gingerlover36

Does anyone know where we can find videos of the music options? My WC sent me a crap link that has one video. Music is very important to me...I don't understand how they have nooooo videos!! I forgot to MQ but r something...lol...hang in there. I don't understand why close family and friends go and talk about your wedding with other people and not you. I would have so much more respect for some that did this to me. Not to mention the stress the complaining of relative put on my mom...its not fair. oh well. PS Amy gorgeous BM dresses...AmyKH great advice about the cake topper...my sister just finished making mine and its great and both of us would be upset if it was trashed PPS Today's the day we supposedly get answers about getting more rooms, construction etc. fingers crossed for good news ppps my hair iron just broke! bad hair day!!

Quote: Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr So, for my "I don't care about your wedding cause it's too expensive story" I have a good friend who (I did bullets cause it was wayyyy too long): - took my original wedding date - asked me to be in her wedding - refused my request when I asked her to be in mine - told me that since mine is a month after hers, she has to "see if they have money left" after theirs is over to come to mine - chose a dress and shoes for us that total almost $500 - chose a honeymoon location that required plane tix that were $4000 (just airfare) - cancelled that honeymoon because she needed more money to spend on the wedding (although everything was already planned and money was already alotted) - called and asked for my TA's info NOT for info on how much travel was for our wedding, but for recommendations on placed to go for her honeymoon - just got her mortgage reduced over $1k/month (approx cost for her and her FI to come to my wedding = $1600) - and constantly says she's poor!! wow and you're still going to be a bridemaid in hers? you are a good person!! That's so aggrevating that she expects you to make her wedding a priority while she refuses to consider yours....hang in there!!

Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay I feel your pain so much! The last 2 weeks I have cried so many times over being constantly told by my family that I need to be aware of the price for everyone and make it affordable. The weirdest part is that it is my FMIL that has been the most supportive. She is like you go and whoever comes is who somes. Sometimes I think in an attempt to make sure it's fabulous it is easy to get lost in everyone else's happiness. I have a little mantra now that I repeat over and over when I worry about how much people are paying or not paying. It's is about Jay and I and even if we are the only 2 there it will be the most WONDERFUL day ever. I feel you pain on this one. Last week my Grandmother called me to annouce she will not be coming to our wedding due to a news story she saw where 6 people got their hearts cut out in Cancun. I googled it. It was a drug gang killing a rival drug gang. So I called my grandmother back and asked her if she had recently joined a Mexican Drug Cartel and if she did then she might be right and not want to come. AHHH I was really upset at the time but it makes me giggle now! That is actually kind of funny. Yeah so everyone's been through it. I told my fam for a while this is the kind of wedding I wanted yet everyone was surprised and my grandfather told me I was making a big mistake. Needless to say when your 85 yr old grandpa takes your hand in his and all u want is for him t o say im happy for you and he says that...its not the most pleasant feeling to say the least. My aunt told me she had no money but just got back from Disney. It sucks but just keep reminding yourself its about you and FI..no one else. One of my aunts actually said she was happy I am sticking to my guns and having the wedding I want (she isn't coming and just said make sure u get a good photographer...so i can relive it with you when u get back) hugs...hang in there I am just taking comfort in the fact that I have been to 2 DW's before and you girls as well...everyone has said that they have no regrets. They will be the ones regretting their decision when they aren't in the pool sipping a corona.

Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay Can you send me what their facebook pages is. I can't find it! Thanks and HANG IN there!!! Welcome to Facebook

Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 Super sketchy! Yeah, my TA said he talked to one of their sales guys, and there will definitely be construction. The sales guy didn't know how intrusive it would be, but that's the reason no rooms are available. The positive to this is...at least I'm finding out more than 6 months before the wedding! Very true. She is looking into it now. From what my TA has figured so far there isn't another wedding. Its like what Amy mentioned about a tour operator coming in and scooping up the rooms. She believes it was a Canadian travel agency that bought them. Which really isn't the worst thing in the world because it means people can book through them if they have to. I am in the end of MArch so I wonder if the construction will effect me. I told the TA I want it in writing from the VP of Sales she is going to speak with today that there will not be planned construction going on. You all are a lifeline. Also lolo....I love the pics.

Thanks to everyone for the support and advice!! Truly helpful stuff! Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay First, Sorry to hear about all that! It makes me paranoid when we finally get around to booking but at least I know what you ladies are going thru! Second - Excellent use of a Snooki reference!!! Ha ha thanks...I find myself saying waaaa now. Damn you Jersey Shore ;-) LOVE your Website!!!! Quote: Originally Posted by cjb0arder13 ALL right all my fellow Azul Beach brides!!! I just got off the phone with my travel agent. The reason there are no rooms available is because AB just pulled them all. Apparently, this has to do with the construction they're planning for 2011. I know Wendy (taylorwd) mentioned this earlier in the thread...apparently, it's going to be a bigger deal than we all thought. My TA has inquiries out to all his contacts at AB to find out how intrusive the construction will be, but he thinks this will have a major affect on bookings. We have 10 rooms reserved, but may need as many as 15, and he thinks it might be hard to get the extra 5. So...I'm not panicking. I'm not panicking. I figure if I say it enough, it'll be true. I should know something by Monday or Tuesday...if it's going to be a huge hassle to get rooms, or there's going to be massive construction going on around the time of the wedding, I'm going to book elsewhere. Which breaks my heart, because I'm in love with Azul Beach. But...I also don't want to wake up to drills and hammers every day. Thanks for this info. I just emailed my TA and asked her to look into it for the 2nd time now....originally she was told there is no construction. The hotel's facebook page says there is no construction either. So shady! Oh well...I am sure it will work out in the end. Keep us posted on what your TA finds out!!

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Meghan - The SAME thing happened to me at my wedding. Is your TA working with a Tour Operator? Let me tell you - the Karisma resorts reservation systems are STUPID AS F***!!! They do not know how many rooms are taken. They sell blocks to Tour Operators and keep some for their own reservations so while it looks like they are fully booked, there are rooms empty. My Step Mother who speaks Spanish fluently had an hour conversation with a representative of the resort's owners (they own Karisma & Desire - 7 resorts total) and told them how stupid this whole situation was. I even found a bride on this Forum that released 10 rooms at Azul beach that week (moved to AS b/c of the resort being too small) and they STILL told me they were in an over sold position and I could not have those 4 rooms. We got to the hotel and it was EMPTY!!! Ok, not empty - but maybe 70% capacity. I don't know what to tell you but I can tell you what I did and you can try this stuff. 1st of all - I called all of the other Tour Operators - FunJet, Travel Impressions, and the hotel reservations directly. Your TA might have other ones she can call too. They were showing all sold out. Even the Villa was booked. NO ONE was in the Villa the week we were there! 2nd - The hotel was booked the Friday & Saturday nights. So, all of my guests who booked too late (4 rooms of guests) - got split reservations. For example, they booked Azul Beach Monday to Friday, Azul Sensatori Friday - Sunday, and Azul Beach Sunday - Monday. I know it seems ridiculous but I wanted them with us as much as possible. 3rd - we got to the hotel and after meeting with the concierge, front desk, and the American Express/Travel Impressions representative, they were able to confirm the rooms were available for the guests to stay at AB. Then they had to transfer the reservations. This was all very touch and go. They have to do a lot of phone calls and dumb crap, but it got done in the end. I know that is not ideal, but in the end it all worked out. I am sure it will for you too. If you want me to call you to talk more about what happened and what we did, PM me your phone number. I feel for you babe! Amy - I remember this!!!! Thank you for the kind words and advice. I am going to PM you. I feel better today - I am going to do what I can but not go bananas. My WC already responded and apologized and promised I would have answers on all my emails today. Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz It will all work out. I promise! Just stay on top of these people and make as many calls as you can AND get everything in WRITING!!!!! I promise, it will be ok!! Thanks Linds.

Hey ladies...don't have much time to talk...I wrote a super long post yesterday but then I got signed out and lost it. Basically it was a complaining email so I sort of glad I didn't post. But I am dealing with a bit of a situation right now. My TA called FI yesterday and told him that the hotel (Azul Beach) is sold out the week of our wedding. I still have atleast 15 guests who have not booked. 2 of them are my aunt and cousin (the only extended family I have coming). I am so angry at them, the resort for not alerting my TA when the hotel was close to capacity and my TA for not finding out it was filling up as she promised she would. I was fighting back tears at work yesterday (right before a meeting - super) b/c I am so emotional over my family - majority isn't coming and the ones i thought i could count on couldn't put a $100 deposit down. I just feel so let down by family/hotel/TA. Long story short my FI completely lost it on TA (who has been on vacation/out of country twice since signing contract) which he brought up and questioned if the hotel told her but she was out of town. She supposedly has been in talks with the owner of the hotel to see if we can get 3 rooms...no clue as to where they are pulling them from or if they can even get them. I also just wrote a very "stern" email to my WC who hasn't responded to an email from me in over 2 1/2 weeks letting her know how disappointed I am. I don't want to be a crazy bride but I just feel that we should have known the hotel was filling up if they promised they would tell us! Grrr...ok sorry to start the day off on a sour note. WAAAAAA (said like snookie from jersey shore)

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda YES! Thanks - that gets me even more excited!!! My best friend went to the Riviera Maya one and said they felt like they were famous there it was so nice. I can't wait. A week of relaxation!!! And after this week I need it PS - love the gingerlover name - did not "get it" until you posted the siggy pic - haha Haha, when I originally created I didn't realize that would be my name that everyone sees from some reason. But yeah Im in love with a ginger...my real name is Meghan by the way ;-)

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Glad you got a good TA. They will make things easier for you. I just decided on a Honeymoon location! We are staying at the Excellence Playa Mujeres Aug 28-Sept 4. It looks so awesome. Secrets Maroma was about the same price, and thats where I thought I would go, but I really fell in love with the Excellence. I am using a friend's TA who is great, so much better than my crazy wedding lady. She said any sale any drop in price we will get, no need to rebook or anything. Have a great weekend everyone! I will be working on my planning thread this weekend. I need to do it now or else I will just forget everything! Amy, my sister honeymooned there 1 year ago and she LOVED it. It looks gorgeous.

Quote: Originally Posted by Soon-to-be-McRae We have decided to go with a candy buffet at our AHR and wondered if anyone can advise me where i can purchase any nice containers/jars to put the candy in, we are going for an open display with the little silver scoops and paper bags x Michaels usually has great pricing on vases/jars etc.

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Aw THANK YOU! I also have total wedding envy of this wedding: http://bestdestinationwedding.com/fo...wedding-59902/ It makes we want to do mine all over again but do it this way! I love these colors...I have been wanting to do orange, fuschia and blue but everyone I talk to is like ehhh thats weird. I even made a lil color board lol. Quote: Originally Posted by MaggieandJay Ladies, I have a question! The resort is telling my TA that in order to block a group of rooms for May 2011 we have to put up $300 a room. Did you guys run into this? My TA was a bit taken aback with the price. I knew we might have to put something down. Now with that said it's not like I have to block rooms but to get the current promotion they are running you do. Any Advice? Side Note: Current promotion if you block or outright book 20 or more rooms you get 20% off room rates and 20% off private events MY TA said it was $100 per person deposit needed. I had told the majority of my guests I was doing a DW so they were aware I would be booking once I signed the contract I told everyone to book bc the resort fills up fast (Im at AB and the rate isn't guaranteed). The rooms flew. We have 35 rooms booked already. It sounds scary at first but don't stress it or just block the rooms you know people will book and then add to the group contract.

Question for past brides...or current...I am a huge emailer - much better with expressing myself through written word than speaking. However, I think I might get quicker responses if I call Miami direct. What method did or do you use? annnnd Do you think because I am 10 months out they might not be as responsive as if it was closer? I do like my girl she has been really sweet so far, and sometimes she responds the same day but lately its been 1-2 week response time.

Congrats! I am getting married in March at Azul Beach! I stayed at AS for 2 nights this spring its beautiful.

Quote: Originally Posted by mmc1105 Hey ladies! I've spent hours reading about your experiences and have chosen AS for our wedding. Thank you SO MUCH for all of your pictures and advice so far, you ladies are awesome! We are waiting to hear from our TA, but have March 7, 2011 as our tentative date. YAY!! Happy planning to all! And congrats to the newlyweds Congrats! Another March '11 bride!!

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda Yay congrats!!!! Its very surreal seeing yourself in a wedding gown isn't it? Post a picture if you have one! Can you believe I forgot my camera! Luckily my friend brought hers and I am waiting for her to send me the pix! I will post once she does..you'll just have to ignore the bra being exposed...lol. I am pretty big up top and the dress has a deep V so we ordered extra dress fabric and the seamstress said she would sew in a "modesty" something. She'll keep the V shape just add fabric to the sides so its not that low cut.

I am so excited! I said yes to the dress this weekend Its so weird I feel now that this is really happening hahah!

Quote: Originally Posted by amyschmidt85 We did pink and orange with a little bit of white in the flowers. Bright, tropical colours. It looked really good. I love love your BM dresses. Who is the designer?

your pictures came out great! Just had to mention that the last shot of what I think is your photographer -- he looks like Tom Cruise lol

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd For you AB ladies, I was just reading on tripadvisor that AB is about to start construction in August. More than what I just mentioned about the spa. Apparently they're revamping the rooms and expanding the resort to bring the total count to 128 rooms (adding 30 rooms). I think it said Aug-Dec 2010. Most of our AB brides on here don't have weddings until 2011, but Sara's (dirtymartini) is in November this year. I saw that also...and called my TA to see if she knew anything about it. Supposedly she called her contact at the hotel and he said he was unaware about the construction and would look into the trip advisor post. Not sure what to believe but I kind of hope that trip advisor is worng and its just the spa. I like that its a small hotel...and one of the main reasons I chose it!

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd I don't think it would be a big deal if there were. They're not building a brand new structure. They're converting one they already have (a theater area). So it's not like there'd be any big cranes or bulldozers. Ohhh I know exactly where you are talking about! I asked Mayra about that room...seemed like they should use that for something! Thanks! This was so helpful!!

i just read your review...I hope there isn't construction of the spa going on during my stay!

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd Ginger, I had my hair/makeup done at AB and was overall very happy. I give a detailed account in my review (under my siggy). A bit of advice is to definitely get a trial done! It'll be the best money you spend, if nothing else for peace of mind on your wedding day. Anyone that comes on the property that you pay for wedding services is considered an outside vendor. You're welcome to bring in a MAC artist and use someone besides Lomas for your flowers, but you have to get approval and you'll be paying the outside vendor fee ($500) for each of them. Thanks so much! Yeah I def will get a trial. One of my guests is actually a hairdresser...but I don't want to bother her to do my hair on her vacation. Although I plan to enlist her services if they mess it up. Did you get your hair and make up done in the room? Did you stay in the suite? If so do you have any pictures of the room? When we did our site visit we were transfixed with the Villa but ultimately have decided against the villa in lieu of the suite for more privacy.

I have a question for those married already - did you use the hotel's hair and makeup people? I see that LOMAS has a specialist or I saw on other threads that girls had MAC artists come to them. Does AB (or AS) allow vendors such as hair and makeup people come if its not from them or LOMAS? Also do flowers and stuff have to come from LOMAS?

Thanks for the input ladies!! I need to decide. I don't know if I will carry a theme throughout...my invites are probably going to be pale turquoiese/ blue with sand/gold tones. But I think I want something a bit more vibrant for the wedding. Oh well...love some of the combos!!!