SusanK

I think that would be great!!! I am a big country music fan though, but even if you're not, I'm sure you could work with him to pick out a song you really like. Even if he doesn't know it already, maybe he could learn it by the time the wedding roles around.

I love my dress and am so excited to be able to wear it twice!!!

Have you ever laughed so hard that milk came out your nose? I don't drink milk (although I know I should). It just has always grossed me out, and my gag reflex kicks in whenever I attempt to drink it. I can eat cereal though, I like my Cheerios with milk, just as long as I don't actually taste the milk. I know...that doesn't really make any sense, but I'm pretty finicky when it comes to what I eat and drink. I have had water come out my nose though...ouch! Have you ever been scuba diving? bunjee jumping? sky diving? I went skydiving in Switzerland. It was amazing! The scariest part was the rickety plane we rode up in. My FI really wanst to go scuba diving on our honeymoon, but it just doesn't appeal to me. I'm kinda chlostorphobic, and I don't like fish...I don't want them touching me...ICK!! Tell us three things about yourself the rest of the world doesn't know: 1. I am deathly scared of balloons. The mylar (shiny silver ballons) are no problem, but regular balloon send me into a full-blown panic attack. My stomach does flips, my chest tightens up...it's bad. If I see them from a distance, I'm okay, but if they get within 50 feet of me I have to close my eyes and plug my ears. I'm a freak, I know. The worst is when I see someone bending balloons. That squeeking noise puts me over the edge. 2. I've never had a soda in my life. I've had a sip by accident couple of times (when somone's Sprite was next to my water glass), and spit in out. I don't know how anyone can stand that fizzy feeling. In fact, I don't drink anything, but water. I've never liked milk, juice, soda, sports drinks, or anything but water (and I'm very picky about my water...I can't stand it when restaurants put lemon in my water). I do drink wine and beer socially, but never with a meal. 3. I like to dance (and squat, and lunge) when trying on clothes in dressing rooms. I would be mortified if someone ever saw me. What is the weirdest nickname you've ever been given from anyone? My FI has so many pet names for me, some are Spanish words like "Niña", some are made up words like "Hiddy" (short for "hideous", but in a very loving way , but I think the one that takes the cake is "Goat Toes". One of my BF in highschool coined this one...for no apparent reason, but it stuck for a long time. When was the last time you laughed so hard that you cried? Yesterday, one of my second graders (such a cutie) was flexing his bicep and staring at it with such pride during math class. Everyone else was oblivious to it because they were engrossed in "subtraction with regrouping", but it was just too funny that I couldn't help myself.

Should FI and I do this now, or wait until October when we are married? I don't know if revisions have to be made when you change marital status. Also, do you see an attorney for this? Do you just call one up and say you want to arrange a living will? Sorry, I really don't know much about this.

Best Wishes!

Best Wishes!

Strength training is not synonymous with weight training. It's really about resistance training! Granted, weights are a great way to add resistance to your workout, but they are not the only way. If you do not have access to weights, there are many other options....including your body's own resistance (think squats, lunges, push-up, dips, etc.). Strength training classes often combine weights, resistance bands, and your body's own resistance. The most important thing is that you incorporate all major muscle groups into your workouts. Sorry to say, there is no such thing as "spot" training- you can do thousands of sit-ups a day and never get a six-pack. Our bodies are genetically pre-disposed to store fat in certain parts of our body (and lose fat from that place last). Some women are "apples" (tend to store fat in the belly), but most our "pears" (store fat in the hips/thighs/butt). "Apple" fat is more dangerous to the heart, but "pear" fat tends to be harder to lose. If you store fat in your thighs first, then that's also probably going to be the last place where you lose it. Hence, "spot training" does not work. Work-out all your major muscle groups 2-3 times a week for the best results. You can do a complete body work-out 3 times a week or rotate muscle groups (if you'd rather workout more days, for less time) (ex: rotate chest/shoulders/arms; back/legs; and a rest day. You need to work these muscle to fatigue. You are not going to do yourself much good if you don't push your muscles...that's where gains are made. Also, a note on "abs". Many people focus on abs, and ignore their lower back. These are opposite muscle groups and should be worked equally to maintain muscle balance. Lower muscle exercises will really help with the love handles too. My best advice is to meet with a professional to discuss your goals and set-up a strength-training schedule. You also want to make sure you are doing the exercises properly. You can definitely do more harm than good if you don't know how to do the exercises with proper form. Faithful strength-training will take your body to the next level and help you bust through "plateaus".

The best way to get results is to combine cardio with strength training. You want to change fat into lean muscle, and the only way to do that is through strength/resistance training. A lot of "skinny" people have high body fat %. Strength training will not "bulk" you up (unless you are on some specialized diet) when combine with cardio. Lean muscle mass actually takes up less space than fat, so as you change fat into muscle you will lose inches. Combine that with fat burning cardio workouts and you'll really see results (diet of course is very important..if not the most important element). Strength training, and the resulting increase in lean muscle mass, will also boost your overall metabolism. Cardo boosts your metabolism while in the act, and for about 30-60 minutes afterwards, but then it readjusts.

Doesn't it feel good to have that decision made?!?!?! Yeah! Now you can really get going on the planning!

Ok...I think I might try on a veil! Maybe I'll wait until my dress comes in at the end of the month...my dress has a lace overlay, and I'd like the lace on the veil to match the dress. Wow, I can't believe I might be changing my mind on this. It's funny how things work out...I also never thought I'd like a strapless dress, and that's what I ended up with. I'm kinda excited about this whole veil thing now. Thanks all!

So I never thought I'd wear a veil...just a flower, but I was channel surfing the other day and caught a show called "My Celebrity Wedding" on the Style network. On the show, they re-created Christina Aguilera's wedding for a lucky couple. Anyway, when I saw the bride's veil, I loved it...and for the first time thought I actually might want to wear one. I still definitely want a flower, and that's what I really loved about this veil and how it was worn. So what do you think? Should I go for it, just for the ceremony? Any ideas where I might find this veil or something very similiar?

Have you been to the Riu? When we stayed at Dreams last Oct. we took some wave runners out and saw the gazebo at the Riu. It does look like it is very close to the pool and where everyone hangs out. I really like the setting of the gazebo at Dreams, it's breath-taking. Maybe if you're worried about the gazebo at Riu, you could look into doing it on their beach. Just a thought.

Read post #117 of this thread, and a few there after. I hadn't heard anything about the extra fee for staying after 8:30 until then either. I'm still a little perplexed by the whole thing.

Martha- The gazebo at Dreams in fabulous, but I know what you mean about the cost. I'm pretty sure that when all is said and done, this wedding isn't going to be any cheaper than it would back home (and with less guests), and probably not any less stressful either. I guess it depends on # of guests. We are planning on anywhere between 60-90 guests, dinner and cocktail hour is $60 pp, plus $25 pp for 2.5 hours after the 8:30, photog, videographer, flowers, DJ, it adds up FAST!

We are having a big AHR (300+) about a month after our DW. I want it to be more of a party than a reception. We are going to have a Mexican theme with our drinks (margaritas, Corona, sangria, etc.), and food (I'm thinking Mexican inspired appetizers and a taco bar). We hiring a DJ, but I don't know if we'll re-do all the "first dance" stuff. I think I'm going to opt for a desert bar instead of a cake (I think it would be silly to cut the cake for a second time). I plan on playing our wedding video and slideshow. I'm actually really excited for the AHR. My sister is pretty much taking on the planning of the whole thing, so I know it's in excellent hands.

Just bought the Carrie Underwood version of "I'll Stand By You" from iTunes. Love it! Matt and I are going to have to have at least 5O first dances! There are just too many songs that I love!

Thanks Christine. I had never heard of the hand ceremony..I really like it!

In my seemingly never-ending search for my perfect bridal bouquet...I thought I'd post my latest idea. I really like these white callas, but want to add a punch of color. So I was thinking of a few fuschia and pink orchids. I just really like how brightly colored flowers look in pic. What do you think? For orchids, should I just do one or the other, or both?

Great engagement story and welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll be able to find out everything you need to know (and more)! There are a lot of Cancun/Playa del Carmen/ Riviera Maya brides that are full of good info and always very helpful. Have you decided on wedding site in PdC yet?

I sent her my bouquet idea too. I want white callas with a few bright fuschia orchids for a little pop. Then I think I'd do bright pink callas for the BMs. I've been so back and forth on this. I was originally thinking of doing the bright pink callas for myself..... AH! Too many decisions

Great pics! Thanks for posting. I wish I could have looked that cute and smiley...I was sobbing my eyes out, and look terrible in the pics!

Goregeous!

Quote: Originally Posted by BRENDASTAR I was sent those same vows for the non-legal ceremony. However, I don't see that it includes the sand ceremony part. Where would that go? And i just asked if other traditions can be incoporated. Do I have to write it all out for the minister? I was told that there would be no time to meet with minister. but there will be a dress rehearsal. I'm getting married in three weeks!! And I still don't have some answers to some questions!! I just hope it all pans out Brenda- I got a different answer about the minister in an e-mail I just received today. I'll copy and paste below. Maybe it will be helpful to others. And just as a side note, I e-mailed these questions to her today, and received a response right away...WooHoo! Claudia- A couple of question for you. 1. Does Dreams allow outside vendors for flowers? No I`m sorry. 2. If not, can you put me in contact with the florist that you use? I have some very specific ideas of what I would like for the bouquets that I will be needing, and have not seen exactly what I'm looking for in the bouquet options you have sent me. Can I e-mail pictures of what I like for price quotes? Yes please send me the options you want.. 3. Are you able to customize cakes? What flavors are available? vanilla, chocolate, strawberries, 3 leches (only 2 layer cake) 4. Will we be able to discuss/customize our ceremony with the minister beforehand? yes. 5. Also, we would like to set our ceremony time for 4:00. Will that be a good time? yes it is a good time in October Thank you in advance for your help, Susan ...So I guess I didn't ask specifically if we could meet with the minister beforehand, but I'm not sure how else we'd "discuss/customize our ceremony"

I'm planning on using the minister that Dreams provides. We are going to do the legal ceremony before we leave to avoid the hassle when we get there. Does anyone know anything about the minister? Are we able to meet with him/her beforehand? I'm wondering how much we will be able to customize the ceremony.

I must have missed this the first time around. But better late than never We chose Dreams Cancun for several reasons. 1. Easy and fast to get to from the Chicago area! Direct flights from Chicago to Cancun and resort is close to the hotel. This way our guests that can only come for the extended weekend can maximize their time at the resort and minimized time spent traveling. 2. All-inclusive!!! We are all from WI...we drink lots of beer! I know our guests will get their money's worth! 3. Kids can come. The love of my life (along with my FI of course!) is my niece. One of the things I am most looking forward to is having her as my flower girl. I can't imagine our big day without her. 4. We vacationed at Dreams last Oct., and saw a beautiful wedding while we were there. That's when we decided on a DW (before we were officially engaged). It was our first real vacation for just the two of us, so it's a special place for us. Plus we feel familiar with the place and are able to inform our guests from a first-hand perspective. 5. The gazebo is gorgeous! 6. The service was phenomenal when we were there. I've never experienced better service, and I've been to lots of AIs! 7. Just the right size for us. We didn't want a "mega-resort" where we might not even see our guests. It's mostly our friends that are going, and we have been talking about doing a big group vacation for awhile now...this is our chance. We can't wait. 7. Bottom line, we loved Dreams when we were there and can't wait to share the experience with our friends and family!