prairiegirl

Room Category.. just a note... if your are booking a swim up room and for some reason dont like it?? Remember, the swim up room is the highest category.. so there is nothing saying your can't DOWNGRADE to an ocean view. for us, we were unhappy with our swimup cause we were not there for a party, as our group was very small only 6 of us... and our room was right beside a bar so there was always people around. We asked for a DOWNGRADE and got a fantastic second floor ocean view room (much more private than a main floor suite and was probably twice the size as the swim up). So if you are not happy, ask for a downgrade, we did and were very happy we did...

tracy, did you get anything figured out with your photographer yet?? Remember I totally skip out lomas, never even talked to them about it, just found who they accept.. and emailed mexican weddings directly... hopefully your working something out, unless they have 'closed' that loophole... nicky

Quote: Originally Posted by Jen & Josh We are doing a AHR just like a normal wedding reception. I will wear my dress, we will have a DJ. It won't be decorated fancy....we are doing fiesta theme..taco bar, beer, margaritas. Cactus for decoration on the tables with chips and salsa. we gave out free tequila shots *with lime and salt as people walked in (after the receiving line) and then when the head table sat down... and the program started... the MC asked the head table to stand.. sowe all stood up and did our shots too!! which was REALLY funny cause us girls did it no problems, and the guys made faces and gave a really big reaction.. it was funny...

To everyone planning the AHR Just had mine on the weekend.. We were married on Feb 6th, got home Feb 16, had the reception March 7th for a 130 people (church blessing - catholic at 6:30, toast/speeches at 8, dance with late lunch) Honestly I though I was gonna go nuts, it was WAAAYYY more work then the wedding.. and I did it ALL myself. My FI helped when asked, but I am bad at asking for help, I'll just do stuff myself... When it was all said and done... IT WAS TOTALLY WORTH IT!! It was the best time! Some of the bar details came up all night, but I had given my FI & his family that headache, so everytime anyone asked, I told them to talk to my FI... it was GREAT. So girls don't worry they stress and the heachaches and then never ending list of CRAP TO DO!! it will be worth it. Wearing the dress a second time was more fun than the first.. We are all getting married twice!! To the same guy!! who gets to do that! So to everyone who is stressing... don't sweat the small stuff, and delegate the night of the AHR. All I know my AHR was more like a house party with 130 of my closest friends... (I think the $2/drinks helped.. hee hee)

p.s. Translation of Marraige certificate... they will offer to do it for you and send it to you for $90US. I didn't want it to disappear onto the abiss.. so we declined the service, brought it home and had it translated by a certified spanish to english transltor in Sk, and then notarized by a lawyer I work with. Done in 2 weeks. and only cost my $70CND for the translator to do the small marraige licence. (---- we needed it for our catholic belssing this weekend, thankgoodness I didn't wait for the mexican translator to send it out)

HEY GUYS! About payment... I didn't pay until the day before I got on the plane... so don't worry about getting the payment in on time.. they don't care... Photographer... from what I understand if you pay the big bucks ($2000) you will have over 1500 pics taken and 800 to chose from.. does anyone really need this many pics?? We are all worried about getting those couple REALLY GOOD ONES.. but for $800 and 400 pics, and REAL 200 pics.. there will be lots to pic from. I just printed my photoalbum for the reception on Friday.. and although I love looking through them.. most people will get bored by the time they get to the 30th photo, (I have 100 in the book... lol) remember any questions, just ask!

Quote: Originally Posted by laskillen Hi Everyone! I had a few people recommend Mexican Wedding Photos but not sure if they acutally used them. If you've used them, could you let me know what you thought Thanks!!! Getting married at the Catalonia Riv Maya in June and need to find a photographer quick. Thanks! Hi laskillen, I just got married three weeks ago, and used Mexican Wedding Photos, and am VERY happy with them!! I had Eduardo as the photographer and he was awsome. He showed up on time and stayed late. He was a great photogragher and a very nice man! I saw the prices listed on lomas's website, but I emailed them directly and asked for a better price as we could not afford much and got a better deal. He had great ideas, and was very receptive to any of our ideas...

Quote: Originally Posted by Tracy_S Ok so I thought of some more questions... soon I can ask more than one newly wed!!! lol.. ok here goes 1. Did you do a TTD? If so did you have to pay the photographer on site? 2. How did they contact you upon your arrival? Did they go over all the details to how you and WC arranged it? 3. What were the rooms like, did you get garden or oceanview? Some of guests are asking what would be better... 4. Did you get ready in separate rooms the day of.. and did you spend the night apart as per tradition? I am torn as to this.. where would fiance get ready if I were to take over our room? 5. Did you pay to have your marriage licence translated into English before you came back to Canada.. or did you do the symbolic cermony?? I will do 5 at at time for now.. so if you could let me know that would be wicked! Thanks! soo many questions lol.. but i am in Kansas in a hotel room so i have lots of time.. ahaha.... 1. didn't do TTD... and never talked to anyone who did... so I'm no real help there.. sorry. 2. The WC sent a letter to the room I think the second day we were there.. and you CAN NOT RESCHEDULE the appointment.. so you need to show.. Pay attnetion to the details.. they didn't have alot of the minor changes I made with Carolina in the final days prior to our Mexico departure... it's a pain cause you have to go over eyerthing again.. but your signing off on the list as a confirmation to what you paid for.. so ENSURE everything you paid for is on the list.. otherwise there is no one to blame but yourself.. 3.Garden vs Ocean... Honestly.. the trees are not tall enough to see the ocean.. they pretty much block the view... so DONT PAY THE EXTRA MONEY!! IMO... Not worth it.. the Gardenview rooms are AWSOME.. spending money for ocean view is a complete waste... (although I requested second floor rooms, they have private balconies and a bit better view of the gardens..) 4.yeah... I understand this one... we slept in the same room.. and hung out together until my pedicure at 10:30... the wedding dress was gettign steam and delivered to the room at 12.. so he knew he had to get all his stuff out before then (he was more anal than me about not seeing the dress.. the dress hung in my parents room for the begining half of the week) He then got ready in his parents room.. and I took over our room... note: if the photographer is coming to take pics as your getting ready... "tidy" up the room ahead of time... amkes for nicer pics... 5. Good question! This is where homework paid off... We had a legal ceremony... so all our papers are in Spanish.. the WC offeres to have the papers translated by a Notary and express post mailed to canada for $90US. FI thought lets do it this way.. less hassle... BUT I heard horror stories of a bride who waited 6 months for paper work... so we declined... (we need papers of our catholic marraige blessing on March 7th) I contacted a 'certified translator' (yellow pages, they have a provincial assciation in SK) and he charges $.25 a word.. I sent it to him last Wed, he was done (short version marraige certificate) in two days.. for $70CND.. and all we have to do it get notarized ( I have a lawyer friend at work) and it's official for my name change and we're good to go.

Quote: Originally Posted by edssbride09 Nicky, sorry I didn't comment after seeing your FB photos! You looked AMAZING! honestly, absolutely stunning! I am so relieved having seen your pictures... i have 2 questions for you #1: You said that the pier was the more private of the locations... on the map it looks like the portable gazebo would be more private though... can you elaborate on either location in any way? #2: We were thinking of having a "sports day" with our guests and doing fun games like 3-legged race or something, is there a place on the beach that we could do this? #3: We are still debating the tent. Our private reception (45people) will be set up where the volleyball courts are. Would you get a tent for privacy or not? 1. the portable gazeboo... actually is near the far end of the beach... but right in the middle people in thier loungers...and people are literally right beside the roped off area watching the entire thing... The photographer really has to work around taking pictures so that people are not in the photo.. and if people decide to go 'snorkeling' or into the water... the will be in the background of the picture... most people will stay out of the way.. but some didn't... lots of 'looky-loos' but for the most part most brides don't seem bothered by it... even the pics we had taken.. the beach 'appears' to be deserted.. but there were people all around us... the photographers are amazing at makeing it look ike your the only one there... 2. Sports day... cool idea... you could do it at the far end of the beach (to the south).. maybe just grab a couple of loungers at that end, and set up your races down there... only thing.. it will be far from the bathrooms... and maybe ensure the 'beach server' has a good tip, to ensure he doesn't forget to bring you drinks... 3. Tent... hmmm.. it's actually closer to the swing bar than the volleyball courts.. it is RIGHT BESIDE the bar.. if You get a tent... the tents I saw did not have any 'side walls' just the ceiling portion... so... it's not really private... although with that said... with 45 people.. you will be having fun and not even paying attention to 'how private it is' I never noticed anything outside my world that day... I could not have told you if anyone watched our wedding... just know.. it'll be hard to have complete privacy.. everyone is curious about the wedding... and some people can be insensitive... but in the end.. your in mexico getting married on a beach with your closest family and friends... great pictures and even better memories.. (provided you don't drink too much that night.. haha)

Quote: Originally Posted by Tracy_S Soontobe... thats awesome your wedding day is so close now too!!! yay! Another review soon!!! lol! So Nicky.. I have some questions for you!! haha.. ready for this?? 1. Did you have the hair and makeup trial done? If so how did you like the results? 2. How did you pay for your final bill? Was it before you arrived at the resort or how did that all work out? 3. How much did you end up paying for your very PRETTY bouquet? 4. Did you do the sand ceremony? If so, how did you transport it home? 5. Did you have the cocktail hour or so when you were getting photos done? If so how did your guests like it and was there any standing around time for anyone...? I think this is all I have for now... I will think of more and bombard you with those later!! Thanks again Nicky! Hey there.. I am super busy as I leave for Kansas tomorrrow at 6am, and still need to get ton of things done for the AHR March 7th. It's better for you to ask questions, than me to write out everything.. so here I go: 1. I had my cousin do my hair and I did my own makeup. I did see another bride get her hair done, and the stylest was GREAT.. bring a picture and she will match it perfectly.. however, the mother of the bride was not happy with her hair... but think of it as going to mew hairdresser the day of t he wedding.. who knows what you'll get... I did get a manicure and pedicure the day of the wedding.. which were GREAT!! I love sarah!! 2. Final bill.. It was paid about 2 days befre we left.. no probelms.. when you get there they give you options to add more stuff or change.. (ie we added the sand ceremony.. paid cash a couple days before the wedding) 3. The bouquet.. was the cheapest you can get $50 LOVED IT.. however.. it was a little wilted.. but you don't really notice in the pictures.. and it was too late to get upset about... the guys bouteniers (orange cala lillies) were AWSOME!! and I am not a cala lilly lover.. only got then to get a tropical feel.. $25 each 4. Sand cermenony.. very cool.. everyone does it... How did I transport it.. in my carry on.. however it was 2am and I was tired.. so I was throwing my carry on around and it's pretty much wrecked.. so ensure ti stays upright in your carry on and all should be good! 5. We didn't do a cocktail hour... after the wedding we went and got pictures done, and everyone just went to the bar and started drinking, and we meet up with everyone there... it was about an hour so they just visited... no one complained... then we did shots and drinks until it was time to have supper at 5:30 (our wedding was at 3pm.. perfect timing really)) let me know what else is on your mind... p.s. I did not prebook any spa services... when you get there the 'timeshare people want you to go on thier tour.. and will give you $150 resort credit, talk then up to $200 (just ask, very easy) and go on a very HIGH pressure sale pitch.. it didn't bother us... so we scamed out with $200 credit and I used $100 of that for my pedicure and manicure and gifts from the gift shop... If we had pre booked my spa stuff... and pre paid through lomas... obviously you can't use that credit towards already paid spa services...

SoontobeE which photographer are you using?? No worried the photography with be great.. I went with almost as cheap as you can go and I am very happy with the results! and don't be afraid to give them ideas.. of the types of photos you want.. my photographer was very receptive to our ideas (ie jumping off the sea wall)

Dress on the plane... hmm.. as you can see it was fairly big and poofy... I flew Skyservice and the dress had it's own overhead compartment on the way down.. The flight attentand moved some bags so that it was all by itself... I also sent it out to be steamed the day of the wedding... it only cost $18US.. they picked it up around 11am, returned it at noon, along with the veil.. so don't worry about it getting crushed... just get it steamed there... side note... I wish I had my FI's shirt and pants sent out to be ironed, rather than ironing then at the last minute... ugg MEN! (haha) I think it would have cost about $10 total for his stuff...

carolyn send me your name via private message and I will add you.. seems as though Nicky Anderson is kinda a common name.. I have no Idea, as it's new to me.. haha

there should be new 'wedding pictures' up soon.. not sure if it is on the Karisma website or Lomas Travel.. as they did a photoshoot one morning while I was there... ther decorated all the locations and one of my friends said it looked sepctacular!!

Tracy add me as a friend on facebook and you can see more pics.. Nicky Anderson

Quote: Originally Posted by Tracy_S Wow! I love your pier pic you posted on your name now!!! WOW! That really does make for some great shots! Ok so I have a question for you...you did the private $11 per person reception correct? Was this on the beach as well? And how great of a meal was it?? I to want to see if you enjoyed this meal for the price or if we should be looking at going to a higher price point?? Also I was going to ask how the translator was and if you guys used a dance floor and did any speeches how it all went?? Wow I think I will have a whole lot more questions... but I will start with these ones!!! Thanks Nicky! We did the 'free reception' the food was AMAZING... all of the guests who got day passes were sooo impressed... I think any of the food will be excellent.. I don't think you would have to pay anymore than $11 a person since the free food was wonderful... (what do you get on the menu for the $11??) translator? for the ceremony? no dance floor or speeches... although we saw lots of weddings with the dance floor... it looked fine.. (just black plywood laid on the sand) the reception is right beside the swing bar.. and so that party is very close to you reception... also the evening entertainment is very close by.. I noticed when that entertainment started the music from the wedding reception just got turned up to try and drown out the entertainment... be aware: it gets chilly and windy at nights there.. even though it's 20C with the humidity and wind.. it can get chilly. Only a couple nights was it fairly calm where the wind wasn't an issue blowing through the tented areas.. one of the brides was really upset since she didn't know to expect that... I was really glad we just did the international arrefics for the reception.. the set it up beautifully... If you don;t have too many people I saw a reception at the beach gazeboo... the set up inside the gazeboo with the booze and the bar and then tables around the area... very nice.. but no room for a dance floor.. although it made for a private reception area since there was no other guests around...

I don't even know where to start... The co-ordinators are great.. they work VERY hard!! and are very sweet.. the pier is half built and lends itself to AMAZING pictures!! Our photographer was Eduardo from Mexican Weddings.. WOW great guy and spent extra time with us.. When he showed up at the room prior to the wedding... I was running behind... so him and my Dad chatted for about 10mins.. I think this made a big difference... Treat the photographer like a friend and not a 'paid employee' and he will go above and beyond your expectations... One regret.. I wish I would have had more pictures with family... very few of me and my mom.. :-( but ask me questions.. anything.. will give you details... It was Truely awsome!! I saw some bridezillas.. yikes... but hey relax.. it'll all be okay.. they do this up to 3 times a day.. they know what they are doing...

I'm baaaack!! OMG girls... it was awsome.. the on site co-ordinator Vania is awsome... I saw weddings at lots of the locations.. and many types of receptions... I am SOOOO glad I did a destination wedding... I got married at 3pm and was in my dress until midnight visiting/partying with family and 'new friends' I will try and give more deatils tomorrow, but it was great.. and out of all the locations the Pier is the most private... p.s. LOVED my photographer!! already have pics back!! catch you tomorrow!

GREAT!! Well this is probably me last post.. my boss just came in and told me to go home.. Yee Haw! free pass for the last two hours!! Gotta love it!! We get back on Feb 15th (back to work and here lol) on Feb 17th.. See you all then.. I am so happy it's all here.. now just to kick back and go with the flow...

OH YEAH!! I wanned to mention on my DETAIL SHEET.. is says (under the wedding site location section) "ADDITIONAL DÉCOR BROUGHT BY THE WEDDING PARTY TO BE PLACE AT LOCATIONS WILL HAVE CHARGE OF $5.USD PER PERSON." So anyone planning on bringing bows or anything extra.. get it cleared that there will not be an extra charge...

Carolyn.. thanks for the word document.. printed it off and ready to go... saved me some of the work... I have to admit.. I am REALLY jealous about you guys all getting fans... my poor guests will just need to drink more.. haha Has anyone asked how long the ceremony is?? hopefully it's over in 20mins... I'm hoping OK.. my last day of work... two days till we leave.. 8 days till the wedding... Life is good.... (p.s. my name is Nicky..)

hey girls I got a bandeau swim top... I ordered it online from Venus swimwear out of Florida... thankgoodness it came last week as we leave on Friday... this is what I'm going with.. I guess no tank tops for me.. just swimsuits for the 5 days prior to the wedding.. haha 2 more days :smile:

About fans... get on it right away.. I left this part to the last minute.. can not find anything in here.. I figured Walmart might have something, or the Dollarstore or Michaels.. NOTHING! (maybe cause I am looking for fans in the dead of winter?? hmm maybe.. lol) I should have ordered them online... I wanted just a plain rafia fan and was gonna put a ribbon on the handle.. but nothing to be found!! I am hoping to find something in Playa the days before, otherwise.. everyone will be dying in the heat... 3pm wedding... hmmm.. did everyone pick that time?? I actually tried to get earlier in the day.. and they told me 3pm was the only time... probably to allow THEM more time in the days... oh well.. no biggie.. Bridesmaids?? nope not having any.. we're just a small group his parent, my parents, his cousin (and wife), my cousin (and husband). Our parents are our wintesses.. two more days of work... and I am out of here... although I guess I am not working all that hard right now.. am I??

EDSSBRIDE09 wow you only got just over 2 months... it will go SOO fast.. trust me... No worried I will answer ever question you have!!! Interesting note... the 'have everything paid and confirmed a month in advance'... yeah... just got the final email from Carolina today... and we will probably pay tomorrow... haha... so much for dealines... I also asked if the off resort guests can pay for themselves on arrival.. no problem.. thankgoodness... didn't want to ask for the $$ after they forked out $1000's of dollars to be there...haha just getting my insurances together and phone numbers in case of emergency... binder of wedding stuff... and I think I am good to go... question for you what time is your guys weddings at? mine is at 3pm... hopefully not too hot... but it was the only time available and the only day that would work for us....

p.s. try get your frizzies under control with a good staightening creme... and test it out.. if it doesn't work.. go with the curl instead of fighting it.. straightened hair getting the frizzies is probably not the look your going for...