jenniferkuhr

Mine are the CUTEST Badgley Mischka's called "Dierdre"  I love, love, love them!!!  

I am SO excited for my TTD!!!!  I just found a dress to "trash" at the Jessica McClintock outlet for $20....YES!!!  $20!!!!!  This means I can hopefully donate my Casablanca to a good cause after the wedding....

Hello!!!  You will LOVE this forum and Playa del Carmen!  I recommend The Royal all-inclusive, it is BREATHTAKING!!!  (the neighbor Gran Porto Real which allows kids is pretty incredible too!)

Originally Posted by JHarris 

 

Girls!!!

 

I am quite peeved!!! The table numbers that I order with coral image have not arrived yet!!! We leave this sunday. 

 

HELP!!! Who has the numbers in sand? Please PM me the design. I'm running out of time. GGRRRR.... I just need 1-4. 

Yikes!  That stinks!  I am using a coral design for my wedding too!  Good luck with the table numbers- it will all be AMAZING!!!

Originally Posted by Andrea434 

Hi Ladies,

I have enjoyed seeing everyones pictures on here and reading about your weddings.  I have a couple of questions that I am sure some of you could answer.

 

1.  When would you recommend making contact with the local florist in Playa for a March wedding?  Is there just Marvin or are there others?  What is their contact information?

2.  What is the average amount spent on the OOT bags....my fiance and I were thinking about $50.  Too low or too high?

3.  Has anyone done a catamaran excursion?  We will probably have about 70 guests and would like to hear your opinions on them if you have done it.

 

I am sure I will think of so many more but I just love this website and all the ladies that have shared their planning tips and ideas!

 

Congratulations to all you summer brides, my fiance and I saw about 3 take place there in late may and they were all gorgeous!

Andrea

Hi Andrea!  Welcome to the Royal Playa Del Carmen forum!

Here's my best shot at your questions:

1.)  I just went with the vendors at The Royal (except photographer, we are using Ivan Luckie...he is AWESOME!!).  Our whole rationale was to limit the stress as much as possible and the hotel does a great job coordinating all the vendors they use, from what I can tell.  Having too many people to contact and set up contracts with is stressful!  Let your Royal Wedding Coordinator do that!

2.)  We have 80 people coming, so we're figuring about 40 bags.  $10 a bag already puts us at $400...so we will try our best to stick to $10 to 20.  If you have far less people you can be more extravagant, its up to you.

3.)  Yes!  We are doing a "Rehearsal Catamaran" the day before on board the Catamaya for about 75 people.  It includes a steak/lobster lunch and snorkling, as well as open bar.  SO excited!!!  The point of having a DW was to get our two families to "bond" since they live so far away, and we thought an adventure like this would be perfect.  Every wedding I've been to that had little events leading up to the big day were my most memorable, everyone really gets to know one another and party!  So fun!

Oh no!  I'm so sorry about the potential storm.  Yikes!  Hope it doesn't occur on your big day.  If it does, I got this great advice from my wedding photographer Ivan Luckie:

He said, whatever you do, it's YOUR wedding day!!!  Lots of brides stress about the clouds/rain etc. and then they end up looking sad in their photos.  You don't want bad weather AND bad photos!  So whatever will be, will be, just relax and smile through it! Make sure your fiance knows its his JOB to make you laugh and smile for photos and distract you from worrying about the weather (they love jobs Also, he said that a lot of the rainy day/storm photos are his favorites because of the crazy cloud formations in the background. Plus the hotel is GORGEOUS inside for photos as well.  So, I hope, hope, hope and pray it doesn't rain on your big day (or mine!) but if it does, smile, smile, SMILE through it all.

Originally Posted by JHarris 

My June Brides!! What is the deal with this crazy storm I hear that may develop?! As if I need anymore stress!!! Most of our guests arrive on Wednesday - I hope that's before a storm arrives or develops. ARGH!!!

 

Trying hard to not freak out.

Jozee84- June 15, 2011

JHarris - June 17, 2011

JenniferKuhr- July 1, 2011

Hi Ladies!

It's been MONTHS since I've been on here, but I'm now three weeks away and work has calmed down, so it's full speed wedding details!  I am SO excited.  We have close to 80 people coming, from all over the world.  My dress is tailored, the shoes are amazing, my fiance and I are starting to look less goofy when we practice our "first dance" together....now there's just...one...thing...

Yesterday one of my bridesmaids dyed her hair HOT PINK!!!  Who DOES that?!?!  And the dresses are coral red!!!!  Can anyone out there offer some solidarity and mutual outrage?  The future husband has not been helpful.  He even called me a.... (oh no he DIDN'T)...Bridezilla.

HELP!!! 

Hi Paper Bag Princess!!!  Not sure if you had your wedding yet, but SO curious as to how it went!!!  Did you get the bike rickshaws?  Thanks so much for responding, I'm working on this detail now!

I am a little over a month away!  YIKES!!!!

Jennifer

Hi BDW Forum!

When I first decided on a DW in Playa Del Carmen, I was clicking around and found a slideshow of somebody's wedding where the coordinators arranged for a whole bunch of "bike rickshaws" or workbikes to show up outside the church after the ceremony and scoot people back to the reception.

I LOVED this!

Does anyone know who to contact to get this arranged?  Does anyone else remember seeing these photos or this blog?

Any help is always appreciated!

~Jennifer

Hi Ladies,

 

So my last post was from The Royal itself, on our site visit, all excited and in heaven at what a beautiful place it was and how magical and surreal my wedding would be.  I came back to the U.S. with the checklist completed, engagement photos taken, ready to send off my save-the-dates.....until....

 

My sister announced she was pregnant!!!!

 

OMG?!?!?  WTF?!?!?!  Now, I'm not the kind of bride who freaks about pregnant-bridesmaid-photos, or maternity-bridesmaid-dresses or any of that business.  The trouble is my wedding date is in her last trimester and there's NO WAY her doctor would allow her to travel. I researched, I googled, nope.  No way.  And I CANNOT imagine getting married without my only sister there.

 

At first I was happy for her and calm and just said we'd reschedule.  Then I got angry and pissed and resorted to loud, obnoxious whining (Ryan did too, so we had a few shots and went out).  Then she had her doctors appointment and they heard the little heartbeat and I was all emotional and happy for this precious little life.  Now I'm back to being pissed...grrrr....I mean, we got ENGAGED in JUNE.  We even had a CONVERSATION about them holding off on baby attempts for a little bit until they crossed the "safe to travel zone."  How hard is it to hold off a few months?!?!  But they didn't.  

 

It's 3:30AM.  I used to dream about my wedding to lull myself to sleep on insomniac nights like this.  Now its just depressing.

 

I work in public schools so my wedding was to be on our Spring Break.  Now I have to try and reschedule for either earlier in February when we have a 4-day weekend or June/July, when Ryan and I were supposed to be on our World Tour.  And I'm terrified that even if we did reschedule, something will come up where she can't travel anyways....

 

This.  SUCKS. 

Originally Posted by JYD1 

 

LADIES!!! Important announcement,  in case you are aware, your photographer must have a permit in order to take captures on government property, like a beach. Police are cracking down on vendors on government property. If your photographer does not have a permit, he will be fined!! The photographer just needs to apply to the local government building. Not sure how much it costs. 

 

If your photographer is Ivan Luckie then you're completely covered!! He was the one that told me on another forum. 

 

Yep...see my earlier post.  He was taking my engagement photos when him and his wife got stopped!  It was SO wacky!!!  I think it would royally SUCK to have that happen on your wedding day and suddenly have to stop taking beach photos while some cops stand around fining your photographer...

 

Random Photographer Vendor Tip:

 

While we were out and about shooting our engagement photos along the beach, Ivan and his wife got stopped by some guards (cops?) along the beach.  They told him he cannot take photos on government property for commercial purposes without a permit.  At first they even wanted to charge him a FINE!!!  WTF?!?

 

Ivan said in all his years of photography, this has never happened to him before.  We learned it was because they were cracking down on all the vendors on the beach that would go up and harass people to buy t-shirts, jewelry, fruit, etc, etc.  So now they've lumped photographers into this group.  

 

It just means photographers now need to apply for a permit to shoot beach photos (doing commercial business on government property?).  Ivan and his wife took down all the info and are going to get their permit, but you might want to give your photographers a heads up about this too, it seems very new.  They could probably get the info from Ivan.

 

As luck would have it (his name IS Ivan Luckie, after all...) the guard turned out to be a childhood friend of Ivan's brother, so he let us go without any fine and continue our shoot.  Whew!  

 

Originally Posted by JoZee84 

Thanks for the advise! Glad to hear your having a good time! Is your make up trial with SpaAzul? I was thinking of using them also, would love to see pics !

 

 

JYD1- We were thinking of going to the blue Parrot after our reception dinner, casue everything at the hotel closes at 11. But if anyone who's been down there has any other suggestion on where to go we're all ears! I would say Coco Bongo but I think that too loud and Cluby for the old folks.

 We're not having a DJ in Mexico cause we're having a reception when we get back to the states.

 

I was very happy with my SpaAzul makeup.  I have to be honest, though, I put on make up like a 4-year-old with a crayon, so anyone doing makeup on me is going to show some great results!  I will post my engagement photos when they get back.  Ivan is so sweet, he's going to rush a few in the next week so we can get our Save-The-Dates out soooooon!

 

Our photo session was awesome, Ivan and his wife were a ton of fun to work with and he has a great eye for color and beauty, as well as a great sense of humor.  We definitely took some funny photos along the way.  

 

Also, the Blue Parrot is AWESOME!!!  Ryan and I scouted it out last night as a possible "post reception" venue and we had a BLAST.  Forget what I said about "low key beach town feel."  It was definitely a club hopping party along Calle 12, which is just a few blocks from the resort and perpendicular to Avenida 5.  There were many clubs blasting music and competing for our business, and lots of people out and about.  Also, the Blue Parrot hosts daily fire shows M-W at 12:00 midnight and 11 and 1 Th-Fri, which will definitely appeal to the old folks.  SO fun.  The music was hoppin, top 40 danceable stuff.  Everyone was having a great time.  We promised the waiter outside we'd buy a ton of drinks and didn't have to pay the $10 cover.  CocoBongo's is nearby too, and they advertise bottle service, for folks looking to reserve something in advance online.  I might see if Blue Parrot can do something similar and get back to you all!

 

Also, ladies...trendy flat sandals are all the rage here, paired with cute, clubby cotton dresses or miniskirts.  I am barely seeing anyone in heels.  I think between the sand and the brick streets, its just not what anyone wants to deal with.  Now if I could only get my 6'8" fiance and his very large family to shrink a bit...

 

Greeting Royal PDC Brides!!!

 

It's been FOREVER since I posted, but I'm writing this FROM Playa Del Carmen!  Ryan and I are here on our site visit and OMG, it is so gorgeous here.  By sheer beauty alone, your wedding is going to be amazing.  

 

To answer some questions:

 

5th Avenue is pretty happening, plenty of people everywhere, but its more of a low-key beach town feel than the crazy Cancun or Puerto Vallarta party feel.  The clubs are all a few blocks away from 5th, I think on purpose.

 

Decorations on 5th avenue:  I haven't seen any flower shops.  Not sure about vases.  There are some more inexpensive things like maracas for about $1.00 each that would be nice on top of tables...I just don't know how much time anyone is going to want to spend on a scavenger hunt for decorations while you're here.  To be honest, the reason we chose a Destination Wedding is to just mark off a checklist and call it a day.  Weddings are way too much work otherwise!  Keep it simple...

 

Also, we've only been here one night so far, but the food is FANTASTIC!  The restaurant Maria's has a great menu and the Mexican Coffee is DEFINITELY worth asking for, an experience in and of itself.

 

I am so, so, so happy to be here.  It is all so exciting seeing the real deal!  Your weddings are going to be an experience of a lifetime.  

 

Tomorrow I do my trial makeup and engagement photos with Ivan Luckie!!!

 

 

 

We got the Chapel booked!!!  Yay!!!!  Ryan and I will be getting married at the Capilla de Nuestra Senora just outside the resort, and then head back to The Royal beach for our party (I'm hoping to have marichis lead the way...).  I can't tell you what a HUGE relief this is, and it's SO beautiful!

 

Question about makeup:  Any reason folks are choosing outside vendors over Sapzul?  Ryan and I are doing a site visit in a few weeks, so I was going to try and schedule a trial at the spa then, but maybe someone out there has info I don;t?

 

Oh yeah, anyone here getting married over Labor Day weekend?  Thats when we'll be doing a site visit, so we'll be sure to wish you well while we're there!

 

~Jenn

Yikes!  $350 for hair and make up?  Is this normal?  Would you have to add another $350 "outside vendor" fee?  I'm about to have a heart attack...

I just signed up for a 5-days-a-week, 4-week-long bootcamp from 6AM to 7AM.  I WILL be in great shape for our site visit and engagement photos over Labor Day.  WHO'S with me?!?

I'm adding myself on too!  Yay for us!!!

Juliet1 - September 17, 2010
jamk32179- September 18, 2010
smckinney22 - October 9, 2010
Runningbride24 - October 10, 2010
ReidCapote - October 24, 2010
Shirley_Ken - October 28, 2010
Natalie79 - October 30, 2010
Celine- November 5, 2010
bmlynch - November 6, 2010
Randi - November 11, 2010
Trinas79 - November 11, 2010
jesmcan - November 12, 2010
futuremrs1113-November 13, 2010

Luna1923 - November 16, 2010
giraffexx - November 19, 2010
mslisaaragon - November 22, 2010
Lisa DSO- November 24, 2010
Jenny310 - November 27, 2010
FutureMrsYak- December 2, 2010
orbitingbklyn (rachel) december 3, 2010
msglave-December 11, 2010
MichaelandAraceli- December 18, 2010

N&J2011 - April 1, 2011

jenniferkuhr - April 2, 2011

Suzy831 - April 16, 2011

Jennie0521 - April 28, 2011

Cassie42911 - April 29, 2011
pineapplebride - *maybe* April 2011
ChicagoBride2011- May 1, 2011
speedy130 - May 7, 2011
sarahe786 - May 15, 2011
rosieposie - May 22, 2011
Prettypigpig - July 4, 2011
Augustbride2011 -August 20, 2011

Hi Ladies!

I have a question about welcome parties and whatnot....

If everyone is staying at an all inclusive, how come there are charges for open bar and food service?  Did anyone just arrange for folks to have dinner around the same time etc?  Is this a dumb question?

Originally Posted by N&J2011 

 

 

 

 

 

Congrats on setting your date jenniferkuhr! I am getting married the day before you. We're almost date twins. Love it! I actually picked Cecilia Dumas so you know she'll be in the area.  The photographers are sooo expensive!!  It took me forever to pick one.  I was in love with Elizabeth Medina and DelSol, but the prices blew me away.  I agree with Pretty Pig Pig's opinion, but I chose Cecilia because I like how she captures the love with her couples.  I am not so much concerned about the editing as I am with the emotion.  I have photoshop myself so I can always edit or airbrush as needed (hopefully anyway.)  Happy Planning!

Hello N&J!

I saw the April 1st date way back when the site was the old model.  Congrats and hooray for April weddings!!!  Since I work in public schools I'm psyched that our anniversary will always fall on Spring Break...yay!  Does anyone know if The Royal offers a free stay for your anniversary?  I know a lot of other AI's do...

Jesmcan, that was SO nice of you to post the Spa prices!  Thank you!

Alright, ladies...who has a concrete work out plan in place>?  Any thoughts or tips on how I can look my most fabulous for our engagement photo session during our site visit over Labor Day?    I have five weeks...

My current efforts have included cutting Starbucks, weeknight drinking and full desserts (c'mon, I have to have at least a bite...), but now I need a workout plan and some possible meal ideas.  Anyone?  Anyone taking supplements that aren't completely crazy?

Originally Posted by TheFutureWagners 

 

I am most likely moving our wedding date up 2 months and getting married @ The Royal PDC instead of The Royal Cancun. This means a February wedding instead of April and we haven't done ANYTHING yet. Eeeek. Advice from other PDC brides would be amazing right now! We had everythingggg set @ The Royal Cancun and no we have to switch it. 

 

PLEASE if you got married here or did a site inspection, we will most likely get married in the Central Gardens (?) and I would LOVE to see pics, and we are having about 100 people in one of the ballrooms for a reception. Please help in anyway you can! This is SO stressful, it was before and now this has just piled it on. 

 

PM me if you have pics, post them here, anything would help!

 

<333

 

Also, how far is it from the hotel and what type of transportation can we provide our guests?

Dear Future Wagner,

Can I ask what made you do the switch?  We were considering The Royal Cancun also and still have a site visit scheduled for there and The Royal PDC over Labor Day Weekend.  We already put our deposit down for PDC, though. I am just too curious to see the Cancun chapel!  PM me if you think of anything you want me to ask or photograph over Labor Day, though I know thats not too soon.

Also, Wendy from the BDW travel agency just emailed me and she specializes in the Riviera Maya.  I believe she's headed over there this week and would be a great TA to get involved if you haven't found one already.  She could probably relieve a ton of your stress..  Best of luck!

~Jenn

Thanks for the info, looks great!  I'm searching for Jenn right now...

Yay!  I'm getting married there just 9 days before!  I chose this place because my sister went to a wedding there and says it was the MOST fun she's ever had, both for the traveling and the wedding itself.  And she's traveled A LOT.  Here's what she said made the experience:

1.)  the basket by the beach for everyones shoes before the reception

2.)  the light up dance floor

3.)  the FOOD

4.)  day trip to Chichenitza

5.)  and of course, great company.

Enjoy!

We're having a friend do the video.  Most friends I know almost never watch the video...though ask me again in 60 or 70 years in the nursing home...