DallasAshli

Full size map is attached if you want to download... Here is the map with some extra labels Map of Secrets Capri-p.pdf

Here is the map in full size if you want to download

Map: Ok - what am I missing? Any questions?

Grassy area for wedding (the orange things are light boxes and can be easily moved: (In the picture above, you can see the balconies of the Ocean Front rooms on the right) Deck area (Taco Bar seating during day): Great liquor selection: Our patio (with roomservice):

Walk way to beach, also where beach wedding set-up is: Beach wedding set-up: Wedding Gazebo (and you can see the reception tables set-up):

Views from Deluxe Ocean View Room (3rd Floor): This is the building where Oceana, Seaside Grill, Taco-Ceviche Bar and bathrooms are (and you can see the hot-tub - it's huge!): Beautiful Grounds: Here, you can see the first floor (Jr Suite) walk-out patios:

I figured I would start a new "official" thread with info for brides considering Secrets Capri and so SC brides can share! Quick Review of Wedding Packages (2009 Pricing): Weddings in Paradise $769 USD (Book 5 rooms for 3 nights and it’s complimentary) -judge or minister, WC, iron dress, bride bouquet, groom bout, cake and wine for 10 people, etc. Secrets of Love $1980 USD -same as above plus: 3 more bouts or corsages, wedding dinner for 20 people,floral centerpiece, cake and wine for 20, one hour cocktail for 20, bride’s hair and make-up, 36 photos on CD, etc Secrets Ultimate Package $2650 USD -same as above plus: additional ceremony decoration, live music trio (45 mins), 50 color pics, video of ceremony (30 minutes), spa treatment for bride & groom *Extra price per person is $60 which includes cocktail hour and dinner* **For more info, download the attachment** I did a site visit in October 2008 and here is my review: Grounds/Aesthetic: A+ Very clean, maintained, gorgeous views! My friends commented that it looks just like the website pictures, which is unusual Rooms – A+ Tropical vs. Ocean View - on different sides on the hallway, ocean view looks over the pool at an angle so you also see the ocean (hint - you might be able to upgrade at the resort for less than you can upgrade online if there is space) Deluxe vs. Jr. Suite - decorated the same, same bathroom, etc. Only difference - Jr Suites are a little longer and have a loveseat and coffee table rather than a round, kitchenette style table. Also, all Jr Suite Ocean View rooms are on the first floor and have a walk-out patio (no fence, you can walk straight to the pool - look at picture above). Deluxe rooms are on floors 2 & 3. Ocean Front - are at the end of the wing and have full view of the ocean and a much bigger balcony with a full lounge chair that lays down rather than a regular chair. We stayed in a Deluxe Ocean View and loved it. Beach: A Some seaweed and rocks, but not enough to bother us and they do work hard to keep it clean. You can walk down the beach with some privacy – its not like Cancun with major hotel after major hotel. Alejandra (WC): A Very nice and sweet. Great attitude and will make anything you want happen! Food: Overall, a B+ We like spicy and since they cook for the masses, most things could use a little more heat (but you can always ask for a side of salsa, Tabasco, sauce, etc). This is understandable and will occur no matter where you are. *Note – portion sizes are small compared to American portions. Appetizer servings are for 1 person so you each order your own. We really liked this. Some people ordered 2 entrees or 2 appetizers, which is totally fine! I even ordered 2 desserts if I wanted to. The wait staff gets an A – just ask and they will get it for you! Also, as soon as you sit down, you immediately have someone ask if you want coffee, juice, water, etc. Coffee drinkers (like myself) – they have good coffee! We were really, really pleased with the coffee – and they have cream and milk. La Riviera (open breakfast, lunch, dinner; casual dining; buffet) B+ -breakfast: wide variety, tasty, probably best meal Pros: make your own mimosa and bloody mary bar, egg station (live chef to cook them how you want), crepe station Cons: it's a buffet so some items don’t hold up (ex: French toast sitting in a humid warmer doesn’t get the same effect as straight off the griddle) -lunch: again, wide variety Pros: dessert bar! Cons: see above Hitimsu – Asian/Hibachi (dinner only, reservations for hibachi, elegant) A -We made reservations the day of and got a spot at 8pm, no problem -good food, typical hibachi with entertaining chef at table, they have green tea ice cream (my fav!) Portofino – Italian (dinner only, elegant, inside) B -my least favorite because nothing was “great”, but still a B -they have tiramisu for dessert (along with other options) Oceana – Seafood (dinner only, casual elegant, upstairs by pool – inside/outside seating) A -I actually had a steak here because they were out of the tuna steak (we ate late that night) and it was tender and delicious Seaside Grill – Casual during breakfast & lunch, Steak at night (downstairs by pool – inside/outside seating) A+ -only a la carte breakfast place (but it was never crowded from what I saw) -we only ate breakfast here and it was great! Taco – Ceviche Bar – (outside by pool, tables in deck area) A - when lounging by the pool, you can order off this menu and they will bring it to your lounge chair. They have fish tacos, pork tacos, etc as well as pizza, hamburgers, etc. Room Service– 24 hours, lots of options A+ -we ordered coffee, juice and pastries one morning. Quick delivery, everything was great. -We also ordered lunch one day – menu is fairly typical – wraps, sandwiches, soups, etc. We had a turkey wrap and it was delicious. It came with French fries (also good). -Always quick and very friendly! Distance From Airport - A+ -it took us 35 minutes from getting in the shuttle to SC front door. Not a long trip, but away from the crowds of Cancun. Its on the north side of PdC. Wedding Locations - A Wedding Gazebo - right by pool, great for smaller wedding (in my opinion). Con - at sunset time, there are still people in the pool so its not very private Beach - much more private as they shut down the "activities" that are near the set-up site (volleyball, hammocks, etc) Grassy Area - near gazebo, good option for more privacy than gazebo but no on the sand Spa A -you should see the spa...its gorgeous! We got massages and they were good ( but you get to spend time in the "hydrotherapy room" and it's awesome! They take you through a 30 minute rotation including dry sauna, wet sauna, 4 showers, 3 pools all with champagne! You can repeat the rotation 3 or 4 times for best results. It's sooo worth it. Its free with a purchase or there is a $35 day pass. But a basic pedicure is $35 so all my girls will get at least that so we can all do the hydrotherapy together. Plus, the pools are in a huge thatched roof, open air room that is amazing. Pics in next post... Secrets_wedding_information__2009[1].doc

Quote: Originally Posted by lil_miss_frogg It's $199.99 + shipping! That's a deal! If you think the style will look good on you and you love it, get it!

First, I think the dress is beautiful. Second, I would suggest going to a local bridal strore and trying on a dress that is similar. Lots of brides end up going with a totally different style than they originally thought. Make sure that style looks good on you! Third, check the return policy and consider what you could do if you dont love it (maybe sell it on here or another site). Also, how much is it? The reason I ask is because it seems easier to sell a $300 dress than a $1300 dress. Some people will buy a less expensive dress for a TTD. Are you willing to "lose" $100 or $200 if you cant sell it for the same price you bought it? There is lots to consider but then go with your gut!!

Thanks! I am going to check out the websites right now!

Quote: Originally Posted by aimeeyonke or maybe give her an honorary title for the month? Ashli, you rock! Quote: Originally Posted by montegobay09 Thank you all so much for the advice...especially Ashli and the great picture. I think I'm going to keep my fingers crossed until January and then I'll decide where to go from there. I'll update this thread when progress is made so you can all know for next time a bride is going through this craziness. Thanks again! Haha thanks ladies. I'm glad I could help And there is no denying that it is a stupid face. I think I was trying to be "pouty" but after several beers, it looks like I had a stroke or something. We'll just say that pic did not make it onto my facebook profile!

How fun! And what a steal! Good job

Where did you find the seagrass bags? I really like them but orange isn't my color either. Let us know if they have different colors I'm using different bags for different people based on their taste. I couldnt decide on just 1 type either!

We will be in Denver over Christmas to visit FI's family and it worked out that we will be there for my birthday as well (Dec. 27th). So...where should I have my birthday dinner? I want to splurge a little, but we are still saving for the wedding so maybe $100 max for the 2 of us. Any type of food! Also...what other places are a "must see"? We love good food and beer. We are going skiing 2 days, but FI's brother is handling that. Thanks!!

Sounds like they want to be included and they think a gift will achieve that. I agree with the other posts.

I love this thread. Thanks for reviving it Erin B! Here's my confession - sometimes I want to tell people (young women and brides included) to put your big girl panties on. The person making it so dramatic is you. Edit - I didn't mean that to anyone specific on this thread! I'm just tired of hearing women whine and not take responsibility for their actions.

Oh Kat...I can't wait to see your dark hair!! I love my salon and hairstylist. She is excellent and does great color! She's in Dallas (of course) at the Tollway and Forest Lane if you want to google map it. It's the Michael Raymond Salon and her name is Kimberly. She's even a trainer there. If you come over here, I will take you to lunch

Quote: Originally Posted by Mel&B I think friendship and the amount of time you spend with friends goes through cycles. I would just let her know that you really miss her. She's probably just trying to find the happiness you have with your man. I agree. Plus, girls tend to "dive" into new relationships. It's fun, exciting, you have butterflies, and you just can't get enough of it. Tell her you miss her and then you have to accept how she chooses to spend her time. Getting frustrated over something you can't control wont help anything

Take a deep breath! This exact same thing happened to me because of a "miscommunication" with my hairdresser (and I still use her and still love her). First, it will fade...but its an odd curve. This is what happened when I was not actively trying to get it to fade (so yours will probably be faster): Stayed dark, dark for about 4 weeks Started to fade into a dark brown (like dark chocolate) After 3 months, it was a regular dark brown (probably like what you were originally going for) I loved the dark chocolate color and have stayed there (my hair is naturally a lighter brown). You won't be able to go lighter than the "regular dark brown" for a while. My ordeal happened Thanksgiving of 2006 and I recently cut off the last of it (but I have loooong hair - the middle of my back). Here is a pic from Jan '07 - 3 months after the dye job (and trust me, it was black, black!). Forgive the stupid face...it was the best pic of the hair so I'm sacrificing for BDW Hope that helps!

Everyone looks beautiful! I love the addition of the sash with your dress...it really pops!

Quote: Originally Posted by Opice34 Don't you feel proud!?! I know he won't win Texas, but I'm so proud that it's too close to call right now!! I feel like I'm a part of that! Woo hoo! I'm a Dallas girl who voted for Obama as well! I live in a mostly gay area so everywhere I look there are Obama signs and supporters. But on my way to work, its all McCain. Feels like a different world...5 miles apart. I just want Texas to be a closer race...at least get to "lean" rather than automatically marked red

Quote: Originally Posted by mmcgee HI and Welcome back!! How was trip? I can't wait to hear all about it (and see your pictures of course). All good at Secrets Capri, I hope! Hello!! Our trip was wonderful! I uploaded all our pics into picasa last night and I am going to write a mini-review today and post the best pics. I think everyone who picked Secrets Capri will be so happy! Alejandra was wonderful and has a great "we can make anything happen" attitude. I will post again asap!

Quote: Originally Posted by HoustonBoudoir I think my comment about a woman boudoir photographer was misunderstood. I was in no way implying that a female is the best choice. My point was for the woman to think about it when choosing a photographer. From my experience, I have had many clients that did not want my husband present during any portion of their session because they were unsure of how their husbands would feel later when presented with the pictures. So, that is a decision that only a client can make. My reference to sunbathing in the nude was meant that if a guy didn't have a problem with other men seeing their girl in the nude then he shouldn't have a problem with the gender of their photographer regardless of what is or isn't worn. FYI, the majority of my clients do wear lingerie during their entire session but it is often sheer and revealing. Norma I think the first sentance of your post seemed quite biased and was a bit offputting. It didn't seem to come from an objective or helpful place, at least not to me. Quote: The most important thing when choosing a boudoir photographer is to make sure you use a female photographer for your boudoir bridal session if you think your fiance's reaction might be less than enthusiastic if he finds out another man saw you in your undies or less. I agree that the photographers gender should be considered if the gender would make a bride (or her finace) feel more comfortable. As far as your husband being there... I wouldn't want him there and I am perfectly fine using a male photographer. Why would he be there...does he help with the shoot or something? If he's just an audience, I wouldn't want him or anyone else there for that matter. I think there is a HUGE difference between lingerie and nude sunbathing. Lots of lingerie is only as revealing as a bathing suit. I'm glad you re-posted to explain a little as this forum is about sharing ideas and points of view. Maybe the presentation is what created the misunderstanding.

Quote: Originally Posted by HoustonBoudoir If you think he'd be OK with you sunbathing in the nude without him, then he might not really mind. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the vast majority of BD pics are NOT in the nude. At least that's from what I've seen. Maybe photogs aren't posting the nude ones? Either way, I'm 100% positive that you wear whatever you feel comfortable in...even if you have a longsleeve shirt on in every picture Quote: Originally Posted by HoustonBoudoir The next most important thing is to find someone who you really, really like their boudoir work. I think this is #1 most important. I understand the "jealous guy" argument and it's valid for some people. And so is the personal preference of the bride. But I think you have to find someone you really like first, then see if you can make it work while taking into account gender, cost, schedule, location, etc. And Kat's BD pics by Jeremy were outta-this-world gorgeous!! Plus, she had such a fantastic experience, she recommended him to me

We just got back from our site vist and we used Cancun Valet. They were great and we had no issues. I would recommend them! They really make you feel like your reservation is secure and you can cancel up to 2 hours before your pickup time for a refund minus just a $5 fee.