Diana

Heidi... your day is just around the corner! Have you had much contact with the wedding coordinators?

Great idea! I always search hoping for more info so this is perfect.... Our date is June 26, 2009.

I thought that I wouldn't be able to get a strapless dress just because of this. I hate strapless bras b/c they always fall down. The perfect solution is my Maggie Sottero gown. It is strapless and is has a built in corset and a lace up back. I will be able to tie it to the perfect fit and I definately don't need anything else. It is perfect.

Here are the wedding packages for 2009: Wedding_Packages_2009.pdf

I am going to have the same problem... my center stone is an asscher cut and my two side stones are princess cut. I love the extra sparkle from the asscher but know I can't have a bunch of small ones in a row. I can't wait to see what you come up with!

Occidental Grand Xcaret has a cliff overlooking the ocean.

No problem.... let us know anything you find out too!

Quote: Originally Posted by violethaze2b It was a good size but not too big. There is a trolley as stated before that goes around in a loop so that can help with guests who tire easily. For the impatient walking isn't that bad and sometimes quicker. Anyone who has difficulty with stairs should have that stated so that they get a 1st floor room in the buildings without elevators. The size of the place came in handy when someone from the group needed some time to themselves too. We would still end up passing them or spotting them at another pool. We were in a building that was closer to the beach so that was a 5-7 minute walk and to the lobby/restaurants it was more like 10 minutes. Thanks for the extra info... this should help!

We are looking at late June 2009. Our first choice was the Occidental Grand Xcaret but are concerned that it is to spread out for everyone.

Quote: Originally Posted by PlayaWeddings The beaches at the resorts in Playacar are a mess because they've built right up to the edge of the ocean and ruined the natural protection. But Sandos is the last resort in Playacar and south of it is Xcaret EcoPark. It's an ecologic park surrounded by a large natural area. here the beaches are wide and smooth and naturally protected. When I was on the beach last I noticed that the Sandos staff was walking through the natural beach area of Xcaret and picking up trash. Clearly they realize what an awesome asset it is to be next door to a huge natural beach and they take care of it. Yes, north of Sandos is just ridiculously overbuilt and noisy with music blasting at the pool and the "animation" staff conducting games and activities through the PA all day. And the ugly sand bags. Have you photographed many weddings at the sandos playacar?

No, I just sent them an email with some general questions the other day and my FI is going to call the travel agent today to see if the date we are looking for is available. I will let you know if I hear anything back and what info I get. What date are you hoping for?

I was wondering if anyone has any info on this resort, has been there, is going there....etc. I think this is the place but would love to hear what others think about it. Thanks!

Do you think the resort was too big? Did any of your guests have an issue with the size? I love the way the resort looks but my FI is concerned with the size. How long did it take you to get from your room to the beach, restaurants, etc? Sorry for all the questions....

Thank you so much for the info... I am sorry that things didn't go exactly as you planned but it sounds like things went well. The pictures are great and you looked beautiful.

MY AC JUST CAUGHT UP!!! I know I am a little late with the post but I started my day running a few errands and then spent the "hottest" part of the day painting my basement. I think this is the first time all day I have been comfortable! (Can we get a smiley that is sweating... I am sure it will be appropriate at other times than this)

Oooooh, Oooooh. Me Too!! Me Too! We are almost set but my guy is worried about the size of the resort and people complaining. Grrrr.... picking is hard enough without thinking of everyone's fitness level!

I was wondering if anyone has been to this resort recently. I think it is the place we have decided on (I think...I could change my mind) and I would love any feedback about it. Thanks.

I just got back from a wedding there. Unfortunately, I do not have any pictures of the interior of my room. They are in the process of doing repairs, upgrades, and touch ups so older pictures might not show how it really looks. The rooms that had gone through the changes are beautiful. I had a swim out room. Feel free to ask any questions.... I do have pics of the resort and I am sure the bride will be posting a few on here along with a review when she gets back!

Hello ladies! I am writing in the "newbies" section because it has been so long.... I have really missed BDW and I am sure I have missed alot..... TammyDez's Wedding is fast approaching and that is my main focus. After that, it is MY turn! I hope everyone is doing well. I am sure I will enjoy catching up as much I enjoyed learning in the very begining. Cheers to BDW.... the friend that is always there! (even if you have neglected them)

Quote: Originally Posted by Virginialedoux Question : Is it acceptable to throw your own Engagement party?? My parents are 2 provinces away... I wonder if one of girlfriends or BDW Ottawa brides will throw me one!! lol I think if you keep it informal it is more than ok. People who love you will be tortured if they have to wait till the wedding to celebrate. We did it and had a great response! Traditional engagement parties seem to be less common because they were intended to announce the engagement of a couple.... I don't know about you but I couldn't wait to share the news! We wanted to share in our celebration but didn't want it to be formal. Nobody questioned the fact that we hosted it ourselves. Our invitations said: One of the most Cherished days of her life.... Frank asked Diana to be his Wife!!! Now we are having a party to celebrate our Engagement! Followed by date/time/rsvp/address/contact info.

We just had an engagement party / housewarming party last month. We kept things very simple with food in a few areas and drinks in one central location. Our home is not that big but we had a bigger response than I expected so I had to skip the favors and get creative. My mom is a caterer and I gave her the freedom to make whatever she wanted as long as it did not require sitting down with a fork and knife. Everything was bite sized and easy to eat while mingling and working through the crowd. If people had to sit to eat we couldn't have accomated everyone. Good luck and have a great time.

I can't see the picture.

The pics are beautiful.... I really like the feet! So cute and wrinkley!

Welcome to the forum! I have never been to curacao but have been to the island of bonaire (least known of the abc islands) and loved it. Me and my mom went on a scuba diving trip there and had a great time.

Quote: Originally Posted by amy&andy08 Wow Diana.....what a complete overhaul on the house! It looks killer...I love that style of decor...not sure how to describe it.....looks very homey and comfortable...but still put together. Very nice! I love the backsplash tile in your kitchen......it looks really nice with the counters. Thanks! I am so proud of us, we did most of the work ourselves and we did it in about a year and a half. (it was brutal!!!) I don't know what to call the style either but there isn't a lot of room so everything has to be liveable.