Wafflesmom Moon Palace Planning Thread - January 23, 2016

[STBMrsPowell]

@@Wafflesmom, 

 

Hi!  It's been a minute since I've posted anything, but I have been checking in with your thread every now and again.  I'm glad to hear things are mostly working out for you...and you're right, don't stress about the your friend cancelling...it's a weddingmoon!!!!  So, just enjoy it

 

I'm also glad to hear Yanet is working out for you.  She is also my WC and I haven't been quite so lucky.  Sometimes I don't hear back from her until a week or two later.  Being fair though, my wedding is in Jamaica and the vendors haven't been the best about getting back with her.  I have had to make changes to my original plans, but I am pushing forward with a smile as I just can't wait to marry my best friend.  I was wondering...did you end up going with the Palace Resort vendors for most of your décor, photography, etc.?

 

I'm sure you're counting down, the big day will be here before you know it!

[Wafflesmom]

@@STBMrsPowell how are you? It's definitely been a while since I've seen you on the forum. Hope you're doing well

 

Yes, we're counting down and getting so excited. We're at the point that our favourite saying is now "it is what it is" lol We're focusing on what's important and not letting anything get to us

 

I'm so sorry you're getting a different experience with Yanet. I'm sure it has to do with all the hiccups with Jamaica being a new location. Hope it gets better. We went with three Palace approved vendors, LatinAsia for flowers and décor, PSAV for DJ and Styling Trio for hair and makeup. For photography, I fell in love with Samuel Luna's style and he's an outside vendor. We're paying the vendor fee for him and his assistant. For the most part, the vendors have all been pretty responsive. Though I have been waiting a few days for LatinAsia toget back to me with an updated PO. Once we get that, we can pay off everything! That will be such a nice feeling

 

I'm assuming their vendors are different in Jamaica. I have been seeing a lot of pics of your resort and I'm so impressed! They've really outdone themselves and so far, brides have been very pleased. Let me know if I can help you in any way:)

[Danielle1]

Hi @@STBMrsPowell ! Yanet is my wedding coordinator too! I'm getting married at Beach Palace in February. I just wanted to let you know that a few months ago I was super frustrated with Yanet (@@Wafflesmom may remember).  It would sometimes take her weeks to get back to me and then I didn't feel like she was answering my exact questions. I was really worried.  Lately she has been very responsive to me - she gets back to me the same day or the next day. She has been super helpful!  I'm wondering if she is more helpful/responsive now because my wedding is getting closer?  I'm hoping that this will give you hope that things will get better as your wedding date gets closer!

[STBMrsPowell]

@@Wafflesmom, I'm well, but as you can imagine...frustrated.  I've had my wedding specialist get in touch with Yanet's supervisor, and of course...it seems to be that the particular vendor they're using for décor is the problem.  They have been VERY slow in responding.  I know a lot rests on the shoulders of Yanet, but I'm a bit upset with her because her responses are EXTREMELY slow and have little to no information.  I constantly get responses like "Thanks for your patience, waiting to hear back from the vendor" and so on and so forth.  It has left a sour taste in my mouth so to speak.  But I'm sure (and constantly praying) that it will get better.

 

@@Danielle1, hi!  Congrats on your nuptials.  I see you can understand what I mean with Yanet.  She is giving me the same problems.  However, I do believe it is what you say.  The closer you are to your wedding date, the more helpful I'm sure she becomes.  Apparently, she's quite busy as there are a few brides I've seen post her as their WC. 

 

I'm looking forward to both of your feedback once you get onsite and see how everything goes then.  I'm sure everything will work out; in the meantime, my wedding specialist and I have had to escalate the problems I'm experiencing and get some of the Palace Resort brass to get involved as well.  I mean, June seems far away but when it comes to a wedding, it's never too far away .  Good luck ladies!

[Wafflesmom]

Update

 

Ok I know I said I'd have more updates since we're now less than two months away but life has been crazy busy. The director of my unit has decided to take a position in Ottawa and I have been identified as the temporary backfill for her. They're not going to post the position just yet so I think I will be in this temporary role for at least 6 months. As much as I love the challenge and am flattered that I was chosen, I'm a little apprehensive about it. First as the director, it will obviously be more responsibilities, but most of all, it's a thankless position. My hopes of wedding planning at work are now gone LOL On the bright side, it will mean a temporary pay increase

 

In terms of wedding planning, I'm happy to say that we have finalized our PO and is now completely paid off The only thing outstanding is payment for our photographer. So now that our PO has been finalized, we've already been assigned our onsite wedding coordinator. I'm so excited because we were assigned Leidi Laura Guzman and I have heard wonderful reviews both on BDW and Travelocity. Although my offiste has done the official handover, Leidi is away until December 10 so I haven't spoken to her yet. I'm not too anxious considering most people get assigned their onsite 30 days before the wedding date and I was assigned mine already.

 

Aside from that, I really need to get my butt in gear with the rest of my wedding planning and I have a lot to do still. One thing that I have crossed off my list are my bridesmaids' gifts, along with my mom's gift. I have been eyeing the Kate Spade bridesmaid bangles for over a year now. I checked online two weeks ago and they were on sale at the Bay. So yup, that was the deciding factor and I bought 4 rose gold bridesmaid bangles for my bridal party.

 

I bought these Kate Spade earrings for my mom, they'll go so well with her dress.

 

So in terms of Bridal party presents, I'm all done. So far their gifts include: their dress, their hair and makeup on the day of the wedding (with Styling Trio), getting ready robes, a bridal hanger with their name and the bangles. I'm so happy with everything. My sister has been so wonderful with everything so I may add something special for her. I was thinking of gifting her and my nephew (my ring bearer) a trip to Xel-ha while we're in Mexico. I know she really wants to go there so I think she'll really appreciate that.

 

Another thing that I'm so excited about and thought I'd share with you all is Apple Music. Right now, apple music is having a free 3-month trial and you can download all the songs you want and create playlists. And the best thing about it is you can save music to play offline so no worries about spotty wifi at the resort. I found out about this too late and we've already hired a DJ but I'll be taking advantage of it for our welcome dinner and our ceremony music. Oh and also for the cocktail hour.

 

Ok so with 46 days to go until our wedding date, this is my to do list. I'm hoping it will keep me accountable and get my butt in gear:

- make a playlist / list of recommended songs for the DJ

- download and make a playlist on my iPad for the ceremony, cocktail hour and welcome BBQ

- Buy the rest of the OOT bag items (Oh sh*t kit items: bandaids, gum, advil, pepto, tums), candy, etc Then tag and package the bags

- prepare place cards (We're using gift tags and attaching them to the napkins so they don't blow away)

- Pre-fold napkins into bows and tie place cards

- print engagement photos and buy frames to display them

- complete wedding timeline for photographer and send it to him

- make payments to photographer in January

- Make personal appointments: haircut and colour, eyebrow threading, wax, nails

- Make a packing list for self and guests

- Write vows

 

I'm sure there's more but that's all I can think of for now

[Wafflesmom]

Aww thanks @! I think my to-do list is actually longer than that so I better get my butt in gear. At least I have the week between Christmas and New Year's to get a lot of stuff done.

 

So far Derrick hasn't been opposed to saying our vows so I'm running with it. LOL

 

And definitely download Apple Music, it's so good

[calgarybride2015]

Awesome gifts. Everyone will love them and your sister will be over the moon. You are generous as said above:)

 

I think your list is very doable and will help pass the time. Just keep up with it and you'll glide into departure mode in no time!!!

 

Good luck with the interim job. Hate how work gets in the way haha dealing with that now myself.

 

I heard of this Apple Music as I just did the iOS download (was against it for various reasons) but didn't really look into what was offered. Will check it out.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wafflesmom]

@@calgarybride2015 thanks Kim! My sister has been so helpful, it's the least I could do. and I really appreciate the reassurance that my list us doable. You were in my shoes exactly a year ago so you would know And definitely download Apple Music. You can listen to music while you're in Cuba

[ashhtayy]

@@Wafflesmom your gifts are perfect - your girls will love them. Alive the earrings for your mum too - beautiful!

 

thanks for the apple music tip. I asked mike to look into that as I read your post

 

stay calm. you've got this!

[acw271011]

@Wafflesmom  I just finished reading all the pages I missed!! I can't believe how far behind I am!!! Your wedding is getting so close too!!

 

First off, your dress is absolutely stunning with the veil. I love it and I think the one you chose is beautiful! The earrings and bracelet are so pretty and just match so nicely. The whole look is gorgeous! And Derrick is very handsome in the suit. You will make a striking couple in your photos and I know Sam will do a wonderful job!!! I so hope we get ours soon! lol

 

I do want to say (since the discussion took place on the day of our anniversary and I was otherwise occupied in Mexico lol) to both you and @deecol  that I think asking family to sign your marriage certificate is a wonderful idea. I know they say bridal party, but when you require 4 witnesses it does make it a bit more awkward, more so when you either don't have a large enough bridal party or when you have one larger that leaves certain people left out. I think in that case asking parents is so sweet and I think they would be totally honoured!! In your case, i agree - go with your gut as to who to ask but if your uncle has been the father figure, my first instinct would be him.

 

I'm sorry about the TA trouble but happy it got sorted and now seems to be working out. Getting final payments done is always a relief. We only had a couple of people but getting our stuff paid up made it more real. Doing an off site meant it all went separate places so being in a resort and having it one-stop shop style would be so much easier.

 

Your gifts are gorgeous. I'm just learning about Kate Spade and while I do find the prices a bit over the top the things I've seen are beautiful! Your bridesmaids will love all their gifts and you will LOVE Styling Trio. They are so awesome and so fantastic to work with!!

 

I think extending your stay in Mexico is a super idea and having some time to yourselves as "newlyweds" will be wonderful. You can have private dinners without worrying about keeping up with family and after the stress of a wedding, that's always a good thing.

 

You're getting so close now!! Everything is going to be beautiful and I'm looking forward to seeing it all come together, and to see what Sam does with your photos! Wow! I can't believe there are so many so close together!  And April will be even busier!! lol