mridgway

Yes - we did the 5 designs for $60. I had told her we were using Pink and Orange as colors and wanted a sun design. I believe the other options are still on her website under "Works in Progress - Ridgway"

I just received my monogram from Creative Montage. I'll echo everyone else's comments that she did a great job and was very fast!!

Melissa

Sarah and Jen,

Your pictures looks great!! Sarah - I actually just started my website this weekend and used that same design. Seems perfect for Cabo!

Melissa

Thanks for all the great info! Jen, can't wait to see your pics! I looked at the ones in your gallery and it looks like you had a beautiful wedding! Sarah - did Manuel take the picture of you and your FI on the beach? Thanks again!

Melissa

Hi and Welcome! I have to admit, I also was on this site (and booked my location) before the engagement was official. It never hurts to start the planning! Maybe his trip to Cancun will help inspire him to move faster!

Melissa

Great--thanks Jen! Looking forward to seeing them! Also, how many hours did you use them? I know they have a 4 hour min., but didn't know if that was enough time or not. Andrea, how many hours are you thinking you'll book him for?

Congratulations and welcome!

Melissa

Congratulations and Welcome Back!

My WC suggested using him as well. I'd love to hear any first hand experiences also!

Melissa

Thanks Natasha! Those places sounds perfect! Good to know about Ixtapa--having not been there before we have no idea what to expect. Zihuatanejo sounds much more like what we are looking for. We've done quite a bit of traveling in the Riviera Maya area and are exciting to try out a new part of Mexico!

Melissa

We are getting married in Cabo but planning to honeymoon in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa. Any thoughts on which town is better or hotel suggestions?

Thanks!

Melissa

I attended a DW at the RIU Palace in May 2006. The location and rooms were very nice and their ceremony was beautiful!! However we had some mixed reviews for the reception food and reception itself. Would be happy to share the details/pics with anyone interested in this location.

Melissa

Congratulations on your engagement and welcome to the site!

Melissa

Hi and welcome! I have been working with Emlee at Baja Weddings and have been very impressed with their services thus far. (She mentioned that they plan many weddings at Fiesta Americana). I know many of the other girls on here have been working with other planners as well.

Melissa

Also, here is the buffet options. I'm not sure what other F/B options you might have at each of the restaurants. I haven't eaten at either yet, but have heard they have great food!

DINNERS BUFFETS

MEXICAN MENU EL DORADO U$ 75

(Minimum 30 People)

(In case the guarantee is below 30 people,

the hotel will charge for the minimum guarantee of 30 people)

Entrees and salads

Pumpkin salad with oregano Smoked marlin salad Cabbage and bacon salad Cheese empanada Shrimp crispy golden tacos mixed lettuces salad Dressing, marinara sauce, cream with herbs thousand island, tarragon

Soup

Corn cream

On the grill

(1 chef attendant required for every 50 persons. For indoors events, items will be grilled in the kitchen and no fee will apply) Marinated flank steak Fresh Fish fillet Marinated chicken Sauces: almonds creamy, mushrooms and achiote

Main dishes

Pork loin with plum sauce Stuffed poblano chili with cheese Beef tips Mexican style

Garnishing

Sweet potato pure Green rice Beans “puercos†style

Desserts bar

Mexican Cocadas Fruit cheese cake Pineapple soft cake Chocolate cake Passion fruits mousse Mexican candies

MEXICAN MENU EL RANCHO GRANDE U$ 75

(Minimum 30 People)

(In case the guarantee is below 30 people,

the hotel will charge for the minimum guarantee of 30 people)

Entrees and Salads

Grilled cactus leaves and red onion salad, Grilled tomatoes and corn salad Cucumbers and roast poblano chili salad, Mixed lettuces and cherry tomato salad Beef Tinga (shredded beef with onion cream and herbs) Baby potato salad (sautéed with onion, cream and herbs)

Dressing

Oregano vinaigrette, dry chili oil balsamic, herbs with cream, ranch

Soup

Tortilla soup

Main dishes

Golden chicken tacos, Fish fillet to the veracruzana style, Chicken in sauce of green pipian Grilled marinated flank steak Stew of lamb leg in chili guajillo

Garnishing

Red rice Slice Poblano pepper with cream Charros beans Sweet potato puree

Desserts bar

Corn pie Sweet pumpkin Churros Rice with milk Cheese pie Nut cake

MEXICAN MENU THE COSTEÑO U$ 84

(Minimum 30 People)

(In case the guarantee is below 30 people,

the hotel will charge for the minimum guarantee of 30 people)

Entrees and Salads

Acapulco ceviche, Shrimp dry ceviche, Bay scallops ceviche Mazatlan style Sea food cocktail Mixed lettuces salad Baby green bean salads Jicama salad

Soup

Shrimp broth

On the grill

(1 chef attendant required for every 50 persons – for indoors events, items will be grilled in the kitchen and no fee will apply)

Marinated Chicken Breast Scallops callus Shrimps Fish fillet

Main dishes

“Poblano†chilis stuffed with Seafood sautéed preparation Chicken breast stuffed with wild rice served with pumpkin flower sauce

Garnishing

White rice Black beans Potato puree to the butter Vegetables fried with garlic

Desserts bar

Coconut cake Buñuelos Mint mousse Three milk cake Mint mousse Apple tart Tropical fruit cocktail with rum

MEXICAN MENU MAR DE CORTEZ U$ 92

(Minimum 30 People)

(In case the guarantee is below 30 people,

the hotel will charge for the minimum guarantee of 30 people)

Entrees and salads

Fresh tuna Cajun style salad, Mussel salad with corn and bell pepper Rice salad with shrimps and sweet chills Fish ceviche tropical style Mixed lettuce salad Shrimp cocktail with thousand islands sauce

Dressing

Vinaigrette of ginger, vinaigrette of garlic and basil, mayonnaise to the curry, balsamic

Soup

Lobster bisque

Main dishes

Chili relleno filled with seafood,

Mixed seafood breast with herbs

On the grill

(1 chef attendant required for every 50 persons – for indoors events, items will be grilled in the kitchen and no fee will apply)

Fish fillet Marinated Jumbo Scallops pesto flavor Big clams in papillotes (padded and wrapped in aluminum paper) Chicken breast marinated with chimichuri

Garnishing

White rice, Sautéed Vegetables with butter Steamed Potato

Desserts bar

Raspberry Mousse Mint mousse Coconut cake Chocolate cake Vanilla cake with fruits Cheese cake

GRILL MENU U$ 85

(Minimum 30 People)

(In case the guarantee is below 30 people,

the hotel will charge for the minimum guarantee of 30 people)

Bar of salads

Mixed vegetables salad Spinaches and citric salad Tropical fruits salad, Potato cambray and bacon salad, Mozzarella cheese and tomatoes salad, Cactus leaves salad with onion with oregano Ear of corn fresh roast with cream and grasses salad

Dressing Balsamic

ranch, blue cheese, thousand islands, orange, sour cream with fresh fine herbs, pesto

Soup

Lentils and bacon soup

On the grill

(1 chef attendant required for every 50 persons – for indoors events, items will be grilled in the kitchen and no fee will apply)

Brochettes chicken, Brochettes beef, Brochettes fish and shrimp Chateaubriand Pork chop, Fish fillet Marinated breast chicken

Garnishing

Baked potato, Creole rice, Ratatouille of vegetables, Corn on the cob

Desserts bar

Chocolate cake Tiramisu cake Cheese pie Fruit Mousse Pear tart Custard to the candy

MENU ITALIAN BUFFET U$ 75

(Minimum 30 People)

(In case the guarantee is below 30 people,

the hotel will charge for the minimum guarantee of 30 people)

Antipasto

Procuito with melon Calamari fritti Caprese salad with basil dressing and pine nuts Tortellini salad with ham cheese feta and black olives Mixed lettuces with balsamic Roasted sweet peppers and marinated with olive oil and anchovies Eggplants marinated in oil

Soup

Minestrone soup

Main dishes

Bolognese spaghetti Linguini with chicken and cream Shrimp and spinaches ravioli with white wine sauce Penne pasta putanesca style Chicken breast to the Parmesan Medallion beef with steam potato and Marsala sauce

Desserts

Tiramisu Panacotta (vanilla mousse with raspberry coulis) Amaretto cake Mocha cake Fruit cocktail with “marsala†wine Chocolate cake

Prices are per person, in USD plus 10% tax plus 18% service

We looked at the HDM as well - here is the bar options that our WC had sent to me. Hope this helps!

BAR PER HOUR

DOMESTIC BAR INTERNACIONAL BAR

1 HOUR US $ 28.00 1 HOUR US $ 30.00

2 HOURS US $ 45.00 2 HOURS US $ 53.00

3 HOURS US $ 57.00 3 HOURS US $ 68.00

4 HOURS US $ 70.00 4 HOURS US $ 82.00

5 HOURS US $ 79.00 5 HOURS US $ 90.00

PREMIUM BAR

1 Hour $ 52 usd

2 Hours $ 68 usd

3 Hours $ 92 usd

4 Hours $ 105 usd

PRICES ARE PER PERSON PLUS 10% TAX PLUS 18% SERVICE

Prices are subject to change without notice

I've got the breakdowns of what is included in each option, if you'd like those as well.

We go to Playa Del Carmen every year over Martin Luther King Weekend and the weather is typically very nice. 80's during the day, and cooler at night - you may need a jacket or something. Still very nice out.

In the few years we have been going, we have seen it rain one day. The days are usually sunny part of the day, some clouds.

We also attended a DW in Playa this past May (Memorial Day weekend) and it rained every day we were there.

Great insight - thanks for posting!

I'm also now a little concerned about the cab/rental issue. Was worried about my friends being too drunk to drive anyway, so thought cabs were the way to go. However, I also hear that cabs are very expensive in Cabo. Any ideas on what a cab would cost to go from downtown to the Sheraton (10 miles)?

Again, great info - thanks!

Melissa

Hi Lissa,

Glad you were able to check out the site! It certainly has given me some good ideas since I've checked it out. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help - I know you've got a lot of planning in the next few months!

Congratulations again! Melissa

Hey Tammy - No we are getting married across the street at Cabo Del Sol golf course. But my parents have a timeshare at the Sheraton and I here great things about it!

Alison - sorry to hijack!

Welcome Alison! I've got some information on the Sheraton - (menus, prices, pictures, etc.) that my coordinator had given me. If you are interested, PM me and I'd be happy to forward them to you!

Melissa

DOMESTIC OPEN BAR PACKAGE

One Hour$ 30.00

Two Hours$ 52.00

Three Hours$ 70.00

Four Hours$ 78.00

Five Hours$ 95.00

INTERNATIONAL OPEN BAR PACKAGE

One Hour$ 35.00

Two Hours$ 60.00

Three Hours$ 75.00

Four Hours$ 87.00

Five Hours$ 110.00

PREMIUM OPEN BAR PACKAGE

One Hour$ 40.00

Two Hours$ 74.00

Three Hours$ 97.00

Four Hours$ 112.00

Five Hours$ 130.00

Prices in usd, per person

subject to 10% Federal Tax and 18% Service

Prices are subject to change without notice

MEXICAN BUFFET

LUNCH & DINNER

(minimum 40 pax)

Mixed Green Salad with Garden vegetables

Seasonal Fruit Plate

Cactus leaf Salad with Panela Cheese, Red Onion and Serrano Pepper

Jicama and Citrus Salad with Sweet Chili & Cilantro

Black Bean, Pineapple and Roasted Pepper Salad

Tortilla Soup with Avocado & Guajillo Pepper

Lobster & Red Snapper Quesadillas

Chicken Breast in Mole Sauce

Shrimp Fajitas

Carne Asada

Stuffed Chile Poblano

Jalapeño and Cilantro Wild Rice

Refried Beans topped with Cotija Cheese

Chips, Assorted Salsas and Condiments

Rice Pudding with Vanilla Essence

Kahlua and Coconut Flan

Pumpkin and Almond Pie

Chocolate Cake with Cajeta Liqueur

Basket of Churros and Buñuelos

$ 70.00

INTERNATIONAL BUFFET

AND CARVING STATION

LUNCH & DINNER

(minimum 40 pax)

Grilled Vegetable Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Tomato Carpaccio, Parmesan Shaves, Roasted Jalapeño Parsley Vinaigrette

Organic Mixed Greens

Pacific Salad tossed in a light Soy Dressing

Caesar Salad with Guajillo Croutons

Roasted Corn and Shrimp Chowder

Herb and Olive Oil marinated Chicken Breast

Roasted Prime Rib

Tequila and Chile de Arbol marinated Tri-Tip

Pasta Station with Fresh Seafood, Vegetables, Tomato and Alfredo Sauce

Potatoes au Gratin

Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables

Tiramisu

Cheese cake

Fresh Fruit Platter

Fruit Tartlets

Caramelized Banana & Almond Tart

$ 70.00

SEAFOOD BUFFET

LUNCH & DINNER

(minimum 40 pax)

Local Mixed Green Salad

Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter

Hearts of Romaine Lettuce, Caesar Dressing and Parmesan Shaves

Sea of Cortez Seafood Ceviche

Blackened Tuna and Seaweed Salad

Baja Shrimp Cocktail

Display of Kumamoto Oysters and Clams in the Shell

Sea Scallops marinated in Lime and Serrano Chile

Cabo Seafood Chowder

Grilled Rock Lobster Tail

Chile Ancho glazed Red Snapper

Roasted Langoustines in Chipotle Garlic Butter

Shrimp Skewer in Paprika Oil

Dungeness Crab Taquitos

Coconut and Pineapple Rice

Gingered Seasonal Vegetables

Key Lime Pie

Tarte Tatin

Chocolate Mousse in Puff Pastry

Bavarian Cream with Raspberry Coulis

$ 85.00

BBQ BUFFET

LUNCH & DINNER

(minimum 40 pax)

Local Mixed Green Salad

Seasonal Fresh Fruit Platter

Fusilli, Fresh Vegetable Julienne, Dry Salami and Provolone Cheese

Carrot, Cabbage and Coconut Slaw

Potato Salad with Applewood Smoked Bacon and Dijon Mustard Dressing

Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio, Fresh Mozzarella and Aged Balsamic

Cream of Wild Mushroom Soup

Madeira marinated New York Strip

Thyme and Garlic Sea Bass Filet

Chipotle BBQ Spare Ribs

Grilled Herb-marinated Chicken Breast

Rosemary Shrimp Skewers

Baked Potato with Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Black Bean and Roasted Pepper Chili

Sautéed Seasonal Vegetables

Pineapple Strudel

Chocolate Cake with Fresh berries

Gingered Crème Brulée

Lime Pie

Carrot and Walnut Cake

$ 75.00

Prices in usd, per person

subject to 10% Federal Tax and 18% Service

Prices are subject to change without notice

Here are the updated 2007 menus and price lists:

PLATED DINNERS

OPTION 1

Tomato carpaccio, arugula, parmesan shaves and balsamic demi

Lobster and spinach egg roll with spicy mango sauce

Raspberry sorbet

Basil marinated chicken breast, garlic mashed potato, sauté vegetables and tarragon sauce

Coconut terrine, caramelized pineapple and pistachio

Coffee or tea

$ 65.00

OPTION 2

Lemon grass chicken sate, coconut and sweet chili sauce

South of the border Caesar salad, parmesan basket and guajillo croutons

Orange tequila sorbet

Macadamia crusted sea bass, grilled vegetables and vanilla sauce

Goat cheese cake with mango coulis and almond tuile

Coffee or tea

$ 65.00

OPTION 3

Crab cake with roasted red pepper sauce and mango pineapple salsa

Mixed green salad with papaya, blackened chicken and sesame soy vinaigrette

Margarita sorbet

Pan fried sea bass, Israeli cous cous with cherry tomato, spinach and grilled bock choy

Macadamia chocolate cake with ginger ice cream and vanilla sabayon

Coffee or tea

$ 65.00

OPTION 4

Organic baby greens, avocado, grape fruit and citrus vinaigrette

Cream of asparagus with blue cheese crumbles

Orange sorbet

Beef medallion and lemon grass chicken skewer, basil mashed potato, rosemary juice

Vanilla ice cream Tartuffe with mango and strawberry grand manier sauce

Coffee or tea

$ 65.00

OPTION 5

Asparagus and marinated cherry tomato, parmesan cheese and sherry thyme vinaigrette

Cream of cilantro with goat cheese and smoked marlin

Lemon sorbet

Petit filet mignon, pesto grilled jumbo shrimp, mashed potato and wild mushroom sauce

Chocolate and kahlua crème Brule with pistachio ice cream

Coffee or tea

$ 75.00

OPTION 6

Spicy crab and avocado tower with chipotle honey sauce, basil oil

Roasted corn and chicken chowder with smoked chile cream

Citrus chardonnay granité

Beef tenderloin and roasted lobster tail, three has potato, roasted garlic and thyme sauce

White and dark chocolate terrine with raspberry coulis

Coffee or tea

$ 75.00

OPTION 7

Coconut shrimp, chipotle aioli and pineapple papaya relish

Spinach salad with feta cheese, toasted pine nuts and sour cherry vinaigrette

Citrus chardonnay granite

Petit filet mignon and lobster tail with roasted garlic mashed potato and smoked chili butter

Chocolate soft cake “Volcano†with vanilla ice cream and haupia caramel

Coffee or tea

$ 80.00

VEGETARIAN

OPTION 1

Heirloom tomato and egg plant terrine with portobello, zucchini,

bell peppers, toasted pine nuts, lavosh and balsamic demi

Exotic fresh fruit brochette, candied walnut and port wine

reduction

$ 40.00

OPTION 2

Panko crusted tofu napoleon with cashews and sauté julianne

vegetables in a sesame soy sauce

Warm wild berries in a phyllo basket, gingered vanilla ice cream

and toasted coconut

$ 40.00

OPTION 3

Penne paste with grilled Portobello, sun dried tomato, spinach,

roasted vegetables, olive oil and fresh basil

Exotic fresh fruit brochette, candied walnut and port wine

reduction

$ 40.00

OPTION 4

Fire roasted poblano pepper stuffed with mashed potato and panela cheese,

lemon and cilantro basmati rice, creamy tomato sauce

Warm wild berries in a phyllo basket, gingered vanilla ice cream

and toasted coconut

$ 45.00

OPTION 5

Spinach and mushroom enchilada with Chihuahua and cotija cheese,

guajillo sauce and jalapeño wild rice

Exotic fresh fruit brochette, candied walnut and port wine

reduction

$ 45.00

Prices in usd, per person

subject to 10% Federal Tax and 18% Service

Prices are subject to change without notice

We chose the Cabo Del Sol golf course because:

- We just went to an AI wedding in Playa Del Carmen with a large group of friends. Unfortunately the bride and groom (and guests) were disappointed with the service they received (I hear this is not typical, just an unfortunate situation). It sorta turned our group of friends off to the AI idea.

- My parents have a timeshare at the Hacienda Del Mar, so Cabo was our likely choice!

-Our coordinator suggested Cabo Del Sol for these reasons:

Great service, great food, easy for coordinators to work with, convenient to the HDM (right across the street), it is a private facility and we would have the location all to ourselves for the event.