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I just lost a longer more detail comment, but the morale of the message was to keep an eye on the Barcelo website for booking as well. It ended up less expensive than our TA prices and our guests didn't have to pay until they arrived (and didn't have to share their credit card info with travel agent companies) and only had a $5 charge if they had to cancel and did within 24 hours of arrival. I feel bad for travel agents, but it is almost easier and more efficient to book ourselves directly with the hotel...just something to keep in mind.

Just as an FYI, if you are looking for destination photographer, we used divine light, couple out of Tampa Florida, and they did a fabulous job! I would check them out if you are still looking for a photographer Divine Light Wedding Photography, Florida & Destination Wedding Photography, Photographers Brian & Briana Elledge

I have to say I agree that I miss checking, chatting and spending time in this particular forum with you ladies-better than the others by far . I do know that I really enjoy having you all as new FB friends, I love how it makes me feel more connected, and I love seeing all your pic updates! Chris- We definitely enjoyed running into you guys that Monday at Barcelo, I am sad that I didn't get to come spy out your wedding we were having a rehearsal night...but try to not stress and rethink it. I am similar and do the same thing, but the hubby is a great supporter in reminding me not to do that, and when I start in with the worrying of how it can be better he reminds me of how wonderful it went and what everyone keeps saying. Last night, two friends that went were going on and on with other friends that didn't get to attend telling them how wonderful and amazing it was. And many times I have heard that it was the best wedding they have ever attended, very much due to destination, which means that all your weddings were the best ever too!!! With all of that, Krista, I will say, the one and only thing I would do different, not to be a worry-er was to have a welcome page in their OOT bags that told them the details of the rehearsal night gathering and the wedding day activities. I feel like that could have helped hubby and I not having to tell 50 people what is going on...but I'm not going to worry, it worked out fine Oh, and Chris, my photographers said they should have photos up in a month, so I am going to wait till next week, and then send a nice email saying how excited I am for the photos and if they knew of a possible timeline to share their work. I am also waiting for pics to advertise/share how wonderful they are, so I may use that to help nudge them along Either way, I think 3-4 weeks is understandable to ask (anything mentioned in the contract) so I would say go ahead. Also,from what I hear and have seen, the overcast weather we both had makes for great lighting for photography. I have heard this from several photographers, and another girlfriend of mine who was married on a beach in antigua, had overcast weather and gorgeous pics! Sorry ladies, just wanted to share and let you know I still check and try to be part of the conversation!

As far as the DJ, we used them from the resort, and they were great! They kept everyone up and dancing the whole night (we had a 5 hour reception 6:30-11:30). Because we could not get in direct contact with them before we went down to Mexico (despite several attempts through the WC) we made sure to download songs onto our iphone that we needed for our special dances (first dance, father-daughter, etc) and ones our friends/we love, and he gladly played them for us. It was $580 for the first two hours and $110 each additional hour. For outside DJ vendors, do double check with outside prices. I have heard they need a day pass purchase and I have heard something about "electricity" prices. Not to scare you, just a heads up. As far as the room situation. I had sent a request for room blocks for certain groups (ie. younger friend party group, parent groups-separate areas for divorced parents, and our room-which we wanted away from others). In the end they kind of accommodated. All the rooms that needed separate beds had them, but a few "couple" rooms had two doubles instead of a king. If you feel that it is imperative that elderly guests, or special accommodation guests need the one bed or any special arrangements, my suggestion would be to detail that in their room booking notes, as well as call down to the resort and speak with the front desk/reservations manager. Of course, still send that information to the WC when they ask for it (she requested ours approximately a month before we were heading down). Hope that helps!

Krista- You guys looked wonderful, beautiful pics! Ali-I know what you mean about wanting to stretch it out, it is such a wonderful moment that it's nice to keep it alive I also know what you mean about trying to wait for pro pics, I can't wait and it has only been two weeks! I am also waiting for pro pics for thank you cards. Susie-Yes, the baby blankets are such a sweet gesture...and on that note, Chris-stop stressing, enjoy the "trying" part he he Brooke- I did the same for sharing photos, have a site, shared the passwords and nobody has done it yet, I need to follow up with them But many friends have shared on FB-Glad to hear the photosharing is working for you! Shellk-Look forward to see some AHR pics, hope you had a blast!

I realized in my sig pic, neither of those bridesmaids had their hair done that you can see in the background, and my doesn't look like much, but it was really pretty in person, hard to tell from this pic

I agree with hair and makeup too. I had my hair done, took a photo of what I wanted, added some extensions (which they were nervous about at first) and it turned out amazing. I received lots of compliments, and I am normally very picky and can do my own updo's, but am happy I had them do it. Now as far as my makeup, I have a makeup artist bridesmaid and chose to give my makeup session (strawberry package) to another one of my bridesmaids who doesn't wear too much makeup and wanted help. Her makeup looked great. I did my own makeup and had my experienced bridesmaid remind me to add more, because I normally don't wear a lot, I needed that reminder for photos, and she helped all my touch ups. I also had three other bridesmaids get hair done and they all turned out really nice. My big suggestion is taking photos/pictures/magazine cut outs of both hair and makeup so they know what you want. It appeared they were well experienced and could do what we showed them. Also, I am hoping to de-stress the email situation, and not be negative by any means, but the wedding coordinators really do not respond more actively until the last 4-8 weeks prior to your wedding. It is frustrating...but I have spoken to many Barcelo brides and it is what happens. I mention this because I notice brides that are getting married a year from now, and don't want you to stress that long If you are able to, I suggest doing a site visit. My Husband and I went last July and were able to find a last minute deal ($600 each including airfare and barcelo tropical) from NYC and we were able to meet with our wedding coordinator then. We gave a tentative date for the wedding, chose location sites, looked at flower choices, preliminary dinner choices from 2009 (which did not change much, just the price and names of packages) music, and so forth. This site visit made me feel so much more relaxed. I felt like I had made a lot of decisions then, and truthfully, Victoria our WC remembered it all. Once we had our room booked, for the wedding, we had our dates set. I realize it may not be possible, but it deal help with all the anxiety of questions and not hearing from them for periods of time. Sorry, I have written a book, I just wanted to share

We used USA transfers for our group. Together a representative and myself coordinated 35 transfers of small groups coming and going at separate times. While I created a spreadsheet, I understand they will do that as well, it just requires getting them all the flight info. There are several ways to take care of payment (one large payment, or separate cash payments upon arrival and departures). My group transferred from the Cancun airport to Riviera Maya Barcelo Resorts and the price for private round trip transfers ranged from $14 per person to $42 USD per person. All cars were on time, drivers polite and friendly and clean cars. Hope that helps!

Oh, and Brooke, enjoy your TTD session, we had so much fun with that...even when the sand was like sandpaper between me and the dress...yeah, all those sexy roll around in the sand scenes are not as sexy feeling as they look greater respect for SSI swim edition models (well, maybe...)

Brooke, such fun photos! So excited for you! Chris, I felt the same way when it was all said and done...I keep looking through photos to relive the moments Thanks for sharing all your FB photos as well, I really enjoying seeing all of your special days and looking at the photos, all such beautiful happy brides, it makes me so happy to see all the planning and hard work come to such a beautiful event! Congrats ladies! As far as the baby making, we are joining all the rest of you, but truly also wanting to enjoy this "being married" feeling and relishing in it! Lately all we want to do is get home to one another and sit/cuddle with one another on the couch...what an exciting newlywed couple we are-hahahaha...

Here's my attempt at the link: Login | Facebook but I will add all of you, bcuz I think I have lots of pics blocked to the outside...being a teacher previously and all...

Sorry, you would think I am young enough to be computer savvy, but I have my moments...my email is [email protected] for my facebook... and pro pics are at dlweddings.com blog

It seems if they are not staying there you have to pay the $300, but if they stay (I was told 2 nights) you don't have to. either way, they will allow them and give you no hassle. For those interested, our pro photographers posted some teaser pics... dlweddings.com (blog) Again, please feel free to message me with any questions you may have

Brooke, looks like you are having a great time despite some downfalls! remember to enjoy yourself! Getting married tomorrow---YEAH!!!! I also have some photos on facebook, lots rather, not sure if you can find them or see them, but if interested it is under sabrina sanchez in New York...maybe I will try to post link as well. As far as pics, our pro photographers teased us with a few on their blog, please feel free to check em out dlweddings.com (blog)

WOW! Beautiful, I am so happy it all worked out!

Sorry, I read a little further in...regarding the photographers, I was told two nights. The resorts are close enough together, that it really wouldn't be a big deal to book them in the others-Beach/Caribe/Tropical/Colonial (my opinion). On another note of photographers, if you are still looking, I would highly suggest divine light photography. We don't have our photos yet, but I saw some while there, and they are awesome! Brian and Briana were wonderful! They appeared to have shot so much and as the bride and groom, we didn't feel like they were in our face or in the way. Many of our guests also complimented them, on their work, how fun they were, and how well they fit into the party! They have such artistic ideas and their work is phenomenal! They listen to the style and shots that you want. You can find them at dlweddings.com

I worked with Victoria for our wedding just last week and she was awesome. I didn't receive emails back for about a week each time, the 6 weeks before the wedding...It was hard, but patience was key. Even when we arrived I felt like I didn't have certain questions answered, but in the end it was all okay! Let me know if you have any questions.

Ok, I got my signature pic up...but I still am trying to collect more from everyone since we have hardly any and are waiting for the photographers...we are sooooo excited that we keep looking at the few we have. I will share our photo site as soon as I have it

WOW! I am back at work and daydreaming about the beach. Our wedding turned out awesome and I think the only bad thing was that the seamstress didn't put my petticoat in the bag and I didn't notice until I opened it on the day of the wedding. Oh well. It rained a little and our guests said the sun came out and shown on the wedding and there was a rainbow! I thought it was gorgeous! I don't have time to write lots, since work is crazy busy, but I can't wait to hear and share more with you all. I cried at 4 am after the wedding and part of the flight home because I was so sad it was over. I remember looking around during our reception and begging time to go slower, the 7 hours went so fast for the wedding a reception were the fastest in my life. I was so happy and elated, it was breathtaking. I promise to spend some time on here later this week catching up! congrats to the brides I missed the last week!

WOW! I am back at work and daydreaming about the beach. Our wedding turned out awesome and I think the only bad thing was that the seamstress didn't put my petticoat in the bag and I didn't notice until I opened it on the day of the wedding. Oh well. It rained a little and our guests said the sun came out and shown on the wedding and there was a rainbow! I thought it was gorgeous! I don't have time to write lots, since work is crazy busy, but I can't wait to hear and share more with you all. I cried at 4 am after the wedding and part of the flight home because I was so sad it was over. I remember looking around during our reception and begging time to go slower, the 7 hours went so fast for the wedding a reception were the fastest in my life. I was so happy and elated, it was breathtaking. I promise to spend some time on here later this week catching up! congrats to the brides I missed the last week!

Wooooo Hoooooo! we leave tonight and I am so excited. I have been on an excitement high since yesterday! A couple errands today and off we go! Sometimes I get so excited thinking about it, it takes my breath away. i don't know how I am going to keep it together on the wedding. Chris- I have seen sun all week...don't stress, it will be fine. i did see the info on the other site, thank you, we still haven't heard about an appointment with our WC either...Yes, I will look for you- if you want to find us, we will be the overly ecstatic couple on the beach with margarita in hand! See you all when I get back!!!

Oh, Allison! I am so happy for you! Your pictures show such a happy fun occasion! I am so glad it was wonderful! Congrats!

I know that last question wasn't directed at me, but if any consolation when we stayed for our site visit in July at the tropical, we left an iphone, blackberry, wallets with cash and passports and American id's and we didn't have a problem. But hearing from a larger group would be more reassuring... I will for sure let you know how the wedding goes...we leave Saturday!!!

No, worries, I agree, it's the truth. Maybe like said before it was a fluke (hopefully) but it happened and people need to know, whether it is great or disappointing...without this site, we couldn't have made experienced/informed decisions thus far, and people like to know when making decisions. I get married there next week, wish me luck

Yes, thanks Susie for the reminder, that it is all going to work out. I keep reminding myself it will. Krista-That poems has me misty eyed and choked up at work, very beautifully said! Chris- Yes, we must, drinks for sure. My partier friends arrive on Wed! But we plan to be on the beach with cocktail in hand by 12 noon on Sunday! Congratulations ERICA!!! Woo hoooo, getting excited by the minute!