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Welcome! You should be able to get lots of good info from Karla and other Sunset Da Mona Lisa brides on this board. As for Amy Abbot -- I think you are in good hands. She is part of a wedding planning firm in Cabo that gets rave reviews (although they are not cheap!). I don't know anything about her specifically but I am using one of her colleagues for my day-of coordination.

it's from Jcrew and they are always selling this style in whatever the season's colors are. It's the Sophia short dress. And it was on sale for $130 back in January when we got it -- best purchase yet! (oh, and thank you!)

We have a guest who wanted to camp! But I was like ummmmmm you need a shower. (He is in the wedding!) In the end, I found him a room in a private villa for $35/night. He better not complain cause that is CHEAP.

Thanks! The limes will replace those rocks in the first pic...you just have to squint and use your imagination a little

I've heard the Smashbox primer is awesome. Haven't used it myself though. I'd recommend going to Sephora for samples, if you live near one.

ours are pink and green. why? well, I found some cute cute bridesmaids dresses on sale from Jcrew that were pink and we bought them. So that color was decided before anything else at all about the wedding was! Then, I figured green goes well with pink, and it is also the color of leaves, which are cheap We are incorporating lots of cool greens in the bouquets and hopefully on the centerpieces (ti leaves, limes, etc)

love the monogram! it works PERFECTLY with the venue

Tasha, I can't wait to see these! I tried thinking of different crafty ways to combine sewing/paper/fabric since I love that kind of stuff, but in the end I wimped out and didn't do it. So I will no doubt be very jealous when I see yours

Here are mine, from costco at the fabulous price of $280 for 100 (including reception cards, lined envelopes, and printed outer envelopes - and shipping)

 

lol TammyM I know how you feel. I'll either die OR look awesome. Sometimes I seriously think it will be "die"!! Today, I took the day off because I am recovering from a cold, but I will be back on the wagon tomorrow, I promise. I don't have time to screw around anymore!

I did not, I guess because we were spending enough on rooms and food/drinks! I have heard that now you have to though, unless you book 10 rooms or something. Do you have to pay a fee?

me too! How weird. I used Dollar back in June, as they had the lowest rates. We had to buy some extra insurance, but not all of it, since we showed that our credit card covered the rest. They were totally cool with it. Just make sure you have something in writing from your credit card, just in case.

yes welcome back! Only 41 days! (40 for me) Time is seriously FLYING!!!

Sarah, I totally know what you mean about it creeping up on you! It's especially hard when you are in a good relationship and the "happy pounds" creep on because you are feeling comfortable and secure. I tell Andrew he needs to just break up with me for 2 months -- long enough to lose 10 lbs -- and then take me back, haha!

 

I also know what you mean about how boys can eat anything and not gain, and so they are such a bad influence. I always thought that because I ate about 1/2 as much as FI, I was doing okay. But no, I probably only need to eat 1/3 as much! It's so frustrating! Do you have a girlfriend out there who can be a workout/weight loss buddy? Luckily, you have lots of time to get real results!

Hey Sarah, I am not a skinny girl (but damn I try really hard to be one...haha) I swear I am like a dieting/exercise pro, because I have to do it or else I will turn into a whale. Anyway, here are my tips:

 

No matter what gimmick is attached to any one diet or exercise plan, the basic premise is that you need to eat less, and burn more.

 

Try writing down everything you put in your mouth over a few day period. What snacks or extras did you not realize you were eating? Can you cut those out?

 

Try eating "whole" foods instead of processed foods. They are better for you and filled with less sodium and preservatives, which can make you feel bloated. Eat as many fruits and veggies as you can, and cut out as much processed crap as you can. Also, go for lean proteins and whole grains.

 

Try fitting in as much activity as you can. Get up 20 mins early and go walking. Or go walking with FI after work or dinner or something.

 

I joined a local morning "boot camp" program where we work out every morning in the park from 6am to 7am. I don't know if that would fit into your schedule, but maybe try signing up for something that holds you accountable (and kicks your butt!)

 

I really like and recommend Weight Watchers, espcially their online program. It's more of a lifestyle change than a diet, and it really works, and you arent restricted in the kinds of food you eat -- mostly just the amount. The online program is pretty affordable too.

 

Hopefully this helps a little, and let me know if you have any more questions. I feel your pain

 

(but your pics look great and I totally do not see how you could lose 30 lbs!?!?! just sayin'..... )

My photog, Bradley Fraser, sent me this Martha Stewart wedding workbook pdf, which among other helpful planning things, includes a checklist for must-have photos. See page 5 of this pdf.

 

 

wedding_workbook.pdf

wedding_workbook.pdf

Thanks, Tammy. I agree - I love the sash! My FI is wearing a khaki-ish colored suit, so I think they will look even better together. Here is a pic of the sash (being bustled):

Tammy, thanks so much, this is so helpful. Next on my list of things To Do is make a list of everything for my photog. Now I am wondering if I want him for more "before" pictures....

Sarah, thanks so much for this long and very honest review. You two seem like smart travelers who are able to overcome little bumps in the road and still have a great time. And you are so right about the Mexican drivers! Even when you are speeding, they make you feel like a granny driving so slow in the right lane

Hey girls, I finally went in for my fitting this weekend and I have pics! It looks a little funny because it still has pins in it and only half of the bustle pinned up, but you get the idea.

 

I like 9, 31, 33, 34, 36, 40, 43, 45, 51

 

Um, so that's more than 3, sorry...but it was hard to pick. They are really great. You look absolutely gorgeous!!

I only ate at 3 restaurants during my trip because my mom and I made a trip to the Mega store and ate mostly in our condo, but here is what I can tell you:

 

San Jose:

La Panga Antigua - right across the street from the Catholic church. Love it! My RD is here. I'm starting to sound like a broken record about the place, but it was delicious.

Tropicana Inn -- this place was great and not too $$. It's in a hotel right downtown, they have indoor and outdoor seating, and yummy normal Mexican food. Room for big groups if you want to go out with the whole family.

 

In Cabo:

La Golondrina (?) some people call it the original Trailer Park I think? -- this place was so overrated in my mind. Expensive, not very good, and really only for tourists. Save your $, in my opinion.

Kash, I totally had your same struggle. Even if it meant serving cheese and crackers, I wanted to host something on Friday night for everyone. It didn't seem fair to have guests come all that way, and only invite some of them to the RD and leave the rest to fend for themselves. That was just how I felt.

 

I think there are a few choices:

1. Host an hors d'oeuvres and cocktails RD, or a bonfire at the Hilton beach with s'mores, or some other kind of event with lite fare that serves as your RD.

2. Host a Welcome Party two nights before the wedding for everyone (with light food/drinks like above) and a smaller "normal" RD with just wedding party the night before.

 

I think guests appreciate having something to do and some food/drink even if it isn't a full meal. It will just give them another chance to hang out and get to know each other before the wedding too.

We are having a Mexican buffett, so like chile rellenos, tacos, chicken mole, etc etc. Mexican food in DC is pretty terrible, so I am super excited about eating good stuff! Our RD menu is more like "fancy wedding food" - steak and shrimp.

You are right that even if the food isn't totally fabulous, you will be in an amazing place, with the right number of people and not 100 extra.

We leave on the 9th (only 2 days before wedding) so just make sure to post your review by then (thanks in advance, I sound so demanding! haha)

I am drooling thinking of how good your menu items are going to taste! I love love the s'mores idea -- wanted to do it myself but was told no fire on the beaches allowed (I could probably fight it, but didn't feel like going thru the hassle.)

 

I can't wait to hear your review, especially on the DJ!!