beachgirl@heart

I would be happy to share some of our pics with you! PM me and I'll email them. The TTD was sooo much fun and such a great experience. We had a blast working with Sascha and his assistant Lars. They are both top notch professionals, very creative and a lot of fun too work with. Be sure you let him know all the shots you want; if there are any particular elements you want to capture from the day, he will get it.

He just started doing albums. I think it's through a 3rd party vendor but I think he mentioned to my mom via email that he'll arrange the album and set it up for you for an additional fee. He is so much fun to work with - his assistant Lars is great, too. We did the getting ready for the wedding, the ceremony, and TTD with him. It was a blast. We had an amazing videographer as well, if anyone is interested I can forward his information. PM me if you'd like to see some of our pics; I'm happy to share.

We have a few family members and friends who wanted to come but couldn't because of the no kids rule. It's definitely an intimate and personal decision, knowing that some people may not be able to come unless they can bring their kids. We decided on ERC because it was the best choice for us and everything turned out beautifully. If it was an issue for us, we would have just gotten married stateside. There are some great resorts out there that accommodate kids, too, if that's a concern. My brother and sister-in-law got married at the Moon Palace Resort and it, too, was a lot of fun and beautiful. You just have to decide what's right for you and yours and go with it. It's your day!!

Not at all! People walked by and were very respectful of our private event. They even congratulated and "Cheered" us. It was a great spot for the cocktail hour, especially with Agave being right around the corner. It worked perfectly.

Not at all! People walked by and were very respectful of our private event. They even congratulated and "Cheered" us. It was a great spot for the cocktail hour, especially with Agave being right around the corner. It worked perfectly.

We were married at ERC April 30. I have photos from our ceremony, cocktail hour and reception that I'm happy to share - just PM me. And for those who have doubts about Ramon, don't - everything comes together and anything you are uncertain about before your arrival you can be sure it will be taken care of when you are there. Ramon and his staff are wonderful and will treat you like you are the only couple getting married there. My Mom broke both of her feet at the reception and they took very good care of her. So, even the worst case scenario will be handled with ease. We have a story to tell our kids

Quote: Originally Posted by Dimenzi I'm happy to hear of your great wedding. We have 30 (including us) at the moment so it's nice to hear from a Wedding of similar size. We also had favors to be handed out at the ceremony, as well as at the reception, our own custom cake topper, flutes and cake knife/server - Ramon took care of all of it. We used an iPod for the ceremony and reception and had a nice set-up for the slideshow my Mom put together for us. All the details were handled flawlessly. A few of our own decorations and rose petals on the aisle (as we requested) were not used, but I as I mentioned we experienced very high winds so they would have blown away. I wish we could do it all over again, it went soooo fast!! Let me know if I can help in any way!

Quote: Originally Posted by Carly9495 Hey ladies, I am looking for a photographer and I am really interested in Del Sol. However, I was wondering how the communication works due to the distance. When do you recieve the photos? Do they offer hard paged custom wedding albums? Thanks! We used Sascha Gluck (Destination Wedding Photographer for Cancun and Riviera Maya and the rest of the World), we just got married on April 30 (TTD on May 1 in Puerto Morelos). He and his assistant Lars were a lot of fun to work with, they are very professional, very creative and VERY cost effective. He communicated with my Mom completely through email and everything was perfect. He promised our photos 6 weeks after the wedding, with some posted to his blog ahead of time. Highly recommend him!!!

I was married on April 30th at ERC and we had our reception in the Agave courtyard, with our cocktail hour in the Grimaldi (sp?) Square. It worked out perfectly. Hair and makeup were done beautifully, the spa in general is FABULOUS!! Ramon is awesome, as is the rest of the staff and service. We can't wait to go back for our anniversary, or sooner! We had 26 total in attendance, we had a welcome dinner in one of the open restaurants with a special menu, that we didn't pay extra for, and Ramon walked us through a brief rehearsal. Everything was amazing and far exceeded our expectations (even with 40 mph winds; but no rain, thankfully) and transporting my dress was much easier and smoother than I thought it would be. I am happy to answer any questions about anything - just PM me. Now to start planning the AHR!!

Quote: Originally Posted by ranaya12 I actually called Ramon yesterday hoping it would be easier to communicate and get the answers to my questions right away as apposed to waiting for him to reply. I speak spanish so it work out better than I thought. He was sooooo nice over the phone. I think everything is going to work out now and I can sleep peacefully. He did confirm the price for outside vendors is $100 per person and $70 for outside guests that are attending the wedding ONLY. If the guests want to stay longer, to hang out at a bar, the price is also $100. The sound system is $500 for 3 hours. Apparently the system is included in the package for the ceremony ONLY. However, since the resort hosts events in the evening they have to rent the sound system. The hotel does have ipod docking stations that might work but he suggested we bring our own. Not sure why if the hotel has one already but I might call back and ask. He also asked me to send him a copy of the guest list and let him know if there are any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Oh, before I forget, there were some changes that I wanted to make to the Gold package and he said that they usually dont allow it but that he would allow it. I was shocked but I'm thinking they usually do this but dont put it in writing. I hope things flow this way once we get down there as well. I hope this helps!!! Regarding the iPod dock, there is an iPod dock station/alarm combo (I think) in the room. Veronica mentioned this to me a while back and suggested that we could use that. We have a BOSE dock station that we're bringing so I'd recommend bringing your own not knowing what the output is on the one in the room. I'd asked Veronica about using the sound system for both the ceremony and reception and she'd said it would be fine. But, we now know that is a definite no w/o paying extra. No worries though We have our own stuff we're bringing for our slide show, too, which we're showing during dinner. We just have to rent the screen. We actually requested dietary restrictions and such from guests on our response cards ahead of time which was very helpful. He also asked for my guests' flight info and booking numbers. I only had flight arrival times (we want to try to greet as many people as we can and deliver their welcome bags) and not everyone booked through our TA so I sent what I had. Lastly, he asked about room preferences and grouping people together - so hopefully they can accommodate those requests, too. Like you, I'm not really worried about anything. At this point, its just a matter of counting the days and packing (which I'm half done with already).

Anyone have recent experience with US Air? We're flying direct out of Charlotte, NC to Cancun in less than 3 weeks. I called the airline (as I was advised to do closer to the time of travel) and the customer service rep could not have been any more rude. She just read to me what was on the website. Duh. I know it can depend on so many things as to what they will allow vs. not. My dress has a little bit of a train so I'm concerned about trying to fit it in a carry-on suitcase but at the same time nervous about carrying the bag. Checking it is just not an option. What to do?? The agent restated the 45" garment bag requirement, which as we know is smaller than that of a wedding gown garment bag. Any more feedback, reassurance, etc. would be helpful and much appreciated!!!! Perhaps I'll call the airport directly and see what they have to say.

Quote: Originally Posted by mich&adam Awesome, so hopefully we can meet and chat Beachgirl!!! We arrive on the 24th and depart on may 1st. Also, he did tell me it is $100 for Vendors, as did Veronica, the $70 is for outside guests...we are using Juan Navarro, their contracted photographer so we don't have to pay for him, just the DJ. I think i'm going to do the same thing, use 2 centerpieces for the reception and not worry about the actual ceremony..i'm bringin bubbles, wonder if they are ok to use I'm sure the bubbles will be fine... I think he was referring to anything that would be tossed; like silk petals or whatever else people might toss. Are you doing the sand ceremony? I bought my own sand and a small heart shaped thick glass container with a cork in it. All from Michaels for under $10. The resort charges $25 and I don't know if the containers are easy to take back home.

Quote: Originally Posted by Dimenzi What are the dates of everyones weddings? Ours is 25 October 2010 We are April 30 2010, and counting down!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by mich&adam One last thing, Ramon has been very responsive with me and when I sent him questions, I double spaced and he responded to everything in red, which was great and you better believe i printed that to bring with me. Plus the fact that Veronica let me confirm the cocktails & reception in the foyer, i didn't want anyone to say that I couldn't and he agreed, so overall, i think everything will be fine for all of us...but uggg..hasn't anyone gotten married at ERC lately and posted anything about working with him/Ramon?? That would probably ease a lot of our minds!! I am also getting my hair and makeup done by the spa...are you girls bringing your own makeup for them to use on you?? My hair..i'm alittle worried because i always do it myself and love it so if they "mess'" it up i will be devastated BUT i too and bringing lots of pictures..fingers crossed. How many guests are you having beachgirl?? We are only having 11 + us, we had some people back out and even cancel last minute, but it's ok, we are still thrilled and excited about our upcoming beach wedding no matter what I asked the spa about their makeup and she said they use MUD (makeup designery). I think it will be okay - I plan to visit the spa and meet with them before Friday so they have an idea of what I'm looking for and we don't have to deal with that the day of. We have 26 (including us). I think I mentioned earlier on that I lost 2 of my bridesmaids - they backed out. But, it's all good I would like to know about recent experiences, too I emailed Ramon today our guest list with arrival times and am waiting to hear on what else we need to do before getting there. I thought there were some things that we had to confirm ahead of time, but.... I'm still trying to finalize music for the ceremony. I know what I'm walking out to but not sure about the rest of it. Are you guys staying in the ERC Club? Would love to get the chance to meet you and, of course, take a peek at your wedding (it's Jennifer by the way... not sure if you're supposed to use your "real" name on these things but thought I'd share

@Mich&Adam: Hey!!! We're arriving 4/27 and departing on 5/6. Generally speaking.... Everything that Veronica promised or quoted me in email, I forwarded to Ramon. So far, I haven't had an issue with him not being willing to honor those things. She told us the rose petals on the aisle were included, so we're getting that. If you want to do a petal toss (the only thing you can "toss" on the beach for environmental reasons), it's $10/bag which is enough for 3 people. You can order freeze-dried rose petals, too, if you wanted to do that ahead and not have to pay for it there. Freeze Dried Rose Petals, Wedding Flower Petals As for centerpieces (Gold Package), there's one for the ceremony and one for the reception. We're planning to use both at the reception and the bridesmaid flowers for the other centerpieces. We're bringing some of our own tulle for extra chair decoration for the ceremony. We figured we'll need less chairs at the ceremony b/c of the bridal party standing. Then we can get the most out of what they offer for the chair sashes at the reception (more chairs to cover Ramon told me that it was $5/vase, so we're doing that. We decided that trying to transport glass vases or anything breakable for that matter was not a good idea for us. We confirmed $70/wedding only day pass. We are paying for 2 of these - photog and his asst. The videographer we're using is contracted with ERC, so we don't have to provide a pass for him. We are also providing dinner for the videographer, photographer, and photog asst. Overall, he's been pretty responsive. We've had to email the same things a few times b/c (as others mentioned) he'd answer only part of the email. But, eventually we got the answers we needed. We're just going to print out everything and have all our communication documented and laid out so when we finalize everything on site we'll be covered. I did my hair trial a few weeks ago and took a lot of pics so hopefully they can come close to replicating it I want to do the same with make-up but don't know if I'll have time. And, for our ceremony, we are using the same ceremony and vows that we did beachside here for the legal thing.

Hey there mich&adam! Are you getting excited or what? I know we are!! The time *has* gone by sooo fast. We will be there in 26 days!!! I've been finalizing stuff with Ramon and trying to get off those last 4 lbs! lol @Treenbean2011 - Congratulations! I'm getting married there on April 30th. We already did the legal thing, and we did it in Southeastern NC on the beach (where I live) so it was nice, too Just us and our 2 witnesses. It is making things so much easier for us. We are definitely feeling like the ERC event IS the big event. We've managed to keep it quiet up until now too. The translating of documents, bloodtest, arrival requirements (for witnesses, too)... it was a bit much for us. But, whichever way you go it will be great! It's completely a personal choice. We opted for convenience. Another photog reference to add to your list is Sascha Gluck - Destination Wedding Photographer for Cancun and Riviera Maya and the rest of the World. Mike Cantarell is our videographer - Cancun Wedding Videos | Mayan Riviera Wedding Videographer | Mike Cantarell (he is contracted with ERC so you don't have to pay for a day pass for him but we are providing dinner). We are going with the iPod option. We'll have 26 including us, but I think it will be manageable. I have a friend appointed to take care of it during the ceremony and we'll be good to go for dinner and the reception. Good luck with all the planning!! This forum has been a lifesaver!

Quote: Originally Posted by endlesslove I had no fears about having my wedding at ERC, but with constant changing of WC's, I'm getting annoyed. Whenever I try to confirm something the previous WC said, I'm always told no- that's not right. I was originally confirmed by Veronica a day pass was not needed to use the beach for my TTD shoot. Now Ramone is telling me it is. Naylei offered four day passes in exchange for not using the photographer and less guests at our wedding than the package is for, Ramone is telling me no. I'm just getting aggravated that information keeps changing. Don't they keep emails on file or have a file for each wedding? It is frustrating, I understand. Ramon is honoring several things we previously confirmed with Veronica. I forwarded all my email communication from Veronica for anything that was in question and have been politely firm that what we were told before is what we expected. So, if you have this communication with the previous WCs, I would use that approach. All of our planning, budgeting, etc. has been based on 8 months of emails so we're not backing down on that stuff. We're also putting together a spreadsheet with everything laid out to send him, to firm things up and hopefully make things easier when we meet with him upon our arrival. @ Mich&Adam - we are sticking with the iPod. I looked into the DJ but they are booked for that day. I think it will work out okay. We are expecting 26, including us. So, a pretty good turnout I think. We are doing a TTD the day after the wedding with our wedding photographer, Sascha Gluck. As for the ceremony, Ramon sent me a pdf of what they use for the symbolic ceremony and we're not too crazy about it. We may just use the same one we that used for our legal ceremony here. If you need a guest book, or want something different, check out Welcome to the Guestbook Store! Guestbooks for Every Occasion!. We got ours a few weeks ago and it's exactly what I was looking for, just short of making it myself. We're doing a welcome dinner too, at Barcelona Thursday night (non-private). So, we're looking forward to that! I'm doing a hair trial run this week with my local salon, and have my first fitting next weekend. We are getting very excited, too! I'm still debating the bouquet toss and garter thing. I've read about some other ideas for the bouquet toss - tossing a bunch of individual flowers with a charm attached so each of the ladies gets something. I am not big on all the traditional stuff (hence a destination wedding) but I don't want to look back and wish I'd done something that I didn't.

Does anyone know, or can someone provide, the layout of the symbolic ceremony that is performed at ERC and if you have options for the vows?

Quote: Originally Posted by ranaya12 Are there any upcoming brides getting married at the Excellence Riviera in the upcoming months? My wedding is on May 7th and I've been working with the onsite WC but feel like as the day approches final decisions should be made. I'm wondering how far in advance before the wedding was everything finalized. Also, we are having a welcome dinner the night before the wedding at Agave, which the WC is also setting up for us. Do any of you know if there is an additional charge for this? One final question, are you having a DJ for the reception? Our group is small, about 20, and I'm not sure if we need one. If we decide to use an ipod, does the resort have a docking station or do we have to bring our own? Thank you all for your help!!! x Ranaya12, First, Congratulations! You are getting married exactly one week after us! We, too, are doing a welcome dinner but we are not doing a private dinner. If you do a private dinner, there is a charge - it's either $12 or $18 per person. If you arrange it so that your guests meet up somewhere in one of the already open restaurants for that evening, which is what we're doing, there's no charge for that. As for the music, we are most likely using an iPod, too and are planning to bring our own Bose dock station. I asked about the docking station last summer and was told there is one in the room, which I assume is the alarm clock version. That said, we're bringing our own. I did send an RFQ to a DJ company that Mich&Adam (a few posts above yours) mentioned, just to get a quote since there's other AV equipment we need, too. More than likely, we'll stick with the iPod. We are finalizing our head count and Ramon requested this information as soon as we have it. I think menus, cake and flowers can be finalized on site. But, if you know what you want, you can always forward the information and then finalize/verify your choices prior to leaving and when you meet with him onsite. Even though they say you can email or book spa appointments (for hair, make-up) when you get there, the previous WC (Veronica) recommended scheduling at least a month out. Good luck with everything! I'm sure there will be more chatter on here as we approach our big days!! Take Care!

Quote: Originally Posted by mich&adam Hi BeachGirl - They told me I could book the hair and makeup via email, so that's what I did, about a month ago. DJ, we are using Ivan Gomez with Dorremixx and the cost was $650, he sent me a contract and I wired the $$ without incident, we are only having 20 people (including us) but I just wanted people to have fun and request any song they felt like it and not have anyone worry about occupying the Ipod dock station if need be, just easier and more fun for all!!!! Decorations - my wedding "colors" are teal and brown, so im doing teal chair ribbons, teal paper lanterns, brown rose petals and star fish scattered on the tables, simple, but fun!!!! I emailed Ramon today...keep ya posted How about you?? your wedding is days away from mine...are you pretty much set?? Dress/alterations, Oot Bags, etc. etc. ?? Mich&Adam, I think we're almost there, just small things/details to handle. Our OOT bags are almost done, alterations appt is scheduled, emailed the spa but still waiting for confirmation of appts, guestbook ordered and we ordered some fun koozies, too. My mom finalized the videographer and we're excited to work with him and Sascha (photog). We ordered some chinese lanterns to line the perimeter of the reception area and will use votives instead of electric lights with them. My bridal shower/bach. party was 2 weekends ago and we had a blast. We're still finalizing our head count - a few members of our wedding party are questionable at this point, which is more than frustrating. Other than that, smooth sailing! Just counting down the days....

Quote: Originally Posted by mich&adam OMG...I haven't been on the site for awhile and JUST read & realized that Veronica is no longer there...ahhhhh...should i be worried?? i havent talked to anyone and my wedding is coming up....April 28, 2010 to be exact!!!!! Other than talking to the coordinator, i'm pretty well set....Rings - Check, Dress - Check, Oot Bags Done - Check...Decorations - Check, Cake Topper - Check, Photographer Booked - Check, Dj Booked -Check, Spa Hair Appt. - Check...Am i Forgetting Anything? I'm alittle worried now We've had good communication with the new WC, Ramon - email and phone. I wouldn't worry What are you doing for reception decorations, in addition to the 2 centerpieces that are included? I think we may end up getting a few extra centerpieces and use votives - something simple but elegant. You already made your hair appt too? I should get on that, too to make sure we get the time. They said we could book it when we got there or any time via email but maybe we should go ahead and get that done. Who did you book as the DJ and do you mind me asking the cost? Our current plan is to bring a Bose dock station and use the iPod. It's looking like we'll have under 30 in attendance.

In case you didn't know, the new WC here is Ramon as Veronica is no longer working there (at all). I've exchanged a few emails... the flower options look a little different than what Veronica sent last year and so far the response rate has been about the same. Not worried though, I'm sure whomever the WC is will do a great job. I haven't stressed so far, I'm not going to start now! As for decorations (Reception), a while back Veronica said they provided votive candles. You can also use different colors for the tablecloths (white is provided) for $10/per and they provide runners for $4/per. You might want to double check this with Ramon, but that's the info I have in my communication records. Pretty much anything that's done outside of what's included is "for a fee." I'm trying to take as little as possible in the way of extra stuff. By the time we pay for extra luggage (I'm not comfortable with shipping stuff), we could probably just pay for the extras onsite and possibly even come out a little ahead or break even. Oh yeah, and we're getting married on April 30th.

Quote: Originally Posted by Sheen811 Thanks to everyone for the great feedback and Congratulations to all those brides who are getting married here. For those Brides getting married here; If you don't mind me asking how many people are you planning on having at your weddings and how many days are your guests staying?? Are you getting married by the beach, at the gazebo, or the pier? I am planning on having almost 70 people and I'm not sure if there are any limitations to getting married at the beach gazebo? Does anyone know? Tree Bean...Are you already booked for April 2011? I was told i couldn't book until Jan?? I'm going to try to finalize a date next week; i hope there are still early dates in may 2011 available Congratulations! I'm getting married there on April 30, 2010 and we booked our date last May. So, you may have to wait a few more months to confirm the date. They limit it to 2 weddings a day (I think), which is better for everyone I think. We're doing a symbolic ceremony at 5pm on the beach. From the information I read, I believe the gazebo is more intimate to accommodate smaller numbers. I'm anticipating 30-40 and the beach setting will be perfect. We are arriving on 4/27 and departing on 5/6. We selected the Gold package, as it offers the most/best bang for the buck; and, we booked an oceanfront suite so we'll get that package at a discount. So far, my guests have booked from Tuesday-Tuesday - ranging from 3 nights to 5 nights. Some people will be using this as a vaca and/or anniversary trip because of the timing. You may want to double check this, but I inquired about holding the reception on the beach and the WC responded that you had to have 50 guests in attendance to warrant that. That's just the reception though. This forum is a Godsend. There is a thread especially for ERC that has a host of information and has been very helpful in my planning. And, don't stress. We didn't get the exact date we wanted, but we got the week after which is working out perfect. Everything will fall into place and work out how it is supposed to. Good luck with all your planning! And, Congratulations again!

Haven't used him yet but we booked him for our April wedding at ERC! He's been very easy to work with and his pricing is very reasonable for the quality of work we've seen from him. We're doing a Trash the Dress Session, too! Good Luck!!

Thank You SO MUCH for this very thorough review! I'm getting married there in April, so it's nice to know more of the details, and puts my mind more at ease. In your opinion, based on your experience, do you think it's worth it to bring extra reception decorations? If you don't mind me asking (you can PM me if you prefer), how much did you contract the DJ for and for how long? We are leaning towards the iPod option at the moment. Many Thanks once again!!!