litl_april

Well said! Sorry for all of your troubles. I can relate to a pretty good amount of it. I, too, have been called selfish, and my sister thinks the $130 I've been finding as basically the cheapest dresses is too much for her. My mom tried to change my mind many times about this saying, "are you sure this is what you want to do?"..haha, we've been engaged nearly two years already, we've had time to think about it...I think we're sure. My FI's family has been pretty supportive about it (his mom LOVES to travel and actually just became a certified travel agent). So...I don't really know what to say to make it feel better. Honestly, I find the, "Do what you want, it's your wedding," comment to not really be all that reassuring. I imagine others get the same responses, together we can get through it. This forum has been a lifesaver for me already, I know! I hope things get better for you. I'll be around if you need to vent some more!

July 2008 Eugenia & Robert- July 23, 2008 - Moon Palace, Cancun, Mexico Taheerah & Andre (Riubride2b) - July 26, 2008 - Riu Ocho Rios August 2008 Amanda & Ted- August 2, 2008- Monterey, CA Brianne & Jason- August 2, 2008 Dreams, Los Cabos Kirk & Christina (twinkletoes) - August 8, 2008 - EdenH Real Arena Resort- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic Cindy & Kirk- August 8, 2008- Sandals Dunns River-Ocho Rios, Jamaica Deighton & Adrian- August 8, 2008- Riu Palace Los Cabos Maura & Jose (mauraw) – August 9, 2008 - Westin Los Cabos Rebecca & Chris (becks) - August 9, 2008 - Paradisus Riviera Cancun Dee & Tony - August 10, 2008 - Sandals Montego Bay Melissa & Vic (mtomas5555)-August 11, 2008- Moon Palace Resort in Cancun Jessica & Heraldo- August 15, 2008 - Halekulani - Honolulu, HI Amanda & Michael - 20 August, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa Courtney & Paul - August 25, 2008 - Grotto Bay, Bermuda Susan & Brad (azhuskergirl) - August 28, 2008 - Kapalua Bay, Maui, HI Tracy & Shaun - August 30, 2008 - Coco La Palm, Negril Jamaica Melissa and Shawn - August 30, 2008 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, Ocho Rios Jamaica September 2008 Shandra & Paul (meandpaul) - Beaches Boscobel, OR, Jamaica Sept 1, 2008 Rachel & Thomas - September 6th, 2008- Dreams Tulum Kathi & Ryan- September 7th, 2008 - Dreams Resort, Cancun Candice & Tommy- September 12, 2008- Waialae Beach Oahu, Hawaii Tara and Dan- September 13,2008- Beaches, Negril Tracy &Tom- Sept 15 Aruba Gina & Cory - September 19, 2008 - Positano, Italy Risha & Morice - September 20, 2008 - Sandals, Negril Jeannette & Chris - September 27, 2008 - Cancun, Mexico October 2008 Sherry & Patrick - October 4, 2008 - The Seawatch, Wailea, Maui Yari & Brian- October 10, 2008 Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Melissa & Chris - October 11, 2008 El Dorado Royale, Riviera Maya, Mexico Stacey & Ely October 14th, 2008 Dreams Resort, Cancun Mexcio Kelly & Paul - October 17, 2008 Rui Santa Fe, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Catherine (LadyP) & Lawrence October 18, 2008 St. Thomas, USVI Yvette & Alberto - October 20, 2008 St. John, USVI Molly & John (MEE) - October 24, 2008 Kenya & James October 25, 2008- The Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Leia & John - October 25, 2008 - Dreams Los Cabos Danielle & Tim October 31, 2008- The Wickliffe House, Charleston South Carolina November 2008 Tara & Joe (tvt) - November 2nd, 2008 - Las Caletas, PV Lisa & Jayson - November 5th, 2008 - Wailea, Maui Danielle & Derek - November 6th, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real Punta Cana DR Terri & Scott - November 6th, 2008 - Couples Negril, Jamaica Mike & Michelle - November 7, 2008 - Iberostar Lindo/Maya Micki & Carlos - November 7, 2008 - Curacao, Netherlands Antilles RJ and Stephanie-November 8, 2008-Dreams Cancun Erin and Cameron-November 8, 2008-Sunset Da Mona Lisa, Los Cabos Raymond & Lily - November 8, 2008 - Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach, Los Cabos Amanda(2bebridejamaica)& Jason - November 8, 2008 Beaches Negril Jamaica Tara & Patrick - November 9, 2008 - Dreams Los Cabos Kristi & Neil - November 10, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Nicole & Tyler - November 12th, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Tanya & Kevin - November 14th, 2008 - Riu Palace Los Cabos Jessica (ladycheese) & Dominique-November 15, 2008-Punta Cana, DR Angie (AwesomeBride) & Keith- November 15, 2008- Couples, Negril Kristin (GeminiLibra) & Ronnie- November 15, 2008 - Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Samantha (PDXlove) & Damon - November 20, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Christine & DJ - November 21, 2008 - Sunset at the Palms - Negril, Jamaica Eden and Brett (bande200 - November 26th - El Dorado Royale Amy & Greg- November 27th -Valentin Imperial Maya, Mexico Melissa & Ben - November 27th - Paradisus Riviera Maya Melissa & Kendall - November 28th - Dreams Los Cabos Erica & Larry - November 30th - Grand Palladium Palace, Punta Cana, DR December 2008 Susan & Jason - December 5, 2008 - Dreams Los Cabos Amy & Michael - December 5, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Miriam & Herman - December 5, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana, DR Brianna & Danny - December 6, 2008 - Dreams Cancun Athena & Byron - December 6th, 2008 - The Royal in Playa del Carmen Ra'Shunda & Jason - December 6, 2008 - Secrets Capri in Playa del Carmen Laura & Josh - December 7, 2008 - Dreams Tulum Red & Matthew - Hopefully December 8, 2008 - somewhere in Jamaica! Sonia (chonee) & Juan - December 8, 2008 - Barcelo Maya Colonial Resort Anna & Sean - December 8, 2008 - Maui, Hawaii Kirsten & David - December 11, 2008 - El Dorado Royale Dianna & Eric - December 11, 2008 - Riu Ocho Rios Jamaica Andrea & Kevin (Kevsgirl) - December 12, 2008 - Shangri-La Caribe, Playa del Carmen Toni & Mike (Phillygal) - December 13, 2008 - Iberostar Rose Hall, Jamaica Me-Lihn and Matt - December 18, 2008 - El Dorado Royale Jamie & Duke - December 28, 2008 - Las Caletas, PV Terri & John - December 29, 2008 - Holguin, Cuba, Playa Costa Verde January 2009 Sara & Ron - January 3rd, 2009 - Riu Bachata P.P Becky & Sean - January 5th, 2009 - Riu Ocho Rios Andrea and Bo(Davematthews16)-January 7, 2009-Barcelo Maya Palace Kelly & Ron (KLC77)- January 10, 2009- Paradisus Riviera Cancun Erica & Chris - January 10, 2009 - Barcelo Maya Beach Jodi and Hal- January 11, 2009- Beaches Boscobel- Ocho Rios, Jamaica Erin & Martin - January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena - Dominican Republic Kristy and Mike- January 16, 2009- Dreams Cancun Michelle and Steve - Janauary 18, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Julia & John - January 20, 2009 - Las Caletas, PV Kate & Bill (soontobeamrs) - January 23, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, Puerto Vallarta Amy & Chad - January 28, 2009 - Barcelo Marina Palace, Varadero Cuba Amy & Brian - January 28, 2009 - Jamaica Lindsay & Jamie - January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro, Punta Cana February 2009 Andrea (Pug3636) & Alan - February 4, 2009 - RCCL Western Caribbean Cruise Garrett and Jaime - February 5, 2009 - RIU RM Palace, Playa del Carmen Kate (kleslie5) & Steve - February 6, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, PV, Mexico Nikki & Dean - February 14, 2009 - La Ropa Beach, Zihuatanejo, Mexico Jenny & Greg - February 28, 2009 - Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Kris & Joel - February 28, 2009 - Riu Montego Bay, Jamaica March 2009 Angel & Sanford - March 1, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Jess & Greg - March 3, 2009 Georgetown, Cayman Islands Jamilah & Larence - March 21, 2009 - Montego Bay, Jamaica Tara & Hiram - March 23, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, Jamaica April 2009 Ana&Michael - April 1, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos Mamie & Joshua - April 2,2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris - April 4, 2009 - location unknown at this time! Kerry & Graham - April 4, 2009 - Capella, Cabo San Lucas Manney & Jamie- April 22, 2009 - Riu Santa Fe, Cabo San Lucas Selina& Artie-April 23, 2009- Occidental grand xcaret Nancy & Kenny - April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Andi (CODestBride2009) & Reggie – April 24, 2009 – Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Leslie & James - April 24,2009 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Michelle & Jeff - April 24,2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Diana & Anthony- April 25, 2009- Dreams Cancun, Mexico Savannah & Billy- April 25, 2009 Maya Tankah/Tulum, Mexico Jenny & Brad - April 25, 2009 Azul Sensatori May 2009 Shannon & Chris - May 2, 2009 - Gran Porto Real Resort, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Beth & Jay - May 2 2009 -Dreams Tulum, Mexico Jaymie & Ales - May 4, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Wendy & Ivan - May 9, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Mexico Kelly & Chris - May 9, 2009 - Unknown, Riviera Maya, Mexico Shannon & Kenny (Shay2679) - May 07, 2009 - the Royal PDC, Mexico Kelly & Joe- May, 13, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Miranda & Colin - May 14, 2009, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Cuba Marie & Scott - May 15, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexco Meagan & Jeff - May 15, 2009 Dreams Punta Cana, DR Maggie & Tim (IslamoradaBride) - May 16, 2009 Islamorada, Fla. K & R - May 22, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Bianca & Chris - May 23, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Kristy & Chris (froggie1013) - May 23, 2009 - Villa Capri, St Lucia Terry & Yamille - May 23, 2009 - Paradisus Riviera Cancun Jaime & Martin - May 24, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Tina & Nathan- May 24, 2009- Negril, Jamaica Carla & Mark - May 27, 2009 - Gran Caribe Real, Cancun, Mexico Lisa & Tom (mummergirl) - May 28, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Erica & Brandon - May 30, 2009 June 2009 April & Michael - June 1, 2009 - Wailea, Maui, HI Hanna & Josh - June 5, 2009 - Grand Palladium Colonial Mayan Riviera, MX Pauline & Roger - June 6, 2009 - Grenadian by Rex Resorts, Grenada Amanda & Thomas - June 6, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Carolyn & Michael- June 6, 2009- Gran Caribe Real Cancun, MX Sorcha & Shannon - June 12, 2009 - St. John's, NF, Canada Jen & Brian - June 12, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya, Mexico Roe & Seamus - June 22, 2009 - Bermuda MarieSam & Tommy (msam007562) -June 26, 2009- Las Casitas Beach & CEA Center, Akumal, MX July 2009 Kim & Eddy - July 3, 2009 _ Iberostar Del Mar Stephanie & Robert - July 10, 2009 - Honolulu, HI Rosemary & Miguel - July 11, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX August 2009 Jacilyn & Joe (Jacilynda) - August 8, 2009 - Hotel Akumal Caribe, MX Monique & Eric - August 15, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Karen & Dan - August 15, 2009 September 2009 Lisa & Gary - September 17, 2009 - Maui, HI October 2009 Heather & Matie - October 22, 2009 -- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico November 2009 Jodey & Simon - November 12th 2009 - Dreams resort and spa Cancun Alicia & Rob - November 14, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Leslie & Gerry - November 16th, 2009- Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Mary & Paul - November 28th 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico December 2009 Jen & Kenny - December 12, 2009 - Excellence Playa Mujeres January 2010 Aimee & Theodore- January, 8, 2010 - Iberostar Tucan, Mexico Shannon & Lauchlan- January 27th, 2010- Puerto Vallarta Mexico February 2010 Melissa & Sean- February 10, 2010- St. Thomas USVI Linda & Ton- February 22, 2010- Costa Rica May 2010 Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace

I understand the feelings that everyone's having! Like others have said, food and such will not be cheap when it's all said and done. My situation is primarily a roommate who FI and I actually graduated high school with. She has friends that we are inviting down there, so she has people she can spend time with there, but she has every intentions of bringing her two sisters. We don't know how to approach this as we do know her siblings, and also plan to invite her brother who FI is friends with, but we aren't close to her sisters. Do we suck it up and pay the $30pp reception food, plus all the other undetermined (as of now) costs for these extra 2. I don't believe we'll have to deal with the trouble from other guests. This one just doesn't think about others too well....haha, to the point where she went off on me the other day because she had to do 3 dishwasher loads in 2 weeks (yet FI, myself, and another roommate does much more than she ever has). Ok, sorry, tangent there. Anyways, any advice on what to say or do? It'd be greatly appreciated! To others, good luck with yours, I realize the stress it creates!

That is awful! I know when we first started out we contacted four coordinators through email and only heard back from one! Luckily that one was also one we had already gotten a referral to from someone. It made our decision easy. But to imagine, beginning the planning and having it cancelled, that is just terrible! I hope the word continues to spread on the low quality of service that is provided by some.

I have to say, I am loving all of these stories!! These are from a couple of friends weddings: *I was at a wedding of a friend and her sister, who was her matron of honor, was walking down the aisle and as she was nearly to the front of the church, a little boy (the MOH's son) comes running down screaming, "NO MOMMY, DON'T MARRY THAT GUY!" Oh it was funny! *I was a bridesmaid in a friends wedding last year, and my fiance along with a guy who is very good at having fun, are ushers. At the reception, these two were recruited as alcohol servers of the keg and some hard alcohol...they ended up making an agreement that for every drink they each poured that person had to also take a shot themselves. They were both drunk within an hour of the reception beginning. I had this confirmed when my fiance was up by the head table pouring beers when someone began tapping their glass to get the bride and groom to kiss. Turned out, this peck of a kiss wasn't enough for my fiance as he loudly expressed that it was no good and they have to use tongue!!! I just shook my head and said "oh my..." to myself. It was quite the evening!!

I found a website that tracks flight prices called Yapta! So far, quite a few have dropped in price while one went up drastically!

Engaged at 2 1/2 years together....it will be nearly 5 1/2 when we finally get married!! Decided we wanted to finish school first, but wow, is it hard to wait that long, haha!

No problem! Hope it helps!!

I completely understand the WOW addiction!!! The only thing I have going for me is that all I have is a laptop...so it's the worst when he's home helping his parents on the farm because they do have a good computer (he set it up of course). Trying to talk to him over the phone when he's there..."yeah," "m'hm," "okay"...you get it. Drives me crazy!! I completely feel for you!

We were both 20 when my fiance proposed. We'll be 23 when we get married. I agree with those that say maturity is different for different people. I have been told as long as I can remember that I am so mature for my age (ironic, considering before people "know" me they guess I'm much younger). In fact, some of my best friends are well into their 40s and 50s. Some may have not known, at the age we are, what they were going to want or like in 10 years but I am confident to say that I do, and I know my fiance feels the same. I went to college for things related to family, children, and relationships. Even the researchers are not 100% certain that any age makes a difference. For some it works, for some it doesn't. A couple needs to be able to compromise, work out problems, be willing to share their feelings, etc. If they can do these things, research is not going to show that being older will make your marriage work. A perfect example of this is, almost half of all marriages end in divorce, yet the average age of first marriage in the US is at about 27.

Thanks Morgan. I guess that was a thought, but I wasn't sure! I have used the Windows movie maker as well a little bit. Haven't actually tested out my Premiere yet but I got the package deal on sale for the same price Elements would have costed alone!

I guess I would say I'm slightly confused by your asking about opinions on the difference between Photoshop and Elements, only because I have what is called "Photoshop Elements." However, with that said, I do highly enjoy the software I have and know it produces better quality images than some products that friends have. I actually have a combo in which it is Photoshop Elements (Version 6) and Premiere Elements (Version 4). The premiere is a video editing software. My fiance and I are going to look into saving money on edited video this way and doing it ourselves, as he is very good with computers and I'm into creative things like that. My only suggestion when thinking about purchasing Photoshop is you must be willing to read through the help pages in order to learn a lot of the techniques if you aren't experienced with the software. It is quite a bit different than others I've used as it is directed slightly more to an experienced audience (which I was not!). The guidelines are easy to follow, you just must be willing to read them. Some things I figured out on my own, but it took time! But with that, I love it! I am able to do spot coloring, blending more than one photo together, fix or erase flaws in the photos, etc. I hope you find what you're looking for and good luck! If there's anything more you'd like to know about photoshop, feel free to ask, and I'll answer as best I can (as I am STILL learning lol)!

If all else fails, because you have the full name, you could try an address search website (If you haven't tried this yet that is). They usually also turn up the phone number. Some I've used for a project at work are: People Search | Yellow Pages | White Pages | Reverse Phone Lookup White Pages Phone Directory with Free People Search and Yellow Pages Online Phone Book Local Business Listings Directory | DexKnows.com Good luck, I hope you find the person!

Very cute dress! As the others said, I would go with same color dresses. An idea for you if you want both colors on the girls would be to incorporate jewlery or even shoes in the color not used for the dress. I do know of a couple in which the girls all had the same style dress but different colors and it looked great, but there were quite a few more BM's...rainbow styled I believe.

I've read a lot about the Haiku Waterfall which is on the north side of Maui. It looks beautiful and sounds like it would be a very private location. I actually would have loved to use the site, but unfortunately our guest list is much too large. I believe it can hold about 50 guests for ceremony. It looks very beautiful from the pictures I have found! Good luck in your planning! ~April~

Hi all! I believe you do in fact now need a permit for any beach wedding. The coordinator I am working with, when I recently talked to her, said she has been busy organizing many of them last minute due to law changes. When I checked out the government page I believe it said the change takes effect in August. I would presume you would apply through the government...maybe the park district or something, but I really don't know for sure. If I hear more I'll be sure to let you know!! Good luck! Official website for the government of the County of Maui hawaii.gov

Hey Kelly! I don't have much for detailed information on those locations; the best I can do is say that after my long google search of Olowalu that was my dream location! Until I got some estimates from the wedding planner. She gave me some low estimates by using some numbers from weddings she had recently priced out for or done for other brides. She told me that one simple wedding that she had, with about 50 guests ran the couple about $15,000 and that didn't include their photography or video as they didn't coordinate this through her. The biggest issue with the estates is that everything (linens, chairs, tables, etc) must be rented. She quoted the best price she can get those for at $25/person I believe. Then there's the food, wait staff, and such. Wait staff she said was $200/staff and most caterers say 1 for every 10 guests. For us all of this would be out of our price range as we expect our guest numbers to be somewhat higher. Let me know if you'd like any more of the prices she told me. Good luck in your planning!! Oh, another thing, I think a lot of pictures I found for Olowalu from searching came from couples personal websites or knot pages so you could check that out for pictures!

You know, I've been having a lot of trouble with hotmail in general. Emails from my school account or any others from my school won't even go through anymore. I'm thinking it's time for new email! lol. Good luck in all your planning!

WeddingDoubleHearts Hi all! Here's the cake I would like to have!

Very nice!!! That is absolutely intelligent, yet oh so cruel! I love it! It is very tempting but FI would likely not talk to me for days!! LMAO

Thank you, all!

I'm thinking of going with simple pearl necklaces, earrings, or both. I found some nice ones on Gracious Bridal Wedding Favors, Personalized Gifts, Bridal Shower Favors They also have a store on ebay and are rated well on there.

Hi! We are planning on going with Mulligan's on the Blue which is real close to Seawatch. Our coordinator said you can actually see them from one another and Mulligan's also has a great view. Our current plans are to have the ceremony at Seawatch and then go over to Mulligan's. At Mulligan's you can go much later than the typical 10 pm. Only catch is that those under 21 must still vacate the property at 10 pm so I'm thinking of finding a nanny or sitter service for any children if us or our parents are staying at a condo (I have a bachelor's in child development and so my mind immediately went to how we need to provide something for the parents who want to stay later but brought their young kids!). I have the Maui Revealed book and Mulligan's received an Ono (or Recommended) stamp through them. The prices also look more affordable than Seawatch without sacrificing quality.

Hi! I'm new here and immediately saw your post. I am currently talking with Deanne at Precious Maui Weddings and so far love her! My fiance's parents received the recommendation for her from the mother of another couple in our town and said their wedding was amazing. Actually, when we first started, we narrowed our selection of coordinators to about 3 or 4 and emailed them all over a month ago (with PMW being one of them of course). Deanne was the only one to reply!! This of course deterred me from the others immediately. When I finally got the chance to speak with Deanne over the phone I was drawn to her sweet nature. She spent almost 1/2 an hour talking with me about some price ideas for one location we were thinking of (Olowalu Plantation House) before we even confirmed we'd be using her; no rushing me what-so-ever. I can't wait to get our details in line. Let me know if there's any other information I can provide!

Hi all! My name is April, fiance is Mike. Our wedding date is yet to be fully determined, but we are aiming for June 2009 (slow, I know!!) The location is planned for Maui!