FuninthesunMayan2011

The outside vendor fee is: Pay the $300 to Kodak (they have a contract with Barcelo therefore they feel they are entitled to "lost work"?!) or have your photographer as a guest at the resort- which means they would be staying at least 2 nights at the hotel. No day pass required for either option! It worked out for us that the $300 was cheaper then the 2 nights stay so we did that...and held out to the last minute to pay them too! haha 

My photographer was easily able to access the resort the day before the wedding too- no day pass, no outside vendor fee had been paid yet etc...He came to meet us for an engagement shoot. They scare you into thinking that they will stop them at the gate but seemed pretty easy for my photographer and makeup/hair people...no problems!

My Wedding Review:

Wedding Day: Friday, February 25th, 2011 @ 3pm
WC: Victoria
Hair & Makeup: Adrian Guerra (Styling Trio Riviera Maya)
Ceremony: Playa Azul
Reception: Playa Azul
Photographer: Ivan Luckie

So here we are just one day back from our week in paradise. I went from a balmy 28 degrees and sunny to a frigid -15 and snowing! Oh how I wish I was back lounging by the pool....

Our week was in a nutshell AMAZING. I can not begin to tell you what an incredible resort Barcelo Maya is. We stayed at the Tropical section and it was perfectly situated for everything! Being my first time there I was so impressed by the grounds, they are pristinely manicured every day! And the pools go for days, just spectacular! 

Wedding Coordinator - Victoria Vasquez A+ --> On our first day we met with Victoria to go over all the details. I think she knew we were super relaxed as we walked in in to her office with our beach clothes and pina coladas in hand. I was instantly impressed with Victoria as she had our file all ready for review. Basically we just went over all the things in the spreadsheet and made any last minute changes etc. We went over spa appointments, when she would pick us up, etc etc..The thing that took us the longest to decide on was flowers. I knew I wanted purple and white orchids, some mini white calla lilies, and then then the rest Victoria made suggestions. In the office there just happen to be some centerpieces with various flowers so she was able to show me some other choices to add. We also chose the bridesmaid bouquets and mens boutonnières. I had also wanted the huppa, and had brought some capiz shells to hang from it and wanted it wrapped in white organza. She knew exactly how to do it! On her computer she has hundreds of photos of other ceremonies/flower/colors etc. The only other additional thing we added was the Mariachi band. Victoria tallied up the costs: $3385 (Strawberry Passion Package), Flowers $~200, Huppa $396. We didn't have any additional costs for extra guests (had 15 on the dot  ) and we didn't buy any additional hours. The cost for the JOP ($300) and Mariachi band ($400) was to be paid in cash, and the rest was put on our credit card. It was funny because it came back in peso..$43,922!!!! hahaha. Once we paid at the front desk, they gave us our Premium wristbands. Victoria was absolutely amazing and was there for us every step of the wedding day! She is the BEST and she told me there were 25 weddings that week and that was a slow week! I don't know how they do this job, she was there for the whole day that day and I saw her the next night doing another wedding...it's amazing they get back to any emails at all. That's why I never complained about getting an instant reply from my WC...they are pure professionals at what they do!! So for all upcoming brides, seriously, don't sweat the details, as long as you have a date confirmed, you are in good hands. Unless you are going above and beyond the normal destination wedding, all the details can be ironed out in the month before your wedding, and even the during the resort meeting!

Hair & Makeup-A+ Adrian and his team met up with me on the Tuesday before the wedding for a rehearsal hair and makeup trial. Best decision I ever made! We were able to experiment with different colors for my makeup. His assistant Jessica was awesome as she was able to make suggestions, while Adrian worked on me. Another member of his team did my hair (sorry can't remember her name). The airbrush makeup is incredible. It made my skin look so flawless, but at the same time it was like nothing was on! The day of the wedding they were there all day working on us, it was so nice to have everyone in my room getting ready together. Adrian and his team were super fun to be around, made you feel so comfortable and exactly what I needed on the big day. My hair and makeup was exactly what I wanted, so perefct (if I do say so myself hehe) They are experts in what they do and I was sooooooooo happy I hired them! I would recommend them to anyone doing a wedding in the Mayan!!

Ceremony at Playa Azul A+ . Victoria came to pick us up at 2:50pm at my room and she had our flowers....um GORGEOUS!! Seriously they were spectacular! We rode the golf cart over to Playa Azul. My photographer Ivan and his wife we able to fit on as well, so they got some shots of us enroute. It was actually really fun riding over. When we got to the ceremony site, my jaw just dropped...It was the most beautiful thing I ever saw. Strangely enough, I hadn't even walked down to the site before the wedding so when I got here I was able to take in the sheer beauty of the scenery, the colors of the water, the beautiful palms, the glowing white sand...and about 100 meters away there stood the guys waiting at the beautifully decorated huppa. This area of the beach is really secluded there were hardly anyone around. It was perfect. As I wrote in another post though, not great for high heeled shoes...eeekk. I should have worn the platform wedges I brought, but I managed to do the best I could wading through the sand, holding up my dress and bouquet, while hooked to my Dad's arm! Picture that, all the while being cognizant of the fact that everyone will be taking photos!!! One little glitch I will mention was the sound system, I'm not sure if it was my iphone, but there was some interference. I had asked to play Sea of Love by Cat Powers for us to walk into. It was all over the road sound wise, so the guitar player just stepped in and started playing. It was no biggie, I was just focused on my man down the isle! The guitar player was amazing anyways, so I recommend that to anyone. The JOP was really nice, went through a lovely ceremony. He did put us on the spot and ask us to say a few words...lol...I don't remember what I said but we said afterwards that we were glad he did because it made it more personal (so be prepared!). After the said our "i do's" we walked out and was instantly greeted by a waiter with Champagne for everyone!! 

Reception at Playa Azul: A . They set up a beautiful large table for the 15 of us. The wedding table took the back 8 seats (facing the water) and we had our parents on the right side and others on the left. It was perfect because we could all talk and it was good for photos as the wedding party was all together. They decorated the table with the items I had brought down and it looked really nice! We chose sea scallops, lobster bisque, surf & turf, and white chocolate raspberry tiramisu, and coconut wedding cake. Everything was delicious, albeit a bit cold. I will admit it was pretty windy once the sun went down. It didn't blow sand at all, but you just felt a bit strained with the wind blowing the whole time. The service was perfect! Once we had our dessert served we had some speeches, and then the mariachi got the party started. They were hilarious and the best $400 I could have spent! Once they left we did our first dance, and then everyone danced the rest of the remaining hour barefoot an  the sand. It was so much fun. The had all the poles lit up, plus some paper bag candles around the dance floor. It was exactly what I envisioned when we decided on a destination wedding! 

Ivan Luckie Photography- A++ If you are thinking of booking an outside photographer for your wedding you have to book Ivan! From the first email I sensed we had made the right decision. He is a true professional at what he does. We had booked Ivan for an engagement shoot and the full wedding day and it was the one of the 3 best decisions we made (Wedding at Barcelo, hiring Adrian for makeup and hair, and Ivan for photos). He met us in the lobby and took us to Playa del Carmen for the day! I would be in trouble if I said it was my favorite day...but it really was awesome! It was relaxing, exciting, romantic, and fun all wrapped up in one! Ivan and my hubby hit it off instantly. They both have great imaginations, and played off their strengths- Jeff gave it the fun element and Ivan the instinctual aspect. I can not wait to see the pictures we got that day!!!!!!! The day of the wedding Ivan came just as I was finishing my hair & makeup, he took pics of my dress, jewelry etc and of everyone getting ready. It was impressive how he just blended in and captured all of those candid photos (the one's that are always the best!). For the rest of the day he managed the group, took some "standard" shots and then we had some fun. After that we got some amazing pics of us while the sun went down. Ivan stayed to the bitter end and probably got some crazy shots of us on the dance floor! Again, best decision we made! Ivan you rock!

Other things: We had our massage on the beach. It was awesome! It's up by the Palace. Since I was wasn't going to be using my hair and makeup that was included in my wedding package for my actual wedding day I had asked Victoria to make it for Thursday (the day we did our engagement photo shoot). The hair was very good, but wayyyyyy to much hair spray used. It was like starch! The makeup was rather pathetic hhaha. Hardly any foundation, a touch of eyeshadow, and tons of liner and mascara. I wiped it off as soon as I got back to the room. I obviously would have said something to them if it was my wedding day but being that I didn't really care I just said "great!". Another reason I was so glad I hired Adrian and his team!

So take a look for yourself! Here is the link to my Moms photos from the day! Hope you enjoy and please do not hesitate to ask any questions. I'm already in serious wedding withdrawl! haha 

https://picasaweb.google.com/janice.barnaby092/2011_02_25?authkey=Gv1sRgCIvtx42o-IOJew

It was not only the best day of my life, but the best week!! If I have any advice for future brides- rely on this board (and especially the unofficialbarcelomaya website wedding section)  for any questions; you can really research it all there. Us former brides (wow, I'm a former bride already  ) will be here for you, so don't worry when your WC doesn't get back to you right away, especially if you are more than 6 months out. I know it's difficult because you want it all to be planned out, but trust me when I say they are the ultimate professionals at what they do and I truly believe that if you have a positive attitude going in you will always get that in return. I always got a response from Victoria, and yes maybe it took her 2 weeks, but she replied. I kept my emails to the point and didn't bombard her with questions (I had already done my research here! LOLOL). 

~Krista~

YUMMY!!!!!!!! This sounds delicious! Have all the ingredients so going to try tomorrow morning.

Originally Posted by Lua 

I love me my breakfasts!! I always go all out in the morning as i need the food/energy to keep me going.

 

my favourite lately is a banana or sweet potato pancake!!!

 

3/4C oats (as in rolled oats, no instant stuff)

2 tbsp milk (any type of milk works)

1 egg

handful of walnut pieces

cinnamon

either 1/2 banana or 1/2 sweet potato - mashed

 

Mix it all together and pour into a non stick frying pan.  Flatten it down to form a 'pancake' shape and cook slowly on med-low heat.

 

Top with berries (this am it was blue berries) and a drizzle of syrup.

SOOOO GOOD!!!

BUMP! haha please enjoy! 

That's awesome skadow!!! Just curious as to your bouquet...sounds like we may have similar wedding colors. Do you have a pic of it? I need some inspiration!!

Here's what I'm leaning towards:

Originally Posted by skadow 

I have Booked my Photographer...The One ...the Only DEL SOL!

 

If you ladies haven't booked your photographers yet. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND looking into them. If you can't afford their prices but LOVE their photo journalism style. Check out their sister company La Luna. Half the price, 100% of the love.

 

I have also.

 

Booked Makeup and Hair

Got the Dress

Did STD

Did Invites

Booked the DJ

Booked 50% of the guests
Bought ALOT of clothing
Bought the Decor
Booked Flight
Arranged Tours
Bugged the Groom to death about ordering this clothing....Still hasn't =(
Bought 3 pairs of shoes...Yes 3 for 1 day.
Picked out my Flowers and Colors

Bought Sign in Book

Spent too much money
Made Play List

 

 

Eggplant Purple and Calla Lilly's with purple orcids

 

Need to book
 

Transpiration from airport to hotel
Work on some more DIY projects
Find presents for Photographer and WC and Parents
Book a few more tours

Book deco Cancun for decor.
 

I agree! and just for the record...this is not a colon cleanse (like some products tout) or anything of the sorts, but merely a cleanse of all the sugar and processed foods we have all grown to love. Sugar causes problems on so many levels and processed foods are pretty much de-void of any nutritional benefit. I guess we call call it cleanse or diet, but it simply serves as a way to jump start your weight loss and get you walking down the path of clean eating. 

Hi Ladies! 

I agree with the other poster in that the extreme cleanses are not always the safest.

I'm working with a trainer (4 x week strength training) and nutritionist who just gave me a 5 day jump start/cleanse diet. 

These are the elements of the cleanse:

5 Day Cleanse Elements

1. Eliminate All White Sugar
2. Eliminate All Grains
3. Eliminate All Dairy Products
4. Eliminate All Red Meat
5. Take ‘Friendly Bacteria’ Daily
6. Take One Tablespoon Of Ground Flaxseeds Daily
7. Increase Consumption Of Phyto-nutrient Rich Foods

Drink A Minimum Of 8 Glasses Of Purified Water Daily

The meal plan looks something like this:

Breakfast- 1 cup almond milk, 1 scoop protein powder, 1/2 cup berries (smoothie)

                or 1 cup egg whites -with spinach, mushroom, tomato or zucchini

                                          or- with 1/2 cup berries and 1/2 cup almond milk

Mid morning Snack- Veggies with hummus

                          or 1 small apple with natural peanut butter

                          or 3/4 cup soy or 0% greek yogurt with 1/2 scoop protein powder (like vanilla...adds flavor!)

                          or 1 cup mixed berries with almond milk

                          or 1 scoop protein powder with 1 cup almond milk

Lunch- Large salad with mixed greens/spinach and unlimited veggies. 1 tbsp flaxseed oil mixed with balsamic vinegar as dressing

Mid afternoon Snack- same options as before

Dinner- 1 small sweet potato, 1 cup veggies, 4 oz salmon or chicken

Night snack- Same options as before

As you can see this cleanse is not extreme but is the epitome of healthy clean eating! She said her clients will lose 3-8 pounds in these 5 days. After this she assess's how your body responds and tailors a program to meet your goals. Diet and exercise are really the no nonsense way to lose weight and keep it off. The Insanity workout is killer for cardio and weight training is adding on lean muscle mass and my body is burning more calories just at rest...awesome!

I'm on Day 1 of the cleanse....so this is what prompted me to write! I'll update you with my progress. I lost 5 lbs by exercising alone but it took me 2 months...but with no dieting at all...not bad. I start today at 133lbs (5ft 6') and my goal is to be 120-125 by February. I hope that I decrease my body fat % and increase my lean muscle! All in all the scale # isn't as important as my body fat % decreasing as my lean muscle increases, but I'm just like everyone else I want to see that scale go DOWN! haha

Hope this helps. Good luck!

Sorry, meant to leave a description of my dress! It's a Lazaro dress and I got it in soft white for my beach ceremony in Mexico. The back it beautiful as it has flowing silk flowers cascading down...so romantic I'm having it a bit more tailored through the hips and the top is more sweethearted. 

I can't wait to wear it in February! 

I am in full body goosebumps looking at your photos!!!! Absolutely amazing. You and husband looked so incredible. The photographer captured so many memories of the day I feel like I was there. Thanks so much for sharing.

This is by far the best review I've read. Thanks for all the details. As you mentioned the WC's are less that perfect with respect to getting you all the information you need, so this is just great! 

You should share this on the 'unofficial barcelo maya' wedding board as well (if you haven't already and/or if you are comfortable sharing on there). I know I look there all the time for others advice and photos!

Did you have to buy day passes for your make up artists?? How much did that cost?

Thanks again for sharing the details of your amazing day. I can only hope to have the same

It's so funny...I painted my nails a few days ago- hot pink! And thought to myself, wedding day nails?? I quickly thought that I would regret the decision. There will potentially be a lot of pictures, close ups , of your hands etc...I think a classic french mani will stand the test of time. You just can't go wrong. I thought of adding a pop of color by wearing a vibrant flower in my hair instead of the traditional white. Hot pink nails may be in now, but when you look back ten years from now what will you think?? Just my thoughts 

My healthy breakfast ideas are:

-- 5 Grain Oatmeal (Not the instant stuff- 1/4 cup dry, 1/3 cup water. Microwave for 3 mins). Add some frozen blueberries and raspberries at the 2:30min point. Volia! 

-- Eggs on toast. I poach an egg or two and have it on a piece of grain bread. Sometimes I'll add a slice of Monterey Jack Cheese with Jalapeno for a little low fat goodness. I use regular 12 grain bread or Ezekiel Bread (no flour, low GI bread) and lots of fresh ground pepper

-- Greek yogurt mixed with 1/2 scoop vanilla whey protein, granola with nuts and berries, and topped with a bit of fresh fruit. It's actually realllllllly good.

Side note on Greek yogurt- There are 20 grams of protein, only 6 grams of carbs, 0.4 grams of fat in 3/4 cup!!!! had bought it for it's nutritional greatness but didn't really know what to do with it...I'll be honest...it tastes like cream cheese a bit, not awful but just very plain.  If anyone else has any ideas for things to use it in please share!!! 

With all of my breakfast ideas I try to ensure I balance complex carbs and protein. This gives me the energy I need to get going, plus the fullness I need to get me through to lunch! I use to be a cereal with milk girl and was starving by 10am, and craved even more carbs. With more protein added to my diet (esp at breakfast), I feel better and have lost weight just by making some easy changes.

Just wanted to post the Insanity Workout Schedule and Fit Test with diagrams with the different moves. It's a great pdf version to print out...feels good to put a big X when you complete a day!.

I have "hand me down" DVD's so I didn't have this and thought I would share in case anyone else needed it!

~Krista

InsanityCalendar_FitTest.pdf

Just downloaded this from Itunes for $9.99! Going to do it 3/week along with weights 3/week. Let's do this!!!!!!!!

Originally Posted by seaprincess 

 

Good luck and enjoy the plan! I lost 11lbs (147 to 136) by eating clean and working out about 5 days a week (running, spin, swimming, weights and yoga) in about 3.5 months.  I would recommend buying Tosca's Eat Clean Cookbook for some excellent recipes.  Some of my favorite are the spinach soup with quinoa and inca porridge.  Don't forget to drink tons of water and you will succeed!

 

Sorry, this is exactly what the poster before said!   silly me.

But yeah, seems to be so...

When I asked my parents about this, they said "yeah that's what they said last year, but they still take USD's"...so not sure if its an effort to try and stop it or if it's the real deal??? Maybe we should ask the Barcelo??

 

Keep us posted if anyone finds out!
 

Originally Posted by FuninthesunMayan2011 

I just posted this very thing on my wedding website:

 

 

Mexico announces new, peso-only policy (from the Air Canada website)   Effective September 14, 2010, all vacationers travelling to Mexico will be required to use Mexican pesos, as it will be the only currency accepted. American and Canadian dollars will no longer be accepted in the country.      The use of international credit cards is unaffected as transactions will continue to be processed in Mexican pesos, as per current practice.   It is recommended that travellers bring Mexican pesos and/or credit cards to avoid difficulties.  

Originally Posted by nmurch 

 

 

please tell me thus is not true! i'm from canada and have been buying (LOOSING) on USD $ that i've been buying for the last 2 years for our wedding...

 

 

I just posted this very thing on my wedding website:

 

 

Hi, just wanted to get this thread going again, as I'm starting the Eat Clean Diet by Tosca Reno this week and wanted to share success stories with others that may have tried it in the past and/ or just starting it.

 

For those of you that may not have the book, Tosca Reno is a contributor to Oxygen magazine and has been living the eat clean diet for years herself. She said she started when she reached a weight of 220+ lbs and just couldn't take it anymore. She's now in her 50's and looks AMAZING! 

 

Her whole plan is based around eating whole foods...i.e nothing processed, refined etc...All proteins are from lean meats, and have a vegetarian plan as well. Carbs come from vegetables and fruits, complex grains which are packed with nutrients and fiber! Fats are also encouraged and are the healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, Omega 3's, nuts, coconut oil etc. 

 

She lays out a meal plan and there are 2 options: Cooler 1 - This can be used for 2 weeks only and jump starts your weight loss of up to 10lbs+/- in those 2 weeks. Then there is Cooler 2- This is for slow and steady weight loss (2 lbs/week). Then the Maintenance Plan. 

 

I'm going to start with Cooler 2. I think if I start with Cooler 1 I may set myself up for failure, since it's pretty restrictive/bland/boring haha! I'd be more apt to do that right before the wedding when it's crunch time! I'm 5 months away, so still plenty of time.

 

My goal is to lose 10 pounds (135 to 125). And I'm working out with a personal trainer 3 times per week. If I'm not in shape after this I can only blame ME! lolol

 

Good luck to anyone else out there that may be trying this plan. Please let me know how you did, share you meal ideas!!!!!

 

 

Originally Posted by silvajen 

 

Okay girls... I need some help! Can anyone email me the menu options? ( [email protected])  Also I need to get a DJ and don't even know where to start?! I haven't picked a photographer or a videographer and would love some suggestions :-) Any little bit will help, thanks so much!

I'll send you the menu options! For photographer, I will of course suggest the one I booked...Ivan Luckie. He is fantastic, quick to reply to emails and his work speaks for itself. I would say that he would have a videographer he could suggest as well. No sure about DJ...I'm bringing my ipod .

 

Hope this helps,

Krista

Originally Posted by maniacib 

 

Does anyone know how you are going to pay the resort?  What is this I have heard about a foreign credit card fee if you pay with a credit card?  Also, I don't understand why some people are saying they had to pay the officiant in cash?  Isn't the officiant included in the wedding package?

From what I've read on the "unofficial barcelo maya" website, you pay for your wedding right after you meet with your WC and decide on any extras etc...As far as forms of payment they take VISA, MC, Amex, and Travelers cheques.

 

Extra fees for credit cards: Some CC's charge you an International Fee and it can be up to 3% of your total. This varies from credit card to credit card. You will also may not get the rate of that day, as it gets posted a few days later and it may have gone up...or down!

 

Cash for officiant: This is included in your package price, but you have to pay for the officiant separate and it has to be in cash. I.e. If you wedding package is $2000 and the officiant is $300 then you pay the balance - $1700- to the resort and give the officiant his money the day of the wedding.

 

You will also need to have cash for extras like Mariachi band ($400 I believe), and blood work (for legal wedding), if required.

 

Hope this helps!

Originally Posted by Oryx 

 

My invitations went out in mid-July (wedding is February 3, 2011).  We got a group rate -- people have until October 1st to put their deposits down.  We thought that giving people lots of notice would be good... but instead, everyone just thinks they have tons of time and are waiting for better prices.  But here we are, 5 months away, and the prices online are still $100 more than our group rate.  How long do people want to wait???   We only have 8 people booked, including bride and groom!  I'm getting slightly annoyed at our groomsmen, who both make lots of money but are willing to wait longer to maybe save just a couple bucks.  At least my bridesmaids have booked.

 

My cousin actually got married a year and a half ago in Mexico and her hotel sold out, so I am a little worried.  Hopefully everyone books before the deadline...

 

I feel EXACTLY the same way you do!!!!! 2 of the groomsmen have not booked yet and now the flight we are taking there has SOLD OUT! I'm so stressed about about them because they are "dreamers" lol, but trying not to let it get me down...all my girls have booked. Must be a girl thing to be more responsible! haha Now they are going to have to pay more for the trip...so it doesn't pay to wait....ok, glad I got that off my chest, I feel better now. And glad I can share my frustrations with others that are dealing with the same things! Yeah for BDW website!

 

sorry, the link didn't show up. i will try again...

Hope that works

As summer quickly disappears here in Canada, I will no doubt be staring at this and counting the days until I myself can feel that beautiful sand between my toes!!!!

ENJOY EVERYONE!!!

Hey ladies, check this out. It's a live beach cam of a place called the Lol Ha beach bar/restaurant on Akumal's main beach! I seriously just sat and watched it for 15 minutes! haha Looks like another gorgeous day out there today! 

 

http://www.locogringo.com/Upload/akumal-beach-cam.html

 

I can't wait to feel that sand between my toes!!!!!!!!!

 

Originally Posted by michelle2011 

 

 

 

 

 

That's great. I have Victoria too ) she is lovely. I have yet to email her about having an outside photographer so hope she responds OK to that. I'm really stressing over the new onsite ones

I was so excited when I heard they hired a new company...then I looked at their pictures....eeekkkk, not that great. Very standard shots, nothing that inspired me. 

We hired Ivan Luckie and the deal with the outside photographer is that they have to be a "guest of the wedding". This means you have to book them in for 2 nights at the hotel (and some other people here said they got away with just one night). The other option is to pay $300 outside vendor fee to the other company...but that just seems silly to me. I will be booking them into the hotel the night before the wedding and the night of the wedding. Makes more practical sense to me. 

 

Good luck with all your planning! When are you getting married? What section are you staying in?