Vettiebean

I'm so excited for the big day! As I get closer to the wedding date, I find myself spending more and more time looking over his photoblog. He's such a fun, gifted photographer! I can't wait for our wedding and for Sascha to capture all of the candid moments and special glances. Photography is the MOST important thing for me, and I feel really lucky to have found Sascha. I will provide a full review after the wedding and photos, but I can assure you - Sascha has been absolutely professional, prompt, responsive... so great to work with... Under 1 month to go!!!

Hola Derek and Lorena! We are under the one month mark!!! I looked over your blog again today, admiring all the photos and feeling grateful to be a "runner up" in this contest. Both of us are so, so very excited for our turn. The underwater camera work and cenote images are incredible! The sultry beach shots, the passionate candids, the beautiful make up... THANK YOU so much for this opportunity!

@elisamarie - THANKS!!! Btw I love your dogs! But I agree... I actually feel for this girl. And, I even told her that. But I just can't keep dealing with her for the rest of our lives together. I gave her a chance to explain herself, and she couldn't other than to say she missed my fiance and wanted to be able to run to him like old times... etc etc. Nothing good. @kymish - Thank you! I wanted to give them every chance and fair opportunity in the world. It's not like I flipped out after the first or second or third occurrence... it's been months of dealing with her drama and I'm so over it. lol

Well... I think we finally put an end to that whole mess. Long story short. A very inappropriate message, IMHO, was sent at an unsavory hour. Seedy, questionable behavior no longer tolerated. Opinions were expressed, words were exchanged, and all's good in the world. Can't say I didn't give it every shot in the world and wasn't understanding. Don't think we'll be having this issue anymore, though.

So since my previous post, I have become a lash girl for sure. It gives my little almond eyes the extra pop I need. Here's the problem - singles or clusters. The thing with individual lashes is that they are placed one to one on top of the lash. It's great and all, but actually doesn't give me as much pop as I want. With the clusters, I get a TON of pop! It depends on how "natural" you want your lashes to look. I have no problem with my lashes looking slightly "fake" in person because I want them to look good in pictures! Those last forever lol Decisions, decisions...!

Okay... so by now, I think we all know about some of the issues MP has had in the past about giving different brides different answers. Some brides said that they were allowed to use the resort credit to pay for upgrades to the complimentary package - flowers, carriage, cake, dress/suit pressing,... They're telling me now that the 1500 can be put toward the spa/salon, golf, and tours, but it cannot be put toward "extras" to the complimentary package. Any of you brides have correspondence or experience with this? Much appreciated ladies!

Absolutely love this!!! I saw the photographs on your blog. I think it was the extra bump I needed to rekindle the wedding planning enthusiasm!!! I adore my man, and I just want to be married... all the planning (esp to do a reception after) gets sooo tiring, stressful... but you gave me a bit of planning excitement back! Thank you!!! I can't wait for our turn <3 Beautiful pictures, everyone!!!

Ahk! Sooo sorry to be unresponsive to your question. I have been super busy and away from the forum. So, to answer your question.. it truly depends on what your price range is, what your fiance's style is, what his preferences are... if you want something trendy or classic.... leather band or links ... how big of a watch fan is he? What are his style and comfort preferences? If you guide me a bit, I can give you a better response to help you keep an eye out for certain sales/brands. Ex. some sporty, fun, young, trendy watches can be surprisingly expensive, but wouldn't retain the same versatility and lasting power as a classic watch. However, a ton of people love the trendy watches, so it's all about what you're going for....

Awww ladies, thanks for the love and support! I didn't feel like a good person going through it all though. I felt paranoid and crazy and as though I was overreacting or jealous or reading into things too much... lol I felt a lot of guilt because I knew I was the reason for their distance and they'd been friends for a long time. But, having said all that, I also knew that it had to be HIS decision. I would rather take a chance that she'd be there than risk that he'd hold some sort of bitterness or resentment. It's a way for me to show him I trust, love, and respect him, too. It's our wedding, not just mine. Don't get me wrong though, we all know I'm happy she's not invited! lol I guess in the end, my telling him to invite her, and him not inviting her, was our way of showing each other that we're taking each other into consideration and the most important person to one another. To update you wonderful ladies though, the trip was... interesting. She had been planning to go, but backed out at the last minute. I didn't know about any of this until the second night (of 3 days). From what I know, they rarely talk on the phone, but she's still psycho. She sent him a picture text/MMS the other day with like an entire PARAGRAPH caption. Ah... and my fiance has apparently refused to give her our new address. That's a plus--no more phallic themed cards in my mailbox! lol And in case you're curious, (because I sure would be!), FI and I regularly hold/text for/call for each other when the other person is driving. Incoming text while he's driving... "Hey babe... um... [insert name] is sending you a picture text." He told me to open it. His reply was "Ha. thanks!" I'm sure he wants to still have some sort of cordial, scaled back friendship with her, and that's fine by me. Boundaries just need to be carved into the ground with tree trunks to ensure their presence! We are having our legal marriage at the courthouse, the wedding in mexico, and then the reception in houston. This broad isn't invited to ANY of it. I feel like I should be petting a hairless white kitten on my lap right now like all evil villains haha Oh well.... I shouldn't feel too bad, I guess.

Hi there, have you tried the internet "exclusive" deals sites? You have to be invited to them, but once you join, you have access to all these deals. I'm a member of ... well, as many as possible. Bought our friend a nice watch for his birthday for only $75 (plus shipping). It's something to consider. Some of the watches are heavily discounted.

All these exciting honeymoon plans!! WOW, an entire month?! JEALOUS. lol Ok, I laid down on this chilly night in LA while FI had to work and did some interwebs searching. Looks like so far, we're considering Thailand, Vietnam, DR, Costa Rica. Personally, I might be leaning toward Southeast Asia, but I'm a bit afraid of the travel time + jet lag issues. DR, Costa Rica, and anywhere else in the Caribbean is going to be peak season still, I think, and more expensive. But, not really worried about jet lag. Surprisingly annoyed with lengthy travel times and long layovers though. Suggestions? What do you ladies think?

So what is everyone getting their FI for the big day? I finally decided on what to get my guy for each of our events, but now it's a matter of making it all happen financially. FI never, ever splurges on material things for himself. He works tirelessly at least 6 days a week, and often 7, to provide for us. Until very recently (like super recent), I was unemployed. I'd had a series of unexpected, random surgeries and procedures over the summer, then ended up having to study for the CA bar exam. He says his goal is to be a better person for me. So, needless to say, now that I'm marrying my Prince Charming, I will do everything in my power to give him something to show him how much I appreciate him and love him. Of course, he doesn't NEED it, but it's not about what he needs. It's about being able to finally give back a little to him after all he's done for me, especially bc he wouldn't spend this money on himself. Ahh sorry for the blabbing... Courthouse/legal ceremony: engraved money clip or cufflinks. FI doesn't have any cufflinks, so a special nice pair would be something special and something he could use/doesn't already have. Also practical and could be of good use, a money clip. Right now, FI likes to crumple his bills into his pockets. lol Mexico DW: I consider this to be our real wedding and "the big day," so I'm hoping to make it special. From another bride (I'm sorry, can't remember exact bride), I am borrowing the idea of socks for "cold feet" and a nice watch so he's not late to the wedding! FI loves watches and my father is actually a watch collector. So, I know a bit about good timepieces and want to get him something extra special for the big day. Along with that will be a card and my boudoir album. Always a bargain hunter, I found a great deal for $70 for the actual 2 hour session itself. Then, pics are individually priced, but it was still a fantastic deal after doing the math. And, instead of a ton of unedited pics, each and every one that I want will be retouched, without ever having to look at ugly pics of me trying to be alluring! hahaha AHR: I'm weird bc due to popular demand (read as: our parents are crazy, mine are traditional vietnamese, and adults act like kids throwing tantrums that we're not having a big reception), we're having a more formal reception than we are our actual DW. Anyhow, FI is a HUGE Michael Jackson fan, and we both have always wanted to go see the Cirque de Soleil shows. Soooo, this past Monday, I bought us tickets to the show when it hits LA. Our AHR is in mid-january, and the MJ Cirque show is in late January, so timing is perfect! Now the hard part.... keeping it a secret for over 8 months!!!

Hi everyone! You ladies are always a huge help, so I'm hoping to get your input on another subject. We are cutting our wedding trip short due to expenses and time. So, we'll be in Cancun/Riviera Maya at the Moon Palace for about a week. Then, flying back home, Sunday to recuperate, and then it's back to work. We're planning on taking our honeymoon (1 week) in January, but really need advice and suggestions on where to go. It would be around January 15 - January 21. We're open to all suggestions!! Here's some info that might help suggestions: -while MP is all inclusive, we're totally open to a more "real world" vacation. Touring with locals, finding random food spots, doing our own thing, etc. -If we can do it on the cheap, all the better!!! -Open to other areas in Mexico, but prefer other countries/locations. -Open to tropical or urban/ big city -We enjoy nice things, but nothing has to be top of the line -we like to go with the flow -we only have one week -belize, costa rica, DR, bahamas, jamaica? Any suggestions there? -we're departing from San Antonio, Texas and returning home to Los Angeles, CA Thank you SO SO much ladies! We really need your help on this!

That's so exciting!!! I wish I had that much done so far, but new job, lots of life changes... things had to get pushed back in the planning process. We're sort of doing something similar with postponing the honeymoon though. We're at the resort 5 days pre-wedding, and then a couple days after. Wish we could stay longer!! lol But, we are having a huge formal AHR. And we felt like we'd be super exhausted after that bc it would be more work than our actual wedding. So, in January, after the AHR, we're taking off for another week! Not sure where, yet. But keeping options open. Any suggestions from you ladies? What's Europe like during that time of year? Thanks ladies!!!

Hey ladies!!! Been a long while since I've been back! Congrats to the recent new wifeys! 1) SASCHA PHOTOGRAPHY UPDATE: I read the few responses re: my Sascha questions and how to by-pass the no outside vendors thing. Now, I see people are saying either get them a room or do the $300 fee. The day pass thing seems to have disappeared as an option from reading other brides' responses. Any new updates on that? The idea of having to spend all that extra money just boggles my mind. 2) MOON GRAND ROOM NUMBER: Any brides stay in the Moon Grand section and have a view of the ocean? I think there's been only a couple rooms with actual non-golf views, and I think FI and I have decided to stay in the Moon Grand section. Originally, we were going to stay some extra days at a sister resort, but not happening anymore. So while there, future hubs wants to stay in the new section. Thanks, ladies!!!

Thank you!! It really does have a nice sheen to it in person. I bought it from Macy's. I *think* it's an Alfani suit. I will double check once I dig through FI's closet, but pretty sure. FI is going to have it altered (both jacket and pants) so that it fits better, but all in all, not bad. I considered buying a suit online (I've seen a lot of discount sellers), and was super tempted. But we came across this suit and FI and I both loved it. So we figured, why not?

Depends on the person (doing it and getting it done), how much hair you have, etc. I'd say I'm probably done in half an hour (not counting any waiting time). I do underarms, upper lip, and full brazillian. Doesn't hurt for me at all. But, they do use the gel, and a lot of times will use a fan type machine (blows cool air on your skin) while they zap you. Even though it doesn't hurt, even I can tell a difference between when they do and don't use the fan. Good luck!

Can't believe I missed this until now!! Lol I'm ALLLLL late, crap! Loved the thread! Now, post the pics, Mrs! lol The packing list and newsletter is a great idea.

Mine are, which I find interesting because they're not paying for anything. However, I am sure it's because in my case, no one is going to the DW, so they don't care what it looks like. For the AHR, they all need to showcase a grand reception. My gf (who is also getting married this year) said it best: Weddings aren't for you. You think they're for you, but they're not. They're really for everyone else.

Hi Courtney, I think you've got a great plan, budget, etc. set up! I even remember reading about some of your AHP details before and thinking the same thing. I actually wish I could have an event more similar to yours than mine... lol But I won't complain. I'm thankful to be able to do anything "extra" beyond our DW at all.

Thanks! I just feel it makes the most sense to me. I mean, I'm sure I can't stop all the pics from posting because I'll have friends with cameras there and all. But for the professional photos, I'd like to give them the center of attention for a few minutes. I will maybe toss out a teaser photo or two, but that's it. (and if even that!) Definitely no TTD photos or anything. Quote: Originally Posted by Brenners Great idea about no FB postings for the photos! Still trying to figure out what to do with the AHR and need to start with that budget! ARRGGGHHH! Thanks for all the ideas ladies! Keep them coming!

I totally agree about wanting to make sure they know how thankful I am! Thank you.. I really think/hope she'll like it. All of our guests are getting great gifts, though. Shizz... I'd wanna go to my wedding to get a gift! lol I just found the perfect tote bag for the girls, too. Light blue tote bag with chocolate colored starfish detail. Simple, nice, big, and in our wedding colors! I really need to get the guest list confirmed (that's not happening for MONTHS) so I can buy gifts though! lol

Hi there, Joanne! Thanks! I absolutely adore my shoes! They're Badgley Mischka. I am in love with BM's shoes for evening and formal events. Very cute. Annnnd, while they're usually like 200 ish, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for sales! I buy my shoes in a hurry because I have small feet (never have many shoes in my size), but if you can wait, then they'll be on sale soon, I'd imagine. Happy shopping!!

Yeah, will be really hard for me, too. We have a lot of time in between wedding and reception as well. But, I'm going to try my best. These photos are my prized possessions (aside from a hubby of course), and I want them to have their own moment in the spotlight and "wow" the guests all at once.

1. Budget. What amount are you looking to spend since you will have just spent quite a bit of money on your DW? Did you include this in your overall wedding budget? Two separate budgets. Keeping both on the lower end, if possible... or trying to, but hard with a huge family with huge culture and huge expectations. We are paying for everything ourselves. I am trying to be VERY creative about keeping down costs. 2. Type. What kind of AHR are you planning? Is it formal or informal? How long will it last? Will you also have a dance after the reception? Very formal. Funny enough, I seem to be backwards of most people on the forum. For most, the DW is fancy and very elegant and the AHR is much more laid back (backyard bbq, lunch, etc). I actually was going to go this route initially, but for a plethora of reasons, we're doing it backwards. The DW, while still nice and romantic... will be very small, intimate, much more casual, and just... fun. Relaxed. No stress. On the flip side, I come from a traditional Vietnamese family and they demand LARGE WEDDINGS. So.... 9 course meal, formal gowns, etc. Will have sit down formal meal, dancing to follow. Probably lasting 4-5 hours. I have 100+ people on the guest line for FAMILY alone... oy... FI wanted a DJ, I said just go with speakers, ipod, and have a few friends at the mic--it's less expensive that way. 3. When. How long after your DW are you planning the AHR? We initially wanted it right after the DW because we wanted to still feel like the bride and groom... not the already married couple. But because I've confirmed that my sister can attend after all (wasn't sure when she'd be able to attend anything), we've decided on a date 10 weeks after our wedding. In a way, that's a good thing because 1) my sister can go and 2) it gives people attending both the DW and AHR a break between traveling and vacation time, etc. 3) gives us a financial break between events, too. 4. Food. Are you having a buffet or a formal sit down dinner? Formal 9 course sit down dinner. Vietnamese cuisine. 5. Clothes. What are you wearing to your AHR? Your wedding day attire or something else entirely? My wedding dress for the beach ceremony is more on the casual side. Beachy, flowy, breezy.... not fancy by any means. And, FI has a grey suit for the beach wedding. So, for the formal reception, we're doing black suit plus whatever tie or something FI wants. I'm wearing a formal wedding dress (different from beach one entirely), then changing into a traditional vietnamese dress, then changing into a party dress. 6. Invitations. Formal or informal invitations? We are thinking about having it in the small town where I grew up and many people just put an announcement in the local paper for people to attend but then it is difficult to determine the amount of food you need. Formal invitations and announcements. I would recommend looking at Vista Print for freebies and low cost invites. We'll probably order ours from there. Another option is to do a e-vite type thing so that it's free but still allows you to have a head count and keep track of guests. I'd freak out if I didn't have a proper head count to know how much food to have. lol 7. Photographer. Are you hiring a professional photographer for the day? Not that I originally planned or wanted it this way, but it appears my AHR is going to be a bigger/fancier/pricier/blahhh event than my DW. lol, None of my family or Fi's family will be at DW, so yes. Photographer all the way over here. But, the photographer is just starting out, so his prices are much more reasonable than others I've seen. You should consider student photogs (with portfolios and experience) or new/just starting photogs (also with portfolios) because they are usually so much less expensive. Also, consider which is more important to you. My photos from the DW are going to be so incredibly important to me. To me, that's my wedding. That's when I married my husband, and those are the memories I need to have captured as best as possible. The AHR is also important, but (this prob sounds horrible) they don't mean as much to me as the DW photographs. 8. Cake. Are you having a traditional wedding cake for the AHR? We're having a traditional cake at the DW (complimentary package, whatever comes with it!). I don't need a second one. Neither of us actually like cake that much (unless it's a baskin robbins ice cream cake! lol), so we're probably going to do a dessert table with a tower of some sort to give the appearance of the cake. The restaurant is also serving creme brulee for dessert, so ehhh no cake for me. Thinking cheesecake bites, key lime pie bites, mini cupcakes, dipped strawberries. It will actually save us money rather than doing a huge cake. 9. Decorations. What kinds of decorations are you having for your AHR? Nooo clue. Maybe some name placecards and center pieces. But, those Asian ballrooms are usually so decked out, that much more and your eyes will go crazy! lol Good thing for me, the less we buy, the better! 10. DW Photos. Are you going to have these on display and if so, how? Definitely want to display it somehow... either video or slideshow or something... haven't quite figured that out, yet. But like I said, they are going to mean sooo much to me. I want to show the world. I'm even considering holding off showing any photographs (except for a few teasers) until post reception so that everyone gets the full effect. No FB! Not that I wanted it to be this way initially, but my AHR is going to be far more formal than my beach wedding. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining about it, it's just not what I had in mind when I began planning my wedding. To me, the beach wedding is what FI and I want for our dream day. It's our moment with just our few friends... no drama, no hassle... just casual fun. All of that is for us. Love it. For the AHR, it's more for our families, namely our parents. Neither sets of parents have been able to be "insert" of the bride/groom before. They really have their hearts set on a formal, traditional affair. My dad's never gonna get this chance again. And FI is the youngest of 3 brothers, but first to marry. Hope this helps. Ultimately, no two weddings will be alike. So many different budgets and ideas for AHRs. Just do what works best for your budget and keeps you guys sane/comfortable. Good luck!