rsage53

Hi Sol,

I know this post is a bit old, but I have been scouring for recommendations on Catering and WC.  I, too, am getting married at the Secret Jewel in April!!!  I *thought* I had a caterer picked out, but am having huggge second thoughts.  I spoke with Gisela today and she seems great.  I am nervous about booking someone that I have never tasted their food or seen what they can do.  How did you decide on Easy Gourmet over other caterers?  I know that you are a photographer in the area, so must see allll kinds of vendors!  Would love a 'local' opinion who knows the area and has been a bride themselves!  Especially since I will be at the same venue that you chose~!  Any tips about Spectacular events would be amazing, as well!

Thanks so much!

Rebecca
 

Originally Posted by soltamargo 

I'm back to the forum, I've tried to post this before but time hasn't been on my side, it seems that after marriage, the planning for the wedding is gone, but now we all have to organize a life with another person, and a home!!!... new projects all the time, this is a never stop roller coaster...

Please watch my slideshow to get a better picture of what I'm describing in this post: Matt and Sol wedding pics

Here are my vendor recommendations, I use this people to help me make my day perfect:


Dress & Accessories : My dress was made by David Salomon, It tourned out as I have visualized it, I wanted something according to the location, very comfortable and unique, with red on it., he created this dress using red coral, when I saw it, I was so excited!!! DAVID SALOMON

He recommended a make up and hair artist, Katia Monforte (sorry no website) her phone in Cancun is: 998 654 736.

I found a girl online that creates unique designs, she made me my bare food sandals, and a beautiful neckless, bracelet, earrings and the neckless Matt used. On her website she has unique pieces and she can also make anything you have in mind.
Bienvenidos a Joyeria de autor Xochitl Rivera Diseñadora


Location: Secret Jewel Suites & VillasThis wonderful location is owned by the family Diamant, Ilse : [email protected] was there at everysecond helping us with everything., she get's a+A

This location has 3 villas that are available for rent, but all our family & friends stayed in Playa del Carmen, so we rented only the site for the day. This ended to be an amazing "Off the beaten Path" location, it has a palapa, a garden and a palm groove sandy area (where we had our reception) the beach is rocky, giving the place an exotic view...

Cator: Easy Gourmet, Banquetes en Cancun y Riviera Maya, Eventos, Catering, Bodas easygourmet.com.mx, Gisela became not only my cator, but my friend, she has the kind of personality willing to help with anything., later I learned that she has a degree on psychology, and being a stressed bride as I was the weeks prior the wedding, it was a blessing having her around.
Food was delicious, and service beyond excellent.

Event Decoration: [email protected] Roberto Caamal,
Welcome to Spectacular Events ::.. was the second biggest blessing (only second because Gisela put me in touch with him) He is an Artist, I absolutely adore what he created, he got my idea and colors, and he put together a wonderful whole thing., he is super fun to work with. He made my bouquet too., table setting & center pieces, lighting, music stage, dancing floor, ceremony setting… everything!!!! …. He is AMAZING!!!


Wedding Coordinator: Yazmin de la mora Yazmin De La Mora - Weddings & Catering[email protected] , I think I was a little control freak (I didn’t think that of my self before.. haha…), and I found my own vendors for almost everything; but Yazmin got the Chaman and Mayan Dancers for the ceremony. She also helped me with final details, and on wedding day she and her husband were great. I lost a button on my dress and she fixed it in a second., It's always great to have someone around to help with anything.

Transportation: I found this company, Great service, Great price, I use them the days before the wedding and on wedding day; I keep using them now on my TTD sessions were we go on adventure., there’s no website, but this is the email of the owner: [email protected]


Music: This was on Top of my list, I needed good music, and I found Balance, they are 8 musicians, play anykind of music, English & Spanish, they kept everybody dancing for 4 hours! Even in the breaks, the DJ selections were great.. I highly recommend them: Balance la Banda - Downloads


Mariachis To end the wedding we hired a mariachi band: [email protected]

AND, I almost forget!!! I also found another great band, that we use to play before the ceremony, for my walking down the aisle and during cocktail hour, this guys are full of energy and are true musicians., I didn't get them for reception as I wanted a bigger more structured band, but they were great for the couple hours they play: Victor Espinoza : [email protected]

OK, I think this is It!!!... finally.... have fun future brides!!!

What's your email?

They don't really do a whole package, but have a pretty reasonable rental fee that covers the whole day/night and basics like chairs, tables, lights in the trees, dressing area, gate attendants and so on.  The wedding coordinator works with you and vendors to carry out the whole event.  It's a little different than the package pricing of resorts, but much more customizable at the same time.  I haven't found it to be drastically different price wise once you add in the small costs the resorts throw in.  Plus, you don't run into problems if your guests are not all staying at the same resort. (guest passes and all that)  I can send you the rental fee and some vendors I've talked to if you'd like!
 

Originally Posted by gilkes 

looks beautiful....do they have package prices if you're staying off site?

Hey Yzzel...just sent you some info to your email!  Yes, the Utopik group has put together some amazing events.  I was visiting just after the one with the wooden floor and the Secret Jewel planner, Ilse, was telling me all about it.  Seemed pretty cool.
 

Originally Posted by Yzzel 

Hi Rsage53,

 

Thank you for the tip, I browsed the website and it looks nice. I found some pics of utopik planners and how they put fake floor over the sand for the reception, which is what I would like to have. Do you have some info regarding prices?. Wedding in April, how nice!!..You have to keep us posted!!..
 

Sunshine,

Yes!!..It seems very expensive to have a reception there (adding open bar, rent, decoration and menu) plus we would like to have a cocktail after the ceremony while we are getting our pics. So, adding all that to the day..it is lots to pay on rent only!!...Have you chosen a place then?
 

 

You are exactly, right. Not many brides have stayed there, so there aren't a lot of reviews and suggestions, but I fell in love with the size and feel of the resort.  I visited in June and met a couple of the people who work there.  Urs is fantastic...he's the food and beverage guy.  He responds quickly and seems like he has put together a lot of events.  I am planning to do a cocktail welcome reception and the rehearsal dinner there.  They have been pretty open to hearing my ideas and trying to make it work.
I will definitely let you know how everything goes and pass along anything that I learn along the way! 

Originally Posted by AlyMay 

Our wedding is 4/21/12. I hope you'll let me know how your stay at Mahekal goes. I love that it's a smaller resort, but that also means fewer people have stayed there and it's harder to find tips and advice. So far we've pretty much just reserved the date, so I haven't started much of the "real" planning yet.

Hi Yzzel,

I also wanted my wedding outside of a resort and I found an amazing little place called the Secret Jewel.  Have you come across that in your searching?  Let me know if you would like any information about it.  I am getting married there in April!

Originally Posted by Yzzel 

Hi!..

 

I've been thinking about having the ceremony and reception outside of a resort. So, I've been thinking of different places. Could you send me the prices for Xcaret?. I may not held my reception there but maybe the ceremony in one of those amazing churches. I would appreciate your help. My email is [email protected]

 

Thanx
 

 

Hi Gilkes,

I am planning my April 2012 wedding and after MUCH looking, debating, and a site visit, I settled on Capilla de Santa María del Secreto.  It's not a resort, but a beautiful secluded venue site just outside of downtown Playa del Carmen.  Here is their facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Capilla-de-Santa-Mar%C3%ADa-del-Secreto/105157861821

There is a chapel, palapa, beach area, and a palm grove.  best part is that you can party until 3 am!  Let me know if I can give you any more information!

We will stay at a nearby resort and have rehearsal dinner and other events there.

Happy Planning!

AlyMay, when is your wedding?!  My wedding group is staying at the Mahekal and I will have all my events there.  My wedding itself is off site, but I love Mahekal's atmosphere.  I hope you are enjoying planning!!!!

It is disappointing how pricey they are!  I went for a site visit in June.  It's very beautiful, but with the min. guest requirements and required band/music that you have to hire it was just too much!!!  At least there are plenty of options in Playa del Carmen!

Hi Holly,

I am SO glad to find someone on here who has recently had a wedding there.  I was down scouting in the area two weeks ago (I must have just missed you!) and went by to see Mahekal.  Unfortunately, I have had less than stellar response from Aya, so was a bit concerned about how everything would turn out.  I did get a chance to meet with Urs while I was there, but Aya was not around.    I would love to hear about how the rest of your stay and wedding was...did you have ceremony on the beach, reception, etc?  ALSO, I've been trying to get some info about room rates for a group, etc.  Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks so much,
Becky

Hi Wenz,

Thanks for the review!  Do you happen to have any pricing info you picked up while you were there or that was sent to you?  I haven't heard back from them yet and would love to see some info!

Are you doing your ceremony in the chapel and reception in the palm groves?  I'd love to hear how it all looks and works together!

Thanks!

Becky

[email protected]

Hi Sunshine...any chance you can forward me the info you got about pricing for Xcaret?  It looks like an amazing place!

Thanks,

Becky

[email protected]

Hi Sham!  I am hoping you might still check this site!  I have been trying to get some information, but have had little luck via Maya Zone.  Sounds like you had an OK time working with them.

Did they try to push another location on you?  Also, were they able to plan everything....flowers, etc. or did you have someone else do that.

Thanks!

I inquired about information from my top choice, Mahekal. I actually sent a request from their old site Shangri-la caribe, and someone from Maya Zone got back to me. I am a bit confused if they are a TA service, planner, etc. Does anyone know and/or have an experience they could share? It sounds like they manage several hotel properties in the area, but I'm wondering if I should use them or go another route. The rep I was talking with says I don't need a WC or TA as they can do it all? Anyway, just curious thoughts since I haven't sent hem mentioned on any of the forums! Thanks! Rebecca

Hey all!  I'm fairly new to this site...getting lot's of info and ideas, though!  Thanks for everyone's input.  I have a questions about Mahekal, formerly Shangr-la Caribe.  I've read the posts on here about the hotel, so I don't need that info...I've inquired with them about information and a representative from Maya Zone is who responded.  My question is, has anyone worked with this group?  I asked Crystal, the rep who answered my inquiry, if she was a WC, TA, etc. and she said they handle customized vacations, including wedding planning.  I'm not sure I still understand exactly what that means.  Anyhow, just wondering if anyone has used Maya Zone or had a wedding at Mahekal and used someone different!    Thank you all!  

Hi Lilith!

I've been searching for information about Isla de la pasion.  Anything you can pass along?

Thanks,

Rebecca

Hey there, did you have your wedding at "Isla de la Pasión"?  I am also looking into it and would love to hear how it went!