooms - but since it wasn't a mushroom really OMG - I want one right now. It was awesome. Then we went to sports bar at 10 when that was done to drink for a little while before we went out in town. 

 

Thursday - Private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 also on Sky Terrace as a Welcome Dinner. For this Mario had planned white long cloths on the big round tables and orange cloths on top. Worked for me because I had brought maracas to decorate with so it looked really mexican (he suggested the passed cocktail be margaritas) and they had those candle lantern things for this too! (non of that did i pay for - they just did it) for this I had International Hors Doeurves and BBQ menu. I loved the potato skins on the BBQ and all the guys loved the wings appetizer! Every one kept saying how good the food was both nights!

 

Friday - This day for lunch I missed poolside and ordered my trustee quesadillas room service and my little sister ordered sliders. I took one bite of her sliders and told her it was my day and she had to have quesadillas because those were soooo good I wanted them. HAHAHA. I wasn't bridezilla, I was joking but she didn't care and let me have them. What a sweet baby sis! Friday we had our ceremony on the Sky Wedding Deck at 5:30 - I did hair at 1 and I felt like it was a perfect slow paced day. We did not do any first look photos though. The cocktail hour after was on the Infinity Terrace (passed cocktail different flavored martinis) and the Reception was on the Beach. People went ON and ON and ON about how good the Hors Doeurves were at the cocktail hour on Friday which was Superior. I literally didn't get to taste ONE. We had some trouble getting my dress to bustle so that took a bit, then we did pictures and then they had already removed them from they warmers but by far those must have been the best because I kept hearing how amazing different things were. Something about these shrimp and pineapple skewers and beef medallions. We had the International Buffet at dinner and it was excellent also. The snapper was great and so was the roast beef. I HATE chicken cordon bleu so I wish I would have swapped that out for something. We did tres leches cake with butter cream icing and did not pay for a bigger cake even though we had 60 people. We have MORE THAN ENOUGH CAKE! Plus, there is other desserts! I wouldn't bother upgrading cake. The cake is way prettier in person then in the photos too!! Much more elaborate. 

 

It never rained one time. It was beautiful always. The only time the wind was an issue was Thursday night's dinner. It was really annoyed that night - but I think it picks up later. The ceremony at 5:30 was fine. I did not wear a veil though - for that very reason. I anticipated it blowing out of smearing lipstick all over my face so I just wore flower in the hair. 

 

Yes, my dress was big. I was really worried about being hot too and I wasnt at all. By night it is mid 70s and the breeze kept me comfortable. My mom kept trying to talk me into a reception dress and I was like NO I know I will not want to take off my dress even if I am in misery. I want to wear it to the grocery store, I AM WEARING IT AS LONG AS I CAN!!!! We had a VERY full dance floor and I never thought about being hot once. We moved to the sports bar after and ordered late night pizzas and continued the party and I kept it on all night. Until about 5 AM. No issue!

 

We stayed in room 610. It was right in the center with a perfect view! We had a little issue checking in  - they tried to put us on the first floor and not upgrade us to the concierge level and I am not very good at confrontation so my MOH, who speaks fluent Spanish had to lay down the law and got it taken care of. They were saying there was nothing they could do because the hotel was full. So checking it was a bit of a mess but it all got straighten out. The bride and groom had the same wristbands as everyone else. Our group had different wristbands from others, I heard someone say it has to do with who you book through?

 

Oh yeah, restaurants - steakhouse we covered, husband and I never ate at Wok but my family did and said they ordered a bunch of appetizers and all were excellent and that they really enjoyed dinner (even sushi, said they had about 12 different rolls) and my mom was really skeptical of asian in MX, but was very pleasantly surprised, I LOVED breakfast buffet everyday, everything there was really good. I ate a huge breakfast in there every morning, then just snacked at the pool until dinner, the Italian restaurant (where men must were pants) we delicious also, I had a fettuccine with pesto and asked if they would add shrimp for me - sooo good and husband got salmon with a goat cheese and honey sauce which is WAY outside the box for him - he loved it! Most the other guys with us got the filet there which was far superior to the steaks from the steak restaurant outside! Our last 2 nights there we went outside the resort for dinner. We decided we werent wasting all inclusive money since our stay was free. We went to a place called La Habachuelas (means The Stringbean) which was a beautiful restaurant and we both had lobster (I also had some shrimp and grouper), husband's was cooked flambé table side - it was really fun and great! And our last night we went to Harry's (pretty expensive) but THE BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! Since we had lobster the night before we both got surf and turf (it's a prime steak house) so we had filets and king crab legs! If you splurge on a nice dinner out GO THERE! I had to close my eyes eating the garlic mashed potatoes. It's right on the lagoon so request a table outside. I took my ipad with me and would goodle these places and make reservations online using open table via the hotel's wifi. I can't tell you how great this meal was!!! I don't have any photographers pictures yet, but if any of you have instagram there are some on there my name is jennibjohnson or you can search #johnsonweddingfiesta

 

 

The only thing I wish I would have done differently is done the champagne toast AT DINNER and not AT THE CEREMONY. They have you wait to walk back down the aisle after the kiss while they pass out champagne and it was really awkward to just stand there waiting when the natural thing is to run down the aisle. Maybe I will feel different because I am sure its great pictures, but our MOHs and Best Men did their toasts at dinner at the reception so I feel like we should have just saved the champagne for that.

 

 

Sorry this was LONG!!!! But fun to relive!! I'm glad I can finally answer questions, I know what it was like to have SO MANY!!!

OMG Jenni!

 

Thank you for allllllllllllllllllllllll the information so very helpful! You are making me even more excited for the trip.

 

If and when I think of more questions I will let you know.

 

Ps. I just added you on instragram

[Rpc51]

Hi Jenni,

 

Thank you for your detailed post. One question, when did they bring out your wedding cake? I requested tres leche and they said it was a bad idea to do since it doesn't hold up in hot weather. We wanted to cut the cake at 7pm and serve it after dinner at 8pm. What are your thought? Should I stick to it and tell them I want it still or do you think they are right?

[Bella Rios]

Congratulations!!!! Sounds amazing! So what happens if you don't use all the resort credits? And did your guests think it was all worth it? Some of my guests are kinda freaked out about the price and since I have never even been to the hotel,I'm blinded going in. Do they have a place to eat Mexican food? I'm excited u mentioned ceviche. How many guests ended up going? How exciting- Congratulations once again

[Nicolew412]

Originally Posted by JenniBassler 

 

Thank you!! Okay - Here's what we did as far as events went... We arrived Tuesday morning and it was just an easy play in the sun day. Every day drank and we just took it easy that night. Had dinner at the steakhouse which is just a few tables outside. It was good, and don't take this to mean it wasn't but of all the meals I had all week it was my least favorite. Tuesday lunch was the only lunch I ate at the buffet bc I was starving from traveling. I just ate random stuff and it was good, but nothing exceptional. At every meal at the buffet theres like a made to order station - waffles or omelets at breakfast and at lunch fajitas or something - he waited for those on Tuesday and said they were great. I was too hungry to wait. Every single day I ate lunch by the pool and it was SOOOO GOOD. Quesadillas, chicken tacos, cheviche, GUACAMOLE. I ate guace and pico with every meal (even breakfast) and now I havent had it in like 72 hours and I am having withdraws, burgers by the pool are also great, but the french fries, not so much! The pool water gets a little warm and by about 2-3 in the afternoon the sun is on the other side of the hotel so we would move to the beach, or I recommend the roof top pools, they are small and there aren't a lot of chairs but it wasn't crowded at all up there and the drink service was faster too! 

 

Wednesday - Dinner girls had a private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 on the Sky Terrace. When I met with Mario on Tuesday he said for this he had planned one long table with white clothes and turquoise napkins. I didn't know they ever did anything but white so I was happy to have some color. They also add little hurricane lanterns with candles and then my BMs had some bachelorette decor to add too. He also had recommended mojitos as a passes cocktail which I dont much care for, but to have trays of cocktails I thought would be nice so I went with it. Turns out they were different flavors and were a huge hit!!!

Worldwide Hors Doeurves and Italian Menu - Both AMAZING! The Worldwide had this Mushroom au von vent things... it was like a puff pastry with some mouse inside, I don't like mushrooms - but since it wasn't a mushroom really OMG - I want one right now. It was awesome. Then we went to sports bar at 10 when that was done to drink for a little while before we went out in town. 

 

Thursday - Private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 also on Sky Terrace as a Welcome Dinner. For this Mario had planned white long cloths on the big round tables and orange cloths on top. Worked for me because I had brought maracas to decorate with so it looked really mexican (he suggested the passed cocktail be margaritas) and they had those candle lantern things for this too! (non of that did i pay for - they just did it) for this I had International Hors Doeurves and BBQ menu. I loved the potato skins on the BBQ and all the guys loved the wings appetizer! Every one kept saying how good the food was both nights!

 

Friday - This day for lunch I missed poolside and ordered my trustee quesadillas room service and my little sister ordered sliders. I took one bite of her sliders and told her it was my day and she had to have quesadillas because those were soooo good I wanted them. HAHAHA. I wasn't bridezilla, I was joking but she didn't care and let me have them. What a sweet baby sis! Friday we had our ceremony on the Sky Wedding Deck at 5:30 - I did hair at 1 and I felt like it was a perfect slow paced day. We did not do any first look photos though. The cocktail hour after was on the Infinity Terrace (passed cocktail different flavored martinis) and the Reception was on the Beach. People went ON and ON and ON about how good the Hors Doeurves were at the cocktail hour on Friday which was Superior. I literally didn't get to taste ONE. We had some trouble getting my dress to bustle so that took a bit, then we did pictures and then they had already removed them from they warmers but by far those must have been the best because I kept hearing how amazing different things were. Something about these shrimp and pineapple skewers and beef medallions. We had the International Buffet at dinner and it was excellent also. The snapper was great and so was the roast beef. I HATE chicken cordon bleu so I wish I would have swapped that out for something. We did tres leches cake with butter cream icing and did not pay for a bigger cake even though we had 60 people. We have MORE THAN ENOUGH CAKE! Plus, there is other desserts! I wouldn't bother upgrading cake. The cake is way prettier in person then in the photos too!! Much more elaborate. 

 

It never rained one time. It was beautiful always. The only time the wind was an issue was Thursday night's dinner. It was really annoyed that night - but I think it picks up later. The ceremony at 5:30 was fine. I did not wear a veil though - for that very reason. I anticipated it blowing out of smearing lipstick all over my face so I just wore flower in the hair. 

 

Yes, my dress was big. I was really worried about being hot too and I wasnt at all. By night it is mid 70s and the breeze kept me comfortable. My mom kept trying to talk me into a reception dress and I was like NO I know I will not want to take off my dress even if I am in misery. I want to wear it to the grocery store, I AM WEARING IT AS LONG AS I CAN!!!! We had a VERY full dance floor and I never thought about being hot once. We moved to the sports bar after and ordered late night pizzas and continued the party and I kept it on all night. Until about 5 AM. No issue!

 

We stayed in room 610. It was right in the center with a perfect view! We had a little issue checking in  - they tried to put us on the first floor and not upgrade us to the concierge level and I am not very good at confrontation so my MOH, who speaks fluent Spanish had to lay down the law and got it taken care of. They were saying there was nothing they could do because the hotel was full. So checking it was a bit of a mess but it all got straighten out. The bride and groom had the same wristbands as everyone else. Our group had different wristbands from others, I heard someone say it has to do with who you book through?

 

Oh yeah, restaurants - steakhouse we covered, husband and I never ate at Wok but my family did and said they ordered a bunch of appetizers and all were excellent and that they really enjoyed dinner (even sushi, said they had about 12 different rolls) and my mom was really skeptical of asian in MX, but was very pleasantly surprised, I LOVED breakfast buffet everyday, everything there was really good. I ate a huge breakfast in there every morning, then just snacked at the pool until dinner, the Italian restaurant (where men must were pants) we delicious also, I had a fettuccine with pesto and asked if they would add shrimp for me - sooo good and husband got salmon with a goat cheese and honey sauce which is WAY outside the box for him - he loved it! Most the other guys with us got the filet there which was far superior to the steaks from the steak restaurant outside! Our last 2 nights there we went outside the resort for dinner. We decided we werent wasting all inclusive money since our stay was free. We went to a place called La Habachuelas (means The Stringbean) which was a beautiful restaurant and we both had lobster (I also had some shrimp and grouper), husband's was cooked flambé table side - it was really fun and great! And our last night we went to Harry's (pretty expensive) but THE BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! Since we had lobster the night before we both got surf and turf (it's a prime steak house) so we had filets and king crab legs! If you splurge on a nice dinner out GO THERE! I had to close my eyes eating the garlic mashed potatoes. It's right on the lagoon so request a table outside. I took my ipad with me and would goodle these places and make reservations online using open table via the hotel's wifi. I can't tell you how great this meal was!!! I don't have any photographers pictures yet, but if any of you have instagram there are some on there my name is jennibjohnson or you can search #johnsonweddingfiesta

 

 

The only thing I wish I would have done differently is done the champagne toast AT DINNER and not AT THE CEREMONY. They have you wait to walk back down the aisle after the kiss while they pass out champagne and it was really awkward to just stand there waiting when the natural thing is to run down the aisle. Maybe I will feel different because I am sure its great pictures, but our MOHs and Best Men did their toasts at dinner at the reception so I feel like we should have just saved the champagne for that.

 

 

Sorry this was LONG!!!! But fun to relive!! I'm glad I can finally answer questions, I know what it was like to have SO MANY!!!

Hi Jenni!

 

WOW, congratulations! I'm so happy you had such a wonderful time. I went to a destination wedding in Cancun at the Dreams resort about 5 years ago, and the food wasn't great, so I'm so glad to hear that the food was amazing! I feel like since we're paying so much for this almost 5 star hotel, that everything should be perfect.

 

The IPOD setup worked out well for you? I'm doing the two speakers and IPOD setup for the cocktail hour and reception as well. I just need to load the music onto the IPOD now. Did you put it in a specific order, for first dance, etc...?

 

My dress is very heavy and big too, so I'm glad that it wasn't too hot. I was worried about that. You said your ceremony was at 5:30. I asked for that time, but they said they could only do 4:00 or 6:00 p.m. So I decided to maybe do "first look" photos before the ceremony, because I was worried it would be too dark after since my ceremony is currently scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Did it really only last half an hour? And was it too dark for pictures on the beach after the ceremony? Did you carry your wedding dress on the plane?

 

Did you have wedding favors? I may have them put all the "welcome/wedding" favors in all my guests rooms upon their arrival. Do you think that's a possiblity?

 

Did you do a themed ceremony? I have Pearl Shimmer. Wondering if you chose complimentary or themed?

 

60 guests is so many! That's awesome so many people came. I'm having a hard time getting people to book since it's so expensive, but it is what it is. Hopefully everything turns out as good as it did for you!

 

I can't wait to see pictures! Congrats again!

 

- Nicole

[Nicolew412]

Originally Posted by JenniBassler 

 

Thank you!! Okay - Here's what we did as far as events went... We arrived Tuesday morning and it was just an easy play in the sun day. Every day drank and we just took it easy that night. Had dinner at the steakhouse which is just a few tables outside. It was good, and don't take this to mean it wasn't but of all the meals I had all week it was my least favorite. Tuesday lunch was the only lunch I ate at the buffet bc I was starving from traveling. I just ate random stuff and it was good, but nothing exceptional. At every meal at the buffet theres like a made to order station - waffles or omelets at breakfast and at lunch fajitas or something - he waited for those on Tuesday and said they were great. I was too hungry to wait. Every single day I ate lunch by the pool and it was SOOOO GOOD. Quesadillas, chicken tacos, cheviche, GUACAMOLE. I ate guace and pico with every meal (even breakfast) and now I havent had it in like 72 hours and I am having withdraws, burgers by the pool are also great, but the french fries, not so much! The pool water gets a little warm and by about 2-3 in the afternoon the sun is on the other side of the hotel so we would move to the beach, or I recommend the roof top pools, they are small and there aren't a lot of chairs but it wasn't crowded at all up there and the drink service was faster too! 

 

Wednesday - Dinner girls had a private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 on the Sky Terrace. When I met with Mario on Tuesday he said for this he had planned one long table with white clothes and turquoise napkins. I didn't know they ever did anything but white so I was happy to have some color. They also add little hurricane lanterns with candles and then my BMs had some bachelorette decor to add too. He also had recommended mojitos as a passes cocktail which I dont much care for, but to have trays of cocktails I thought would be nice so I went with it. Turns out they were different flavors and were a huge hit!!!

Worldwide Hors Doeurves and Italian Menu - Both AMAZING! The Worldwide had this Mushroom au von vent things... it was like a puff pastry with some mouse inside, I don't like mushrooms - but since it wasn't a mushroom really OMG - I want one right now. It was awesome. Then we went to sports bar at 10 when that was done to drink for a little while before we went out in town. 

 

Thursday - Private cocktail hour at 7 and dinner at 8 also on Sky Terrace as a Welcome Dinner. For this Mario had planned white long cloths on the big round tables and orange cloths on top. Worked for me because I had brought maracas to decorate with so it looked really mexican (he suggested the passed cocktail be margaritas) and they had those candle lantern things for this too! (non of that did i pay for - they just did it) for this I had International Hors Doeurves and BBQ menu. I loved the potato skins on the BBQ and all the guys loved the wings appetizer! Every one kept saying how good the food was both nights!

 

Friday - This day for lunch I missed poolside and ordered my trustee quesadillas room service and my little sister ordered sliders. I took one bite of her sliders and told her it was my day and she had to have quesadillas because those were soooo good I wanted them. HAHAHA. I wasn't bridezilla, I was joking but she didn't care and let me have them. What a sweet baby sis! Friday we had our ceremony on the Sky Wedding Deck at 5:30 - I did hair at 1 and I felt like it was a perfect slow paced day. We did not do any first look photos though. The cocktail hour after was on the Infinity Terrace (passed cocktail different flavored martinis) and the Reception was on the Beach. People went ON and ON and ON about how good the Hors Doeurves were at the cocktail hour on Friday which was Superior. I literally didn't get to taste ONE. We had some trouble getting my dress to bustle so that took a bit, then we did pictures and then they had already removed them from they warmers but by far those must have been the best because I kept hearing how amazing different things were. Something about these shrimp and pineapple skewers and beef medallions. We had the International Buffet at dinner and it was excellent also. The snapper was great and so was the roast beef. I HATE chicken cordon bleu so I wish I would have swapped that out for something. We did tres leches cake with butter cream icing and did not pay for a bigger cake even though we had 60 people. We have MORE THAN ENOUGH CAKE! Plus, there is other desserts! I wouldn't bother upgrading cake. The cake is way prettier in person then in the photos too!! Much more elaborate. 

 

It never rained one time. It was beautiful always. The only time the wind was an issue was Thursday night's dinner. It was really annoyed that night - but I think it picks up later. The ceremony at 5:30 was fine. I did not wear a veil though - for that very reason. I anticipated it blowing out of smearing lipstick all over my face so I just wore flower in the hair. 

 

Yes, my dress was big. I was really worried about being hot too and I wasnt at all. By night it is mid 70s and the breeze kept me comfortable. My mom kept trying to talk me into a reception dress and I was like NO I know I will not want to take off my dress even if I am in misery. I want to wear it to the grocery store, I AM WEARING IT AS LONG AS I CAN!!!! We had a VERY full dance floor and I never thought about being hot once. We moved to the sports bar after and ordered late night pizzas and continued the party and I kept it on all night. Until about 5 AM. No issue!

 

We stayed in room 610. It was right in the center with a perfect view! We had a little issue checking in  - they tried to put us on the first floor and not upgrade us to the concierge level and I am not very good at confrontation so my MOH, who speaks fluent Spanish had to lay down the law and got it taken care of. They were saying there was nothing they could do because the hotel was full. So checking it was a bit of a mess but it all got straighten out. The bride and groom had the same wristbands as everyone else. Our group had different wristbands from others, I heard someone say it has to do with who you book through?

 

Oh yeah, restaurants - steakhouse we covered, husband and I never ate at Wok but my family did and said they ordered a bunch of appetizers and all were excellent and that they really enjoyed dinner (even sushi, said they had about 12 different rolls) and my mom was really skeptical of asian in MX, but was very pleasantly surprised, I LOVED breakfast buffet everyday, everything there was really good. I ate a huge breakfast in there every morning, then just snacked at the pool until dinner, the Italian restaurant (where men must were pants) we delicious also, I had a fettuccine with pesto and asked if they would add shrimp for me - sooo good and husband got salmon with a goat cheese and honey sauce which is WAY outside the box for him - he loved it! Most the other guys with us got the filet there which was far superior to the steaks from the steak restaurant outside! Our last 2 nights there we went outside the resort for dinner. We decided we werent wasting all inclusive money since our stay was free. We went to a place called La Habachuelas (means The Stringbean) which was a beautiful restaurant and we both had lobster (I also had some shrimp and grouper), husband's was cooked flambé table side - it was really fun and great! And our last night we went to Harry's (pretty expensive) but THE BEST MEAL I HAVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!! Since we had lobster the night before we both got surf and turf (it's a prime steak house) so we had filets and king crab legs! If you splurge on a nice dinner out GO THERE! I had to close my eyes eating the garlic mashed potatoes. It's right on the lagoon so request a table outside. I took my ipad with me and would goodle these places and make reservations online using open table via the hotel's wifi. I can't tell you how great this meal was!!! I don't have any photographers pictures yet, but if any of you have instagram there are some on there my name is jennibjohnson or you can search #johnsonweddingfiesta

 

 

The only thing I wish I would have done differently is done the champagne toast AT DINNER and not AT THE CEREMONY. They have you wait to walk back down the aisle after the kiss while they pass out champagne and it was really awkward to just stand there waiting when the natural thing is to run down the aisle. Maybe I will feel different because I am sure its great pictures, but our MOHs and Best Men did their toasts at dinner at the reception so I feel like we should have just saved the champagne for that.

 

 

Sorry this was LONG!!!! But fun to relive!! I'm glad I can finally answer questions, I know what it was like to have SO MANY!!!

 

Oh one more question- what photogrpahy package did you choose? And you went with Ocean Photo Studio right? Were they any good?

 

Thank you,

 

Nicole