heidi_lk

Hi Nyssa, We were routed to Cuba... good to see things turned out for you as well. Great pics!!!! Congrats!

Quote: Originally Posted by Hopelesslyblissful Has anyone been to the Barcelo Solymar in Varadero? Were were married at the Solymar. The wedding was perfect!!! The hotel is great for a group setting, lots of room and space. Suited our groups needs which was a group of 22 - mostly between the ages of 20-36. PM me if you have any specific questions or want to see more photos.

Just noticed there is a whole review section. But here was my review I posted under the "Cuba" section. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/forum/t44641

Quote: Originally Posted by Amarillis Congratulations!!! You looked stunning! I am thrilled to hear that you had a great experience. DH and I have never stayed at the Solymar, but plan to on our next visit to Varadero! Thanks everyone! If you go I recommend trying to get one of the junior suite bugalows. They are 2 floors, really cute, and made for a fun place to stay. I also forgot to mention, on our wedding night they gave us the honeymoon suite which was absolutely insane!!!! It was like being in a 5 star Vegas penthouse. Our balcony was about 1/4 of the roof, and the interior was stunning. About 15 people probably could have slept in the room. But luckily it was just us... LOL.

Link to my re-routed Cuban Wedding review and pictures. http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...641#post847805

Sample Wedding Pics

Champagne Toast and Cake Cutting

So after being one of the unlucky couples who's Mexican wedding was cancelled from the swine flu, we were rebooked to Cuba to stay at the Barcelo Solymar. After all the stress of re-planning a wedding was done, I was very very happy with how things turned out. The WC at the Solymar was amazing and managed to get us a legal wedding even though we sent all our papers in 3 weeks before arriving as opposed to the 3 months that was required. I will hit some key points of our trip, but feel free to PM me if you have more questions! The hotel: Hotel was not as fancy as the 4 star resort in Mexico, but had a much more cultural feel to it. The resort had little bungalows, which my husband and I stayed in, while the rest of the guests were in the main part of the hotel. There was typical minor issues with the hotel, some servers were rude, some maids were not as good, and some of the food wasn't great, but nothing that would deter me from going back. The beach was AMAZING; best I've ever been to, better than the Mayan. This hotel was fantastic for being able to get spots on the beach and at the pools. Our group of 22 never had any problems all sitting together at any time of day. We spent most days on the beach, and most nights (late nights at the mini disco. This resort was not as "posh" as some I have stayed at in Mexico, but certainly suited our group, and was an amazing time with friends and family. The wedding: Our WC Marta was amazing. She met with us prior to the wedding, asked our likes and dislikes, and told us all the details. The wedding package was very reasonably priced (about $500 less than Mexico) and was worth every dollar. We were married in the Gazebo, which was decorated beautifully. After the vows, two guitar players played for us to have our first dance (Cuban tradition). They played for about a 1/2-hour after that as well. We then did the cake cutting (for photos) and champagne toast, which was all perfect. The wedding was on time, organized, and I never felt stressed at all. The wedding dinner was in a private restaurant (for 2 hours) and they served soup, salad, then filet mignon and lobster, and wedding cake for dessert. It was all so delicious!! Red and white wine were included and we bought some Champagne for another toast. The band came in to play which was just an amazing touch. They played for at least 1/2 hour. Service was top notch!! After dinner we all pulled up chairs the pool, and had our own little reception. The band happened to walk by, and did another performance just for us! Truly a moment to be cherished forever. Photographer - We booked Peter Van De Maele. He was an amazing photographer. Just a great person, very professional, so much fun to work with, and took amazing photos. I have included a few of his preview shots below. Would highly recommend his services! We absolutely fell in love with Cuba on this trip and can’t wait to go back. We also stayed at the Melia Las Antillas for out honeymoon, which was a wonderful resort as well. It was more geared towards couples, and had wonderful service, a perfect honeymoon spot. Pictures The Resort Our Bungalow First Dance

I missed the boat on getting to post my date, as we were rerouted at the last minute. But I will say my wedding at Barcelo Solymar, May 20th, 2009 was absolutely perfect. PM me if you need any advice or tips on Cuba weddings. You will be nothing but amazed, so happy it ended up being in Cuba!!!!!

We used Peter for our May 21st wedding... he is amazing!!!! We love his photos and his was just a wonderful person to work with!!! Thumbs way up for Peter Van De Maele.

We just returned from our wedding in Cuba. Not all appliances will work on a converter or an adapter!!! We found this out after losing 2 hair straightners and a very expensive curing iron... the handle actually bubbled. We were told that you need to ask if your hair dryers etc. have convertable power abilities. Some brands worked fine but the more expensive curling irons etc all fried. So be very very careful! Heidi

Just wanted to let you know we returned from a fabulous wedding in Cuba. It wasn't what I originally planned, but it was absolutely amazing, couldn't have asked for more. Will post pictures and a review soon.

We were supposed to be married in Mexico May 21st but were rerouted to Cuba. Ended up with a dream wedding, so keep your heads up! Even with changes an amazing wedding is possible. Still amazed at what could be pulled off in a matter of days. Will post a review and pictures under the Cuba forum!

Off to Cuba on Sunday. Its not my Bahia wedding but its a wedding. Hoping all you girls can do a "sun dance" for me!! Sun, beach, and a drink and I will be happy. Wish me luck!

My wedding on wheels is off to Cuba on Sunday. Not my dream either but hoping for the best. Just give me some sun, the beach, and a drink and I am happy! Wish me luck.

Quote: Originally Posted by JaimeLynne Harty - whoops, I did not realize the UK DID ban flights!!! Canada did NOT though - am I correct on that?? I'm really sorry about your situation, girls. ARGH! As far as I understand the gov of Canada did not ban flights, but all the tour companies did. So of course we were cancelled. But I do know that American operators in Canada were still flying to Mexico. Too bad our company wouldnt refend our money so we could rebook with them. Oh well, I have taken my lemons and made a trip to Cuba. I can't believe I replanned a wedding in 4 days!!!! I got everyone but 2 guests rebooked, a wedding date, and recently just scored a photographer, which I hear is not an easy feat in Cuba!!!! We leave in 10 days!!!!!!!!! Can't believe its actually working out (knock on wood, knock on wood, knock on wood

Quote: Originally Posted by Amarillis where are you going? Which resort We are going to Barcelo Solymar in Varadero... super excited!! Any advice for Cuba Leave in less than two weeks!!

Quote: Originally Posted by mummergirl i just saw this guy recently in another post and like his work: DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BLOG NEWS IDEAS INFORMATION PACKAGES PROMOTIONS REACTIONS LOCATIONS FROM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER PETER VAN DE MAELE Hi!!!! Thanks for the link... looks like I might be able to book him!! Appreciate the help, cross your fingers!

Quote: Originally Posted by hanna Here is the email I just sent to our guests.... Happy Cinco de Mayo! We got engaged 1 year ago in Cancun! WEDDING UPDATE #2: PLAN B: As the wedding is quickly approaching, we will have to make a decision soon. If by this Friday, May 8, if the Coast Guard has not changed their policy regarding travel to Mexico, we will have to pursue our Plan B: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. GRAND PALLADIUM RESORT: The all-inclusive Grand Palladium Resort is also located in Punta Cana, and has agreed to honor our room rates and wedding plans for the same date. The resort has 4 sections (Bavaro, Punta Cana, Palace and Turquesa) and is just as fun and beautiful as the one in Mexico. Therefore the only change would be to your flights. Link to Resort website. FLIGHTS: We chose Mexico because of it's central location and low fares, so unfortunatly in changing to Punta Cana, flight duration would be longer and flights do cost more. However this is our next best option to still have or dream destination wedding. There are two airports in the Dominican Republic. 1. Punta Cana (PUJ): located about 45 minutes from the resort. The most tropical airport we have ever seen! 2. Santo Dominto (SDQ): located about 3 hours from the resort. Beautiful and historic city. Typically fares to this airport are cheaper. *We are currently researching shuttle options to the resort. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: We recently traveled to Punta Cana this January and loved it. With the turquoise water and white sandy beaches covered in palm trees, it is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. We are confident it will be just and fun and nice as Mexico. To learn more, visit the Dominican Republic website: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism - Official Site - Vacation Travel, Caribbean Vacations ! Hi Hanna, Just so you know we vacationed at the Palladium in the DR last year and considered it one of our best vacations ever!!!! I have tons of pics and lists of great things to do. One of the finest resorts we have ever been to!!! Let me know if you end up deciding on that route and need any info! As for myself we are heading to the Barcelo Solymar in Cuba, and so excited. Not my 9 month planned wedding but still a wedding! I also wanted to let all you girls know mexicanweddingphotos.com refunded all our money deposit (unlike our travel agency) and I wanted to give them praise for being so understanding!!! And thank all the girls who gave me advice on Cuba. Without this forum I would be lost!!! TY ALL

Just wanted to give a thumbs up to this company. My wedding was cancelled in Mexico (swine flu), and this company gladly and easily refunded me my deposit, I wish I could have booked them, but wanted you all to know they are wonderful to work with and great and honest people!!!!!

We went to the Grand Pallidium, 2 years ago in Punta Cana, and absolutely loved it!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by beach2009 Hey Heidi, You'll love the Barcelo Solymar. I stayed there last new years with some friends and we had fun. The beach is just gorgeous and I recommend the trip to Havana if you haven't already been. One thing to note, the resort is pretty dead at night. If you want nightlife, head out to the local clubs in Varadero for a great night of dancing. The taxis are cheap and it's safe. We went to about 4 different clubs, one was on the beach which was very cool. Let me know if you have any questions about Varadero, I'd be happy to help. Thanks!!! You totally made my day. I've never been to Cuba before so any tidbits of advice are great. If you have anymore just PM me, love to hear them!! Super stressed though with the whole photographer issue. We had such an amazing one booked for Mexico, and now I can't find one. All they have is the resort guy, and I was not happy with the photos at all... If anyone knows of any Cuban photographers please please let me know! Heidi

Does anyone know if the license is legal in Canada? Do we have to do anything with it afterwards... hate replanning a wedding in a week.. so much to learn

Does anyone know of a wedding photographer in Varadero? We were originally supposed to be married in the Mayan but have been switched to Varadero now. Our wedding is May 20th!!!! We apparently have a resort photographer but kinda thought the photos were a joke. Photos are really important to me, and really really want a good photographer. If anyone has any advice or leads, please help! Heidi