nessa0308

I got the same maracas and here is the link.  You can send them an email and request a special color if desired and they will also mix the colors for you.  I really enjoyed working with them. 

Here is the info:  http://www.amols.com/catalog/product/MX700

kya-

Fernando is amazing and is well worth the money.  Kelley sets up everything for you.  Take inspiration photos.  I was so nervous not meeting him beforehand, but I promise you, he's worth it.  He spends about 2 1/2 hours (I have long hair) and I was so pleased with his work.  I think he works exclusively with Las Caletas and owns his own salon in Bucerias.  I havent heard any past brides compain about his hair/make-up.  If you can swing the price, he's worth it.

I purchase my maracas from: http://www.amols.com/catalog/product/MX702

You can email them a color and they will work with you.  They had wonderful customer service and I would highly recommend them.  I got the idea from another BDW bride off this site.  I've heard a lot of ppl use this site. 

Here are a few more pictures.

my head table:

Here is a picture of my table set up and I loved it

Chicago...I took one bite "for pictures" and I knew it was good, but so much was going on.  Everyone was full by the time we cut the cake.  But you've GOT to have a wedding cake.  It's just part of the package.   Here is a teaser for all those brides considering Las Caletas.  I see these pictures and want to RUN back.

 

Nessa did you have to specifically order those flowers or did Kelly just pick them out for you? 

 rbowman -

I sent Kelley a few options of flowers that I liked.  Gerbera Daisies are my favorite flowers.  I told her I wanted Hot Pink and Orange.  I freaked at the last minute and changed my table runners and napkins to black vs orange and I was so happy that I did.  The black made my colors "pop" at the reception. 

 

 

I saw this picture and sent it to her:  I think she did a better job at copying it. 

 

On things I would do different:

I agree.  Go out as early as you can because the time flies!

The stairs to the casita is a haul, warn your guests.  Lots of stairs. 

We had so much food leftover, I wished I could've arranged to donate to a family in need. We took about 5 slices of the wedding cake (b/c there is a dessert bar).  I ended up leaving the cake b/c I didnt know what to do with it and the box it came in was gone.  What a waste. 

 

I truly loved everything else about my special day.  It was fun planning with Kelley.  I sent her so many pictures, I'm not sure how she kept it all straight.

The  

Chicago -

Yes, it was amazing.  I was so worried about how everything was going to turn out and it was all so beautiful.  I love our colors.  I couldnt have asked for anything different. 

Our wedding was very small/private, but it worked out so well and everyone has been talking about it for weeks. 

Here is my bouquet

Here are some of my favorites from the wedding day at Las Caletas.  More to follow

I have to say, if you're considering a wedding at Karen's, it's a great place.  We rented out a villa that was across the street from Karen's (LITERALLY 1 door down) @ Hacienda Camino al Mar and we saw a wedding taking place and it was beautiful.  They did fireworks, had a great set up and looked so romantic.  If I had known our villa was within walking distance from Karen's, I might have considered this location over Las Caletas where I did get married.  

My wedding was on November 3, 2010.  The weather was FABULOUS.  There was a slight breeze the entire day.  The wedding reception, everyone was comfortable and loved having "pashmina's" to wrap up in.  I would say that November is a great month for a wedding ceremony.  Nobody was complaining about being hot or uncomfortable.  I didnt need chair fans for anyone (thankfully I opted out of them). 

I was really happy with Eva's work (photog).  She's super sweet, tries to get new/unusual shots while still capturing the most important shots that every bride wants.  She's worth looking into. 
 

The only complaint out of anyone was the stairs heading up to the casita.  It's a short little hike and someone with bad knees might have a problem (as my aunt did).  Some said that they didnt want to go up and down to go for activities b/c it was too exhausting.

Tips for the casita: if you plan on taking a shower, make sure you bring your own products, there wasnt anything there and Fernando wished that he start with clean/washed hair.  He will blow dry.  There isnt a lot of room or outlets, bring an extra extension cord and or outlets if you have several gals getting ready.   If you want to use the hot tub, make sure to tell Kelley to have it ready....we had to fill it up ourselves which took a little bit of time to do.  

Ok, I just returned from my Las Caletas wedding.  Amazing.   Few pointers.  Fernando is WELL worth the money.  He does amazing work on make-up and hair.  I was worried because I typically go "natural" and didnt want to look like a painted picture of make-up.  He's truly worth every single penny.

For anyone considering a photographer, I went with Eva Sica w/ photoshootsvallarta and she did fabulous work.  I was a little nervous because everyone that I wanted was already booked.  She's new to the area and had only shot one other wedding @ Las Caletas before mine.  I got my pictures yesterday and was MORE than happy with her work.  Oh, and she's SUPER reasonable.   Once I get a little more time, I'll share the photos.

Just thought I'd throw in some quick comments.

The bags have already been purchased.  The maracas are still available.  Please PM me your zip code and I can provide shopping cost if you're interested in the Maracas.

Cams-

I have started my planning thread, but I havent finished it yet.  I've been keeping things stored (ha).  There is so much to do and it's so exciting!  I love reading other threads that I hope mine is helpful to those planning their weddings.

Motivation is key....If you need a push, let me know!  We cant chat about it over a 100 calorie pack (ha).  

Hey Cams.....

I'm down 22 with 8 more days to go.  I doubt I'm going to hit 30 lbs, but I think I'll lost another 4-5 lbs before I go......HOPEFULLY!  Thanks for asking.  Encouragement is always welcomed.  I struggled with my exercising in the beginning.  With work and then finalizing wedding plans, I just became exhausted and lacked motivation to get my rear in gear.

Good luck with your weight loss!  I know you can do it!!!!!

Here is a picture of the koozies that they did for us.  I was really happy with the final results.

Here is a picture of the totes

I'm selling 12 OOT bags.  I purchased for $9.99 + 6.99 shipping from Oriental Trading Company.  They are the large hibiscus totes.  I'm selling for $6.00 + Shipping.

http://www.orientaltrading.com/ui/browse/processRequest.do?demandPrefix=12&sku=34/737&mode=Searching&erec=0&D=hibiscus+tote&Ntx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&Ntk=all&requestURI=processProductsCatalog&N=0&Ntt=hibiscus+tote&Dx=mode%2bmatchallpartial&sd=Large+Hibiscus+Tote+Bags

I'm also selling 12 Orange Maracas purchased from Amols. Selling for $1.00/each  + shipping. http://www.amols.com/catalog/product/MX700

I'm down to 5 weeks.....Oh my goodness.....the day is almost here.

 

I go thru my stuff nightly (I'm an addict ~ ha).  I cant wait for the day to get here!!!

I used an ebay seller and puchased approx 25 for a reasonable price.  I think I paid about $1.25 each.   Here is their ebay store.  25 is the minimum and I LOVED the final product.

 

http://stores.ebay.com/Odyssey-Tshirts-Hoodies-Koozies

Congrats & good luck with your planning

I couldnt get your photos to work either.  We are actually staying in Bucerias for my wedding in a villa.  However, we are getting married at Las Caletas.  We are having a dinner at Karen's so I would love to see your pictures. 

Question for Andi-

 

I saw the tequila table you had set up.  Was that something that you put together (purchased tequilla and shot glasses) or did Las Caletas put arrange that for you?  I LOVE IT. 

 

Andi-  I'm not having any BM's either....  Small & intimate.  Plus, I dont want the drama =)

 

I thought I'd give that as a gift to my Mom so she didnt have to worry about it.  $80 doesnt seem so bad for hair.  She can do her own make-up (ha). 

 

Kat....more coffee at 3pm?  Yikes....I'd be up until 3am if I drank that late!!