meghan

Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay I feel your pain so much! The last 2 weeks I have cried so many times over being constantly told by my family that I need to be aware of the price for everyone and make it affordable. The weirdest part is that it is my FMIL that has been the most supportive. She is like you go and whoever comes is who somes. Sometimes I think in an attempt to make sure it's fabulous it is easy to get lost in everyone else's happiness. I have a little mantra now that I repeat over and over when I worry about how much people are paying or not paying. It's is about Jay and I and even if we are the only 2 there it will be the most WONDERFUL day ever. I feel you pain on this one. Last week my Grandmother called me to annouce she will not be coming to our wedding due to a news story she saw where 6 people got their hearts cut out in Cancun. I googled it. It was a drug gang killing a rival drug gang. So I called my grandmother back and asked her if she had recently joined a Mexican Drug Cartel and if she did then she might be right and not want to come. AHHH I was really upset at the time but it makes me giggle now! hahahaha....I know it is not funny that she is not coming, but her reasoning his hilarious. I love your response to it! Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd I love your positive attitude! You're absolutely right, it will all be perfect and wonderful no matter which resort you're at. Oooooh very elegant dresses!! Love your colors!! I love those dresses too! I love your colours!

Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb That's amazing. Go you for keeping it under 10. We are at 17K and I still want to add on...need to pull back. That is for 60 to 70 ppl though. We have about 55 booked right now It has been hard to keep it that low (we have 45 people).....and in the beginning I thought it would be cheaper before I realized that nothing was included! Quote: Originally Posted by ~Nicole~ Amy, it has come full circle for you!! Now you get to reassure all of these brides with me Ditto to what Amy said. I wasted so many tears on people that I honestly wish I hadn't... one of those being my mom as well. I had 7 people show for my wedding..... 2 of those were family members - one brother and my sister. And you know what, it turned out perfectly! The attendance numbers were definitely lower than we had expected, but I can tell you that I honestly don't care to this day about that! I'm not defending these insane people giving you a hard time, but I honestly think that they just don't "get it". And you know what, you don't need their approval. It will work out *HUGS* I think you are in the minority if you are having a destination wedding and no one complains or creates extra stress for you. I have a lot of really close family and friends coming, but I definitely had my share of stress with extended family members criticizing our decision. It got so bad at one point that my mom is still mad at my aunt for making a big deal about our choice (and that was a year and a half ago). Everyone is right when they say that it doesn't matter who goes. As long as you and your FI are there and happy, everything will be wonderful

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Robin, Depends if you want to have a private event or not and how many people are coming. I think compared to other 5* resorts in the area its reasonable. Even with a private function, for say 50 people, you can keep it under $10k. Welcome! What do you want to know - resort specific or wedding specific? Whats your other choice? Robin, I added a lot of extras, and including the photographer (who is not one of the resorts photographers), we are just under 10K (probably right at 10K if we include the price of travelling.) It is more than what I thought it would be originally, but I think it will be beautiful!

Quote: Originally Posted by jazz04 Does anyone have a wedding page that you have created that I could look at. I know there are free sites but need some suggestions. my site is Matthew and Meghan - wedding website by mywedding.com It was free Quote: Originally Posted by beaz2be Lindz - just looked at your website! AMAZING. That must've taken a ton of time. looks awesome!! lolo, your photos are gorgeous!

Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay I have no idea. My little brother (Not so little, he is 29) is walking me down the aisle and then being my witness. I haven't thought a ton about it but I want to get him a badass gift. He is very metro. What about Tiffany cufflinks? I think that would be a guys gift....lol. I am looking for something for my sister. I thought about a necklace from tiffany's but, they are kind of expensive....

What is everyone getting their maid of honours or bridesmaids for gifts?

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert Hey Ladies< i wanted to check and show my excitment for all the upcoming brides, Its so cool to see so many brides going to Azul Sensatori. We should be getting some sort of offsite wedding coordinator fee, we do a fantastic job of planning and support hehe After reading a few pages, I see a few things have changed. Chong, Im so glad I told you about this blog and that you found your way around on here- isn't it amazing!!! Looks like the gazebo fabric price went up on you, booo!! That totally sux. Sometimes if you write a email asking for them to honor the price you heard it was before their may be somthing they can work out for you. OR maybe even inquire about it with the onsite? Maybe they will atleast give you a resort credit and you can use they credit for a massage or twards wedding day hair style or somthing ;0 Also, I remember trying to order drinks to room service and them saying no only beer, but we found an employee that was super nice and we talked to him about it and he said he would bring up drinks lol we threw $20 to bring 10 margaritas and 10 shots up and he did it :0, again TIPS GO ALOOOOOONG way. Believe me, he came back up a few times for orders lol. Anyways, Im enjoying all your pics and so excited for upcoming brides. Who's next Megan?? Oh my goodness, there has been so much chit chat I have missed in the passed 2 days! You girls have been busy! Yes, I am next! I can't believe I leave in 2 weeks!!!! I do not even have everything done, and I am starting to stress! I have my bachelorette party tonight, which will be good, cuz I need some stress relieved! I have report cards to finish right now, as well as finishing last minute wedding stuff. I can't believe after 2 years I am only 2 weeks away! Quote: Originally Posted by gingerlover36 Question for past brides...or current...I am a huge emailer - much better with expressing myself through written word than speaking. However, I think I might get quicker responses if I call Miami direct. What method did or do you use? annnnd Do you think because I am 10 months out they might not be as responsive as if it was closer? I do like my girl she has been really sweet so far, and sometimes she responds the same day but lately its been 1-2 week response time. I always emailed...never called, and I found emailing was fine. Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Also, got some more pictures my photog put up on a website, these are temporarily up if you wanna check them out Amy + Daylen 2010 can't wait to look at your pics, but I am heading out right now for my bachelorette party...I know you look gorgeous anyway! Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz haha 4 is right...wait, maybe 5?!? Thank you You girls are just so full of compliments today!!! Oh girls!! As a result of all of your good thoughts and prayers and whatever else you were sending my way, my photog has definitely redeemed herself. Passports order, pictures and garmin sent! They will arrive tomorrow! WHEW!!!!!!!!!!! SUCH a relief. This week has been HELL and on top of all that photo drama.... SO glad it is working out!! You don't need any of that unnecessary stress! BTW all your photos are so gorgeous!

Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps Ok I thought that was a little bit ridiculous and what's even more ridiculous is that all I asked for were lemon drop martinis and french martinis. Any bar should have the ingredients for both of those drinks so I shouldn't have to pay anything for them. I'm glad to hear this! I was avoiding getting a signature drink because of the cost, but I will wait till I get there and ask for it then. Quote: Originally Posted by mmc1105 Hey ladies! I've spent hours reading about your experiences and have chosen AS for our wedding. Thank you SO MUCH for all of your pictures and advice so far, you ladies are awesome! We are waiting to hear from our TA, but have March 7, 2011 as our tentative date. YAY!! Happy planning to all! And congrats to the newlyweds Congratulations! This forum is amazing! Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Your wedding coordinator has to put every request and question for pricing through Lomas in Mexico. So your WC would be the one negotiating, not you. I had a sweetheart table with all the tables staggered in front of me and the dance floor off to the side, worked well! No one was sitting at the tables after dinner really and everyone could still see the dance floor from the tables if they were. What is a sweetheart table? And where did you have your reception? Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb OMG, that's like the most amazing news I've heard in weeks. FI and I love champagne but just not in our budget to buy it for 70 guests. I'll def make that request onsite. Same here...I wasn't going to get any champagne cuz of cost, so I am super happy to hear this! Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb 2nd dress fitting?!?! Really? Am I like so behind? I've had my dress since January but havent done a fitting yet. Can someone advise me on timeline? Also, I guess I should find my shoes pretty soon so I can be sure that when i do get fitted that my dress isn't too short. Any of you ladies wearng a veil? What's my timeline on ordering one of those? My dress is lace and I might have enough fabric removed after my firts fitting to get one made...hmm...wonder how much that will cost. I wore a veil...Everything was custom made for me and I started the process 8 months in advance. I'd say 4 months would be safe for a veil...depends on where it is coming from.

Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Great, thank you much. I was curious because those pictures of the flower options on the Lomas site were so small. I'm digging the banana leaf though and wondered if it was an upgrade. What is the banana leaf?

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Welcome and congrats on narrowing it all down - very exciting time indeed! You know, I ordered our kids nuggets and fries, but I think they might have given her the surf & turf. I remember her eating it but maybe it was her mom's plate! Haha, anyways, yes kids menu is free like Wendy said! Good luck in your beginnings phase :-) Good to know about kids meals...I was never told about these! Quote: Originally Posted by mzgillis316 HI I have a question...what did everyone do about the centerpeices? I am really struggling between bringing down things or just picking the ones from the resort. My dilemma is even though i may only pay 25 buxs for silk flowers and a vase, I may still end up spending almost 50 to 60 buxs in checking luggage. I'm just not sure if its worth the hassle I am bringing centerpieces. I got lanterns for 15 dollars each. I am putting sand shells and a floating candle in each. I need 7 centerpieces, so I will divide them up amongst friends. Quote: Originally Posted by chong What?!? I think I just got ripped off. My WC told me $150 per fabric. I am only having 2 blue fabrics to decorate my gazebo and it will cost me $300. I need to follow up on this. I think they were on sale before and probably are not anymore....I was told they were on sale when I was quoted $75 each. And yes, white is cheaper Chong Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps Well there goes my wishful thinking. I just got an email from WC saying remember we must receive your final payment by June 16th and she attached a credit card authorization form! So weird I have not received anything yet and I get married a month before you! 3 weeks! Do we have to pay by credit card? If so, I guess i better get my limit changed!

Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps I was trying to multi-quote but it didn't work but anyway I was told that the payment is due 45 days before, which for me will be June 16th. I sure hope that day comes and goes without them asking me because due to some screw up with the IRS I haven't gotten my tax return yet and I just found out that I probably won't get it until the first week in July. We were planning to use the tax return to pay off the wedding. We can rob Peter to pay Paul to pay the wedding off but who wants to do that It'll be just my luck that the resort will be looking for my payment on June 16th exactly! I wouldn't worry lol....I am 25 days out from leaving and have not been asked for a dime!

Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay OK Ladies, I got my budget and things are looking good. My grandparents really want us to move the wedding from 2012 to 2011 and it looks like I may be able to swing it budget wise on my end so now I am waiting on my FI family to be cool with it. Then I can talk to the WC at Azul Sensatori and see what dates in May of 2011 are open. YIKES! I am an event planner so it's not like I can't get everything I was planning to do over 2 years done in 1 rightLOL Question for you ladies; I have had 2 WC's contact me from AS Tiffany Borowsky and Cécile Alix. Did anyone have good experiences with one or both? Thanks ladies! I would be Lost without you guys! I have Tiffany and have had no problems with her. I find she answers me quickly and addresses all of my questions. Quote: Originally Posted by suzannepdc I didn't have any problems with Tiffany until the very end of the process when we were about to pay the balance. I am still not sure if it was her or the resort who caused the problem, but I also don't think she pays enough attention to detail sometimes. I had been to the resort on a site visit and was pretty laid back about what I wanted, so working with her was easy since I just sent over my sheet. But I had to have my TA contact her directly so we'd get a contract that was signed by her (was told that they don't do that since it's just a list of their policies, um, no, you will sign it) and then the issue with our reception location - but again, not sure if it was her, or the powers that be that she reports to. When did you have to pay your final balance? I am a month out today and I thought I would have had to pay by now...

Quote: Originally Posted by Sammyhawk I bought a program kit from Michaels and followed the online directions, made it a little more beachy by adhering a starfish (that I had bought from oriental trading co.), and changed the ribbon and ink color to match our colors, then just followed their wording guidelines. For a thank you message and in memory of message I just used google for ideas. I'll post a pic when I have more time. Thanks, I would love to see a photo. I will have to go to michaels and check them out. Are they called program kits?

I still don't have programs made and I don't know what info I should put on them....what did you put on your programs or what are you planning on saying....

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Am I over reacting about the flower cost? Looks like for me & FI, 3 bridesmaids & 3 groomsmen will cost me about $1000 or more. I know flowers are expensive but REALLY? Is this typical? I am wondering if I need to get silk flowers... though I am not sure if it's that much cheaper. Any thoughts? Am I over reacting about the price? Chong That seems like a lot for flowers! like wendy, my bouquets are $50 (and mine is included in my package). I am just getting regular tropical flowers. Maybe if you are getting different flowers it might cost more, but $1000 seems like a lot. Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Ok my photographer...I need advice!! So, here is the deal. My photographer is AMAZING!! SO SO SO talented...AND we just clicked!! Well, I feel like she has really flaked on me...I can't get her to respond to emails or texts or phone calls or anything, and I don't know what to do. I will get a random text every few weeks that says she is soooo sorry she hasn't posted the pics...blah blah blah...and will send me the pics and other things "first thing monday morning." Then I never hear from her. Also, this is so stupid, but it just confirms her flakiness to me. She borrowed my garmin to get back to the airport for our enagement pics 1 MONTH ago. Well, I have given her my fed ex acct number and address and everything like 5 times. She keeps saying she forgets to send it, and now just won't respond to me. Like, I said, I know this is dumb to worry about, but it just seems really shady on top of everything else. Get what I am saying? And in my job (I drive about 300-400 miles everyday all over the state of Alabama), a Garmin to me is equivalent to a hair dresser not having a blow dryer! haha It is almost impossible to get around these tiny towns everyday without one. I had to go buy a new one. So, to make a long story even longer, here is the bottom line: I am spending more money on my pictures than I can even stomach. Paying her fee, her travel, her travel to NOLA for engagement pics, etc etc etc etc has gotten WAAAAY out of control. BUT it is worth it to me. However, this shadiness is scaring me to death!!!!!! What would you guys do? And she blocked me on facebook from seeing her status updates. Ok, that sounds so stalker-like, but it is true... hmmmm....that is really annoying....I would be really freaking out as well. Is she doing your wedding photos as well? If she is, I would send her an email and tell her that you are concerned and that it seems like she is not interested in doing your wedding, and ask her if you should book someone else (throw the threat out there and see if it gets her to respond). I don't know what you do about the garmin.... Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 Lindsey...fantastic pics!!! My fave one is 5255...love the light coming through. It totally sucks that your photog is being pretty sketch. All of that shadiness would worry me, too. If it continues, I would look into doing a dispute with your credit/debit card company (if you paid her with a card) to see if you can get some of your money back, for services not rendered. I agree....if she does not respond, or get you pictures in a timely matter, try and get money back.

Quote: Originally Posted by suzannepdc We wrote our entire ceremony. DH met with the minister right before the wedding and gave it to her, she read through it and he told her if she had something she wanted to ad lib, that was fine, but we did not want any religious references. She was fine with that. She was fantastic and I was so happy with her (I was really nervous that we'd get a very religious minister and run into a problem). Did you do a symbolic or legal ceremony? I was told that you can not change the script if it is legal....

Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay Well ladies, I think Azul Sensatori is going to be it. I am right now in the "budget approval" process with my FI's family and My family so as soon as we get those numbers firmed up I am going to start the booking process for May 2012. Does anyone know if they charge more for holidays? I am thinking Memorial Day May 2012 because we will only need a symbolic ceremony and according to them they only perform those M-Th As far as I know they do not charege extra for holidays. Quote: Originally Posted by chong Le Chique is reservation only? I thought everything was a la carte style restaurant. I saw on one of the brides review on AS that this is reservation only restaurant. Anyone knows? I have heard Le Chique is reservation only as well....it is still a la carte (just means you order off a menu instead of buffet)

Lindz, those pictures of you and your FI are so beautiful! Love love love them!

Hey Meredith...sorry to hear about your friend. I actually just went to see a family friend yesterday in the hospital who is dying from pancreatic cancer, and it totally puts things into perspective. About the invitations....I sent out save the dates almost 2 years in advance, and sent out my formal invites in February of this year. I did not send invites to people who had already told me they were not coming. I thought they might actually be a bit annoyed if I sent them a formal invite after they had already said no. I sent invites to people who had said yes or who had not responded/decided yet.

Quote: Originally Posted by amandamarieb Amy I forgot to mention how freaking amazing your arms look in your signature photo. I mean...I want those arms. What do I have to do to get arms like that? I noticed those arms too!

Gorgeous photos, Katie! Your brothers photos look pro! You had a different photographer as well! Lucky you to have 2 professional photographers!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart I wanted to pass along some little tidbits of advice I got from some of my married friends that really helped me with my wedding day! Some not so glamorous advice... I had a bride friend suggest taking some Tylenol PM the night before the wedding to get a good night’s rest. I am the epitome of "too excited to sleep" so I took this and got a solid 8 hours of rest and felt fresh and energized all day long on my wedding, some of the best advice I've ever gotten. Another piece of advice was to not lose track of hubby for too long during the reception. We go to parties and social events and we basically arrive together and leave together and that it, so remembering to break that habit on my wedding day was something I was so grateful for. We danced, drank and enjoyed the night together without missing out on the separate mingling every once in awhile. Also, no matter what. Do not worry about ANYONE else except you and your soon to be husband on your wedding day. My wedding day was EXTREMELY stressful leading up to the ceremony. Just sit back, get ready and don't freak out. Don't worry about anyone but yourself all night long and you'll be fine. Just so you know, this is why I freaked wedding day before the ceremony. Friday actually forgot to put sunscreen on my face... I burn especially in that heat and I got to my room to shower and get ready for the rehearsal dinner and see my face all burnt. Nose red, forehead red with a nice little white shape of sunglasses over my eyes. I had a freaking meltdown... I started doing my makeup and I had so much different cover-up on it started caking so I had to wash my face and start over which made it more red and this is on my wedding day. So my girls took me on the patio, handed me champagne and a cigarette, put a wet cloth on my face and just changed the subject. I calmed down after that and my MOH actually found some green red reducing makeup that saved the day and my face. I just can't believe I did that... oh man, I worked out but wow what a heart attack. So don't be so excited to go to the pool that you sunscreen your entire body except your face Amy, your photos are amazing! I'm so excited to go now! I'm glad you had so many good things to say! Your advice is super helpful...thanks for telling us! Quote: Originally Posted by ~Katie~ Thanks amy hey girlies....missed you all!! We are back, and I am still mega-tired and jet-lagged at the moment. For those wanting to see pics, here is the link to my brothers' shots he got - JD Photographs - Kate and Chris' Wedding once I've uploaded our proper photogs pics, I'll post the link too (we have about 1400 photos on 2 CDs!!) Meghan - have just quickly skimmed through the posts and seen you've been having some major stresses...I got the impression it's all worked out now, but I hope it all is and sending you big hugs. xx Katie, Congratulations!!! Your pictures are beautiful!! Thanks for thinking of me...we did have a big stress for a while. Our airline went bankrupt, so we had to change our flight date, which meant we had to change our wedding date, so for a while we had no wedding date. ...and we lost our photographer. But our TA has compensated us, plus our guests and we have a photographer we like....whew!

This is Meghan's fiance, I wanted to get information on day trip/excursions while we're down there. What have you planned for excursions? What company was it booked through? For those that did Catamaran/snorkeling, what was the package like-cost/#people/inclusives? thanks.

Quote: Originally Posted by chong Did anyone send out "Invitations"? What are you including in the invitation? I did register so I would like people know that I have registered... but I have already send out the save the date card. People who can come already made the reservation and people who cannot come already told me that they cannot come... Any suggestions? I am planning to do a OOT bag and include the details about the wedding. What are you all doing? What have you done? I sent out formal invites. I did not put where we were registered. People have found out through word of mouth. If you make a wedding website, you could put it on there, but I wouldn't suggest putting it on your invites. I sent my invites out to everyone who said they were coming and who had not said no yet.

Welcome back, Amy! Saw a couple pics on fb and you looked absolutely gorgeous! can't wait to hear about it!