Bride010101

Congrats! Have a wonderful day! Can't wait to hear (and see) all about it.

Quote: Originally Posted by Heidi I'll post pics as soon as I get them!!!! Coyaba River Gardens were great for the TTD Did BD pics in our suite. Got some good shots on the balcony! I can't wait to see all your pics Heidi! Did he know you were doing the BD pics? Or how did you get him out of the room and away for a chunck of time?

That is so exciting! I wish I was down to 1 month... instead of 9!

Very nice! THose are awesome

Quote: Originally Posted by monicaswave Baybride....was this quote for a whole week? If so, the price actually sounds very reasonable. Keep in mind that some of your guests may not stay the entire week. The majority of our guests will only be coming for 3 to 4 nights so it makes it more economical. I think our 3 night package is costing my guests $850 per person. Good point! I meant to mention that as well. We decided not to do a group rate for that specific reason. This way guests can plan to go for as long or as short as they want (or budget allows)!

I have a huge rib cage too! It drives me nuts... and people always look at me funny when I say it. But yes - makes certain tops/dresses fit horribly! Best - eyes Worst - stomach (and rib cage)

Quote: Originally Posted by Nrvsbride I love this idea, its perfect! You avoid drama at all costs (I'm a huge fan of that, I hate confrontations). You will keep peace with your family and get the support you deserve! YAY! Exactly my thought! Congrats on a great solution.

Congrats! Wishing you a wonderful day.

So cute... love it!

I think that this is a problem lots of DW brides have. When we were first making our decision ... we sat down and asked what do we want? Once we confirmed that we wanted a DW we spoke to both sets of parents to make sure that they were in support and would be able to come. For us that was the main thing - we wanted our parents and siblings. Any additional people would be bonus... but our immediate fams were a must. Both of our families were happy for us and very supportive of our decision. We chose ROR because for our needs it seemed the best option... we wanted a nice AI that wouldn't completley break the budget. When we sat w/ my parents trying to figure out the cost stuff, my parents pointed out that some people (moms side of the fam) wouldn't come do to finanicals - no matter what it cost. That is reality - and we decided we were okay with that. She went on to say, those that wanted to come would be making it into a vacation. Yes its for our wedding, but its not completley about our wedding. Our families are both working class as well, and we decided that ~$1600-1800/person for a week was our goal. Yes it is a lot of money - but in my opinoin its decent for a week in Jamaica. So far most people have been supportive. Even some of our poor college friends and younger cousins are excited about it. We gave everyone a little over a year notice... which is a pretty significant chunk of time to budget accordingly. But yes, just be prepared that some people won't be able to come. (and make sure you and FI are okay with that)

Quote: Originally Posted by AnnR Yes, this "spring" weather made my flight be delayed by 2 hours! MSP (airport) was a zoo ... there were people stranded everywhere! OMG ... I can only imagine! My BFFs mom was supposed to be coming home from Europe... I should call to see if she got in or where she is stranded.

Quote: Originally Posted by becks I did a reading at a wedding once that I thought was really special. It was from "The Velveteen Rabbit" by Margery Williams: "What is REAL?" asked the Rabbit one day, when they were lying side by side near the nursery fender, before Nana came to tidy the room. "Does it mean having things that buzz inside you and a stick-out handle?" "Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt." "Does it happen all at once, like being wound up," he asked, "or bit by bit?" "It doesn't happen all at once," said the Skin Horse. "You become. It takes a long time. That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept. Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand." I love this quote! I have always been a fan of quotes and lyrics... and used to collect those that I liked the best. This one has always been at the top of my list. I never thought of incorporating it into the wedding... what a great idea!

I went to bed last night and we only had some light flurries... so I figured the weather people were wrong like always. Well we woke up this morning to a winter wonderland. Luckily - not 12 inches... but probably a good 4-6 inches of thick, heavy stuff. The biggest issue is the wind is creating white out conditions. The plows were taken off the roads for a couple hours in the morning because it was too dangerous. Plus just about everything is closed today... including the DTA (bus system) and the mall. I haven't ventured outside yet... I'm still cuddled up in bed. : ) hehe Our side street is one of the last to get plowed and since FI and I have little cars we probably wont be going anywhere for a while - unless I have my parents come pick us up. But here are some pics from one of my friends... keep in mind yesterday we had virtually no snow on the ground and were just beginning to have hope for spring.

Very cool! Looks amazing.

That is just sick. And scary and sad. I don't understand people!

Ooh good post! I plan on doing my TTD shot in Jamaica and was just wondering whether Nic would possibly do a BD shot as well. Any pictures people have would be great!

Quote: Originally Posted by StephanieMN She didn't set a specific time that I remember, but it was only like an hour. I did 4 outfits and got a pretty decent amount of photos. I think she would have stayed longer if I needed the time. I know she has kids so she likes to do them during the day or weekends. I made my book and ordered it throuh blurb.com Their books, IMHO, look more profession than the ones I have from shutterfly.com and they are cheaper. Seriously, I would love to help in anyway I can. I know I was pretty anxious about mine. The hotel might be a good idea. There are some really nice ones around the area. good luck. Thanks for the info! I notice on her site she now has it listed per hour... so was just curious if an hour would be sufficient. I contacted her through the site for more information on the hotels and other location options.... hopefully there is something relatively inexpensive options. I'll see what she says. Did you do yours at your house? I will have to take a look at the blurb.com I helped my mom make a photobook of their most recent trip with shutterfly... she thought it was really neat, but I personally was hoping it would have been a little higher quality. And thanks for your offer of help and support. I really appreciate it! You're right...even just thinking about it makes me slightly anxious! Its something I normally wouldn't do... but strangely want to, if that makes any sense. And its just hard to find a person I would feel comfortable and trust to do it. Trying to google it came back with a lot of sketchy results. There are a few well known photogs in town but none of them advertise doing it... and the photog I'm most famailiar and would feel okay asking does my family photos and will be doing my bro's grad pics this Fall. Since I'm not 100% sure whether I will tell my mom about it... I would rather use someone else. Heather seems nice... and hopefully we can work something out. My other thought was seeing if I could get Nic Dragonmire (my wedding photog) to do some while we are down in Jamaica. But first was not sure how I would keep Sean from knowing... although I could easily get his bro or a friend to take him off my hands for a bit. And also I like the idea of it being a wedding day gift. Not to mention, not sure if Nic does or would want to do BD stuff... hmm. I guess I shall see what Heather says when she gets back to me about different options... and/or maybe send Nic an email to keep some options open.

Haha wow! People are interesting. Glad your mom was able to easily fix it though!

So pretty!

Welcome to the forum! Sorry havne't heard of that resort either... try the search in the upper right to see if anyone else has commented about it before.

Hehe... that is hilarious! Makes me think that the clause didn't use to be in there... so someone tried to use thier insurance to cover bullet and knive holes.

As I said I'm not famaliar with Riu Negril... but just to warn you the free wedding dinner at ROR is for a max of 50 people. If you go over that, you need a private reception. Not sure if its the same at Negril. I am really hoping we stay under 50... we invited a little over 100 but knew/thought a lot of my moms side and some friends would be coming. Realistically we thought we would have 20-30... but lately everyone keeps saying they are coming so we shall see. Never know for sure until they start having to put money down! Yep the resort should have the chair covers, ties, and flowers you can upgrade to. You can make these arrangemetns when you get there or you could try emailing your WC and asking for your options. Not sure of the gift bags. I haven't heard of anyone using them... so not sure if that means... they don't have them or they are expensive or just that no one has used them.

Congrats and Welcome

Quote: Originally Posted by StephanieMN Becky, Here is the lady I used ssimages.net She is awesome! It was a little more rushed that I would have liked but that was probably part me because I didn't want her to have to wait for me to change Her name is Heather and she is so down to earth and I love her. She is doing our wedding photos. There are some pictures of me on her website. I am under "The good wife" I am the one pulling the stuff out of the oven (note: no pot holder) I highly recommend her. Her website says her price is $150 and she gives you a cd and proofs. I had mine within a week and she emailed me a few teasers. If you want a book I would be happy to help you make one, I made my own for under $50. Let me know if you have ?'s Thanks Steph! First off I love your photos... I remember now when you first posted them : ) How long did you have? Do you wish you would have had longer? I will be living down in Blaine in the fall for school stuff... so it actually might work out. I will be living with my grandma though... and although she is cool, not sure if she is that cool. I noticed Heather mentioned on her site that she knows of some cool places... so I will have to look into that. And thanks for the offer on the book! If I end up doing it... I will probably take you up on it! Where did you order it from?

I think you can do as much or as little as you want! If you want table runners, chair covers, and table numbers.. go for it! If you don't skip it. Each resort offers different things as part of their package. And most have things you can add at a price. Have you been incontact with the onsite wedding coordinator at all? I'm not very familair with Riu Negril... but I am a Riu Ocho Rios bride and here are my plans thus far. We are trying to keep it more relaxed and low key... Wedding: -Free basic package -We will be bringing our own flowers (Anegels Accnets) though because the flowers in the package weren't what i was really looking for... and the upgrading costs were high. -I will probably go with the free decoration at the site... or may do a slight upgrade. Lots of options available. -I actually don't mind the brown chairs at ROR so won't be doing chair covers which I feel are too formal. But you can rent them and bows for a price (can't htink of how much) Reception: -ROR has several options including a free semi-private option, a private reception at one of hte restaurants ($500/2hours), and beach/poolside dinners ($50/person). -Since we are going more relaxed I am doing the free, semi-private option (which most brides say is actually like 99% private). The tables at Mammee are narrow... so no table runners or centerpieces or table numbers for me. It's all what you want! Just remember to plan accordingly... anything you want to bring from home needs to be packed with you! Most don't recommend shipping things to Jamaica.