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Jamaica0619

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Everything posted by Jamaica0619

  1. As I was watching the show, I just kept thinking "where's the breast cancer piece?" I was glad to see that it was finally reprived. I also enjoy seeing the routines.
  2. Similarly - we just did a card box for the AHR. We only had 2 (I hope it was only 2) people bring cards to Jamaica, and they both put them on the table with the cake. I hadn't considered needing anything as I thought most people would just hold on to them for the AHR, if they gave us anything. Them coming was enough.
  3. I warned you it was long...sorry it was really, really long. Here are a few more pictures from the reception:
  4. Private Beach Reception The only planning glitch we ran into turned into the best decision we made – the private beach reception. We had wanted to "rent" the upstairs of Mahoe Bay for a private reception – Chantelle had told us that it was possible for $500. Well, given there was another wedding that day, and it had more guests than we did, we were told that this was not an option. And, on top of that, we would be placed on the lower level of Mahoe Bay with the other diners. Slightly separated but still downstairs. Well, we were not happy at all. So, she suggested that our only other option was to have a private beach reception. Well, this was more that we had planned to do, but it was the better of the two options. In the end, the beach reception was the best decision we made. It was absolutely lovely. The food was amazing – according to all the guests it was the best (or at least one of the best) meals they had while they were there. We got to dance using the resorts speaker and my iPod. It felt like a real reception...small but very, very real. Also, my guests kept commenting that the beach reception was the perfect ending to the wedding and that it would be something they would never forget. That it was truly unique. These flower arrangements served double duty - they were the flowers that decorated the arch. I took them back to my room after and they lasted until we left four days later. Cake We ordered a vanilla cake with raspberry filling. We thought the cake was very good. It was really moist and very tasty. The only funny thing was – no one told us the best way to cut it. So, our photographer gave us a quick lesson. Photoshop I am not a big fan of watching myself on video, but I finally did so that I could give them a fair review. I was very happy with the video. We had booked them for one hour and got a 20 minute video from that – which is what we expected. They used the four songs we provided on a DVD. The video captured the ceremony plus incorporated some of the pictures that Photoshop took. Our primary reason for getting the video was so we could share it with those who could not be there. It was well worth the money we spent on it. We had the Caprice package so it included one hour of photography and 24 pictures. I tried to tell the WC that we did not want or need this part of our package, but they insisted. So, they took pictures during the ceremony and for about 20 minutes after. The proof pictures were okay at best – my friends and family took better shots – not to mention the photographers I brought with me. They were really washed out and the colors were bad. However, the 24 pictures that we selected that were touched up turned out nice. They were okay, but I was really glad I brought my own photographer.
  5. WCs and Ceremony Through my TA, I had scheduled a meeting with Roxiana for the day after we arrived in the morning. She was ready for us when we arrived. At that time, we reviewed everything. Including providing for a third time all of the information for the marriage license. Basically, anything that I thought I handled in advance was reviewed and actually determined that day. We booked the steel drum band and my DH selected the song for me to walk down the aisle to (“Under the Seaâ€). We also ordered the arch for the wedding from Tia Flora. Since my package (Caprice) included the flowers, we only had to pay for the bamboo arch and tulle – the flowers placed on it were included. These flowers would also serve as the centerpieces for my reception. I was not picky about the flowers and just went with whatever was standard. And, they were beautiful. We also gave her a copy of the vows and ring exchange wording we wanted to use – and it was used during the ceremony. We also gave her wording for the sand ceremony, which wasn’t used, but what he said was fine. We also went over the items I brought with me – chair bows, sand ceremony, cake topper, etc. She asked me to deliver everything the day before the wedding, so they would have it for set-up. And, it was all set-up perfectly. We also reviewed the details of the reception – menu, etc. The meeting went well and everything seemed to be in order. We also met the minister/judge (not sure what his title was) who would be performing the ceremony. He was very nice. Actually, he even asked what my colors were. He likes to make sure he matches/fits in with what the wedding colors are. When we saw him around the resort, he always had a different suit, shirt and tie on. The ceremony started on time (sort of), I was running a little late courteous of the spa. The steel drum band did not know Under the Sea, so I made a snap decision for Over the Rainbow. I will be honest – I barely notice the steel drum band, but my guests enjoyed it and it added something to the atmosphere. I noticed it more when the hour was over and they stopped playing. There were only two glitches with the WCs. The first was a supervisor at the reception told us that if we wanted to tip the wonderful people who worked our reception and really contributed to how nice it was, we could do so through the WCs. However, the WCs insisted that they had no idea who worked our wedding and that they would not be able to tip them but would let people know in general how happy we were. We regret not running back to our room and tipping them personally ourselves. The second one was with our sand ceremony. We used a sand frame, and would need all the sand in order to fill the frame. But, only about 3/4 of the sand fit in the vases. So, when we went to get the rest of our sand, it had been misplaced. So, I now had to purchase more sand and couldn’t find the same shade of blue so the top colors are a little off from the bottom colors. My only other general comment was that we did the champagne toast following the ceremony. I wish we had waited for the reception. First, it was crazy because the Photoshop photographer was in a rush, so he really gave us no time to visit with guests (for even a moment) to do a toast. Second, it was so hot drinking the champagne was making me ill, so I didn’t get a chance to enjoy it. And, most of my guests did not drink theirs either – so it was sort of a waste. I wish I had waited to do so at the reception – I think everyone would have enjoyed it more. Picture of the west beach wedding set-up: Picture of the arch: Steel drum band:
  6. I am finally getting around to finishing and posting my review. I started typing this up right after my wedding on June 19th, but work and my AHR kept me busy until now. I still have to do my planning thread, so I want to take a chance here to thank Tammy and all the moderators for their hard work in keeping BDW up and running for all of us destination brides and grooms. This site was invaluable in planning our DW. I also want to thank everyone for all the ideas, suggestions, input, and general support that the forum offers. This is going to be a long review of our DW at RMB, but I’m trying to be thorough. I know that there are now quite a few of us, but I think ROR still has outnumbered. US Airways As I am a frequent flyer on US Air, so I already know what to expect of the airline. Because of my status we were upgraded to first class both ways – the perks of being a frequent flyer. My dress (in a garment bag, which also contained my DH’s clothes) counted as my carry-on. I was allowed in addition to it a “personal item” (purse, backpack, computer bag). There was no space in the closet for the dress as that is where the flight crew needs to store their bags. So, it would get as wrinkled, if not more wrinkled, than it would in the overhead bins. The flight attendant was sympathetic, but a fact is a fact. Initially, it looked like I would have to store it in the overhead bin folded in half. In the end, however, there was enough overhead space that I was able to lay the garment bag flat. Jamaica Tours (Airport Transfers) We had no trouble with the transfers per se. Nearly all the guests used them, and no one mentioned any problems. When we landed it was pouring. They loaded our luggage in a small mini-bus, and then allowed me to use an umbrella to get to the bus with my dress. I think my DH got wet. However, on the return, the bus was nearly 30 minutes late, but thankfully the lines at the airport were short and we were through security and immigration with about 45 minutes to spare before boarding began. While not a reflection on Jamaica Tours, I think it is good to mention that transferring the dress from the airport to the resort can also be tricky. The bus was completely full so at one point I had my backpack and my dress heaped on my lap. Thankfully a very nice woman across the aisle heard me whining (yes, whining about what my dress is going to look like) and offer to let me stretch the dress across me, my DH, the aisle and then her. It turned out her daughter was getting married the same day as us, so she was very sympathetic, and later told me she spent three hours getting the wrinkles out of her daughter’s dress. The funny part...the dress was in perfect condition when we arrived. So much of all my concern... And, in the humidity, what wrinkles were in my DH’s clothes had mostly fallen out. RMB – The Resort We had visited the resort in January so we had an idea of what to expect. Check-in was a smooth process, and we had no issues with it. Our experiences both times were that the staff on the resort are very friendly and try to be very helpful. We were greeted with a rum drink. Given we were generally busy with the wedding and our guests; I kept forgetting to make reservations for the specialty restaurants. The only reason we were able to eat at one of them during our stay was because we claimed that his family’s reservation for the steak house was an error and it should have been eight, not six. The reservations were booked days in advance. So, if you or your guests really want to eat at the specialty restaurants make a point of booking them. The food at the Rose Hall (the main buffet) is okay. It is buffet food made in mass quantity. So, you can’t go with high expectations. We had booked the oceanfront suite. We wanted the space, and given it was our wedding we decided to spoil ourselves. Plus with all the wedding stuff we brought with us we really did need the space. And, we did not want to count on an upgrade. We encountered a few issues while we were there: Our refrigerator did not work most of the time we were there. We called four times for service to it. And, on the fourth time they finally replaced it. Granted this was two days before we were leaving. My MOH’s father left his cell phone on the table on their patio, and it was stolen. The patio was on the ground floor, and it was not very deep. So, someone probably reached through the bars and took the phone off the table. It would not have been a hard reach. It happened while they were in the room. Also, when we were there in January my DH’s swimsuit was stolen off the drying rack – same scenario – the patio was not deep and someone could have just reached over and taken it. So, if you are on the ground floor be careful of what you leave on the patio. Finally, my DH’s father lost his key in the ocean and they charged a fee to replace it. I have heard of this at other resorts. So, it is not an entirely strange policy. But, I wanted to warn you to watch your keys – particularly in the ocean. The next two points, the resort can do nothing about...just want future RMB brides to be prepared... The ocean off the beach has a lot of sea grass, and can have quite a bit of seaweed. I’m not a big fan of the sea grass and seaweed, so I spent most of my time at the pool, which is not a hardship. Also, while there was no mosquitoes in January. Or if there were they were not that bad. When we were there for the wedding...I was really glad my TA warned me to take bug spray. The mosquitoes were very bad. Everyone (or nearly everyone) had bites. So, I would make sure to take bug spray and some type of bit treatment. This is a picture of the resort/beach - I thought it was a cool shot: Welcome Dinner We did a welcome dinner at the Rose Hall the night before the wedding. We did not arrange it through the WCs, but simply selected a group of tables inside the restaurant, and the waiter for that area help everyone pull them together to create three long tables. We tipped the waiter for his assistance. Pancha Night Club I cannot tell you much about the club...I never went to the club. From going in briefly in January...it is small and very loud. Our waiter at the welcome dinner heard my friends and I talking about going there and he recommended that we go to Margaritaville on the Hip Strip instead. There is a free shuttle that runs from the resort to Margaritaville (on the half hour – I think) and back (on the hour). In addition, that night it was ladies night and we got in for free. One quick note – do not ask at the taxi stand about the shuttle. They are obviously not helpful as they want the fare. I know this seems obvious. But, they will try to assure you both coming and going to Margaritaville that the shuttle has already left if they even hear you say you are looking for it. Renova Spa I probably had the most issues with the spa. I know others have had good experiences here, so I wasn’t worried. But, I did not have the same experience. First, my appointment was at 10am with a 2pm wedding for hair and manicure. My one BM had a hair appointment at noon along with my MIL. My mom had her make-up done at 11am. They had double booked my wedding group with the wedding for 4pm, which had even more appointments – hair, manicure and pedicures nails for four to five people. So, they had to try to straighten that mess out. They did not even take me until 10:30am. And, they tried to tell some of the other bride’s wedding party that they could do their hair at 3pm (which wouldn’t work for them – obviously). So, the appointments were a complete mess, even though both her and I booked them in advance through the website. Then they decided it would be a good idea to do my hair then my nails. So, by the time I left...running really late...my nails were wet. So, needless to say there was some damage on my right hand to the manicure, since I’m right handed. I tried to be careful. In terms of my hair...I did a trial at home and took five different pictures of it from different angles. Plus I brought the pictures that my hair dresser used for inspiration with me, and explained (as she told me to) how she got the style started. They completely ignored me. My hair looked NOTHING like what I asked for. My mother was having her make-up done while they were “finishing” my hair, and she thought I was going to lose it (completely looked ready to explode). Plus she thought it looked horrible. I was sooo mad when I saw it. But, it took them nearly an hour and a half to do my hair...I did not have time for them to start over. When it was very obvious to them I was not happy (understatement), they “fixed” it. In reality, my MOH and I tried to do damage repair when I got back to my room. Thankfully I had brought a curling iron, hairspray, and bobby pins...we needed them. The downside was neither of us are very skilled at doing hair...but we made it better. But, it was still nothing like what I wanted, but at least it was better. By the time the reception rolled around my hair was a complete mess. I have very straight hair and between the wind and the fact that they put so much hairspray in my hair it was loosing all of the curl. So, my MOH had to come back to my room and we took it completely down, put it in a ponytail and re-curled it. It worked. But, it only annoyed me more. My BM was not unhappy with her hairstyle. It looked really good, and actually I would have taken her style over mine. However, she could not believe we paid $65 for them do her hair in a fancy ponytail. The funny thing is that my BM and I both had our hair done (for the fun of it) for my AHR, and we both loved how our hair was done for that by our local salons. We both agreed our hair looked better that day then on the day of the wedding. My mom’s make-up looked really good and very natural. We were both thrilled with what they did. They used the make-up she brought with her. My mom almost never wears make-up, and when she does it is just lipstick and powder, which is why she opted to have it done. My MIL didn’t like what they did and re-did it back in her room. But, even when she made the appointment she had a bad feeling she wouldn’t like it and probably should just do it herself. But, she decided to give it a try. She commented she should have stuck with her gut, and done it herself from the beginning. With the Caprice package we were entitled to other spa treatments, those treatments were really nice and I was happy with those. We both had massages done, and an exfoliation. The only glitch we ran into there was that they took my voucher that the WC had given to me when I had my hair appointment to keep on file. Well, when I went back to book the rest of our treatments, they had accidently sent the voucher in with the paperwork for my BMs, MIL, and mom’s appointments. So, we had to wait several hours to book our appointments while the sorted the paperwork out. The funny thing is I predicted a screw-up would occur based on my experience the day of the wedding.
  7. This was what we did at the AHR, but some variation would work on ceremony chairs as well. Since the picture is a little small we secured a stem of orchids to the back of the chair
  8. I just mingled with my guests. But, then again, I did not do any of the wedding "traditions" at my AHR. It was more of a very big party. So, I guess it would depend on what you are going for with your AHR. I know I have read that some girls have done the full wedding reception with all the traditions.
  9. I got married at RMB on June 19th, and we haven't received our marriage certificate. I thought they told me it could take up to three months. We did not order that many pictures from Photoshop (just what came with our package), so we left RMB with the pictures and the DVD.
  10. Okay - I have no idea about the sand rule...we catholics are a little wierd. then again several years back, a friend of a friend wanted to get married outside but have a catholic ceremony. She was told that the priest could only marry her in a church becuase the ground on which the ceremony would be performed has to be consectrated.
  11. I like #3 - they are fabulous and the silver is the most flexible in terms of color
  12. RE: Results I agree....the men's results - OH MY! I loved seeing the Emmy nominate routines from last year again.
  13. I am using Invsialign now. I started them way too late for them to be completed before my wedding, but I saw some movement before the wedding (after 3 trays - worn for two weeks each). Actually people who have seen my pictures have even noticed. I wore braces as a teen and then my wisdom teeth came in and made a mess of my teeth, particularly the bottom. I have been happy with them. They are a bit tight the first couple of days when you change trays. But, I have gotten in the habit of changing them at night and I take an Advil when I change them, and that seems to help. When I first got them they were annoying to get off the attachments...but I finally have a trick to it and they come off without too much trouble. I have cut down on my snacking, and I'm drinking more water, since I can drink water and leave them in. Based on the results I've seen thus far, I've been happy with them.
  14. I actually forgot to shift my e-ring to my right hand. So, I had to take it off during the ceremony, held it while my DH put on my band, and then I just slide my e-ring back on. It really wasn't a big deal. Actually, my DH and I were not sure why the officient made an issue of it. My band is contoured to fit around my e-ring and he could have just slid it on during the ceremony and I could have reversed the rings after the ceremony.
  15. My DH and I asked the three individuals we both wanted to stand up with us. We let them know that we would really like them there and that we would like them to be a part of the wedding party, but if they couldn't we would understand. Given the financial position all of my girls were in, I also let them know that I would cover thier dress, shoes and accessories for the wedding. So, they simply had to cover the travel, if they could. I had one BM who was unable to come, and I made her an honorary BM. My DH had two of the guys say they couldn't come.
  16. I finally finished watching the both parts of the first episode. I agree with others. While these shows always seemed somewhat staged...this time it seemed over the top. I am not sure who is going to be "good" given how the first two episodes went. But the one girl (Suzanne?) who kept telling Amanda (?) that the chicken was raw and to cook it longer seems to have her act together. I also agree Kevin (relative to the other guys) looks like he at least knows what he is doing. It is cool to see Heather come back. And, the fact that they brought Robert back as a competitor put an interesting spin on things. Joseph is just scary...and seems just a bit crazy. I do not know how much of it is an act or is being over-played. But, wow, he really needs to relax and calm down. I mean how hard is it answer "first nominee and why"...and I think answering it doesn't make you anyone's bitch. Crazy.... Van also seems a little bit crazy, but he looks relatively normal compared to Joseph. I think they both need to go. I cannot believe Tanielle thought she did good and should not be nominated. I realize it is worse becuase she served raw shrimp to a pregnant woman...but no one really wants to eat raw shrimp in a scampi. Plus she got her team behind. Lovely and Amanda were not much better between the fish and the chicken. It looks like it is going to be an interesting season.
  17. Congratulations! I'm so glad you had a wonderful time! Can't wait to hear more....
  18. Quote: Originally Posted by montegobay09 There is no garden area at RMB..there's not even a spot that I can think of that could be adapted for that. The most private location is the west beach (you'd obviously have to deal with the sand!), then would be the plaza gazebo( no sand and a little more formal) , and then the beach gazebo (not very private at all). I agree that there really isn't much of garden area at the RMB. The only place I can think of is the grassy area over by the tennis courts. There are some of the room buildings over that way, but it would be relatively private, but I'm not sure it would work. And, there is no gazebo. But, you could possibly get an arch through Tia Flora. Girls who have been to RMB - I would appreciate others weighing in on the tennis court area. One concern (besides that it is not a typical wedding location) I can think of is the fact that I don't think the ground was very level, but I didn't go over that way when we got married in June...so I'm trying to remember from our site visit in January.
  19. We omething a little different. When we were at a home show earlier this year there was an artist that was creating designs using the letters of individual's names. So, we used our first names. And, the image below shows what he created. We used VistaPrint - I uploaded this picture and added "Thank you" next to it in a cool font design.
  20. I have been watching this since Season 1 - my FI started watching it last season. I have it DVR'ed and still need to watch yesterday's premier. But, the previews looked absolutely crazy. I am interested to see it. It looks like the drama is over-the-top based on the previews.
  21. IMO - I like dress #1 on you. I think it is gorgeous and looks wonderful on you, especially without the straps. But, you have to go with your heart. I found a dress that I loved, and everyone else loved on me. But, I just knew that it was not the one I wanted. It did not fit my thoughts about what I wanted for my wedding dress. So, I kept searching and found a dress that was exactly what I wanted and I knew it as soon as I put it on. But, it was nothing like anyone would have expected me to purchase. So you really have to go with your heart.
  22. We are country music fans, so we used: Meet in the Middle - Diamond Rio One Boy, One Girl - Collin Raye Forever and Ever, Amen - Randy Travis
  23. I got married at RMB on June 19th. I have not gotten my review posted yet - I promise to do it very soon. I have my AHR this weekend - so as soon as that is over, I'll get it posted. But, I can say I do not regret my choice of resorts. I second montegobay09 - the location relative to the airport makes travel easy. It is friendly for couples, families and people of all ages - which was important to us. We were happy with our choice on our site visit in January and we continued to be happy with our choice in June. Our guests also liked the resort, and were happy with thier vacations.
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