ebredhawk

i completely agree that if people want to donate money to her, that's their own issue, but still.. seriously? it's nice that she's offering to help other people pay for their weddings when she's done, but isn't there something more constructive and satisfying that she could do? possibly using the endless online resources to figure out how to decrease wedding costs (DIY!!) and have your dream wedding on a reduced budget, and then offer her services and what she has learned to other women who need to do the same thing? (wait... this idea is starting to sound familiar...) gotta admit though, the girl has balls. and let's be honest, the ferret is just downright hilarious.

Hi Kim! I live in Cinci and the best BD photog I have found around here is Sandra Reed: Dayton Wedding Photographer: Sandra Reed Photography. If you don't want to travel though, I would definitely recommend doing what Tammy suggested. This is what I plan on doing (using a friend of my FSIL who is just starting out) and am actually getting a better deal so my photog can expand her BD portfolio.

just went to the VS website to order the sexy little bride tank and the hoodies are back up there! just an fyi if anyone is still looking for it!

FI's best man is going to play the acoustic guitar for our processional/recessional and any other ceremony music we decide to have. so far i have only been able to decide on the processional: "Swing Life Away" - Rise Against.. it even talks about palm trees! also, if you want a tear jerker song with some serious lyrics check out this one my mom found: MATTHEW WEST - WHEN I SAY I DO LYRICS

February 2009 Andrea (Pug3636) & Alan - February 4, 2009 - RCCL Western Caribbean Cruise Garrett and Jaime - February 5, 2009 - RIU RM Palace, Playa del Carmen Kate (kleslie5) & Steve - February 6, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, PV, Mexico Christy (ccarmany23) & Mark- February 6, 2009- Hyatt Cancun Car., Mexico Nikki & Dean - February 14, 2009 - La Ropa Beach, Zihuatanejo, Mexico Jenny & Greg - February 28, 2009 - Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Kris & Joel - February 28, 2009 - Riu Montego Bay, Jamaica March 2009 Angel & Sanford - March 1, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Jess & Greg - March 3, 2009 Georgetown, Cayman Islands Michelle & Ricky - March 7, 2009 Riu Tropical Bay Negril, Jamaica Christina & Albert (tina82) - March 17 2009 RIU Ocho Rios, Jamaica Jamilah & Larence - March 21, 2009 - Montego Bay, Jamaica Tara & Hiram - March 23, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, Jamaica Lynn & Gareth - March 25 2009 - Sunset Jamaica Grande April 2009 Ana&Michael - April 1, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos Mamie & Joshua - April 2,2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris - April 4, 2009 - location unknown at this time! Kerry & Graham - April 4, 2009 - Capella, Cabo San Lucas Whitney & Erik - April 4, 2009 - El Encanto Inn, San Jose Del Cabo Sara & Jeff - April 18, 2009, Playa Pesquero, Holguin, Cuba Manney & Jamie- April 22, 2009 - Riu Santa Fe, Cabo San Lucas Selina& Artie-April 23, 2009- Occidental grand xcaret Nancy & Kenny - April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Andi (CODestBride2009) & Reggie – April 24, 2009 – Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Leslie & James - April 24,2009 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Michelle & Jeff - April 24,2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Joy & Erik - April 24, 2009 - Moon Palace Cancun, Mexico Zee & Erk - April 24, 2009 - Either Moon Palace or Dreams (still undecided) Diana & Anthony- April 25, 2009- Dreams Cancun, Mexico Savannah & Billy- April 25, 2009 Maya Tankah/Tulum, Mexico Jenny & Brad - April 25, 2009 Azul Sensatori Ali & Patrick - April 25, 2009 Cabo Surf Hotel, San Jose Del Cabo, MX May 2009 Shannon & Chris - May 2, 2009 - Gran Porto Real Resort, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Beth & Jay - May 2 2009 -Dreams Tulum, Mexico Muriel & Jovan - May 2, 2009 - Le Reve, Playa Xcalacoco, Mexico Jaymie & Ales - May 4, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Donna & Jef (dursula) - May 6, 2009 - CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla Kristen & Mickey (kiki317) May 6, 2009- Dreams, Cancun, Mexico JACKIE & MARK(JAX_THE_BEACH_BRIDE) MAY 8, 2009- BLAU VARADERO, CUBA!!! Wendy & Ivan - May 9, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Mexico Kelly & Chris - May 9, 2009 - Unknown, Riviera Maya, Mexico Shannon & Kenny (Shay2679) - May 07, 2009 - the Royal PDC, Mexico Kelly & Joe- May, 13, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Nyssa & Joel - May 13, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Mexico Miranda & Colin - May 14, 2009, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Cuba Mylee & Andrew - May 14, 2009, Iberostar Quetzal/ Tucan, Mexico Marie & Scott - May 15, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexco Meagan & Jeff - May 15, 2009 Dreams Punta Cana, DR Stacey & Derek - May 15, 2009 Punta Cana, DR Maggie & Tim (IslamoradaBride) - May 16, 2009 Islamorada, Fla. Meagan & Matt (CDNgroom) - May 20, 2009 - Playa Del Carmen, MX K & R - May 22, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Bianca & Chris - May 23, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Kristy & Chris (froggie1013) - May 23, 2009 - Villa Capri, St Lucia Tina & Nathan- May 23, 2009- Lucea, Jamaica Terry & Yamille - May 23, 2009 - Paradisus Riviera Cancun Jaime & Martin - May 24, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Susana & MO - May 24, 2009 - Dreams Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico Carla & Mark - May 27, 2009 - Gran Caribe Real, Cancun, Mexico Lisa & Tom (mummergirl) - May 28, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Melissa & Jason (missybee99)- May 28, 2009- Dreams Los Cabos, MX Jenny & Bryan (SoontobeMsKniss) - May 29, 2009 - Key West, Florida Erica & Brandon - May 30, 2009 June 2009 April & Michael - June 1, 2009 - Wailea, Maui, HI Monique and Derrick - June 5th 2009 - Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Hanna & Josh - June 5, 2009 - Grand Palladium Colonial Mayan Riviera, MX Pauline & Roger - June 6, 2009 - Grenadian by Rex Resorts, Grenada Amanda & Thomas - June 6, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Carolyn & Michael- June 6, 2009- Gran Caribe Real Cancun, MX Crystal & Branko ~ June 10, 2009 ~ Grand Palladium, Riviera Maya, Mexico Julia & Dima ~ June 11, 2009 ~ Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Ashley & Dave - June 11, 2009 - Valentin Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico Sorcha & Shannon - June 12, 2009 - St. John's, NF, Canada Jen & Brian - June 12, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya, Mexico April & Patrick - June 13, 2009 - EcoTulum, Tulum, Mexico Ginalyn & Jeff- June 18, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Roe & Seamus - June 22, 2009 - Bermuda MarieSam & Tommy (msam007562) -June 26, 2009- Las Casitas Beach & CEA Center, Akumal, MX July 2009 Aaron & Kristie - July 2, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras Kim & Eddy - July 3, 2009 _ Iberostar Del Mar Stephanie & Robert - July 10, 2009 - Honolulu, HI Geralyn & Steve - July 11, 2009 - RIU Montego Bay, Jamaica Rosemary & Miguel - July 11, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX Rachel & Scott - July 16, 2009 - Aventura Spa Palace, Riviera Maya, MX Brianne & Nathan (soccergurl3-July 16th 2009- Moon palace Resort,Cancun,MX Kathleen & Dan - July 17, 2009 - Beaches Boscobel Deanna & Bill (deefalvey) - July 24, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX August 2009 Jacilyn & Joe (Jacilynda) - August 8, 2009 - Hotel Akumal Caribe, MX Monique & Eric - August 15, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Karen & Dan - August 15, 2009 Tiffiney & Ryan - August 15, 2009 - RIU Vallarta, MX Megan & Doug - August 15, 2009 - Miami, FL (Carnival Cruise) Michelle & Brent - August 19, 2008 - Wynn Las Vegas, NV Tiffany & George - August 22, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX September 2009 Marijke & Rob - September 1 or 2, 2009 - Parga, Greece Dominica & Ernest - September 5, 2009 - Azul Fives, MX Erik & Zarina - September 9, 2009 - Las Veags, NV Amy & Clint - September 11, 2009 - Cancun, MX Lisa & Gary - September 17, 2009 - Maui, HI Dayla & Randell - September 19, 2009- Cancun/Riviera Maya, MX Vicki & David - September 26, 2009 - Buenaventura Puerto Vallarta, Mexico October 2009 Natasha & James - October 7,2009 --RIU Palace, Cabo San Lucas Ashley & Dustin - October 17, 2009 -- Dreams resort and spa cancun Danelle & Antonio - October 17, 2009 --Riu Palace Riviera Maya Angela & Jason - October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Heather & Matie - October 22, 2009 -- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Josie & Marko - October 24, 2009 -- Dreams Tulum Dana & Eddie - October 24, 2009 -- Moon Palace Cancun Jenny & Matthew - October 27, 2009 -- Melia Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Emily & Kevin - October 28, 2009 -- Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Dustin and Ashley October 17, 2009 At Dreams Cancun November 2009 Jodey & Simon - November 12th 2009 - Dreams resort and spa Cancun Carrie & Andy - November 13, 2009 - Beaches Negril Alicia & Rob - November 14, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Joanne & Mark - November 14, 2009 - Iberostar Grand, Mexico Mirna & Louis-November 15th 2008-Dreams Cancun Leslie & Gerry - November 16th, 2009- Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Valerie & Ryan - November 21, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Mary & Paul - November 28th 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Jessica (Jess) & Paul - November 28th, 200 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico December 2009 Leslie & Jay - December 5, 2009 - Moon Dance Cliffs Jamaica Jen & Kenny - December 12, 2009 - Excellence Playa Mujeres Patty & Jason - December 30, 2009 - Barcelo Riviera Maya Colonial Nadine & Jesse -December 30, 2009 - Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa January 2010 Aimee & Theodore- January, 8, 2010 - Iberostar Tucan, Mexico Nancy & Pat - January 13th, 2010 - Beaches Negril, Jamaica Shannon & Lauchlan- January 27th, 2010- Puerto Vallarta Mexico February 2010 Melissa & Sean- February 10, 2010- St. Thomas USVI Linda & Ton- February 22, 2010- Costa Rica April 2010 Veronica & Patrick (vgirl17) - April 24, 2010 - Moon Palace, Cancun MX Joanna & Chris (jerzygirl85) - April 24, 2010 Dreams Tulum, Mexico Erin & Jeremy (ebredhawk) - April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana May 2010 Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Heather & George (dolfinluck)- May 15, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace June 2010 Jessica & Bryson (Royal_lady10)-June 26, 2010 Dreams Tulum July 2010 Kaytee and CJ- July 3rd, 2010- Destination still TBD! October 2010 Lori & Oliver (gossip girl) - October 10, 2010 - Destination TBD! December 2010 Carla & Christoper (adias.angel) - December 11, 2010 - Riviera Maya

I think destination weddings have a lot of room for personal taste and preference when it comes to planning. Personally, I chose an AI because the whole idea of a DW for us was to be as stress-free as possible. Since I'm not hugely experienced with planning international vacations, and because I wanted my guests to know up front how much everything was going to cost, I went with an AI. Honestly, the "name brand" kind of thing didn't have much of an effect on me. The resort had great reviews and included everything that we were looking for. If a non-AI is more in line with you and your FI's style, then I say do it. Definitely take into consideration the effect this will have on your guests though, but it looks like you have. I think planning events, meals, etc. may be more difficult if you're not at an AI, but it sounds like this is something you enjoy doing, so if you're up for it, go for it! Although you seem like you're pretty knowledgeable with international travel, I'd say just do your research about the resort and surrounding area before you decide anything. I'd bet there are places that are safer and easier to plan the kind of wedding that you're thinking about than others. Can't wait to hear what you end up doing. Sounds like you could whip up something extremely unique and fun for your guests!

Hey Sammygurl! I am not from MN, but my wedding photog is and she is an absolute sweetheart PLUS her BD pictures are gorgeous. Here is the link to her BD blog: EyeSpy Photography: saucy boudoir photography

FI is in love with Jason Statham (aka: Handsome Rob from The Italian Job). I can't begin to tell you how many times I've had to watch ALL of the Transporter movies and after every time he spends a good hour or two saying everything with a horrible fake British accent.

nerve: verse

alien : liner

February 2009 Andrea (Pug3636) & Alan - February 4, 2009 - RCCL Western Caribbean Cruise Garrett and Jaime - February 5, 2009 - RIU RM Palace, Playa del Carmen Kate (kleslie5) & Steve - February 6, 2009 - Playa Fiesta, PV, Mexico Christy (ccarmany23) & Mark- February 6, 2009- Hyatt Cancun Car., Mexico Nikki & Dean - February 14, 2009 - La Ropa Beach, Zihuatanejo, Mexico Jenny & Greg - February 28, 2009 - Le Méridien Cancun Resort & Spa, Mexico Kris & Joel - February 28, 2009 - Riu Montego Bay, Jamaica March 2009 Angel & Sanford - March 1, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Jess & Greg - March 3, 2009 Georgetown, Cayman Islands Michelle & Ricky - March 7, 2009 Riu Tropical Bay Negril, Jamaica Christina & Albert (tina82) - March 17 2009 RIU Ocho Rios, Jamaica Jamilah & Larence - March 21, 2009 - Montego Bay, Jamaica Tara & Hiram - March 23, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, Jamaica Lynn & Gareth - March 25 2009 - Sunset Jamaica Grande April 2009 Ana&Michael - April 1, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos Mamie & Joshua - April 2,2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris - April 4, 2009 - location unknown at this time! Kerry & Graham - April 4, 2009 - Capella, Cabo San Lucas Whitney & Erik - April 4, 2009 - El Encanto Inn, San Jose Del Cabo Sara & Jeff - April 18, 2009, Playa Pesquero, Holguin, Cuba Manney & Jamie- April 22, 2009 - Riu Santa Fe, Cabo San Lucas Selina& Artie-April 23, 2009- Occidental grand xcaret Nancy & Kenny - April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Andi (CODestBride2009) & Reggie – April 24, 2009 – Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Leslie & James - April 24,2009 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Michelle & Jeff - April 24,2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Joy & Erik - April 24, 2009 - Moon Palace Cancun, Mexico Zee & Erk - April 24, 2009 - Either Moon Palace or Dreams (still undecided) Diana & Anthony- April 25, 2009- Dreams Cancun, Mexico Savannah & Billy- April 25, 2009 Maya Tankah/Tulum, Mexico Jenny & Brad - April 25, 2009 Azul Sensatori Ali & Patrick - April 25, 2009 Cabo Surf Hotel, San Jose Del Cabo, MX May 2009 Shannon & Chris - May 2, 2009 - Gran Porto Real Resort, Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Beth & Jay - May 2 2009 -Dreams Tulum, Mexico Muriel & Jovan - May 2, 2009 - Le Reve, Playa Xcalacoco, Mexico Jaymie & Ales - May 4, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Donna & Jef (dursula) - May 6, 2009 - CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla Kristen & Mickey (kiki317) May 6, 2009- Dreams, Cancun, Mexico Wendy & Ivan - May 9, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Mexico Kelly & Chris - May 9, 2009 - Unknown, Riviera Maya, Mexico Shannon & Kenny (Shay2679) - May 07, 2009 - the Royal PDC, Mexico Kelly & Joe- May, 13, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Nyssa & Joel - May 13, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Mexico Miranda & Colin - May 14, 2009, Melia Cayo Guillermo, Cuba Mylee & Andrew - May 14, 2009, Iberostar Quetzal/ Tucan, Mexico Marie & Scott - May 15, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexco Meagan & Jeff - May 15, 2009 Dreams Punta Cana, DR Stacey & Derek - May 15, 2009 Punta Cana, DR Maggie & Tim (IslamoradaBride) - May 16, 2009 Islamorada, Fla. Meagan & Matt (CDNgroom) - May 20, 2009 - Playa Del Carmen, MX K & R - May 22, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Bianca & Chris - May 23, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Kristy & Chris (froggie1013) - May 23, 2009 - Villa Capri, St Lucia Tina & Nathan- May 23, 2009- Lucea, Jamaica Terry & Yamille - May 23, 2009 - Paradisus Riviera Cancun Jaime & Martin - May 24, 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Susana & MO - May 24, 2009 - Dreams Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico Carla & Mark - May 27, 2009 - Gran Caribe Real, Cancun, Mexico Lisa & Tom (mummergirl) - May 28, 2009 - Dreams Cancun, Mexico Melissa & Jason (missybee99)- May 28, 2009- Dreams Los Cabos, MX Jenny & Bryan (SoontobeMsKniss) - May 29, 2009 - Key West, Florida Erica & Brandon - May 30, 2009 June 2009 April & Michael - June 1, 2009 - Wailea, Maui, HI Monique and Derrick - June 5th 2009 - Riu Ocho Rios, Jamaica Hanna & Josh - June 5, 2009 - Grand Palladium Colonial Mayan Riviera, MX Pauline & Roger - June 6, 2009 - Grenadian by Rex Resorts, Grenada Amanda & Thomas - June 6, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Carolyn & Michael- June 6, 2009- Gran Caribe Real Cancun, MX Crystal & Branko ~ June 10, 2009 ~ Grand Palladium, Riviera Maya, Mexico Ashley & Dave - June 11, 2009 - Valentin Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico Sorcha & Shannon - June 12, 2009 - St. John's, NF, Canada Jen & Brian - June 12, 2009 - Azul Sensatori, Riviera Maya, Mexico April & Patrick - June 13, 2009 - EcoTulum, Tulum, Mexico Roe & Seamus - June 22, 2009 - Bermuda MarieSam & Tommy (msam007562) -June 26, 2009- Las Casitas Beach & CEA Center, Akumal, MX July 2009 Aaron & Kristie - July 2, 2009 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras Kim & Eddy - July 3, 2009 _ Iberostar Del Mar Stephanie & Robert - July 10, 2009 - Honolulu, HI Geralyn & Steve - July 11, 2009 - RIU Montego Bay, Jamaica Rosemary & Miguel - July 11, 2009 - Dreams Cabo San Lucas, MX Rachel & Scott - July 16, 2009 - Aventura Spa Palace, Riviera Maya, MX Brianne & Nathan (soccergurl3-July 16th 2009- Moon palace Resort,Cancun,MX Kathleen & Dan - July 17, 2009 - Beaches Boscobel August 2009 Jacilyn & Joe (Jacilynda) - August 8, 2009 - Hotel Akumal Caribe, MX Monique & Eric - August 15, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX Karen & Dan - August 15, 2009 Tiffiney & Ryan - August 15, 2009 - RIU Vallarta, MX Megan & Doug - August 15, 2009 - Miami, FL (Carnival Cruise) Michelle & Brent - August 19, 2008 - Wynn Las Vegas, NV Tiffany & George - August 22, 2009 - Dreams Los Cabos, MX September 2009 Marijke & Rob - September 1 or 2, 2009 - Parga, Greece Dominica & Ernest - September 5, 2009 - Azul Fives, MX Erik & Zarina - September 9, 2009 - Las Veags, NV Stefanie & Leo- September 9, 2009- Negril, Jamaica Amy & Clint - September 11, 2009 - Cancun, MX Lisa & Gary - September 17, 2009 - Maui, HI Dayla & Randell - September 19, 2009- Cancun/Riviera Maya, MX Vicki & David - September 26, 2009 - Buenaventura Puerto Vallarta, Mexico October 2009 Natasha & James - October 7,2009 --RIU Palace, Cabo San Lucas Ashley & Dustin - October 17, 2009 -- Dreams resort and spa cancun Danelle & Antonio - October 17, 2009 --Riu Palace Riviera Maya Angela & Jason - October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Heather & Matie - October 22, 2009 -- Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Josie & Marko - October 24, 2009 -- Dreams Tulum Dana & Eddie - October 24, 2009 -- Moon Palace Cancun Jenny & Matthew - October 27, 2009 -- Melia Caribe Tropical, Punta Cana, DR Emily & Kevin - October 28, 2009 -- Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, I am adding Dustin and Ashley October 17, 2009 At Dreams Cancun November 2009 Jodey & Simon - November 12th 2009 - Dreams resort and spa Cancun Carrie & Andy - November 13, 2009 - Beaches Negril Alicia & Rob - November 14, 2009 - Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Joanne & Mark - November 14, 2009 - Iberostar Grand, Mexico Mirna & Louis-November 15th 2008-Dreams Cancun Leslie & Gerry - November 16th, 2009- Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Valerie & Ryan - November 21, 2009 - Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa Mary & Paul - November 28th 2009 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Jessica (Jess) & Paul - November 28th, 200 - Puerto Vallarta, Mexico December 2009 Leslie & Jay - December 5, 2009 - Moon Dance Cliffs Jamaica Jen & Kenny - December 12, 2009 - Excellence Playa Mujeres Nadine & Jesse -December 30, 2009 - Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa January 2010 Ginalyn & Jeff- January 2, 2010 - Cancun, Mexico Aimee & Theodore- January, 8, 2010 - Iberostar Tucan, Mexico Nancy & Pat - January 13th, 2010 - Beaches Negril, Jamaica Shannon & Lauchlan- January 27th, 2010- Puerto Vallarta Mexico February 2010 Melissa & Sean- February 10, 2010- St. Thomas USVI Linda & Ton- February 22, 2010- Costa Rica April 2010 Melissa & Cody (sunkissed bride) - April 22, 2010- Sensatori Azul, Riviera Maya Veronica & Patrick (vgirl17) - April 24, 2010 - Moon Palace, Cancun MX Erin & Jeremy (ebredhawk) - April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana May 2010 Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Heather & George (dolfinluck)- May 15, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Riviera Maya, Mexico Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace June 2010 Stephanie & Michael (Steph15 - June 11, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen July 2010 Kaytee and CJ- July 3rd, 2010- Destination still TBD! October 2010 Lori & Oliver (gossip girl) - October 10, 2010 - Destination TBD! December 2010 Carla & Christoper (adias.angel) - December 11, 2010 - Riviera Maya

Hey there! I know I'm not getting married at the Majestic, but I'm assuming the situation is probably similar for all of DR. At Dreams they told me that the judge can only confirm dates about a year out, so this is why you have to wait so long to get a confirmation for a LEGAL ceremony. Such a pain for those of us who can't wait to start planning!! In order to save money and avoid the hassle of all of the translation and documentation issues (and a little bit because I just wanted my date confirmed!) we decided to do a symbolic ceremony and I was able to get a confirmation of my date right away since a judge wasn't needed. I'm thinking it's probably the same way at Majestic, but I may be wrong so hopefully there are other brides out there who can help on the resort specifics. Hang in there! There are a BUNCH of us in the same boat... just want to get that date booked and get the ball rolling! I don't think 2010 can come fast enough!

apple : lapel

savannah that sounds like an AMAZING deal on your dress! thank goodness for ebay! you will have to let us all know when you get it and how it looks! questions for you ladies with dates earlier in 2010... have you been able to start getting your guests booked and have your airfare prices been okay so far? i'm sooo anxious to get prices and get everyone rolling so i just want to know what i'm in for! i JUST started my DIY boarding pass invites too and i hate waiting for prices to send them out... patience is overrated!

veal : vail

virus : serve

I know this may be repeating a lot of what other people have said, but I JUST finished this process so I know exactly what you're dealing with. When you first start looking at photographers, everything kind of looks the same and you begin with a list of ones that you think you may be interested in. once you contact them and the prices start rolling in, you will really get an idea of who is reasonable and who isn't, based on your budget of course and then (at least for me it did) the photographers start really distinguishing themselves. To us, having someone who was enthusiastic and really seemed like they were thrilled to be a part of our celebration was very important. It was also helpful to have someone who would mix and match services based on our budget. We ended up really only paying for a normal package plus travel fees. Keep in mind that you are paying for a vacation for them, so hopefully this is enough to get you some wiggle room on prices! Hiring a photographer is definitely a personal choice, but since they are capturing one of the most important days in your, make sure you are as picky as you can afford to be! Definitely one of those things I would try not to just "settle" with if pictures are important to you! Good luck and can't wait to hear what you end up doing!

niche : hinge

nile : lean

Quote: Originally Posted by Tammy Host i love cookies and cream...maybe we will walk to the store to make them today!!! i also really love cream cheese frosting...do you think that will be too heavy for this cupcake. i am freaking out here. i need cupcakes!! actually, i think that would be really good! it won't be as sweet as buttercream which is good because there is so much sweetness in the cupcake already! if you make these with the cream cheese frosting let me know how they come out!!

if you are in nyc and want the world's greatest cupcake, go to sugarSweetsunshine. my MOH lived in brooklyn for a while and when i went to visit we did our own cupcake tour of the city... it even edged out magnolia which was equally as delish! and casey, I agree.. the magnolia red velvet is to DIE for!

rents : north

i decorate cakes pretty often for my family and friends... even doing my brother's wedding cake in october! that icing recipe is almost exactly what i use and it turns out WONDERFUL! it's easy-cheesey and pretty much no fail. just adjust the amount of liquid you use for different consistency. one thing i would do though: use water instead of milk. that way you can freeze any excess icing for later without worrying about anything in it spoiling. and for kicks, this is my favorite cupcake recipe and it comes from my favorite cupcake recipe book... it's the Cupcakes: from the Cake Mix Doctor, because i am a firm believer that there are FEW cakes that end up as moist and yummy as one made with a cake mix... Cookies & Cream Cupcakes -24 paper liners -30 Oreo cookies (I used reduced fat and they were just as good) -1 package plain white cake mix -1 cup sour cream (can use reduced fat) -1/2 cup vegetable oil -3 large eggs -1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract -Buttercream frosting (you can definitely use the recipe Tammy provided) 1) Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350F. Line 24 cupcake cups with paper liners. Set the pans aside. 2) Count out 12 Oreos and separate the top and bottom wafers. Make sure each has some of the icing on it. Place one wafer icing side up, in the bottom of each paper liner. (THIS IS THE BEST PART!) Set them aside. Place the remaining 18 Oreos between sheets of waxed paper or in a large, closed zipper-lock bag and crush them. 3) Place the cake mix, sour cream, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl. Blend with an electric mixer on low speed for 30 seconds. Stop the machine adn scrap down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat 1 1/2 minutes more. Measure out 1 1/2 cups of the crushed Oreos and fold these into the batter until well incorporated. Spoon or scoop 1/3 cup batter into each lined cupcake cup, filling it 3/4 of the way full. (You will get 22-24 cupcakes). Place the pans in the oven. 4) Bake the cupcakes until they are lightly golden and spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 18-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. 5) Combine the remaining Oreo crumbs with your favorite Buttercream frosting recipe. Once cupcakes are cool, place a heaping tablespoon of frosting on each cupcake and swirl to cover. sorry such a long message, but it's definitely worth it!! i love that this forum is cupcake obsessed!!

Tammy I have done the SAME exact thing! (note the tattoo profile picture) There isn't a decent place to get cupcakes in Cincinnati so I just make my own and I swear when I become independently wealthy I'm going to quit my job and open my own shop. In fact, sitting in front of me right now is the empty container for all of the cupcakes I brought to work this morning. They are impossible to resist when they are staring at me all day long!

since we aren't getting married until late april 2010 we are in the stages of trying to decide on STD and invitation designs. i'm thinking about making these myself... has anyone gone the DIY route yet? any helpful hints or suggestions? i can't wait to get all of this started!!