JamaicaSukie's Wedding Planning Journal - Iberostar Rose Hall Suites 7/7/12

[JamaicaSukie]

Hey all!  I'm going to attempt to start a journal of all the things I've done (and will do) to prepare for my big day.  I know for me this site can be a little overwhelming so I hope that by putting all of this stuff down maybe some bride (someday) will find it useful.

 

Some background - I got engaged 7/1/11, however my Fiance and I had already been discussing dates, locations, etc., and were already settled on the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites.  The day after we got engaged, I sent Nicole an email to book the date.  At first the date was booked and we got stuck at the Beach (which is great but not what we wanted).  We took it in the hopes that maybe the Suites would become available and we could switch over.  Well, low and behold, 7/7/12 DID become available!  Ladies, if your date is booked, be sure to ask Nicole to put you on the waitlist.  This will show her that you are serious about it and she will probably be more likely to think of you if the date opens up.

 

Since I work full time and go to graduate school at night, I have very little time to plan a wedding.  Basically, I can do my wedding stuff between semesters.  This means I had to get a lot done over the summer while I was on break and during the winter break.  During the summer, I found and ordered my dress (Mori Lee 1602), booked photographer Marcia Roberts, paid for our flights and 50% of hotel, and ordered (and sent out) the save the dates (ordered from weddingpaperdivas.com).  Currently, I am on winter break for a couple more weeks and have gotten the following done: ordered and sent out the invitations, my dress came in, ordered bridesmaids dresses, ordered beach wedding collection set (which includes ring pillow, flower girl basket, guest book, etc.) and I've started ordering sample bags for the OOT bag and samples of table runners and chair ties.  I've also already ordered my waterproof badge/key/money holders from CreativeIDSupply (only $1.04 each with lanyard).

 

  My dress!  So excited to rock this in Jamaica!

 

My save the dates from weddingpaperdivas.com

 

 

I got my boarding pass invitations from Stylish Scribe on Etsy.com.  Love, love, LOVE these invites! I had lime green incorporated into the color scheme and had her include a little picture of thisland of Jamaica.

 

 

My bridesmaids will be wearing the convertible "Twist" dress by Dessy.  I really liked this dress because they actually CAN wear it again as something completely different.  The ways to wear this dress seem limitless.  One will wear it in the color oasis and the other in apple slice.

 

 

I got a beach wedding collection set which includes a keepsake garter and toss garter, cake cutting knife set, toasting flutes, ring pillow, flower girl basket, and guest book and pen.  I'm not very fussy (or original) when it comes to stuff like this so this set is perfect for me.  At least this way I know I have the basics.  Whatever you do, don't buy this for $249+.  There are cheaper ones out there.  I got my set for $160.

 

 

I don't think I will be happy with the chair decor the hotel offers so I've ordered some samples from efavormart.  I ordered sample satin chair sashes and table runners in turquoise, sage and apple green.  They are much cheaper at $.81 per sash than what Tai Floral is charging ($2.50 per sash).  So long as the hotel is willing to set them up free of charge, it would be cheaper to just buy the sashes myself and bring them down.

 

I plan on including waterproof ID/key/money holders in the OOT bags.  I found these on ebay.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ZIP-LOCK-ID-CARD-BADGE-HOLDER-NECK-LANYARD-/300541098765?pt=Uniform&var=&hash=item8bb3886ee8

 

I got the inspiration for the holders from another bride on hear.  I plan on copying her "To Have and To Hold: Money, ID and Keys" idea and print that on name badge inserts (purchased at Staples) and slip them into the badge holders.

 

I am also talking to Peter-Gaye Rose (P.G. Rose) of PrettyFaces for hair and make-up.  Her prices are pretty reasonable and they do airbrushing, lash extensions, facials, mani/pedi, etc.  http://www.prettyfaces23.blogspot.com/ ; http://www.facebook.com/prettyfacesjm#!/prettyfacesjm?sk=info

 

Finally, I am considering hiring the band Irie Connection to  play our reception.  They charge $460 an hour and can do reggae covers of popular songs.  They have videos up online if you just search Irie Connection.

 

That's all I've got so far.  I will continue to update things as I go along.  Hope this helps!

 

 

[TammyWright]

looks great!!  can't wait to see what else you plan.,

[JoanneIreland]

Everything looks great Stephanie. Can't wait to see future updates!

[JamaicaSukie]

Thank you!  I was beginning to think my wedding was turning out lame since no one commented on anything. Lol.

 

Originally Posted by JoanneIreland 

Everything looks great Stephanie. Can't wait to see future updates!

 

[acireta]

Heck no! I just want to see more!!
 

Originally Posted by JamaicaSukie 

Thank you!  I was beginning to think my wedding was turning out lame since no one commented on anything. Lol.

 

 

 

[to be mrs scuba]

great info thanks

[JamaicaSukie]

Lol!  I will definitely post more! Speaking of which, I received my Beach Wedding Collection Set today after only ordering it 4 days ago.  I'm happy to report that it is perfect for a casual, laid-back beach wedding.  The flower girl basket is a little on the small side if you have an older flower girl (like 6/7 and up), but it's the perfect size for younger children.  The pillow is darling, the glasses very nice, the shell details subtle yet noticeable.  Definitely worth $160 but NOT $250.  The personalization was nice but not high quality (kinda faint) but still a pretty keepsake.  They personalized the champagne flutes and the cake cutting set.  Oh, and most importantly, shipping was free!!  I thought for sure it was a scam but nope, it's for real.  Check them out if you're interested.  http://www.cyber-savvyshop.com/items/amazing-weddings/wedding-ceremony-sets/beach-wedding-collection-set-cc7600-detail.htm

 

I also sent out my invitations today.  YAY!!  I wanted to DIY but I just did not have the time or patience to cut the boarding passes.  I ordered from Stylish Scribe on Etsy and it was a very quick and smooth transaction.  Once she starts working on your invitations, you have her full attention.  We must have emailed each other 20 times in one day to get the invitation perfect but she was patient and diligent.  The extra money for the metallic boarding pass holder was totally worth it.  I got 80 boarding pass invitations (each invitation came with 2 passes), RSVP postcards, pass holders and mailing envelopes for $380.  She tweaked the invitation to my specifications (i.e. - colors, picture of Jamaica) and was fast once the I approved the proof.  I would definitely recommend Jessica at Stylish Scribe.  http://thestylishscribe.com/

Hope to have more to update soon.

Originally Posted by acireta 

Heck no! I just want to see more!!
 

 

 

[JamaicaSukie]

LOL!  I just realized that you called me Stephanie.  LOL!  You can just call me Sukie.  The pics of the invitations and STDs are from the invitation websites (Stylish Scribe and weddingpaperdivas.com).  As I get more into my DIY projects (like my OOT bags) I'll start posting my own photos. 

 

Originally Posted by JoanneIreland 

Everything looks great Stephanie. Can't wait to see future updates!

 

[SparksFly]

I almost used the stylish scribe! She does great work.

[2012mrstobe]

I like the way you separated all of your "to do" activities based on your time availability; I am doing the exact same thing! I am going to check out efavormart for me sashes as well as I will be needing some. I ordered samples from cvlinens but I think the ones you mentioned are a better price. Can't wait to see more of what you are planning!!