adridashanne

To all the brides that have not done site visits: I just wanted to let you girls know that the wedding team at the Grand Palladium is EXCELLENT. They really are running a top-notch office there. I had been in contact with Rocio before visiting at the end of March and I was a little concerned with the slow responses. When I sat down with her during our site visit, I can honestly say all of my anxieties and worries lifted off my shoulders and I felt a breath of fresh air. She really is the most professional. helpful, kind, excited, organized, knowledgable wedding coordinator. They have everything in files, all of the upcoming wedding folders are labeled with the couples name and are filed on their desk. They honestly print everything you tell them via email and keep it in this file for when they meet with you 3 days before the wedding. Rocio is so excited to do the most elaborate weddings, which I thought she was going to cringe when she met me!... she actually jumped up and down when I told her to be prepared that I'd be the crazy bride with all the decor and flowers. I was concerned before I went that I would need an outside planner for the day-off, but after meeting with Rocio and her team, I have no doubt in my mind that they will be able to handle even the toughest request that I throw at them. They really DO want your wedding to be just as perfect as you imagined. You can tell right away they love what they do. If anyone has any questions you'd like to ask me, feel free to PM.. I actually stayed at the resort for 8 days during my visit, met with the wedding team, and really took down every detail imaginable pertaining to my wedding. I have photos galore, decided on the private reception location, ate TOO much food, picked a cocktail location, and spent a lot of time appreciating the Catholic Church (it's called a chapel but it is in NO way a chapel! it's huge and gorgeous!)... Good luck to everyone getting married here! You've made a perfect decision

I was actually just there for a site visit, and Rocio herself told me the ROUND tables w/ the linens hold up to 10 people, the square tables you will only get up to 8ppl but it will be a tight squeeze. Hope that helps!

Quote: Originally Posted by lalanyc Hi adrida- You must be very excited for your site visit!! Hope it goes well. Yes, I'm planning a Catholic wedding. I've had more success meeting w/ the priest in Mexico (we did a site visit several weeks ago) than our priest here in NY! It's been IMPOSSIBLE. I've called the church secretary at least half a dozen times and also left messages for the priest at least 3 times. Short of going to mass and cornering him afterward, I am not sure what else to do. W/ regard to your concern, the church secretary gave us a bunch of attitude when I told her we werent getting married here ( what the?!! lol)! However, we have to have an approval letter from our local parish in order for the priest in Mexico to marry us, so.... I'm hoping this added effort will make us appreciate our ceremony that much more! haha lalanyc - It's so funny that you said that about your home priest.. I'm actually kind of going thru the same thing right now! We registered in our parish a few months ago after attending Mass there every Sunday for the past 3 years... I called a week or two ago and spoke w/ the receptionist about the Pre-Cana and meeting w/ the priest. Luckily I did not get the same response that you had, she was just rather like "OH! wow! Congratulations!" The priest wasn't in that afternoon and she was going to have him call me back. Well, it's going on 3 weeks now and I have yet to hear from him.. I guess I could be the better person and pull him aside after church one Sunday but honestly I'm terrified! Since we are just doing our site visits this coming week, I figured I would hit the ball hard when I got back. Since Pre-Cana takes time and so does getting an approval letter, I'm trying to get it all out of the way as soon as I can. I would be devastated to have had planned a beautiful wedding, only to find out I couldn't get approved for it. Ah! I can't even go there. How were you able to meet w/ the Mexican priest? Do you mind me asking who you are using? Does he speak English? I would love to meet up with a priest while we are there next week.

I thought the packages the Barcelo properties offered were by far the best options ... also loved the idea of the horse & carriage to take you to the open-air chapel. The are really the only ones that offered a true "design" package.

to the girls that are getting/have been married in the Riviera - What are the photographers you used that have $1800 packages? Dying to know. Even if you paid for them to travel. I haven't been able to find any photographer that can come in any less than $3000 for a package with 5+ hours. I was going to suck it up and pay the $3500, but I really wish I could get more for my money.

I am absolutely loving your STD's... The fact that these are magnets are PERFECT, and the way you sent them in the descriptive envelope... LOVE..

Originally I had wanted a Saturday, but the resort I we are getting married at will only hold Catholic ceremonies in the chapel Mon-Fri (excluding Tues)...I'm actually happy about it changing to Friday... like YaelM said, the guests will have Saturday to relax if the choose to leave on Sunday.

wait I'm a little confused. If you pack everything in a suitcase, will you still have trouble w/ customs? I guess you should be prepared w/ receipts either way, but just curious if that's what you all were getting at..

My colors are: Ivory, Champagne, and Vintage Gold with hits of Fuschia

January 2010 Melissa & Kent- January 5, 2010- Playa Pesquero, Cuba Bosola and Vlad (Bosi)- January 6,2010, Beaches Negril Jamaica Aimee & Theodore- January, 8, 2010 - Iberostar Tucan, Mexico Jessica & Matt(jrprice24)- January 8,2010- Sandos Playacar, PDC, Mexico Kerri & Elton (kpuckrin)- January 12th, 2010- BlueBeard's Beach, St. Thomas Brandy & Andrew-January 13, 2010-Barcelo Maya Palace, Mexico Nancy & Pat - January 13th, 2010 - Beaches Negril, Jamaica Niki & Jared - January 16th, 2010 - Barcelo Maya, Riviera Maya Mexico Melita (Melette) & Charlie - January 21, 2010 - Dreams Los Cabos, Mexico Sarah & Cliff - January 21, 2010 - Paradisus Mayan Riviera, Mexico Catherine & Ian - January 22, 2010 - Playa Pesquero, Cuba Meagan (future_mrs2010) & Dallas - January 23rd, 2010 - Beaches Turks and Caicos Jocelyn & Mike (Jocy) - January 25th, 2010 - Dreams, Punta Cana Shannon & Lauchlan- January 27th, 2010- Puerto Vallarta Mexico Jocelyn & Sean - January 27, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Mayan Riviera Jenn and Rob (lil_reeves) - January 27, 2010 - Karen's Place, Bucerias, MX (Puerto Vallarta) February 2010 Sue and Mark February 2, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Alison and Austin - February 6, 2010 - Beaches Negril, Jamaica Melissa & Brian - February 10, 2010 - St Thomas (Limetree Beach) Melissa & Sean- February 10, 2010- St. Thomas USVI Krista & Glenn - February 18, 2010 - Curacao Kim & Rob - (Tinkatude) February 20, 2010 - Aventura Spa Palace, Riviera Maya, Mexico Linda & Ton- February 22, 2010- Costa Rica Amber & Sean - February 22, 2010 - Moon Palace Resort, Mexico Sharon & Scott - February 23, 2010 - Dreams Cancun March 2010 Robyn & Mike - March 4th 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Rivera Maya Bev & Brian March 4th 2010 - Clubhouse Negril Martha &Brian (march132010) March 13th, 2010 Nassau Bahamas, Christine & Welsey March 19th, 2010- Dreams Tulum, Mexico Andrea & Andy March 19th, 2010 - Breezes Runaway Bay, Jamaica Katie & Ryan March 26th, 2010- Riu Palace Riviera Maya Issys & Miguelo - March 28th, 2010 - San Juan, Puerto Rico April 2010 Claire & John (adelaide) April 1, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret - Riviera Maya Holly & Adam (Scubadiva) April 2nd, 2010 - Megans Bay Beach St Thomas USVI Julie & François (ewok) April 7th, 2010 - Couples Swept Away, Jamaica Dawn & Glen (dewiggy) April 8, 2010 - Bahia Principe Tulum Mandy & Micah (cruisebride0410) April 9, 2010 - Nassau, Bahamas Shannon & Brian (shan13) - April 10, 2010 Las Vegas, Nevada Michele & Jim (jerseykitten) April 10, 2010 - Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort & Spa - Montego Bay, Jamaica Dee & Bo (mrsgtobe) - April 13, 2010 - Smith's Cove, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Kelly & Jason (kelitaw) - April, 13, 2010 - Sunbreeze Hotel, Ambergris Caye, Belize Beth & Jon (bholthof) - April 14, 2010 - Playa Costa Verde, Holguin, Cuba Steph & Jason (sperger) - April 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium, Punta Cana doblauvelt-April 16, 2010- Moon Palace, Cancun Sarah and Jed (sarah310) April 17, 2010 - Occidental Grand Xcaret, Mexico Katrese & Dave (s_katrese) April 17, 2010- Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico Julianna&Kevin (caramiagrrl) -April 20, 2010-Nassau, Bahamas Stacey & Eric (La Romana Stacey) - April 22, 2010 - Dreams La Romana Rowena & Tak (Bride2010) - April 22, 2010 - Barcelo Maya Palace, MX Jenn & Steve (moonpalacebride) - April 23, 2010 Moon Palace, Cancun MX Wendy & Josh (midnight24) - April 23, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Tulum, Riviera Maya MX Veronica & Patrick (vgirl17) - April 24, 2010 - Moon Palace, Cancun MX Joanna & Chris (jerzygirl85) - April 24, 2010 Dreams Tulum, Mexico Natasha & Kenneth (shortnsweet7675) - April 25, 2010 - Miami, FL (Carnival Glory cruise ship) Cheryl & Rob (HereFishie) - April 26, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Coba, Mayan Riviera Christina & Gregory (GregsBride) - April 24, 2010 - Iberostar Rose Hall Suites, Montego Bay, Jamaica Stacey & Ron (staceyg) - April 27, 2010 - Iberostar Varadero, Cuba Erin & Jeremy (ebredhawk) - April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Melani & Wyman - April 28, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba May 2010 Crystal & Dave (CrystalM) - May 1, 2010 - Magen's Bay, St. Thomas, USVI Amanda & Adam - May 4, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba Jessica & Jason (jstar83) - May 4, 2010 - Melia Las Dunas, Cayo Santa Maria, Cuba Heather & Eric (hockeymom97) - May 5th, 2010, Beaches Negril, Jamaica Dyan & Chris (dyanh) - May 7, 2010 Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica Suzanne & Ryan (soxgirl)- May 7, 2010- Divi, Aruba Savannah & Billy (BillysBride) -May 8, 2010 Avalon Reef Club, Isla Mujeres, MX Victoria & Eric- May 11, 2010- Excellence Riviera Cancun Resort Dave & Sarah - May 12, 2010 - Barcelo Maya Palace, Mexico Jennifer & John - May 13, 2010 - Riu Palace Los Cabos Virginia & Sonny (oasisgirl)- May 13, 2010 - Dreams Tulum Christie (islandbride317) & John - May 14, 2010, Sandals Grande Ocho Rios, JA Heather & Andrew- May 14, 2010- Kauai, Hawaii Jessica & Matt (Future Mrs. Griffith) - May 14, 2010 - Dreams Resort PV Magalie & Travis (mlabbe) - May 14, 2010 - Playa Fiesta, PV Heather & George (dolfinluck)- May 15, 2010 - Dreams La Romana, DR Margaret & Matthew (mmontgo) - May 15, 2010 - Dreams Riviera Cancun, Mx Shannon & Robert (preciousmi811) -May 17, 2010 - RUI Palace Tropical Bay, Jamaica Mary & Pete (MissM)- May 19th, 2010- Los Cabos Amber & Mike (gokartmagic) - May 21, 2010 - Iberostar Grand, Montego Bay, Jamaica Belle & Jean-Claude - May 27,2010- St. Kitts, B.W.I. Samantha & Ralph- May 27,2010- Coco Reef Resort, Bermuda Craig & Fiona - May 28th, 2010 - Moon Palace Erin & Greg - May 28, 2010 - The Royal, Playa del Carmen Larissa & Eric (Edenl) - May 28, 2010 - Dreams Puerto Aventuras, Mexico Lenell & Tristan May 29,2010 Dreams Tulum Karen & Paul (KarenM) ~ May 29, 2010 ~ Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Veronica & Pete- May 8, 2010- Dreams Puerto Vallarta June 2010 Jennifer & Ernie (jenninjamaica) ~ June 1, 2010 Breezes Grand Negril, Negril, Jamaica Jaymi and James (Jaymibaby) ~ June 1, 2010 Sandals Royal Caribbean, Montego Bay, Jamaica Heather & Grant (Vallarta_2009) ~ June 2, 2010 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana, DR. Chelsea and Willie (ChelseaRose) ~ June 5th, 2010 Las Villas Akumal - Akumal, Mexico Stacy and Craig (Stacy015) ~ June 7, 2010 - Maui Stephanie and Michael (~Stephanie~)-June 11, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen Michelle & Arsen (michelle613)- June 12, 2010 Dreams Cancun Krystall & Nick (azulskies) - June 17, 2010 Olowalu Plantation House, Maui LaToya & Micah (lrdavis23) - June 18, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana, DR Stephanie and Chris (sspiris) - June 19, 2010, Destination to be determined Jessica & Steven (stevensFiance) - June 19, 2010 Kerin & Jim (*Kerin28*)- June 19, 2010 Worcester, MA Lulu & Kirkton (lmuze) ~ June 19, 2006: Iberostar Rose Hall Beach, Jamaica Jen and Guy (Super19)-June 21, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen Jessica & Bryson (Royal_lady10)-June 26, 2010 Dreams Tulum Cristina and James (CristiandJamie) - June 26, 2010 - Aventura Spa Palace July 2010 Jennifer and Juan- July 2nd, 2010- Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Kaytee and CJ- July 3rd, 2010- Destination still TBD! Quintina and Carloas (creoletexan) - July 3rd, 2010 - Nassau, Bahamas Jannae and Ryan (LadyTrunck)- July 6, 2010- Riu Palace Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen, Mexico!! Sarah and Mike (bahiabride2010) - July 7, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Mandy and Chad- July 10, 2010- Sullivans Island, SC Cassie and Andrew - July 11, 2010 - Rancho Palos Verdes, California Edy And Jaxon (mswhatever) - July 17, 2010 Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton resort & Spa Jamaica Chelle and Todd (Janelley100) - July 17, 2010 Moon Palace Jessica & James -July 17, 2010 Paradisus Punta Cana Bobbett and Ricky (Natural)- July 18, 2010 San Juan, Puerto Rico Tracy and Cole - July 2010 in Playa del Carmen, TBD Danielle and Ty (daniepps)- July 31, 2010 Azul Sensatori Resort Riviera Maya, Mexico August 2010 Melissa and Robby (hunniebee724) ~ August 19, 2010 NYC, Carnival Cruise Lines, Jennifer & Laurthel (Jennyco116) ~ August 20, 2010 Key West, Florida Crystal & Marques (hugrad) - August 9, 3010 St. Thomas, USVI Mindy & Jay ( MSG518 ) ~ August 21, 2010 Excellence Playa Mujeres, Mexico September 2010 Courtney & Chris-September 3,2010-Siesta Key, Fl Michelle & George - September 4, 2010 - Occidental Grand, Playa del Carmen Marisa & Dan - September 12, 2010 Glen Iris Inn, NY Kim & Mike - September 18,2010 - Cancun, Mexico Jen (jamk32179) & Steve- September 18,2010-The Royal Playa del Carmen Carolina (carolina24) & Alex - Sept 24, 2010 - Dreams Cancun October 2010 Lori & Oliver (gossip girl) - October 10, 2010 - Destination TBD! Suzanne & Joe (sierra101010) - October 10, 2010 - Puerto Vallarta Ashley & Josh (xxashleyxx007) - October 15, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana, DR Chris & Crystal (Crystalballl) - October 20, 2010 - Playa Pesquero, Cuba Jo & Darren (Jo&Daz20-10-2010) - October 20, 2010 - Coral Coast - Fiji Luciel & Emil (luciel2820) - October 23, 2010 - Catalonia Royal Bavaro, Punta Cana Alyssa & Adrian (MayanLily) - October 21, 2010 - Paradisus Riviera, Mexico Heather & Kevin (hat0112) - October 22, 2010 - Palm Beach, Aruba November 2010 Allie and Doug - November 5, 2010 - Sandals Regency, Saint Lucia Crista & Mike - November 10, 2010 - Azul Sensatori, Riveria Maya Mexico Jenna and Chris (MayaLove) - November 12, 2010 - Playa Del Carmen, Mexico Ashley & Mark - November 15, 2010 - Riviera Maya Karen and Angelo - November 19, 2010 The Royal Playa del Carmen, Mexico Melissa and Mark- November 21, 2010 Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta Emily and Scott (Emily Joy) - T Giving Weekend, November 26, 2010 - Playa Del Carmen December 2010 Angela & Craig (Princess402) - December 8, 2010 - Dreams Riviera Cancun, Mexico Stephen & Sabrina (breeze616) - December 10, 2010 - Iberostar Rose Hall, Jamaica Shana and Jamel (chocolatedrop04)- December 11, 2010-Moon Palace, Mexico Jaime and TaBoris (jaimeburns) - December 11, 2010 Riviera Maya Carla & Christoper (adias.angel) - December 11, 2010 - Riviera Maya Vondra'a and Kevin(Peachy~Girl)- December 11, 2010- Miami, Florida Nichole & Ryan (coley8 - December 11, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana Anastasia and Derek (Adj) - December 18, 2010 - Sandos Beach Resort, Mexico February 2011 Tiffany and Jason - February 19, 2011 TBC May 2011 Shannon & Paul (IrishgirlinNY)- May 28, 2011 Riu Ocho Rios Nicola & Stephen (Nicyx) - May 2011, Date TBC, Riu Plce Riviera Maya JUNE 2011 Adrianne & James (adridashanne) - June 17, 2011, Grand Palladium Riviera July 2011 Chris & John (sunstarsmoon) - July 8, 2011 Couples Sans Souci Ocho Rios August 2012 Cathy and Charles - August 2012

I'm hoping to stay right under $20k, and so far, my prelim budget plugging in just my quotes has reached it. The budget is SO confusing though... How do you girls do it? I decided our honeymoon will not be included in our budget, nor will our rings. Is it bad that we're still looking at $20k? You know what, at the end of the day, I live in NY and if I were to have a NY traditional wedding we'd be looking @ at least $50k++. Hey, I have to make myself feel better somehow.....

I'm struggling with the same thing. I really want an outside WC to help me with the 'little' details of my wedding, like super specifics on my decor and elaborate flowers. A part of me feels like the WC at the resort is capable of handling it, but at the same time it would be fabulous to have someone sharing in my vision and making sure it's executed the day of the ceremony. The resort WC's main concern is that the event happens, and that things are done not necessarily HOW they are done. I don't really have it in my budget to pay someone $1k+ for their services, if anyone has any info on one for a few hundred dollars please share! I'd be willing to hire someone for around $500....for day-of services. A quick responder would be A++

Hi Ladies! I'm from Brooklyn, work in Manhattan and getting married June 2011 in the Mayan Riviera. Going down this friday for 8 days to do site visits and hopefully confirm June 17, 2011 as the day! Here's a question for some of you.... is there anyone planning a Catholic ceremony? And if so, how did your home church take the news about the destination wedding? Did anyone run into any difficulties along the way? My fiance and I are just starting to work with the priest in our home parish about Pre-cana, etc... Crossing my fingers he doesn't disapprove of the destination thing...

Thanks so much to everyone for all the info! I was really hoping to do something like this for a gift for my FH as well but thought it was too out of my price range. I'm so glad I found this thread b/c it seems a lot more manageable now... and I love knowing that she has her own studio and makes you feel extra comfortable. No worries, I'll be a ball of nerves too. Quick question? Did any of you take a girlfriend or someone for support? Is it weird just going alone? I think I'd want to have my best girlfriend there to laugh with and lighten the mood. What's everyone's thoughts on that?

I have to say go with your gut as well - at least then you'll have no regrets and you'll know that the decision you made at the time, is the one you thought was right.

Welcome to the forum

Welcome Julia!

Good Luck and Welcome! Some words of wisdom given to me: The people that you thought wouldn't attend WILL and the people that you didn't have any doubts, will most likely let you down. Just know, it's YOUR day and the people who will be there are the people who matter. Don't short-change what you really want to appease others and above all make sure to have NO REGRETS!

Welcome and Good Luck, Rose!

Hi Sharon! Welcome to the forum. You'll find answers to almost all of your questions here. It's such a great resource for planning. Good Luck!!

Welcome! You're wedding day is so close to mine - June 17, 2011! Happy planning!

Congrats and Welcome Amy! Riviera Maya is a great choice - I'm also planning my wedding there Happy Planning!

Welcome and Congrats Julie! Happy Planning

Welcome Julie! Congrats and Happy Planning Enjoy!

Good Luck and Happy Planning! This forum will be a great resource for you, for sure