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Hi Ladies... I got married in 2011 in the Mayan and was devoted to this website for ideas and sharing thoughts. Now I am heading to the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe in Punta Cana with my husband and two kids. When I got married in the Mayan, we brought along a photographer from Toronto, Ontario. I am on this forum wondering if anyone is getting married and bringing their own photographer from the GTA over the week of Jan 29 to Feb 5th who may be interested in a side job of family photography for an hour or two on any given day over this time period that he/she is not devoted to your party. If so, let me know! Thanks and enjoy your wedding down south...its awesome! Natasha

We went one night and it didn't suit us. We are either hard core club "big city" types or classy "cigar" lounge types with atmosphere. But they do have music and pool tables and game tables. You can ABSOLUTELY have and ENGLISH legal ceremony. Rediculous that ppl cannot get this straight on the planning end. I had a WC that verified it was true and it also was true when we got there. My WC was Carolina thru Karisma.

No - it was more unofficial. We just pulled out a bose speaker system and hooked up our ipod and they didn't bug us for a while. The bar and amplifier we rented still shut down but I am not sure if was at 11pm or if they gave us some give. we still got booted as the tables got deconstructed - but it was definitely after 11pm. Maybe you can pay to have it extended? Really - I think it wouldn't be worth paying extra for - there are other areas where bridal parties can keep the party alive if your crew is into it - mojito lounge and there is a place by the premium pool section (forget the name). Thats where we saw most bridal parties throughout the week as their receptions ended. But I guess it depends on what is important to you!

Thanks for all the compliments on our pics from everyone on the forum - we can't wait to see the other 3000 pics - LOL - going through the proofs may prove to be painful!!!! The one with the umbrellas was taken in the lobby - photographer went upstairs to the spa/gym area and took the pic. We have ones with us up top too and photographer at the bottom. There are definitely some cool areas for pics - there is an area where there are some red walls too - not sure what the area is called but it is at the front of the resort and immediately right of the entrance. The alabaster marble stairs are also super stunning in the night. And inside Le Chique is beautiful - Miriam (Murmel) has some gorgeous pics posted on her photographers blog... We had tables of 6 and 8. We also had a head table that was rectangular - it sat 8 of us - i'm not sure if it was 2 tables together or what - but it was way way way to snug.

Our photographer posted some pics to his blog! Have a look at all the entries for Natasha and Guy! http://thephotostudio.wordpress.com/

I didn't chose - but I wasn't looking to chose. It was a judge. This is just insane! It brought tears to my eyes. All the ladies have already given you some great advise and I hope you are getting good info from past brides that got married at AB. We did simple - our names date etc in the form of a passport. No family names. We added family names to the ceremony fans. We got married in January. It was scheduled for 5pm but we got there late - closer to 5:30. It was dark immediately after my ceremony - that part sucked. I think it would have been better to have at least 1 hour of sunlight after the ceremony for pictures. Our private event went past 11pm b/c none of our guests left the site. Once the person who ran the amplifier for us left we just pulled out a portable bose speaker that was just as loud as the amplifier. I don't know exactly what time we officially got kicked out - but it was apparent as they started taking down all the decorations around us and closing the bar...LOL.

I need to correct myself...if you are paying for your own private reception then the covered chairs and white bows are included. I had the free wedding pkg and added on my private reception. Sorry for any confusion.

I did a legal ceremony. English is a second language and yes they have an accent and trouble pronouncing some things if it does not originate from their original script. I'm was just impressed and humbled that they offered it - esp considering that we are the visitors in a place where the national language is Spanish! When you do a legal ceremony they go by a specific script - I added stuff before and after the "official script" and had family members preform the "hand ceremony" and "sand ceremony". I loved everything! But I was also open to having the legal part preformed in Spanish if necessary - I guess it depends on how flexible you are.

Hi Miriam! Welcome back! Did you get delayed by the snowstorm on Wednesday???? Great pics! Can't wait to see ours! XO Natasha Originally Posted by murmel So our photographer has posted a few shots on his blog: http://www.taylorjacksonphoto.com/blog/destination-wedding-at-azul-sensatori/ I can't wait to see the rest, and the TTD session! I had them double as centrepieces. I loved them. Free wedding pkg worked best for us. I created a spreadsheet and compared what was offered in each one compared to what I would still have to add. In the end - the free wedding suited us much better and saved us money. My bridal studio packed the dress full of tissue paper to keep the overall shape. My dress was a simple silk gown and it looked like a big ball gown by the time it was fully packed!! The airline did the best to try an accomodate the dress in the overhead compartment (yuck) but it still was folded in half. I pulled it out the day after we got to the resort and it looked absolutely perfect! The bridal studio I used told me not to steam the dress - just to hang it near a bathroom and run the hot shower - I didn't need to do this. Also - if you are really worried - the resort offers same day steaming/pressing for brides - and I remember thinking it was cheap. I used powerpoint for our brochure: Natasha_and_ Guys_ pre_ travel_ brochure 2.ppt

OMG...I totally feel for you. We used them and experienced a couple of the same things you did. We are now married and so happy to be done with them. Oddly enough - they are quick to send a follow-up email to see how your wedding went and asking for photos. All these months of nagging, lack of response, inaccuracies and then they have the nerve to send a followup email asking for photos????? The main thing I want to tell you is that once you are on the plane - they will be the furthest thing from your mind. You will have amazing service at your resort and at your wedding. Our hotel showed us amazing hospitality, were very attentive and made sure that anything we wanted got done. This includes reservations that were often impossible to get. Good luck!

I rented the tall glass vases with flower arrangements included. From the lomas website you go to the "Bouquets category" and then click on "decorations and set up". They were 60$ each and were transferred to the reception for use as centrepieces after the ceremony.

Everything is transferable. Of course they charge set up fees - but its cheap. 100-150 depending on how much work you give them. I had my tall glass vases, bows, hanging corsages etc etc all sent over to the reception site. I also had them do a number of other things - set up of things I brought down myself. It cost 150 (cash). I added all these details to the comment section of my detail sheet so that it could not be missed!

I think it could work for either occasions the way you describe for that amount of people. At your reception - 41 guests will not likely be dancing at the same time anyway. Just keep in mind that all your tables will be between the palapa yoga and the sea as there is no space directly beside or behind it for tables (but there is plenty of space!). The area is well lit up already. I did not note electrical connections - but my guess would be yes - it should be something the WC can answer for you easily.

This is absolutely awesome news! I'll look into it. Well - on my detail sheet we agreed to 7pm farewell dinner at spoons on our last night. First I was told it had to be at 6:30pm. Then I pushed for 7pm and it was "accepted". At the resort they still thought it was 6:30pm but in the end we got there at 7:30 (which stresses the coordinators out - LOL). I think you have to look at your group - most of ours were mid-30s with some older (50's) party folks who didn't mind grabbing a snack (aka mojito or two) before hand while they waited. If we had lots of senior family/friends attending or families with small kids - I think they would have been grumpier about our late eating habits. Cocktail party was 6-8pm 2 days after we arrived - I still like that time frame b/c people came out dressed up - could grab some drinks and bites followed by dinner after if they chose! I also like 6pm b/c there was no one left on the beach and we didn't intrude into peoples "sun time" during the day.

Spoons dinner for your reception for sure!!!! After the welcome cocktail party we threw eveyone still went to Tapas for a late dinner. Honestly - people really loved the food at Spoons for our private farewell dinner and it was substantial. Everyone loved the canapes at the coctail party - but it wouldn't be enough to keep people going in my opinion. If you have money left over - I think a cocktail party in the form of a welcome is totally appreciated by guests. For one - it looks like you are organizing more than one thing in honour of them joining you and it also introduces new friends and family in a casual laid back environment. Hope this helps!

I can't tell you enough how flexible and accomodating everyone is. I paid separately for eveything (e.g., I did not go with the exotic gazebo pkg) - I wanted silver sheers - which turned out to be a waste b/c it was overcast and I personally can't tell the difference between white and silver now in the amateur shots (we'll see what my photographer comes up with). Plus - they only had one set of silver organza sheers - the one in the back is white - again - you probably can't even tell the difference between the colours. Waste of money in my opinion - I should have stuck with the exotic gazebo decor b/c they set it up whatever way you like (e.g., not candy cane type) and it came with rose petals for a cheaper price. My best advice - purchase the "fundamentals" of what you know you want in advance. I wasn't sure if I was going to do the petal toss until a week before we left. I did the background stuff at home (making the skeleton for the cone) and then ordered the petals on site. Same price as if you ordered them in advance. Key thing to remember is that you can always add to your package (including last min guests) but you can never take back something you chose not to do if you've paid for it. Good luck!! Everything will be gorgeous - TRUST ME!

I loved the palapa yoga for my coctail party but I think you should think about the number of guests you will be having. We had 33 guests with a few stand up tables and the canape station set up on the platform and it was pretty cozy. Of course all of our fun extended out into the sand when the dancing got going. Are you planning to set up tables on the beach and use the platform as a dance floor? Thoughts on decor: lanterns, lights twisted around the poles, sheers and all the flowers you use from your ceremony (hanging flowers would be nice on the two poles facing the sea). The ceiling to the structure is not high - so that is something to consider when thinking about how much you want to hang (you could probably get exact measurements from them if this is important for you). Other considerations: are your guests wearing heels? I'm pretty sure the platform was constructed of wooden planks that may be a bit hard to dance on. When we danced on the beach - everyone removed their shoes even though the sand is relatively firm. However - you could rent a dance floor. Also note: The area is flanked by day beds with canopys that cannot be moved (on each side of the palapa yoga platform). The main area you get to work with is the area directly in front of the palapa yoga extending to the sea (the back of the palapa yoga area a small area of sand followed by a wall and it is where the bar was set up for our party). If you need a bigger space and Zavas is not available - did you consider Zocolo (Mexican restaurant) - they have an area that is outdoor overlooking the sea but also covered overhead (bonus if it rains). This is part of a restaurant though - they provide you with a semi-private dedicated section. I did not see it used for a wedding but I've heard that it is a good area. I have to tell you - I was in the same boat during my planning process with the WC in Miami. Their focus is on the current weddings (1-2 months in advance). You will find this extremely refreshing when it comes close to your date b/c they respond back and forth over several emails within minutes/hours of your questions. However, I know that this does not ease your mind right now. What I found helpful is lining up a whole list of questions and requests and then scheduling a conference call. Another strong recommendation I have is populating your own spreadsheet (aka detail sheet) - if you don't already have one from the WC - ask for it. Track your changes by highlighting new additions, colour code fonts where you have questions and keep all your files. Use the spreadsheet as your source of communication and not sporadic questions in a cascade of emails. I also kept up on these forums - jotting down questions, thoughts etc and consolidating them into one spreadsheet before sending - most of what you can/can't do is already posted somewhere in here! Hopefully something in what I said can help you not worry. Everything will be beautiful in the end!

Blood work was easy! I donate blood and work at a hospital specializing in infection prevention and control - so I have no fears about needles or blood. The needles are single use, sterile and pkg is opened in front of you. I made the person wash her hands with alcohol based hand rub prior to touching me. I did see 2 guys and 1 girl come in to give their blood during the time we were meeting with the coordinator - they were freaking out - one guy especially. So don't be worried if it gives you the ebby jeebies - I think they see it all the time! I do have my mexican marriage certificate in hand! I forgot to get the english version while I was down there though!!! Even though it was in my detail sheet - but I guess we all forgot. I am in the process of determining if I can still pay for one and have it sent here. I have super thin and fine hair too! I had extensions made by the person who also styled my hair. It was a cash deal - 100$ - and I have more than plenty for any type of style or thickness. It is real hair - she just attached pieces to super strong clips. LOL - my husband even wore some for fun (he has a super short boy cut) and they stayed in solid - in fact he couldn't get them out without my assistance! I loved my hair with the extensions and can't wait to keep using them in the future. A couple days after the wedding we did another photo shoot and I put them in myself - very easy. See if you can't negotiate a side deal with your regular hairdresser! Looking at my spanish wedding certificate right now - I think its Aux. Lic." Gonzalo Jacob Ramirez Saldana". He was there for other weddings too. I just requested an english speaking judge in my detail sheet and that is who I got! Our photographer was Steven Lee with "The Photo Studio" in Markham Ontario. He came with his wife Kelly who is also a photographer. I highly recommend them! It was included in the "free sweet wedding pkg" we went with. We used it for a farewell dinner. Its pretty private but it is inside the one big main buffet style restaurant (Spoons)- kind of off to the side). The section is elevated by a step or two from the main dining area and it is closed off for private parties with light sheers that you really cannot see through but still allow light to pass. The menu is a set menu that they print off for your guests and personalize with your names. It was a very tasty dinner - menu incl: ceaser salad, bean soup, choice of chicken or beef for the main entree and cheesecake for the dessert. If you wanted to save money on a wedding - I think its a nice area for a free reception - and they had very good and attentive service. My only suggestion would be to print off my own menus if I had used it for a wedding - their menus were a folded 8x10 piece of paper with our names on it and the menu selections - all black and white.

These are their regular chairs - no additional cost!

Had to post a pre ceremony pic of my site from one of my friends cameras. I had fans with our ceremony info tied to each chair with a bow and a table at the back with a rose petal toss cone. I had them fill the tall glass containers with sand so they would not fall over during the ceremony or when placed on the tables for the reception.

btw - I think the bug bites are sand flea bites and mosquito repellent is supposed to work against them.

We already had 3 events planned - a welcome coctail, wedding ceremony & reception and a farewell dinner. B/c of this - I did not feel comfortable offering a required excursion. In advance of our trip I wrote a page into my events booklet that said "optional tour of tulum". when we got there we organized a tour of tulum and cenotes. We ended up hiring a private van - 16 ppl for 320$ (20$ pp). We paid for this (and this is a discounted rate). For this we had the van for the entire day at our disposal and at our preferred timing. People just paid for their entrance into Tulum (5$) and Cenote (10$) - still way cheaper than any planned excursion they could have arranged for the same. We told people we would pay for the transportation in advance - so it was their choice to come. The thing is that many people were into coming originally (of the 33 in attendance) but then they saw how bright and sunny the day was so they opted out. So it was nice to have the flexibility of booking on site the day of and hiring a private driver that had no time restrictions. Our tour became a full day activity. Bug bites - for some reason this seems to be a problem with women and when you are on the beach. I always get the same at any beach. Hard mosquito type bites on the legs. Mosquito repellent should help keep them at bay - but only necessary when on the beach. Quote: Originally Posted by Less is more nv+gms Did you do an excursion? if so what did you decide to do. Did you plan it ahead of time with your group or once you got down there? WOW 15 more days til my turn. Oh did you need bug spray? Welcome kerry! These ladies are the best! They will be your TA, help you coordinate and support you! They have been heaven sent for me. Trust me those 15 months will fly by so fast! I was upset when we decided to have our wedding 14 months away from our engagement date but now I am so thankful we did. Everything and I mean everything just starts to happen. So buckle up and enjoy the emotional ride to bliss! It will all be worth it! Personally we have a USD account and credit card already b/c we travel to the states often. But any CND would prefer left over USD vs Pesos that are basically useless until your next trip to Mexico. Also - if they want some amt of pesos - they can always be converted in Mexico.

Most use USD. I suggested people use USD vs converting to pesos. We always use USD for shopping (absolutely) and tipping (typically) when travelling to the Carribean. But seriously - when it comes to tipping - money is money - use what you want - but we typically stick with USD b/c it is easier for them to exchange. In all my trips to mexico - I have never exchanged for pesos and have had no regrets. Good example of where pesos may be more handy - tulum - 10 pesos to 1 USD vs what is normal 12 pesos to 1USD for a 5USD admission fee. Considering that - I would hate to be left with a handful of pesos for something this trivial. If they really wish - exchange very small amounts once in mexico (from USD). Transportation, day trips etc are already priced in USD at the resort so no need to exchange in my opinion.

eariler I posted about changing the official ceremony script in a legal marriage. Now I am married and wiser... For those seeking a legal marriage but wishing to personalize: We got married at the Azul Sensatori in Mexico and the Judge had no problem adding things before and after the "official script" he had to read. The entire ceremony including his "legal portion" was entirely in English - as I requested. Many people are incorrectly led to believe it is a requirement that a legal ceremony must be done in spanish in Mexico.

Thanks! My wedding coordinator in miami (Carolina) always said it could be done in English - but b/c so many people kept saying it couldn't I just figured I didn't care either way. But when I got on site - immediately there was no problem and they acted like it was done all the time. Quote: Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR Wow...thats just crazy. I asked multiple WCs in Miami and onsite and all told me it must be in Spanish. I believe their exact response was "this is 100% a requirement and there is no way around it". Goes to show nothing is set in stone if you can get ahold of the right person! Welcome back...and congrats!!