rkf1046

We love mojitos and were excited about the Mojito Bar so for the signature drink, I asked my miami WC if we could have one and she said yes.    We asked if they could do a taste test between mango mojitos (my husband's fav) and pineapple mojitos (my fave).  My Miami WC added it to my detail sheet and when we had our appt with our on-site coordinator, she had them bring us both to try.  They were very accomodating and will do just about whatever signature cocktail you would want.  Since we had brought the card with the sig cocktail (I had printed both since I wasn't sure which we would like) and cocktail stirrers with our initial on them to include in the drinks, she suggested setting up a table to present the sig cocktail to our guests.  We had a choice to have these at the cocktail party or the dinner reception.  We chose to have them at the cocktail party before our reception along with the mexican fiesta menu (I think that is what it was called), but you could have it at either. 

 

Originally Posted by Less is more 

rkf1046 ,

 

Thanks for those answers.  I will definitely spend this break printing everything.  Beautiful pictures!  Love the signature drink.....how did you coordinate that?  Did you have a cocktail party before the reception?  Super excited to see the planning thread and more pics!!

It wasn't a kit per se and I looked everywhere to see if I could find one.  There was another bride on this Azul Sensatori forum that had done something similar - I believe her username is Milejilo (look her up on the planning forum too-she's got great ideas as well).  My friend, who was married in the Domincan Republic, found frames at Target and bought one for the both of us and then I ordered the nautilus shells from Ebay.  If the shells had been bigger we could have used all the sand and it would have filled the frame, but unfortunately the shells only held about a 1/3 of the sand we brought which didn't quite fill the frame halfway.  The downside to this was that the sand completely mixed up and you couldn't see the layers anymore.    I think we are just going to recreate once the holidays settle down plus my husband was very generous with his sand and was out before I was halfway done with mine  It was funny but now you can't even tell.  I would suggest buying bigger nautilus shells (mine were the 4-5 inch size) if you go this route. 

 

Originally Posted by Less is more 

I was just about to shut it down......and noticed the sand ceremony in both rkf1046 pics and mzgillis316 video.  Where did you guys get the sand ceremony kits.  I love them!!! Did the sand mix and shift alot on the trip back home?  I was worried about. 

 Thanks and thanks again for the gazebo idea!!

Originally Posted by MaggieandJay 

LOVE LOVE you video!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by mzgillis316 

HI Girls!!! For all who were considering Cancun Wedding Video they have finally posted my highlight DVD i love it!

 

http://cancunweddingvideo.com/wedding/shalon_darwin/

 

 

 

Originally Posted by rkf1046 

Hello Ladies!  Sorry I have been MIA since our wedding (12/11) but returning from our honeymoon on the 18th and getting ready/shopping for Christmas this week has been CRAZY!!!

 

I just wanted to say our wedding and overall experience was AMAZING!!! The onsite coordinators are so helpful and really ensure everything is done the way you want.  Elena was our onsite coordinator and everything pretty much went without a hitch.  I would, however, encourage everyone to bring pics of how you want everything to look.  If not there is a little room for interpretation.  I printed out pics of everything and then proceeded to leave them on the printer  BUT, it still worked out very well and I am still very happy with the entire experience.  Just a few things to mention that I noticed as I was catching up that some of you asked:

 

1. The resort did my hair and make-up and did a great job!  Especially the make-up.  It held up so well!!!  I actually had Edgar as my stylist/make-up person.

2. I used Caribe and although we haven't seen the final pics Santos (the photog) showed me many from his camera and they looked great. Of course, there were a few cheesy poses he had us do but I would just tell him and he would move on to the next spot.

3. They do charge $5 per person you have coming to the wedding for setup fees.  We had lanterns and string lights to hang and that is what they charged us for mainly.  I think if we hadn't had those we would not have been charged.  Elena eluded to this being the reason we were charged. 

4. For the ceremony music, they will ask you for songs for while the guests are waiting on you, what the bridesmaids walk down to, processional/wedding march, sand ceremony, and I can't think of the word for some reason, but when you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife.  They have several songs to choose from for each or you can provide your own.  I would highly suggest the IPOD.  It's easy for them to manipulate and they will manage it just fine.  We picked songs from their list with the intention of giving them the songs we wanted for the walk to and from (sorry my mind is drawing a blank) and also the sand ceremony.  Our onsite WC said the groom can just tell her right before the ceremony if need be, however, in all the festivities we forgot to do this.  The songs we choose from their list were fine but not what I would have wished for.  I kinda asked a few guests and frankly many didn't even remember the songs so if it's important to you, you may want to have these picked before you arrive.

5.  In terms of the gazebo and sheers, just have a pic of what you want and the onsite coordinators will make it happen.  I didn't want the candy cane look but I had a pic and showed it to them and they were able to make it work.  We did have starfish to attach so there was some wrapping of the fabric involved.

 

I plan on writing a planning thread once Christmas is over so I will have more info to share, but in the meantime please feel free to ask any questions.  I've attached a few pics of sig cocktail table, the gazebo, and hair/makeup (not sure this is my best pic as I was saying something, but I was trying to show both in the same).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONGRATS and it's looks amazing. Can't wait to read you recap and planning thread!!!!!

 

I knew I wanted the colored sheers well before I had the pic of what I wanted so they were listed on my detail sheet before we made it to Mexico.  My original plan was to just drape them until I decided to use the starfish from a pic Maggie posted awhile back.

 

Originally Posted by arkae 

were you charged an additional fee for the colored sheers then by the onsite wc's?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkf1046 

 

5.  In terms of the gazebo and sheers, just have a pic of what you want and the onsite coordinators will make it happen.  I didn't want the candy cane look but I had a pic and showed it to them and they were able to make it work.  We did have starfish to attach so there was some wrapping of the fabric involved.

 

 

 

 

 

 Thank you!!!

Originally Posted by murmel 

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by rkf1046 

Hello Ladies!  Sorry I have been MIA since our wedding (12/11) but returning from our honeymoon on the 18th and getting ready/shopping for Christmas this week has been CRAZY!!!

 

I just wanted to say our wedding and overall experience was AMAZING!!!

So glad to hear everything went well! Congratulations! Can't wait to read the full review.

 

 

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season! And Happy New Year!

Your pics are great and you looked beautiful!!! Glad you had an amazing wedding as well!!!

 

Originally Posted by mzgillis316 

Hi ladies I'm soooooooooooo excited our photographer posted some of our wedding pics  on her blog ...she did an AMAZING JOB!!!!

 

http://vidacarson.com/blog/weddings/shalon-and-darwins-riviera-maya-destination-wedding/

Hello Ladies!  Sorry I have been MIA since our wedding (12/11) but returning from our honeymoon on the 18th and getting ready/shopping for Christmas this week has been CRAZY!!!

I just wanted to say our wedding and overall experience was AMAZING!!! The onsite coordinators are so helpful and really ensure everything is done the way you want.  Elena was our onsite coordinator and everything pretty much went without a hitch.  I would, however, encourage everyone to bring pics of how you want everything to look.  If not there is a little room for interpretation.  I printed out pics of everything and then proceeded to leave them on the printer  BUT, it still worked out very well and I am still very happy with the entire experience.  Just a few things to mention that I noticed as I was catching up that some of you asked:

1. The resort did my hair and make-up and did a great job!  Especially the make-up.  It held up so well!!!  I actually had Edgar as my stylist/make-up person.

2. I used Caribe and although we haven't seen the final pics Santos (the photog) showed me many from his camera and they looked great. Of course, there were a few cheesy poses he had us do but I would just tell him and he would move on to the next spot.

3. They do charge $5 per person you have coming to the wedding for setup fees.  We had lanterns and string lights to hang and that is what they charged us for mainly.  I think if we hadn't had those we would not have been charged.  Elena eluded to this being the reason we were charged. 

4. For the ceremony music, they will ask you for songs for while the guests are waiting on you, what the bridesmaids walk down to, processional/wedding march, sand ceremony, and I can't think of the word for some reason, but when you walk back down the aisle as husband and wife.  They have several songs to choose from for each or you can provide your own.  I would highly suggest the IPOD.  It's easy for them to manipulate and they will manage it just fine.  We picked songs from their list with the intention of giving them the songs we wanted for the walk to and from (sorry my mind is drawing a blank) and also the sand ceremony.  Our onsite WC said the groom can just tell her right before the ceremony if need be, however, in all the festivities we forgot to do this.  The songs we choose from their list were fine but not what I would have wished for.  I kinda asked a few guests and frankly many didn't even remember the songs so if it's important to you, you may want to have these picked before you arrive.

5.  In terms of the gazebo and sheers, just have a pic of what you want and the onsite coordinators will make it happen.  I didn't want the candy cane look but I had a pic and showed it to them and they were able to make it work.  We did have starfish to attach so there was some wrapping of the fabric involved.

I plan on writing a planning thread once Christmas is over so I will have more info to share, but in the meantime please feel free to ask any questions.  I've attached a few pics of sig cocktail table, the gazebo, and hair/makeup (not sure this is my best pic as I was saying something, but I was trying to show both in the same).

Sorry I am not just randomly posting things  This was in response to Maggie's question about when we were leaving for Azul...

 

Originally Posted by rkf1046 

We leave on the 8th (next Wednesday)!!!  I cannot wait!!!!! 

We leave on the 8th (next Wednesday)!!!  I cannot wait!!!!! 

Thanks!!!  I can't believe it is almost here!  I haven't had time to visit on the forum much lately but since I am going to be gone two weeks from work during a merger it is what it is!  If I can I will try and get my planning thread done before we leave if I can find the time   Happy planning everyone!

Great review!! Thanks for sharing the details!!

Welcome back!! Can't wait to hear all about it!

 

Originally Posted by chong 

Hello Ladies! I am back!!! Everything went so fast... we got back on Friday night and we've been super lazy

I will post some pictures when I get a chance. Let me know if you have any questions!!!

Congrats - looks great!!!!

 

Originally Posted by msmarmar123 

I found my dress Went yesterday and tried on a few and wound up with the one that I was mainly going to look at...sooooo excited!  Not planning on ordering till February....but I found my dress

 

 

Oh good...can you send to me too?  [email protected]  Thanks!

 

Originally Posted by Chapa 

I just sent you all the email.. hopefully you received it! There are some other locations on there too just in case.
 

 

Danielle, this was in reference to your comment about one of the WC's helping with your IPOD.  Also, did you get the IPOD dock and amplifier are there costs associated with each?  I"m confused based on what i've learned so far.

 

Originally Posted by rkf1046 

Daniepps, did you have this listed on your sheet or did you work this out with the onsite coordinators?

Daniepps, did you have this listed on your sheet or did you work this out with the onsite coordinators?

Yes, please do!  Congrats...you guys are almost there!  Too exciting!

 

Originally Posted by chong 

.I heard that WC at the resort act as a MC and ipod controller. I am counting on that so we don't have to ask someone to announce us. 20 Days till our wedding!!!

I will let you know once I am back

 

Thanks so much!  This is extremely helpful!  I'm hoping that in December it will be nicer in the Zocalo area, I'll keep my fingers crossed!  Another question, do you remember how many lanterns or string of lanterns you brought.  I don't want to bring 3 strings and only have to us 1 or whatever. 

 

I  just heard from Kiara today - very sad!  It truly was only a matter of time...too much for each person to handle! 

 

Hope the move went well!!!

 

Originally Posted by KittenHeart 

Yeah Kiara is gone... she was my coordinator and I agree, she was the absolute best! She emailed me a few weeks back and told me she was leaving. It was only a matter oof f time, they give these WC's an insane amount of brides to work with =/

 

I did, I brought white string lights, paper lanterns, lots of candles, 3 vase submerged orchid centerpieces with floating candles on top, cigar roller, guest book table, cake table, escort card table, manzanita branch decorated etc. I brought all of my decorations except the vases, which I rented. I loved all my decor

 

I'm going to be honest with you, the only thing about Zocallo al Fresco which may surprise is that there is absolutely NO breeze or fresh air that really comes in there. It's like a hot box and we were all sweating and very hot, that didn't stop us of course and I was dripping with sweat and didn't care because I was having a blast, just realize, that it get's extremely hot in that area.

Please do...I"m anxious now!  We get married in just a few short months...December 11th.

 

Originally Posted by msmarmar123 

I know...I'm so sad " class="bbcode_smiley" height="1" src="http://files.bestdestinationwedding.com/images/smilies//sad.gif" title="" width="1" />  I've been trying to email her for the past few weeks and haven't really heard back so I emailed my TA to see what was going on...last week she was saying they were just busy and that Kiara had said she would email me....but today....when I still hadn't heard anything, I emailed my TA again and she got back to me and said Kiara had left and that Faith (who overlooks all the wedding) was figuring out things and reorganizing....

If I hear anything else..I will definitely post....
 

OMG!!!!  She was so awesome!  She can't be gone!!!  What did they tell you...do you know who you are assigned to now?
 

Originally Posted by msmarmar123 

Not sure if anyone else has Kiara for their WC....but apparently she Is now gone.....just an FYI...

Hey Amy,

 

Didn't you have the Zocalo Al Fresco for your reception?  That is where we are having ours. My questions to you...how did you decorate?  Did you bring decorations?  Was there something you wished you had brought or done?  Any help would be appreciated!!!  Thanks!

 

Originally Posted by KittenHeart 

Hi ladies!

 

I wanted to jump in and say hello, I miss you girls and think about you all the time still. Hope everyone's planning is going great and my old married ladies and doing amazing!

 

XOXO

Amy

I am also using an Ipod for all the events and I was curious how you girls using Ipods were going to announce yourselves at the reception if at all?  I have planned a cocktail while we take pics and then I assumed we would be announced at the reception but as I was reading about the ipods I just realized who does that if you aren't getting a DJ.  Any thoughts? ideas?

 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

There quite a few Houstonians on here!  Do you work for a photography company or is it your own business?  Just curious, as I'm always keeping my ears open for good BD & Engagement photographers.

 

Regarding music, I'm planning on using my ipod for my cocktail & reception and will have one of our guests be in charge the whole night.  I'll have the songs prepared in order and let them control the stopping, starting, fixing, volume.  Just put someone you trust in charge of the ipod and enjoy your perfect day! 

 

I think lots of girls use the ipod since its the cheapest route!  ($100-$200 to use speakers i think...dont quote me).  Sorry, I dont have info on their DJs, but I know others on here definitely do.
 

 

Originally Posted by MaggieandJay 

For my Welcome Party I am bring my own Ipod Deck

For My ceremony my Ipod and I am renaming the songs so they say Procession Song 1, Bride Song, Recessional. My WC assures me that they do it hundreds of times a year and it will be good.

For my reception the DJ wasn't in my budget but a friend of ours who is coming is a DJ so I rented the Sound system and mic from the resort ($250) and he is bringing his Ipod and laptop and will be our MC for the evening.


Jamie, What part of Houston do you live in? I live in midtown

Originally Posted by daniepps 

 

I got married at the resort in July and I used my iPod for the welcome reception, the ceremony and the reception and it all worked out fine. I just made playlists beforehand.  When met with the WCs I showed them the ceremony playlist and told them what songs were supposed to play when a particular person/group walked in.  They wrote everything down and it worked out.
 

oops...this was intended for Herbie76!

 

Originally Posted by rkf1046 

Welcome!!!  This is an amazing forum with loads of information!  Congrats!

 

Welcome!!!  This is an amazing forum with loads of information!  Congrats!

Your bags  and menus look great!!!  Love the antique'd romance theme!

 

Originally Posted by amandamarieb 

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.

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

weclome bags.docx

Jaime - thanks so much for the pics!!! Is the one you just posted the gazebo near the Pier?  I think it is...also had you not brought your pics I wouldn't have thought to request a ceremony location so  many thanks again!

 

Also for bags I also found some jute bags on discountmugs.com that have a front closure too.  I thought about monograming them and thought that other people may not want my monogram...duh!  So, a friend suggested customizing each bag with the guest's monogram via stenciling.  I went to Hobby Lobby, bought initial stencils (4in or 5in, can't remember) and paint in my wedding colors and plan to stencil them.  I'm still looking for something to go around the initial but I think I can find something.  Of course, we are having a smaller wedding so I only have to do about 15 or so.  I am not crafty in the least but it appears rather easy.  Just an idea for you DIYers. 


 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Yay!!  So glad everyone is getting use out of them.  I wanted to post just one of the pictures nice and big.  Its one of my favorites and when its big it gives a sense of really being inside the gazebo looking at the Beach BBQ area 

 

If it doesn't post like I'm planning, I can email it to anyone interested.

 

 

Thanks so much for sending the pics!  I would love to see more if it isn't a problem.   Did you have any of the Zocallo Al Fresco area?

 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Ok, I've put a lot of my photos (with descriptions) in an album.  I'm not sure if I am linking it correctly, so let me know if you can't get to it.

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/gallery/album/view/id/8370/user_id/30664

 

All of these pictures were taken between 5-6pm to give you an idea of lighting and crowds.  I noticed the album keeps the photos small, so if there's any you'd like enlarged, let me know the title and I'll post or email it.

 

I have lots more, just wanted to focus on the beach for now since thats been the main topic recently.  If anyone else is interested to see anything else, just let me know.  I think we've officially photographed the whole resort

 

For you married brides, if you had your private event at Zocalo al Fresco, how did you decorate?  I have the tables for dinner figured out, but now I am stuck.  Kiara (love her) mentioned having a welcome table which I probably will with my invitation and a pic of us.  Did you use lanterns?  Does it need a lot of decorating?  I am just not sure what to do!

 

For those of you who haven't or aren't planning on using Zocalo al Fresco, any ideas are welcome too!!!

Look great!

 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

I'm excited girls.  I've been working with a friend of mine and I believe have finalized our invitations.  )  My mom and I are going to embellish them with raffia ties and sand dollars.  What do you all think?  I loved the ideas on here with the passports but I wanted to skip the save the dates and thought it would be quicker to just make something less elaborate.  But, I think she did a fabulous job and I am very happy with them!

 

Thanks for the feedback!  It helps!  After thinking about it I am thinking more beachy than formal...I just need that extra little nudge from you to put it all togetherThanks!!!
 

I wore white pants and a blue shirt to my legal wedding.  I did not think I needed an outfit and FI wanted to downplay it as much as possible - t make Mexico more special. 

 

Deciding on a dress is hard!!  What type of wedding are you anticipating?  Do you want your guests in shirt & ties and formal dresses?  Or do you want them in beachy wear?  Go with the theme of your wedding and how you envision it.  I wanted flowy and beachy (men in flip flops) so I got a beachy dress.  I saw 2 other weddings while there and they were both much more formal than mine - and I have to admit - a formal wedding on the beach was a really cool contrast - I could not imagine it myself until I saw it.  And I liked it a lot!

Thanks for the shoe info!

Beautiful pics!!!  Looks like ya'll had a blast!  He's a great photographer too!

 

Originally Posted by Steve&Julia 

Hi all,

 

so i am very happy with my pictures, he did an amazing job almost look like a photo shot for a magazine the trashing the dress was amazing and he was the most afforable photographer.

 

I put his link on the site (below) it under events my wedding is there.

 

what i liked most is that he took pictures at the reception of all of us hanging out dancing drinking and so on,.  when i was looking up photographers I only found some that would take pictures of the "wedding party"

that upset me.

 

hope you like my pictures

 

http://nievesphotography.com/wp/events/

So what are you going with for your JP wedding vs your Mexico wedding?  I am in the same boat and since I've procrastinated with the Mexico dress (getting married in December and it's already AUGUST!) I've got to find something soon!!!  I was thinking flowy beachy dress for Mexico but then saw so many brides with more traditional type gowns so I am confused.  Then to top it off with what to wear for JP wedding...short and cute or flowy or traditional types???  So many decisions!!

 

Originally Posted by Mahalo79 

Haha I know what you mean!  I found the cutest dress to get married by the justice of the peace, but not for the wedding in Mexico!   i still need to go try on more dresses, it's pretty fun though!  Or you could get the cute dress if you are going to do a TTD.  I don't think I will, FI is not into posing for any more pics than he has to.