Heidi

Quote: Originally Posted by Nini_Bride Those are really nice!! Very creative! Thanks! I knew the theme I wanted so it was pretty easy. but like I said, anyone who needs help, I'm here!

Quote: Originally Posted by tinabop As I read through all the very helpful posts, I am most taken by the fact that so many of you have lovely logos/monagrams! I'm guessing not all of you are graphic design artists, so where did you get them? They are all so cute! Mine are a little different...I did them myself. Part of my job is designing logos, so I have fun wiht it!!! I'd be happy to make some for you (like I said, I love doing them!) if you like. Here's what I did for myself (the first one I was just playing around with, just picking random dates...I didn't end up using it): (our colors are pink & green...bet you never would've guessed! haha!)

I know Amanda knows a ton about Riu in Negril... as of now, I'm leaning more towards Riu Ocho Rios, just because I like all of the excursions you can take in Ocho Rios (I'm a sucker for hiking & waterfalls!) - has anyone been here?

I'm working with a travel agent who is recommending Aruba to me as a possible destination. Specifically, she recommends the Divi (Divi Aruba All Inclusive Home Page) & the Tamarijn (Tamarijn Aruba All Inclusive Home Page). Has anyone been to either resort? Also, does anyone have additional information about Aruba? We are trying to decide between Jamaica & Aruba now, so any information would be helpful!

I've never been to St Croix, but been to Key West many times...it's a GREAT area, if you need any info, let me know!

hi! I'm not getting married at Sandals (too many singles coming!), but just wanted to say hi to another Jamaica bride to be! We're looking at Negril or Ocho Rios right now...good luck with the planning!

I looked into Tensing Pen...and also wrote to people who had posted wedding reviews on TripAdvisor. After my research, I found SUnset at the Palms to be a better choice - you can check it out at Sunset at the Palms. It's a small resort, but it's all-inclusive. I think rates are around $250/couple/night. Another one I was VERY interested in was Rock House, but that's booked for weddings through the last weekend in June 2008. But if your wedding is after that, check it out, it's AMAZING!!!

I got my veil through a seller on ebay...and I just wanted to pass along her info for anyone who may be considering an ebay purchase. She was very helpful, and mailed me some color swatches since we weren't sure which color veil I would need with a light gold dress. Here is her ebay store: HTML Code: http://stores.ebay.com/Bridal-Veils-and-Accessories Affordable prices too! I have her company's website at home...I can post it later tonight if anyone is interested, but it's more expensive (obviously) there.

Thank you everyone for your kind words & support. Posting on here actually helps me deal with it, believe it or not! Quote: Originally Posted by TAMMYM I told everyone before we hit 3 months because I was so excited, I got really depressed after I lost the baby (at two months) Not only was the miscarriage painful but it was really hard for me to deal with. So I completly understand the emotions you are going through. Everyone used to tell me "it's for the best" but that only made things worse. So just know that my heart goes out to you, and if you ever need to talk feel free to PM me. TammyM- ditton on telling everyone early. I was 10 weeks when I miscarried. And I know what you mean about the "its for the best" comment...my other favorite is "everything happens for a reason" - I know they all mean well, but every time I hear it...jeez!!!

I've been avoiding posting my engagement story, because even though it's one of the best days of my life, it's also one of the worst... I found out I was pregnant in November, unexpectedly and it completely changed our world. But we completely fell in love with the idea of having a child together. We were so excited, buying every baby book we could find, we even bought a few things for the baby's room. We decided to tell everyone on Christmas eve about the baby (except our immediate families who found out shortly after we did!). We were over at his family's Christmas eve dinner (his family is HUGE...there were about 25-30 people at dinner). My mom, brother and sister were also there. As we sat down to dinner, Reggie's uncle (whose house it was) stood up to give a toast and said that he was handing it over to Reggie who had an announcement. I started smiling, figuring he'd tell everyone about the pregnancy. Well that's where the surprise was on me. He stood up and said "You all know that Heidi & I have been dating for 7 years now, and this is long overdue," got down on his knee and brought out a ring. I was COMPLETELY bawling! I always hoped I'd be one of those girls from the movies who cries just beautifully, but NO WAY! They brought out the tissue box and I was just unattractively sobbing!! (Hormones might have played a roll in that too, haha!) Of course, I said yes. And then we told everyone about the baby later that night. It was so great, and so perfect. And it felt like everything in my life was falling into place. Later that night, I started bleeding, BADLY. I went to the ER where they told me I had a subchorionic hemmorage, and that 90% of pregnancies progress normally after that. Well the bleeding kept getting worse so we went back to the hospital. This was the 4th ultrasound I had, and up to this point we had seen the heartbeat 3 times. This 4th time, there was NOTHING. Watching the ultrasound screen and seeing my baby's heart not beating was the most horrible, most emotionally devastating experience of my life, and I would never with that upon my worst enemy. I had an operation on Jan 2nd to remove what was left of the baby...and I'm still crying about it even now. So the beginning of our engagement has been beyond difficult. Reggie has helped me through the worst times of my life, and I don't know where I would be without him.

my vote is for Option 1! I tried that dress on also, and I love the corset back. Plus, it's a very flattering dress! And it's just the right amount of color (in my opinion anyway!) They're all great dresses though!!

Quote: Originally Posted by MarlaB Matt, I am officially addicted to your website!!! Wonderful photos. Where is Lake Martin located?? Just curious. WOW! I have to agree...Matt you're a fabulous photographer!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by amanda&gabe2008 Hello, Great to hear of another "maybe" Negril bride!!! We are getting married at the Club RIU in Negril. After many long hours of researching, the Club RIU was the best choice. The all inclusive prices are very affordable as well as they offer "kids for free"!! This was a big plus for us. We were trying to find a resort that even allowed children as i have 2 stading up in the wedding. The wedding packages are very affordable and everything is included! Let me know if you have any questions or need any help. I will gladly assit! Riu Hotels & Resorts Thanks for the link, I'll definitely check it out! Which package did you end up going with, if you don't mind me asking (Caprice/Classic/Free/Royal)? Looks like we may end up having the same wedding dates!! Ours isn't set yet, but we were looking at the 11th, 12th, 18th or 19th. My only hesitation with Jamaica is the safety issue. Personally, I'm not worried, not at all. I have traveled to much "less safe" areas and has ZERO problems. But, a lot of my family/friends are worried about it. Have you (or anyone) run into anything like this? If so, how did you handle it? Just book it anyway?

I figure I'll post Belize info I find out as I get it to help anyone else who may be interested... I found this great package for anyone who (like me & my fiance) is struggling between beach vs. jungle/mountains... it's called "Los Dos Cayos" package. Full info is here: los dos cayos: The Victoria House, Ambergris Caye, Belize ...and this is what the website says about it: Experience the best of both worlds that Belize has to offer. Enjoy an 8-day 7-night inland-island package visiting both Victoria House island resort and Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge. The Los Dos Cayos package consists of an active 3 or 4 nights stay at Chaa Creek and 3 or 4 nights at Victoria House (it's your choice) The Los Dos package includes: Chaa Creek Jungle Lodge: The inland portion of the package includes: -Thatch cottage accommodations -All meals -Excursions to the ancient Mayan Ruins of Tikal, Xunantunich and Chumpiate Cave -A visit to the sanctuary of Belize Zoo; Natural History Center and Butterfly Farm -River canoeing and nature walks -Transfers to and from Belize City airports Victoria House, Ambergris Caye: Then on to a relaxing 3 or 4 nights stay at Victoria House on the picturesque island of Ambergris Caye. The island portion of the package includes: -Accommodations in a charming thatch roof casita -A welcome cocktail -Breakfast, lunch and dinner -One day golf cart to explore the town of San Pedro -Two half days of snorkeling or one half day of diving. -Transfers to/from the hotel All hotel taxes and gratuities at the resorts. The Rainforest and Island Package is priced per couple for 7 nights in Casita accommodation in Chaa Creek and Victoria House and based on double occupancy. The package includes all accommodations, meals and tours as specified above, transfers, taxes and service charges. We are pleased to upgrade to a Plantation Room at Victoria House for an additional cost. **Roundtrip flights from Belize City to San Pedro are not included, but can be added for an additional cost. 2007 Rates Los Dos Cayos Package High Season Low Season Palapa Casita $5,323 per couple $4,750 per couple Plantation Room $5,395 per couple $4,822 per couple

Quote: Originally Posted by Susan101207 My aunt and uncle absolutely love Belize. They have been going every year for the last 4-5 yrs. I know they have stayed at a lot of great places. They recently got back from their last trip, and my aunt raved about a wonderful wedding they saw. They were at a smaller, more intimate location (maybe around 50 rooms). She said they were pretty much the only ones that weren't there for the wedding. She seemed to think it was the perfect place for a wedding. Let me know if you want more details. I can talk to her and find out more...maybe even get some pics! Also, a co-worker of mine is getting married in Jamaica in April. I'll find out the location, and get more details. Good luck! Hi Susan! I would LOVE to get more details about the Belize trip, and pictures are always helpful!!! Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome!! Heidi

Quote: Originally Posted by Guila-monster Hi Heidi! Yes-- keep in touch!! Jamaica and Belize are both gorgeous options. Are you working with a wedding coordinator or anything? I'm not working with a coordinator...YET! I probably will once we decide where we want to go!

Thanks!

Hey Jill! I'm in the VERY beginning stages of planning my destination wedding. One of the prospects is Belize...and I'd love to hear what you thought in your previous visits! Thanks, Heidi

Hi Guilyn! I'm new to the site too...and we're having a lot of the same problems you are with narrowing down the location! As of today (haha, it seems to constantly be changing!), my fiance and I have it narrowed down to Jamaica or Belize. But who knows what tomorrow will bring! Good luck, maybe we can help each other make our decisions more easily! Heidi

Hi! Is anyone out there interested in Belize for a possible destination? My finace and I are considering it...but it is difficult to find information! Has anyone visited & have insider tips?? Thanks! :0)

Hi everyone! My fiance & I are deciding between Jamaica and Belize for our DW in April 2008. Here's a question for anyone who has visited/researched Ocho Rios &/or Negril...which do you recommend? We will be traveling with a group of ~20 people (friends & family) and we want it to be affordable for them. All-inclusive would be best, but not the Sandals/Beaches/etc resorts. For Negril my favorite is Sunset at the Palms (www.sunsetatthepalms.com). I haven't researched Ocho Rios as much, but at first glance, I like Riu Ocho Rios. Any advice would be much appreciated!!! Thank you, Heidi

Hi everyone! Just wanted to pass along info I got from the Rockhouse Hotel...I was VERY interested in having my wedding there. BUT, a few weeks ago I called and there is ZERO availability until June 2008

Hi everyone! I'm Heidi and I'm new to the site. I'm in the VERY beginning stages of planning a destination wedding. For location, we're thinking either Jamaica or Belize. Any thoughts about either location would be very helpful! I should add, we would like to keep it affordable enough for people to join us. The wedding will be April 2008, and we will be inviting family and friends to join us. Thanks, and I look forward to talking with all of you! Heidi