JaimeCF2BR

Our TTD session got featured!  yay!  Maria Angela really was an amazing photographer.

http://destinationinspirations.com/2011/07/15/trash-dress-jaime-talis-playa-del-carmen-mexico/

Oh btw...theres no "catch" or anything like that.  You dont have to sit through a presentation.  Nobody ever bugged any of our guests about joining.  All I would do is add on the little bit to cover my membership charge for those days...but the discount would still be more than you can find elsewhere.  So it would be helping you, and I wouldnt completely lose out on all my leftover weeks.  Just wanted to clarify so it didnt sound too good to be true .

On the other hand, if any one is interested in joining Exotic, I can set you up for 50% off through friends-in-paradise...but you would have to sit through a 90 minute presentation, so I wouldnt recommend it unless you are really interested in joining.

Hey girls... there are quite a few newbies now, so figured I'd mention this again.  Talis and I joined Karisma's Exotic Travelers Club so we could get the best rooms and rates for all of our guests.  We have a lot of traveler "weeks" left over if anyone needs any help with guests that waited to long for your room block (or maybe for your honeymoon at a different Karisma resort).  Depending on the weekend and room rate, its 25-40% off.  Anyways, I can pass the discount to any of my "friends/family".   All of our guests used our membership and they got treated just as well as we did!  Theres no way Talis and I could use all of these on our own, so figured some of you girls might need the extra discount .  Through my year of planning I developed an awesome relationship with my Karisma concierge, so if I can help out just PM the room type and number of nights...he usually gives me a quote within 24 hours.

Happy Planning!  Jaime

We rented the sheers from Lomas.  We did one Tiffany Blue and one White.  Tip...if you are ok with white being one of your sheers it saves $50!

Then the flowers were separate.  I didnt end up doing a package, because what I wanted turned out cheaper if bought separately.

A couple of you were curious about how the tall vases looked as centerpieces, so here are a few pics I was able to screen shot...  I'm sure there is a much better way, but wanted to post it quick before my mgrs see me playing with pics

Originally Posted by Mwise17 

 

Jaime.....that is awesome.  I was going to may the $100 for the pomanders, get them put into a vase after for the centerpieces (which I am sure they would have charged me for....but this will be much cheaper and will have more impact.   Love it! 

 

Did you bring down your own sheers?  (did you get a package for the gazebo or just pay for the gazebo flowers/sheers a la carte?)

Thanks again!

 

 

 

 

We didnt do a garter/bouquet toss because we only had 2 single guys, and 2 single girls...and all 4 are the type to let it fall on the ground .  If I did one, I probably wouldve done it after cake.

If you have a good DJ, he should actually be able to maintain your schedule of events.  Maybe still have someone as a little backup, but the DJ really should do it for you. 

I completely understand not trusting anyone but yourself...haha!
 

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

Thanks Jaime! When did you do garter/bouquet toss? I guess it doesn't really matter when exactly it happens...sometime after cake I'd think...

You said you had a friend stay on top of the schedule, right? 

I have doremixx to help MC but I can't expect him to be in charge of the sequence of events I don't think. I need to delegate to someone in my group...I just don't trust anyone as much as ME, it's what I do for a living! Can we say control freak? :)

Here is the print out I gave to the onsite WC and my friend that stepped in to help if things started slipping.  We stuck pretty close to this timeline.

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

Does anyone have a timeline for their reception?

Like

6:30pm guests seated for dinner

645pm Bride and groom announced

6:45pm Salad served

Etc Etc...

 

Thanks!

 

Processional and Reception Order.docx

I'm sure others have given you guys warning...but my onsite WC looked at me like I was crazy when I mentioned the word rehearsal!  At the meeting I kept asking how we should all walk down the aisle and he would tell me "dont worry, i'll tell you what to do when the time comes".  This scared the heck out of me, so I decided on the order of people the day before the wedding, put it on paper, and distributed to everyone (including the WC).

Then I took my girls and my parents the day before to let them practice.
 

I did your same order except my groomsman went separate, then Talis followed after them.  Then the bridesmaids went alone right before me and my dad.

Also, in case others didnt warn you... the officiant may try to convince your Fiance to face backwards through the entire processional (until you are actually standing there).  If he doesnt want to do this...its OK to say no.  Talis ended up facing backwards through the bridesmaids, then turned around right before I appeared at the top of the ramp.  I wouldve killed him if he missed me walking down the aisle! 

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

My guys are walking the ladies down the isle.

I'm thinking:

Groom's Parents

Bride's Mom + 1 groomsmen ( I have one extra guy)

5 Groomsmen + Bridesmaids in pairs

2 Flower girls

Me and my Dad.

Wait, what about the groom? He goes first I guess w/ officiant (who will also hopefully be a friend!)

 

This is going to be a separate set of research for sure!

 

I would still like to walk through all of this with the hotel staff, I need them to be on the same page as me.

 

 

The ocean was good for TTD, but the pool pics just seemed to turn out the best!  Plus, 4 of us in May had the same photographer, so you probably even notice a lot of the same poses. 
 

Originally Posted by justiner57 

Wow your pictures are amazing!! They turned out great, congrats! I see alot of brides doing in the pool pictures for the TTD.... is the ocean not good to take pics in? Just curious.... 

Thanks for the compliments ladies!

The tall vases were $60 each, including the flowers.  They transferred to the reception for centerpieces.  I was worried they would be too tall on the tables, but they ended up looking really cool! 

I'd actually say that was the best deal I got from Lomas out of the whole wedding!
 

Originally Posted by Mwise17 

Gorgeous!!!!

 

Did you rent those vases for the ceremony?  (I am assuming they doubled as centre pieces?)

Did you pay for each floral arrangement that sat on them, and the vases for rental?  or was it in a package?  (the $1300 gazebo set up perhaps?)

 

Congrats again!

 

Let me try again with the pics actually showing

Wow I havent checked-in in a while and there are some gorgeous pictures from the June brides!

I finally have some of my pro pics... here are some of my favs

We honeymooned at El Dorado Casitas, and it was absolutely fabulous! 

Welcome back and congrats!!

Sorry to tack onto yours, but it reminded me I never shared my review with the Houston girls!

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/azul-sensatori-hotel-by-karisma-all-inclusive/reviews/4592

My husband is trying to convince me to start a DW travel agency now, so we'll see.  We've always talked about starting a business of some sort, just not sure what the success rate is in Houston.  We'll see!

Hey Justine - Yeah, the updo prices do get pretty crazy.  I do not think you should be expected to pay for it, but you should let them know upfront if you plan to or not.  Have you decided what you will be giving as BMs gifts?  I gave my girls an option of massage, mani/pedi, or updo...then explained in a polite way that they'd would be responsible for paying beyond the one they selected.  Just a thought.

Originally Posted by justiner57 

Hi Ladies,

 

So I have a question for all you past brides. Some of my bridesmaids have been asking me about hair & make-up day of the wedding. I contacted the WC onsite and she said it was $86 a person just to get their hair done, which I think it outrageous! It doesn't matter to me about them getting their hair & make-up done, but I know some of the girls want to get it done. Am I expected to pay for this? Obviously if I pay for one person I have to pay for everyone, but I was hoping someone knew a way to bring down the cost or any suggestions? I was thinking of getting my hair & make-up done on the day of the wedding, although I don't really like wearing make-up so I'm sure she will put too much on me lol.

Just voted   Good Luck!

It is crazy how many little things have changed since the big day and NOT seeing my name on the list just hit me!  I went from being the absolute bottom of the list to off the list in absolutely no time! 

Ladies who have a year + to go...  I promise the time flies at an incredible pace!  I was engaged 18 months and people always tried to tell me it would fly.  Of course I didn't believe any of them, but they were 100% correct!  Take it all in!  It can get super frustrating at times, but try your best not to sweat the small stuff, and enjoy yourself

I was on a larger plane and was able to use the front closet.  There was actually another bride on my plane and both of our dresses fit no problem!  Even if a closet is not available, I would recommend carry-on 100%.  Heck, I'd rather shove it under the seat in front of me before trying to check it or ship it .

And steaming at the resort is pretty reasonable.  I think 180 pesos?  And they did a great job on mine! 

Okie dokie, here is my review...

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/azul-sensatori-hotel-by-karisma-all-inclusive/reviews/4592

Its really hard to summarize everything!  I couldnt have done my planning without the help of past brides, so I pledge that I will continue to get on the forum and help you girls as much as possible . 

I'm thinking they were overwhelmed with the number of weddings in May and just started bringing in people with little experience.  I'm sure we all intimidate them since we've banded together and have a lot more knowledge than they are used to.  For example, I had to explain to my WC what a signature drink is . 

Maggie - I'm with you 100% on the budget.  To have a wedding like all of ours in the states couldve easily cost close to $30K.  I had an amazing time with my friends, family, and hubby.  And would do it all again in a heartbeat...wouldnt change a thing!  except maybe the length of my bouquet...ahaha.

Thanks!  My bouquet was actually only $90!  I gave them the ribbon and rhinestones and they put them on pretty close to the way we asked (we wanted the three rows touching each other - no gaps) but it still looked really good!  Also, I thought the stems were way too long, but wasnt much I could do about it then.  So if you have an idea of how long you think your stems should be, it wouldnt hurt to specify.   This is the picture I sent my Miami WC, and just specified all ivory roses.

The only strange thing was, the Miami WC said it would be $70 and identical to this picture.  When I had my onsite meeting the WC said "yep, it will be just like this except some foliage".  When I said no foliage, he said it would be an additional $20 !?!?!  The frustrating part is he couldnt explain why it was more $ to have no foliage, its just the way it is.  It wasnt worth the fight over $20...but still something very very strange.  I wasnt a huge fan of the onsite team, and this was just one of the little reasons.

Originally Posted by 1106wedding 

Jaime - I love your pictures! Thanks for sharing! Your dress and hair and everything looks great . Your bouquet...was that in the $200 range and did they wrap it with that ribbon (did you bring your own ribbon?) - I know I'll have more questions for you but for now, welcome home and congratulations!

 

The flowers at the entrance were $60 each, then transferred to the reception as centerpieces.  Totally worth it!  Looked really cool in person.  They have these vases through Lomas, so you could actually just show a pic of mine and your WC would know what you are talking about.  And you can tell them any flower color combo.

For the minister...she was awesome!  I never actually got her name, but the name on the cert is Alina Monroy.  Everyone could understand her perfectly clear and she followed my sermon perfectly (I used their standard with a few minor changes and additional readings).  The only thing that bothered me is she only met with Talis in advance...not me.  But that could've been the WC fault...not hers.  And luckily Talis knew how I (we) wanted everything .  I would definitely recommend her if your able to request your minister.
 

Originally Posted by melfaybik 

Jamie - I have a couple of other questions for you...

 

How much were the flowers at the entrance of your aisle?  Did you send a specific photo to your WC or did you order something from the Lomas site?

 

Also, do you remember who your minister was? I am worried about the ceremony going smoothly...Did yours go good?

 

THANKS!!!!

Hey girls.  I have been completely MIA since we got home!  Need to catch up AGAIN .  Just wanted to post a quick picture of the ceremony from above (plus a couple more).  I was trying to wait until I got the professional pics because the coloring isnt quite right on any I've found so far (the sun was rough at 5pm!)...but I needed to share something

Justine - I'm definitely planning to sell my zavas decor! I'll have a better list of what's available when I get home, but off the top of my head, I have 6 strands of lights, 4 strings of 8" lit lanterns, 6 white 14" lanterns, and some 10" that I didn't end up using. All white turned out really nice with the tiff blue satin sashes and runners for a pop of color. I'll post pictures too so you can see how it all went together.

Hi everyone!! I haven't read through the 150 posts I've missed, just wanted to pop in and say hi!!! Wedding went fabulous!! My review will come later but i have a big tip for anyone soon...if possible, I highly recommend having a friend know exactly what you want for the ceremony and reception so they can step in if the coordinators start to fall short. Decor was perfect, ceremony went smooth, but the reception organization could've fallen apart fast if our friend didn't step in and take over. My number 2 biggest tip is to give them one suitcase with an inventory list with descriptions of exactly how you want everything. I got this original idea from LessIsMore, and built on it by putting absolutely everything in writing in the suitcase...inventory, pictures, sermon, readings, order of events,etc. Well I better get back to my honeymoon! If anyone is considering the casitas...I highly recommend it!!! It has been fabulous here! It's pretty expensive, but totally worth it! Also, I didn't end up using all of my membership "weeks" for all of my guests, so if any of you need extra discounts for your honeymoon or straggling guests just let me know and I'll see what I can get. PM me though cause I have no idea when I'll get through all the posts!

And, I'm outta here!!!  I can't wait to tell you ladies all about it!

If I have some time from the resort I'll check in and say hi