aquamaniac

Hey ladies, we leave tomorrow morning so I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all the help, support and amazing advice! I have no idea what I would have done without you!

I'll post pictures once we return, and hopefully I will run into some of the other brides this week!

We signed the papers here about a month prior. I wanted to do it closer to the departure date, but because my FI works on the rigs and is away most of the time it was difficult to schedule.

Originally Posted by Sunshine2680 

Great review!!! and awesome pics!
Just out of curiosity - for those of you ladies from Canada who got married first before you went to Mexico - how close to the wedding did you make it legal at home?
I know if you're having the symbolic ceremony down there they don't need to see any documentation but just wanted to make sure.

Thanks so much ladies, I feel much better about it all now!

Hope to run into some of you with at the GBP next week!

Originally Posted by stylishmeNC 

I think there was something like an 80% chance of rain on my wedding day and there wasn't a drop, not even a cloud in the sky. You really have to take the weather report very lightly. And as others said, if it does rain, it will probably be a short burst and then clear right up after. Don't worry about it - no matter what you will have a fabulous time

So I was all proud of myself because I wasn't freaking out or stressing yet, and then my dad brought up the weather report for Playa del Carmen.....there is rain for everyday in the forecast! How likely is that to change? 

I've been to Mexico a few times, and my two cents is that the weather in December would not be as fabulous as in April. We've been in January before (to the Cancun side) and it was warm during the day and quite chilly in the evenings, plus I never got a good tan. December would also be a more expensive time, and less people are able to travel due to commitments they may have for the holidays or for work as it is year end for most companies. April is warmer, less busy (unless you go during Easter). I looked at criteria like that as we had originally thought about November or February, and eventually we settled on May (we leave in 8 days!).

Thank you so much for posting this, its definitely true that we take all of our loved ones for granted; especially those who are closest to us. All of our friends and family say that my FI and I are very mushy, he works out of town for 2 weeks at a time and is only home for a week. We try to spend as much time together when he is home, and we are always telling each other how much we love the other and we are always hugging, cuddling and holding hands; even in public (although we're not the over the top make out everywhere type of couple). But neither one of us will ever wonder if how the other one feels, its all said in words or by gestures. I do remind myself often to just take the time to enjoy it with my FI, even if its a little nap and cuddle in the middle of the day, its those little things that make a relationship. 

Again, thank you so much for posting this reminder so we all remember to take a time out and appreciate why and for who we are doing all this wedding planning. Your neighbours will be in my prayers.

~Maja

Hello ladies!

As life doesn't stop while planning weddings, my bridesmaids mother in law passed away suddenly last week and therefore my bridesmaid isn't able to make the trip (we leave in 9 days). My older brother who I am quite close with is filling in as a Bridesman, but since I have done all the shopping for a bridesmaid, what do I get him as a gift? 

Thanks for all your ideas in advance!

Wow, I had no idea there are so many of us there that week! We arrive on May 19th (9 more sleeps!) and are getting married at the Tulum gazebo on May 22 at 4pm. I will be checking my email while in Mexico (because of work) so feel free to drop me a line when you arrive and we can grab a drink, its on me  [email protected]

Originally Posted by nikki17 

Thanks for the quick reply Trisha!

 

Are there any other brides besides those listed below that will be at the resort the last 2 weeks in May?  I am staying May 22- June 2nd.

 

Cynlee143 - 5/22/2012 - Akumal (visiting 5/18-5/25)

aquamaniac - 5/22/2012 - Tulum

Isabelle Parent - 5/23/2012 - Tulum

Jacquie Ware - 5/24/2012 - Akumal

nikki17 - 5/26/2012 - Coba

Stunning! Thanks for sharing! 10 sleeps till we leave!

Originally Posted by Emily2012 

Hi all, not sure if this will work but some of my pics are on this link. More to be added xx

So I need advice on a bit of a sensitive topic. My FI and I are wondering if asking a Groomsman to step down from his position is the right thing to do. One of my Bridesmaids mother in law passed away this week (a big F**k you to cancer, she was diagnosed 3 weeks ago and told she had at least 6 months!). For obvious reasons my Bridesmaid is unable to come as we are 16 days from departure. I don't want to try and fill her spot with anyone else as it would not feel genuine to me, but should we ask one of the Groomsmen to step down from his "duties"? My FI thinks it would be weird to have uneven numbers, and I really have no idea what to do. 

Has anyone used iron on transfers on these bags? I would love to have confirmation if the fabric is right for it.

Thanks!

Ok, I need to say this to someone; because although I'm kinda annoyed, all you can do is laugh about it.

At my bridal shower I received several gift cards to a department store here in Canada, since 3 of them did not have the value written down I called the number on the back of the card to get the totals. Well, one card which had no To: From: info on it had a value of $97.49, obviously a regift they didn't realize they used (I hope). Since I had all the gifts written out, I knew exactly who it was from. And for their wedding we gave them $300 cash, and I just bought their newborn a great gift! Some people!

Thanks Tlseege! You are such a wealth of knowledge!

Oh, and also....has anyone done treatments at the Spa there? I want to take my bridal party with me to the spa the morning of the wedding, that being said I don't want to have a massage, or any mud treatments the day of just in case my skin reacts or something. What are the Water Therapy Treatments, etc.? Would those be something we could do that day to hang out and relax?

Exactly one month till our departure today! Can't believe how close it is getting!

I've got a few questions as I start getting my welcome booklets ready:

1. We're going to have a welcome dinner the second evening we are there, we'd love to have a stag/stagette type thing at the resort, and we want to keep it pretty low key as we're not into major partying anymore. I was thinking the boys can go to the sports bar for a bit, and the girls can go to another bar at the resort, then we can all meet up at the disco. Any recommendations on doing something like this, and where we should go?

2. What time does the live music start at the Tulum Lobby Bar? We're getting married at 4 and dinner is at 6, so I am going to recommend our guests have drinks there before dinner. Is that the best location, and will they have some live music to listen to?

3. Do the 24 hour snack bars put away the alcohol at midnight? I thought I read that somewhere, but I've been to other resorts where you can serve your own drinks in the snack bar all night. What should I expect at the GBP?

4. How far in advance do I need to make spa reservations?

Thanks girls!

~Maja

We've been to the Mayan a few times, and had wanted to visit Chichen Itza also but felt that it was much too long of an excursion. We've been to Coba and Tulum ruins and they are both wonderful, you can get great Coba excursions that include a visit to a Mayan village, and a few other fun activities. The Tulum ruins are right beside an amazing beach.

We've done the ATVing through the jungle and it was a blast, so was the seadoo snorkelling trip. Xcaret park is very interesting if you are interested in culture, and it is great for families. And be sure to spend some time wandering around Playa del Carmen's Quinta Avenida!
 

Originally Posted by gettingwed12 

Also does anybody have any recommendations on which excursions are good? We want to go to Chichen Itza & Coco Bongo's but can't decide on what else there are so many that look good! Is it cheaper to book before you go or whilst in resort.

 

Thanks. xx

Hooray! Thank you so much for this! Such great photos, and it makes me so much more excited. We have just over 4 weeks to go!
 

Originally Posted by Tlseege 

The Tulum tour is ready!!  So sorry for the delay!!

Faber Photography's Gran Bahia Principe Tulum Photo Tour

 

So jealous! We're off to GBP Tulum on May 19th, cannot wait! We chose the Tulum location because we wanted proximity to the beach, and because it seemed a tad bit smaller then the Akumal side. But I have heard many wonderful things about each and every one! 

Can I request a few pics of the Tulum Gazebo, and a view of the "aisle" walking towards it. I'm just trying to see how far it is to walk, and if my FI will see me right away or if there is some trees blocking it a bit.

Thanks, and have a fantastic trip!

Originally Posted by cfehr 

Hello!

 

I am headed down to the Bahia Principe in the Mayan on Wednesday to scope out the resort for our wedding next year (and also to relax!)

 

Just wondering if anyone has tips as to specifics I should try to look into while I'm there. Even though the wedding is still approximately a year away (we're planning to set a date while we're there), I'd like to start getting stuff organized and being there provides me with the perfect opportunity! Anything specific I should look into while I'm there?

 

ps. Should I speak to a travel agent previous to going to the resort next week and get the ball rolling in that area as well?

 

Open to any tips and suggestions!

 

Christina

I was actually just discussing this last night, we're wanting to have our groomsmen wear black shorts. Will we have any issues at the restaurant for dinner?
 

Originally Posted by Rachael 

Previous brides of Principe

 

Do the men need to wear trousers for the AL A Carte resteraunt or can they wear smart shorts?

Ok past GBP brides, let's do a vote on cake flavours! I'd like to hear which one everyone thinks is the best before I commit! 

In the photos of the ceremony locations, it seems that there are a couple different type of chair options....do you get to choose or is it a random draw? I'm thinking about how chair sashes will work.

Thanks!

No I didn't get anything!
 

Originally Posted by Lasallebabe 

Hello Maja....just checking to see if you rec'd my response. I sent it from my blackberry last night but wasn't sure it went through.

Hey, I just noticed you are in Calgary also! Totally interested in the chair sashes, turquoise ribbon, a bag or two of seashells and the Bath and Body works air fresheners. Can you PM me where in Calgary you are located, maybe I can meet you locally to check this stuff out and save some shipping costs!

Thanks!

~Maja

Wow, every time I go to post something I feel like I need to thank so many people. You girls are so amazing! I wish I could invite you all to my bridal shower because you've been more support then my girlfriends here! Lol

Anyways, just seeing if anyone out there has examples of seating charts. I have been thinking of idea for making one, but I've never done it and have no concept of how to do it! Thanks so much!

Katie,

Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us all how precious life is, we all get caught up in the hype and we take things for granted. Wishing your FI a speedy recovery! And happy planning!

~Maja
 

Originally Posted by katiemac 

 

Hi Everyone again!

 

This will be a different type of post...

 

My FI has been battling cancer since April of 2012.  He has had chemo, one minor and two major surgeries.  We were under the impression he was in the clear.  We picked our resort, ordered STDs, made our wedding website and picked our bridal party. My FI began experiencing headaches that were abnormal.  I emailed his oncologist and an MRI was ordered. On Valentine's Day, we were called and told that he had a 4cm brain tumor and to go to the hospital immediately.  We have been so positive, but when you hear brain surgery, I thought the worst.  He still made an effort to make me smile and happy on Valentine's Day even though we were in the hospital.  The surgery was this morning.  He looks great.  They got the tumor.  He has no side effects that we were warned of.  It is amazing.  The neurology team is amazing and sensitive and patient.  We are waiting for the pathology to confirm that the tumor is cancer, and he has to start radiation if so.  

 

I am sharing this because I searched BDW site for a group for the people that are planning their wedding in the midst of illness.  There didn't seem to be any.  Not to preach, but cherish your health, and the health of your partner.  I felt like the luckiest woman on earth today when I saw him in recovery.  I share my story, because I know people will wish him the best.  And we need that!

 

On a lighter note, I am pumped to go back to planning.  I came back from the hospital today to find my STDs delivered.  It looks like I will have something to keep me busy while I keep him company in the hospital--carefully print the addresses of my favourite people on the planet to invite to my DW in Mexico.  

 

Keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that this is nearly the end of our journey with cancer.

 

I hope this was inspiring rather than depressing.  

 

Katie