staceysbride

Maybe they let their wedding couples pay with cards, but it's even said on trip advisor that the restaurant doesn't take CC's from regular diners. TLC if you're in regular contact with the restaurant and could ask and clear up this question- it would help a lot of us planning dinners there soon. I'm not having my wedding there (wish I was but committed to my resort too early and then found this and can't change now) but DH and I will be making a dinner trip there and we really don't want to carry cash for that down there. Let us know what you find out! ----Nikki----

Quote: Originally Posted by Diva Not "badges" per se, I guess that was a bad term. I meant more like cards that show you belong to Excellence, but it sounds like you don't have to so I will leave the ID plastic things out of my OOT bags since there is no use for them. I remember the times we cruised, there was a printed credit card type deal with our names on it that we had to have on us at all times. Now that I think about it, it was probably so we didn't get on someone else's ship while we were in port LOL Since there are no other resorts around, then I see why there is no need to differentiate. Thanks! What did you guys put in your OOT bags? Templates for welcome books anyone? I'm still going to put the plastic ID holders on lanyards in my OOT bags because guests WILL have room keys even if they don't have 'badges' in the strict sense of the word. If they are at the beach or the pool they'll want somewhere to keep the room key and a couple bucks to tip for drinks....

I'm interested in the fans- however were they all close to the same size? Current reviews on OTC are saying that batches are being sent and they are WILDLY different in size from one another, so I want to make sure. If they are, I will definitely take them off your hands. Email me (there's a link for it if you click my SN) for my PP info. -----Nikki-----

Quote: Originally Posted by Natural Before you texturize your hair try Taliah Waajid's Protective Mist Bodifier, its an all natural detangler that has worked WONDERS for me. Also, for all the natural ladies you may want to join Napputrality.com its a hair forum all about natural hair. Too late- I was literally in the process of opening the box when I made the post. I still have my curls, but now my hair is not so thick and doesn't tangle nearly as easy. It's not technically 'natural' anymore, but I didn't go straight, I'm still a curly girl, and it's easier for everyone involved to manage. *shrugs* I had to do what I had to do. Wandered into Sephora while I was in Philly and picked up some Carol's Daughter and Ojon stuff, and I'm thinking 'where have you been all my life' I kept thinking that they couldn't possibly be both worth the hype but they were. *sigh* wish I'd have started using them years ago.... ----Nikki----

Quote: Originally Posted by mzgillis316 hmmm wow ...i think whomever was doing you're hair probably didnt know what they were doing ...my hair stylist does natural hair with very thick hair and is incredible at straightening, my hair stays straight for weeks...i go once a month (it may help that im able to do my own hair) ...you should try this product my hair stylist uses it for thicker natural hair its called a Carmel treatment (the creator has a shop here in philly...i may not be spelling it right) this helps to soften the hair making it easier to straighten Oooh and Goddess Remy is by far the BEST Hair EVER I CAn keep it in for weeks and it always looks FANTASTIC I'm leaning towards Remy Saga, but haven't made up my mind. Carmel treatment? Haven't heard of it before now, but I haven't been spending much time in a salon as of late either. What I need is just help with tangles. My hair is really soft, not coarse, and straightens super easy (though at the first hint of moisture will revert) but it is THICK and there's a good bit of density up there as well. Someone who doesn't know natural hair would be daunted for sure when they see it. lol ----Nikki----

wow, i swear i was blessed with the only competent TA at DWeddings.com I can say you have to watch them on the rates they give you vs your guests, but I've stepped in each time and made sure they were getting rates similar to mine, but other than that- no issues. My experience has been great, but I can see i'm definitely in the minority. ----Nikki---- Quote: Originally Posted by H-Town Liz I had a HORRIBLE experience with Destinationweddings.com!!! DO NOT USE them! Where do I start.... Trying to get rooms under contract, this took several weeks, and every time my TA Brittany Schiffler would send me a contract, there would be some detail changed, like the type of rooms reserved or the price, or the dates. I would ask her to correct the issue and she would resend a contract; however, now the date at which everyone would have to book their rooms by would change, (to a much earlier date). This happened several times. I should have known then. Then when my guest attempted to book, it would take her several weeks, in some cases, to get back to them. Also, when she did return with their quote, many times it was wrong, or for much higher amounts then I was quoted. Good thing I let my guests know what prices they should be paying, because they were able to catch these discrepancies. That brings us to 1 week before the wedding in Mexico. None of my guests have their travel documents. Including myself and my fiance. My paper work arrived 1 day before my departure. We were told the paper work was to go out 2 weeks before departure. There were several guests that never received theirs and had to call destinationweddings.com's corporate office and speak to about 5 people before they got their documents faxed to them. Now it is wedding time. My now husband and i were meeting with our wedding coordinator and were going over the rooming list. The wedding coordinator had identified that there were 4 quests that were scheduled to leave the Thursday BEFORE our wedding on Saturday. This would not have been that big of a problem except for the fact that the hotel was now sold out!!!! So there was one no show at the hotel and one of the couples were able to stay in that room. As for the other couple, one of our wedding guests had his own room and offered to give that room to the couple, and the one male guest shared a room with another friend. This guest that gave up his room is still attempting to get a refund for his room that he did not get to use. It has been almost 3 months. He has continually tried to contact destinationweddings.com and has been getting the run around. These are just some of the issues....I could probably go on for days about all the little mess ups there were. So, long story short, my experience with them was a NIGHTMARE!!! No not use Wedding Destinations and Planning | Destination Weddings .com at any cost!! You will regret it.

When we were picking a place to get married last year, I think it was literally around this time last year, the TA that we have through DWeddings.com told us then to stay away from the Palace resorts. She had had problems with them and another company- I think RIU but don't quote me on the second company/resort- and so we never even ended up looking there. Now, from my experience with my TA (YMWV) if something goes wrong on the resort end you will NOT be left high and dry and will be rebooked at a new resort of your choosing and everything will be transferred. However, again, this is with my TA and with the trip insurance we have. I'm praying that the same would hold true from you if you wanted/needed to change resorts! Keep us posted! ------Nikki----- Quote: Originally Posted by CristiandJamie Help!!! I'm using DW.com and today my agent calls me to tell me that the Palace resorts are not doing good!!! I'm under 4 months away frm the wedding and people have already booked through my agent. She didn't go into detail but now I feel uncertain. Anyone know anything about issues with Palace resorts or If DW will not follow through with booking? She also seemed disorganized and afraid she will lose someone's reservation.... Help!!!

Island Bride: I ended up ordering a while back and have been SO busy with this particular rotation I am on (am in last year of med school) combined with boards the match finding a place to live that I completely have done NOTHING for my wedding. *looks at a calendar in dismay* I have to get my @$$ in gear though, these bags have to be finished by May 14th! I'm done with my rotations then, and there will not be time to assemble and ship during moving and graduation. I just need a moment to let out a scream , everything is all of sudden going way too fast. LMAO Anyway, I was originally going to put the little starfish alone on the fans, but then thought of how cute a sand dollar would be, and THEN how cute a sand dollar and a tiny starfish over it would be. I swear, I don't know WTF I was thinking- but I'm hoping it all works out. lol my plan is to use craft wire (the reallllly thin kind) in the ribbon wrapped around the handle and a bit of glue to hold it all in place. Basically, craft wire through the holes on the sand dollar and that's around the handle, with a dot of glue, then the ribbon to cover (or maybe the wire is on top of the ribbon but covered by the wrapping of said ribbon- you get the idea) and the starfish will most likely be glued to the sand dollar. Maybe it will be suspended from the holes with ribbon or such. I'll have to sit down and play with it to figure out how I want to do it. At this rate, I just need to find the place I'm ordering my fans from- and then I can start the undertaking of putting together these darn bags.... ---Nikki----- Quote: Originally Posted by Island Bride LadyD-the sand dollars I got are 1"-1 1/4" I just wanted them for my centerpieces. Staceysbride-Im actually using those mini starfish to do what you wanna do with the sand dollars! Ive been ordering so much lately that I cant keep up with it all anymore, but I know I got the shells less than a week after I ordered them and I want to say there shipping was really cheap! I'll have to go find my receipt for you to clear that up. I'm still so stoked on how lucky I got with them being so perfect! When checking out enter "seashells" in the coupon code box and it gives you like 5% off your whole order.

Quote: Originally Posted by valentinbride So two weeks ago I broke down and relaxed my hair after being "natural" for a year. My hair was not doing well! Much more manageable when relaxed (at least for me). So I am going to do a hair trial next week. I'm getting a sew-in with 14" body wave (I'm not going to use quality hair like remy saga b/c it's just a trial). If I don't like that then I will definitely settle for invisible braids. Time is ticking! I only have 2 months and 2 weeks!!! I know the feeling- I'm about to put in a texturizer right now. My hair just got sooo thick over the years that even I can't handle doing it. And when I do go to a salon it's always a nightmare because I lose length due to them ripping at my hair to detangle it. I was in tears the last time I came from the salon. And I don't have....grrrrr hate using the phrase...bad hair, but the domincan ladies were all 'pelo malo' (as if I didn't know any spanish) and trying to get me to relax it. I lost 3 inches PLUS what had to be trimmed for splits that day cause the lady was just ripping the comb through my hair trying to detangle it. I'm leaning more and more towards a weave, thinking remy saga. Am visiting Philly (half bz half pleasure) and the stores here all have remi by outre. I wonder if it's the same quality? Anyone else used the remi by outre and have any comments or reviews?

IB- Thanks for this tip! I am actually thinking I will use their sand dollars on my fans as the little 'charm'. Maybe even a starfish with a sand dollar if I can work the sizes out right. This is really a help. Was their shipping reasonable/timely? -Nikki

I think from what I've read on here on the forum, the cards go in and out of stock at Michaels very frequently. I got mine from dollar tree here in the states(I think in Canada you guys have Dollarama?). They're sold in packs of 2 for $1. I figure they don't have to be anything fancy- they're just for rainy days. Glad to hear you got the word document working! -Nikki

Sent you an email--- I'll take the 3 orange passport covers, the 5 spanish phrases for dummies, and a pack of packing lists. Nikki

I only need a dozen, shipping to 18512, that's here in the states. Thanks!

Quote: Originally Posted by AlexsBride MarieSam, these look great. What is the trick to changing the colours? I would like to use my wedding colours and I am usually pretty good with word, but changing the colours of these shapes is alluding me...Thanks! What I did was click on the symbol itself and then click on the A with the black line under it- should bring up a menu to change the colors. Play around with the pattern in terms of order of your colors, and then when you get it like you like it- select the whole row, copy it, then paste it over the others. HTH!

Quote: Originally Posted by finleys7 Okay...so the dress is in. I have my first appointment Thursday March 4th...Woo Hoo. Very excited =) Haha! we're alterations/fitting date twins. I'm nervous as can be myself. Good Luck!

shortnsweet- what brand of hair did you use? I'm thinking remy saga (i believe that's milky way- don't know a ton about hair extensions though) but there's another brand that I've heard okay things about. Was wondering what you went with? Can not decide if I will have my (natural, thick, and curly too boot) hair corn rowed in something intricate and wear a lace front on the 'important' days, or if I will do a sew in, or what. I'm leaning more towards sew in- but I want to swim!

Quote: Originally Posted by egsarah Hey Nikki your email went to the spam filter. Let me know if you got it or if it got hung up. Nope didn't get an email from you- if I'm the Nikki you were referring to? my email can be had by clicking my name- I allow emails from this group. PM box is nearly full b/c I keep records of my trades in there --Nikki

I'll take the 14 fans off your hands and the coaster gifts. I'll PM you, but in case you see this first, zip code for shipping is 18512, same email address that the link you get by clicking my name sends you my PP addy. Thanks! Nikki

BB, THANK YOU for that detailed time line. I have been super worried if I will have time for pics with a 4pm ceremony. I love pictures, and they're probably one of the most important aspects of the wedding to me besides the cake and dress. I know the day goes by in a blur and I would want lots of pics to remember the day by. It's getting closer and closer and closer- I'm getting soooo excited. June will be here before I know it. -N Quote: Originally Posted by Boston Bride 2009 Here's my two cents Hair-Seriously have Amarylis do you hair. She is freakn great. They can do anything you want and will tell you if it will work with the climate. They have a book of photos (of celebs) you can pick from or bring your own. Mercy helped translate for me but Amarylis (didn't do my hair) speaks english ok. Make-up-I did heavier eye make up because for me it photographs better. I did use eyeliner but it was sweatproof/waterproof from MAC and that was very necessary with my sweat and tears. BM flowers- you can see in my photos. There were 6 roses and it was nice but not big...I would have preferred a little more. Carriage-We fit 5 of us and it was a hot mess. We were very scrunched in. Our photog took photos of us getting in and then pulling up. LIke Michelle said it is tight and you wouldn't get the full effect if they were in the carriage. Nails-loved mine and my mom had a frech mani/pedi that was very nice. If you want a specific color though bring it with you. They have about 20 colors...again I'm particular so I brought my own. Photo areas-We went to quite a few places. You can see the different places in our slideshow. We did some in the lobby, the park, the shops, the beach, there is this business center that was very pretty and we went up there (it's the yellow wall in the photos). There is a lot to work with our photog was going crazy there were so many options. Getting ready-I did not want to get ready in the spa because I wanted to relax and hang out. We go ready in my brothers room with was the presidential suite. It was great to get ready there and great for pictures. Our timeline is probably different than most because of our photographer but here it is 8:30 bfast with BM's and my mom 9-11:00 floated around the cascade pool in rafts with my girls 11:00-12:00 my hair 12:30-Mom and BM hair 1-2 My make-up and girls getting ready and lunch 3 my dress on 3-4 ish photos with mom, bm's and me 4ish in the lobby ready to get on carriage 4-4:20ish was a delay because of flowers 4:30-5:00 ceremony 5-5:30 group photos 5:30-6:30 ish cocktail hour 5:30-6:00ish photos with just us 6:30ish we changed our outfits and freshened up 7ish maybe a little earlier-10:00 (on the dot) reception Cacade pool-can easily seat 50+ people. We had 30 and there was plenty more room. When you have your meeting with Ana she will walk you around the resort to show you all of the different options and locations if you have not been there before. Michelle the veranda was great idea. I didn't even think of that might have been better because of the bugs. I found looking through all of the previous brides pictures super helpful. You can really get a sense of what it will be like and the different options.

It's a shame that I've already booked- it would've been nice to get the discount. lol Great idea about the webinar though- I think it'll help a lot of people. ---Nikki Quote: Originally Posted by TA Jennifer Just a heads up- we're doing one more Excellence Resorts Webinar! This is primarily for new people who aren't sure what resort they are interested in and it will review the wedding program! If we have enough brides & potential brides we will also have a wedding coordinator from the resort join us to answer questions! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We're thrilled to have Excellence Resorts join us to present their 5 star all inclusive, award winning, adult only Excellence Resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean! Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/335799498 Thursday, February 25th 7:00-8:00pm Excellence Playa Mujeres: An adults-only romantic all inclusive resort nestled on two miles of powdery white sand beach, all inclusive luxury surrounds you in a setting of lush Caribbean beauty. The newest luxury resort destination in the Cancun region, Playa Mujeres is situated on an untouched 20-mile peninsula, secluded and serene but conveniently only 25 minutes north of Cancun Airport. If you have a taste for excitement mixed with luxury, romance and relaxation at andults-only romantic all inclusive resort, then Excellence Riviera Cancun is where you belong. This resort is situated on a secluded, pure white sand beach on Mexico's Riviera Maya. Excellence Punta Cana: This quaint, colonial-style all inclusive resort and spa is the ideal destination for couples seeking a secluded romantic resort getaway at an dults-only romantic all inclusive resort. This resort is nestled among palms on a 30-mile stretch of perfect white-sand Caribbean beach. Additionally we’ll explore the amazing, 5-star, luxury, La Amada Hotel.. Here you’ll have a comfortable home base of contemporary luxury. Stylish hotel architecture and decor, generous suites, spotless service, deluxe facilities, and of course, our secluded beachfront setting, all enable you to let your days here happen naturally. Those attending the webinar will receive: *$25 per person discount when you book a 5 night or longer stay *$50 per person discount when you book a 7 night or longer stay *Must Book within 30 days of webinar If we have enough brides attend the wedding ccordinators will join us to answer questions at the end of the webinar!

Okay, another totally random question, when you say not to wear black liner on the beach- what other color eye liners are there? I know, to a makeup artist, that's a dumb question, but I thought all eyeliner was black. lol The other thing is with going to the spa to get ready and then getting in my dress there, is trying to maximize the time spent with the photographer. My package is not by hour per say, so if he gets there at 11 he takes pics for the whole day the same as he would if he got there at 2pm. I know it's hot as h**l there during June, so I don't want to move my ceremony time up too early, but then I want there to be time to take pictures around the resort before the wedding by myself, as well as a 'first look' series (where the bride and groom meet before the ceremony to capture the spontaneity of seeing each other all dolled up alone) and some pics together around the resort (which could be done after the ceremony I suppose), then also the getting ready photos, and photos after the ceremony. I'm thinking with a 4pm start, there might not be enough time for everything. I might have to bump the start up to 1 or 2, to give time for everything to be done- but I think it'll be hot as beejeezus at that time- I don't know how to plan to get everything done photo wise and still not be too early. (also, I plan on with the girls the night before- 8am to get ready comes early after a night of that hehehehe) Any ideas? You have a much better idea of timelines since you've been through it already. I can only guess at what kind of time getting ready really needs, how far apart things are on the resort, etc. If I was only to do roses on the beachy part of the aisle, do you still think it's more than say 20 yards (which is roughly 60 feet)? My email for pics is s perkins 921 at me dot com (take the spaces out of the front, and then translate dot to the sign) Alternatively, you can click on my name- I have email turned on from the forum. It should come right to me. With the lacing and bustling, where I am right now for school is not where the wedding is, or where the MOH, or other guests are. I don't have the option to drag anyone there with me to the shop, so I was thinking, get the seamstress' assistants to film how to bustle, how to lace, etc, and then when we get there Monday night get the girls together in my room and go over it (obviously kicking DH out for an hour or so lmao). Maybe even do it on Tuesday night, as I think the resort will want my dress by Wednesday to have it clean for the wedding on Thursday? And though I know it would sound funny to other people, fellow brides and brides to be understand when I say, all of a sudden today I realized- HOLY F***** HE** there are only FOUR months until my wedding. Where did the time go? Thanks for all your help (and yours too BB) you guys have been GREAT!! --Nikki

Michelle, I'm using the horse and carriage as well, my dad and I will ride in it to the beach so he can walk me down the aisle (is there room for the photographer to sit across from us to take pictures during that time?) and then I'm talking to Ana on whether hubby and I can get a ride in it after the ceremony to the first picture location. She said she thought that it could be arranged, but she'd have to check on it. I'm in the process of ordering freeze dried rose petals for the aisle and table tops, etc, but I have no clue how long the path is? Do you remember by any chance? I was thinking of having the roses done from where the carriage drops you off to the altar, and am thinking that a bulk package of 28 cups should be more than enough, but I'm not 100% sure. Input? I keep hearing about this veranda off the Lobster House patio, I'm thinking I'll have to keep an eye out for it and it may be where our cocktail hour will be. When you meet with Ana, does she walk you to the places on the resort, or does she have pictures? How did you know you wanted that location? Had you seen it already before the meeting? It's good to hear Ana will pop up at the spa to help translate the hair/makeup desires. I was worried about that. I don't wear makeup normally, so I'm super worried about this aspect of the wedding prep. The hair, not so much worried about. There are many Dominician women with my texture (it's curly and thick so it takes a while to flat iron but it comes out so sleek and smooth when it's done right) of hair- so I'm sure someone there can do the hair. I'm more worried about making sure someone puts in enough gel/spray/holder to make sure my hair stays the way it was styled. Really, the makeup is a bigger deal to me. I want it to still look natural and too many people have made me up to where you can see it- as in the first thing you notice is all this makeup. I don't want my makeup to be so obvious that it takes away from or is a distraction in my pictures, you know? Also, how did you have your nails done? I saw reviews on TA.com where women had gone and they said if it was a french manicure it didn't come out that nice, but those who had just a simple color said they loved it; so I'm debating getting it done at home right before I get down there. Do you have to get dressed at the spa, or was that your choice? I was hoping to get my hair and makeup done, have my veil/tiara pinned in place, and then go back to the room to have help from my girls with getting into my gown. Speaking of, how easy is it to explain to someone how to lace up a corset if they've never done it? I'm thinking of having my seamstress take a video clip on how to properly bustle and lace the gown so I can show whoever is helping me how it should be done. Kind of hard to explain once you're already in said dress, i'd think. lol Did you get photos around the resort too? Any areas that you remember that would make for great photo ops? Nikki

Hey Karla, Does our starfish have a little journal with it too? I remember reading a while back that one of the starfish had one and brides would journal about their time with our little guy, but I couldn't remember. Oh, and while I'm thinking of it, will you add my actual name to the list so that kelly will know who she's contacting when it's time for us to exchange the starfish? I'm so excited to be a part of this, I can't wait! --Nikki Quote: Originally Posted by ~Karla~ Just re-posting! UPDATE: Karla's Blue Starfish Passing List - Wedding Date in () Martine (Chicken764) - Punta Cana April 7- April 14, 2010 Kelly (Bakersgirl) - Whitehouse, JA April 30-May 9, 2010 (May 2) Staceysbride - Punta Cana June 7-June 21, 2010 (June 10) brezzie - St. Lucia Aug 4-Aug 14, 2010 (Aug 4) Anyone else, let me know!

wow. amazing photos!

Yeah, I thought the pier was Mexico, but I wasn't quite sure. lol I'm hoping for a gentle breeze on my day. There's no way I'm getting airflow under my gown. It'll be worth it either way. I already told my maids and girl guests to make sure to keep bringing me water as I know I'll forget and in that heat with that gown, I don't want to end up passing out. Add to the fact that it will be corsetted, and you get the idea. hehehehe When you get down there, will there be time to change the location of the reception and cocktail hour? Like, we arrive on Monday, so our meeting with Ana will most likely be Tuesday, our wedding is Thursday. If we decide we like the lobster house or Agave better, will that still be enough time to change the location? Also, I can't remember if you mentioned this Michelle, but did you go to the spa at all? Nikki (ps the DH is Stacey lol)