JEM236

The wedding was fantastic! The onsite coordinators were very organized, and the whole day went smoothly. I was really impressed with how attentive, organized, friendly and efficient the team was. We were able to have the ceremony on the beach and the reception at the health bar. I loved my hair and makeup, I LOVED the decorations, and the DJ really made the party. Everyone raved about the food too. I have no complaints about the wedding at all and they whole day was perfect! We had a blast and it was everything I wanted and more. Then, the day after the wedding, the rain started. There was A LOT of rain and I just felt like the resort wasn't very informative about how to prepare for the bad weather. We stayed in an individual casita with an outdoor shower. The reason our room flooded was because leaves blocked the drain in the outdoor shower and the water poured into the room. We had about two inches of water. If we had a phone call or note telling us to make sure the drain was clear, this would've been avoided. During the storm (which was heavy rain and crazy thunder and lightening for about 12 hours or more) they didn't deliver room service. Understandable but we had no idea the storm was going to be so bad. A notice or information would've been helpful. We wound up walking to JoJo's and we looked like we had jumped in the pool. We were soaked! We couldn't even really see because they rain was so strong. Not that it would've helped during the evening, but we didn't have an umbrella in our room and it took two days to get one. We needed it to walk around the two days after the big storm. During the earlier party of the evening, a manager stopped by to see our room flooding and said she'd send someone to mop it out. We told her we would do it ourselves if someone brought a squeegee and she insisted someone would come clean it up. Four hours later we called and begged for just a squeege so we could go to bed without the water. I just feel like the resort was not prepared or informative during the storm. In regards to the wedding, we didn't get many of the perks we were promised. We didn't get a room upgrade (we were offered an upgrade when it because available but it was the day of the wedding and I wasn't about to change rooms that day) our massage was scheduled at the same time as our meeting with the onsite coordinator so after changing the times around we weren't able to enjoy the entire spa (water journey, sauna etc), and we didn't get the dinner on the beach. Plus with the weather, we didn't get to enjoy the perks of being in the casitas like the beach butler or any activities. I understand the weather can't be helped but I think we could've been compensated more with either other perks or a reimbursement to supplement the ones we didn't get. After complaining a little and basically begging for an umbrella we did get a free massage and we were told we would get an email regarding a free two night stay (which we haven't received yet) and tickets to a cooking demonstration (which was cancelled and we found out when we showed up for it). I enjoyed the resort and the wedding overall but I felt like we didn't get anything extra, or special. There were so many other weddings, and honeymooners it felt like they didn't really care about each couple. We did have a great wedding but after bringing 31 guests, and having the event, we were given the perk of just a free massage and we finally got an umbrella after two days of asking. The resort could've done a better job informing and preparing guests about the severity of the storm, and a better job compensating for lost perks.

We leave in two days for 10 days at the EDR with our wedding on Friday May 31. Is now the time to start freaking out that the weather report is 55% chance of rain and for some of the days there it is 60% chance of thunderstorms?

Our wedding is officially two weeks away! Where did the time go? We are having a two hour welcome cocktail party and a cocktail hour after the ceremony and using an ipod for both. Does anyone have any good music suggestions? I was thinking of getting some mixes from itunes like a mariachi mix but not sure if I want to use mariachi for both days. I listened to some vitamin string quartet and other acoustic music but I don't want to put my guests to sleep. I also don't know if it is odd to play flamenco or reggae since we aren't in Spain or Jamaica. Any ideas?

That's awesome!

I am so glad you asked these questions because I was wondering the same things!

Anyone who has been to the EDR know what kind of dress code there is for guys at night? My FI is a tshirt and shorts kind of guy, and doesn't have a lot of dressy clothes. Are the restaurants fancy at night? It is a strict dress code?

I know a lot of brides bought their own decorations down, but we decided to just order the decorations through Lomas. What I figured was that it wasn't that much of a savings because we would be charged $5 a person for bringing our own stuff. We have 31 guests so that would be $155. If I added up the cost of the decorations I would buy myself, shipping costs, plus the cost to check an extra bag, it wasn't that much of a savings (it wasn't thousands of dollars or anything). I also feel like I am saving money by not getting charged for certain items like the ceremony site, a minister, the chairs, the tables, the white table cloths, the set up and especially alcohol. So I guess I am ok with the mark up for some decorations to not deal with the hassle. Also, for some of my decorations, like the centerpieces, my coordinator was pretty good with working with me to find something that worked for what I wanted to spend. For example, each centerpiece we have now is a square wooden tray with a lantern, purple flower and sand in it for $50 each. Just thought I'd share our plan, hope it helps with other brides' decisions!

I love it! It looks really pretty. I like that one is a little bit different

I Christine! I'd love to see your pics! I just sent you a friend request in FB, my first name is Jill.

I LOVE that idea. Great attitude! You and your guests are going to have a blast!

I agree with your Mom. The people that are coming want to be there for you and love you and your FI. It's about the quality of the people not the quantity and you are going to have a blast at your wedding with the guests that will be there. His family may be dysfunctional but who's isn't? Accept them for who they are and try to focus on the good. My mom always tells me you can't change the situation only how you react to it. Focus on you, your FI, and your upcoming beautiful wedding with those that are lucky to be there. Have a great time at your shower this weekend!

I'll be having around 30 and I was told Tuscanes was booked but also too large of a space (maybe I was told that because it was already booked though). We are having ours at the Health Bar which was for under 40 people. I think a beach setting would be pretty but I agree with LKocelko a floor might be better. Is it important to you to be under a roof like at Tuscanes? I think you'll have fun no matter where you are and I don't think the space will be too vast but pick the reception area based on what you would like - beach front? covered? etc.

Not to come back to this topic, but I am thinking about bringing our own decorations (thanks to the helpful posts and messages from other brides!). How much fabric was purchased by some of you for the drapes on the wedding gazebo? What size table overlay would work on the tables that are provided at the Health Bar for the reception? How do you girls feel about mixing and matching fabric on the tables at the reception? Can I do an organza overlay with a satin runner or should they match? Also, does the $5 set up charge apply to both decorations supplies by Lomas and decorations you bring yourself? Feel free to PM me too Thanks!

Hi Ladies, I got my wedding dress and one thing I like about it was that I was able to accessorize it and add personality. However, in the process, I realized I am terrible at fashion! Since we all picked the same resort, maybe we have similar styles and I could use some opinions! Here is the dress. It has a modern lace overlay and a corset back. I was thinking one of these necklaces. Although the turquoise one is from a bride on the Sarani website and I been searching for one similar either in turquoise or white. The second is from etsy and the seller said she can make all the pearls white if I wanted. These are two sashes. One with a flower and one without. How are you ladies accessorizing?