fogdog

I'm with you - never wear makeup. While I am intrigued by the idea of visiting the counter, getting suggestions, and practicing, I guess I'd rather spend the $200 (or less) on the professional for one day than end up with $200 worth of makeup that I won't ever use. I'm going with Suzanne Morel - from what I can see of others here that have used them, they don't overdo it and most of the girls look very natural (at least in their photos).

American is pretty easy with the 5%. I also used Frontier which requires that you sign a contract that says 20 people will buy tix with them. But, they give you the code up front and admitted that there's not much they can do if you don't get to 20. It's a 10% discount.

Me too, me too! I have the same date as Jill (11/17) so really need to get in gear. Leigh please invite me! Thanks! Bridget

Thanks girls! And for all the advice on the other post as well. I think we're going to not have our photographer at the rehearsal dinner so we can have more time on the wedding day and day after instead. We're going to have 80 or so guests, so we'll need more time but the photographers suggested 7 hours which seemed like alot to me, but now that I read everyone's feedback is reasonable if you include getting ready, etc.

Not at all. I don't have a engagement ring and didn't want one. I just didn't believe that something as emotional and spiritual as a marriage should be marked by or a condition of a material thing. (I am also not good with material things and have lost every expensive item I've ever owned . The only people who seem to have an issue with this are strangers who can't seem to understand why a woman wouldn't want a ring. We have a strong relationship, just bought a house, got a puppy, and I have a new job that I love. My life is very complete without it! If you explain this to him - how you are so happy with everything you already have and don't need any more - maybe he can start to think about it differently too!

Hi- Has anyone heard of and/or used Creative Control photography? They were suggested by my WC but I don't think I've seen any comments on them here. Separately, I think there was a post a while back about how many hours people hired their photographers for, but I can't find it. If anyone else remembers and can link me back to it, that would be great! Thanks!

I've done it (underarms, bikini, and legs!) and it's one of the best things I've chosen to do. I would say the main drawback is the cost - it is $$$. And, if you have any blonde hair (which I do), the laser can't see it, so I didn't end up 100% hairless as I thought I would. I've done 6 sessions and might do one more.

Thanks so much Jill and everyone else! This is so helpful and I'm definitely going to contact all 3 (Frontier, Alaska, AA) to try to provide the codes.

How were you able to get a discount code? Did you have to have a certain group size? And what % did they offer you? This is a nice thing to be able to offer guests!

Interesting...thanks for the follow up! I actually couldn't deal with them and all the messiness, so decided on plan B...Nov. 17th at the Sheraton! We are going to do the ceremony on the beach and reception in the D'Cortez restaurant, so should be able to have a relatively private reception which I wanted. And they have been very upfront (though somewhat inflexible) on all the costs involved. I am also using a WC who advised in favor of the Sheraton and has worked with them before, so feel good about the decision. Now need to get STD's out...less than 6 months to go!

Wow - those are so great! So creative and the postcard captures the mood perfectly! Please update once you get them and let us know what you think of the final product!

Wow - congrats! It looks incredible! Your photographer did a great job!

Thanks for everyone's thoughts on this! I did ask for an amended contract or to recieve a quote for F&B. I was put in touch with the event services manager, but she never did give me any prices, which was very disappointing. They then told me on Friday that someone else wanted my date and I had to make my deposit by Monday - still without ever giving me any F&B prices. I decided that if they are this difficult now it is not going to get any easier. So, I declined and am now working on plan B...

Hi- Everyone on the forum seems to like working with Maye, but what about the rest of her team? When I contacted her to see if she was available, she told me Paulina would be my designated coordinator. (If Paulina doens't have positive reviews, any other WC suggestions would be great!) Also, what is a reasonable price. She quoted 975 plus 10% tax for for planning, coordinating and supervising the wedding. If I'm not having an official ceremony, how much could I ask for a reduction given that I won't require paper work with the judge or minister, translation, or blood tests/certificates? Thanks for all your input! b

Congrats in advance, Maria, and ditto on the review request - would love to hear how everything goes and your opinion on the suite! Who did you work with on the planning? Have a great weekend! Good luck and enjoy!

Definitely not a hijack - all very relevant to my current challenge! FYI - I decided to email Ibonhe and asked for a clause in the contract that will let me cancel without penalty if we can't reach a reasonable agreement on F&B or to just put me in touch with the Conference Services Manager so I can negotiate at the same time. I'll let you all know what I hear back!

Thanks, all, for your thoughts! Jill, I will contact you privately to ask a few more questions, but thanks for sharing all your documents. Our contract is similar to what you describe with the exception that I have to make a deposit for the reservation of the Imperial Suite. Regardless, if I start planning and decide that the prices are outrageous and don't want to do it there I would be liable for the $3000 predicted food/bev plus the room block which adds up to $9k-ish. I would think that she would understand that I wouldn't sign a contract then, until I was sure they could provide everything I wanted. The time of her response isn't the issue - it's that she's pushing me to do the block before giving me all the info I need to make the decision. ugh...

Hi- I am trying to sign the contract for Fiesta Americana but am feeling a bit nervous as Ibonhe, who I am working with, wants me to commit to the room block including the Imperial Suite (at $1800/night!) before I have any information related to any other details (food, beverage, set-up, etc). As I ask, she is sending me various pieces, but sometimes without prices and sometimes with conflicting info and I can tell it bothers her to do so. So, a few questions: 1. Is it standard to commit to the room block before working out other details? 2. Has anyone else worked with Ibonhe and has it been this challenging? 3. Any recommendations on how to get this done clearly and efficiently over email? I'm already frustrated and haven't even made any decisions yet I appreciate all your help/advice! Thanks!

Hi all - I'm (hopefully) getting married at the Fiesta Americana on Nov. 3, 2007. Currently in the process of working out the contract with them, but looking forward to getting tons of advice from all of you! Thanks! Bridget