Heidi82

YAY JHarris - You're pics look soooo pretty!!! That kind of makes me think I should have someone take some pics before I put the dress on in Mexico for the big day since I'm not doing any bridal portraits in Houston... Congrats Nadiah! That's a big deal! My FI and I are going to do the same thing in Houston. We are having trouble picking the day though. We have every other Friday off, so we will probably do it on one of those days so that we don't have to take off of work...Just need to decide! RosiePosie - I really like your centerpieces! You are so creative! OMG y'all...My wedding is 4 MONTHS FROM TODAY! I feel like time is going to FLY BY the next four months. My to do list is getting bigger every day!!! AND the freakin' budget is almost out the window. I need to work on that. I thought having a destination wedding was supposed to be cheaper?! One setback I had: The WC coordinator had previously told me I could have the 2010 package price instead of the 2011 price since we booked in 2010. Well she said the "policy" changed and she can't do it anymore. Whatevs The good news lately...My WC told I could book one night at either the Gran Porto or the Royal for my photographer and pay that instead of the vendor fee. I think I just might do that since it's cheaper than $350 to get a room at the Gran Porto. A tiny little thing that made me happy...I bought a hair flower from Etsy and it arrived this week. It's so feminine and I never wear stuff in my hair so I can't wait to wear it for the big day. We sent our invitations out this past weekend! WOO HOO! That was a big item checked off the list. Since we have to cancel some rooms if we don't fill them we had to get the invites out pretty early. Does anyone have any pictures or places they go to online for inspirations on bouquets? I've checked out The Knot and none of the pictures really catch my eye. Good night!

I gotcha Bride2be22!! I know what you mean about the numbers! We said the same thing after we remembered the extra fees. 30 people is enough to have a great party, right!? Rosieposie - I just signed up for bootcamp....LOL I've done it before, but this time seems like I should actually REALLY do it and do it right!!

Hey JHarris - I just had a bridesmaid drop out. She is the friend I've know the longest in my life - since 3rd grade. But I completely understand her reasons...Lots of reasons! I had already paid for half of her BM dress and for a personalized gift I bought. Luckily, my back-up BM has the same first name. LOL The only person concerned about the safety in Mexico is my mom, but I keep reassuring her and reminding her that we live in Houston. The crime here is not any better! I remember seeing someone asking about the rehearsal dinner and rehearsal. My WC also told me they don't do rehearsals. So strange to me, but I guess we'll run through it with just her a few days beforehand. We are still going to try and have a rehearsal dinner. We really want to have it outside of the resort and my FI's parents have offered to pay for it, so we're researching some restaurants. Everything seems to be $35+ per person though and that's not including alcohol. Kind of worried though about spending so much... Some updates from me...My wedding dress came in! I have to go and try it on and start looking for an alterations place very soon! So far, plus the bride and groom, we have 26 people booked!! YAHOO!!

rissa519 - No, I just booked rooms at the Royal. Most of my friends who have kiddos decided that they want an adult only vacay if they come! Also, their kids are all two years of age or younger so it would be pretty hard for them to have stress free vacay, travel, etc. if they brought them. I still gave everyone the option and info. to book at the Gran Porto with Nanda though if they would like to. congrats Kelly on booking your date! Time will fly! I feel like I just booked my date and now it's only 5 months away! My to do list is miles long! haha

LISA - I am LOVE with your pictures! I think I have gone back and looked at them 5 times now! You looked beautiful and the pictures get me so excited!! Happy Friday everyone!

Nikkiscriv - We might end up seeing each other just not each other's weddings. I'll still be at the Royal on the 23rd and the 24th. We are actually doing our TTD session on the 24th instead of the day right after our wedding so we can sleep in and relax! Then we head out the evening of the 24th for our honeymoon! JHarris - p.s. I hope you get your Tiffany's band!

JHarris - Thanks for the ring suggestions. We need to get on it! This weather HAS been crazy! I'm ready for the summer; I can deal with the heat anyday! I need to start looking for and ordering my invites! Eek! I want to say that the resort requires the final wedding information 45 days prior to the wedding, so that might be a good date to think about when asking for your responses back. Are you putting meal options on your invites or in an insert in your invites? Or are you doing the same meal for everyone? We thought about doing a choice between steak or salmon, but I'm wondering how messy that could end up being... Kate112 - My WC is Maritza too. She is very helpful and always responds to me within a day, although I haven't had too many questions yet. The best way to communicate with her is through the Real Resorts basecamp website so make sure she has that set up for you. That's also how she sent me forms that needed to be filled out and all the pictures of the flowers, cakes, etc. Happy planning! My mom and dad booked their trip and they are flying to Mexico on the same flight with me and my fiance! I am so excited! This will be their first time to Mexico and I'm glad they are coming with us so they don't get lost or get overwhelmed! YAY YAY YAY!

WHOA Kshows! Your pics are AMAZING!!!! You look gorgeous! I think those pics just gave me the inspiration and get off my booty and back on my workout routine! Too many excuses...in a new position at my company and have been working late, but it's time to get back on the wagon! I live in Houston also, so if I feel confident enough I might look into your photographer! Can't wait to see your planning thread and wedding pics. Have a wonderful wedding on Saturday!!! Question for all the ladies: Where did you go shopping for you and your fiance's wedding bands and how long did it take to get them in? We need to start looking and are not sure where to go. He got my engagement ring/diamond from a wholesaler and we probably won't go there for the bands. Gracias!

Congrats Nikki! My wedding is July 22, 2011 so we might run into each other! What day are you going to arrive at the Royal? We are leaving on that Sunday, the 24th so I won't get to see your wedding. Kelly - Can you PM me your list of FAQ's? Thanks!

CONGRATS to msglave, araceli and jenny!!!! You all looked great on your big day! How wonderful to ring in the new year married! I am so excited for 2011!!! I went wedding dress shopping on Thursday and found my dress! I was nervous and sweating when I got there...I don't know why...it ended up being a fun experience! JHarris - I went dress shopping at Venturas near 610 and Yale. It's pretty close to where I live and I have had a few friends find their dresses there so I figured I would have pretty good luck. The only thing is that they told me NOT to get my alterations there. They had issues with them. So I'm going to ask around and find an alterations person in Houston. Do you know of anyone or anywhere? HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone!

JHarris - LOL that is really funny about your guys and the speedos! Now for the scary part (and this is really embarassing) - My dad really does wear a speedo! He wears is at the pool, the lake, wherever! AND he has no shame and thinks it's normal! OMG...I keep telling my FI that I should warn people that are coming to the wedding and will see him at the pool....hahaha nervous laugh... BTW, what part of Houston do you live in? Suzy831 - I asked my WC through the Real Resorts Basecamp website - If we wanted to change our location, do we need to let her know now or can we let her know 2-3 days before the wedding when we arrive at the resort. Her answer was now. So we changed our location to the ballroom and it's a done deal. Not sure why it had to be now, since the ballroom location seems to be the back up in case it rains, but I guess it's better safe than sorry. Do you have the basecamp website set up? All ~ I checked my contract and they did put in there that a 2nd deposit is due and a final payment, but I didn't pay attention to it at all when I signed it! I also just checked my basecamp website and their is a tab at the top that says 'Milestones'. When I clicked on it, it showed the date when the 2nd deposit is due and also the date the final payment is due, 45 days before the wedding. That is helpful and a good reminder. Hope all is well with everyone! 8 days until I go wedding dress shopping!!

'Tis the season! I am so behind on Christmas shopping!!! The board has been quiet! I'll give y'all some updates of what's going on with my wedding planning... My wedding is in July 2011 and I wasn't planning on sending out invites until 3-4 months before the date? Is that too late? I figured everyone has all of the information from my wedding website and knows to book by a certain date if they want to get the good prices! So far we have 2 people booked - 2 of our single guy friends! Woo hoo! I guess we know they are ready for a party! We've had others tell us they are going, they are super excited and that they are saving up. I also booked a couple of wedding dress appointments!! I finally feel ready to try on dresses, now I just have to figure out what I want! My mom is going to come with me and I've decided not to bring any bridesmaids...too many opinions! Did y'all look online or at magazine pictures and then take them with you to try on dresses? I'm really bad at figuring out what looks right on me until I actually try it on.

Sorry! What I meant to post didn't show up! JHarris - We went on a site visit to the resort in October and completely forgot to take a look at the ballroom(s)! We just always thought that the reception would be outside! From what I have seen so far from pictures the ballroom looks fine though! We booked Gonzalo Nunez to be our photographer. We are having him for 10 hours on the day of the wedding and then a TTD session 2 days later. The package is $2000 and I couldn't find anything that could beat it!

Quote:Originally Posted by JHarris Heidi - I am on the same page as you!! We're in Houston too. We're definitely doing an indoor reception. We would rather have everyone in AC comfort instead of complaining how much more humid it is. LOL..... Are you bringing your own photographer or using the resorts?

I've been MIA but I just wanted to say CONGRATS to all the recent brides and the very soon to be brides! Everyone looks so happy on their wedding day! Thanks for the reviews and planning journals too! I am thinking about moving my reception to the ballroom for weather purposes; my wedding is in July and my family thinks it will be sweltering! LOL We live in Texas already! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Wow Lisa! I love everything! You did such a wonderful job planning! I might be getting my BM dresses in pool too! Love the hankerchiefs and BOTH of your dresses! BEST WISHES!

mrsg2b - LOVE the dress!!! If you can do it, then do it! Welcome back and CONGRATS Jes!! I need to go find your review and planning thread asap! haha Well assuming they're already up! Sorry, to everyone that is dealing with friends and family not coming or backing out...I would be devasted if my parents could not make it. A little bit of my own "situation" - My mom has been worried since they day I told her we are going to do a DW in Mexico. She finds a lot of different reasons to question why we are having it there. BUT then she got really excited (and I guess felt like it was actually real) when she received the STD in the mail and checked out our website. She does not do a whole lot of traveling and until recently never flew except maybe every five or so years! I don't think she's ever been out of the country either! Things are looking up - her good friend told her today that she and her husband are coming to the wedding. They do a lot of traveling and have been to Mexico before, so I think that made her feel a lot better. YAY!! So, now I just need to push my mom and dad to start working on their passports! Oh joy! Anyways...I don't know what all I'm going to get my bridesmaids yet. So far I have only ordered beach towels that have their names monogrammed on them. They have a little pocket on the side to put sunglasses, chapstick, etc. in and they fold into a bag that can easily be carried. I found them on Etsy and they are super cute! I would really like to buy their BM dresses for them, but first I need to find them! haha <---- These new ones crack me up!!!

Jes - I'm a bit late on seeing your BD pics - WHOA!!! They are on fire!!!! SO hot! I want to do this now too! Maybe for our one year anniversary... jenny310 - That is so cute about your bach. party! A few of my friends and I did the same thing about two years ago when we went to New Orleans for Halloween! We just changed the dwarf's names to something that either fit our personality or some girls did a slutty name...LOL I guess we all figured we were in New Orleans and no one knows us there! Have fun! msglave - Can you add me to the list also My date is July 22, 2011. I didn't do the vegetarian food tasting when I went. Now I wish I did b/c FI's mom is a vegetarian. Oops! runningbride - I remember you asking about a spray tan place in Playa before you left for your wedding. Did you find one there?

Wow Fancy That you looked amazing on your wedding day!! Thanks for posting your pics. Congrats Natalie! Can't wait to hear all about your big day! Thanks everyone for the input on the aisle runner. As far as photographers, I booked Gonzalo Nunez. I can't seem to find many reviews on him, but based on his website, blog and prices I couldn't resist. He has a couple of different packages to choose from. I picked a package that includes 10 hours on your wedding day and a TTD session the next day (or whenever you want it). We are having our wedding on a Friday and doing the TTD on Sunday. We can sleep in the day after our wedding that way and be rested up for the TTD. The package costs $2000. I couldn't find anyone else that beat that price for that many hours and a TTD. Just let me know if you need his contact info. He is very quick and responsive and we are now facebook friends...lol He said he doesn't need a room, so I'm not sure yet about the vendor fee / how I'm going to work that out...guess I'll decide later.

Oh crap! I didn't even think about the actual rehearsal! I have been more worried about where and how much a rehearsal dinner will cost. LOL That is super strange they don't do a run though. When I went for my site visit there was a yoga class taking place in the Royal gazebo... They did have chairs already set up though for a wedding they were having that day, so I'm sure at some point it should be free for a run... I don't want the red aisle runner either! It will clash with my colors...but if they forgot to take it away or something I won't be too upset. I FINALLY ordered my STD's from Vistaprint last night! I got the free priority shipping and they said they would arrive by next Monday. If that really happens, that is freakin awesome!!! I need to get them out asap! Happy Monday y'all

catching up... bride2B22 - LOL Yes I think the dance floor price is ridiculous too!!! Grrr They quoted me $750. How long ago did you get the $700 quote? I'll take a $50 discount! Lisa - I didn't get in the pool at the Royal but when I was just in Puerto Morelos last weekend the water was cold! It didn't matter though once you got in and got a drink in your hand! Can't remember who, but someone asked me if I tasted the chicken at the food tasting...I did and it was really good too! I didn't really like how it looked with the crab stuffed in there, but that's a dumb reason not to eat something! Did I read correctly that some of y'all are having your guests are pick their entree (between filet, chicken, salmon, etc.) and then you will have a color coordinated place card so the waiter knows what they ordered? If so, that makes dinner much easier! Heidi July 22, 2011

CONGRATS!!! Thanks for your review and pictures! They are really helpful! I'm glad to see everything turned out wonderfully! Just one question - Where did you get your bridesmaids dresses? I love the material and I might use a similar color. Thanks! ~Heidi

Hola! I just returned from my friends wedding in Puerto Morelos and I cannot wait to go back to the Riviera Maya next year for MY wedding!! RunningBride & MsKinney (sp?) - CONGRATS! I can't wait to read your reviews and see all of your pictures! I am getting the luxury package, DJ Ivan and the dance floor too and I'm glad to hear from y'all those things are worth the money! Msglave - We stayed at the Now Jade Riviera in Puerto Morelos for my friends wedding. The good things about it: not too far from the airport, great party atmosphere at the pool(s), relaxing atmosphere at the beach, YUMMY food at the Italian restaurant. The negative things were: the walls were paper thin...I heard a little more than necessary , there were littles gnats flying around everywhere and they would get stuck in the shower and in the corners of the rooms...gross. AND the weirdest thing ever: People swore they saw animals that looked like sloths wandering around in the halls at night eating people's leftover room service food. Funny, but gross! Maybe they just had too many drinks! Unfortunately we never left the resort because we were having so much fun we decided not to explore any other areas, so I can't tell ya much about the area in general. Sorry! So, on the last day of our trip we took a cab over to the Royal to do a site visit and I was SO ecstatic with our decision to have our wedding at this resort!! It is gorgeous! It was very well kept and everyone was very friendly. We met one of the WCs in the Wedding Center and she showed us the gazebo, main beach, gardens and the lobby. We also asked to see a guest room and they quickly found us a room that had just been cleaned. It was so nice (no gnats!) and we could see out to the garden. I think there were hamocks on the balconies of all the rooms! The pools were so clean and there seemed to be plenty of chairs. It was so hard to leave! We wanted to spend just one night there! We also did a food tasting. The restaurant had a table set up for us with a tablecloth and the manager waited on us the whole time. One of the chefs brought out our food for each course and explained what it was. It was a bit too early in the morning (it was around 10am when we ate) to eat so much, but it was all delicious! I'll have to figure out the exact names of the food we tried and post them along with the pictures I took. I have to say the filet was very tasty and I'm usually not a meat person. We will probably pick this for our main course. We thought the salmon was great too, but I know too many people who don't like seafood and I don't want them to starve! I regret not taking a quick peek INSIDE at the ballrooms/salons (I totally thought of this forum when I saw the word salon outside the ballrooms hehe), but overall it made me SO much more relaxed to see the resort in person! It is exactly what I wanted to experience. My FI was also excited about the town being so close to the hotel and the fact that we can actually walk around it in and feel safe. Welp, time for bed! I've gotta get my Save the Dates out asap (maybe this weekend)! We are still waiting for our engagement pictures, so I feel a bit behind on this but we are still 9 months out so I guess it's okay! happy happy happy!! Heidi July 22, 2001

Thanks Natalie & RosiePosie for the transportation help! I contacted CancunTransfers and they are super helpful and very quick to resond. We think we are going to use cabs though, since it will be cheaper. I can't wait to leave for Mexico for my friend's wedding. I can't imagine how I'll feel next year when it's mine! Have a good weekend everyone! ALMOST Friday!!

Wow ya'll are the best! Natalie79 - Is the Royal listed as something else in the dropdown menu on the Cancun Transfers website? I cannot find it... Thanks!