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Quote: Originally Posted by Calgrl Hi Laura, I was wondering if you could tell me how much it was to hire Kiko and Carlos band. I'm trying to get a quote from them but wanted to be able to compare their quote with what other people have paid. Also, did you have the whole band? They offered to have the whole band vs. only 3 people. Thanks a lot. I know I am not Laura but I had the same band for my wedding last July... I had them for ceremony, cocktail hour and 5 hours for reception... and I believe the total was around $6,000.. give or take a few dollars. I hope this helps! -Erica

Girls name ALWAYS goes first.... that just the way it is

Here is a photo that my Photographer took....

I did the same... We were married in the Courthouse here in NJ 2 weeks prior to us going to Mexico...I did not want to deal with all the paperwork down there and just had the legal part taken care of. Just the 2 of us and our parents were there... I did not want it to feel like we were getting married at all... and to be honest, it did not feel like we were married after that... the real thing was Mexico! Plus down in Mexico you are required to have a blood test down there. Up here we did not have to!

Quote: Originally Posted by t&kJanuary2010 I wonder if they still have this party dress! I love both of your dresses! Would you be willing to sell the welcome party dress? I would be willing to sell it... I so love this dress and it is in PERFECT condition and it is all dry cleaned and wrapped in plastic in my closet... I wish I could wear it again, but the truth is, I probably will never wear it again... so I would like someone else to get the use out of it! It is so comfortable and so flattering one.... I it is a size 6. I am willing to see it for $150. I paid over $200 for it with shipping, since it is not available in the stores! I had to wait literally 4 months for it.. I ordered it last Jan. 1st and did not received it until the middle of April.... talk about cutting it close with getting married in July! Let me know what you want to do

Quote: Originally Posted by Danielle77 Hi Ladies, I am just wondering if anyone else has Gabriela for a wc? I am getting married at the Colonial, January 5, and I haven't heard from her in over a month, I have so many questions about the reception and set up and the would like to know about menu options, but she has not returned my last 3 emails. What should I do? I had Gabriela as WC, got married July 18th 2009 and honestly did not hear from her much! I know it is so frustrating when it is so close to your wedding and no emails! I promise you though and I know everyone says the same thing... they are so, so so busy down there (Gabriela told me they do sometimes 65 a month!) that when your wedding does come closer... they will be on your beck and call! I was a worried wort all last winter and to think of all the wasted hours I spend stressing about nothing! I would not stress.... and if all else fails! Call them! I did a lot I hope this helps! -Erica

Quote: Originally Posted by alkoch I love the dress and you look great in it, but I already have my dress - but I was wondering where you got the dress you were wearing what I am assuming was the rehearsal or welcome dinner where everyone was in white. Also I loved the ceremony location! It is beautiful! The dress from the White Party is from Nordstroms.. here is the link JS Boutique Embellished Jersey Knit Gown - Wedding Dresses - Nordstrom Thank you for all your kind words

Quote: Originally Posted by Elizabeth Medina Oh my goodness, having spent some time with this dress (and the very beautiful Erica who would have looked great in a potato sack!) I have to chime in and say it is one totally out of this world gorgeous dress and deserves to be worn again! Elizabeth!!!! Thank you so much for such a nice comment!!! Your too sweet! I so wish I could do it all over again.... from the first time I met you!!! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my dress and I wish I could wear it again.... but unfortunately I can't I just watched my sideshow.... AGAIN for like the 100th time! I re-live everything when I watch it and I can not thank you enough for the stunning pictures you have given me, a true gift that I will have forever! I want to purchase the slide show.. How do I go upon doing this? Hope all is well

Quote: Originally Posted by joie1987 AMYNJOE this is a verrrry good question! i would like to know the same thing! i'll email Xhail and see if i get anything back! Hey Ladies!!! Just to let you know... I was able to bring my bouquet home with me all the way to NJ! I did not think I would be allowed to... but I took a chance. The only people who gave me a little bit of trouble (not even) was customs in Newark Airport. I simply asked them to allow me though... that I just got married and I could not bare to see my bouquet go in the trash! it's worth a shot! I have mine sitting in my den in a vase... all dried out! Looks beautiful

Thank you ladies for all you nice comments!!! The bridemaids dresses were Badgley Mischka.

Hello Fellow Destination Brides! I am selling my Pnina Tornai wedding gown! Check out my slideshow to see pictures of it.... Totally gorgeous, 100% Pure silk... built in inner corset, absolutely STUNNING! I am a regular size 6, 5'5" tall. Can be altered to fit your measurements! Original Pirchase Price paid was $6,000. Matching Custom Cathedral Vale originally %1,100. Dress is immaculate. Original Garment Bag, and tags included. If interested, please email me at [email protected] -Erica

Quote: Originally Posted by t&kJanuary2010 Erica, Thank you so much for all of your valuable information. I def feel I am grasping what items need to be addressed earlier on and what not to worry about...trying not to stress..but you have been there so I am sure I will survive as you did You and your guests looked full of smiles and happiness and that is all I want for my day We are getting married Jan 16th, 2010. Many people are booking so it is really getting even more exciting. We are looking at around 45 like your group. You did not discouarge me at all about the wedding beach party... I would totally love to have such a lovely party...it really looked like you guys had tons of fun. I just know we don't have to funds. Still not sure what we are working with as far as numbers so have to keep it simple until I get the final guest count, etc. Now you said Gabriela made reservations for you and your party of 35-45 people at the a la cartes...how far in advance did you contact her to plan that out? Do you recommend certain restaurants over others? I was just thinking of making a reservation on Friday night and then having the wedding saturday. Let people make their own selection on Thurs and Sunday? What do you think of should I make them for everyone for all the nights? As for the welcome dinner...I don't mind everyone not sitting at the same tables...I just want to be together and make some announcements and give out our presents for the bridal party. Will they let us do that?? Let me know your thoughts?? Thanks again I am sorry I have been a little slow on my replys... I went back to work this week after having the whole summer off... oh the joys of teaching Lol I asked Gabriela to book the reservations when I got down there. But if you want to be more pro-active than I was with them, email her and ask how far in advance can you book them.. they might not take reservations until like a couple of days before... I dont know. But Gabriela did all the reservations for me since we did have such a large group! It is up to you and how you want dinners to go.... I wanted everyone together, but I do know how your group and if everyone is going to want to all eat together. Thats your call I see no reason why anyone would give you an issue with handing out gifts in the restaurant... I would do it. As far as the restauranrts go... I mean the French is my favorite... but never actually ate dinner in there... we avoided it and did allow any of my guests to eat in there... since we knew that was where we were having the reception ... I did want anyone to see it before the big reveal I did not like at all the Brazilian Restaurant (Ridizo)... I am not a huge meat eatter and to be honest.... I hated it... I hate to be blunt... but it was not my cup of tea. The Carribbean restaurant was good... and then that leaves the French and the Japanese.... but the Japanese (which I heard was good) was totally out of the questuon for me... since it is an air conditioned and I didnt want to sweat while eatting! (it is the coral grill.... they turn it into the Japanese restaurant after hours).

Quote: Originally Posted by SunnyT Hey, Erica! What exactly IS the air star?? Is it really a balloon with helium or something? Our wedding is June 26, 2010...I wish it was sooner! But I know time is gonna fly by! The hardest part for me is picking the colors for the wedding! Did you stay there for your honeymoon?? -Tania Tania, The aire star is a large "balloon on a stick".. I know that sounds really cheesy... but it was so nice! Lit up part of that party and was the focal point of the party! Everyone kept on say "oh wow.. Look at that"! I would do it over again in a heart beat!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by harv0136 Erica, looks like you had the violin for your ceremony, how was it? What songs did they play or did you pick? Thanks! To be honest.... I have no idea what was played How bad is that! I hired Kiko and Carlos Band and I left it in their hands... All I can say is that they were incredible!! I left it all up to them.. since they were the experts in the music department... but my one request was that Cannon in D was played as I walked doen the isle with my Dad.

Natalie!!! Thank you so much I just figured out how to do it last night!

t&kJanuary2010, As far as the Welcome party being $5000. You do not have to have to let bill go that high.. you can have a gorgeous dinner on the beach with just high cocktail tables.... and there is no extra cost besides the food. You do not have to have it for 3 hours either. There are ways to have a beautiful party on the beach for much less. I hope I did not discourage you Do not get me wrong... the rented furniture was gorgeous, but not needed if your budget does not allow. I would ask the WC for other options... Also.... what about having them section off a part of the Buffet?? I did that one night and it was wonderful... somewhat private.... and everyone gets to eat what they want... Thats another option!

Quote: Originally Posted by yesther Erica, Thanks for much for sharing your beautiful day with us! The pictures, the write up and all the answers to the questions are totally appreciated! It makes me want to have a welcome dinner party like yours!!! Thank you!

Quote: Originally Posted by t&kJanuary2010 Did she offer any suggestions?? I don't get why all these people have to pay palace price if we are going to be paying extra for there dinners for 2 of the 4 night? You konw...should have just shacked them up at on of the other places. I just know we can't spend another 5000 on a welcome party...would love to but it is not going to happen. My FI mom has already made a few comments about "is this really going to end up being less expensive then your wedding here"...you know I am not sure but it is what it is not, ya know! I had 30-45 people 3 nights at the restaurants... and there was no set menu... Same menu that everyone else was given. As far as the Welcome party being $5000. You do not have to have to let bill go that high.. you can have a gorgeous dinner on the beach with just high cocktail tables.... and there is no extra cost besides the food. You do not have to have it for 3 hours either. There are ways to have a beautiful party on the beach for much less. I hope I did not discourage you Do not get me wrong... the rented furniture was gorgeous, but not needed if your budget does not allow. I would ask the WC for other options... Also.... what about having them section off a part of the Buffet?? I did that one night and it was wonderful... somewhat private.... and everyone gets to eat what they want... Thats another option!

Quote: Originally Posted by SunnyT Erica, Thanks so much for all the info. and for sharing your special day with us! Elizabeth Medina did such a fabulous job for you guys! Looking at your pics makes me so excited, and I can't wait to see what she does for us! Question...that big thing with your names on it during your beach party, is that the "air star" that's on the price list? I love it!! Congrats to you and Doug!!! -Tania Tania! I am so excited for you that Elizabeth will be photographing your wedding! She is incredible!!! The large "balloon" thing is the air star It was so nice and they customize it for you... Thank you again!! When is your wedding -Erica

Quote: Originally Posted by t&kJanuary2010 Erica, REALLY... I can not thank you enough for taking the time to provide all that information!!!! I have gotten an email from the WC that we can have the ceremony at 3:00pm. My FI wants later but we'll see what she comes back with...4:30pm would work for time I am sure Did you get to meet the priest prior to your wedding? Also did you and your FI have to legally marry in the states before leaving for MX...I was told that by WC also Doesn't look like we will be doing a welcome dinner...FI doesn't want to spend that much...b/c I am add alot of other expenses to the wedding its self...I'm sure we will work something out. Do you know if they will book group reservations at any of the resturants Our party is looking like 43-45 right now. I am going to keep my fingers crossed on my girl friend for hair. I just would feel good knowing she is going to be there so I can put those thoughts at rest once i know she is in. Another girl in my bridal party went to "hair school" but she has never worked with my hair sooo I am not going to go there at this point...but was hoping she would help the other ladies. I am sure she would do a great job on me too I just haven't had personal experience. You know!! Thanks sooooo much again! you rock!! Toni Toni, You are so welcome for all the information... I know this time last year I was asking all the same questions... I did not meet the Priest until the moment I reached the alter at the wedding!!! Crazy but that is how it went. I was legally married in NJ prior to going to MX, BUT I was told that I could get legally married down in MX as well as have the Catholic Ceremony... but there were a few cons.... You have to have a blood test done on the property of the Barcelo for $180 in order to obtain a marriage license down there.... Also, I don not know how long you will be at the resort prior to being married (if you are planning on getting legally married in the US this doesnt matter) but if you do both down there... you have to be in the county (MEXICO) 4 working days with 4 witnesses. I just thought it was too much stress... so I just decided to go to the local court house, and had a judge marry us in his chambers... It took like 10 min. and it was done. Then we had our "legal paperwork" taken care of... took it with us to Mexico and then all we had to bring with us was all the Catholic paperwork that I had received from my Priest at my church at home. I just thought it was easier that way for us... but you might feel differently. We had 45 total people for the week with us at the Barcelo... Gabriela booked all our reservations for us.... Monday night we all ate at the Buffet, Tuesday at the Carribean, Wednesday at the Ridizo ( I think that is how it is spelt) and then Thursday we ate at the Buffet again, Friday was the rehearsal dinner on the Beach (it was a private party) Saturday was the Wedding at the French Restaurant and then Sunday... Italian restaurant at the Tropical... That was the only night we left the Palace to eat... But since we were guests of the Palace you can eat at any of the restaurants. But Gabriela made all these reservations for us.. I mean we had any where between 30 and 45 each night. Now dont get me wrong, we were not all sitting at the same table... but they did their best to keep us in the same section of the restaurants... It was awesome.. and there were no "extra" cost for doing this. If you have any other questions... Just ask PS... When is your wedding

Quote: Originally Posted by t&kJanuary2010 Erica, I have so many questions...after seeing your pictures I can truly envision our wedding in a more positive light...thank you for that. I am 4 months away and getting very nervous because I don't get the responses I want at times from the WC. I have the same as yours. Now I can say one thing...I am nervous about the pictures. I wish I was on here before I had to make the decision whether to go with the Barcelo pics because it would have been worth it to have amazing pic such as yours. I wasn't aware of the forum as of then and now apparently it is to late to have an outside photographer. First Question: The chapel...so classey. We wanted to have our wedding in the chapel but was told it can not happen on a saturday and then was told we could...just last week. I sent the WC to see if the priest was available at the same time and date, invites are already out so that can't change. Still waiting to hear back. Then we are trying to fastforward pre-marriage courses with our priest here at home...I hope it can happen...we are meeting with him tomorrow night at 7:30pm..can't you tell we want this. Can you tell me your experience with the catholic ceremony? Was it more expensive? is it near the Palace? Question2: Do you still have the picture you sent to the WC of your bouquet? Love that look and would like to take your advice and have a picture of excatly what I want. Question3: Did you and your FI have to pay alot extra for the beach party? Can you PM me with details and questions I should ask the WC?? Your group looks very similar in the size of our guests...we want to just have a big casual party...before the party! Question 4: Did you get your hair done at the resort? I have a friend that has said she was coming which is a stylist and has worked with my hair before...but she is not booked so I am concerned...plus I want my girls to have their hair done. Sorry for all the questions...please help!! Ok here it goes.... Question 1. The Chapel is so classy and beautiful.... I fell in love with as as soon as I saw it. I had my wedding on a Saturday.. so I am not sure where you found that you were not allowed to get married on a Saturday in the Chapel. I do know that they have a Mass every Saturday at 6pm.. so I had to have my wedding at 4:30 (the latest they would allow me) so that the regular "church - goers" wouldnt run into my guests. You have to have all your Pre-Cana Classes taken care of... and you need to meet with your Priest because you Diocese needs to basically "release" you from the Diocese and allow you to get married in Mexico. That is what I had to do. But you Priest will let you know all of this when you meet with them.. and do not stress about time... because Doug and I met with my Priest literally 3 weeks before we were suppose to leave for Mexico!!! Talk about being stressed.... See no one told me that this had to be done. (I did though have my Pre-Cana Classes under my belt already) but never did meet with the Priest. But everything worked out for the best in the end. The Priest will give you all the paperwork, and I know the Barcelo tells you to mail all the paperwork out to them... But I did not trust it would all get there, or get lost, so I just brought it all with me and gave it to Gabriela to give to their Priest. Basically what they need is your Church Seal. Thats all. As far as the Church being more expensive.. it was the same cost as if it was going to be on the beach. Same cost. The Chapel is located in the Colonial... which is a 5 min. tram ride over from the Palace. Gabriela had it all arranged so my guest all had to meet in the Palace lobby and the tram (like a small bus, with no AC picked them all up at 4pm for my 4:30 wedding.... then a Golf Cart all decorated with flowers picked up the Bridal Party and the Guysat 4:20pm and then another WC came and picked up both myself, my Dad and Mom and took us in a golf cart to the ceremony. This all happened within 25 minutes.... So when the ceremony was over...The tram (with Gabriela arranged for us) picked everyone back up after the Mass and brought everyone back to the Palace. It was awesome how it worked out.. but again, I did not plan this to honestly like the day before the wedding, so dont stress.... its wasted energy Question 2. I do not have the picture I sent Gabriela.... just find one that is all roses and tell them you want to have coral color.... I used the CORAL colored roses... NOT the Hot Pink.. The Barcelo has 2 "PINKS" to choose from. Question 3. The White Party on the beach the night before the wedding was NOT included in the wedding package price... it was extra. We had a "lounge type of party", with an open bar for 3 hours... and we used the Menu of "Tacos and Tequila"... So gorgeous.. and if you watch my slideshow you will see all the pictures. The cost to rent all the lounge furniture was around $1,500 USD. The rest of the party with live band ($600 USD for 2 hours... has to be paid in CASH) all the drinks and food anyone could ever consume was I believe $5,000. But ask the coordinators. I mean I had an extra hour added so it drove the cost up.. you dont have to rent furniture... you can just have tall cocktail tables for no cost I believe. We had a total of 45 guests. Question 4. I did not get my hair done at the resort.... My Maid of Honor is a hair dresser, so she did my hair and my moms. BUT everyone one else got their hair done at the Spa.. a bit pricey but when you need your hair done... you will pay pretty much anything! I think they charged all my bridesmaids around $75-$80.. not sure but in that range. Make sure you bring pictures!! They do not speak the best English and it is hard to explain what you want, so if they can see it, it would be better! They all made their appointments when they got to the resort. Ok I hope this helps!! Let me know if you need anything else Erica :)

Quote: Originally Posted by harv0136 Erica your pics are gorgeous! You're wedding was so beautiful...congrats! I love your bags for your moms and bridesmaids. Do you mind telling me where you found them? Super cute idea for the moms too! Was your cocktail hour on the rooftop? For the rehearsal dinner, did you set them up in advance with Gabriela? Do you mind telling me how much per person for the taco bar set up? Such a great idea! Thank you so, so much!!! The bags for my Mom I got from... Mother of the Bride Tote from Classy Bride Mother of the Groom.. Honestly was VERY hard to find... no one makes them really... But this where I got mine from... Mother of the Groom Bag And I got all my Bridesmaids bags here... Geez... you have it easy Doing all this work for you!!!! JK Buy Wedding Personalized Canvas Tote - Wedding Personalized Canvas Tote Online - Discount Wedding Personalized Canvas Tote) Cocktail Hour was on the Rooftop... SO beautiful.. and we also had a love band... Kiko and Carlos Band!!! Awesome.... For the night before the wedding we had the Tacos and Tequila on the beach, the set up fee for all the lounge furniture was around $1,500 for the night and then the food with open bar per person was I believe $25, since we had the open bar for 3 hours I think the price they quoted me of $15 per person was only for 2 hours...So worth every penny... People are STILL talking about how original and gorgeous the whole night was!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by harv0136 One more question, where did you find the white maracas? love them! 7" White Maracas - PartyMart: party supplies These are the exact ones I bought... Then I made the tags that you can see in the pictures... Simple with a tied ribbon in either green or pink

Quote: Originally Posted by finzup Erica what was the location of your cocktail party? Which appetizers did you choose, the mexican, caribbean, or international? How were they? Thanks!! I am absolutely in love with your photos!!! Thank you!!! I love them too :) For my cocktail hour I had a mixture of all 3! I didnt know you could do that... but when I sat down with Gabriela and was finalizing everything, I was not crazy about any of the menus from start to finish.... So or arguments sake, you are allowed to have 8 appetizers.... I I chose 3 from one, 4 from another and 1 from another... You know what I mean... So there was a very nice mixture... and I am not sure if the pictures showcase the food, but they went ABOVE AND BEYOND!!! The presentation was Gorgeous!!! I am VERY picky when it comes to the way things look... and I was truly IMPRESSED!!! The food (which I am also a VERY picky eater) Was delicious... Nothing like any of the food in the buffets, which I wasnt too crazy about myself... What I didnt know until I got there was that they have completely different chefs for "weddings" then they do for the rest of the resort! So chic, so classy, so good

Quote: Originally Posted by vlynnw Erica, your pictures are beautiful, and you are beautiful! Looking at these really makes me want to have my reception in the French Restaurant now! If you don't mind could you tell me what wedding package you chose? Thank you so much!!! I had the Ocean Scents Package, I am not sure if they do weddings in there regularly, but Gabriela made an exception for us since they overbooked our original location of the poolside. What had happened was that they were also having a 300 person doctors convention on the beach... the same time and day of my reception.... so needless to say, since I booked this wedding a year and half in advance... I was pissed!... Way pissed... Monday the 13th of July was NOT a good day... Gabriela, got really nervous and made the French Restaurant available for the reception.... otherwise she would have been dealing with 2 crazy people... me and my mom.... BUT on a good note... everything worked out for the best.... as you can see in the pictures!!!