MarlaB

Okay this whole petal vs. centerpiece thing is overkill, I know. However how many of you used or are going to use petals and how many will use floral centerpieces and is anyone using BOTH?? Starchild, I hear what you are saying about using real petals. Do you know approximately how many bags I would need to cover the aisle and then the tables with about 50 guests. How big are the bags?

Do you pick the music on the video or do they use their own?

I guess those freeze dried ones really do look real. That's what the brides say anyway. Also, someone got a ton of silk petals on ebay for $20. Not too bad! Maybe they also have the freeze dried ones. You never know. There are some pretty crazy things there.

Oops, I wasn't clear. Some LC brides like Ann used floral centerpieces that Nicole arranged. I don't think I would want both centerpieces AND the petals so how in the world do I choose? Freeze dried petals I will have to check that out but if I went with silk, there are plenty of places around my home that sell those. I imagine they would all be similar if they are made out of silk. Now, back to how many to purchase and if they are even allowed at LC AND if they would blow away and create litter all over the beach!!

Well, you should have read my email I sent to her. After reading Elizabeth Medina's introduction letter on the forum (thinking she was Fladung/Lloyd), I went on and on about how cool it was that she is from Michigan and how we were practically neighbors at one point. Oh, Lord help me!!! Then I asked her if she would be in Michigan visiting relatives because I thought we could meet and maybe do some photos. Yikes. My only hope is that she really is from Michigan by some huge coincidence but probably not!!

I was reading that word document on the list of PV photographers and was wondering if anyone could describe to me what a canvas wall portrait is. It's on page 3 under additional options. Also, on page 4 at the top there is something called a Hand Crafted Heirloom Album and professionally produced video utilizing your still images and put on a DVD. Would that DVD be similar to what Leigh Miller did for Ann at her Las Caletas wedding? What is this heirloom thing? Sounds interesting.

I found this to be mildly amusing. Kelley, the WC at Las Caletas emailed me about wedding cake flavors and she referred to the Tres Leches as being somewhat soggy and pretty much like vanilla, nothing special. Strange because everyone here seems to love it. Maybe she had a bad piece!! Well now I'm undecided on flavors again. I thought Tres Leches would be traditional Mexican but if it just tastes like a moist (hopefully not soggy) vanilla, then maybe I will go with carrot or chocolate...... I just don't know!!!

Oh, my. Obviously I'm on this computer way too late and my vision is going. I totally made a very embarrassing mistake! I mistaked Elizabeth Medina for Elizabeth Fladung and emailed Fladung telling her how awesome it was to see her posts on the forum, etc. I went on and on and then asked her if she was available for my wedding. She is going to think I am a nutcase and I'm beginning to wonder myself. Well, I still want her so I hope she's willing to overlook my stupidity!!

Do you think centerpieces and flowers would be overkill considering there are already candles on the tables? I don't want too much but I do want some color.

Rachel, Awesome petal website. I'm going to request the 10 free samples. By the way, does anyone know if these petals are similar to the ones at Michael's craft store? They look the same but you never know.

Okay, so you girls think that the silk petals won't be an issue with the people cleaning afterwards or possibly not being environmentally friendly? I can just ask Nicole or Kelley and get their thoughts. I would also like to know how many bags I'd need to buy. How long is that darn runner? Again, maybe ask Nicole or Kelley. Natalie, When you say you doubt it would matter on the ground, do you mean that people wouldn't be able to tell they were fake? What is making you go back and forth in your mind about the table petals? Is it that you think it might look too fake and real ones might look prettier? That's what I was wondering anyway. I totally didn't think about them blowing away!! Very good question.

Starchild, I am having difficulty accessing your cake picture!! It's so darn frustrating! It says "accessed denied" or something like that. How many layers was your cake? I definitely want the Tres Leches now that I know what it is. I wonder if I can have one layer of that and one chocolate or maybe carrot with buttercream frosting. Would they do that at Las Caletas? I also like having strawberries in the middle with the frosting. Yummy! Iwill have to ask Nicole or Kelley. Oh, did you have fresh flowers surrouding your cake? Man, I wish I could see it. Is there a way you can send it to me via my work email? Just PM me if you need it but you probably already have it!!! Thanks Oh, yeah: In risk of sounding like a fool, what is a fondant?

Well since you asked, I did email Elizabeth earlier today asking her if she was still available for April 1 so I am eagerly awaiting for her response. My stomach is in knots. I just saw that she posted her on this forum and I guess her connection to Michigan put the icing on the cake so to speak. She couldn't have lived too far from me since the college she went to is an hour away from where I live. I feel good knowing there is no language barrier and maybe having a female will help capture the emotional side. Keep your fingers crossed for me. By the way, in an earlier email you sent to me, you mentioned that you were deciding between Carlos Melnik and Roberto Aceves. May I ask what made you decide on Elizabeth? Did you receive a contract from her yet? Did you have to put down money to secure her services? She told me she took around 400-600 photos. Is this what you were told? Do you think they all come on CD? Do you know if she digitally enhances them first? Does she do one of those videos like Leigh Miller did for Ann? I guess maybe I should just ask Elizabeth herself!! Oh, before I forget, did you ever find the person who used real and fake flowers? I asked you this on the Las Caletas forum but you were too busy working at the time to look. Shame on you!!! Just kidding. I have about 3 weeks left before I go back and I have so much to do before then like buy my dress. Have you done that yet?

Fill me in on the history of Las Caletas. I don't think I know about it!!

Elizabeth Floyd, Elizabeth Medina, and Elizabeth Fladug Please don't tell me they are all the same person!! I think Floyd and Fladug are the same but who is this Medina? Are her rates about the same or way more? Rachel, I should have known you chose Fladug because she emailed me telling me she was shooting a wedding at Caletas a few days prior to mine. Is she from the states, do you know? I like the fact she has an assistant with her so I may also choose her as well. Plus, she'll already be there!! Remind me again of where you are staying? Where will most of your guests stay? Thanks

Lindsay, Did your photographer come with you on the boat and get pictures of you getting ready or did you not get any of those pictures?

Just thought of something else Ann. Are those flowers your guest tossed at your as you exited? Did you buy those from Nicole? I like that idea. Also, ladies, I need honest opinions: Would it look tacky to buy fake flower petals from a craft store to spread about the table? They're obviously cheaper than the fresh ones but maybe I shouldn't skimp on this. Thanks

Ann, Rachel mentioned you having some sort of crystal curtain on your chuppah? I feel like an idiot, but what is a crystal curtain? You just told Nicole you wanted one and she got it for you? Can you send me a picture of that please? I also thought that the chuppa was an extra charge. I think the basic one was what Lindsay had with the palm fronds. Hmm...something to ask Nicole. How did you know how many centerpieces to order? Do the prices vary depending on the types of flowers used? I am so NOT a flower person. I mean I like them but I just don't know my types!! Does Nicole have choices she showed to you? Also, as far as the table set up, who decides on this? Is there an option to have one big long table or individual tables? I think I've seen both ways. I figured the individual tables were for larger parties but you had 55 people with one long table so maybe it's just preference. Thanks again!!

Well I did put my deposit down but I didn't get a timeline of events. Nicole is on vacation this month, but I will have to ask her about that. If you don't mind sending me yours, that would be great. You can PM me if you'd like. Thank you!!

Okay girls, I must know how you all know such wonderful diverse music. I have to admit that I am clueless about most of these songs!! I feel so dumb. Is there a website I can go on to hear samples? I am sure I would like to use some of these songs especially the Spanish/Mexican ones. Ann, Did you ever get a chance to ask your guests how they liked the Mexican Trio you hired? I am 90% I will hire them which means I wouldn't have to download that much Mexican music. I'd have the authentic version!! Any Las Caletas bride know how much music I should plan on having for the dinner and reception? I assume the Trio doesn't play during dinner but I'm not so sure! Thanks

Thank you. I asked you about the restaurant in another post so please just ignore it.

Thank you AdeyBaby for your great review. You mentioned your choices for RD but I can't figure out what RD stands for! I must have missed it somewhere. I was considering Barcelona Tapas for my welcome dinner and I believe Starchild had hers there. How did you like it Starchild Approx. how much per person and how many people did you invite

Just thought of one more thing: who typically makes toasts at weddings? I know the best man and father of the bride but are there other traditional toats? What about the bride, maid of honor, father of the groom, etc It's been a while since I've been to a wedding and I guess I never pay attention!!

I know Franco Gonzalez and Roberto Aceves are the two that directly work with Las Caletas but there are obviously a ton of other choices to consider. I am trying to keep it as simple as possible so as not to add extra stress and will probably choose one of those. I did get good quotes from Carlos Melnik but I guess there was some sort of fall out and I would hate to hire a photographer that may have bad relations with Nicole or Las Caletas. Anyone have details on what might have happened? Hate to be nosy but it may narrow down my choices or alter my decision making. Oh, this is for Las Caletas brides (starchild, caletas bridetobe, Feb 14 bride, etc.) who used Franco or Roberto: Do they come with an assistant photographer to help with poses, lighting, etc. When do they get to the island? I understand they arrive before the bride begins getting ready so he can capture pictures of that. But how in the world does he get there with all his equipment? He must travel by the back road. It would be hard to travel with the equipment on a small boat. What time do they arrive? Also for those who used Ipods/CDs: Which is better? Should I be prepared with both? How many hours of music will I need? I do plan on hiring the Trio as well for the pre-ceremony, ceremony (besides the Here Comes the Bride song unless they play that too!!), and after the ceremony while I am having my pictures taken. I guess I will just need to provide music for dinner and reception then. Can I categorize different types of music on an Ipod? For instance, can I put the cake cutting, father-daughter dance, bride-groom first dance, etc. in a separate category? If not, then there is a chance it might be played at the wrong time!!!

Nicole just contacted me and the only two photographers that they work with directly are Franco Gonzalez and Roberto Aceves. You can always find your own though.