Llkrik1010

Also, I previously posted a review that may answer many of your questions, but I posted it in the wrong spot.  You may want to take a look:

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/now-jade-riviera-cancun/reviews/6308

Happy Planning!

Lauren

Hi Ladies,

I thought I would post some pictures of decorations and set-up to ease some minds. Here are a few:

Spa (newly renovated but small)                                            

Ceremony set-up with bows and flowers

Tequila Terrace from the beach                                                    Reception set-up with centerpieces and glowing lanterns

Bride & Groom table                                                                   Cake

Let me know if you want pictures of anything else?  I can try and see if I have a picture of it!!

Lauren

Originally Posted by Noxx 

 

Leigh3124,

Thank you so much for sharing your photos they are so beautiful.

Did you bring down your own decor? I have been looking for cheap chair sashes and table runners. Your centerpieces are beautiful did you use the hotel ? any suggestions or tips for future brides that you would change or get if you were to do it again?

Also which package did you go with? I have the Devine not sure what the arch will look like if it comes decorated or do you have to pay extra?

Thanks for all your info!

Hi Noxx,

I know you weren't asking me these questions, but I can try to help.  The arch for the Divine package is covered in white drapings, but that is it.  Any flowers or colored drapings are extra.  The divine package also includes white covered chairs for the ceremony but bows or flowers are extra.  A white aisle runner is included.  

I used the resorts centerpieces.  They were absolutely beautiful, but I heard other girls say they paid someone outside and had cheaper and bigger centerpieces.  I was happy with mine though and didn't have to run around and make sure everything was delivered that day.  I did a review and a picture is included there, if you want to see them.  Hope this helps.

I brought down my own decor for the rehearsal dinner.  I gave it to Ramon and he decorated the table beautifully and at no extra cost.

Hope this helps.

Hi Ladies,

Just wanted to let you know that I returned back from my wedding at the Now Sapphire a few weeks ago.  I typed up a really detailed and super long (probably too long!) review on the resort and the wedding:

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/now-riviera-cancun-resort-spa-all-inclusive/reviews/6308

I included pictures that friends and family took.  They aren't professional pictures though, as I don't have mine back yet.  If you read it and have any further questions, I would be happy to answer them.  Just PM me.  I am sorry for the length of it, but I figured the more information the better!

Everything was perfect though!  It goes so fast!! I definitely have post-wedding sadness for sure!

Lauren

Hey Everyone,

I don't have the pictures back yet from my photographers, but I attached some of the pics I do have.  I was unsure about my dress at first, but loved it!  It was perfect!  The train was really long and got dirty, but the resort made it like new.  I thought it looked so pretty and classy being long!  The photographers had me holding parts up and it was flowing in the wind.  Anyway, thought I would share a few pics.  I don't have a ton, so I tried with what I have...

Hi Noxx,

I am going with La Luna photography.  They are well known in the area and plenty of girls recommended them that have used them.  They are pricey, but I am hoping well worth it!  I leave in 2 weeks from tomorrow!

As for answering your questions on the packages and upgrades,  I am going with the Divine Package.  I have 35 guests, so I will have to pay the extra charges which gets pricey, but I really think the upgraded meals and other add-ons will be worth it (ie. massage, hair and make up, etc.).  I am going to add an extra appetizer for the cocktail hour because the cocktail hour is my favorite part and we have quite a few vegetarians, so I want to make sure there are enough options for them as well.  In addition, we are doing a signature drink (at no extra cost), which is ocean breeze (blue one of my colors!).  We are also going to upgrade to some hanging lanterns.  I think it looks so elegant!  Although, they quoted us at like $900 for the light up ones which is absurd, but hopefully we can get that price down.  I know others are bringing their own down, but things are crazy for me right now, so I didn't have time to bargain shop for decorations (I am working 2 jobs, going to grad school, fitting in the gym, and planning this wedding!).  We will pay for bouquets for my bridesmaids and corsages/boutteniers for parents and grandparents.  We are going with some divine centerpieces and also going with colored bows for the ceremony only.  Just so you know, right now they are having a rehearsal dinner promotion.  We originally weren't going to go with the rehearsal dinner because they quoted us at like $3500, but they have a discount right now at $20/p.  It is a private dinner by the pool, includes IPOD set-up, champagne toast, 3 course meal, and basic set up.  You might want to ask about it now, because not sure how long they will be having this promotion for.  

On a side note, I did find some other things on my own that I am bringing with me.  We are bringing with us a sand ceremony, which seems to be a tradition for destination weddings.  Also, instead of a guest book, we found a frame that everyone signs and can leave a message, so we can hang in our house someday.  I also am putting fans on each of the chairs for the ceremony, in case it is hot.  I got personalized ribbon too to match my bridesmaid's dresses to tie on the end of the fans.  The favors are starfish wine stoppers.  We just finished getting everything for the welcome bags.  We ended up with personalized cold drink mugs with straw, tote bags, flip flop cards, puzzle books, leis (everyone for the rehearsal dinner will wear one), glow necklaces (to be handed out at the wedding at night!), water guns, beach balls, and a survival kit (i.e. tylenol, aloe, chapstick, tums, bandaids, etc.)  If anyone is interested in where I purchased these things or what they look like, feel free to let me know and I can attach pictures or more information!  

Lauren

Originally Posted by Noxx 

Thanks for the info. Have you decided on a photographer? Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by Pucca 

 

 

 

This dress is absolutely gorgeous and I'm sure it is the right one for you! Plus it's perfect for a beachy wedding!! You don't want to be too weighed down by all the fabric in your dress. This looks perfect! When everything comes together on your wedding day you will know that it was the right one, especially considering you cried when you first put it on! So don't second-guess yourself! It's known to happen though, I know, because I second-guessed my non-traditional choice despite walking out of the store smiling till my face hurt when I put down the deposit (I didn't tear up; instead I smiled and laughed all the way to my car). So when I went with my friend to shop for her wedding, I tried on some more traditional ones at her suggestion so that I would know what I might look like in a more traditional wedding dress. I came away knowing that I had made the right choice and to this day, almost 7 months later, I love the choice I made and it makes me want to put the dress back on and get married all over again! It gets hard to envision how the complete picture sometimes when you wait for months for your dress. But like everyone has said, it is a beautiful dress and I'm sure you'll look gorgeous in it! 

Pucca--> Thank you so much for your advice.  I am glad to know I was not the only one out there who had second thoughts.  I think you are absolutely right!  I go for my second fitting tomorrow and am going to do my hair, make up, and put on all of the jewelry so I can get a better idea.  It should fit too!  Congrats on your wedding!  Sounds like you were so happy!  Would love to see the nontraditional dress you chose!

Thank you so much for the kind words everyone!  I think I made the right choice and feel a lot better!  Maybe I just needed some ladies in my situation to reassure me!  I am sure I will feel better once it fits!  I will be sure to post some pics!

Here is the website to view the dress online (this also happens to be wear I purchased the dress)

http://www.efashioncentral.com/parkavenuebridal/detail.php?ProdId=3608966&CatId=32870&resPos=178#subtitle

Designer & style number:

Allure Bridals 
Style Number:2413

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by MissBubbles205 

OMG!!!.. I LOVE that dress!!  I'm sure it will look amazing on you!!

 

Do you mind sharing the designer and #..? )  I'm still in search of a dress.. 

Thanks Everyone for your advice!  I am sure you are all right.  I probably will feel better once it fits me right.  I don't have any pics with me in the dress but here is a pic of the dress online:  (SORRY IT IS SO HUGE!)

I was going with a beachy, flowy feel....

Originally Posted by MissBubbles205 

 I've seen a few ladies say the same thing. I'm sure your dress is perfect, there is a reason you feel in love with it!!  Did you take any pictures of it so we can see it?

So, I have a question for the ladies who are close to their wedding date. I went for my first fitting last week and am having some second thoughts. When I bought my dress in September I loved it so much I cried. The woman helping me said my face lit up when I put it on. However, part of me is wondering if I made a mistake! I went with a simple light weight beachy dress. It is one shoulder and has some beading, but nice and flowy! I guess it is not a traditional princess wedding dress and I am thinking maybe I should have done that! I think the other problem was the dress at the fitting was huge and so I couldn't tell what it will really look like until they fix it, but am I crazy? Am I the only one thinking this??!! Help!! Lauren

Congrats maytai5dh2! Very exciting!

Thank you for your response!  It makes me feel better!  Did you find that the price that you paid was similar to what you priced it out as?  Were you able to negotiate?  

Enjoy the rest of your trip!

Originally Posted by maytai5dh2 

Llkrik1010,
I didn't receive a response when I sent in my planning form either. Ramon was a lot more responsive closer to my wedding date.
I just had my wedding here yesterday. Everything worked out well and Ramon did a great job putting all the details together for our reception.

Hey Everyone!

I read in here that others were having trouble getting through to Ramon as well.  I sent my planning form almost a month ago and have emailed it several times, but I don't even get a response back at least saying he or Anel received it. I know they are busy but a simple email at least letting me know they have it would be nice!   I also was hoping to get an estimate of the total cost of the wedding, so that my fiance and I know how much to prepare for.  Did others get an estimate before they went down there?  Thanks ladies!

Duh, sorry everyone!  The website to design your own shoe is ninashoes.com  You can design your own earrings too, but they aren't as nice.

Lauren

Hey ChocoTaco (and everyone else),

I found this website where you can design your own shoe (or maybe I was recommended to go to the website from someone on this forum, can't remember).  They have a few colors, heel heights, and styles to choose from.  The shoes are a bit pricey, but under $200 and you may be able to find exactly what you want!  They have a few green colors, although I am not sure it is exactly what you are looking for.  It is more apple than lime green.  Anyway, I love that you can add glitter to the bottom of the shoe!  I added the glitter to the bottom but it is hard to tell in the picture.  You can also add sequins to the top of some of the shoes.  I plan to buy a pair in teal for my rehearsal dinner!  I haven't ordered them yet because I have to work up the nerve to spend this much on a shoe I won't even wear for my wedding!  Anyway, here is one of the pairs with the green:

The pair I am leaning toward for my rehearsal dinner:

My wedding is 4 months away and I am getting so excited.  I figured I would post pictures of my shoes.  I would love to be able to wear heels, but I am such a clutz and don't trust myself to be able to walk (let alone dance) in them all night without falling on my face.  I am looking for a nice pair of low heels for my rehearsal dinner and love some of the suggestions listed!  Thanks ladies!  

Sorry the pictures are so big, I can't figure out how to make them smaller.  Ok, here goes:

Barefoot sandals for the beach ceremony designed by redibychelsea (I bought my bridal party a pair in white/watermelon colors with matching earrings)-->Sorry it is blurry!

Victoria Secret Flip Flops to wear while walking to the beach just in case.  The dots are rhinestones if you can't tell.  I bought my bridal party a pair in Watermelon (the same color as their dresses!)

It is hard to tell in the picture, but they are very sparkly and pretty.  These are my reception flip flops!

These are my other options for the reception.  They are my in my colors with a swarovski dragonfly.  What do you think everyone?

Hi Everyone,

I believe the original question in this thread was about seaweed in the ocean.  I visited the Now Sapphire in early June 2011 and am getting married there June 30th, 2012.  There was seaweed in the ocean and it did wash up on shore.  I can say that they have machines clearing it off the beach a few times a day, but you can't avoid it in the ocean.  There was a pending storm when I was there, so I am not sure if that was the reason for all of the seaweed.  I was hoping to hear from someone who has been there more recently to see if they also had the seaweed problem.  I believe the seaweed is there because one of the largest barrier reefs in the world is nearby??

Anyway, I have chosen my ceremony on the beach and cocktail hour/reception on the Tequila Terrace.  My wedding coordinator is Ramon and he was very helpful and responded fairly quickly as I was booking everything. I have kind of been at a stand still and really haven't contacted the resort more recently though, as my wedding is still far away.  I am going with La Luna photography for the wedding.  When my FI and I were there visiting in June, we got a private dinner on the beach (FYI the food was delicious and we really enjoyed it).  The resort photographer took pictures of us, and we were really very disappointed with them.  As a result, I decided to look elsewhere.  La Luna is pretty expensive, but photography is important to me, so I thought it was worth the extra money.  

To answer some more questions, they do allow up to 2 weddings a day.  Neither of the locations are completely private, as there may still be guests in the pool area if you choose the beach location and there may be guests in the restaurants or walking on the beach for the Tequila Terrace.  Honestly, I think I will be so excited to be getting married I won't even notice!  I believe outside vendors cost $300, except for a photographer who only costs $65 (although I have heard different things).  I have 35 guests confirmed right now and may have more and we were quoted at $105 extra pp over 25 people.

Let me know if you have any other questions.  I posted pictures of the resort on another thread as well and have more if anyone is interested.  
For those brides getting married soon, Enjoy!!

Lauren

I am expecting around 40 people, and I also was very shocked at the $100/person extra cost for the divine package.  Has anyone in the past been able to negotiate this price down?  I thought maybe there would be some negotiation room since all of those guests would be purchasing rooms for several nights and therefore bringing business to the resort!!  

As for the cost of an outside vendor, I was quoted by my wedding coordinator (Ramon) at $65.  I think this price is just for photography though.  Other outside vendors may cost more.  If you are having your photographer stay the night (ex. to do a TTD session in the morning) then there is no extra fee.  

Originally Posted by AmyG 

babestaaa,

 

I can remember when I booked the resort for my wedding I saw the part where they charge approx. $100/person (for over 25 guests) for the Divine package.  I think I may fall right around 25 guests so I am hoping I won't incur the extra charges,  but of course I will be thrilled if more than 25 guests come.  I guess this is inclusive of the dinner, the cocktail hour and the dessert, I just wish it didn't cost so much more.  Do you know how many guests you are planning on coming to your DW?

 

Amy

 

 

I visited the Now Sapphire in the beginning of June.  My Fiance and I were there celebrating an anniversary so we got a private dinner on the beach.  The hotel photographer took pictures of us.  We viewed the pictures, and personally, I did not like any of them.  I felt that the pictures we took ourselves were better.  I was not impressed and for my wedding, we are hiring La Luna photography.  I like the photojournalistic approach though, and she did not seem to do that.  It may just be my personal preference.
 

Originally Posted by Vanessa56 

Has anyone considered using the hotel photographer, or have any information on the hotel photographer?

Hi Everyone,

I have 3 bridesmaids and a MOH in my wedding and he has 3 groomsmen and a Best Man.  My wedding isn't until next June, but I find that I have been trying to pick things up as they go on sale and also to lessen the burden of buying everything all at once later.  I attached pictures/links in case anyone was interested in what they look like.  A lot of it is similar to what other people have been saying.  Everyone has great ideas! Here is what I plan to get:

Bridesmaids  (around $200-$250):

• Tote bag to hold all the goodies:  I got black and then had their names added in their favorite color stitch.  I got them a few days ago for $14.99 although it looks like they are no longer on sale.

• Land's End Monogrammed Towels in all different patterns/designs.  They are on sale now.  They actually have more colors now than they did when I ordered them.  I wish I had known that and I would have waited until now.

• Bridesmaid and MOH teachers that I designed at Bridalpartytees.com.  I was able to do them in my colors.  It is cute, but a little pricey!   http://www.bridalpartytees.com/category/all.htm
• I am going to get customized barefoot sandals and matching customized earrings as well.  http://www.redibychelsea.com/?category_name=barefoot-jewelry
• I am also going to include a frame with a picture of me and my bridesmaid and a personalized silly poem.  I haven't found any frames yet but that will be easy. 
• Coach wristlet- These are great because they have so many different styles.  You can really find a different one for each girl and match their personalities.  The ones I am looking at are between $48-58
•  http://www.coach.com/online/handbags/-walletswristlets_wristlets-10551-10051-5000000000000013513-en t1Id=5000000000000013510&t2Id=5000000000000013513&tier=2&LOC=CC
• I am also thinking about a Wine carry bag that will have wine in it, maybe just for my MOH http://www.weddingstar.com/product/2-section-wine-carry-bag

MOH ( all of the above plus additional $200-250) it is my sister and she has been so helpful so far!:

• I am also going to include a Tiffany necklace.  I like the starfish as does everyone else, but they also have a lot of other cute beachy themes like a flip flop, sunglasses, palm tree, boat, etc.  I just think she might be able to wear the starfish more often.

• I might pay for her manicure/pedicure as well for the wedding.  

GROOMSMEN:

My fiance will be doing an excursion with the groomsmen as well.  He might get them something small too like personalized flasks.

BEST MAN

The best man is actually a really fabulous photographer so he is doing our TTD session the next day.  We have to get him something extra, but I am not sure what yet.  Any ideas?

MOMS:

The moms are going to get a Tiffany necklace too (not sure which one)  What do you all think?? :

Or one of these, because this is one of my colors:

DADS: (Engraved frame or digital picture frame)  Is an engraved Tiffany frame for a guy weird?

Or a Tiffany passport cover

WOW!  I really hope that is enough!  It is going to be a lot of money, but our family and friends are very important and they will be putting a lot of their own money into coming to the wedding and being a part of it.  Sorry, that was longer than I thought!
Lauren

Thanks for the welcome!  I think you are going to love the resort!  It really is so pretty!  Here are some more pics, so you can see the resort even more:

There is water everywhere and beautiful fountains!

View of where we stayed from the beach.  The rooms really do look just like the pictures and the bathrooms are also very nice!

This was the shrimp provencal that we got for our private dinner on the beach. It is acutally a wedding food option (I think divine package) and it was very good!

This is the main lobby.  It is really open and a nice breeze.  This is where the vendors come in and set up.  There is a nice bar to the right and plenty of seating.

A little motivation to get through the time before everyone's wedding!

Originally Posted by ps31 

Lauren-

Welcome to this thread, you'll love it.  It's a great group of people and I love hearing from others in my same situation:)  These are great pictures, thanks for sharing!  I can say that any pictures of the place is appreciated since I've never been and won't be there until my wedding.  Also the good review(s) is nice to hear.  I have not heard of Ramon, but there has been some changes there recently.  I'm glad he has been good with communication!

 

Let me know if anyone has any other questions.

Lauren

Hi Ktchi!

Thank you so much for posting your templates.  I borrowed your save the date template and it was quite a hit!  Everybody loved it! Thank you so much!  You did a great job!
Lauren

Hi Everyone,

I am new to this forum so I am still trying to figure everything out.  I am getting married at the Now Sapphire on June 30, 2012!!  I had some difficulty at first booking the resort, but eventually got it all figured out.  Ramon is my WC, anyone have him?  He has been good with responding and answering questions.

I also am going with La Luna Photography and am trying to decide between Jonathan and Melissa.  Anyone ever use either?

I have actually been to the resort (early June of this year) and thought I might be able to help some brides who have not been there.  My FI and I fell in love with it and despite hours of research, no other resort could compare to NOW for looks and price!  I am going to try and post some actual pics too further below, so you all can see real photos.  I am not a photographer though : )

The resort is just as beautiful as the pics so you can rest easily!  There is a seaweed problem on the beach and especially in the ocean, but it may have just been from a pending storm.  They do have machines to wash it off the beach. I have to say that the staff was amazing.  They were extremely helpful, although we did tip slightly.  We did a private dinner on the beach (which is similar to the wedding food) and the food was excellent.  The restaurants are pretty good too for all inclusive.  I am not a fan of buffet, but even that was pretty good when we ate it.  We did preferred club and really enjoyed the perks, although I am not sure you have to.  We were able to reserve front row beach cabanas, although it never seemed to be a problem while we were there.  It was not very crowded, yet it was before schools were out.  I heard the pool was an issue reserving seats if you were not preferred club, but we can sit by a pool where we live so we only jumped in and went back to the beach.  Our room's view was phenomenol!.  We were only there for a few days so we did not do any excursions, but there were many options.  They had all sorts of vendors come to the resort one of the nights and we bought beautiful hand painted pictures for very little money!  All in all the resort was great.  Feel free to ask any specific questions!

I would also like to add that while we were there we saw a wedding and it was beautiful!  I wish I had my camera on me to take pics!. Unfortunately a freak storm rained on the bride as she came out, but it did look beautiful before and the resort did a great job!  Of course, the rain stopped about 10 minutes after the ceremony!  

Here are some pics:

View from our balcony.  Ocean front preferred club.

Our private dinner.  You can see the seaweed before it is cleared off.  Still beautiful beach!

Main pool with gazebo.

View from lunch restaurant.  You could also eat here for breakfast with Preferred club, which we enjoyed! 

I have a ton more pictures, so if you want to see more, just let me know!  Enjoy!  
Lauren