jlizabethm

Hey girls! I'm back! I just wrote a long review on Reviews of vacations, hotels, resorts, vacation and travel packages - TripAdvisor so check that out for details. I'm super swamped as I have my at home reception this Saturday. I do want to put all concerns aside...Dreams PA is AMAZING! The gazebo and water color is amazing. We had 45 people go with us and many, many travel a few times a year to places like this and they said this was their BEST trip yet and the amenities, rooms, service, food everything was the best place they've been to yet. I highly recommend staying in the Preferred club area as the bride and immediate family. It was a great upgrade. We always met in the mornings in the preferred area. It was private and we had our own private parties at the bars at night too. I never once had any hidden charges with the wedding. They had everything organized perfectly, etc. We did not pay for a DJ. I highly, highly recommend speaker system because it's cheaper and their speakers rocked the house EVERYONE was dancing. All you need is your Ipod. We used it for dinner music too. The mariachi band was a great kickoff when the reception started. EVERYONE was impressed and taking pictures. We did the ultimate wedding package which made everything perfect and plush. I did hire Sascha Photography to do my photos which I'm hapy about. It will be 4-6 weeks till I get pictures though We did 5 hours - 2 hours for the TTD session. I'll share when I get them. I have to get going but, TRUST me it's amazing. Outstanding even. The food (filet and shrimp) was awesome, the display was outstanding. Soooo many people were impressed. Our own bar area set up too in the meeting area where our reception was. Okay, I"m ADD'ing out, gotta go. Enjoy your weddings, you'll be soooo pleased with this resort Jamie

I'm so frustrated. I'm getting married Sept. 18th and arriving on the 14th and Jacy STILL hasn't returned my emails. Hmmm..not good. I'll let you all know when she finally returns my email........

Thanks GinaLynL! You've helped so many brides. I hope that I can be as helpful as you when this is done. Thanks for the info. I've been pricing out everything with an extra like 18%....so hopefully I'll save some money. I leave exactly a week from today. Monday, Sept. 14th - Monday, Sept 21st. Wedding Date: 18th. I hired that Sascha for our photos too She or he...?? is amazing and I loved your pictures. I'll keep in touch with everyone once I arrive!

Does anyone know if the resort charges tax on... Flowers? Extra meals? Additional Cake? Or are those flat rates, no taxes. I'm trying to figure out some budget items for our trip and because Jacy is out till MOnday...no luck moving forward. I'd appreciate help from those who are already married 14 days till I'm married here! Yeaaaaaaay! I can't wait to share pictures with you all. Wish me luck on the carribean staying calm

WOw, I'm shocked I'm the "next" one! Ahhhhh! Kinda makes me nervous. I will keep you all posted on everything as things get closer

Thanks GinaLynL!!!

Hi girls! Im having trouble finding white short-sleeved shirts that are NOT see through (for groom/groomsmen)...We've tried Banana Republic and JCrew and both were very nice (keeping them for the future) but not so great for wedding. Any suggestions on what to do? Also I just booked Sascha Photography. I am doing the 5 hour package $1475 for 5 hours. 3 hours on wedding day, 2 hours following day for a TTD session (Trash the Dress). Thanks GinaLyn for the information. What great work she does!!

Thank you Bianca! You're the best!

Hi Bianca! Your pictures are excellent! How much did this lady cost - a total including everything? If you don't mind me asking, what a great job she did. Also, those lights on the ground, did you buy them and ship them or was that at the hotel to use? Everything looked top notch and now I want to invest more money in decor (Where did you have your reception?) Thank you!

Hi all - Does anyone know when purchasing any of the packages - do they add taxes or gratuity to the $2,650 amount or is that a standard rate. That's one question I've never asked Jacy before. Adding taxes/gratuity would move it to $2,915. I appreciate anyones help - Bianca - SOOO Happy you're there!

Hi Bianca, I'm so happy to hear you're moving forward with your plans! Have a great, great time in Mexico!! If you get a chance, I'd love to see pictures of the optional dinner locations after the ceremony. Now that I"ve heard a lot of people talk about the windy beach, I may not have my beach reception after all. Id rather be somewhere less windy...I think Thanks for your help and have an excellent time!

Hi girls! The woman who has been sharing information with me was delighted to share her photos from her wedding at DPA. I was sooo happy she'd let me share them. Please visit the following link... Kodakgallery.com: Slideshow or Kodakgallery.com: Slideshow These photos were taken on a Friday around 4-5 and by the photographer that comes in the wedding package. I'm surprised about how great they turned out! Yeaaaaaaaaaaay! It got me more excited.

Hi girls - first off that's great that most of you are moving forward and keeping your wedding plans. No need to go and make a lot of changes until you absolutely would have to and things really are looking up with this whole deal. I just met a great person online who just got married at DPA and she was sooo kind to answer some of my questions about her wedding. She was very happy with everything! See the Q&A's below (it's long and detailed, sorry..) Enjoy! The Ultimate package was for a 1 hour cocktail party and then the dinner reception. I did have the waitstaff getting us drinks for the dinner but for some reason they just had champagne at the cocktail party. It wasn't bad because the bar was not far and we were all walking around taking pictures. We talked with the GM after the wedding and they have taken care of us about the little issues that came up. Let me answer your questions below... When is the photographer around? With the Ulimate package, you get them for 1 1/2 hrs. You cannot break it up and have them do 30 mins here and then take a break and have them do 30 mins there. I had them start with me walking to the ceremony and through the cocktail party. They also took a few pics once we got in the restaurant for the reception Before Ceramony - How long? I didn't have them before the ceremony...my sister was in charge of taking those pics During Ceramony and after? How long? We had 30 mins for the ceremony and then the hour long cocktail party. While every one was drinking and mingling we took pictures by ourselves and with our famiy. The took pics in the gazebo and then down by the lagoon. They turned out AWESOME! During Reception? How long? We did not pay extra to have them take pics during the reception. Did you give him a list of poses you wanted to be sure to get? I hope he'll be there about an hour before the actual wedding to take pictures beforehand... I didn't give him a list and if I would have, I would have remembered to have a picture taken of just me and mom! I totally forgot! HA! They have great ideas for shots of you with your husband, but make sure to have ideas for group shots and who you want in them. When did you sit down with him/her to look at photos? We were supposed to be able to look at them the next day but they took over 400 pics and needed more time. We looked at them on Monday (we got married on Friday) and they delivered them to us Tuesday at the resort we stayed at further up towards Playa for our honeymoon. One thing I did not know was all the pictures are 5x7's. On one hand, that is great because you don't have to pay to get larger pics done, but then I have all these extra 5x7's because you can only frame so many! When you pick out 50, what does that mean? You get 50 printed photos or 50 digital on a CD? You get 50 printed photos, all 5x7's, that you choose from what they take. They have all the pics they take, then they have another folder with 'special' pics - black and whites, etc. Then there is another folder with more special shots. It was worth the extra money to get all of them...I have printed out so many pics. People can't believe how good they turned out. It is my favorite part! Did you get a CD too with those pictures? see above Did he take more than 50 photos and then you realized you wanted to pay extra to have them? How much extra, what did you pay? see above The DVD is really cute....we didn't give them a lot of input as to what to video but they are open if you have ideas. It is not 30 mins though...more like 15 mins....Just highlights. But I really love it! Any extra suggestions.... *Bring your own goggles & flippers if you have them. They only rent them to you for free one hour a day. *You don't need much as far as decorations, depending on where you have the reception. (We lucked out that El Patio is closed on Fridays so we had the entire restaurant to ourselves. It was so neat.) I brought some little candles, little confetti to throw on the tables and little floppy centerpieces. You can see them in the pics. Don't go to much trouble... *Don't miss the live band by the beach on Friday nights. That was a blast! We were leaving the reception to head to the disco and got to enjoy that for a while. It was so much fun! *Definitely shop in the gift shop. Their prices are so reasonable! Not what you expect for a resort gift shop.... *It was exceptionally windy while we were there. Think about that when deciding what to do with your hair *Do NOT get hammered the night before your wedding and invite everyone at the bar to your wedding....ha ha ha ha

I wrote Jacy an email on Tuesday of last week asking her for a hotel statement in regards to the swine flu issue and she did not respond. If anyone hears from her, please let us all know. I'm surprised she didn't respond. It looks like things are dying down with all of this, so that's great news!

Quote: Originally Posted by Reluctant Beach Bride I haven't received the official word yet but depending on what I hear tomorrow....I may no longer be a DPA bride. While some people think it might be an over reaction, I have 4 year old son who was extremely sick as an infant and is now susceptible to everything and gets it worse than others generally would, so while people are comparing this to the regular flu, the "regular" flu would mean hospital time for my son which is why we get him vaccinated. My son is my priority and its not worth the risk to me. While the chances are slim I can't take that chance cause I'd never forgive myself if something happened to him. So, don't know where I am going yet, but it most likely won't be DPA anymore. I am so sad because I feel in love with the resort the moment I saw pics and never even considered anywhere else. I'm sooo sorry to hear that you have to change your plans. You're right though, your son is #1. I'm praying for everything to work out for you and your family. Gosh, I can't believe all of this.

I wrote Jacy yesterday evening to see how things are going in Mexico. Lets be real, the US media has nothing to talk about besides this swineflu. I posted an article on my wedding website that basically told everyone to CHILL OUT and 500,000-600,000 people die every year from the basic flu and we don't report on that. I mean, I guess I personally am not worried and if people are that are attending the wedding, by all means - feel free to cancel! I'd rather not have those hypocondriachs at my wedding anyway, those are the kind of people that will come to me, the bride, and tell me that housekeeping didn't come to their room to clean...as if the bride wants or cares to hear complaints about the destinaton she chose! Ugh!! Sorry...it's early and man, I wish I wuld have eloped with just me and my finacee sometimes... I'll let you know what Jacy wrote Have a great day and no worries girls, be precautious and everyone will be fine! (basically don't go hang out in Mexico City, don't kiss any of the mexican staff at the resort, etc.)

Thanks all for your help with the process of getting married in Mexico. I'm still up in the air. It looks to cost about $500.00 to do this and it's only $35 at the courthouse. Hmm...I'll keep everyone posted on what I decide and how it goes. Thanks for your comments and help!

More Answers from Jacy: Questions: **Also, during our 3-hour Reception will we have our own bartender/s and wait staff? How many will staff will assist in my wedding? Yes,you will have your own wait staff. **How many bartenders? For example 1 bartender for every 30 guests? How will our guests get their drinks, will there be a special area with beer and liquor for my guests? The waiters will get the drinks for everybody. I can´t confirm how many will be yet. **Can we set up a head table for my bridal party? We have 16 people (including Ryan and myself) that would need to be at this table. Yes, we can. **Will you have round tables for the other guests? How many people can sit at a Round table? We offer round tables for 8 pax each. **At what point do I work with the DJ? Can I provide him a list of songs to have on hand while DJ’ing? Yes, you can. **Will the Gazebo seat 50 guests? Yes. **How flexible (if there are no other weddings planned around my date) are you with switching the wedding date to Thursday or Saturday or Sunday if we know the weather is going to be really bad? The plan be in case of rain is decided a day before the wedding date. **Do you currently have any other wedding parties at your resort the week that I’ll be there? Sept. 14-21st? Not yet.

More Answers from Jacy: Questions: **Also, during our 3-hour Reception will we have our own bartender/s and wait staff? How many will staff will assist in my wedding? Yes,you will have your own wait staff. **How many bartenders? For example 1 bartender for every 30 guests? How will our guests get their drinks, will there be a special area with beer and liquor for my guests? The waiters will get the drinks for everybody. I can´t confirm how many will be yet. **Can we set up a head table for my bridal party? We have 16 people (including Ryan and myself) that would need to be at this table. Yes, we can. **Will you have round tables for the other guests? How many people can sit at a Round table? We offer round tables for 8 pax each. **At what point do I work with the DJ? Can I provide him a list of songs to have on hand while DJ’ing? Yes, you can. **Will the Gazebo seat 50 guests? Yes. **How flexible (if there are no other weddings planned around my date) are you with switching the wedding date to Thursday or Saturday or Sunday if we know the weather is going to be really bad? The plan be in case of rain is decided a day before the wedding date. **Do you currently have any other wedding parties at your resort the week that I’ll be there? Sept. 14-21st? Not yet.

Thanks for your post Jesdinan! I've added some questions I've asked Jacy too. Yours were helpful! were considering the DJ, what are his exact costs per hour (with equipment, taxes included, and all)? The extra cost per hour is $209usd If we choose not to have a DJ, what would it cost to have speakers (Per Hour, with taxes, etc.) The extra cost per hour is $143usd Is it possible for us to bring our own decorations for the reception? I could have a friend put them on the tables or chairs? For example: We could create custom centerpieces and mail them to the hotel prior to the wedding. Yes, you can. Could we bring along our own chair bows? It’s just out of my budget to pay $6.25 per chair for 50 guests. Yes, you can. Also, we have chosen the Dreams Ultimate Wedding Package but would like to offer the Silver Menu. Is this okay? Yes, it is. If we have 45-50 attendees will this be a plated dinner at the reception. I believe your number increased on your website. Before it was 40+ people meant a buffet style dinner, now I believe it’s 50. With more than 50 people we will offer buffet style. At what point do you and I have to have our exact “Plan†in writing or discussed for our entire wedding day. Is there a finalized form that I will fill out. Yes, there is. If I arrive and decide that I would like to get married an hour or so earlier or later, is it okay to make those changes by Tuesday (see my next question too)? Yes, but this will depend on the minister availability. Is it possible to schedule a meeting with you on Tuesday, September 15th to go over the details of the wedding? Could we meet in the morning? At our meeting is it too late to add items to our wedding, such as…if I’m in the mood I may want to add more flowers and ambiance to the evening once I see everything. J Yes, we can meet on September 15th. and it is not too late to make a change. QUESTION for DREAMS PA BRIDES: I have decided to not officially get married in Mexico, it's more of a religious ceremony (and to have a gorgeous location) away from home. Have you found that it's been hard planning to get officially married in Mexico? I'm wondering how they go about blood testing and all of the other stuff? Onsite or do you have to go to a hospital. Any help would be GREAT! I'd love to do it all at once, but I'm worried about all of the work that goes into it and also flying home with my marriage certificate and validating it in English, etc. THANK YOU!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Beautiful Bride QUOTE=2010wedding;742538]Hiya Jen- Thanks for the info...I think I will wait and see also. Is this the El patio or something like that Jacy means? Janna I think it's just out by the pool and they set up tables etc right there. I had a look at the map and the El Patio is near the ocean not too far from the wedding gazebo. It's really hard to figure out what you want when you haven't been there to see. I think I could easily lose my mind trying to get it all set, so if it becomes too much hassle, I will just figure it out when I get there...which is saying a lot cuz I'm a control freak. Let me know if u decide on anything or get any new ideas! Hi Beautiful Bride, I have to laugh out loud. I'm a pretty major control freak and for some reason I feel that this destination wedding was an easy way for me to just "let go", because ultimately we both know no wedding could be more beautiful than on by the ocean. Hopefully we'll see some other wedding photos before ours to help us a little more. Best of luck! jlizabethm

Quote: Originally Posted by AlliMay Welcome Jamie and Congrats! Are you in Iowa? I am in the Cedar Falls area... Good Luck with your planning!! Hi AlliMay, Yes I'm living in Dubuque...born and raised. I love this forum! It's so nice to know others out there chose this site for their weddings too!

Hi my name is Jamie and I will be married at Dreams Puerto Aventuras on September 18, 2009. I'm really excited and Jacy has been pretty great to work with, via email. I loved reading everyone's posts. My wedding color is Tiffany Blue and off-white. I look forward to sharing information with everyone when I get some time. Jacy's provided me with a lot of answers!

Hi my name is Jamie and I will be married on September 18, 2009 at Dreams Puerto Aventuras. I'm so happy to have found a website with a forum for brides that are getting married there! Thank you!