chong

Quote: Originally Posted by KittenHeart Thanks Chong! I haven't even done my review yet, that's next! Haha.. you have to forgive me for that... many late nights reading all the threads. I mix things up sometimes... not getting enough sleep. Regardless, this thread is AWESOME. I am so excited to see your review NEXT! Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by Sammyhawk Thanks! I just kept saying "I am not going to Mexico to get married in a ballroom". I found out after I made the decision to continue on the beach that the backup was actualy the open air area next to the Mojito lounge, not sure what it is called, so that isn't bad if anyone else happens to encounter rain on their wedding day. The saddest part is that we didn't have the opportunity to do any pictures together in my original wedding dress. I had acrylics placed in the solon and a pedicure the morning of the wedding. I would definitely advise to get this done at home first. I was just thinking the french tips on my toes and polish on my nails wouldn't hold up if I was end the pool several days before the wedding. The girls in the solon were very very nice, but very slow. My appts were for 8&9 and I didn't get out of the solon until 12. I still had to shower and get our music to the wedding coordinator and then arrange to do my own hair and makeup with the photographer to photograph. So that ran late, I was literally getting into my dress just minutes before we were suppose to meet at the ceremony site. So that is definitely the sadest part. We got some great morning after the wedding shots in my second dress, but I'm sad I didn't get more use out of my original dress. I am looking forward to wearing it in June at our AHR, but no fantastic photographer at that event . Anyway, I will try to get on that planning thread. We actually found out yesterday that we are getting relocated. So I have a lot of new planning stress..here I thought I would have a little bit of a break after the wedding. We just relocated here (St. Louis) from Iowa last May, and just built a beautiful home and thought we would for sure be hear atleast 3-5 years. Well my hubby found out yesterday he is getting promoted (yay) but that means moving to Little Rock, AR. I have so many mixed feelings. I cannot believe we are moving again and so soon and so far from our families. We cannot tell anyone until next week, after it is announced with the company, but I am freaking out a little bit. It was totally stressful last year relocating and we have to do it all over again! House hunt and job hunt, the second time in a year! I still have unpacking to do, but ever since I found out about the relo I have done nothing but internet research. I went from wedding planning to planning another major move. Wish me luck girls, and in my down time- when I want to not think about the move anymore I will post some of my planning stuff. Good to know about the "indoor" area in case of rain. I was also worried about that. We are having beach ceremony and beach reception so a good weather is definitely a MUST. Also.. good to know about the salon. I was debating on whether or not to do my nail at home or do it at the resort since I will be there for 4 days before the wedding. I guess I just need to be careful... I am sorry to hear about the move. My dad was in the military so we moved around a lot. Sometimes it's hard, sometimes it's exciting... It's too bad that you just built the house and have to leave it. It's stressful but I think it's a great thing that your husband got promotion in this difficult economy. I hope everything works out for you guys!!! Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by ~Katie~ hey girls, sorry I haven't been on here much - having been delayed getting home we had less time than we wanted to plan final details for our AHR that we had on Saturday, and since friday, I have had an ear infection and felt like total BLAH. Monday was my first day back at work and I lasted until 1pm when they sent me home....today I only lasted 10 minutes before they sent me home. but anyway....sorry. for those interested, here are some links to my brother's website. He worked alongside our hired professional photogs in Mexico, and worked alone with his wife for our AHR. pics from my wedding - JD Photographs - Kate and Chris' Wedding pics from my AHR - JD Photographs - Kate and Chris's Wedding - UK Reception there's also pics on my facebook from the official photogs so add if you like Katie Day. much love girlies xx OOOh.. I hope you feel better. Can't believe you still have the energy to post stuff here WOW.. you AHR looks like another beautiful wedding. pictures turn out great. looks like it was a gorgeous day!!! Thanks for sharing the photos. Take care!!! Chong

Ha.. I feel like I am working backwards. I read your resort review before the planning journal. Both them are sooo helpful! thanks for the great info! Congratulations again!!! Chong

I thought your wedding review was crazy awesome... this planning thread is even more crazy. awesome findings on the etsy... sometimes there are so too many choices to look through so it helps when someone has already bought something and happy with their choice. Thanks again for the wonderful information! Chong

Thanks for sharing your wedding plan. Everything looks great. I love how you put together the pre-wedding brochure. I am going to copy some of your great ideas Congratulations on your wedding and I have to find your wedding review! Chong

I love your posts! I love your jewelry. I think I might have to go with her also. I also love your idea to give bridesmaid a clutch. I have bought a little asian cosmetic mirror and wondering how i was going to give it to them. This clutch is an awesome idea! DIY projects... what can I say more. It's wonderful. Everything looks store bought - perfect. I hope you have a beautiful wedding and can't wait till hear more about it. Congratulations! Chong

You are so crafty! I wish I had that much of patient and TALENT to create such a wonderful invitation. Great job. I might have to hire you to do mine for me Chong

Oh wow. Thanks for sharing. You will be there so soon...5 days to go. I hope you have a beautiful wedding. I love all your bridal and groom survival kits. How clever!!! I also love your gifts to your niece and the ring bearer shell. WOW. I love it!!! Where did you find your FI's clothes? I love it... we are having some issues finding the clothes. I hope you get this message. Thanks! Congratulations again. I can't wait till I hear more about it. Chong

Christie! Congratulations! I LOVE your dress. I hope you had fun trashing your $50 dress. That is such a great deal!!! DIY stuff is awesome. I love all your OOT ideas. I might have to steal some Thanks for sharing your planning and I am hoping to see more! Congratulations!!! Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by bigboponthebeach Hello Everyone! I'm a Newbie and just joined BDW about 3 days ago. My FH and I signed our contract last week for a May 2011 ceremony at the Azul Sensatori. I found this site after searching for reviews on MR photographers and I have been lost ever since. :-) I spent hte past 2 days just trying to read this thread alone and have only gotten about 75 pages completed. I posted twice, once as the automated welcome email asked me to, and another in a 2011 Brides thread. I have not received any responses thus far, so I don't even know if I'm posting correctly on this site. :-/ Anywho, it looks like there are quite a few of you in here and if anyone who has recently married at the Azul Sensatori is game to "initiate or haze" me into what what to expect and which vendors I should be looking at closer, please feel free! I am all ears and eager to accept all advice I can get. Oh and I have to share with you all that I am trying to break the bank to get Elizabeth Medina to photograph our wedding!!! I found her site by accident and I AM IN LOVE with her work!!! If anyone has experience with her as well.....I'm ALL ears! Have a great Sunday, Ladies and I so look forward to getting to know you all! All the best! Welcome! I will be getting married at Azul Sensatori on 10-10-10. There are just so much to read and so much to learn. I say read as much as you can when you get a chance. You do have 1 year to plan the beautiful wedding I do love Elizabeth Medina's photos. However, I understand from my WC that resort policy do not allow allow any other Mexico based photographers except for the ones they have contract with. You can bring the US based photographers but there is outside vendor fee and min night stay. I would recommend that you check with WC about the photographers before you make any inquiries with Elizabeth Medina. Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by Sammyhawk OMG girls, so I know I haven't been the biggest contributer to this forum, mostly used it for major questions and to vent! I have to say that I am so thankful that I found you girls in February, this forum has been a life saver. I just got home from our wedding at Azul Sensatori, and it was fabulous! I have to say the weather wasn't the best, the worst day was of course our wedding day, but it was still a blast. We still got married on the beach rain and wind in all! So much for buying a TTD my first one got soaked! It is actually fine, I ended up getting more use out of my TTD though (since it was dry to put on for the reception). I will try to put together a planning thread now that I am done with wedding planning, though I am still working on the AHR planning, so be patient. That and a lot of my details got drenched (my fan favors, which who needed them in the rain and wind? And my programs were totally saturated) which was totally sad but they did turn out great. I will post pre-rain pictures . What an amazing week it was! I am so excited for you girls! Hi! Congratulations Mrs! I am sorry to hear about the weather but sounds like you still had a great time. I have wedding at Azul Sensatori on 10-10-10. I cannot wait till I hear about your experience. I am dying to find out all the little details and any helpful tips. Of course.. can't wait till to see some pictures~ Congratulations!!! Chong

Has anyone used the sparklers? Does anyone know if I can take it to Mexico? Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd The butter cream won't melt, but it may not hold a design as well as the fondant. What they'll do to keep it from melting is keep the cake in the kitchen until it's time for you to cut it. Once you do that, they'll take it in the back and plate it for everyone. Thanks for the info. I have told my FI that butter cream it is. MY FI is so excited! We are not having a crazy complicated design on the cake so I don't think we should worry then. chong

Has anyone put a menu on the table at the reception? I am having a family style dinner so I thought maybe one menu on the table for everyone to see rather than individual menu on the plate. Is this necessary? Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by dstinationdrmr Hi Ladies, Gonna post for some inspiration/motivation.... I have not been doing anything lately. Kinda depressed actually because someone I know is in her last stages of life. Her health has declined quickly and it kinda caught me by surprise. She's not related to me or anything, but I highly respect and admire her. Not trying to be a Debbie Downer, but because of that I've kinda lost the pep in my step! Naturally I got on the to-do-list band wagon as soon as Amy F "graduated" from doing it, lol. But I can say it really helped. I actually completed every task on my list at the time besides buying his ring and that's because the jeweler says his finger should be measured in the summer to account for swelling. Anyway, my next big decision is invites but I have no clue what to put on/in them! I am leaning toward doing a boarding pass type invite, but I'll need to include a lot of info and adding pages will of course increase the price. So, then there's a pocketfold invite with inserts but I'm not sure what to include. Do we really need an RSVP? I'm sure it would be helpful to include info about the resort, airport transfers, TA, cocktail party, ceremony and reception info...am I missing anything? Sad part is some of that may change because my WC says that if my party goes above 50, we'll have to move from Plaza Zavaz (which is booked for both the party and reception). And go where is my question? Plus I have FI's cousin helping me with things and she says it's not proper etiquette to not send invites to those who we know aren't coming (esp since on the STD it said "formal invitation to follow"). Ok, I get this, but am I crazy to think that if people were interested in coming we would know about it? I mean who plans to come to a DW and not ask questions or express interest to the bride/groom or TA for that matter? Not to mention the fact that we are now @ 47 people coming (2 groomsmen still haven't booked not sure if they're bringing dates) and we only budgeted for 50! So basically I'll be buying 125 invites to send to people who have already made up their minds not to come or will change their minds and come at the last minute (which won't help matters much). I feel like I'm at a standstill because everytime I inquire about guest list with my TA it has changed. Last time I checked in with her it was 37. 10 people booked in less than a month and after the rsvp date mind you. OMG! As I'm typing this I get the call that the lady I was talking about just died. I guess all I just typed seems unimportant now. I am sorry to hear about your friend. I hope you find some comfort that you got to know her (you still have her) and was able to inspire you and got a chance to be a good friend. Now.. about the wedding. If it makes you feel any better, I am all over the place with my wedding plan. I thought I will be more organized and follow the check list but honestly I do things that comes to my mind at that time. So you are in MUCH better shape than I am Wow.. 50 guests! That is really impressive. You should be happy about having an AWESOME wedding with so many close friends and family at the beautiful location. Something will work out for you. Just talk to your WC and TA and put pressure on both of them. I found my TA to be amazing at pushing buttons and working stuff in the background with the resort. I have made few complaints and my TA took care of it. Use the people who suppose to work out the details for you. For invitations... I think you have to decide what's important. Amy's passport stuff is awesome. I wish I had the money to actually do it. But I am OK with not doing it. I don't think you need RSVP for people who already made the reservation. I refuse to spend money on something it's already taken care of. I just read something on the BDT about the invitations... if you already know who is coming and who is not coming.. maybe you can consider sending out "announcements" rather than invitations. Saying.. we are getting married here... look for updates at our website or something like that. Or you can send it out after the wedding. I am still debating on what's to do with my invitation or announcement too. You are way ahead of me!!! We are going this weekend to look at my FI's clothes and groomsmen clothes. We haven't even start looking at the ring yet. We might have to do that this weekend too. I hope this helps! Hope you feel better. happy thoughts Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by MayanLily Welcome Chong! Sounds like my kind of friday night... glass of wine and BDW! My FI just shakes his head because I pretty much have my laptop attached to my knees! His favorite line :"Are you creeping again Aly?" Mine: "NOOOO.... so....." Aly, That is so funny. My FI says the same thing... "are you on that thing again?" I am pretty much to attached to my laptop all night looking for things.. So here what I have done so far for my OOT... I got beach towels with embroidery (HOT pepper holding maracas with the text "Riviera Maya, Mexico 10-10-10"). We didn't want to put our names or wedding related stuff since we wanted for them to use the towels. It was bit pricey but we really wanted to thank our guests for coming to our destination wedding. I thought about buying a beach tote but it is too expensive with the towels... I have found wonderful reusable grocery bag from Whole Foods for 99c. I am so excited. I will be also including a CD mailer envelope with our home address and postage included to get all of our friends' pics back! And of course, Thank you card for coming to the wedding. I didn't want to include something that everyone can throw away afterward. We are planning to give this out on the day before the wedding. I am not doing "rehearsal dinner" since it will cost me extra for food when we are at the ALL INCLUSIVE resort. There are plenty of places to meet and we can get to the restaurant early to sit near each other. Nobody really sits with EVERYONE at dinner anyway. I am also planning to take advantage of all the activities the resort is offering. Haven't figure out how to write everything to communicate but I am working on it... wow.. that is all I have for OOT. Chong - thanks for the welcoming messages!

Hi. I am getting married on 10-10-10 at Azul Sensatori Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico!!! I am sooo glad to find the October 2010 Wedding Forum. I thought it didn't exist. I have been on this forum for couple months and it's been great! I am excited to read all the posts (it might be a late night with a glass of wine). HORAY for 10-10-10 couples!!! Chong

Thank you so much for all the inspirational ceremony scripts. I have about 4 months to go and I know this will be the hardest part for us to decide on. Thanks for sharing. This is such a wonderful forum and I am glad I also stumble upon it. Congratulations to all who got married and will be married soon! Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by bahiabride2010 Here are a few different Sand Ceremony Readings that I've found...I think I'm leaning towards the 2nd one...what do you all think? [/i] Thanks! This is REALLY helpful. I am not sure if my "minister" for the sand ceremony will have someone of his/her own but I might just have to tell them I want something different. Chong

Do we have to tell how to setup the reception table? like... napkins, plates, etc? I know they will do anything I ask.. but I am not sure if they already do a great job setting it up based on my choice of color and center piece. Any suggestions? What information do I need to provide? I should really ask my WC about this too. Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda WOO HOO - I leave in 54 hours!!!!!!!!!! I am sooo excited for you. I know you will have a beautiful wedding. Can't wait till you come back and share your experiences!!! Chong

Quote: Originally Posted by amybermuda I second that from Wendy! I might get a couple pix of me & FI blown up into posters around the room where my AHR is - however that is months away... Yours is next saturday - GIRL - you need to rest after the wedding of the century! Maybe bring a computer and ask guests from mexico to bring USB keys with pictures on it to share, but I think all you really need is your hubby & a smile. Its going to be a blast - and will keep that honeymoon feeling you have going! What is AHR... I thought my company has too many acronyms... apparently I have more to learn. I can't make any words out of this acronym. What is it! Chong - confused and dazed

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorwd I'm pretty sure the cakes vary by resort. My TA did a site visit to Karishma properties just a few weeks ago and she raved and raved about all these exotic wedding cake flavors they offer at EDR. I was jealous! For cake tastings, we asked our TA if we could have one and he set it up for us. Chong, our tasting was on Wednesday and the wedding Saturday. They don't need much lead time. They had 3 little cakes for us at our meeting with the onsite team. No off-the-menu flavors for us. They said it wasn't an option and could only have chocolate, strawberry or vanilla. We went with strawberry cake (white cake with real strawberries inside) and butter cream frosting. Delish!! I love the idea of cake tasting at the resort. I heard that standard flavor is vanilla, chocolate, strawberry and hazelnut. Without tasting them, I think we are not too excited about the flavors yet. We have to do some research to see what flavor we want. I will definitely ask my WC to see if I can setup a tasting. We will be arriving Wed and the wedding will be on Sunday. My FI loves the butter cream frosting but I am not sure if this is possible for us. We are having a beach reception and I am worry that it will MELT! Though my FI does not care as long as he can get his delicious butter cream frosting Chong