LindseyM
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Posts posted by LindseyM
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Ours was a little closer to $10,000.
Originally Posted by Savs1027
We ended up swiping our CC at the resort for about $8000. That included the $3000 package, photography package, extra pictures, 3 BM bouquets, 2 corsages, 4 bouts, lighting, DJ, sound system for the ceremony, 2 centerpieces, cake and champagne for 15 extra people, dinner and open bar for 15 extra people.
That price didn't include dress, the actual trip, any of the decorations we brought with us (chair sashes, table overlays, maracas). It was strictly what the hotel provided for us.
Let me know if you have any questions!
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Originally Posted by daneli
Hey!
So I have just switched resorts from Barcelo to Dreams Riviera Cancun, originally I was to get married July 20th but I was so unhappy with how Barcelo was handeling everything I decided to take my business else where. So sadly I had to change my date to July 21st!! It has been so crazy the last week and stressful!!
I already have my photographer booked do you know if they allow outside vendors? I keep getting different answers from different WC at the resort and when I read online. It looks like a beautiful resort and I hope everything goes smooth from here on out! Especially since I am only 5 months away now!
If any past brides have any tips or want to share anything at all with me I would greatly apppreciate it! My email is [email protected]
I am doing the Ultimate Wedding Package and I am expecting about 50 guests. Did anyone use the resorts DJ? And whats the best location for the Cocktail hour?
I got married at DRC LAST JULY 20th and it was AMAZING!! My review is somewhere around page 800 in this thread...which does not help, I am sorry! It is also on trip advisor.
Below is my video from Mike Cantarell Films and my photos from Adventure Photos. You will NOT regret switching to DRC. It was incredible.
http://200712mcmahon.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/
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Originally Posted by EmilyT
ahhhh leaving for drc in the morning
trying to work out our money situation.... we obviously cant travel with enough cash to pay for everything so are we able to pay for the whole wedding with dreams on a debit/credit card??? I know i have to pay the photographer with cash, and i am not sure about the DJ... any tips on how to handle this ??I think we brought a good amount in cash but definitely paid for the whole wedding on a credit card. Have a blast!!!
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Originally Posted by elsa s
Hi brides!!!
how is everyone taking their wedding dress with them??? I'm worried because i don,t want to put it in a bag and fold it ... I rather just take it hanging but I'm not sure if they will allow that
US Airways will not let you hang it but they gave me an entire compartment for just my dress, which was very nice. The hotel did a great job steaming it so try not to worry too much!
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If you don't bring sand ceremony stuff, they will provide it.
Sorry, I can't help with the other things!Originally Posted by EmilyT
AH i am leaving in one week for DRC and I forgot a few small details LOL
1- i didnt get anything for my sand ceremony..... am i supposed to and where can i do this quick and cheap ??
2- i never got a pillow for my ring boy!! ( going to look in a local store )
3- I didnt put photos on a CD yet for my slideshow, but i am still not sure if i just bring the photos and dreams puts it together, or i bring them on a CD. . . still not sure...
it is getting to the point where if it is not done- its not happening LOL i cant wait to be in that pool not caring about any of this!!!!!!!!! LOL
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Originally Posted by loripanori
Gah, the inconsistencies in pricing is driving me nuts! I was quoted $85 USD + tax for each bridesmaids bouquet, to match BQT 13 from the catalog. I emailed Lorena back and asked her about other brides being quoted $60 and she insisted that $85 was the current price, and had been since June 2012, and would be going up again June 2013. She said anyone who received a lower price must have been quoted before June 2012. Then she said if I really wanted to only spend $60 per bridesmaids bouquet they could do that, but the bouquets would be very small and more like a child's bouquet. So I guess we're going with the $85 version. I just hate how it feels like you have no other options than to pay whatever price they decide on that day!
Just an FYI, I brought my own flowers down from Alexis Grace Designs on Etsy. I only paid $350 for a boatload of flowers and bouts and now they're on display in my living room for me to look at and admire forever. I recommend that!!
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Originally Posted by TIGERLILYODP
Gorgeous photos!! thank you for sharing xxx
Thank you and you're welcome!
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Hi girls,
I decided since so many of you have questions about the stay at the resort and what to expect to make my albums on facebook public. I am only going to make them public for the weekend because I am very private but if you are curious I have my personal albums and then our professional photos album [has more photos than my slideshow]. Looking at them makes me think of warmer weather since we're about to get a bunch of snow this weekend!!
The links are below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.785113624300.2136246.45901758&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.774646405690.2134279.45901758&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.774654529410.2134282.45901758&type=3
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Originally Posted by EmilyT
Girls... I booked the honey moon suit and i really want to stay in the presidential.... how good do u think these chances are ? lol
We booked a honeymoon suite and were upgraded to a master upon arrival. We tipped A LOT and made sure to be super kind to the wedding staff and the night of the rehearsal dinner they surprised us with the presidential suite for the rest of our stay. It could happen! JUST tip a lot and be super nice!
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Originally Posted by EmilyT
I spoke to Lorena about this and she confirmed that outside vendors are 150 per person BUT some there are no fee and this includes Mike Cantarell!! YaYyyYY i had already confirmed with him so now I will keep him. Seems like the prices are close anyway plus I will still get whatever is included in the video package from dreams since I did the ultimate package. I just emailed him to remind him since we confirmed so long ago.
That's great!!! I didn't think we paid much if anything but I had to push for it. He must have developed a relationship with them. They wouldn't use the resort videographer during our ceremony because they said he'd get in Mike's way and vice versa so they videoed my rehearsal dinner and had guests leave messages to us, which is nice to have too!
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Originally Posted by elsa s
HI Lindsey!!! I love your pics... The entire wedding looks amazing... my reception is also at Seaside Grill and I think it looks great in the pics... Do you know how many assistants Mike brought ??? I need to make sure I'm prepared so they don't charge me crazy ... lol
Aww thank you! It was so so so amazing. I wish we could go back every day. Mike worked with two guys and their names are Jerry Guzman and Alex Gonzalez.
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Originally Posted by ashley822
Hey girls! We just got our slideshow link from Adventure Photos! I know some people have been asking about other photographers with Adventure (other than Anel) and I wanted to share our slideshow because we had Francisco as our photographer. He was awesome, really nice, and I think the pics turned out great - even though it rained as our ceremony was supposed to be starting!
Here's the link: http://100113papp.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/
I know I was curious while we were waiting for our photos so in case anyone else wants to know about timing...we didn't have time to go through and choose our photos while we were there because they told us it would take a few hours and we couldn't fit it it. So after we got home, they sent us a link about 1 1/2 weeks after our wedding date. From there, we sent in the selection and had our slideshow 4 days later. They said our CD will be here within 2 weeks and the photo book within 6 weeks
Our locations in the slideshow are the North Beach (ceremony), terrace outside entrance of Desires (cocktail hour), and Seaside Grill (reception).
Beautiful pics, Ashley! We got to stay in the presidential suite too!!!
Isn't it awesome!? Also did our reception at Seaside Grill. I miss it! -
Mike did my wedding with two assistants and I definitely did not pay $300!
Originally Posted by EmilyT
Hi Girls...
Okay so, maybe I am wrong and its 150 but i think i got quoted at 300 because if he brings someone with him its 300... its 150 a person. not sure if mike would need an assistant.
I agree with what one of u said about them trying to squeeze every penny... i am having a saxaphone player for my ceremony (because i heard hear comes the bride on the sax and fell in love ) lol and they want to charge me 50$ for the microphone for the ceremony. like okay, im paying a lot for the saxaphone player which i don't mind at all.... but also charging me 50$ to turn on a microphone so my guests could hear the ceremony is where i draw the line LOL
Lorena also let me know that in 2013 there will be a fee to set up a table at the reception ( like with your place cards etc ). I wont be charged because i started planning a year ago but still im not a fan of this for future brides because even at an expensive wedding hall they would put out your place cards without charging you.
I saw another girl ask about deliverin a welcome letter. . . i am having welcome bags delivered to each room for $3 each. i just think it is easier than meeting all my guests at the enterance since ill probably be in the pool lol
21 days till i leave to go and i just keep thinking of more and more things i forgot to either order or organize lol
cant wait -
Originally Posted by Savs1027
For those of you who have already gotten married or haven't gotten married and know the answer...
Do you know how to use our free honeymoon nights? Do we have to call the hotel directly to book them or could we go through a TA? Also, do we have to use them at DRC? Or can we use them at any Dreams?
Yes I'm already thinking about my next trip in December
I think it has to be through them and directly over your anniversary. I don't know all the details because my husband wants to go somewhere new! He is crazy haha.
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There is but it is part of Excellence Riviera Cancun. I told Anel I wanted photos there and she said yes even though we weren't supposed to use it. Here is a link to my slideshow and video on the pier...
http://200712mcmahon.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/
Originally Posted by TIGERLILYODP
Hi can anyone tell me if there is a pier near the hotel ....down the beach ?i think i have seen one .... if so can you have photos on it? thanks xx
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I'm so glad you booked Mike! You will notttt be disappointed!!
Originally Posted by ZachJess2013
I
I have also booked Mike for August 1 and I had to fight fight fight I also told them that I would switch resorts.. Had to do the say for my photographer.. I just emailed and emailed relentlessly until they said yes and then printed the emails to take with me lol I agree it's super annoying and I refuse to pay a dime -
Originally Posted by EmilyT
Thank you Lindsey! Some of the more recent videos I seen on here from DRC were pretty good so i wasnt worried but the packages just dont make much sense to me. I may still use Mike he told me is available for my date. I think I will do the 5 hour like you did. Did you pay 300 for the outside vendor ? and ur video is awesome i have watched it more than once lol
$300?!?! Is that what they're telling you?! NO! They worked something out with Mike because I pushed and pushed and pushed. They said he had to pay them 20% of what I paid him, which is crap. So I am not sure what happened and I'd have to look for my invoice but I don't think I paid anything. We told the resort that I paid Mike less than I did though! I honestly think if we paid anything for him it was the $150... my parents covered the bill though so I am not 100% sure...definitely not $300!! I just know they kept telling me no and I said I would have my wedding somewhere else then and then they said yes, but it was a battle. When the day came, they helped him find my room and there was nothing to worry about, but getting them to agree was annoying. I think since then, other brides have used him with no problem but he told me I was the first one there in a long long time. This is getting rambley but I definitely did not pay $300. That is absurd. That could be a 2013 thing to keep people from using outside vendors. I will say though, knowing how good his work is and how great he is to work with, I would probably pay the $300 if I were getting married today.
Sorry if that was confusing!! Let me know if I can help any other way!
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Hi Elsa!
You should be excited because it will be soooo worth it!! As much as I love our footage, I wish we got the 8 hour. We were eating dinner when Mike and his crew told us the five hours was almost up. We hadn't gotten any dance party footage so quickly everyone got on the dance floor and he got about 15 minutes of dance footage. He still did a fantastic job but if it is in your budget I would go with the 8 hour! I wish we would've done that.
Hope I helped!Originally Posted by elsa s
Hiii Lindsey,,,,
I love your video... I'm so excite because i hired Mike Cantarell for our wedding on April 30th... and I love his work... its so worth it ... what package did you end up going with ... I don't know if i should go with the 5 hours coverage or pay the extra money and do the 8 hour one....
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Hi Emily! I haven't been on here in a while but I really wanted to weigh in on the video thing. I used Mike Cantarell Films, the cinenmatoography company associated with Cancun Wedding Video. It was truly such an amazing experience. I watch my highlight video constantly! The DVD and blu ray they sent us are incredible and I have raw footage from them on an external hard drive. Their quality and professionalism are outstanding. Not only that, I got a rehearsal dinner video from the resort photographer because their services could not be substituted and it is terrible. I know some people had a good experience with them but I wouldn't have traded mine with Mike for anything! Here is another link to our highlight:
http://mikecantarellfilms.com/dreamsriviera/lindsey_kevin/
Originally Posted by EmilyT
Hey girls, I am trying to wrap up all my final plans since I am leaving for Mexico Feb 26th!!! I just sent Lorena emails with pretty much all my final thoughts and requests & she was very kind to email me out of the blue yesterday asking if i needed anything else which i REALLY appreciate! ... a few things I am curious about that maybe someone here could give me an idea on:
Centerpieces: Is it possible to somehow use the bridesmaids bouquets towards the centerpieces.... can they arrange this? I have 4 bridesmaids and i know right after the ceremony the bouquets are going to lay somewhere and never be used again lol also they are about 75$ each so i want to get more use out of them. any ideas ?
Lights under table: I see a price listed for 30$ and one for 50$. Maybe it increased ? I am going to do this regardless just curious what others have paid.
Lanterns: I decided to use the resorts instead of bringing my own. I want the one long string just not sure exactly how much it is.. i assume about 200? I think its 20 lights and they are $10 each ?
Decorating the Hoopa: I know I read somewhere that someone used the floral arrangement from the bride/groom table to decorate the hoopa, is anyone familiar with this ? Lorena told me it is fine, but that the dimensions are different. So if it is going to look silly I will purchase flowers for it, but if i can get away with it- than thats what i'll do!
Boutineers: I see the ultimate package offers 2 boutineers and 2 corsages. I was wondering if I could have 3 boutineers instead and one corsage. Only mom needs a corsage. In this case I would only have to purchase 4 boutineers.
Flower Girl: I asked for one bag of rose petals. Do you think I should bring some of my own fakes ones ? Is one bag enough from the suit to the hoopa ?
Dinner: I am trying to stress to Lorena that although we are doing the sit down I want more time for dancing and less for eating. Does anyone have a good idea of how to explain the meal times so that dinner doesnt take up 90% of the reception. I also am paying for the extra hour so that might help.
Video: I really want a nice wedding video that includes the ceremony a little of the cocktail hour and some key points of the reception like the first dance, father daughter dance, cake cutting. When I look at the video packages it seems like none of them include this exceprt the final package which is 5000. Well i have been to weddings here in NY where they get AMAZING wedding videos and spend much less. I reviewed some outside vendors and then decided I would just use their videographers and now i am not so sure again. If they are a lot more expensive and lower quality- it is worth the outside vendor fee. Is this something I can worry about when I get there, or should i really make up my mind now? I emailed them and have not heard back & some sort of video is really important to me.
Alcohol: What kind of liquor is included..... my fiance wants to know if we should upgrade or if pretty much everything is included lol
SORRY FOR MY LONG RANT LOL THESE ARE MY FINAL WRAP UP QUESTIONS SO I FIGURED WHILE LORENA IS BUSY IF ANYONE HAS ANY ANSWERS TO THEM I COULD GET A MOVE ON
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Originally Posted by Savs1027
Thanks Lindsey for all your help while you were planning! You were such a great help!!!
You're so welcome!! And your pictures are beautiful!!
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Hi All!
It's been a while since I got married at Dreams in July, but I wanted to repost some of my helpful info for those new brides who are experiencing some anxiety. Trust me, everything will turn out wonderful!! I wish I could go back to that trip every single day! Below is a link to my slideshow, review on tripadvisor, tour you tube videos from 2011, and our highlight video from Mike Cantarell. Enjoy!!
http://200712mcmahon.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/
http://www.youtube.com/belcantoragazza
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Originally Posted by kellykellz
Hi Lindsey,
If you don't mind me asking, how much was your videographer? Also, did the resort charge you extra to bring him onsite? Did you have to book a room for him for the night? Thanks :-)
He was $2600 for 5 hours of filming. He brought two other guys will him so they were able to capture everything we wanted. The resort charged us $150 extra for bringing him in but when you look at their video quality in house it was worth EVERY FREAKING PENNY!
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Originally Posted by elsa s
Hi Girls
Can anyone recommend an outside photographer and also video man....Im looking to book with someone outside since Ive heard better reviews
Thanks
We used Mike Cantarell Films. It was an incredible experience.
Check them out... our video is on their site... MikeCantarellFilms.com We are Lindsey & Kevin.
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Originally Posted by EmilyT
Lindsey, sorry I am a pest but I just took the time to watch those videos from the drc videographer and then i watche yours again and some others from Mike Cantarell and I am SOLD. please give me his contact information- there is no comparison you are right! I will stick with the resorts photographers because they seem very good but for the video I am going to have to go with Mike! I am so happy I was able to see the difference- whew!
I just contacted him from his site... mikecantarellefilms.com He also owns Cancunweddingvideo.com but that is a slightly different style. The first website is more cinematography like.
He was very prompt in responding via his website.
Dreams Riviera Cancun - Brides post here (new thread)
in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas
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Beautiful! Who was your videographer?