carinagirl

Quote: Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl I've been reading on trip advisor that the walls at Dreams are very thin. Actually we experienced this too but were not bothered by it. Regardless, we want don't want our guests to have to deal with it if any of them are light sleepers. So, my thought was to include some earplugs in the welcome bag. I would guess most people wont use them, but thought this would be one less thing we have to hear people complain about. Ha! I'm really worried about some people having complaints. Just wondering if anyone else had thought about doing this. It looks like most options of earplugs come in a pack and are not individually wrapped. Any ideas on how to individually wrap those myself? I thought I would also include a little note...something like this - "So that you can relax completely, wear these earplugs while resting" I actually thought the same thing after reading reviews and I DID include earplugs in the bags. I bought them from here in blulk and they came in invidual packages. I put 2 in each bag. I know of at least one person who used them. Foam Ear Plugs : LOW PRICES on Foam Ear Plugs at SkyGeek.com

Quote: Originally Posted by cathyandchin So Ana finally got back to me!! Tell me if this makes sense: I'm getting the Ultimate Pkg and it comes with 50 color photos. I asked her how much is the difference for upgrading to the next package and she said I'd have to pay the FULL AMOUNT of that package!! WTF?? Anyone change their photo package and heard this? Perhaps if you email the photographers directly you will get a quicker and more clear response. Here is the email address I have for them. Good luck! [email protected]

Quote: Originally Posted by allegraapple Laura and Carina, I know you both had your own photographers (and also used the resort photographers as supplemental...) but would you have trusted the resort photographers for the entire wedding (i understand it would be an additional cost outside of the package because you'd probably need to add a few hours). Just looking for advice. I am telling you the honest truth - I really, really wish I used the resort photographers the whole time. Their work is wonderful and I prefer their pictures over my photographers. Plus, they know the resort really well - so they know where to take the pictures. And the turn around time for the slideshow is very quick! I HIGHLY recommend them!

Quote: Originally Posted by SDbeachgirl Laura and Carina, I'm sure you are getting tired of all the questions! I have a few questions: 1. Did you have a sand ceremony? If so, did you bring your own vase or rent one from the resort? 2. Did you meet with your officiant prior to the wedding? 3. Did you use the resort's ceremony script or did you have your own? 4. Did you create menu cards? I'm sure I have a lot more questions, but those are the most recent one's that I have been thinking of. Thanks! 1) Yes we has a sand ceremony and the minister, who's name was Rosanna, brought the sand, little vase, and we picked it up thenext day from Ana. 2 & 3) Honestly, my friend dealt with this because I was running out of time. We had a spiritual ceremony and apparently there were 3 different scripts to choose from - one of which included the sand ceremony. We also incorporated some personal readings and like I said, my friend arranged it all about 30 minutes before the ceremony. If you want to meet with her beforehand, Ana will put in the request for you, but of course it depends on her schedule. 4) No menu cards. We had a buffett. Hope this helps!

Quote: Originally Posted by aj42781 Am I the only one getting nervous about all the reviews on tripadvisor about hotel being overly crowded with children? I will be so embarassed if my guests dont have seats on the beach or pool due to over populated resort This was one of my biggest fears. I was completely stressed about it. When we got married there in February - it was the first time they were booked to capacity. When I found that out, I had a mild heart attack. And I tell you, we really did not have any trouble with chairs and the kids were not out of control. It will be fine. It is a beautiful resort and your guests will love it.

Quote: Originally Posted by amberm410 Thank you Carina for posting your review. You give me hope. My wedding is only a few weeks away and wasn't sure what to expect. I am glad to hear most of the planning is done in the few days prior. Your wedding, dress, and pictures were beautifull! Has anyone heard from Laura. I believe her wedding was a few weeks ago? I actually met Laura briefly. She got married the day before me and she made a beautiful bride! I did not have a chance to speak to her about how experience was though, but I am very curious. I hope it was as positive as mine.

I do not have a pdf of the resort map - although I am sure you can get that on the facebook page pretty easily. I do however have a few PDF of pictures. Anyone know how I can post them here?

Not quite sure how to write a full review but I will try. We had over 100 guests - so it was the largest wedding DRC had every had. We stayed in the Master Suite which was beautiful and spacious and looked down onto the whole property and of course the ocean. We met with Ana briefly on Tuesday when we arrived, but we decided to have a sit down meeting the following day. Our wedding was on Saturday. It was only on that Wednesday that we picked out the menu, the ceremony set up (she knew my colors, but that was about it.) My brother is a florist, so he made my bouquet and the bridemaids bouquet, but Ana's florist did the flowers on the canopy. Again, another detail that was only finialized a couple of days before wedding. My husband really wanted pigs in a blanket for our cocktail hour, and Ana made that happen too. As far as the ceremony goes, she had everyone walk down the aisle from down by the swing bar and she had me come out of what I guess is called the Govenor's Suite. It was fun having that time to myself and with my mother (who walked me down the aisle) and watching from afar everyone else walk down. Especially the adorable flowergirls! The minister I only met right before the ceremony and her name was Rosanna. She was a little difficult to understand at times, but she was lovely. We did a spiritual ceremony. I recommend having a micorphone for the ceremony as you do not want to have all your guests travel to a foriegn country for your wedding, and then they cannot even hear the wedding! Apparently kids were on the playground a people were around watching and I thought that would really bother me. It did not. I did not even notice for a second. Oh and the ceremony was scheduled for 5, although it may have been a bit later, I am not sure. I feel like I was behind schedule. Forgive me for skipping around here, I am writing as I think of things. I did a hair trial at the salon the day before. I suggest doing this to save yourself any grief and you can establish a relationship with the woman doing your hair. I cannot remember my girl's name right now but she was very sweet. A hair trial was about $45.00. I did not do a make-up trial, but I thought she did a lovely job. I did bring my own make-up as I work for a cosmetic company but she had plenty of makeup in the salon. We had the cocktail hour by the lounge beds and the mariachi band during this time. They were great and everyone had a lot of fun with them. We had the reception on the deck and although I did not fully see in my head how it would be set up when we did a walk through, Ana knew what she was doing. We had plenty of room for dancing which is good because my party danced the whole time! Nonstop! Need to go. Will continue later... We had the cocoktail hou

Hi Everyone - I am back from the most fanatastic wedding at Dreams. I don't have much time to write about it in detail, so I thought I would share with you the pictures from the resort photgraphers who were fabulous. We had our own photographers too, but I really loved the pictures the resort photgraphers took. The videographer was great too! I didn't even think I cared about a video, but they did such an amazing job and I cherish it. One more important thing I must mention. Ana was the best! She works very hard and she went above and beyond to make it the most special day. More on that later. But remember, with a destination wedding, you may not be able to finalize a lot of details until you get there. But once you are there, she will sit with you and take care of it. Ana was terrific! Enjoy the slideshow... Ari & Carina

Quote: Originally Posted by Princess402 Hey carinagirl, you should check out the etiquette section regarding tipping. Here's a good thread: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...dinator-52354/ My personal thoughts are that it depends on the WC, and I also think on how much "work" you are as a bride, lol. I mean if you book your date and then basically just show up and get married, I might tip a little if all goes well, but if you have sent Ana a million emails and have lots of requests, and she does a great job answering your questions and making your day amazing, then I would say a decent size tip is in order if you can swing it. Just a nice way to say thank you I think Also, just curious, who are you using for a DJ? Or is this someone coming with your group from home? Thanks for your input, Princess! We are bringing are friend who is a DJ in NY.

Hi Ladies! My wedding is in 45 days...wow! Just wondering your thoughts on tipping. We are bringing our own DJ and Photographer, so I think I am okay there. However how do I just what I should tip Ana, our wedding coorinator.

Hi Ladies, Does anyone of the pricelist for spa services? I would like to tell my bridesmaids how much hair/make up is should they decide they want to have it done. Forgive me if this is posted somewhere, I am just too busy right now to look through the history. I also cannot open attachements, so if someone does have it - kindly email me at . Thanks in advance!

My fiance is going for a site visit and to meet with Ana on Friday. We have a wedding to go to on the Isle of Mujeres, and I cannot take extra time off of work to go, so I am sending him a day early to take care of biz. Should I ask him to look out for something particular? I of course have a list of questions for him to ask Ana, but I am afraid I am missing something.

CMarieC - my colors too are pink and orange! My invitations were even that color. Can you show me what dresses you are doing for your BM's? I think I decided on a pink dress, but would love to know what you are doing!

ebernard4985 - can you also email me the documents? Many thanks in advance! carinagirl@gmail

Quote: Originally Posted by Laura22610 Carina- I just heard back from Claudia Rodriguez...she said she is not available on your date but that some of her associates are. I didn't ask her any more because I figured if it was 2 different photographers, we probably wouldn't be able to get a deal. As far as the invitations, I put December 1st as my RSVP date. I sent out invites a week and a half ago. I did not send out STD's or anything else because I just did not have the time to do so (didn't choose resort until early September). I didn't say that they had to book by then, just that they had to let me know whether or not they planned on coming. Laura, First off, your dress is beautiful!! It will be absoutely perfect! Second, thank you so much for inquiring with Claudia re: my date - too bad we coudn't work something out. Lastly, thanks for letting me know which date you put on the response card. I think we decided to do January 7th. I hope it's not too late as I belive they already went into print.

Does anyone know what date I should put as the date I need the RSVP card back? I am not sure if the hotel needs a final count and by what day. Going to print very soon on invitations. Also, supposedly I will get the discounted room rate if people book by late November, but don't feel it is fair to put that date on the response card since they are not going out until mid to late October. Ughh - so confused.

Laura, just saw your post now. Sure, it wouldn't hurt to find out what she has to say. If you feel like asking, I am totally down. There is a chance we may fly down a family member who is a photographer, but I would love to know our options and what is most cost effective. Thanks!

Laura - can you send me the price list for photographers to carinagirl@gmail? Funny - at the suggestion from my TA, I actually emailed Claudia Rodriquez a while ago for more information, but never heard anything. Just throwing it out there, but since our weddings are a day apart - perhaps we could negotiate a better rate if we both decide to use her...

Lilly - which photographer did you end up booking? I am a little worried about photographer and music at the moment. Soon2bMrs.Prince - I will send you the price list now.

Mrs Bell - if you provide me your email address I can send you a price list for the "exras."

On it's way, Laura.

I just recieved a price list from Anna for services and rentals. Let me know if anyone would like me to email it to them...

Thank you for the offer, Ebernard - please do send the menus to carinagirl@gmail My travel agent is also a "destination wedding specialist" - she said with the amount of people I am expecting (guessing 60) that we would need to do a buffet. I don't even know what the Platinum package is....

Soon2BMrsPrince - thanks for adding the dates of future brides in one spot. My fiance's name is Ari. I am thinking that I will most likely have the ceremony on the beach. It does raise another question about what kind of shoes I will wear, but I'll figure it out. Laura- as far as photographer goes, I am not sure what I am going to do. I mean, the package does come with one, but I think I will probably have someone else as well. Possibly a family member who is a photographer. But I would still use the one provided too, since he/she will already be paid for. I think we can do that at least... Does anyone fully understand the difference between the Ultimate and Love package besides the obvious extra services? I guess I am referring more to the gold and silver menus. I am wondering what the big differences are. I love this forum! Thanks to everyone for their input!