nv+gms

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.   
 

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

And what about the "teen club"? 

 

 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. 

Originally Posted by jazz04 

I am still being told you cant have the ceremony in English with a legal ceremony even though some on here have before. Is it different once you get there? That is what Ive been told on here.

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! 

Originally Posted by Afaybik 

Congrats on your recent wedding!  I;m sure it was amazing!  Someone said on here that you were able to get your reception extended past 11 PM.  If that is so, can you tell us how you did that.  My daughter wanted to have a 5 hour reception so that would necessitate going past 11 PM,

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...
 

Originally Posted by jazz04 

Beautiful Pics! Where was the one with the blue umbrellas above you taken?
 

 

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.

Originally Posted by MaggieandJay 

Question - Does any one know if the tables at the Zavas Plaza for a reception seat 8 or 10?

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. 
 

Originally Posted by Mwise17 

nv+gms

 

Because it was legal, do you have to have a judge?  is that your only choice?  or can you have a minister?

 

 

 

Melissa

 

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. 
 

Originally Posted by Less is more 

 Ladies I need help!!!!!! the resort andmy TA just called me and said that AS overbooked and has to move my entire party to ABeach.  This is with my wedding less than a week away we leave tuesday!!!. and I have no idea whats going on.  where my wedding will be , where the reception will be, nothing.  I had everything planned for over a year and they just call and move us!!!  I am devistated .......shit can't even stop crying! So any ladies planning at AB if you could give me a crash course on things that will be gratelly appreciated.  Locatins for reception , beach wedding, area for cocktail party...any and everything. 

 We did simple - our names date etc in the form of a passport.  No family names.  We added family names to the ceremony fans. 

Originally Posted by Mwise17 

Question for those of you that have your invitations done or in the works...

Most of the sites I have searched say if you are paying for the wedding yourself, you don't have to put any of your parents names on the invitation...

BUT...I am afraid that because we are still 8 months to our wedding, our parents haven't antied up anything because they still have time.

There has been no conversation about anyone helping us (which is fine), but I am afraid they will down the road and then its too late to have them on the invitation... I was thinking of just putting "together with their families"....anyone have ideas?? 

(I really think everyone feels because they are getting themselves there, that is them helping us.....and its an expensive wedding to go to, and are totally forgetting they are going on vacation for a week at an all inclusive!) 

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.
 

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Hello Everyone!

 

We are trying to decide what time to have the ceremony for our May 28th wedding and we are deciding between 4 and 4:30 p.m. Our photographer recommends 4:30 or 5 p.m. but I am wanting the ceremony time earlier so we can have a 5 hour reception instead of a 4 hour reception.  Azul says that all receptions/private events must end at 11 p.m. The only problem with having a earlier ceremony is that my FI hates the heat and sweats easily. 

 

What time is everyone having their ceremony at? For all the brides that have already been married...How hot was it for your ceremony? Also, has anyone had a reception that lasted later than 11 p.m.?

 

Thanks!!

 

Melissa

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. 
 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Interesting!  Ok, well I feel better knowing I only need to purchase the covers for the ceremony.  That at least makes the price half of what I was thinking. 
 

Quote:

Reception chairs are covered with white covers and white bows (included in the sweet wedding pkg for free).   If you want the chairs covered for the reception and "your bows added" - make sure you tell them.  I had silver bows that I brought transferred from the ceremony to the reception thinking that they would just add them to the covered chairs and substitute my bows for the white ones - but they didn't.  The chairs at my ceremony were uncovered with the bows I brought.  I didn't really care - but if its important to you - let them know. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Less is more 

I am doing the satin sashes for the reception.  I was told that the chairs are covered at the privite reception so thats why the satin sounded perfect. I am doing the yellow organza sashes at wedding ceremony to coordinate with the yellow sheers.  I think you will be okay Jaime.  I orginally wanted the satin at the ceremony but i found it difficult to match the tiffany blue sashes with the sheers ( to many shades of blues would through me off).  SO I took the safe way out lol! I do believe another bride did the satin and they looked beautiful.  Just make sure they tie the knots tight so they don't slip! $5/chair cover was away to steep of me. Plus my mom would ruin it for me if they had any wrinkles......don't ask.  Growing up we ironed our bed sheets....why?.......She always said it would make us sleep better. LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Have any of you seen the uncoverd chairs with satin bows?  I have my heart set on satin bows with covered chairs, but just found out its $5/chair just for the cover!  I dont think satin will hang right on their uncovered chair, but I am hoping someone has a picture and can prove me wrong!

 

Less is more...I know you are doing satin bows for the reception...are you doing with or without covers?

 

 

 

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. 
 

Originally Posted by Mwise17 

Hello Melissa (I am a Melissa marrying a Chris in October of this year) 

 

I am unsure of what we are doing for this part either.  Can a minister not perform the legal cermony? 

I didn't even think about their English not being the greatest...hmmmmmm.....

I think I will still have the legal cermony either way, I just feel like it won't feel as special if I do it before...I know a lot do though and say it was great!

Good Luck...it will be awesome either way!

 

Mel
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Hello All Past and Future Brides!

 

I am having a very difficult time deciding between a Legal and Symbolic wedding because I am concerned about the Judge or Minister not being able to speak very good English.  I have seen a lot of wedding videos (some at Azul) where the judge/minister speaks very bad English and you cannot understand what he/she is saying throughout the entire ceremony.  We are having our ceremony videotaped professionally and it would be so much better if we could understand what is being said at the ceremony.  I really want to do the legal ceremony but now I am leaning more towards the Symbolic ceremony and getting married in US before or after the wedding. 

 

Do you know if the Ministers for the Symbolic Wedding speak better English than the Judges for the Legal Wedding?

 

Is anyone having a friend or family member performing the ceremony instead of hiring a Minister?

 

I was wondering what other brides are doing? 

 

Looking forward to hearing from everyone and thank you!! J

 

Melissa

 

 Nope - not included in my free sweet wedding pkg either

Originally Posted by murmel 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

I'm having some memory issues, so hopefully you girls can help.  Did the free wedding package ever include the brides bouquet?  ($60 credit towards one at least).  I could've sworn it did, but my WC now says its not, and I cant find my original package info!

 

I've changed my package multiple times, so anything is possible

I had to pay for my bouquet (we did the Free Sweetheart), but it was $60. It was beautiful. 

Reception chairs are covered with white covers and white bows (included in the sweet wedding pkg for free).   If you want the chairs covered for the reception and "your bows added" - make sure you tell them.  I had silver bows that I brought transferred from the ceremony to the reception thinking that they would just add them to the covered chairs and substitute my bows for the white ones - but they didn't.  The chairs at my ceremony were uncovered with the bows I brought.  I didn't really care - but if its important to you - let them know. 

Originally Posted by Less is more 

I am doing the satin sashes for the reception.  I was told that the chairs are covered at the privite reception so thats why the satin sounded perfect. I am doing the yellow organza sashes at wedding ceremony to coordinate with the yellow sheers.  I think you will be okay Jaime.  I orginally wanted the satin at the ceremony but i found it difficult to match the tiffany blue sashes with the sheers ( to many shades of blues would through me off).  SO I took the safe way out lol! I do believe another bride did the satin and they looked beautiful.  Just make sure they tie the knots tight so they don't slip! $5/chair cover was away to steep of me. Plus my mom would ruin it for me if they had any wrinkles......don't ask.  Growing up we ironed our bed sheets....why?.......She always said it would make us sleep better. LOL

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Have any of you seen the uncoverd chairs with satin bows?  I have my heart set on satin bows with covered chairs, but just found out its $5/chair just for the cover!  I dont think satin will hang right on their uncovered chair, but I am hoping someone has a picture and can prove me wrong!

 

Less is more...I know you are doing satin bows for the reception...are you doing with or without covers?

 

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 

Hello Ladies,

So I am finally back to the real world! Our wedding was stunning-could not have asked for anything better. All of our guests had an amazing time, and the wedding coordinators on site are super. Don't stress too much, they will make everything perfect! I will be trying to get my review and planning journal done in the next week.

 Quote:

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. 

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Hi,

 

Where in the reception location did you have the tall glass vases and hanging corsages transferred to?  Thats a great idea!

 

Thanks!

 

Melissa

  

 

 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.

Originally Posted by Mwise17 

What wedding package did everyone choose?  I am undecided (on a lot of things), but am not sure if it makes sense to do the "free" pkg, and then add all the private reception pieces we want, or just go for a biggie (gold or whatever its called) and if that will be cheaper in the long run?

Wondering what other brides are going with......

 

**sometimes I avoid coming to this site because I feel so unorganized...you all sound like you know EXACTLY what you want and I am so not there!!!!!!! 

 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. 

Originally Posted by Michele4172011 

Question for the recent brides-- how did you transport your wedding dress? And did you steam it onsite? Starting to worry about how well my dress will hold up during the travel...

 I used powerpoint for our brochure:

Originally Posted by MaggieandJay 

Does anyone have a templete for a tri fold bouchure? I am getting ready to start putting together something to send to everyone that booked

Thanks for any help in advance!

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!
 

Originally Posted by CubaBride 

Hello Everyone,

 

If I can give any advice or warning about planning your destination wedding it is this...... DON"T USE THE WEDDING HOLIDAY!!!

I starting using them in May of 2010, its now 5 days before we leave. I am not usually a stressed person but right now I am at the end of my rope.

The Wedding Holiday will promise you lots of things and not follow thru, they will blame other people for the things that go wrong, they will tell you all along that everything is under control and not to worry, when you try to plan things ahead of time they will tell you not too, PLEASE if you are using them double & triple check everything.

Here is a small list of things they did not do, forgot to do, blamed on someone else,

- Telling me they took care of reserving Valentines day for us when they didn't ( I found out from the resort when I emailed them to ask a few questions )

  So I found out 3 weeks before our wedding that we can't be married on our dream day on the beach!!! Had we known this we would have picked another resort.

- The WH seems to think that we should just "pick another day it doesn't matter"  Them telling me to change our dream does not make us happy

- That being said we tried to change resort, Can't.  Have just the ceremony at another resort, Can't.  Cancel the whole thing, CAN"T ( they have all our

  money & all our family & friends money )

- Over billing my family & friends credit cards

- Taking over 2 months to refund them for what they were owed back and every time I called about it they said they were doing it and that they were

  sorry.

- Not listening when I was very clear that certain people were sharing rooms, so these people wouldn't have to pay singles supplements, since they

  did not listen or write it down these people were over billed.

- We paid for first class with the airline that was suppose to fly us and that airline sold the flight to another one that DOES NOT have first class,

  I found this out when I called the airline to question about my dressing on the plane. So the $450 we paid for that has still not been refunded to me

  from the WH. The airline informed me that the WH should have told me this, BIG shocker they did not!!

- Certain family members never recieved their tickets, when I called they responded with " the email bounced back" I asked why didn't you call

  them to see what was going on?  I got no answer to that.

- I had to consatntly call & call & call..... They hardly ever return calls and when they do its days later.

 

There are many more things that have went wrong. My advice use someone else. The Wedding Holiday will promise you that they will arrange everything, take care of everything, make this stress free for you.  How is not returning calls, not doing your job, wrecking our dream day, Doing EVERYTHING for you? If I could go back in time I would use someone else, make sure I double checked everything.

Make sure where ever you plan to go that you email or talk to the resort directly yourself, I was told not too. Look how that's turned out.

 

I am frustrated that We leave in 5 days and they have not emailed me the new tickets for the new airline, informed me that we can't fly first class that we paided for, have not refunded me my money for that, they have jerked my family & friends around everytime they called, NOT followed thru with their promises, Basically they did not do their job!!

 

TO ALL THOSE BRIDES PLANNING THEIR DREAM DESTINATION WEDDINGS RIGHT NOW...........

MAKE SURE YOU TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING YOURSELF!!!

 

 

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.
 

Originally Posted by jazz04 

Did you rent your vases at the ceremony from them or bring them with you? About how much were they to rent if you did?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

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!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by herbie76 

Previous brides can you answer my questions.

What happens to the hanging corsages from your ceremony, are they transfered to your reception area?

If you get chair bows for your ceremony do you have to pay agin to have them at your reception?

 

It just seems like its all money money money!!!

 

 

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!
 

Originally Posted by herbie76 

Previous brides can you answer my questions.

What happens to the hanging corsages from your ceremony, are they transfered to your reception area?

If you get chair bows for your ceremony do you have to pay agin to have them at your reception?

 

It just seems like its all money money money!!!

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. 

Originally Posted by *lyndsey* 

oops sorry didnt mean for that to go there!

 

natasha,

we are having the palapa yoga for our cocktail reception and maybe for our evening reception too. for the evening reception we were going to have the tables on the sand and the palapa itself for a dancefloor. altogether there are 41 guests, do you think it is big enough? also, are there electrical points?for lights etc?x

This is absolutely awesome news!  I'll look into it. 
 

Originally Posted by Nikki O 

I think you can have your marriage cert translated to English here in Toronto. I believe it was Nicole or some past bride (sorry I can't remember her name!) from Ontario who told me that I could just use a translator from the Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario. I believe that's what she did too and she only paid $50!!

 

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. 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

Hmm, okay, I think you've convinced me.  What time did you do yours?
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

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!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

Natasha,

 

For your cocktail welcome party, what time did you do it, and did the food suffice as dinner?  I'm torn b/w doing the Spoons dinner or a cocktail party.  I thought just cocktails wouldn't be enough food for people to continue partying afterwards. 

 

 

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!

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

Natasha,

 

For your cocktail welcome party, what time did you do it, and did the food suffice as dinner?  I'm torn b/w doing the Spoons dinner or a cocktail party.  I thought just cocktails wouldn't be enough food for people to continue partying afterwards. 

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!
 

Originally Posted by Less is more 

Beautiful!!!  What package did you have again?  Ok so i am totally flipping out and second guessing. Were you able to make changes at the meeting and were they flexible?  I think it is last minute nerves but boy am i freaking out over here.  Love the rose petal toss idea i didn't even think of that!  wow.....got more work to do!

 

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.   

Originally Posted by bryteyedbride 

Glad you had a great experience.  I am having a legal wedding at the resort too, so I am relieved to hear how well it went for you.  Congratulations on being a Mrs.!  I have Palopa Yoga for my reception because Zavas was already booked.  Any suggestions on how to make it look nicer?
  

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! 
 

Originally Posted by bryteyedbride 

Hi  1106wedding!

 

I don't know if Angie left.  

 

I THINK I will be getting a new DW.com specialist in the next few days too.  I have not cared for mine for several months, but was trying to just deal with it.  My sister really got upset with her earlier this week, and that kind of got changes rolling.  I had pretty much just stopped communicating with the DW specialist except for on an absolutely "as necessary" basis. 

 

I have to say that when I spoke to customer svc at DW.com the representative (Amber) was very nice and genuinely concerned that this be a pleasant experience for me.  When I last spoke to Angie she told me that their priority was the January and February weddings.  Amber let me know that my wedding should be a priority even though it is months away.  I am pleased and very hopeful that I don't have anymore problems.  This experience with Amber made my whole impression of DW.com change to a more positive one.

 

I wanted the cold fireworks too.  My reception will be on the beach at Palopa Yoga because Zavas Plaza was not available.  Let me know if they change their minds and allow it though, as it would be nice!

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

 

 

bryteyedbride - I haven't ordered the dancefloor even though it looks awesome. It wouldn't be big enough for our group (80ish expected) so we decided to skip it for now. I REALLY REALLY wish they'd allow the cold fireworks. I asked my new coordinator again just in case she gives me a different answer. Do we know if Angie left?? I sort of told my DW.com TA that she wasn't getting back to me about things but I was actually pretty nice about it!?

 

TLGnhci - oh good! Glad you like Erika so far! 

 

 

We did ours at about 10am on a nice Sunny day.  The earlier - the better - less people on the beach and not too hot.   A sunset one would have been nice too but it gets dark really fast so you need to be sure you have ample time for photos.  The other thing to consider if doing a sunset shoot - another wedding may be happening on the beach at the same time so it may restrict the location shots (e.g., pier area especially).  We had limited sun on our trip so we adjusted the date and time as weather permitted. 
 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Question for you girls doing TTD at Azul...  Are you doing it sunrise, sunset, or somewhere in between?

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. 

Originally Posted by Nikki O 

Congrats and welcome back! Glad everything went so well! How did the blood work go? We are doing a legal wedding too and I am concerned about getting my blood work done in Mexico. Also, I am not good with needles! Can't wait to see your full review! Btw, did you bring the mexican marriage certificate back to TO with you?
 

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!
 

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

That was supposed to finish with "clarify" but for some reason my stupid computer always jumps to the top of the page and then I can't type down here anymore.  Aggravating. 

 

Anywhoo, Maggie, thanks for the info on the hair extensions.  How do those go in?  I looked into the heavy duty ones and they quoted me like $700!  I certainly can't afford that.  I have super thin hair though so I would really like some extensions in for the special day. 

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!

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Hi!

 

Do you remember the name of your judge?  I was thinking about not doing a legal ceremony and I am so glad to hear that yours was in English!  Also, what is the name of your photographer.  Sounds like you had a wonderful time!

 

Congrats!!!

 

Melissa

 

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.   

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Is the dinner a private event or just a section in the restaurant?  40 people for dinner are inlcuded in your package?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLGnhci 

Melissa, The Spoons dinner is included in one or more of the packages as far as I remember. The dinner there is a preset menu, so I'm not exactly sure what it includes. The $12.50 mentioned is per person for a 2 hour cocktail party (so finger foods and drinks only). Hope this helps to

 

These are their regular chairs - no additional cost!
 

Originally Posted by msmarmar123 

That is so pretty!  What chairs did you use?  Are those the regular chairs or did you have to pay extra for them?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

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. 

 

 

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. 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Ok great!  I really wasn't sure how easy it was for you guys to exchange for USD.  If its that easy, thats what I'll recommend.  Thanks again!
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

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.   
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Question for the Canadians...  Do you plan to use Canadian Dollars for tipping, shopping, etc.?  Or are you planning to get American Dollars or Pesos?

 

About half of our guests are Canadian, so I wanted to give them the best direction possible.

Thanks!

 

 

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.   
 

Originally Posted by JaimeCF2BR 

Question for the Canadians...  Do you plan to use Canadian Dollars for tipping, shopping, etc.?  Or are you planning to get American Dollars or Pesos?

 

About half of our guests are Canadian, so I wanted to give them the best direction possible.

Thanks!

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!!
 

Originally Posted by nv+gms 

Very important detail for brides who want a legal marriage at this resort - the ceremony CAN BE PREFORMED IN ENGLISH!  There was no problem with this - its not a requirement to have the ceremony in spanish at all!!!!  The judge was also open to adding anything we wanted before and after his "official speech".  He does have a script he has to say and the wording was fine to me - and again - it was spoken in ENGLISH!  (only emphasizing this b/c I know a lot of people on this forum have changed their decision to have a legal wedding in Mexico because they thought it needed to be spoken in spanish).