JHarris

Hey gals! How is everyone!! It's been a while since I've been on here!! Congrats to all the new brides!! 

Planning can be super stressful but enjoyable at the same time. 

The wedding coordinators truly do a great job. Hiccups do happen, a few of us have experienced minor to horrible incidences at The Royal but for your wedding day - they truly do an amazing job. 

Make sure you get everything in writing and documented. Yes they have ridiculous rules but take it with a grain of salt. I loved my time there and would do it all over again. 

As far as meals go, they truly do an amazing job on lamb chops. Our main course was lamb chops and they were incredible. 

Fernando Fuentes - to echo Lisa- does an amazing job with makeup. And he's just hilarious. 

Marvin from Maya Disenos does great floral work. I have pics of my center pieces and they were perfect. 

The DJ was great. I think we had Ivan? If you have specific songs you want to hear, write them down, bc he'll play them. Alot of fun! 

I highly, highly recommend the romantic dinner for two. That was one of our favorite memories. 

Happy planning!! =)  

PS Next year I'm, planning on finally getting my Boudoir photos taken!! Kshow!! - you are one hot momma! Amazing pics!! 

Hello all future Mrs!!

It's been a while since I've been on - I hope everyone is doing well and having fun planning their weddings.

OrrO - I got married at The Royal PDC, June of this year. As long as they haven't changed their rules again, here is what I did. In order to have my guests join us from Gran Porto, I paid for the event. We had our rehearsal dinner at Asiana's but it was not Asiana's food ( you have to chose from the banquet menu). I had the Welcome Dinner at Gran Porto and let's just say the food quality was not up to par. Sadly there is a huge difference in quality between Gran Porto and Royal. I was really embarrassed that our friends/family with kids had this as their only option. Children are not allowed at the Royal at all, except on the Wedding Day.

Definitely keep this in mind if you're planning on pre-wedding events at The Royal.

Let me know if you have any questions. Happy planning! =)

Originally Posted by Andrea434 

 

Hi ladies,

 

My fiance has a question he wanted me to put out here.  Have any of your fiances/husbands done a deep sea fishing excursion.  Who did you use and was it a good experience? 

Thanks gals!

 

Andrea

We had one booked but unfortunately there was an approaching storm which made the waters choppy and no boats would leave. My brother in law booked it. I'll have to ask him. Relatively quick walk to pier and you get a shirt from them. Luckily everyone was refunded their money with no issues. =)

Originally Posted by Labebita911 

 

OFFICIALLY A ROYAL CANCUN BRIDE!!! JULY 14, 2012!!!!!

  YAY!!!! 

Welcome back Heidi and congrats on being a MRS now!!!

I saw Breah in the pics! =) It looks like a fabulous time. Love your dress!! So glad to hear you had a great time and no issues. Did Fernando's guy do your hair? Love it!!

Hi Hilly,

I had a 6pm wedding slot and it wasn't a problem at all. My reception was inside so we were allowed to stay as long as possible. But for outside receptions I believe the cutoff time is 10pm.

It's all about what you want to do. My ceremony was from 6-6:30pm, after that we went into champagne and open bar cocktails for an hour, then immediately into the reception.

The timeline is what you want it to be. And I agree - 6pm was cooler and not alot of people around. 

Hopes this helps!

Janna 

Originally Posted by hilly1gh 

Hi everyone -

 

I am brand new to the forum, but am loving all the advice and well wishes.  I just put down my deposit for our wedding in May 2012 at the Royal.  I'm a little nervous because my finance wanted the 6:00 pm time slot, so that's what I reserved.  Will this be too late?  We also want a cocktail hour and reception afterwards.  I was thinking everything happened one after the other, but it sounds like there are hour breaks in between.  Last I checked, there was a 4:00 slot at the wedding gazebo, but every time I call I'm put on hold or told to call back when my contact is working.  I've emailed her but haven't heard back for several days.  I know I should be patient... but its so hard.  I just want the day to be perfect.  Any advice?

 

Thanks!!

Hi Roza,

That is beyond ridiculously odd. They give you three choices in which you're allowed to pick whom you want. I wouldn't take that answer. Is this from the online coordinator or your assigned on-site coordinator? Seriously, they get so much money from weddings that they can bend a little to work with you. 

I said I wanted a guitarist and that's what I received. LOL.... honestly.... That place cracks me up at times. 

Janna
 

Originally Posted by RGWedding 

Hi Ladies,

 

I need your help!

 

I want a harpist to play at our ceremony. The wedding specialist told me that I had to choose 3 instruments and the "union" would send whoever was available between a violinist, harpist, or guitarist. Is she serious?? I don't get to pick the instrument?? Has anyone heard this before?

 

Also, what are you ladies planning for ceremony music?

 

Roza

The Royal at PDC

December 4, 2011

 

Hi Denielle,

I didn't do video coverage for my reception but here's the timeline that I created bc I wanted certain pictures in my wedding dress before I changed into my traditional chinese dress:

1. Ceremony - 30mins.

2. Cocktail reception with open bar - 1hr, mexican trio as entertainment and they were great!

3. Bridal Party entrance, then bride & groom

4. Couple's first Dance

5. Cake cutting

6. Dinner reception, we had them serve the dessert included in package along with wedding cake. I'm not kidding when I say everyone ate both. LOL

7. Father and Daughter Dance

8. Mother and Son Dance (I changed during this song)

9. Special surprise dance for couple celebrating their 27th anniversary that day

10. Chinese Tea Ceremony, honoring parents

11. Dance time!!

Hope this helps!

Janna

Originally Posted by deniden 

For the brides who've already gotten married and done a private reception...

 

How long was it from when the reception started until the partying started? I'm trying to plan my videographer coverage. I want to make sure cake cutting is included in my coverage, but I'm having a hard time figuring out the timeline.

 

Thanks!

Hi Nikki,

I did not have to pay for a vendor fee when Fernando arrived for the trial session. Everyone at the resort knows him - but the front desk people are a pain in the butt. They called my wedding coordinator and kept him waiting for 20mins before they let him up. You can pay him either in US dollars or pesos or direct deposit into his sister's chase account. 

I paid all my vendors in advance either by paypal (Marvin uses Paypal) or by direct deposit - but that depends on how comfortable you feel about that. I felt completely confident knowing these were trusted vendors. 

Janna
 

Originally Posted by nikkiscriv 

Wow I've been out of the loop for quite a while!  Congratulations to all the June and July brides so far!  I have thoroughly enjoyed hearing of your experiences and seeing pictures of your gorgeous day!

 

Heidi - I know tomorrow is your big day right?  I hope your special day is everything you could want! 

 

I leave on Saturday to Playa!  Meeting with Zulma, and then meeting with Fernando for a trail makeup before the wedding on Monday.

 

For those who had Fernando do their makeup - did you pay the vendor fee for him?  If so and you also had him do a trial, did you have to pay 2 separate fees?

 

For those who booked Marvin and/or Fernando - what was their preferred method of payment...US dollars, Pesos, etc?

 

Have a fantastic day all!

 

________________________________________

Nikki

The Royal at Playa del Carmen - July 25, 2011

31 guests booked + bride and groom

Hi Heidi!!

Hope you had a safe flight and checked in okay!! Congrats on your upcoming wedding this week. It will be beautiful. 

Best Wishes!!

Janna

Bonnie!

Love the fun pics!! Even though you had it inside, it turned out beautifully. What a gorgeous dress!! Love the lace at the bottom. Cute flower hair!
 

Originally Posted by prettypigpig 

Hi Girls,

 

I uploaded some pics taken by a photo loving guest, argh...I can't wait for my pro pics any longer...LOL

http://s894.photobucket.com/albums/ac147/prettypigpig/PDC%202011/?albumview=slideshow

Denielle - I used the resort's videographer. Haven't received the DVD yet but I'm hoping it'll arrive soon. They said it would take about 15-20 days to edit and then it will be mailed. So we'll see how it turns out!

Bonnie - How awesome to have a friend that knows how to film! Your lucky husband gets that cool shot! =)

Bride2B22 - Thanks!! It was a headache finding the right online store for my Qi Pao - traditional chinese dress. If it arrives on your Bday, talk about a fantastic present!! I'm still in the process of picking out our fave pics. Or I should say mine - hubby has an attention span of a 5yr old. Or at least when it comes to this stuff. Hopefully you have better luck in that department!! 

Originally Posted by deniden 

Videographer

 

Has anyone used the resort's videographer? If you didn't and you had a videographer, who did you use?

 

 

Thanks!

Denielle

YAY Heidi!!

It'll be your turn soon!!! The 19th will be here before you know it!!

I believe they can fit up to 40 people at Asiana's in the private alcove. I had 25 people - more than plenty of room for it. Your WC can tell you the exact number. I was okay with paying $300 for it since it was the rehearsal dinner. Everyone dressed up and the table and chairs looked beautiful.

When you check in - if you're not in the master suite already and can afford the upgrade - I would 200% ask if it's available. We got a great on it bc we were getting married there. Super glad we didn't book it at original price when we signed up. We just paid $100 extra each night. So worth it - especially to get ready in.

 

Originally Posted by Heidi82 

Oh my goodness!  I've missed so much...

 

Chelsea, Janna and SweetLe - Your pictures are beautiful!  You all look so happy!

 

Janna - I love the traditional aspects you pulled into your wedding. How many people fit at that long table you had at Asiana's?

 

Cheslsea - Thanks for posting your review and your book is really cute! 

 

I have been really busy getting last minute things together, starting to pack and it just hit me this morning that we will be in Mexico in less than a week!  We fly there on Tuesday, July 19th.  woo hoo!

 

I hope to get my planning thread up before I go, but if not it'll be here afterwards. 

Bride2B22 -

I love your dress!! Absolutely stunning on you- you definitely wore that dress!! Gorgeous colors!! I am a huge fan of your maracas - I did the samething.

What a beautiful chapel at the Cancun resort. Amazing backdrop during your ceremony to see the waves roll in. I wished the PDC one had that design.

Isn't it funny how long it takes to get the professional ones back? Instant gratification now! LOL....

Beautiful wedding and bride. Congratulations on being a Mrs!!!

Love, love love!!! Fantastic photobook!! Your dress is gorgeous!!

 

Originally Posted by chelseacarp 

Here is the link to my photo book I made with the photographer's photos

 

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0IZsmTJm5asn3w

Thanks Kelly!!

I got it from David's Bridal. They had some kind of promotional sale going and I was able to get it for a decent price. I love how it was light and fluttering in the breeze. 

In fact I'm planning on selling it if anyone is interested. I'll put details up once I get it cleaned for a new owner!!

LOL.... He generally doesn't like taking pics but being on vacation definitely helped to loosen him up. 

Our photographer was a ninja climbing all over the gazebo getting those inside shots. He was dueling with the video guy for prime real estate. 

If you're using an outside photographer and the resorts video service in your package, definitely keep that in mind. We told them he had main access for prime shots but I don't think it made a difference.
 

Originally Posted by kellygrrrl 

wow, j! thanks so much for sharing. I loved seeing the welcome dinner setup and your reception in the ballroom. and I LOVED your TTD. the dress was perfect, and you both looked like you were having so much fun. your husband is such a ham - that one of him winking cracked me up.

 

thanks so much for sharing! it's great to see all the details.
 

 

Originally Posted by RGWedding 

 

Beautiful pictures! Loved the tea ceremony.

Thank you!! Can you believe I bought a cast iron teapot? I was so worried a more delicate teapot would break either on the way there, during reception or coming back. I did have a little bridezilla moment. LOL.... I was upset for days that the teapot I really wanted was just too fragile for traveling. Even if I carried it on, it was made out of clay and had delicate hand made flowers, I didn't want to take that chance. So I stopped being a crybaby and made the practical choice. It turned out beautifully in pictures. 

Originally Posted by chelseacarp 

 

Here is my review from my July 2, 2011 wedding.  I will post pictures into my review when I have time to pick out my favorites.

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/the-royal-in-playa-del-carmen-all-inclusive-spa-resort/reviews/4806

Chelsea-

I loved reading your review!! Your dress is simple stunning!! But then again, you are a stunning bride. Congratulations!!! Can't wait to see your pics!! You have motivated me to get my review up!! Isn't it funny how they allow some guests in and not others? 

Okay gals!

As promised, here are my professional pictures. Keep in mind there's literally 1000 pics and in first stages of editing. I like to make changes to my photos - which is why I say first round. LOL....

Enjoy!!

http://steveleephoto.zenfolio.com/harriswed

Password: harriswed

 

Denielle,

I paid for the vendor fee for Fernando and his makeup person. I'm sure if we somehow managed to sneak him in we could have gotten out of it - but that was too much hassle for me.

The front desk security guy doesn't miss much. I'm not kidding when I say he literally eyeballs peoples wrists to make sure they are Royal guests.

Fernando's contact info: [email protected]

Originally Posted by deniden 

I'm sure you've talked about this before - but do you have contact info? And did you have to pay the vendor fee for them?

 

 

Thank you!!!

All our pics are finally up! Now the joy of reviewing 1000 pics and finding the right ones. I'll put the link up in a few so you can see what we did. And there's a fabulous pic of Fernando and his hair guy with us. 

Before I knew it, we were all having espresso. Champagne was making us sleepy. LOL

Originally Posted by deniden 

You looked beautiful! love your dress!!!!
 

 

Alright girls!

Here are some wedding shots taken by my brother in law and other people who were camera happy!

Enjoy!!

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/gallery/album/view/id/10646/user_id/31884

If the link doesn't work, click on my profile and it's the wedding album called Wedding Day.

Heidi!

Working on uploading the pics to my profile on here as we speak. Hopefully that will work much better. Will post link once done. =)

My wedding coordinator said they couldn't have a large crowd ordering off the menu bc the restaurant may not have that much food in stock of the same entree. Anyway, at least you'll get to enjoy the atmosphere. I'll post pics from my rehearsal dinner there. I am glad we paid for the service bc it can be a little slow at Asiana. We went on another night with our parents and it took a long time to get water and food.

 

Originally Posted by Heidi82 

Thanks for the photographer tips Jenn and Janna!  I am hoping to keep us as close to the Royal as possible.

 

JoZee and Janna - Love love your pictures!  They are all so pretty and they keep me looking foward to getting there!  Two weeks from today we'll be arriving in Mexico and meeting with our onsite WC!!

 

Janna - I wasn't able to view your pictures.  It just takes me to the homepage of FB...

 

Denielle - I am using Marvin for flowers, but I am still having the Royal make an "extra" bouquet for me since it's included in the package.  I'll use the one from the Royal for the bouquet toss.

 

I got my welcome dinner switched from the Gran Porto to Asiana's at the Royal!  WOO to the HOO!!  Just need to look over the menu tonight with FI and pick a 3 entree course for everyone.  Not sure why people can't order what they want individually, but at this point I just need to stop making changes and get my welcome letters finished!!!

 

Congrats Bonnie!!  Enjoy the rest of your stay!!

Hey Bonnie!! Congrats on being a Mrs!!! How does it feel now that it's official?

So sorry to hear about the last minute switch. I'm sure it was still beautiful. Did you get to have the ceremony outside? I know you worked so hard on those butterfly decorations for the gazebo.

Originally Posted by prettypigpig 

Jennifer,

I think you and your hubby met my hubby, we are just 2 rooms away from yours!

 

Girls,

I am officially a Mrs.  The weather was a bit stressful last night, me and Zulma had a misunderstanding...and we ended up to move the WHOLE reception from the beach to the timeshare room at the last last minute.  It didn't rain, I should have listen to her, and I would ve got my dream beach wedding reception...oh well. better be safe then be sorry! 

I just went to take underwater TTD with Ivan Luckie, and men..I never seen that many muzzies before!!! I was eaten alive!

I will post my planning thread (belated), and the review a bit later!

ok..time to catch some sun!

 

Originally Posted by Lisa DSO 

 

JHarris, you looked so beautiful!

Thanks Lisa!! Can't believe it's already over and seemed so far away at one point. LOL..

How are you!!! I loved your AHR pics. It looked like you guys had another mini wedding. =)