JQLong

So...here we go....with the help of Dreams Riviera, BDW, VistaPrint, Ebay, Dollar Tree, etc....Our little budget wedding that could....was absolutely BEAUTIFUL!

The pcit

We arrived on July 1st

Check In - Perfect A+ - we had the preferred club so we were whisked away from the lobby and taken to the preferred club room.

Room - Perfect A++ - we had an ocean front room with an AMAZING VIEW...

Sunrise....

 The first night...11 of our guests were at the resort and we had dinner at Himitsu...the food was awesome...We loved our waiter, Antonio!

July 2nd...was my honey's birthday....

Portofino...made his birthday special!

July 3rd....

The night before....we did our bachelor/bachelorette parties...

The ladies went to Senor Frogs..in Playa Del Carmen...

The guys went to Coco Bongo....

I think its safe to say....they had more fun....Hmph......

Onto the wedding.......

July 4th....

For some reason...I was very, very calm.....The wedding party and my parents got together that morning for a quickie rehearsal at the Gazebo

Here we are with Juan the entertainment guy...AKA "4th of July Man" as my girlfriend called him...

Shirts purchased at vistaprint.com

The weather was a little overcast on and off....and then BOOM!!! we got rain....surprisingly...I was still very calm....Gina our coordinator called me around 1:30 to ask if we wanted to move to the terrace...I had a makeup appointment at 2:00 PM...I told her I wanted to wait....Boy am I glad we did....The rain stopped...the sun came out....and it got HOT!!!! It had been about 85 degrees the entire week....and no rain...but after the shower (which I consider to be our good luck) it was blazing hot

And at 4:00 (on the dot.....) Our Dream began....

Here is our slideshow by Adventure Photography...they did a beautiful job:

http://040712long.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/

We had an AMAZING wedding....It truly was So Amazing....my wedding was perfect in every way....I look at our slideshow & video (taken by family) and I smile....Dreams Riviera exceeded any expectations we had....

We had our reception at Bordeaux (in the wine room!!!).  This was very, very special because it was intimate.  This was a wedding gift from my parents and my former boss (he actually "found" the place).  We were going to have it at El Patio....but this was so much better!!!

We opted not to do the Trash the Dress with Adventure Photos....they were a bit out of our budget...but...my talented brother Tim took some pictures for us.  We got up early the next day and took pictures on the beach....(I was thrilled to be able to put my dress on again!)

So...I guess you can call these our DIY Trash The Dress pics!!!

As I began my journey of DW wedding planning....I had no idea how beautifully things would come together.  I appreciate the time and effort each person on this site has made to contribute.  This has been the best experience and I am very thankful to have found BDW.....

To Everyone....Thank you....thank you....from the bottom of my heart!

Please feel free to ask any questions....My detailed resort review will follow shortly....

Happy Planning....

It's Mrs JQLONG (now!!)

Oh....I almost forgot...Shoes.....How could I forgot the ladies shoes...

I had a hard time finding turquoise sandals that were not too high...I am already 5'11 and I did not want to be too tall.  Just when I had given up finding the turquoise sandals...reading a thread on here about shoes...I checked out VictoriaSecret.com...and Voila....i found them...

For the ladies shoes...I was lucky to catch a BOGO sale at Payless

Our shoes actually matched perfectly....we were going for the "Grecian Goddess" look........

Ok...where was I....oh..DIY...

I am not much of a DIYer but....being on this site changed that. 

My DIY sand ceremony set (Cost me less than $8.00 to make...I made another bottle for my daughter to participate)

My DIY Ring Box.....(Cost $1.50 to make)

OOT Bags (Yes....Yes....I too got caught up with OOT Bags)

My Cancun Survival Kit (From the talented people on BDW!!)

These were very well received

Travel Mugs (I just had to get them)

I ordered 25 from a seller on ebay...

MY OOT BAGS

Dollar Tree Baby!!! I loved these bags from the moment I saw them

Maracas....well..we are getting married in Mexico....so...

These were ordered from Amols.com (I put the ribbons on)

Flowers...I knew the resort would be kind of expensive for the flowers...so I ordered (again...thanks to this site) real touch flowers from SabellaDesigns.com

Kim Zarobsky did an AMAZING....job with our flowers....I cannot thank her enough.....

Now to put it all together......

I guess I never mentioned our wedding date......We got married on July 4th, 2012 at 4:00...but.....

We actually got legally married on Valentines Day, February 14, 2012....His Mom is older and could not travel with us.  It was important to us that she share in our union so we got married by our county clerk in a special Valentines Day ceremony...

We exchanged rings but put them away after...This was a very happy day for us.  I actually cried more this day than on our wedding day....Getting married ahead of time in no way diminished our excitement for our big day.....

MEXICO BOUND!!!!

With the help from this site....I created the attached newsletter for our guest....We were expecting 19 people.

See Part Tres....for the Grand Finale!!!!

Jaquanda & Jabahri Newsletter.pdf

As many of the lovely brides (and grooms) have started out by saying "thank you to the talented creative people on this site".....I will say the same..Thank you for all the talented and creative people on this site.  Wedding planning to me seemed like it was a chore (which is why we opted for a DW).  You all have made the "tasks" of planning a DW a pleasure and a joy!!!  I actually ..... kind of miss it...

So...let me begin....short story short....Me and the now hubby...met online in March 2008.  I knew from the first time I saw him that he would become my husband (no stalker....just a little voice that told me he was the one).  he was silly...just like me...So I knew we were destined...

We dated for about 3 years (well it was 3 days away from our 3rd anniversary) when he popped the question. 

Yeah right!!!  this was actually the paper weight he bought me (On Valentines Day) the year before he proposed...He had a little note that said he was working on it!!!

Here is a picture of my actual ring....he did good!

Now onto wedding planning...We initially decided on St. Thomas (Marriott)....we put a deposit down and everything....then.......

My honey lost his job.  We put off the wedding planning for about 6 months....We also realized that while St. Thomas was beautiful...there are very few all-inclusives and the prices to travel were very high.  My honey found another job and said, let's find another destination.  Neither one of us had ever been to Mexico (and since he thinks our cat Peaches is Mexican...it just seemed right)....

After reading several threads about using a travel agent (oh...we thought we could do it on our own initially)...We ended up using an agent in our town, Travel Leaders.  Our agent did not necessarily specialize in DW's but he was very knowledgeable about the destinations.  We decided on Dreams Riviera Maya in Cancun.  It was a blast....(I'll get back to that)

We booked our trip and the deposit for the wedding in October of 2011.  so that left 8 months for me to "plan = shop = DIY' for our wedding. 

First (kind of late for first...) I should have stated this in the beginning...We were on a budget!  We are both in our mid (ok late) 30's and were paying for the wedding ourselves.  We wanted to have beautiful wedding without breaking the bank...

COLORS - YELLOW, TURQUOISE & FUCHSIA

As a bride that had never thought about becoming a bride....wedding planning, dress shopping and all that stuff did not appeal to me...I needed to make the process painless....and affordable.....

I had actually saw my dress online before he proposed.  I had no idea how expensive it was but i was deadset on a dress budget of $500 (Not a dime more!!!).  I had seen many bridal gowns that while pretty....just did not fit MY idea of a flowy DW bridal gown...

After stalking...I mean stalking the "Knock off dress" thread for weeks and extensive research online....I ended up ordering my dress from jasminesbridalshop.com - the service was great....communication was awesome.  If you decide to go with a replica gown I would highly recommend jasminesbridalshop.com

I was AMAZED at the beautiful quality of my gown that was WAYYYYYY......under budget....even after the slight alterations I needed....the price was still under budget....

Bridesmaids Dresses

My 16 year old daughter was my bridesmaid and my best girlfriend was my MOH.  I just told my MOH the color I wanted and she chose their dresses....

Mother of the Bride Dress

As you see...my Mom is "Fancy Nancy" (that is what I call her...) and it was hard finding a dress for her....but we did....the Lord & Taylor outlet for....$39.00!!! (Yes.....$39.00!!!!)

Guys

Sorry...no pics....the boys shopped on their own....you will see them later. They opted for White linen shirts with khaki colored linen pants...and Mandals...(no toes showing..ugh!)

TO BE CONTINUED......See Part Dos!

Originally Posted by LindseyM 

 

I leave in 3 days.  Holy crap.  

I am so excited for you!!!!

Good Luck and Congrats!!!!

Originally Posted by jamieirene 

 

Ahhhh so much to do!  We leave in 13 days!  Anyone getting married in Mexico have information about checking extra bag with oot bag items?  I am very nervous about it.  

I just got back from my wedding in Mexico.  We had a total of 9 bags (between my daughter, hubby and myself).

Trust me...it was a breeze getting through customs.  I began to panic about two days before reading the threads about having to have receipts.....it was not even neccessary.  The customs agent did ask me to open one of the bags with the OOT items (it had the travel mugs & pepto & immodium).  Once they saw my dress and I told them in spanish "Vamos A cacer (sp?)..."we are getting married)....They just let me through.  Dont worry....just be prepared to open your bag.  They are just looking for people that bring in goods for sale in their country.

Good Luck!

JQ

Originally Posted by mnunez2 

 

Aimeelaco28. JQLong, Juliej84  and Ginaf61987 thank you so much for sharing your slideshows- everyone looked beautiful!!

 

Future brides and past brides what are you doing about tips: Who are you tipping and how much?

 

Trying to cover all the small details- leaving in 2 weeks cant even believe it!!!

Thank you!

I tipped the waitstaff mostly as they work very hard to make sure you are comfortable.  We are contacting Gina to send her our tip.  I could not catch up to her after our wedding.  If you want to tip her, make sure you get to her immediately after the wedding (which is hard because you will be over the moon...).  Just so you know...it seems that the wedding office is closed on Sundays....we tried to go by to see her the day we left and the office was closed. 

Tip as you feel it is warranted.  Keep in mind, many of the things you will pay for will have a service fee attached to it = gratuity....If the service is outrstanding....tip above that amount....

I hope this helps!

I am so excited for you and all the other upcoming brides....because I know the great trip you are in for!

JQ

Originally Posted by ginaf61987 

 

Thank you for sharing. What a beautiful wedding. I loved your flowers they were so colorful. Don't know if this has been asked before but where them people and that lady in the bathing suit suppost to be in the picture.

Thank you so much.

As far as the people in the background...I am not sure the photgrapher was trying to capture them but I think it adds to the "ambiance" of the pictures.  I even asked Anel to get the people playing soccer in the photos.

Originally Posted by juliej84 

 

JQLong:Your slideshow was gorgeous also--your bouquet was soooo pretty and unique!! I cant stop thinking about the resort--I am ready to go back myself--it truly was amazing!!!!!!!!! How was the weather when you were there?

Thanks JulieJ84!!

The weather was awesome.  It even rained on our wedding day for 30 minutes and then the sun came out.

It was 85 degrees the entire week....at home 100+.

We may try to go back next year...or try Dreams Punta Cana....

Originally Posted by RollerBride 

 

Thanks a bunch for the advice. I think we will probably go to group dinners a few times during our stay, so this is really helpful. I think for the Rehearsal, we will stick with our reservation. I think it will feel a little less chaotic, but that's because i'm envisioning the group of 20 of us waiting for an hour, starving and everyone complaining and then me feeling bad that I hadn't done a reservation lol.

I do have another question for you though:

Did you get your wedding coordinator a gift or anything?

Hey...no problem.  I agree....with a group of that many...it becomes frustrating waiting.  As the "host" you feel obligated to keep everyone entertained and happy. 

I did not get anything for the coordinator.  We wanted to tip her but could not catch up to her after the wedding.  I saw her a few times but she was always in the midst of another wedding.  I am going to contact her by email and ask for her direct address so that we can send her a tip & thank you. She did a great job, but honestly....you only see the coordinator for a short amount of time.  I had my MOH's mom hold the envelope with the tip money it but she could not find her either.  I was against leaving it with anyone else because I wanted to be sure Gina got it.

Originally Posted by RollerBride 

 

 Hi Emily,

   We were given 2 restaurant options for a rehearsal/family dinner. Yamina offered us the terrace at Himitsu or the terrace at Oceana. We chose Himitsu. I'm assuming (and hoping) that the terrace is somewhat private. I've looked at the restaurant pictures online and it looks like a patio area.

   The cost is $15/person plus 26% for taxes and gratuity. So the total for the 20 of us will be $378.00. Again, we are not thrilled with this but it will give us some piece of mind and be alot more organized than if we just told the 20 people to show up at Himitsu at a certain time.

   Hope this helps

 

 

Rollerbride...

Go to Himitsu before you pay for the dinner.  11 of us were able to be seated without paying for the reservation.  It really depends on the time you go.  The earlier the better.  We ended up paying for our reception diner but did not pay for any other dinners.  On Monday for my hubby's birthday, it was 18 of us.....we ate at Portofino....again we did not pay for the reservation.  Althought he dinner was not private, most of us were seated together.  Give it a try!

Good Luck!

JQ

Originally Posted by kellykellz 

 

I LOVE your photos! You look very beautiful!! I see that you have maracas in your photo. Do you mind me asking where you got them from? Congrats again on your wedding! 

Thanks Kellykellz!

I ordered these from Amol's.com.  They were pretty inexpensive.  After I ordered, I realized I could have gone with smaller maracas.....

That is the thing about being a DW Bride....you shop and shop....

Originally Posted by RollerBride

 

 YOU ALL LOOK PERFECT!

JQLONG: your bouquets are amazing and so colorful!

 

Thanks so much ladies!!!

 

 

Thank you so much!!!  These were my realtouch flowers! 

O.K....

I am still letting my wonderful experience sink in and I want to give a thorough review...so for now....

We have our slideshow!!!

http://040712long.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/

The entire experience was truly So Amazing!

I cannot say enough how wonderful this place is.  We feel so blessed to have had our family and friends join us.

I hope you enjoy.....

JQ

Originally Posted by tigerlily2435 

 

Does anyone know if you have to make revations at the restaurants at night or if you can just show up? I've heard you have to go really early to get reservations at all inclusives, but I don't know if that's true. Does anyone know how that works? Thanks!

The restaurants do NOT take reservations....however if you plan on dining with a large group prepare to wait.  My experience below:

Sunday Night (The first night) -  We had 11 people including ourselves...we ate at Himitsu......we only waited about 30 minutes....service was great!

Monday Night - 18 of us....we wanted to dine together as it was my hubby's  birthday - Portofino....VERY LONG wait....service..so-so

Wednesday Night - Wedding Reception - All 21 of us....at Bordeaux....(wine room - I will tell more about that in my review)...service was Awesome! (we had paid for reservations here).

Tips...

1.pack your patience....they will accomodate a large group but you may have to wait. 

2. A smile and a small tip to the host goes a long way.....

Hope this helps!

Good Luck!!!

Have a blast!!!!

JQ

Originally Posted by juliej84 

 

Hey everyone!! I was married at Dreams Riviera Cancun on June 18th! All I have to say is that everything was amazing and I can't stop thinking about how beautiful the entire wedding/trip was!!! Please do not worry brides--everything gets straightened out when you arrive at the resort and meet with your coordinator. My coordinator was Gina, she was awesome and did everything the way we wanted. I will be back to put more of a step-by-step review, but for now--enjoy wedding planning!! Here is the link to our slideshow--we also had Anel, she did a great job! She was from adventurephotos from the resort.

http://180612huber.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/

Hi there Julie!!!

Your slideshow was amazing!!!  Wasn't Dreams AMAZING????  We just got back on Sunday and let me tell you....I AM READY TO GO BACK!!!!

Congrats!!!

Hello Everyone!

I am sort of caught up on my rest.  We had a power outtage at the house and my internet has been down.  I feel so cut off!!!

Anywho.....because it was so hot...I decided to sneak off to the library to take advantage of the free air....and internet.  Also....I changed my name on my license, went to SS office.....

I am still waiting for my slideshow link and I will be sure to post when I get it.

Just another tidbit of info....before it slips my mind.....

For those of us that have guests that will opt to book on their own (and not use your travel agent) or wait until the last minute......

Please....please make sure they book DREAMS RIVIERA CANCUN!!!! 

NOT DREAMS CANCUN!!!!!

My brother (through no fault of his own) was taken to Dreams Cancun in error.  The transfer company made an error.  Be sure to let your guests know to tell the driver DREAMS RIVIERA!!!!  My brother came in the day after we did and although he was booked correctly, they drove him to the wrong resort....about 40 minutes away.  Because the van made other stops, he was in the van for over an hour!  When he arrived, he knew immediately, that it was the wrong resort.  He refused to get out of the van (need I say more...)....they corrected the mistake and drove him to the correct resort. 

But wait....it gets better.....

My MOH's boyfriend waited until the very last minute to book his trip.  He booked the Sunday before the wedding on Expedia.  Let me first begin by saying, I booked a friend of my Mother's about 2 weeks before the wedding.  When I went on Expedia, I was unable to pull up Dreams Riviera Cancun....only Dreams Cancun came up.  I ended up booking her on Book It....

Ok...back to the story....so.....My MOH's boyfriend booked on Expedia..... (NO BUENO!!!!!!)

Because we had had the experience with my brother the previous day, she was curious to know why his travel info said Dreams Cancun...

Her boyfriend was taken to the other resort and the front desk told him they really could not help him.  So....my MOH got on the phone with Expedia to book him at our resort.....BUT.....because it was after 3:00 (I think) he would be charged for the night.  He decided to stay because my wedding was not until the next day......

IT GETS BETTER!!!!.....

My MOH arranged to have my bachelorette at Senor Frogs (More detail to come in my review) and once we were dropped off, she was going to stay the night with her boyfriend at Dreams Cancun.........again No BUENO! The next day she called me at 7:00 AM to advise she came right back to our resort. First.....she said and I quote "I understand why your brother refused to get out of the van....". Secondly, she said they wanted to charge her $130.00 to stay for the night (kind of understandable but they could have confirmed her reservation at DRC).  She said other resort is the last on the strip and NOT by any means comparable to DRC.  She said it was like comparing the Rtiz Carlton to a Motel 6.....now...my MOH happens to be quite picky....but I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that our resort DRC....is

MUY BUENO!!!!

So....I'll repeat.....

PLEASE BE SURE TO ADVISE YOUR GUEST TO MAKE SURE THEY BOOK DREAMS RIVIERA CANCUN!!!!

They will be happy they did!!!

I hope this helps...

P.S. - this message was not intended to offend anyone booking at Dreams Cancun....it's just important that guest know where they will be!

JQ LONG

Hola Everyone!

This is our last day .....and I decided to come to the preferred club to check in.  My new hubby is somewhere floating around.....LOL.

As I stated before, this resort is truly amazing.  The service is outstanding and my wedding was perfect.  I am so anxious to give my review but I want to take it all in and be as thorough as possible.

What I will say is......relax.....everything will work out fine.  It seems as though this resort was made for weddings.  They are professionals and take great care of you.  Unless you have unreasonable requests, everythng you ask will be taken care of.  My other suggestion is...and I hope I do not offend...Unless your wedding is within the next month, RELAX!!!!!!  I have been on this site for over a year and we are all excited and obviously anxious, however, If you are getting married in 2013...trust me, they will get back to you in ample time.  They do at least 3 weddings per day....they know what they are doing.  I think many of us stress unneccessarily and when you meet with your coordinator, you are relieved that they have everything.  Just be patient.  The weddings that are current.July and August will get priority over the 2013 weddings....As your day approaches, they will contact you.  We arrived on Sunday, July 1st and met with Gina on Monday.  She had a list of everything we selected.  Keep in mind ladies.....things can be changed.  Be flexible...afterall...you chose to have a destination wedding and by doing so, you leave most decisions to the week you arrive.  It will be ok!

Again...try to relax..we as destination brides get bored easily because it is not much for us to do besides OOT bags.....so we get antsy....trust me...RELAX.....

Congrats and Good Luck to all the upcoming Couples!!!

Special Shout out to LindseyM.....my fellow South Jersey bride...July 20..will be here before you know it!!!!

I will post the link to our amazing pics within a few days!!!!

JQ LONG!!!!

Hi everyone!!!! I got married yesterday and it was WONDERFUL!!!

Our day was perfect.  We are here until Sunday...I will be sure to post a Full review when we return.

Ladies and Gents......this place is truly amazing......

Good Luck to all the upcoming brides!!!

JQ LONG!!!

Originally Posted by rachallen18 

 

Leaving this Wednesday morning can't wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I remember yesterday we started the planning and the day has final,y come

Congrats! Rach!!!!

We leave on Sunday.....hope to see you!]

Have an awesome wedding!

Originally Posted by ginaf61987 

 

We had our wedding renewal on the 7th of June. I'm with everyone else. The resort is amazing. I had Yamina as my WC. We meet with her the day after we arrived. She was really good. Me and my daughter's, Bridesmaids, had our hair and makeup done at the spa. They did a wonderful job. But with 5 of us it took longer than I thought. They had apt at 10:30 and mine was at 11:30. I think we got out of there at 2pm. My wedding was at 4pm. I had Santiago as my photographer. He was amazing and wonderful to work with. My bouquet was beautiful. I was very impressed with it. I have pictures on my facebook if anyone wants to see them just let me know. I did get to see my pictures before I left and got the CD. But I'm still waiting for the slideshow. If anyone has any questions just aske.

Congrats!!!  We would love to see your pics!

Originally Posted by AllieH 

 

So exciting for you!!!!!

Thanks!!!  I really need to try to do some work...but I cant!

Originally Posted by Speckles121 

 

AHHHH thats sooo exciting!!! i keep counting down but i'm only at 160 before we leave! best of luck and hope you have the wedding of your dreams!!

Thank you!!!! It will be here before you know it!

Wow....

I cannot believe that we leave in 10 days from today. My productivity at work is ZERO….(as you can probably imagine).

We are basically packed but I will unpack and re-pack probably 25 more times.  Anyone have any last minute advice on things I should make sure we’ve done?

Wooooo….trust me….time flies…one day you are reading threads on another couples wedding…the next day….you are counting down!

Did anyone brides have the hotel deliver the OOT bags?  I would really like to and mine out but my guest are arriving at different times.  The information guide says they will charge $3/per room and they would need the room numbers...uh....how would I know this?  I may just hand them out at the welcome dinner.

We leave in 10 days!!!!!!