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Mrs. McKenna

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  1. Hey ladies- I've been married for a full 3 weeks and am just now getting the chance to log on. Luckily Kimmy gave such awesome information I don't have a ton to add! There are two main things from my wedding that I would recommend to anyone... 1. Grooms' dinner at Carboncitos in Playa del Carmen. My hubby had done all the research and we had decided that since everyone was essentially paying to come to our wedding and paying for their own food and alcohol it would be a really nice thank you to bring everyone to town for dinner the night before the wedding. My hubby had already made the reservations but we went to check out Carboncitos right when we got to Mexico. It was FREAKING AMAZING! Russell (the guy from New York that owns it) told us he was planning on having us up on the roof. We didn't even know the roof existed! On the day of our grooms' dinner (which also happened to be my birthday) our guests were blown away. The view was spectacular, the tables were set up, there was a full bar, lights hanging down, soft music playing... and we had the entire roof to ourselves. To top it off the food was ridiculously good. If you're looking for a place to bring people definitely check it out. It was completely reasonable price-wise and was definitely a highlight for our guests. I'm not sure if they have a website but you can find them on facebook... 2. The second thing that was awesome was the maricachi band during cocktail hour. I was a little nervous about having our first dance to a band but it was romantic and perfect. Side note- I really wanted to have our cocktail hour outside and kept asking for the terrace and being told no. Finally Rebecca suggested the theater bar which is actually connected to the terrace area. They set up everything outside for us (appetizers, cocktails, band etc) and it was gorgeous. If you want it outside make sure you specify you want the theater bar outside... apparently the "terrace" is some other huge area. Overall I stressed out way too much but it all turned out perfectly. I wouldn't do it any other way. If you have any specific questions just let me know... in the meantime I know it won't be easy but relax and enjoy your last days as single ladies! -Jessica McKenna
  2. Sorry- That posted way before it was supposed to! Not used to posting on this site! My fiance and I are leaving for our wedding on Tuesday and will be getting married on Saturday, March 27th... I haven't been great about posting but have been reading through every post as we've planned out wedding. We have 26 people including ourselves coming to the wedding and I've confirmed that we will be able to have dinner at Chili's and everyone can order off the menu... I freaked out about that the other day after reading some of the other posts. We're planning on taking our guests all to Carboncitos in Playa del Carmen the night before for the groom's dinner... my fiance did all the research and is really excited about it. As for the ceremony... we're doing is at the gazebo. I ordered the chairbows through elegant perspectives (thanks to one of the brides I saw recommended that on this site!!) My fiance found music to play while we walk down and walk back. We're then having our cocktail hour in the lobby bar... I asked Ael if we could move it to the terrace but she said something about that being for people that have over 50 guests... I'm hoping once we tell her we want the trio (for our first dance and background music) she will tell us move it outside. As for out of town bags- I ordered the bags through JoAnn fabrics for $4.99 a piece (they're microfiber bags that have an inside pocket for valuables). My sister is screen printing them all with our palm tree logo. We ordered travel mugs through discountmugs.com and have first aid kits, advil, SPF chapstick, playing cards, crossword puzzle books and pens incuded in the bags. I also did formal invitations with a list of all of our guests and a place for everyone to put everyone else's room numbers, an itinerary and a map. We're flying our photographer down from Minnesota but are thinking about getting the videographer... I'll be sure to let you all know my thoughts when I return. By the way- I know some people have had some frustrations with Ael but she's been really responsive and consistent with me (possibly because the smaller number of people we have coming down). Happy planning ladies!!! And for all those married ladies... thanks for all the advice! I could not have done this all without you! -Jessica
  3. Jen- Thanks for sending me the info but for some reason it didn't come through (I've been having some email issues). It's fine though because I received my confirmation email from the RIU along with all the info I had asked you for anyway so I'm good to go. By the way- my fiance is actually from Hermantown and we've got a cabin by Hibbing so we're up in your area every once in a while! Small world! I hope you're keeping warm with all the crappy weather. Oh yeah, and Go Vikings! Shelk- Can't believe you're leaving in 2 weeks! I can't wait to see pictures and hear all about it!!!
  4. Hi ladies- Just wondering if anyone has the price list for the photographer at the Riu. I'm trying to decide whether I should fly my photog down or use the one down there. If anyone that has it could email it to me at jthingelstad@hotmail.com I'd really appreciate it. Paige- I personally would just pay for the massages. If you do a $50 giftcard your maids will need to have money to cover the rest but if you do a $100 giftcard they will end up with extra cash on the giftcard and they may not use it. I think anyway you do it they will love it though! -Jessica
  5. Quote: Originally Posted by JNagan2011 Sammysgirl- love the BM dress and color! They will look great! Anyone- how long did it take for the Riu to get back to you about confirming a date if you remember? I requested my date on the 7th and the email back said it could take up to ten days. I am religiously checking my emails to look for that confirmation since I am soo excited! I'm getting nervous that I haven't heard anything yet so was wondering how long it took for them to get back to you originally. I am just so anxious to confirm Jen- My fiance and I requested our date on December 28th (just over two weeks ago) and requested March 27th of this year so we were very anxious given the short turn around. I started to panic after a week so our travel agent started checking with the resort almost daily. I guess there was some change in assignments with the Riu right over the new year and they're trying to coordinate things internally so things are taking a little longer than usual. We were told last week that we were the only wedding planned on 3/27 but they were still waiting to hear back from the minister to confirm he was available- they have other ministers they can contact if one can't do it but they can't officially confirm your wedding until they get an ok from a minister (we are just doing the religious/symbolic wedding- not the legal/civil wedding there). We finally received confirmation last night (two weeks after we requested it) that our wedding was confirmed. So, to recap a long story... it may take longer than 10 days and you'll stress out like crazy during that time if you're anything like me but most likely if they have your request you will get confirmation... they don't take requests if they don't have the availability at the resort. You can email the planners directly if you're really worried- I can get you the contact info I have for them if you want it. Good luck! I hope you hear back soon! -Jessica
  6. Hi girls- it took me a week but I've finally read through all the messages! I got engaged on December 12th and am planning on having my wedding at the Riu Palace RM on March 27th at 4:00 (the confirmation is supposed to be here on Monday). So yes- I've got 85 days left and am just starting the planning process. I appreciate all the info I've received from all of you! So this is a really random question but I haven't seen it answered anywhere... when we get married do you know if my FH and I (along with the wedding party and parents) will have to wear the all-inclusive wristbands? I've seen a few wristbands in pics but would really prefer not to have them on... Also does anyone have the price list and menu that they could send to me personal email? I'm getting anxious and know from everyone else's experience that I won't get a response from the RIU until 2 months before the wedding Thank you! Jessica
  7. Hello! My name is Jessica. I got engaged just over 2 weeks ago and booked our wedding at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya an hour ago. We're getting married on March 27th which means I have less than three months to plan the whole thing! I just hope I can get a dress in time!
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