amandamarieb

I got my hair down at the spa and loved it. Even though I think I was quoted $80 from my Miami WC they only charged me $50 onsite and it was well worth it. I didn't do a hair trial and I knew what I wanted but my girl was great and let me talk her through it as we were going. If I didn't like it I am sure she would have taken the time to fix it/do it over again. The salon staff was really wonderful.

Hi Ladies -

Sorry I have been MIA. I've been back for almost a week and have been thrown back into the thick of it at work. I will post a review eventually and am happy to answer some questions for you as well.

Actually, I have peaked on here a couple of times but have been hesitant about posting my experience as I have a mixed review. I am trying to get somethings settled with Karisma and once I do I'll let you know how it all turned out. I hope I am not freaking anyone out...I am just type A and I had a brand new on site WC who was less than organized so I was very stressed. There were some mistakes but overall the wedding was beautiful and I will remember the day fondly.

In the meantime I can tell you the resort is beautiful we had perfect weather the whole week I was there, my bridal party looked lovely the food at the reception was great and I think the pics are going to be great. I haven't gotten a teaser from my photog yet but when I do I will post some.

Hope all is well with you all.

Amanda

Thanks ladies! I leave tonight!!! I am so excited and sooo freaking out. Still some packing left to do and I am at work today until 5, yes call me crazy.

So far, 6 bags. Hope we can manage that and the suit and the dress and our little monster too!

 

Originally Posted by KittenHeart 

Chong and Amanda, have unbelievably amazing weddings!!! I went to a wedding yesterday and it got me all nostalgic and I missed you girls so much I had to jump on here and wish you well and say hi to everyone else!

Originally Posted by beaz2be 

Amanda and Chong have an AMAZING WEDDING both of you!!  So excited for you and cannot WAIT to hear all about it when you get back!!

 

Ladies, of course I have been MIA....that's because I leave in 4 days!!!! So much left to do but I feel like I finally have a handle on it. I am leaving work shortly and going to pick up my dress. Finally. These alterations have been one disaster after another but hopefully it will be done today so I cross the biggest to-do off the list. Wish me luck.

Not sure if someone already answered this but it is the lowest number of nights in the lowest level room. Basically you add up what that would be and deduct from your room cost, meaning that you don't have to stay in the lowest level room you just have that amount given back as a refund after the your stay. That part stinks too...the fact that it is a refund and not a true disocunt but hey it is something. I think we will get about $950 back when it is all said and done. We are staying for a week in the luxury swim up suite (we got a free upgrade too) for about $1200 total after our discount. I think that's a pretty great price.
 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

Hey girls,

 

Just curious if any of you have gotten an explanation on how the B&G stay free promo works.  I just emailed Carolina to check.  My TA had said it is based on whichever number of nights is most prominent in your rooms, but the contract makes it seem like whatever is the lowest amount.  Most of our guests are booked at 4 nights with some others at 3, 5, and 7 nights.  So, I'm hoping we get at least the 4 night figure back at the end, not just the 3 since that ones the lowest.  Hmmmm

Chong! We are so close! I am so worked up/excited/stressd that I can barley do anything. How are you holding up? Are you all squared away? I'm not yet but getting close. Still waiting on the date of my onsite meeting with the WC team. Do you have yours.

 

What day do you get in? We should def say hello! I would love to meet you and see all of your wedding planning in action, well sort of...won't happen in action because I'll be getting married too.

 

Hey, out of curiousity, which of the wedding packages are you doing?

 

Ah...ok that's all for now. Back to work then home to stuff seating cards in the place card holders and start packing. I think we are going to have like 6 suitcases. AHHH!

 

Originally Posted by KittenHeart 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OMG! So excited for you Amanda!! We never got to run into each other at Target, I moved over the weekend so we'll have to do real coffee one day and you can tell me all about your wedding

Congrats on the new place. Where did you move to?  I'd love to grab coffee once I am back...I am in the home stretch. Things are finally coming together but now I am so worried about the weather. Fingers crossed.

20 days ladies....20 days! AHHH!!!

Ladies who have visited. Did you make any trips into town? I want to but something local, perhaps some local candies or treats, to add to the OOT bags. Just wondering if you have any suggestions.

 

Thanks!

Amanda

Hi ladies -

 

happy almos weddings! I never post on this particular thread but thought I would check it out. A lot of the girls on my usual thread (Azul Sensatori) have either gotten married or are so many months behind me, they don't seem to have any answers to my questions. The exception, of course, is Chong who is getting married at the same resort on the same day!

 

So, for those brides getting married in Mexico. Is anyone freaking out about the weather? Not that I needed to add another thing to my "worry list" but I've just done it. I looked up the current weather there and seems to have been raining on T-storms for days and days now with days and days of more rain predicted. Ugghh. I am so worried. Gonna try and let it go but was just wondering if anyone could say something that would help me let it go.

 

Also, for those getting married in the beginning/middle of October, what's left on your to-do list?

 

THANKS! And happy wedding planning.

 

Amanda

Well of course...that's just what I paid the resort. With travel, hotel stay, dress, suit. alterations, and the list goes on, I am at about 16k. Just 1k over bidget but still proud to have done it for that wth 65 people. Happy to send my detail sheet if your interested.

 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

Yay, so close!!  And wow, how in the world are you managing that one?  If you don't mind sharing your budget, could you send it to me at [email protected]?  That's awesome!! 

 

I was going to reply but then I noticed Maggie Jay responded with great answers!  The GI consultants do have some great incentives to utilize so I would at least check with them, as well as your own travel agent to compare.  And note that with the included dinner, it's just that ~ it's not dancing and a full reception.  For that, you have to pay per head but they have some reasonable pricing for the food served, and I heard it's delicious!!
 

 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

 

Hi Amanda.  You can reassure them there is no concern about food safety.  I just remind my guests its a 4+ star resort...not a 2 star with unrecognizable food .  Plus, their main selling point is their Gourmet food, so if it made everyone sick you would've heard about it by now!

 

Also, the water they serve at restaurants goes through a special filtering (its described in some brochure somewhere - I think its reverse osmosis, but not positive), and if that still doesnt ease their worry, there is bottled water available everywhere!  They even put a large bottled water next to your bathroom sink if your nervous to brush your teeth with the sink water. 

 

I'm pretty sure each restaurant offers a few kids menu choices, but since we didnt have any little ones, I didn't actually see them.  Just saw the high chairs and toys that they hand out at each restaurant.  Also, there are not microwaves in any rooms (except the presidential suites), but theres probably one somewhere you could use.  Its amazing what you can get there if you just ask around

 

 

Thanks so much! I am going to forward your reponse on! Yay!

 

For the ladies who have been to the resort already. There's no need to worry about food saftey right? I have a couple of guests freaking out and I really thought it wouldnt be a problem as I hadnt heard anything. I am just bringing my 14 month old and there will be two other toddlers so that's the addes concern.

 

For those who have guests with small kids, do you know what they did about food? Do you know if they prvided microwaves in the rooms?

 

Thanks!

Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr 

 

I have a question for you ladies that recently made you final payment to the resort. Were they on time with this?

 

I'm asking because our final payment for our rooms is due the same day our final payment is due to the resort. I want to make sure the number of our guests doesn't change and possibly offer them a choice of entrees since I didn't think about that before we sent out invites.

I'm gettig marriedin 26 days and I just sent my payment in this morning. I tried to send sooner but WC couldnt get answers from Lomas about things and  I wasn't paying until everything was finalized, questions were answered and my detail sheet updated.

 

I am so thrilled. For 64 guests and a sky deck wedding with coktail recetpion, reception and DJ I am only at $8,000. Ladies, keep pushing, you can negotiate anything, even the chivarly chairs.

Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr 

 

     Quote:

It's interesting that people get told different things. I was never told that the signature drink is just champagne. Problem is, I've never discussed it with my new WC, just my old one that MIA now. It will be interesting when our final payment is due. I'm NOT paying for that.

 

Those are amazing prices!!! I wish!

You know what I am going to do? Just let is slide now and ask for the drink when I am there. I bet it works out. Only problem is I won't have menus made up for the signature cocktail but it's not the end of the world. I am sure the bartenders can tell guests what it is. Especially if we come up with a cute name for it.

 

And my WC is Carolina too....so I bet you'll run into the same problem. But hopefully not!

Have any past brides shipped anything to the resort? I have 70 OOT bags that I just don't think I can bring. On top of everything we need for the week, all of the baby's stuff and my dress I just can't imagine carrying it all. I wish I had someone to bring them for me but that doesn't work out. FI's MOm suggested DHL. Thoughts?

Originally Posted by taylorwd 

 

 

 

We had a signature cocktail served to our guests at the ceremony site immediately following the ceremony, and the best part is that it was free!  I was never clear as to why it was free, but you should ask.  Other brides I talked to said theirs was free as well.  We included the recipe for our drink on our details sheet and they made it no problem.  AmyKH had a tasting of some cocktails she was considering once she got down there, as I recall, and didn't send hers ahead of time.

 

Wow. I wish this was the case for me. I am having my wedding on the sky deck and so guests get a welcome drink.(They told me only champagne which is fine.) Then we are having the free cocktail party and the listing denotes "signature cocktail" but every time I send a recipe to my WC she goes to Loams for a quote. very time its been $3 or $4 per drink. When I askd her what would be included (thinking the drinks I chose are too exotic) she tells me only champagne. Now I know that wasn't the case with Amy K but I know they make up their rules as they go along. It's just frustratig because I am having my menus designed and printed as we speak. I have so much to do that I have settled on champagne...but I would love to have a real alcohol drink at the cocktail recepetion because now it's only wine, beer and soft drinks.

 

Also ladies...my latest project is getting all of my printing done. I am working with a wonderful vednor on estsy hwo is custom designing programs, table numbers, seat cards, menus, guest book signs, signature menu signes, you name it. She's great to work with and is giving me a wonderful price. I am happy to recommend her once she's finished my projects.

 

As you know I am going for an "antique'd romance" theme with antique picture frames and hummingbirds. Attached is the dinner menu she designed for me. It will be printed on ivory shimmer cardstock. I am so excited.

Originally Posted by amcferron 

 

LOVE, LOVE the bags!!!  Though, I don't see any on there with front flap and closure.....  I have really been struggling with what bags to do and I think you solved my problem.  I really hate the brightly colored "beach bags" every other place has.  Def wanted something a little different.  I also am considering doing the bags similar to what you see as cloth grocery bags.  I feel people will be more likely to use them again.

 

Also, are you all putting your name and date  on them??  I had though about just putting Puerto Morelos with the date so maybe they will be more likely to use again.  I'm pretty sure people don't want to carry around a bag with mine and FI name on it.... 

 

 

 

Oh, the chicken and the surf and turf sounds delicious!!!  I wasn't really liking the options in the banquet kit......  I would love more details.  You can PM me or e-mail at [email protected].  Thanks!!

 

 

Thanks. Here's the photo of the bags. Like I said I had them custom printed with our initails, Riviera Maya and our wedding date. I am sad that the handles don't match the rest of the bags but for the price, customization and overall quality, I am pretty darn happy.

 

 

 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

 

The good thing about the pool area and the beach is you really would have to go out of your way to see each other.  Its elevated well above head level, so someone from your pool reception would have to go to the edge and look down and over at Chong's reception to see anything.  Depending on how loud your music is, you might be able to hear each other...but thats still doubtful.  I think the onsite team does a really good job of making you feel like you are the only person getting married, so if they feel your locations would interfere with each other, they won't let you book it.

 

Hope this makes you both feel a little at ease.

 

 

Ahh! This does make me feel better. Thanks so much. Chong, PM me so we can talk about pier shots.

 

weclome bags.docx

Ok ladies so I have been MIA again. 32 days and I have SOO Much to do. BUT I wanted to let you know that I received my OOT bags today and they are great. Well they are good but for the price, they are AMAZING. I got 75 custom printed lareg jute beach bags with a front flap and a closure for $208 with shipping! I used a site that I haven't heard others mention so I thought I would share the info in case any of you are looking...DiscountFavors.com. Let me know if you have any questions about the bags or the service. Eventually I'll get it together and post my planning thread so for those of you with some time left, you'll get to see the results.
 

Originally Posted by chong 

Jamie,

Thanks for taking so many great pictures. I am about to make the last minute changes to our wedding details before our final payment is due and saw your suggestion about using the yoga area for the dance floor. Is that beach area nice? I saw your comment about the beach bbq area being the best, private location for the wedding reception... what do you think? I am planning to have the beach wedding & reception and do not have a good idea what it's going to look like. I am guessing they do not want to have the ceremony and reception at the same location... but not sure exactly where. Thanks for the help!
 

No worries. You will know it when you see it. Say YES to the dress
 

 

Chong, darling we need to chat! What time is your cermony? Cocktail reception? Reception? And the locations? I just want to be sure we aren't stepping on each other's toes. For example I def want to take pictures on the pier before my reception (and before the sun goes down) but if you are getting married at the beach location right next to the pier I don't want to shoot photos while your ceremony is going on. I want all eyes on you! No distractions! Maybe we can chat about this and figure it out? Also, I am having a 70 person cocktail reception by the pool which (looking at the map) is close to the yoga platform. Maybe Jamie can chime in here and let us know how close. I am sure we'll work it all out but just better to have these convos now rather than later.
 

Originally Posted by amybermuda 

Amanda - I gave them  a list of songs to play to get an idea of what we liked.  About 15 new up beat songs, 5 slow songs, and 10 oldies - and said this is the type of music we like.  ( I emailed this to the WC in Miami and brought 3 copies of that email with me)

 

They played the songs I requested in different order and varied it up a bit.  They added some other songs too (like Shout and the Cupid Shuffle) which went over very well.  I spoke to the MC during the night to make sure they played what we wanted (ie, "time for a slow song", and what I wanted them to finish with, etc).

They did play "I like big butts" which I am still annoyed over - but I should have given the signal to change it.  They played another song I did not like and they saw me give the "cut it" sign and very tactfully faded out that song and played into another.  I think they did a very good job.

 

 

 

Amy, not sure if I thanked you for this but if not THANK you. This is so helpful!

Ladies who have used Lomas' DJ... besides the songs you wanted them to play or specifics like first dance and cutting the cake, did you make a list of others that you wanted played? Did you give them a "do not play" list? How did that all work out? Did you think the DJ could feel out the crowd and change the music accordingly? Thanks!

 

PS Sorry for being MIA just down to the wire now and have been using my time trying to finish up some projects. I've been lurking here just not posting.

 

Thanks.

Damn Mexicana!!! Now I need to find new flights and nothing exists that not atleast $@%0 more or 15 hours long. WTH am I going to do? I thought about extending the trip (on the early side...we have to get back the same day we already had planned) but the price doesn't drop and then we have to pay for rooms! Uggh. I'll get through it I know but so not what I wanted 6 weeks out.

Originally Posted by amybermuda 

 

 

 

I walked down to Alicia Keys "If I ain't got you" - Its a 3+ min song so all of the BMs walked down the aisle to that also.  I loved it.  If you are taking pictures wherever your wedding ceremony is after the ceremony (which everyone does) - you need AT LEAST 4-5 songs AFTER your processional song for when people are milling around.  I would do more like 10 songs.  I had Stevie as well as our Processional Song (which was "Hay I love you" or something like that by Michael Franti I think....?).  They put my CD on repeat - which was awesome to have music playing during the pictures part - but after the 3rd time of hearing "signed sealed delivered" my brother went and turned off the music - LOL.

 

 

 

Great job so far Amanda!  I can't wait to see your wedding pics :-)

 

So, in regards to what you are deciding on now and paying for......  Make sure you bring down color copies of everything you have on your spreadsheet.  I think it works like this: you give your WC a picture of what you want and they use it to get a price quote from lomas.  I do not think that picture goes to your Lomas WC at AS.  Soooooo make sure you have pictures of your cake, flowers, table set up, etc etc etc to give to your WC.  And while you are at it, make 2 copies - 1 for Lomas WC and 1 for Azul WC. 

 

Music - make sure you burn CDs for all of your music.  I would also burn them for the music your DJ is supposed to play, just in case they do not have your first dance song.  They had everything for me correct, but I wanted to be on the safe side.  I also came down with all of the playlists on my iPod so if worst came to worst, I could give my iPod to someone.

 

We actually created our seating arrangements in Mexico.  We oragnized the name cards and gave them to the WCs at our wedding meeting. 

 

 

 

 

Ladies - I leave for our long awaited honeymoon Saturday!  I am sooooo excited!  Excellence PLaya Mujeres here we come!!!

We LOVE Alicia! I think we are going to enter the recpetion to Alicia's "No One"...you know the part when the best pics up? Upbeat, fun and romantic. Perfect! I think you made a great choice. Also, thanks so much for the suggestions about music. I would not have thought about music for after. So helpful. Did you have the pre wedding music, processional, recessional and milling/photo music on separate CDs? Or was the onsite WC on it? Could I put it all on one CD and make a list of what should be played when? Also, I am getting married on the Sky Deck, do you think that will make a difference for photos after?

 

Originally Posted by savvybride2010 

 

 

 

 

 

Honestly you can never go wrong with Stevie Wonder no matter how long the song is!  But for something a little different I like Catpower's cover of "Sea of Love", only 2 minutes long or so, check it out on itunes...

Stevie is AMAZING! Thanks for the encouragement. We will probably go that route. Although last night I found an instrumental version of the Beatles song we were going to play for when the birdal party enters. I might walk in to that. Also love the Princess Bride love story song but FI thinks people will think that is cheese. I know a lot of people love that movie but wasnt one of my fav growing up so I suppose I dont have the same association he does. I guess we'll skip it.

 

Originally Posted by daniepps 

 

 

 

 

 

I bought centerpieces for 10 tables and paid $70 all together.  The cheapest centerpiece the resort offered was $50 each.  I thought that was just too much.

Wow, that's great. Can I ask what you did? Do you have pics?

 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

 

Wow, those lanterns are awesome.  I need to place an order for some of those.  Anyone know how they are set up at Zavaz Plaza?  Do the WC's set it up for you? 

 

And big news girls,  I BOUGHT MY DRESS TODAY!  It is beautiful and I am so excited for my wedding now.  )

Congrats on the dress! Can we see some pics?

 

Originally Posted by chong 

 

I have few things to finish:

1) Dress Fitting - Sept 11

2) Hair Trial

3) Find FI Shoes & Hem FI Pants

4) Create Music List - Ceremony & Reception

5) Find a picture for the Sand Ceremony Frame

6) Determine Cake Flavor

7) Find Guest Book

8) Reception Decoration

9) OOT Bag Stuff

10) Ceremony Script

I am sure I am forgetting something else...

 

 

Thanks for the review! I am so glad you had a wonderful time. How crazy that your guests got to stay at presidential suite!!!

 

 

Ok, now you are making m feel bad. You are so on top of it! Why do I have so much left to do? LOL.

 

Originally Posted by taylorwd 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda!!!!!  Oh my gosh 41 days!!!!!!  How exciting!  Now that the tickers are gone we don't get to see the countdowns anymore. 

 

I'd say you've pretty much got the To Do's covered!  I can't think of anything you're missing.  Except maybe scheduling a massage for yourself right before you go   Oh, don't forget to make your final beauty treatments appointments if you need them: hair cut/color, nails, and wax.

 

Good call! Thanks for the advice.

I also did another thing that needed to be done! Scheduled my legall ceremony. We live in LA but are going to a court house in wine country when we get back. Staying at a bed and breakfast there for a couple of days. Should be nice!

 

Originally Posted by daniepps 

 

 

 

 

 

I love, love, love Stevie!!!  I came in to "You and I" and it wasn't cheesy!!!!! LOL  We had them start the song and then rose petals were put down so I basically didn't start walking until the second verse.  It wasn't too long and the WC's will fade the music if you want them to. I like "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" as an exit song.  Our first dance was "Knocks Me Off My Feet".

We might have the same song! Can I ask how you timed it out? Did you do the whole song? If I do it, I think I will cut it some.

 

Originally Posted by daniepps 

 

I finally did it!  Here's my wedding review.  I hope it helps!

 

http://bestdestinationwedding.com/products/azul-sensatori-hotel-by-karisma-all-inclusive/reviews#3821

That's great! Thanks so much for posting!

 

Originally Posted by chong 

 

Amanda, I think you are on top of everything. I am still struggling to FOCUS on wedding stuff. My job has been very hectic and I have a big deadline to meet by end of Sept. Ah... can't focus anything else but work. I cannot wait till we are in Mexico!!!

 

Wow... $17k for your wedding including the photographer? I think you did really good!!!

 

 

Really? Thanks! I am sure you have more done than you know. But you and I have the opposite problem... I am soooo busy at work but I cannot focus on it. Anything but work and wedding seams like a reasonable distraction. That is until I finally get in trouble.

 

What do you have left to do?

 

Married ladies...what did you walk down the aisle to? Tradition "here comes the bride music" or something else? I am struggling with this big time. I think I know what we are doing for the wedding party's entrance, The Beatles' "In my life". Thought about making my entrance to a cut version of Stevie Wonder's "You and I" but not sure if that would be cheesy....or worse, too long! Nothing worse than stalling down the aisle to make sure the lyrics time out. Then as we exit the sky deck, I think we might do Stevie's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered". It's such an upbeat happy song, we love Stevie and it suits the occasion...but I am hesitant...too many lyrics? What did you do? Thanks!