HaleGrifa

Quote: Originally Posted by ErikDaGenErik Hi Laura, we are also planning on hiring another photographer for the wedding. i am wondering if you could have more than 1 photographer on the same day. i am planning on using the photographer that's included in our package for the welcome dinner or extra camera for candid shots during the ceremony and reception. i really want an outside photographer for our portraits or posed photo sessions with my soon to be husband and family. Have you made any decisions on which photographer you are considering? We went with Tamms - they are amazing and such a great deal! I originally was going to use both my package photographer for the wedding day along with my hired photographer - but when researching the forum another Bride was able to use her package photography for another event i.e Welcome Dinner. I just sent in my request this morning - so I will have to see how it goes! Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by SunnyBride Hi Laura! It is fun to meet someone getting married the same day! We fly in on Friday, January 23rd, and we'll be staying at Moon Palace for 8 nights. We're moving to the Aventura Spa Resort the next Saturday, and will be there for 6 nights. We wanted to make sure we stayed at Moon Palace until Saturday because most of our guests will be flying out that day. We had a family friend who is a member of the palace resorts, and has let us use their membership to book all of our guests. So far, I think we have about 40 guests that are confirmed to come. It's so exciting! What about you? When do you fly in? And how many guests? So you do have a wedding coordinator assigned already? I've been asking Marlyn for one, and should be getting one pretty quick - in three days, it will be exactly three months until our wedding days! I can't decide what to do with the music. We're bringing a CD for the ceremony, but for the private reception, I haven't decided. I had thought that we'd just go with our Ipod, but I do want some control over the lighting - has anyone had experience with this? I saw someone quote earlier that you can buy the lighting separately from the DJ, but I don't want it to be a lot of work if we do it ourselves. Have most of your guests paid for their trip already? We are in Calgary, in Canada, and I'm PANICKING over the Canadian dollar and the exchange rate! We are booked to pay in US funds, and our trip is getting more expensive every day! I just feel bad about our guests because it was already a lot of money to be asking them to spend, and most of them have only put down their initial deposits. Yikes. What are you doing for decorations in the chapel/gazebo (whichever you go with)? I was actually wondering if we could purchased flowers for the gazebo, if those same flowers could be used for the centerpieces on our tables later that night, for our private reception? Has anyone tried that? Hello - Can't believe that it is 3 months this week!!! We arrive on the 24th of January with most of our guests. Some of our other guests are flying in later that day or on Monday. We have 28 in total - they are paying their last installment this week! Our trip is in Cdn dollars. My WC is Kalena - I was given her name a few weeks ago. I contacted her via phone and we chatted for a bit - she is very nice. I just sent my email and Wedding Event Info form in this morning. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she will begin to work with me. We just put our request in for the self-dj option for four hours. I have asked about lighting . . . We are also completing the CD for the ceremony. Decor - I will determine once we arrive - I just want to reserve our locations and take it one request at a time. Chat soon Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by Camie78 Hi HaleGrifa, In response to your questions above... 1. We wanted Chapel Garden for our private function site as it is right next to the Chapel Gazebo where we are getting married and didn't want our guests to have to haul themselves to a different part of the resort. I submitted my request for Chapel Garden and it was already taken, so we opted for our second choice which is Terrace Venado. It was available so we booked it. I too was concerned about the grass but then I remembered my sister's wedding and how everyone was spilling drinks on the dance floor and everyone was slipping around and falling (my sister-in-law actually fell so hard that she went to the ER that night) and realized that maybe grass is a safer option! LOL. 2. Yes. This was a personal requirement from me as I did not want guests running around the resort, etc. Below is a summary of our day. 6pm: ceremony at Chapel Gazebo 7pm: cocktail hour at Terrace Venado 8pm-10pm: dinner and dancing at Terrace Venado 10pm+: disco/nightclub or another bar on the resort 3. I found out that lighting does come with the DJ packages (1 and 2) but I was not able to get verification if lights come with the iPod packages (3 and 4). If I have the opportunity to ask my WC, I will. As for the iPod hook-ups, I am assuming that the "mixer" my WC speaks of is something similar to a regular stereo receiver. I had to buy a cord in order to hook my iPod up to the stereo receiver up at home and it was about $5 at Best Buy. The cord plugs into the headphones jack on the iPod and then hooks into the receiver. I would recommend a trip to Best Buy to pick one of those up, you can always return it. They may also have these cords at the resort. Sorry I can't provide much more information on this. One last thing I learned was in regard to the private function automatic backup sites in the case of bad weather. I had asked my WC if it was true that they automatically book a backup site for private functions in the case of bad weather and her response wasn't clear. I asked her to clarify this and she said that the backup sites for outdoor private functions are in the ballrooms (not in the restaurants). Thank you so much for your detailed response! It is such a big help chatting with other Brides. I sent an email with my Wedding Event Form to my onsite WC today. I hope that she can get started on it, as we really have our hearts set on our plans! I have requested the Chapel Gazebo for the ceremony. The Chapel Garden or Terrace Venado for both the Cocktail Reception & Dinner. Where is the Terrace Venado - I can't seem to find it on any maps? Should you hear anymore on the DJ lighting, please keep me posted - as I have seen many photos of the self-DJ system and there has been lighting in these pictures. We will keep each other posted - you have been a huge help Chat soon - Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by Camie78 Marie, I do not think you are being overly aggressive. We all want our wedding day to be perfect and sometimes you have to push to get what you want. I love this forum and the information it has to offer but at the same time it creates this underlying competition almost. I remember first reading this forum and being jealous that brides who had weddings after mine already had their private functions booked and I had nothing. So, I decided based on your advice and others in the forum, to take a more aggressive approach and simply sent an email to my Florida contact regarding my concerns and she did everything to accommodate me and help me nail down the bigger details. I am an extremely detailed and anal person by nature, so I've had to learn that I am not going to be able to get all my details nailed down until I get my permanent WC and I've come to terms with that and have adjusted to "Mexico Time" Please continue to share any information you get from your WC. WOW, I've posted way too many replies today. I need to cut myself off! Camie Marie & Camie - thanks so much for your help . . . I am in the midst of completing my email to our WC to get the ball rolling. Laura =)

Quote: Originally Posted by DWandMJ Laura, Depending on how many weddings are scheduled for your wedding day, I would push to get your WC's name so you can reserve the chapel if thats what you really want. We ended up going around the procedures and I started talking to a WC that fortunately was willing to adopt our event into her work load, despite that she wasn't our scheduled would-be WC. As a result, we were able to reserve the chapel about 6 months out.... I know that I'm neurotic and a bit obsessive about specific details, I wonder how my approach compares to the other brides getting married on my wedding day. Its like I want to get the options that I want reserved before anyone can beat me to it and limit the choices available (ie ceremony location, photographer, restaurant). Am I being too aggressive? That is a great idea - her and I have already begun talking and she had been made aware of our desite to have the chapel gazebo and assured me that she would do her best to reserve the sight. Thank you - here's hoping-lol Ladies - Are you having your Cocktail Reception in the same location as your Dinner & Reception? What are the locations that you are considering?

Quote: Originally Posted by Yari Here you go...enjoy! I absolutely love it. Brian & Yari's Wedding Beautiful!

Quote: Originally Posted by Alyssa Trisha!!! you look gorgeous i love how unique your dress was too - that B&W pic is insane! congrats again girlie! Wicked photo - love it!

Quote: Originally Posted by trisha0612 OK...sorry it's in shutterfly..but it's only way I can do this right now..I don't know how to post from shutterfly..only photobucket!!! I make the WORST serious face......lol..wish i smiled more during the ceremony..but I was so worried about remembering my vows...lol...oops! Shutterfly Beautiful - stunning! ~ Congrats ~

Quote: Originally Posted by hmj We decided to forego professional engagement pictures and instead had a friend of ours take some. I am pretty happy with the way they turned out!! I'm even happier I finally figured out how to post pictures! Very nice - great pics!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by SunnyBride Hi HaleGrifa, Congrats on your wedding! I'm getting so excited as the day gets closer. We are getting married at 4:00 PM on the 29th. I had asked the resort who my wedding coordinator was, and was told that it's Marlyn, but the more posts I read, the more it seems like she might not actually be the WC, she's just the contact until I actually get one assigned? Do you have one yet? I have asked for the Tucan Wedding Gazebo, because I kind of like the idea of a longer pathway to walk on, and we're not having a Catholic ceremony. Do you have yours booked yet? We were going to have a cocktail party on the Sat or Sun that everyone arrives as a 'meet the wedding group', and then on our wedding day we'll just have the private function. I don't know locations or anything like that for the private functions yet (I've asked Marlyn, so I'm just waiting). Do you know where your function is? Are you planning on having it indoors or outside? Hello Canadian Bride. Wow I can't believe that we are on the same day! When do you arrive and depart? How many guests do you have? Did you book through MP or a TA - cost? Are you honeymooning at the MP? We are getting married at 3pm on the 29th - but hoping to change the time to 4pm (either way it does not matter, but we would like to move it back) Our plan is as follows, although not set in stone: Ceremony - 3pm (or 4pm) Chapel Gazebo - We are currently assigned to the Tucan Gazebo - which I am ok with, but would prefer the Chapel. We are having a Civil Ceremony with the Deluxe Package. I have requested through my WC to have the Chapel and she is going to confirm with me once we begin planning. Cocktail Reception to follow the Ceremony - maybe Chapel Garden or a Terrace Terraces- Do you know of any info on these? We would like to select something close the Chapel and the Grand Side. Reception to Follow - Chapel Garden or Terrace We are unsure about using the Garden - as there may be other weddings in the background (although I heard this never happens) As well, I wonder about being on the grass for sitting and dancing? (shoes) We are doing a round table set-up with also the lounge set-up incorporated. Does any Bride have experience with the lounge set-up? We hope to extend the reception - but unsure of the cost. Based on that we will determine when we will head to the Disco. Music - What are you doing for this? We are bringing our ceremony music and reception music on an IPOD (we will burn the ceremony music on a cd - as I have read that this is a must) We have tonnes to chat about!! Where in Canada are you? We are in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Happy to meet you - Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by amduran Marie - Don't get worried if you can't get them to commit anything now. They are really focused on weddings happening in the next few weeks (which I am very grateful for). I know that as a bride it is VERY difficult to be patient. They will not really work with you an exact details (i.e. photographer assigned) if you are too far out. You are better off making sure that the note is put in your file and then when you get closer, following up on that. I am very grateful that they are paying closer attention to me now that my wedding is around the corner. Everyone is going to get the attention they need before the time comes. This is something that was reiterated over and over again when I met with the weddings department at the Moon during my site visit. This is a well-oiled machine that they have down there. Trust me, it is very frustrating not getting answers ASAP... but I have confidence everything is going to turn out great. Good luck!! Alex Thanks for the photog info. We have hired an outside photographer for 2 nights and no longer truly require the photography included in our package BUT . . . . we don't want to just give it us as it has been paid for . . . therefore I am requesting that we use it for our Welcome Dinner. Has anyone had experience with this? Thanks again Laura Is any bride using the photos included in their package for another time.

Quote: Originally Posted by Camie78 Today I received a response from my interim WC, Pilar, on some of the questions I had. So I thought I would share... Q. Can a dance floor be setup on Chapel Garden? Or will there be a space for guests to dance? A. NO, WE DO NOT SET UP DANCE FLOOR ON AN EXTERNAL AREA AS IT IS SLIPPERY, ONLY IN BALLROOM AREA....WE LEAVE A SPACE FOR YOU TO DANCE. Q. Is it true that an indoor backup site is automatically reserved for outside dinners in case of bad weather? A. YES, THAT IS WHY WE NEED TO BOOK THE LOCATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE CAUSE IT IS ACCORDING TO AVAILABILITY. Q. The private function menu attachment states that there is a required 40 guest minimum. Other documents state that there is a 20 person minimum for a private function. What happens if we have less than 40 guests? A. DO NOT WORRY, YOU CAN CHOOSE THE MENU FROM THERE. Q. How long is does the catholic ceremony last? A. NORMALLY IS 1HR Q. Can the cocktail hour and dinner start at half past the hour (6:30, 7:30) or must they begin on the hour (7:00, 8:00)? A. MOST OF THE COUPLE STARTS AT 7:00PM WHILE THE COUPLE IS IN THE PHOTOGRAPH SESSION, UNLESS YOU WANT TO JOIN THEM AT THE COCKTAIL TOO. CAN START AT 7:30PM. Q. Do you have wheelchairs or transportation to escort the elderly from the ceremony site to the reception site? A. FOR A WHEELCHAIR YOU HAVE TO CHECK IT UPON ARRIVAL WITH PUBLIC RELATIONS, WE HAVE INTERNAL TRANSPORTATION..GOLFCARTS THAT RUNS AROUND THE LOCATION. Q. What is the additional cost of open bar per hour during dinner/dance time? A. $60 USD/TABLE. Q. What is included with the iPod music service option (package 4)? Speakers? Microphone? A. YES, SPEAKERS, MICROPHONE & MIXER. Q. With the DJ music service (package 2), does the DJ pick all music or do we pick the music to be played? A. YOU CAN BRING YOU OWN CD'S IF YOU WANT PLUS WHAT HE HAS.. Thanks so much for this information. It is such a huge help to have direct info from the hotel. Some more questions 1. Chapel Garden - Are you having your reception there? This is where we hope to have ours. - Dance Floor - so there will be an area to dance - I am just concerned about my guests being on the grass all night. 2. Are you having your Cocktail Reception in the same location as the Reception? 3. With the DJ Package 4 - does lighting also come with this? - we are planning on using our ipod for the music and purchasing package 4 Are there specific hook ups that we require in order to plug into their system? Thanks again

Hello Sunny Bride I am also getting married at Moon Palace on January 29, 2009. Have you begun planning with your onsite WC yet? If so, who is your WC? What time are you getting married at? Location? Are you having a cocktail reception along with a private function? We are planning a 3pm wedding followed by both a cocktail reception & private function.

Welcome & Congrats

Welcome to the Forum - Congrats!

I have two dresses - totally worth it!

Welcome & Congrats!!

Quote: Originally Posted by sanddune Silver Star Fish Rhinestone T Strap Open Sandal Heel @ Amiclubwear Heel Shoes online store sales:Stiletto Heel, Heel Pump, Womens High Heel Shoes, Spool Heel, High-heeled Shoes these look so cute Ohhhh soooo nice - thanks for the post. Is there a Canadian supplier?? I will have to check it out.

Quote: Originally Posted by DWandMJ Annouk, the quickest and easiest way to accrue points is to go into the Newbies thread and say 'welcome' to the list of newcomers. Help . . . How do you have sooo many points? What am I doing wrong? I have just as many posts with little points. As well I have little authority to do things and I have no idea how to attach files and pics. I have plenty to share with little knowlegde on how to. Thanks for you help! Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by DWandMJ Hey, have any of you ladies figured out how you'll decorate the pews/chairs? Going to decorate with ribbons and flowers - provided by the hotel. There are some great pics on trip advisor where you can see what brides have done in the past. As for the pews - I am hoping flowers on the ends or fabric. We are using our own aisle runner and possibly purchasing the flowers to be strewn on the ground. As well I have mini star fish that I will also use to border the aisle. What are you thinking? Specifically the pews? Are you have a Catholic Wedding? Are you booked in the Chapel?

Quote: Originally Posted by DWandMJ Looking for insight from anyone thats stayed on the Grand side....please! I called to book our hotel reservation today for a superior deluxe room on the Grand Side. We desperately prefer a room with a view of the ocean. Is there any particular room or building that we should request that would ensure a nice view? Much love and appreciation! We are also requesting the Grand Side for us and our guests. It is specifically written in our booking with our TA. I have been told it is the best - new and spacious. Quite private! I would suggest that you check our trip advisor - a great site that details many resorts. They are reviews & pics posted of the Moon and the Grand specifically. All the Best Laura

Quote: Originally Posted by amduran Hi everyone - I thought this would be helpful too. This is the list of restaurants at the resort and the group sizes they can accommodate. Restaurants In Nizuc Manglar Rest. - Italian Buffet, Air Conditioning, casual dress code. (For no more than 35 people) Arrecifes Rest. – Brazilian Style, Air Conditioning, casual dress code. (For no more than 35 people) Palapa Delfines Rest. – Grill, open air, casual dress code. (For no more than 25 people) Caporales Rest. – Mexican, a la carte, Air Conditioning, casual dress code (For no more than 10 people) Caribbean Rest. - Air Conditioning, formal dress code ( long pants), set menu (For no more than 10 people) Restaurants in Sunrise Gondola Rest. - Italian Buffet, Air Conditioning, casual dress code. (For no more than 35 people) Bugambilia Rest. – Mexican Buffet, Air Conditioning, casual dress code. (For no more than 35 people) Barrucada Palapa – International /Steak, a la carte, ocean front, casual dress code. (For no more than 30 people) Fragata Palapa- Seafood buffet, ocean front, casual dress code (For no more than 30 people) Momonohana Rest. – Oriental food (chinese, japanese and Thai), a la carte, Air Conditioning, Formal dress code (long pants) (For no more than 10 people) Golf Course Trattoria Rest. - Italian a la carte, Air Conditioning, formal dress code (long pants). With set menu (For no more than 10 people) Bambu - Oriental a la carte, Air Conditioning, formal dress code.(long pants) (For no more than 10 people) If you can't open my previous posts, let me know and I can email them to you directly. Terrific - thanks for posting. I do believe that you can have your WC send you the list of the restaurants in a pretty format so that you may distribute to your guests. Thanks =) Happy Planning

Quote: Originally Posted by DWandMJ Laura, You are allowed to remove the red aisle runner. From what I understand, its basically just a long rubberized rug. Hello Thank you so much for your response. I am making my own aisle runner as I would like to remove the red one currently there. Do you happen to know how long the aisle is - specifically the Chapel , Tucan Gazebos? As well, does anyone know how long the aisle can be if you are doing a terrace ceremony? Thanks again - Much Appreciated =)

Quote: Originally Posted by johnson_jc Great questions! Thanks for providing answers Wow - a HUGE Help! Thanks so much Do you know if you are allowed to remove the red aisle runner? The length of the aisle? Thank you Laura