joda

Originally Posted by EMoss 

 

Does anyone know what type of lighting the hotel sets up for the reception or is it dim? Any tips, etc? We will be on the beach terrace. Also, how are you or did you designate the entree selection to the wait staff? Trying to come up with an easy way of doing this. THANKS! 24 day countdown!

I can't help you with lighting on the beach terrace, as I had my reception at the tequila terrace, but I am sure one of the other ladies can help!

For the meal selection, if you go back a few pages you will see the pic I posted of our reception table. Basically I used my seating chart as the indicator for the servers. You will see small frames at the end place settings. The frames were all the same, but each name was written on either a dark or light purple. Dark purple meant one option, light purple meant the other. When I met with Ramon, I told him how many of each meal were needed, and how it would be designated. As far as I know, it all went smoothly and everyone received what the RSVP'ed to me.

Yes, bamboo chairs are $10 to rent, and the charge to move them is technically $2 per chair. However, like Danda we were never charged for moving them. 

Hey ladies! I have been thinking about those of you with weddings to come, as we just had our one year anniversary recently! I know it is hard not to stress, but they really know what they are doing and everything will be beautiful

For whoever asked about the tea lights, we were warned the terrace is windy and candles would not stay lit (and they were right!). So we brought our own votives and battery powered candles with us. I was worried it wouldn't look as nice, but in the end I loved it. Here is a pic:

If anyone else has any questions, I am happy to help!

Here is a shot of my table set-up: 

Originally Posted by LTLFAITHY 

 

joda~

Thanks for posting those! Your pictures are beautiful, and I think your hair and makeup came out really well. I also have fine/thin hair but I'm going to wear my hair down, so how badly can someone mess that up??

We are using Adrian from Victor Herrera Photography ~ we really liked Del Sol too, but I think they were a bit more expensive. 

What was your wedding date?? 

Thank you! I am so happy with our pictures. I have seen some of Adrian's work though, and I love his stuff. I love the way he captures the light in his photos. Are you doing a Trash the Dress session as well? Our wedding date was March 24, so a bit earlier than yours, but not much. We were lucky and had beautiful weather the whole week we were there. Hopefully it will be the same for you!

As for your hair, wearing it down will make things easier. I actually had them do it down for our TTD photos, and I liked how it turned out as well. The only thing you may want to bring is some heavy duty hairspray. I brought some and used it because I felt like the stuff they used wasn't strong enough, at least for the wind we had.

Here are some pics from the TTD for you to check out (I did my own make-up on this day though):

Originally Posted by LTLFAITHY 

 

Thanks Joda! We're going to do the same thing, use the photographer from the package at our Welcome Party. Were you happy with the way your hair and makeup turned out?? 

Have you booked the photographer for your wedding yet? Who are you going to use? We hired del Sol, we loved them!

I was happy with my hair and make-up, overall I thought it looked great. I will be honest my hair did have a few curls that escaped the bobby pins so it wasn't perfectly neat. I don't mind, and also my hair is super fine and super thin, so it is hard to manage in cases like this where I have it done up, and it was also extremely windy on our wedding day. If you hair is more normal, it wouldn't be a problem though, haha! I also did a trial so that I knew what it would look like for the wedding.

I have included some pictures in different lighting and from different angles so you can see what she did.

I love this thread, so I am excited to add my own. Sorry I couldn't pick just one, so I have three.

First look:

Walking down the aisle:

My family:

Beautiful pictures WPGBride! And I think it is perfectly acceptable for the boobs to show a bit more for a TTD, makes it even sexier

Originally Posted by joda 

 

I have previously posted pics of my dress, but thought I would share one from our actual wedding day. As for the veil, it was too windy on the day of the wedding, but I did use it for our TTD session.

 

Originally Posted by Tlseege 

 

joda you looked so beautiful.  It was too windy for my veil too, I definitely liked my pictures better without it blowing in my face anyways

Thank you Tlseege! I know the dress is more plain than some dresses on here, but I loved how light and airy it was. It was perfect for me.

Does anybody know what the outside vendor fees for a photographer and a makeup artist are?? Thanks!! 

I have previously posted pics of my dress, but thought I would share one from our actual wedding day. As for the veil, it was too windy on the day of the wedding, but I did use it for our TTD session.

Originally Posted by JenniferL 

 

Thanks Joda, 

 

We were quoted just over $2100 for 7 nights including flight... did you use a travel agency?

I used Blue Petal Destination Weddings (although my travel agent is now working for another company, but still specializing in weddings). If you want I can PM you her contact info. She checked basically all Canadian companies to get the best rate for us, and there was a big range in the prices.

Have you also compared with sites like redtag.ca to see what they are quoting?

Thanks Amy!!!!! I was able to get a quote through a travel agent, but it was much higher then i expected... i hate to ask but what approximately did your guests pay per person (if you don't mind me asking)

Hi Joda, Stunning photos! I am getting married at the Now Sapphire on July 2nd and also am having a long table. We are going to also use a burlap runner, but have not been able to get the table measurements. Did you order them yourself or did the hotel take care of that? Thank you!! 

Hey, when I as first in Montreal for school I lived downtown and Westmount, now I am out in the West Island. I understand a lot of french, but I am not so great at speaking. Right now I am a SAHM so it is ok, then I will either have to pick it up, or we do still talk about leaving. We shall see! In Australia we lived in Sydney the whole time, we were inner westies. Do you know Marrickville? That's where we were. I will PM you with the answers to your questions, if not tonight, then tomorrow.

Hi Noxx, Did you see I posted a link to my wedding pictures on the previous page? If you go through you will see there were no onlookers in our photos, there a few where you can see people in the background (out on each side of the beach) but they are actually pretty far away. I know at some resorts you basically have lounge chairs a few feet away from the wedding, but that is not the case here. Have a look and you will see. We did the tequila beach for the ceremony and tequila terrace for cocktail hour/reception. We used outside photographers (delsol) and only had to pay a day pass for them. We also hired DJ Doremixx, but didn't do the dance floor.

Thank you Amy & Joda  for your feedback. I am torn on where i should have my ceremony. I dont want  it to be out in the open like the pool that is for sure. I actually really like the idea of the beach however my fiance hates the idea of having on lookers in our pictures and so on. I know we cant stop that especially with a destination wedding. I was thinking of having my cocktail hour and reception at the tequilla terrece. This seems to be a popular choice. Which beach location did you choose? I like the beach terrece for a reception or even the tequilla deck.  which photo package did you choose?we are debating if we should bring down our own photographer rather than using the resorts. Its almost the same price depending on the package.  Did you do any upgrades ie dj, dance floor? 

Hi Mylene, I feel like I have a connection to you! haha, based on your story. My now DH and I married after 10.5 years, we also lived in Australia for four years, and have settled back in Montreal where he is from (I am from Saskatchewan). We also got married at the Now Sapphire, and I can tell you, it was amazing. Let me know if I can help you out in any way, i am happy to answer any questions. We can chat about Oz too!

Thanks Teresa! It was a perfect day, I wish I could do it again I made our menus, they matched the invites we did (all from Wedding Paper Divas). I have seen some on here that have been done with Vistaprint though and looked nice, and that would be cheaper than what we paid!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Teresa23 

Joda,

 

Thank you so much! Your pictures are beautiful; it looks like you had the perfect day. Did you make your own menus or did the resort provide those? It is such a nice detail!

Matt, I feel like I am following you around now to look at pictures you posted of my wedding haha! But thanks for putting some in this thread too, it is such a beautiful resort but doesn't seem to get as much notice as others and I am not sure why. Your pictures show off this lovely venue, and hopefully will get upcoming brides excited about what is in store for them!

Originally Posted by Matt Adcock 

Hola Jodi... thanks for posting the slideshow... I just wanted to follow up with a few details and moments that I love love love... such an amazing love story and precious moments everywhere... here are a few I like:

 

 

 

First look... his smile is priceless.

 

 

 

This is an EPIC bride portrait... wow

 

 

This is so cute that its all 3 of you holding hands, very symbolic and a priceless moment...

 

 

wow, how cute is this snap?   

 

 

 

Amazing colors in the sky, you photograph like models on a movie set...wowsa!

 

 

 

 

 

Hope you like

Thanks Matt! We can't thank you guys enough for everything, we love the pictures and Jonathan and Melissa were so fun to work with. I would do it all over again if I could! We actually have some of the same favourites, although you posted a couple I haven't seen yet! I also love that our son joined us for part of the ceremony, and the first kiss, a wedding is all about being a family after all

I can hardly wait to see the Trash the Dress photos as well, we had such a great time. If Darren, who hates having his picture taken admits it was fun, that is a sure sign of success.

Originally Posted by Matt Adcock 

HOLA Jodi!

thanks for posting.... What an amazing love story you have here amiga, so many smiling faces and such a beautiful family. 

 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Cool details in the hotel

 

Love this getting ready snap.... cool lighting to showcase the hairspray.

 

I love Darren's reaction, just before your "first look".... SUPER excited to see you!

 

 

Epic shot...amazing location

 

 

Precious moment, love how cute he is

 

This has to be the cutest / sweetest little first kiss moment OF ALL TIME... seriously the precious value here is topping the charts amiga!

 

wow...

Originally Posted by Matt Adcock 

 

We will take that as a KILLER compliment, thank you.     Finding a photographer who can see all of these things happening and photograph them in a way such that each image communicates that story takes a special gift.  I'm proud of the team of shooters that we have trained because they continue to surprise us and our clients on a daily basis, going above expectations and showcasing amazing love stories...

Glad you like..

Here are a few more of my favorites...

This is another Epic shot....wow, beautiful!  I love Darren in the background hanging out

 

the lighting the sky is just magic... amazing!

 

 

Some of your details coming to life..love this concept of postcards and well wishes

 

 

I've always been a fan of a big long table setup at this reception location!

 

FIRE love this...

 

 

Pretty much any kid's wildest dream, scoping the cake.  

I could post 200 more...they are so many I love...these just are a sampling.... thanks for the kind words and for trusting our vision.

Originally Posted by joda 

Thank you so much ladies! It was the perfect day, and I am glad we have such amazing photos to remember everything by.

 

MJKH, you are so right about great photography really telling a story. That is is how I feel about our pictures, I loved going through them especially to for the things I didn't see, like DH's face at the first look, or people's emotions during the ceremony, or things that happened that I had forgotten all about. As I went through them I felt like I was reliving the day, and even getting more because I could take the time to soak it all in. The day itself is such a whirlwind.

 

Bluejaye, my sister actually made that one from things she pieced together at Michaels, although I did buy one myself from Etsy (seller Yourcharmedwedding) before I knew she made one. The one I bought was slightly higher quality wise (and not expensive at all) but I used the one my sister gave me because it was more special and sentimental to me that she gave me something to remember our Mom by.

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much ladies! It was the perfect day, and I am glad we have such amazing photos to remember everything by.

MJKH, you are so right about great photography really telling a story. That is is how I feel about our pictures, I loved going through them especially to for the things I didn't see, like DH's face at the first look, or people's emotions during the ceremony, or things that happened that I had forgotten all about. As I went through them I felt like I was reliving the day, and even getting more because I could take the time to soak it all in. The day itself is such a whirlwind.

Bluejaye, my sister actually made that one from things she pieced together at Michaels, although I did buy one myself from Etsy (seller Yourcharmedwedding) before I knew she made one. The one I bought was slightly higher quality wise (and not expensive at all) but I used the one my sister gave me because it was more special and sentimental to me that she gave me something to remember our Mom by.

Originally Posted by AD2012 

Great photos Joda!! Congratulations, everything looked perfect!

Originally Posted by MJKH 

Jodi, 

 

Thanks for sharing!  One of the things I continue to be impressed by as a participant on BDW is how the work of a great photographer can completely sweep you away and make you feel all kinds of emotions about a bride, a groom and their wedding day...and how all of the dreams and plans and special little touches come together to make for such an amazing story in pictures.  There were so many things I loved...the guys in their crisp linen shirts, your colourful bouquet, the pictures of the kiddies (especially the little boy diving into the hamburger)...just awesome...CONGRATULATIONS!!!

 

J~

Originally Posted by tkuzma 

 

Congratulations on a stunning wedding and on being married Jodi!!! Your photos are absolutely gorgeous Looked like a very special day that you'll remember forever!

Originally Posted by Krysta lee ann 

 

 

wow wow wow!!! those photos are beautiful!!!!!

Originally Posted by Lauren Newsham 

Congrats Jodi! Your pictures are beautiful! We have the same little hat for our ring bearer!

Originally Posted by Blujaye 


Congratulations to you Jodi! Your photos are amazing and what a beautiful day you had! If I were getting married in Mexico I would have definitely considered them.
If you don't mind my asking, where did you get your bouquet charm as I'm looking for something similar?

Hi ladies, just received a link to the online sideshow from del Sol. I love them! If anyone is thinking of using them, I highly recommend it! You will not be disappointed. [=http://delsolphotography.com/blog/content/galleries/?gal=678][/]

Oh, and I finally have pictures to share! Love, love, love del Sol and would recommend them to anybody [=http://delsolphotography.com/blog/content/galleries/?gal=678][/]

Iyou will have an amazing time! I wish I was back there right now.

I know it took me a little while to hear from Anel and I was surprised that when I did hear from her that she never received my planning form so I got that sent again.  She did confirm that she received it and also sent me back confirmation of the private transfers... Our taxi is picking us up at 4:45 AM tomorrow and we should be at Now Sapphire around 1ish.  

See my answers below.

Hi everyone, This website and all of you have been so helpful as I plan for my June 2, 2012 wedding at NOW Sapphire. (I can't believe it is so close!)  I plan to write a complete post, from planning to the big day, once we return. In the meantime, I have a few unanswered questions. I'd appreciate any insight any of you have to offer: 1. Are the slats on the Tequila Terrace so large that heels will actually fall in? I noticed that some past brides were planning to wear flats but if I wear heels am I really risking it? They are wide enough that I think you could wedge a heel in and possibly break your shoe, or worse, twist your ankle. If you want height, I would wear a wedge. 2. Is there an overhang on the Tequila Terrace? I have a bunch of paper lanterns that I want to hang. Where do you want to hang them exactly? They have a covered area at the end that is usually used as the "dance floor" they could easily be hung from there. Otherwise I think they need to string them up and across the reception tables. I have seen photos of this, but I am not sure exactly what they do, or what they may charge for that, if anything. 3. Did they charge you for EVERY little detail? We are bringing our own bows (we got them for just $.59 each!), table runners, centerpieces, paper lanterns, candles, etc. Will they charge us to put all of this out? We were not charged for the times we brought that they put out. And we had our own chair ribbons, maracas for ceremony, guest book stuff, frames for place cards, favors, table runner and battery operated candles. 4. We'd like to get our stuff back. Did any of you bring your own things (like centerpieces, candles, etc.) and if so, were they returned to you? As mentioned above, yes, and we also had our own cake servers and cake topper. We got it all back. 5. I noticed that some brides at NOW Jade provided their wedding planner with a "map" of how they'd like the area laid out. Did any of you do this? Was it necessary? If you didn't do this do you feel like the wedding team at NOW Sapphire was able to "see your vision" for your day? The area really sort of works one way the best, so I don't think you would need to do that, but they will go over it all with you at the planning meeting. Ramon was awesome about putting everything out how I wanted it. I had pictures of the things important to me, other things I left up to him and it all turned out beautifully. 6. Some past Tequila Terrace brides have mentioned that wedding parties and guests from the Beach Terrace cut through their area. Is there a way to prevent this from happening? I know there is another wedding on June 2. Maybe people cut through? I actually don't know. If people did, it obviously did not bother me! 7. What do you WISH you'd done that you overlooked or didn't even know was an option? I actually don't think there was anything except that maybe I would have liked to extend our reception for another hour (we did the standard 3) as it all went by so quickly. Everything else was perfect. Thank you! T.

I like the one that was made for you better. It looks really nice!