Archie510

Get him on this site and let him see that it is no big deal to get legally married here and have your wedding ceremony / celebration there! It really is no big deal! Get him to add you on!

Thank you!!! Maggie Sottero is the designer for this dress. I really loved it because not only does it have the sweatheart neckline that I wanted, but it has rouching on the corset AND a Slit!!! How awesome is that!!! Too Perfect for a destination wedding and a Trash the dress session!

WEDDING REVIEW What can I say, we had a blast at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya! All I gotta say, is that I want to go back and do it all over again, just to be able to relive that experience. I will forever be grateful to the hotel, their staff, and everyone there that was able to make my day very special and unforgettable. All 50 of my guests keep taking about it and were so happy to have joined us on our special day. The memories will forever be in all our hearts! I know how important these reviews are, as I got so much information from them myself while planning and anticipating my departure to the beautiful Riviera Maya. So I hope you enjoy this review and the pics, and hopefully this will help you in your planning. CHECK-IN It was a breeze to check in. All though I was a little disappointed w/ the upgrade they promised. I guess I was hoping to get lucky and get upgraded to the 2 story suite w/ a Jacuzzi w/ an ocean view, but that didn’t happen. They assured us that we got an upgrade, but when we saw other guests rooms, they were just like ours. The only difference may have been the view, and we received courtyard view. We tried to upgrade to that 2 story suite, but there weren’t any available. So we stayed in our designated room. (my suggestion to the future brides out there, just book that suite, because it will make for killer pics! It has a spiral staircase. I was lucky enough to have my neighbors over hear me when I was getting ready for my wedding and they came over and offered their suite for pics! MEETING WITH THE COORDINATORS Since we stayed at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya, we had access to all other Riu hotels in that area. We were running late and rushing, so we took a cab to the Riu Palace (since we weren’t sure how close it would be). Well, I’m going to save you $10. When you exit the hotel at the lobby, make a left and walk down. You will pass a few hotels on the right, but you will run into it within a 5 minute walk! Needless to say, when we were done we walked back. The coordinators were nice and we filled out some additional paperwork and picked all the extras for the wedding. This is the last opportunity to make things happen, so if you have any questions or concerns, you need to address them at that point. You have 4 choices when it comes to the bouquet, Any thing the others are at additional cost. I didn’t go the extra mile since the free once are really nice. I loved my bouquet! There was once Hiccup that I wasn’t happy about, but they fixed it. When we were corresponding via e-mail regarding our wedding dinner reservations, I specifically stated that I wanted a private dinner, with a reception and a DJ for Dancing. I asked where this would be possible and was told I had two options. Chili’s Steakhouse or Boto-Fogo (Brazilian). So I chose Chili’s. Well, when we got down to it, they told us they couldn’t do a private reception because they need at least 80 ppl to close out chili’s for a private dinner and DJ reception. I got a little upset because I sent many e-mails stating that I wanted a private dinner w/ reception and they knew how many in my party, so if they new they couldn’t offer Chili’s why would they offer it. So they were able to get me Boto Fogo. At that point something was better than nothing. (In a way, it worked out, because after the cocktail hour(s) we went in at 8:45 to eat and sometime during dinner it started to pour! We would have gotten a bit wet at chili’s since it’s an open air restaurant that faces the beach. WELCOME DINNER Our welcome dinner was at Don Manolo’s (Buffet) It was sectioned off, but it felt as if we were the only ones there, because they have a partition that seperates that area and the rest of the dinning areas and buffet stations. They set it up w/ champagne glasses and went around pouring champagne and wine before dinner. It was perfect, because they set a table for 2 on the far front so everyone could see us, and all the tables were in a row across the room. We did the speeches and toasted to everyone that made it and a special shot out to our parents. Everyone was tearing up ESPECIALLY me! The food was delicious! WEDDING DAY I woke up and got a massage w/ my Maid of Honor who so happened to be turning 30 that day (Yes, I kinda stole her day, BUT she had a blast and was very happy that day!) We got breakfast and I gave her, her b-day and MOH Gifts. After that I went to get my hair done at Renova Spa (which did a great job, I have thick wavy hair and hate when people do it, because I’m NEVER Satified, BUT I LOVED IT) After that it was a whirl wind, everything happened so fast. When I got back into my room to get ready, My flowers were there! My wedding was at 4 pm, and the only time I saw the coordinator was when she came into my room to get me to walk down to the Gazebo. But they have multiple people working the wedding and they had everything under control down at the Wedding Gazebo. My wedding was short and sweet, I loved it! They used all the decorations that I brought for them to put up, and made it look real nice! COCKTAIL HOUR(S) Our Cocktail hour was really 5 hours. It worked out really well for us. We booked the Mariachi for 4 hours and a Trio for 1. I am Mexican, so we love Mariachi Music and we started the party right away. We danced our first dance to Mariachi, did the Father and daughter dance. Threw the bouquet and garter. We do this thing called “ La Culebra†(the Snake). Right before we throw the bouquet or garter, all the single women or men, hold hands and run around, in between tables and objects. Then they stand behind the person who is throwing the item and try to catch it. They had champagne w/ sliced strawberries on a table for our guests (mind you, I didn’t order this or ask for it, so it was a nice treat and surprise!) DINNER We had our private reception at Boto Fogo which is a Brazilian themed restaurant. If you have over 50 ppl, they will reserve it for you. Good size dance space, and we had a bar and DJ set up. To keep cost down you can use your Ipod and you don’t need to have a bar in the restaurant. What they do is go over to the Lirico (a bar next to Boto Fogo, but it may take a while to get your drinks! If you get a DJ its only for 3 hours, and it seems like time flies, so if you go w/ the DJ, Bring your Ipod and use that after the DJ is done. Overall it was the best wedding EVER! (Doesn’t hurt that it was mine!) All my guests got along, became friends and had a blast! Now we’re waiting for someone else to get engaged so we can do it again! We’re seriously thinking about doing an annual trip, because the group that made it there was OFF DA HOOK!!! This is the link to my Web Gallery (not all, but some of the welcome dinner, wedding & TTD) Arcelia & Jonathan This is the Link to my Non Pro Pics onShutterfly http://diazweddingriu.shutterfly.com/

Beautiful pics! I just got married at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya, and it was also the most perfect day! I was SOOOOO Happy with the way everything turned out!

I had my reception at Boto Fogo (which is Brazilian). I originally wanted it at Chili's, but I wanted a private reception with a dj for dancing and that is the only place they will allow that. (If you have 50+ people) At chili's they want at least 80 ppl to close it down for a private reception. But in the end, it was best, because it was more intimate for everyone. One suggestion is DON'T pay extra for a cake!!! It is NOT good, and they serve dessert at each restaurant. (we paid over $350 for 52 people and not one person ate it! LOL) Here is the link to my Shutterfly Non-Pro pics. The first 24 pics are from the Riu hotel's photographer which does a wonderful job! Now I kinda wish I wouldn't have flown my own, but I can tell you that this guy is a pro and will do a great job if you hire him! The rest are pics given to me by my guests. (I should get my pics this week, per my photographer!) Im done w/ my review, but wont upload it until I get a link to my pro pics. Should be by the end of this week. I promise!!! http://diazweddingriu.shutterfly.com/

I agree with Luvdezi! I just got married there on Nov. 20th and we had the time of our lives! The tables really dont need table decorations. They will decorate the head table w/ a beautiful flower centerpiece, but for the other tables they will use really nice linens. For example at Boto Fogo, they used an ivory damask linen which was nice. The table was covered w/ glasses and dishes and tea light candles, that there really isnt much room for them (on the rectangle tables) they charge an extra $1000 for round tables (and that cost doesnt make sense to me) At Chilis they use a royal blue table linen. I believe those are the two choices if you want a private dinner. They will go above and beyond for your wedding, so don't worry. The staff is very friendly and will make your day special!

I have lots of great info and pics!!! Im still waiting for my pro pics, but have plentyof non pro that i can share right now. We had a great time and can't wait to go back. Your going to have a WONDERFUL TIME!!! I have been lagging on my review because i want to share the pro-pics. I will work on the review w/ pics tonight

The cake was NASTY!!! It was chocolate w/ strawberry filling. the icing was fondant and very sweet and thick. We paid over $350 for 52 people and the only people that touched it was my husband and I. They serve dessert at the specialty restaurants, so my advice to you is save your money. We paid $350 to take a few pics of cutting the cake, because no one ate it! The desserts they serve are delicious.

Not a problem, if you would like, I can e-mail you all the info I have gotten from them. PM me your e-mail address. I asked many questions!!!

Yes they do, and its $16 per person. Have you booked w/ them yet? once you go through the booking stage, you will see that it is an option (at additional cost of course!!!)

I love the hair! Both up and down! I might have to steal that idea!!! Cant wait to see more pics!

Congratulations!!! OMG - Im so happy for you! Glad to hear you had an amazing wedding! they are doing our reception dinner at 9 pm! That is very late!!! Im not too happy about that. The pics they have sent me about the cake aren't too nice, so would you say you would do w/o the cake if you could do it all over again? Did they charge extra for the suite? was it the 2 floor one? Ohhhh....I cant wait! Great pics! Thanks for the review, you made me feel much better about everything!

Im getting married there on Nov. 20th!!! Less than a month from now ! Wooo Hooooo I will defiantley share my story and pics when I return!

Im sure he realized what a great thing he had with you, but its a little too late. Just let him know that you are happily engaged and that its too bad things didn't work out and maybe in another life you two will meet! lol If he doesnt respond or calls back, you know he definatley isnt worth it! He will probably kick himself in the ass for taking this long to come back to you. Good luck with that situation. I know how it feels when you feel so strong for another man that was in your past and no longer is in your present and future.

I'm so happy for you! I can't wait to see the rest of the pictures from Jean. I'm thinking about booking him. How much does he charge?

I like the first one! It looks more original.

you made me tear up! Great vows!

WELCOME!!! There are at least 3-4 real good reviews from there! I will be getting married there on Nov. 20th and just like you, a bit irritated with the lack of communication. You can't really concentrate on the things over there, just worry about your invites, and things you need to do here. I will definaley post my review and pics when I come back!! You will find lots of info here!

We're not paying for our guests or bridal party to attend! That was the reason we decided to do a DW. To reduce the cost of the wedding.

#2 AND its cheaper! You can't beat that deal!

WOW!!! Your Boarding passes Rock!!! Great Job! Can I get the template LOL

Hello Ladies, I just purchased my Sand Ceremony Kit and got 3 different colors for the vase. This is something new that I have never seen any one do it, but i have heard of it and I'm going to do it. what exactly do you say and do .... .....and when do you do it? Before or after the vows Help pls.... Thanks Ladies!

Welcome!!! You are going to find great ideas from all these wonderful ladies! Defiantley surf around because there is so much info on this forum! I wish i would have known about it well in advance! Have fun on here!

Im getting married there on nov. 20th! so I will give you all the low down on that. I was also very concerned with the dj/disco thing! I will take lots of pics and post them...when i get back!!!

I wish I would have read these reviews before picking out my location!!! But...I may stay there for our honeymoon. We haven't picked out a hotel for the last 4 days of our trip. How exciting!!!