soon2beMrsG

Ohhh Ladies I've been soooo neglectful. We've been going mad with details and etc. but I will answer each and every one of you this weekend! Cheers to the Villa Brides! Soon2beMrsG!

also another handy tip from the wedding mapper: http://www.weddingmapper.com/diy/wedding_map

Happy Friday ladies Here's a handy site I thought would help you in your planning. The wedding mapper is pretty cool and you can send it to your guests. www.weddingmapper.com of course it has all the other wedding planning trappings like your own website etc. but the map tool is what I use it for as I've already done a wedding website with www.mywedding.com (which is the best one i think because you can have sooo much information and guests can RSVP and it really streamlines everything). Any issues with vendors yet? I'm a bit wary of photographers now sigh. Hope all is going well in your Villa Plans! oooh redginger, i thank you soo much for all that info. The ceremony is going to be in Lily Pond Gazebo and the cocktail hour/reception in the royal croquette lawn/royal pavillion. I'm also going to have stations - cigar rolling station, an ice cream sundae station and a martini station to be set up. Crazy about the pop up guests!! My thing is if you REALLY want to see you should have chosen to stay here like I said so now you just have to wait until the wedding day! I've been very neglectful this week but the work to pay for the wedding had to take over. More this weekend ladies. Soon2beMrsG

Hi ladies, Happy Friday! something funny for the brides to be: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melissa-lafsky/wedding-planning_b_896771.html Melissa Lafsky Editor, writer, ex-lawyer GET UPDATES FROM MELISSA LAFSKY Like 37 The 8 Truths About Weddings (That

Hey Gingerpeach, My coordinator is Andrea Smith and she's wonderful. She's been nothing but accommodating and even deals with my mom, which is no easy task. I'm blessed with a VERY involved Mommy of the Bride. I'm still bringing in my own florists because there are no real Blue kind of flowers in Jamaica and thinking of signature drinks even in these early days but its been great so far. "Date Twin" I love it! Any advice for our ladies and me? Always, Soon2BeMrsG

for all my villa brides - thought this article was worth sharing! http://www.mywedding.com/blog/wedding-basics/gifts-and-favors/favors/the-perfect-out-of-town-guest-gift-bag-by-offbeat-bride/?utm_source=Delightful+Details&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Delightful+Details+2011-07-05 The Perfect Out of Town Guest Gift Bag by Offbeat Bride If you’re planning a destination wedding, you may be wracking your brain over what to do for welcome bags for everyone. Thankfully, around the time I was planning my Hawaiian wedding, I ran across an article with the perfect inspiration for my own welcome bags: Modern Bride’s welcome bag included: * A woven bag * Bottled water * Mints * Cooling gel and sun block * Maui guide book * First aid kit * Fan Now, this welcome bag had some good suggestions, but it was also important to me to use as many local products as possible. (I strongly believe in supporting the local economy of both Maui, and the other Hawaiian islands that I love.) So why shouldn’t I try to use all local products? So with the article as a starting point, I started a search for most of those products pictured above, but made locally. Here is what a thousand hours of online research + months in Hawaii yielded — the perfect “Welcome to Maui†gift bag products: CONTENTS: Lauhala tote bags: I discovered the online Ailana Kai catalog. Their large Lauhala Tote Bags were perfect! But, depending on how many products you’re planning on including, they make bags in all sizes. A map of the island: We grabbed a bunch of driving maps from the airport when he arrived. They were free and EXCELLENT for tourists. We also included a hand-made map of all the wedding event locations. Sunblock: Of course we had to use Maui Babe SPF 30 sunblock! Ideally I would have loved to give everyone a large bottle, but they’re very expensive. So we contacted the sellers and they hooked us up with small 1 oz bottles. Snacks: * We found Wow-Wee chocolate bars — the most delicious chocolate bars ever! These are made on the island and come in eight different flavors. My favorite is chocolate and potato chips. * Speaking of potato chips, we HAD to include a bag of Maui-style potato chips. They’re my favorite snack on Earth. I have had them shipped from Maui to my apartment in West Hollywood. I don’t care, there’s nothing like them. * To wash it all down, we also included Hawaiian Springs water, from the big island. Mini first aid kit: Okay, this wasn’t locally sourced. But I just had to include it because, you know, accidents have happened to us before while on vacation. Fans: Also, not locally sourced, but from Koyal Wholesale. Lip balm: I swear by Oils of Aloha Kukui lip therapy. I buy them in bulk when I go to the islands, and they’re perfect for the girls and guys to use. And here’s how it looked when it was all packed up: Of course, I’m always open for more advice or suggestions for affordable local products to make the best Welcome to Hawaii bags. So if anyone out there has any more ideas feel free to leave ‘em in the comments! by Offbeat Bride on June 30, 2011 in Favors, Guest Bloggers

Congratulations Gingerpeach!!! Let's hear all about it!! I'm sure it was gorgeous and what great advice to take a moment (no matter how small) to step back and appreciate the day. Will definitely heed that. Half Moon is doing wonderfully and all the save the dates are out. Now to doing my actual invitations with the Fiance. Messages in a bottle to be shipped internationally. How are the stress levels ladies? Found a photographer yet Catererbride? Always, Soon2beMrsG

Hi Jwed12 Our date is 04/21/2012 and I'm getting wary of Alain myself as I didn't see a lot posted by him. I'm going to do more research because our hotel also makes us pay an outside vendor fee so he or she would have to be worth it. Our wedding is going to be at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay. I literally can't wait! Soon2beMrsG

hey my villa ladies! Thought I would share this free e-book for http://www.thebridecafe.com/guide.pdf its awesome for the stress you're feeling and for future stress! How are the plans going? Looking into florists now and thinking about Alain Hottat as a photographer. Always, Soon2beMrsG

I'm booking Alain Hottat too! He's really quick to espond to email and really reasonable in price. I received the same quote and couldn't believe it! I hope to hear about your experience with him because he's been good thus far.

Oh Redginger, I feel like such a traitor now but we finally decided to release Endless Summer (hey ladies its available April 21, 2012 if you want it) and we're going with Half Moon. Here are the reasons: http://halfmoon.rockresorts.com/guest-rooms/royal-villas.asp - so I'm technically not a traitor because we're still getting villas + the ceremony and reception site is the Royal Pavillion = total privacy see them stairs... yah so did we in real life and let me tell ya, I didn't see anything good happening from having a broken neck on the day of my wedding although the villa was beautiful it was too compartmentalized Paulette my prospective wedding planner was awesome though and took me about 7 more villas and if you're still looking I would suggest Noble House - flat and beautiful and the ocean is right there. We went to Half Moon last and honestly we fell in love all over again. Up until then we were dead set on Endless summer. Then we got a tour (by the Endless Summer is on the Half Moon golf course) and honestly it gave us the villa feel with privacy, reasonably affordable and I didn't have to worry about blocking off rooms for the guests attending. So even though I started this as a villa bride I am now a "Sort of" villa bride. I'm still doing the following things though: getting my own DJ & looking for a steel band getting my own photographer - Alain Hottat (check him out ladies his site is amazing and very affordable http://www.jamaicashoots.com) Bringing in my own florists Putting our own flavor on the decorations So even though I'm having it at a resort I'm like a hybrid of sorts. I hope the ladies forgive me b/c I'm still going to give as much info as I can. Also, I saw this place for tables cutlery and they seemed pretty reasonable http://hireagejamaica.com/ forgive me Soon2beMrsG

Hey Crasht1224, I'm definitely loving the led thowies for lights! As for music, that sounds like a great idea but you have to have a good MC? A friend who isn't scared of public speaking, a particularly well spoken uncle or aunt? I would suggest a Daddy or something but he's going to be busy doing the dancing with you and all that. I've enclosed a music spreadsheet that I'm giving to my DJ (my friends said it may be look OCD but my co-worker who is also getting married is using it too) also it can be passed around to your wedding party if you would like them to suggest music. You could arrange your iPod playlists. Hope it helps. P.S. it only opens on Excel 2007 or higher. All my best wishes, soon2beMrsG Team Wedding Playlist Suggestions.xlsx

just saw this warning about photographers ladies and thought you should know. from islandbrides.com Important Notice About Photography In an effort to reduce costs/maximise profits, more and more resorts are ony allowing brides and grooms to use the resort photographer for your wedding or charging high fees to allow you choose your own. islandbrides.com believes your wedding photographs are one of the most important aspects of your day, and the only one that lasts a lifetime. We recommend checking with your chosen resorts for rules or hidden fees. The following is a list of resorts who do not allow you to (or make it very expensive to) choose your own photographer: Sandals Resorts - All locations Breezes Resorts - All locations Couples Resorts - All locations Grand Lido Resorts - All locations Hedonism Resorts - All locations Starfish Resorts - All locations "Rooms on The Beach" Resorts - All locations Pink Sands Resort - Harbour Island, Bahamas Rose Hall - Jamaica Half Moon - Jamaica Grand Palladium Lady Hamilton Resort - Jamaica Frenchman's Reef - St Thomas/USVI Ritz Carlton - St Thomas/USVI This list is not complete, and we will add to it as we learn of more. Please check with your resort before booking!! always, Soon2beMrsG

some Endless Summer pics!

Welcome deannamarie85! Trust me now that I'm back from Jamaica I totally know the feeling of changing venues but we're still undecided. We're still holding onto Endless Summer Villa but Half Moon is just so wonderful and private (especially in the dead season of April). Congratulations on the wonderful day! All my best, Soon2beMrsG

Hey Caterer Bride, I'm so sorry for the delay. The fi and I have literally been sleeping for the last couple of days. Jet lag is awful. Ok, so I totally agree with you on that planner you mentioned (more deets to follow) but I found 2 that I absolutely LOVED! Here is the contact info: Paulette Harris (she took me to 7 different venues and was totally awesome. She had the flu and still trucked on through to give me several different options. You can email her @[email protected]. I highly reco (mention Natalie Dixon if you decide to contact) she has a wealth of vendors that she could assist but prepared she's going to ask you a lot of questions so she can get a good idea of what you want. Norma Ellison @ Events with Elegance: super sweet and very organized but I just didn't choose her. Events with Elegance www.eventswelegance.com Now here's some more news, we are currently going back and forth now between Endless Summer & Half Moon (i know - but this resort had a different feel than others plus they provided villas which was a prerequisite for us because we wanted a private affair - check out the Royal Pavillion) but Endless Summer is still on deposit and being held) EEEK decisions diecisions :-( What else do you need? 3 MONTHS is sooo not enough. Let me know how I can help. Always, soon2b

Hi Ladies!! I'm back from the whirlwind tour of New York/Jamaica and now back home in London! Can't wait to give you guys the update on the venue and the wedding planners! Hope you had a good break and will send a better update this evening! Suffice to say, dress has been ordered and venue has been changed but no fear all the info i have i'll bring! and a big to the new beautiful brides to be: Stacey00 and AMB DEC 2011! All my best, soon2bmrsg!

Thanks so much Sasha I will check out her site and see if i can arrange a meeting with her when I'm jamaica next week.

thanks so much redginger! I can't wait to see it. Live pics coming next week!

THANK YOU SO MUCH CATERERBRIDE! I'm definitely thinking about a planner here too but will definitely let you know how things pan out from my visit. We're hitting NYC first for the wedding dress shopping (yes to make everything MORE complicated - wedding dress shopping in NY because that's where the MOH and Mom are and I'm having a special brunch for the MOH and the rest of the bridesmaids. I had my artist friend create these gift boxes that will double as keepsake boxes for them and my mom and the FI's mom. Since my colors are "tiffany blue" (i really hate that descriptive because it sounds so pretentious but it is what it is) and chocolate so she made this boot box size covered in fabric and intstead of Tiffany & Co it says "Natalie & Co." and inside I made them individual "how to be" bridesmaids books with swatches of the colors of the bridesmaid dresses (i decided to let them choose their own and I'll approve - i have to much to worry about) and "Team Wedding" Tshirts and when I get to NY first stop tiffany's to get martini glasses or something else not sure yet. Will send pics as soon as I get them. more to come later.

Oh thanks so much Redginger. I'm beginning to think that I was the only one. We're getting ready to go to Jamaica next week to meet with wedding coordinators and I'm hoping that he or she will make my life a little easier since I do plan on taking a very involved approach but its hard when not only in a different country but in a totally different time zone. I just bought this book and I'm hoping it will help organize all the clippings and what not that I've been gathering for last couple of months. Its insanely organized "The Wedding Bible Planner". I'll keep this updated with the rental stuff and etc. as it becomes more clear. Here's a picture of the villa though... My fiance took one look at it and said... "Yes, that's where I'm marrying you!" all my best, Soon2bMrsG

Hi All, I'm starting this forum for all the brides that are getting married in Jamaica and instead of opting for the "all inclusive" resort wedding (which I totally wish I opted for but now its too late), went for the villa wedding for whatever reasons. Here are mine: wanted it more private - didn't want to hear the other poolside chatter whilst saying my vows didn't want to be hemmed in by all inclusive packages - wanted my own floral deco, cake, drinks wanted to choose my own everything ... What I didn't bank on is that having a villa wedding is basically like having a wedding at your own house. You basically have to do everything yourself: Entertainment Catering Flowers Cutlery Table rental EVERYTHING!!! Sooo... here's a forum for the particular bride who thought "yay destination wedding!" then "ohhh... destination wedding!" Let me know your thoughts and or ideas and I will definitely be sharing all of the madness that is the transcontinental (I've got not just one country but 3 London, New York & Jamaica ) wedding that I'm trying to plan. Oh and all of my best wishes and good lucks to the 2012 brides! A little more info on me: Wedding date: April 21, 2012 Wedding site: Silver Sands, Montego Bay Awesome Fiance: The Tim

Wow didn't realize this site had so much information and specialization for destination brides! User Name: Soon2bMrsG Name: Natalie & Timothy Location: Endless Summer Villa - Silver Sands, Montego Bay, Jamaica Wedding: April 21, 2012 Good luck and best wishes to all the 2012 Spring Brides! (who's scared that a year is not NEAR enough time to plan!) All my best, Soon2bMrsG

Ok so here I was thinking this was going to be easy. Thanks so much Catererbride! I too have a villa wedding so the additional factors are definitely spinning my head around now. I'm sorry you're going through so much especially since your a catering manager yourself. My parents owned a restaurant and did catering business so I'm definitely going to be using their expertise. But if you don't mind if you could message me if you think there are any planners I really should avoid, I would be totally appreciate it. I've got not only a destination wedding, I have a transcontinental wedding (fiance is English and my half is hailing from New York) so any help to uncomplicate an already complicated set of circumstances would be really helpful. Thanks so much! All my best, Soon2bMrsG

Oh my gosh are you serious? That's disturbing! Thanks so much redginger. So far Island Bride has sent me package details with regard to consultation meet ($300USD initial) and etc. Helen G keeps coming up in a bunch of different forums so I'm not really that wary of that one and out of all the inquiry emails I sent she was the one who responded promptly (meaning same day) the others answered me a day later. Norma Ellison hasn't given me prices yet but I am still doing a meet with her because I did like her web site. Will definitely keep you posted though. All my best, Soon2bMrsG