Vancouverpetunia - Now Sapphire - April 7, 2016

[vancouverpetunia]

@@ashhtayy Thank you for your kind comments! I'm glad I've been able to help you out a bit here and there since we've been planning at the same time. Likewise

 

@@snswedding2016 Thanks, Steph. Everything on this site makes me miss Mexico!!!

 

@@yycbride2016 Thank you! I was so happy with my dress. I'm glad I stuck to my guns on that.

 

@@acw271011 Sorry, Ann. No style number. They didn't even come in a box. Here's a photo of one for you (the top is a bit squished). They are wedges.

 

 

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[vancouverpetunia]

Also, how long is too long for a review?!? I think I'm writing the world's longest review. I was going to post it in the review section. It has more details than what I wrote above and less about the personal side of our week. It's seriously ridiculously long.

 

 

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[ashhtayy]

I don't think there is such a thing as too long when writing a review. Most people will find it super helpful!

[bride2016]

I'm so late to this party so you'll have to excuse me! I haven't been on here much and just got home from our two week honeymoon. WOW! I LOVE YOUR PICS - first of all. I have to take some time to read your review in detail, but wow.. what a beautiful bride you were!!!

I am laughing at this garden gnome .. that is seriously awesome!

[acw271011]

Also, how long is too long for a review?!? I think I'm writing the world's longest review. I was going to post it in the review section. It has more details than what I wrote above and less about the personal side of our week. It's seriously ridiculously long.

 

 

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You know what - if it lets you post it, go for it. The one thing I've found here over the years is the more info you can give to other brides, the better. The way you wrote your week review was awesome! If you do a resort review like that, even with a ton of details, I think it would be great, and a great help to other brides to be!!!! I hope you're going to put a couple of pics in too!!!

@@ashhtayy Thank you for your kind comments! I'm glad I've been able to help you out a bit here and there since we've been planning at the same time. Likewise

 

@@snswedding2016 Thanks, Steph. Everything on this site makes me miss Mexico!!!

 

@@yycbride2016 Thank you! I was so happy with my dress. I'm glad I stuck to my guns on that.

 

@@acw271011 Sorry, Ann. No style number. They didn't even come in a box. Here's a photo of one for you (the top is a bit squished). They are wedges.

 

 

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Erin - I am seriously in love with those shoes.... lol  We're in Vancouver next week. Maybe I'll scout around. Plus we're in Seattle for 2 days so that's an option. I'm always on the hunt for dressy comfortable shoes!!! And the sparkle just does me in!

[vancouverpetunia]

@@ashhtayy and @@acw271011 I may have posted the longest review ever in the review section. Oh wait, I think @@calgarybride2015 wrote a longer one! 

 

If anyone wants to read my detailed review - less personal stuff and more about the resort/wedding itself - you can find it here:

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/reviews/r/5487-now-sapphire-riviera-cancun/

 

@ Perian, your honeymoon looked amazing! I am so jealous Thanks for your sweet note. And, yes, the gnome was pretty hilarious 

I was going to post a separate review for H2Oh Sun Cruises, but it looks like you can't post a review unless the vendor is already listed, so I will do it here. Note that the photos posted are from our professional photographer, not from the H2Oh photographer.

 

We booked a yacht cruise with H2Oh Sun Cruises about 10 months in advance. This secured 2015 pricing and we also got a discount from KatyHK of Love & Lace Decor. There are a number of Facebook groups where she is a member and will provide a discount to other members of the group (her husband works for them).

 

We had great communication with them until it was time to finalize the booking. I’m not sure what happened - I think the person I was dealing with left the company. Anyhow, it took a few attempts, but we were able to get back in touch with them again. At that point, they were going to take a 50% deposit - however, they charged us the full 100%. We contacted them about this and they offered to refund it, but we decided to just leave it. I’m glad we did, because we ended up paying a lower exchange rate (USD to CAD) than if we would have waited to pay the other 50%.

 

Once it was booked, there wasn’t much to do until it was almost time to go. I did email to confirm a few details and, again, communication was a bit spotty, but we got everything nailed down. I’m actually still waiting to hear back if we owe any additional money or if they owe us, since our numbers changed a bit until the last minute.

 

The transportation (arranged through H2Oh) arrived on time to take us to the marina in Puerto Aventuras for our 1pm cruise. We had 3 vans for approx 35 of us. It took about 45 minutes to get the PA and then a few more minutes to make our way to the marina. After we unloaded, we had to all sign waivers, take off our shoes and board the boat, which had just returned from a morning cruise.

 

After we got settled, we got under way, leaving the marina. It was a beautiful sunny day, but it was choppy. Really choppy. It was a rough ride out to the snorkeling spot. It was tough to move around the boat, as it was easy to get tossed around, hit something, fall over, etc. The crew delivered drinks, but we had to put away the salsa & chips I had asked them to put out for a snack.

 

We finally reached the snorkeling location and the crew walked us through the equipment and safety briefing. A bunch of people jumped in, but found the water too rough and got back on the boat. Those of us who stayed in the water had a hard swim out to the snorkel site. But we were rewarded when we got there. Some people saw turtles and most of us saw rays, along with some fish. I was one of the last off the boat, so it seemed like I had just gotten to the snorkel site when we had to turn around. It was a lot of work for a very short snorkel, but I think the crew was concerned about the conditions and didn’t want to keep us out too long. Actually the guy who was supposed to be the “sweep” following behind the group, seemed to be struggling to stay afloat, which was a little disconcerting.

 

Once back on the boat, the crew served the food - BBQ chicken, beans, rice, tortillas, guacamole, salsa and chips - all of it delicious. With the wind and the waves, the chips were flying through the air and hitting people in the face. It was pretty comical, but it was tough to eat! Then they brought out a very decadent chocolate cake for us to cut. One of the pieces of cake caught flight, flew about 15 ft and hit one of our guests square in the chest. Again, it was pretty funny, at least to everyone but the guy who got hit.

 

A few people dove off the boat into the water for a bit and then we were on our way back to the marina. Much less choppy on the return trip, with the wind behind us, but still rough. I think Jeff and I were a little disappointed in the whole thing - but it was not the fault of the company or the crew. Mother nature simply didn’t cooperate and we had high expectations, having done a really fun (and calm) private catamaran cruise a few years back. But our guests seemed to enjoy themselves, despite the conditions. I think they didn’t really have any expectations, so couldn’t be let down.

 

Overall, I would definitely recommend H2Oh, but don't forget that Mother Nature can mess with your plans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited May 4, 2016 by vancouverpetunia

[calgarybride2015]

Ummmm I don't have the record. I can think of a few who might (my elders hehe)

 

Love the pics.

 

 

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[deecol]

Aww @@vancouverpetunia!!! You looked so beautiful and your pictures are so great! I'm so happy to hear everything went so well. Thank you for sharing your review, it was lovely to read I need to start working on mine!!! Congrats on your beautiful wedding! Xo

 

 

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