Heidi

wow, those cuties are so freaking adorable!!!!!

After being EXTREMELY active for years (yoga 4-5 times a week and running in the gym 4 times a week), I've hit a slump for the past 3 months. I JUST started getting back into a routine, and I figured if I posted it here I'd have to stick with it!!! I'm biking for 30 mins every morning before work; then jogging outside for 30 mins when I get home. For now, yoga is just once a week (limited funds!!), but that will increase soon - hopefully!!!

Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica April 4, 2008!!!

Got an email from Riu Ocho Rios about outside photographers...they are NOT allowed!!! (They use 'Photoshop' - I got an email from the photographer and was not impressed with the pictures. I can forward to anyone interested.) I did find a loop hole though - "If you will have guests that would like to take pictures they can actually do it. We just do not allow outside vendors at the RIU Ocho Rios." - from email with Riu Wedding Sales Coordinator (and I specifically stated that I have a guest who is a professional photographer; not true but I wanted to see what they said!).

Quote: Originally Posted by tvt Wow, you ladies are so great! I want to do something casual and vacationish... if that makes sense. Fun, simple, casual, beachy theme - starfish, turtles, beach, palm trees, whatever is beachy. As for colors... not sure. Just tropical colors. I'm not sure we'll have a color scheme since we're not doing bridesmaids and groomsmen. I REALLY want Photoshop! I'm trying to get a bootlegged copy from someone, or I might just buy it off of ebay! I LOVE that program and desperately want it. Oh, and I probably have to invite 200 or so people, but I'm open to spending some time on them. Can you tell I have no idea what I want? I really don't care all that much, as long as they are cute I use Macromedia Fireworks. Just like Photoshop, but MUCH more user-friendly!!! Probably cheaper too...not sure about that though.

Hola! Congrats on booking the trip - I can't wait till I'm at that point!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by tvt Heidi, I thought you were decided on Jamaica??!!! You are too funny but I can totally relate! haha, I know - tell me about it!!! Jamaica is MUCH more affordable for guests...so we'll probably stay there. Plus, Reggie REALLY wants Jamaica - he's originally from the islands, and wants to get married in the Caribbean. (My 1st choice would be Costa Rica or Belize!) Who knows....

I had asked for more info from some resorts in Belize a while ago & all of these places just sent me info...figured I'd post here in case anyone becomes interseted: Xanadu Island Resort: Travel Belize - Xanadu Island Resort, Ambergris Caye BASIC WEDDING PACKAGE: Our Basic Wedding Package includes: - Application and processing of wedding license - Courier service and notarizing - Registration of marriage - Certified copy of marriage certificate - Minister's fee - Basic decoration - Small bridal bouquet - Groom's flower - Bottle of wine Cost is US$1000.00 and is added to your room charges. Legal Requirements for Non-Resident Marriage in Belize If neither of the parties has been previously married: 1) Fully completed marriage license application form notarized by a J.P. 2) Photocopy of front 2 pages of passport and page showing arrival date into Belize. 3) Both of the parties must be in country 3 full days prior to filing the petition for the license. If either or both of the parties have been previously married: Same as 1-3) above plus: Final divorce decree. Must be certified original. If either or both parties is a widow or widower: Same as 1-3) above plus: Copy of the original death certificate. Most of our wedding couples prefer a late afternoon ceremony. This allows enough light for nice photos both during and after the ceremony, then followed by cocktails and dinner/reception either catered on-site or at a recommended restaurant. If you're planning an afternoon or sunset ceremony and an on-site reception, a recommended a schedule might be: Ceremony....................4:00-4:30 Photos.........................4:30-5:30 Champagne Toast .......5:30-6:00 Dinner/Reception.........6:00-10:00 Below is wedding details for your perusal. If there is something specific that you would like that is not covered below, please let me know and I will be happy to provide additional information for you. CEREMONY: Our ceremony officiant, David Simpson, is a non-denominational minister. He is very jovial and kind and performs an excellent ceremony. I've attached his standard wedding vows. You may make any changes or deletions that you wish. Or, choose your own vows if you would prefer. PHOTOGRAPHER: There are three photographers on the island: Roy Novello - www.belicolor, Kay Scott - Kay Scott Photography - Weddings in Belize! or Redirect Page, and Jennifer Sharp - Belize Photography, Aqualand Underwater Scuba Diving and WildlifePhotographs . Please contact the photographers direct for additional information and to confirm. FLOWERS: Dulce Wolfe of Sweet Decorations - SWEETDECORATIONS.COM - is one of the top florists in San Pedro. She can let you know what is in season and what colors and types of flowers will work best for your bouquet, centerpieces, etc. Please contact her direct at [email protected]. MUSIC: Music options for your ceremony and/or reception: Will & Dale (Guitar/Keyboard/Accoustics) Ceremony only .......... US$300 (guitar duo only) Ceremony + Reception (4 hrs. max) .......... US$600 David Marin (DJ Service) 4 hrs. minimum .......... US$300 Ea. additional hr........... US$50 Marimba Music (Mayan Entertainment) 2-3 hrs........... US$300 Javier Castillo's Spanish Guitar (Mariachi) 4 hrs. minimum ..........US$300 CHAMPAGNE TOAST: Table set up by the pool or on the beach with tropical tablecloth, florals, champagne, glasses, and 1 server. Cost as follows: 25-30 persons: Riunart (champagne) .......... US$400 Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$250 15-20 persons: Riunart (champagne) .......... US$350 Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$200 10-15 persons: Riunart (champagne) .......... US$300 Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$150 5-10 persons: Riunart (champagne) .......... US$250 Conche Torro (sparkling wine) .......... US$125 2-5 persons: Riunart (champagne) .......... US$200 Conche Torro (sparkling wine) ..........US$100 CAKE: A traditional vanilla wedding cake topped with tropical flowers can be arranged for your reception. Or if you'd prefer, you can bring a keepsake topper of your own. Cake sizes and prices: Large (12" round + 9" round + 7" round) .......... US$200 (serves 40-50) Medium (10" round + 8" round + 6" round) .......... US$175 (serves 30-35) Medium (12" round + 9" round) .......... US$150 (serves 25-30) Small (10" round + 8" round) .......... US$125 (serves 20-25) DINNER/RECEPTION: We can either have your reception catered on site or recommend a restaurant off site. Catered events require a minimum of 20 guests. Suggested menus are Beach BBQ, Mexican and Traditional Belizean (see attached). These menus can of course be modified. Please inquire. Recommended restaurants for your reception are: Blue Water Grill, Capricorn, and Rico's. Any of these restaurants can arrange a banquet or buffet menu of your choosing from their standard menu. Attached please find menus from these restaurants for your reference. Journey's End Resort: they send me SIX emails full of information!!! I'd be happy to forward to anyone intersted. Your Paradise Belize Dive Travel Vacation Resort Belize Weddings ★ at Journey's End Resort - wedding info wedding photos: Journey's End Resort - Weddings at Journey's End Resort Kanantik Luxury Belize Resort - Kanantik. Unique and Private Caribbean Getaway Kanantik is an eco-sensitive resort built within the natural environment and attempts to preserve the pristine setting established by nature. The resort is located on a 1300-foot of private, remote, palm fringed and gold sandy beach, just few miles from the Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve; our property encompasses over 300 acres of natural and untouched land which is full of wildlife. We offer only 25 individual thatched, secluded, beachside cabañas, indulgently spacious, all with air conditioning, each set apart for maximum privacy, either with four-posted king size or two twin beds. Nestled between the lush green forest and the Caribbean sea, cabañas are designed with an unique blend of the local Mayan tradition and contemporary style, all with handcrafted furniture and a large private deck for relaxation. The private resort offers a one-of-a-kind blend of luxury, seclusion, superb service and excellent cuisine. The Romantic Beachfront Wedding and Honeymoon is a 7 nights - 8 days package and it offers: Roundtrip direct transfer flight from Belize International airport to Kanantik’s private airstrip by Tropic Air on scheduled flight, with arrival at the Resort on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Mondays only Transfers from and to Kanantik’s private airstrip. Welcome tropical Belizean rum cocktail. Accommodation in a beachside, fully air conditioned, secluded thatched roof cabaña with wrap-around deck that includes a king size four-posted bed. Flowers, flowers and more flowers… Romantic oceanfront candlelight dinner. Full meal plan: breakfast a la carte, lunch, three courses dinner. Coffee, teas, soft drinks and fresh squeezed juices are provided daily. Three tours: - Cockscomb Basin Jaguar Preserve looking for wildlife, black howler monkeys, birds, wild flowers, exotic trees. (half day) - Snorkeling at the barrier reef at South Water Caye marine reserve(full day) - Xunantunich Mayan ruin, an exciting full day trip which will take you all across Belize to the western Guatemalan border; lunch at Clarissa Fall with typical Belizean food. (full day) Room service Unlimited use of sea kayaks, Hobie Cats Oceanfront outdoor swimming pool and whirlpool Internet access in main lodge Laundry service Parks entrance fees Complete wedding package: marriage license, Pastor, Priest or Judge of Peace, bridal bouquet, photographer, wedding cake and one chilled bottle of real French Champagne Môet & Chandon Total cost US$4,910.00 Price is for two people and includes all Taxes and service charge. I have to say, I thought I had decided on Jamaica and ruled out Belize....but after getting all of this information, I'm reconsidering!!!!

congratulations on your engagement & welcome!!

Quote: Originally Posted by tob1kanobe I have to order my dress but I am super nervous --- stupid but true, and to make it worse, everyday I put off ordering it I am making things worse since it takes 4 months to get in and the wedding is 5.5 months away...argh...maybe tammy can withhold my forum viewing priviledges until I order it. lol. I think I am going to order it through Pearls Place online since the only bridal shops here who can get it are super new. Anyone order from Pearls Place? My friends have ordered from them and loved the results. Oooh and here is the picture of the dress, its on another thread but to reiterate it a million times cuz I personally look at it like 5 times a day.... That is a GORGEOUS dress!!! Sorry, don't have any advice/info about ordering online...just wanted to say how beautiful your dress is!!!

This is Merry: and Pippin (yes, I am a big Lord of the Rings fan... ). And my babies together! Pippin & Merry were both adopted from rescue shelters. Pippin has 3 legs and is the most amazing kitty I've ever had!!! Merry is the cutest - a crazy lil kitten, though she just turned one this month! I also have a cockatiel, MoJo:

everybody's pets are so adorable!!!!! I can't wait to get a little puppy - once Reggie & I move to a bigger place (right now it's just a 1 BR apartment) we'll get one! I want a Lhasa Apso & he wants a Golden Retriever...it'll be interesting to see what the compromise is on that one!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Tlseege Heidi, does your STD cost include postage? It might, since you are only planning on 40 guests, but I just want to make sure you remember that when doing your calculations. Those stamps add up fast! yeah, that's actually just postage (@ the new rate!) - I designed them myself; already have envelopes; and I'm getting the paper from work.

Hi!!! Congrats on your engagement and welcome aboard!

Congrats & welcome! I'd love to be a Costa Rica bride with you...but my darling fiance is pretty dead set on the Caribbean. I'll just have to live vicariously through you!!

While gathering info from many different areas, I did get a HUGE amount of info from a resort on Kauai. If you want, I can forward everything to you (pricing, pictures, etc) - just send me a PM with your email. Here's the website if you want to check out the resort: Hanalei Colony Resort and Spa on the North Shore of Kauai

Quote: Originally Posted by kucka00 Hello ladies! I have updated my website to reflect all of our dates and all the relavant info. Would you mind giving me some feedback, PLEASE:) I mainly need to know if all of the info is clear. Also, would you mind reviewing my Newsletter called "We finally set the dates!!!" found on the bottom of the first page. Thank you, you're the best!!!! Oh, here's the site: http://www.theknot.com/ourwedding/SabinaPerchik&MichaelOstrobrod I think it looks great - and easy to navigate & understand. Good work!!

I'm using wedding channel (dot) com - Wedding Dresses, Weddings, Bridal Hairstyles, Gifts, Favors, Honeymoon, Cakes, Flowers, Supplies, Planning. It's not nearly as fancy as others, but it's 100% free! (And I liked it better than the knot's - but that's just me!) You just need to register with the site and can get going from there! VERY user friendly. Here's our website (so far!!!): Heidi & Reggie's Wedding Website on WeddingChannel.com - Welcome

yeah, I have that as my setting too! But it did take a bit to get used to it from the other design!!

Quote: Originally Posted by A10CALGAL Heidi - Only $400 for open bar for 40 ppl? it's an all-inclusive resort...this is just an extra fee (my TA says that they told her its for top shelf liquor and having the staff exculsively with our group. She is looking into the charge though to see if that can be eliminated, who knows?!)

Quote: Originally Posted by Debs Holy moly, we made our decision on time and date and we haven't even talked budget yet with FI, but I think I better sit down PDQ and figure this stuff out!! I was thinking $8K tops but most of your budgets blow this out of the water Looks like I got some figuring out to do One Question though, do you couples have the cash for this stuff? Or is this going mostly on credit? My FI and I have some debt, but certainly don't have any savings to speak of that we can pay for this thing cash. It's stressing me a bit you're not alone with the $8k budget tops... we're trying to stay around $6,000ish. my budget so far (assuming 40 guests, which may end up being way too high!): Royal Wedding Package: $995.00 Boutonnieres (2): $12.00 Bouquets (2): $60.00 Steel Band 1 hr: $250.00 DJ 2 hrs: $300.00 Open Bar: $400.00 Hall/Disco Rental 2 hrs: $250.00 Room - 6 nights (approx): $1,776.00 Flight (approx): $800.00 STD's: $16.40 Invitations: $150.00 Dress: $250.00 Veil: $40.00 Photographer: ? TOTAL $5,299.40 (as of now we're paying for it all. If parents can kick in for anything, we'll probably upgrade some things)

oooh, sounds like fun! Congratulations!!

aw! how sweet!!! CONGRATS! I love the guy on the couch in the background. Is he applauding you, or watching TV?!

I do wonder where this one would come into play though.... hmm, who knows?!

Quote: Originally Posted by RaydensMama haha ladies please! LOL I really havent decided on either yet. Im still waiting for the TA to get back to me after a week Ive heard nothing!! So I just want to keep options open. Thanks for the link Tara and Heidi dont hate me if I chose the DR! LOL hehe, Tara you crack me up!!! yes, those drinking faces are funny! And of course I won't hate you if you don't choose Jamaica Laura!!!