thefuturemrslutz

Quote: Originally Posted by Hoosierfan Hey ladies! I'm finally back from my wedding and 2 week Costa Rica honeymoon! The wedding was fantastic and I was able to meet 2 fellow BDW brides which was so fun. I'll post more when I have time this weekend, but the wedding was truly wonderful, the staff very helpful and our 70 guests had a great time. Don't 2nd guess your choice of a destination wedding or the hotel - it was the best decision we could have made! More to come! Welcome back!! SO glad it was so wonderful!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Thanks Katie! It actually was by far the best year yet, I have lovely friends (you included) and my new outlook was by far the best idea I've had on the subject yet. The whole wedding planning year has been tough knowing I'll have no parents at my wedding but I'm kind of accepting that it is what it is and I don't need anyone there accept FI. I'm so glad you had a good day! I got chills when I read your post. Your positivity was awesome, and it looks like you helped a ton of your friends stay positive too. Sorry about your parents, but you are right about having your FI there. In the end, that's all that will matter. And your dad will definitely be there in spirit.

Quote: Originally Posted by Katie_2010 that's when I'm doing mine too....though I still think I'm mad! The morning after the wedding I'm going to be knackered!! funnily enough, it was when our photographer actually suggested doing it as well. I want to do mine at sunrise too! I am not sure how this is going to work though, because we are planning to go out as a group after the wedding. I definitely need that 2 day makeup.

Quote: Originally Posted by AshManahan Hi ladies. Its been a few weeks, but I am finally getting around to loading some of our wedding photos from Hacienda Tres Rios. It was Amazing!!! I hope everything is going well for you. What a relief to be done. I feel like I need a two week vacation to get back to normal, but am trying to figure out who I can hire to put up the xmas tree instead Snapfish: Share:Registration Your pictures are gorgeous!!! Thanks for sharing!

Quote: Originally Posted by Katie_2010 thanks Nicole. I don't really know what I'm feeling at the moment - a bit of everything and nothing all at the same time. tbh things have been strained between us since I booked the wedding but that's all been due to me feeling that she's not been making any effort. We have spoken about it before but she's always said it's been her and she's sorry etc etc. she didn't make me going to try on wedding dresses, and she didn't make it round to my house to try on her BM dress and shoes. so many annoying things but I never thought she'd do this. I know she's busy (she has her own kids) and I just thought when we got there she'd get into it then without all her 'life' distractions. but as much as everyone else seems to be focusing on the wedding-side of things, I'm more bothered and upset by what this means for our friendship. SO sorry Katie! I know how you feel. My best friend/maid of honor told me she could not travel anywhere I was having my wedding because of money. And now she has completed drifted away...I think because she is embarrassed and doesn't know how to ask about wedding plans, etc. I wish I had some advice for you. Maybe approach it as you would like to patch things up with her, even if she does not make it to the wedding. Like Nicole said, weddings make people do some crazy things!!!! Do NOT worry about that budget sheet. Whenever you get a chance is fine. We are here for you!!

Quote: Originally Posted by avong1228 I am newly engaged and my FI and I are considering a DW and Azul and Paradisus are on our list. Any information you can provide would be helpful. I've emailed them but have not gotten any information yet. We think we would do the gold package. Any info on the menu options? Ceremony location pictures? If we have above 40 what the cost is? Photographer recommendations and cost? Has the Ipod option worked well and if so do I need to rent speakers? Welcome dinner or reception costs/locations? So many questions! Welcome and congrats!!! I know it will be time consuming, but I would go through this thread. It will answer all of your questions and more. Also, you will get TONS of ideas you probably would have never even thought about! It will take awhile, but well worth it! I was the WORST at choosing a resort. I was back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. I had finally chosen AS, until I changed my mind again. The resort is amazing though!!!!!! And these girls are fabulous. Like everyone has said, be prepared for "unknown costs." Also, keep all emails and get everything in writing. I have files saved on my computer, saved pictures, saved links, etc. This will help you keep everything organized for each resort! I would also make a list of "must haves." This will help you choose your resort. Good luck!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Katie_2010 haha I knew you'd like that!! our budgets on a spreadsheet with loads of different tabs for different things and a summary tab at the front and the costings all on one page, with things like 'original price', 'actual price' (so we can work out how much we've saved by negotiating on things!) and what we've paid and what's outstanding, against how much we've saved and are due to save! it all looks very pretty but I don't put everything on there...if I can pay for something straight out my pay, I try to not touch our wedding fund! I would love to see your budget spreadsheet!! You can black out the amounts if you would like. Mine is starting to get super complicated. Do you mind sharing?

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Crista & Andrea - Thank you!! Figured it was time to switch it up Andrea - yes they can make waterproof everything! From what I've heard, Bobby Brown some of the best, expensive but one of my friends who got married, had them do a free makeup on her and bought what they used and duplicated it herself on her wedding day and it looked wonderful. She balled her eyes out and nothing moved, even last through the next day Thanks for the suggestion!!

Quote: Originally Posted by ~Nicole~ Afrommert - to answer your question about the review, yes that's next! And hopefully it will be more helpful than my planning thread hahaha! Nicole, your planning thread was great! You def had me laughing too!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Nicole, oh good!!! Thank you, that's what I figured, they aren't going to take it away from us once confirmed. The donkey cocktail hour, it's where the bring the donkey (His name is Filemon) and he has a sombrero on and hangs out during your cocktail hour and people can pet him and take pictures with him. He's the cutest thing ever, I originally asked for him not to be there but when I heard what his name was and saw a picture of him I felt bad for not letting him come hahaha love it! SO sweet of you to let him join. I bet it will be very cute!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Katie - Hahaha, I'm actually not shy at all, one of the least shy people I know. It's JUST a crowd of people quiet and looking at me. Let's put it this way, I don't like being the center of attention when it's just me, the remainder of the wedding will go fine, social butterfly, mingler if you will. Also... I'm a bit of an emotional cryer... everytime I watch anything wedding on TV or movies, I just get so emotional and so many tears I am just so nervous about the potential mess I will be on my day. I'm going to need a structure balance of liquid energy. LOL this reminds me, my MOH & I have been watching Bridezilla's together lately and have gotten some good lines to throw around on my wedding day that will crack us up. If any of you are able to watch that show, it makes you feel much better about how you are as a bride, I can tell that none of you are that crazy! Also, I would love to have ignorant bliss about how close my wedding is, I'm actually having nightmares, tossing and turning every night at this point. I'm too much of a worrier! I feel like I'm the only one losing my marbles... say it ain't so! I am the WORST cryer EVER! I don't know what the deal is, but I cry at everything! Man, not having an office job really makes me behind on these posts! I am going to catch up real quick.

Hi girls! I hope yall had a great Thanksgiving!!!! It was definitely hard to get back into the swing of things this morning! Ok, so I am a total slacker. I do have 1 excuse...my MAC broke, so I had to send it in. I have my work computer, but it is not great for updating my website or finishing my Save the Dates. So, just add all mine back on the lost for this week! I am still torn about the travel agent situation too. I am speaking with Wendy from this forum today! Hopefully, I will get some good news!

Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps I would like to know if you can substitute services in the bridal packages. For example, my MOH is my hairstylist so I'm not going to need the hairstyle that is offered in the bridal spa package so I want to know if I can substitute it for another service. I am not sure if this is still correct, but they had told me I could not substitute. I am wondering when you meet with the WC when you arrive at the resort, if they would be willing to switch a couple things around. I have heard from past brides that it is a lot easier to negotiate once you get down there.

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Good point Lindsay... If I were to hire a Mexican vendor I'd just say he's actually from Puerto Rico Exactly. Anyone could have guests coming in from Puerto Rico! ha

Quote: Originally Posted by daniepps Aww that sucks! The part about not allowing an artist on the resort sucks and the part about reading the posts sucks too. I don't know what time your wedding is and what you have planned for that day but would it be an option for you to go to wherever the artist is? I'm not sure I'm going to have time to do it so I guess it will just be the bridesmaids and I doing our own make up but if it were an option for me to go to the MAC studio, I think that's what I would do. Thanks for the suggestion! Good news ladies!!! There are 2 MACs near AS: one in Cancun and one in Playa del Carmen!! UltrafemmeAvenida 5a Norte Lt. 15 Loc. 1 Mza. 27 entre calle 12 y 16 Centro Playa del Carmen, 77710, Mexico +52 984 803 4661 0.98 milesA UltrafemmeBoulevard Kukulcan km 12.5 lote 18-10, Local B-05 Cancun, 77500, Mexico +52 99 88 83 19 12 1.19 milesB Also, what is AS's policy about guests staying on other resorts? Can the makeup artist not be a "bridesmaid" or a "groomsman" and you just pay the day pass? I honestly do not see how they would even know. If you do not want to leave the resort on your wedding day, I would just do this. How do they know your "maid of honor" isn't a makeup genius?

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Well instead of mashed potatoes I have a recipe for mashed yams and pears which will suffice as my potatoes. I'm making two veggies dishes, skipping gravy and very little stuffing. I'll also do this based off of cals, eat small cal meals throughout the day and make space for the bigger meal. I will also workout on Turkey Day to even things out if possible I also make a berry pie for Turkey Day and I use splenda and no one even knows this, it's so delish! It's crazy how similar our diets are! Can I have your receipe for your mashed yams and your berry pie?? Sounds awesome!!!!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by AshManahan Hi ladies! Glad to hear everyone is doing well and planning is moving along. I have 9 days left to go and leave on Monday. I am completely exhausted and have had no time to do anything. I lost my dinner cards and missed my calighraphy appointment for them. My handwriting sucks so I'm sure they are going to look crappy now. Also the paper I special ordered for my OOTs gift bag agenda insert never showed up and now is on forever backorder. I guess the only postivie/negative is that I gained three pounds last week, but my dress still fits I think it is time for some vodka and a sedative... OH MY GOSH!! Yay!! Well, think of it like this: you would rather stuff go wrong now, so it will be perfect at the wedding! I think you gained 3 lbs because of stress. (Cortisol makes you put on weight!) SO, breath!!! You are going to have a blast. Whatever doesn't get done, it will be fine. No one else will notice but you.

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Hey girls! Good job you all for completing so many items. AmyKH, wow I spent all day saturday hungover on the couch and you were like a task maniac! Congrats. Lindz - your save the date bottles are AMAZING. I am totally jealous and I can't wait to hear what your girls say about them. So I called the 2 hotels in Maryland for my AHR this week and I have a contract in for one of them. I also called the caterer and have him booked for July 24th. He is going to send me some sample menus and we'll start picking and choosing as we get closer to the date. I feel very relieved for following through on my to do list! I also opened my very own PayPal account so I can buy the spa wraps I wanted for part of my bridesmaids gifts. Lastly, my Dad is in Miami now until Thnxgiving, so I asked him to pick up a shirt for Mark for the wedding - one of those fancy Cuban shirts - in white. Mark bought a polo for himself already but I want him to be a little dressier. AmyKH - Your guest book sounds AMAZING! I love the idea so much. I am also trying to do the whiteboard guestbook in mexico and chalkboard in Maryland. I was going to get a Polaroid camera for it - what are you using? Mark & I traveled the US after college together and took Polaroids (this was before digital cameras - haha) everywhere we went so I thought it would be a nice touch. I wonder if they still sell them!!! haha Amy F - WOW! I love the gray dresses and pink shoes combo! I cannot wait to see your pix. I loved that combo in Lindz's bottle gifts too. Have a good week girls! Oh - and lastly - I am down 5.5 pounds I have 14.5 more to go! Hahaha you sound like me with the hangover! Fi was out of town for a bachelor party for one of his friends. WELL, instead of being super productive, I partied all weekend with my girls and slept all day SUnday! UGH!!!! oh well! My girls loved them!!! I am SOOOO not a DIY person, so they were so proud of me. I told them I was inspired by all of yall on the site!!!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert We got bridesmaids dresses ON SALE at Macys this weekend. I let the girls pick the dress the dress, I picked the color! THey are all wearing Dark gray strapless dress with hot pink shoes! they still have to find shoes tho, again, I just picked the color.. Oh my gosh, I am doing gray dresses and hot pink shoes too!! DO you have a picture of your dresses? How much did yall pay for them?

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Happy Tuesday ladies! How is everyone doing? I've been doing pretty good working on my items to get done. Last night I finished writing everything for my Passport invites... it's hard because it's 4 pages of text! I'll have to go through it a few times more to make sure it all makes sense. I also went to Banana Republic on Sunday and got FI's wedding outfit pants. As a memeber I received a coupon for 30% off everything so I got a good deal I also finalized my guest book with the Etsy seller and should get that today. I received my travel candles & my BD lingerie yesterday as well as some of my placecard ideas. I received my gift I purchased for the friend who threw me my lingerie shower that I have to put together still. I think that's it! I hope you all are doing great That's awesome! SOOO proud of you . Well, I got my bridemaid thingys all mailed out, and I have almost finished my SAve the Date. AND I think I have decided against a travel agent. They are just making me soooo mad. hmmm what else am I leaving off? Such a hectic...so glad it's basically Wednesday!

Quote: Originally Posted by Afrommert LIndz,Soooo Cool!!! I bet they LOVD them! What does the inside scroll look like or say?? So cute Andrea... NO LUCK, ive been looking everytime I pass a michaels. They keep tellin me they were Clearenced out Im NOT giving up yet tho Oh, and i keep forgetting to ask you, What is your wedding group doing friday night?? NICOLE, thank you for the PM, I am so interested in your FULL review What did your wedding group do nights before your wedding and night of your wedding? Thank you sooo much! I got a dark gray/sparkly piece of paper for the scroll. I wrote a sweet, personalized message on each of their scrolls. I was going to do a poem like you guys suggested, but decided just to write a sweet note. I think they really liked it!!

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Lindz - OMG!!! Can I be one of your bridesmaids? Those are fabulous!!!! haha thanks!! OF COURSE!!! You won't be tired of Mexico, will you?!?

Here are 2 more pictures...

Sorry for the delay, but here are the pictures of the "Will you be my bridesmaid?" message in a bottle. I painted the boxes silver and created a little address label that has my name address, the bridesmaid's name and address, and our wedding logo. They loved them! Oh for some reason, the sand looks almost red in these pics, but it was the same fuchsia/hot pink color I am using.

Quote: Originally Posted by Allisa Hi Ladies. I am so sorry I never got back to you about our wedding -which was fantastic! Almost as soon as we got home, my Father got really ill. He went into the hospital on our one month anniversary, and on the morning of November 5th, he passed away. I was with him. I can't even begin to express how much I miss him. Needless to say, this has been a really horrible time for me and my husband. I am the only child and Mom is out of the picture. My husband was very close to my Dad as well. The honeymoon made a complete halt as soon as we got home, most unfortunately. Vance has been nothing but super supportive -and I am so glad I have him, every moment of the day. The good news is that Dad made it to my wedding. And though he was ill there too, he walked me down the aisle and he was super super proud of both me and of Vance. Our professional photos are up at: Galleries go to client login -the password is "vixen" For you ladies who's weddings are fast approaching.... The hotel is lovely, the beach was beautiful and the seaweed isn't that big a deal unless your a total wuss. The food was just fine. Zacolo -the mexican restaurant was great and so was the Siena -Italian. Didn't love Zavas terrace, but they were the kitchen that prepared our wedding dinner and it was fantastic -we had the steak and lobster tail. We totally loved Le Chique and went back for the 14 course meal on our last night (it did cost extra). Las Tapas we wouldn't bother going to again, it was a disappointment. Our room was the honeymoon suite and was gorgeous. The wedding planners on site were fantastic, we brought our own table runners, pashmina's, feather, lanterns, tea lights, mirrored tea light holders, etc.... we paid them $150 in cash and they set everything up, accommodated for the wind and we loved what they did. Don't worry about a thing once you are there... it will be great! If you have any questions just ask, or pm me. I will try to be more accessible than I have been. Big hugs to all you beautiful brides. xo Allisa SO SO SO sorry Allisa! I can't even imagine what you are going through. So glad you and Vance have each other during this time. Hang in there sweet girl! I am so glad you had such a good time at your wedding! Can't wait to check out the pictures!!!!!!! Thanks for stopping by and checking on everyone!