Jass7

Originally Posted by 0413bride 

 

 

Oh my your wedding was gorgeous! I love your reception on the terrace! Love it! Brings back so many memories of that amazing place!

Congratulations!!

Originally Posted by TealMarie 

 

Does anyone know the actual wording of the legal/civil ceremony? My wedding planner says she can't give me the wording because it's legal. I'm having a hard time understanding why something that will be said at our wedding and which we will be committing ourselves to is a secret. 

That does sound strange, but maybe because a judge has to come, they don't know what that person will say. I think you need to pester them and find out. I had a symbolic wedding, and the minister sent me a lot of info, so I had idea what was going to be said.

Originally Posted by whitneys 

 

 

We are doing the gazebo. I like the beach but from some photos, I see random people walking by. We want it more private and love the gazebo look.

Depending what time you get married I would say, if it's later in the day I think there is less chance of someone walking past your ceremony on the beach. Our ceremony was at 5pm, and nobody came by. I also think people are more respectful of your privacy once they see that it's a wedding. You might have watchers from a far though, specially building 9.

We got stopped at the customs on the way there. They look at our favors, which were boxed in plastic boxes individually. They looked at it, and almost opened it but then decided not to. Our favors were bottle stoppers, with pointy edge which I didn't know how pointy it was until we opened them later. We told them it was for our wedding and they were welcome to open one, since I brought extra, but they trusted us.

Originally Posted by Jass7 

 

Lynn,

 

How many guests are you going to have? I think that Bose SoundDock could very well work in that area. What we got is this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Bose%26%23174%3B+-+SoundDock%26%23174%3B+Portable+Digital+Music+System+for+Apple%26%23174%3B+iPod%26%23174%3B+-+Black/8509438.p;jsessionid=DE98F08E023D2FB1265792154136C89D.bbolsp-app02-15?id=1186005749503&skuId=8509438&st=bose sounddock&cp=1&lp=3

 

And the volume can be set to really loud, and still great quality. Try it out at Best Buy, that's where we got ours from. We didn't have it set to the max at Spice, and it felt like a DJ was in the house! Our Bose system just included a sound dock that you attach an ipod/iphone to it. This particular sound dock also has 8 hour lithium battery that you can charge up and not worry about the wires, and can set it anywhere. We had ours set at one table and dance was at the total other side. We really do not regret not going with DJ, but I do regret not having more time to dance. That damn Michael Jackson show! =D

It was also slim enough to travel with it in carry on. We had it wrapped in a tshirt and my husband carried it in his backpack.

Originally Posted by danak71 

 

Hey Jass7,

 

We're planning to have our reception at CECO Terrace. Do you think that would work for that area as well? How did you get your system down there and how large is it? Did you just plug your ipod into it? When you say you brought your BOSE system, what components exactly did you bring? Sorry to sound so dense! :-)

Lynn,

How many guests are you going to have? I think that Bose SoundDock could very well work in that area. What we got is this: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Bose%26%23174%3B+-+SoundDock%26%23174%3B+Portable+Digital+Music+System+for+Apple%26%23174%3B+iPod%26%23174%3B+-+Black/8509438.p;jsessionid=DE98F08E023D2FB1265792154136C89D.bbolsp-app02-15?id=1186005749503&skuId=8509438&st=bose sounddock&cp=1&lp=3

And the volume can be set to really loud, and still great quality. Try it out at Best Buy, that's where we got ours from. We didn't have it set to the max at Spice, and it felt like a DJ was in the house! Our Bose system just included a sound dock that you attach an ipod/iphone to it. This particular sound dock also has 8 hour lithium battery that you can charge up and not worry about the wires, and can set it anywhere. We had ours set at one table and dance was at the total other side. We really do not regret not going with DJ, but I do regret not having more time to dance. That damn Michael Jackson show! =D

Originally Posted by deniden 

 

His photobooks are stunning. It is absolutely amazing how he puts them together and the quality is unbeatable. I wish I had ordered more of them!

 

Also, I'm in NJ and we were hit by Hurricane Sandy. Last night, I got a message from Juan asking how we made out with the hurricane, that he was worried about us, and asking if there was anything he could do. I was SO touched by him sending that message, it really speaks to his character. Plus, he's an awesome photographer.

That's really touching!

Unfortunately he was not available on our wedding day, but we did go ahead with his best associates, Tony and Daniel. It was the best decision we made! They were all amazing to work with! Can't wait to narrow down our album pictures and get them in the mail!

Lynn,

We did not hire a dj, but instead brought our own BOSE system with a remote control, and it was perfect for Spice Terrace.

Sorry I don't know about the sound system EPM has, but nice of your friend to dj for you.

Originally Posted by danak71 

Hey Ladies,

 

I have a question for past brides at EPM that DID NOT hire a dj but rented the sound system from the resort.

 

1. What all does it include? 

 

2. Where did you have your reception and was it loud enough?

 

3. Was there anything that you had to bring with you or felt like you needed to go with the sound system?

 

One of our guests is a professional dj and has offered to dj our wedding as a gift to us. Since he's staying the 3 nights as a guest, we won't have to pay an outside vendor fee for him and he dj's from his laptop but I just want to make sure we'll have what we need.

 

Thanks for your help!

 

Kim good luck with your wedding next week! I pray everything goes perfectly for you! Can't wait to see pictures!

 

Lynn

Originally Posted by bondgirl0072010 

 

 

Lovely! The sleeves added a very romantic and classic touch to your dress. There's also a princess-like hint!  Your smile says it all- a truly great destination wedding!

 

XOXO

 

Chelsea

Thank you Chelsea!!! That's very sweet of you. You described it perfectly. =)

Originally Posted by MsBlissMpls 

 

You look beautiful Jass7!!! I love the caps on your dress.

Aww thank you MsBlissMpls! I wasn't planning on adding the sleeves, but run into some issues at alterations. I wasn't thrilled but, now looking back I loved the way it turned out.

Originally Posted by Aynat 

 

Does TTD ruin your dress?? I heard salt water will ruin your dress.

I want to do TTD also, but would hate to ruin my dress.

No it didn't ruin my dress. I did fall back onto a rock, so I have two small stains from hitting the rock but I'm sure it will come out during dry cleaning. The salt water actually cleaned the bottom of my dress, I doubt anyone would know I've gone into water with it. I did leave it running under a shower, and got sand off the dress. And then I air dried it for 3-4 days after. It almost looks brand new!

Originally Posted by elissae 

 

Dazeydawl - I hear ya about being anxious!  I ordered my dress in January and it should be here ANY DAY now....I cannot wait either!!!!!!  

Jass7 - so classy - I truly love the empire waist!  The cap sleeves are gorgeous - beautiful bride!

Aynat - stunning dress - I love the corset back.

amcoletta88 - both SPECTACULAR dresses!  I especially love the lace (it looks like lace, yes?) of the 2nd one...and the low back - you go sexy girl!

MeIB2012 - Maggie Sottero makes the best dresses!!!!  This looks like it was made for you - perfect choice!

Thank you Elissae!!

Originally Posted by melnryluvco 

 

 

How beautiful!!! I love the sweetheart cap sleves

Thank you!

Originally Posted by Aynat 

 

I totally agree with you about only wearing the dress one night! Its crazy that some people change out of their dresses, even though they cant ever wear it again.

Agreed!

I wore mine one more time when we did TTD session. Loved it!

Originally Posted by KlazNov17 

 

Thanks Jass!  Im sure it will be perfect.  I am just a little confused as to why it is already taken.  Oh well.  I am learning not to sweat the small stuff and with 38 days to go I seem to be telling myself that more and more.  Your pictures are beautiful!  I am so happy for you!  I hope your husband is doing better!

Thank you KlazNov17!

I'm not sure why Ceco is already taken. What time is your wedding? It could be that there is another wedding there that day. On my day, which was a Thursday, there was a bride getting married at 3pm, which I didn't find out until I saw her at the Spa. My wedding was at 5pm, so I am glad that I was able to reserve Spice Terrace. Seriously, you will have a great time at the terrace. The area is somewhat private. Check it out when you get there.

How big is your wedding?

We TTD and it was soo much fun! Can't wait to get our pictures!

Originally Posted by Jenna1511 

 

Thanks for the info ladies! Great advice on how to get the dress there! Thanks for sharing!

The dress survived in a duffle bag, with only few wrinkles which the resort took care of. I can't think of an easier way to travel with a dress!

Originally Posted by uhura526 

 

how pretty and flowing!  I also LOVE your bouquet!!

Aww thank you! I loved the colors, and how it all turned out.

Here is my dress! A line, organza with detailing at the empire waist and added sleeves, and a chapel train.

Originally Posted by KlazNov17 

 

I am so sad!  The CECO Terrace where we wanted to have our reception is not available so we have to have it on the Spice Terrace.  Has anyone had their reception there?  Is it as pretty as the CECO Terrace?  Thats what I get for not reserving it sooner.  6 weeks away and starting to get excited and now this. 

Spice Terrace is beyond gorgeous! That's where we had our reception, and we loved it. I too couldn't reserve until 1 month prior to the wedding.

We also did TTD session! I had asked N if we can bring our outside photographer another day for TTD and she told me we could but we would need to pay another $500 vendor fee. I was shocked and told her I would do it somewhere else. Geez!

Our TTD was at Isla Blanca, which was about 25 minutes north from the resort. And the place was very secluded and so gorgeous! Our photographer picked us up in the early morning, while it was still dark so we could be at the beach before the sunrise. Ahh the sunrise was amazing, and we had a lot of fun playing in the water and rolling in the sand. I can't wait to see those pictures. We had those done with Daniel and Fabio from Juan Navarro's team. They were great to work with. And I knew I picked the right team when Daniel told me he scouted the area the day before and thought that place was way to go. I'm so glad I trusted him.

Hello ladies!

Here is my wedding review at last. We left for EPM on 9/1, 4 days before the wedding, and two days into it my then fiance got really sick (we think it was something he ate that didn't agree with him) and he actually had a seizure in the bathroom. Omg ladies I was hysterical, and called the concierge for help and we had 4-6 people in our room shortly after. They helped him up and onto bed, and a doctor lady came in and checked him out and said he should stay in bed that day, and get lots of pedialyte into him. The club concierge was extremely helpful, they ordered him pedialyte and we paid in cash. They kept checking on me too, asking me if there was anything I needed, and even sent me some pastries/sweets and coffee. It was also the day we were supposed to meet with the coordinator N. I called her and apologized for not being able to make it to our meeting, but I asked if she could come to our room instead (fiance's request actually). And she came in, and her and I finalized everything from flowers to the timeline. She took all my decorations I brought her, it was helpful that I gave it to her in a bag, and so stuff wouldn't get lost. She took it, and from that point if I needed anything to change or ask her about it, all I had to do is dial her direct extension and voila. She was really sweet and nice in person.

The next day we did cake tasting, and this is where I was very impressed. We met at Toscana, and they brought out a medium size cake and since we were trying 3 flavors (chocolate, strawberry, and tres leches), I thought all three flavors were in that one cake. Oh no, we had 3 cakes, specially made for us. They were all delicious! We decided on chocolate bottom and tres leches for the top. We also tested out our cake topper, which proved to be too heavy for tres leches so we had the cake topper near our wedding cake. I asked for cascading flowers as a decoration and it turned out beautiful on the wedding day.

The day before our wedding, we had our rehearsal dinner at Toscana, and what I didn't realize before that is that it's a set menu, which I didn't even pick but it turned out okay. The only thing about that was the salad was the same salad I picked out for our wedding. If I could have changed that, I would have. But honestly after the seizure incident, I'm glad we were able to go through rehearsal dinner and the wedding. I have to say my husband (squeeee!) bounced back quickly. He was feeling so much better by our wedding day.

On the day of the wedding, I left for the Spa at 10am for my manicure and pedicure (I got natural french tips), and from there I had hair and make up done. I was done by 1:30pm, and the bride who was getting married at 3pm before me, she was waiting for me to finish. So I got done way ahead of the schedule, but that made me not stress too much about time. I had lunch with my girls, and went back to my room around 3:30pm, and on the way to the room I saw N and her assistant. And to my surprise, she had my flowers and corsages for the girls. She left them in my room, and told me all the guests are to meet at the wedding gazebo not later than 4:45pm, and she would come get me for our 5pm ceremony. She told me under no circumstances was I to leave before she got me, so I waited with my dad for what seemed forever, but we pretty much went on time. When she came to get me, she asked me about the playlist for the ceremony, and I realized that she missed the song when everyone is getting seated, so she used that song for our sand ceremony which was not a big deal.

We decided to bring our own photographer, and pay the vendor fee to the resort. And I am so glad we did. We went with Juan Navarro's team (Tony Rues and Daniel), and they were right on time, and took bunch of pictures in my room, and in room my husband was getting ready in. And then they left for the ceremony.

The ceremony was beautiful, but lots of wind. And my curls in the back didn't stand a chance against that wind, but it's okay. But I do recommend beach brides to wear their hair up, if they want their curls to stay.

We had Juan Carlos from VIP during the ceremony too, and few more people (I honestly do not remember them being there). But we had asked for 1 hour of video coverage, and that covered the ceremony and little bit of the reception set up. The pictures we got from Juan Carlos, were somewhat of a disappointment. The angles of pictures were beautiful but the coloring was awful in most pictures. I was disappointed in that, and I hate to say it but I felt like maybe he didn't care about editing the pictures he took because we had our own photographer. Either way, I am happy that we went with Juan Navarro's team, and can't wait to get those pictures.

The video was in HD, but because of the wind some of our vows are really hard to hear, and we had my brother do a reading and you can't hear him half of the reading because the microphone for the minister was still turned out so we heard her shuffling paper for the most part. Those are things that happen during the wedding and you can't do anything about it. So I highly recommend telling them what you want from the video before the ceremony. I did make two changes (where the music starts) and they changed that for me. All in all, we are still happy with the video.

After the ceremony, we took some group pictures on the beach, and then the guests went to cocktail hour at X Lounge. While we had some portraits done on the beach and by the palms. That was a lot of fun, specially with the sun setting. The photographers showed us some sneak peaks from their cameras and I was shocked that was really us! I can't wait to see those pictures, I'm dying to see them!!!!

My dress caught a lot of these prickly things, and I had about million of those on the bottom of my dress and the train. My friend helped me get them out, but those things are really sharp and they scratched little bit of my organza dress. FYI those are all over the place by the palms.

We then met everyone at our reception at Spice Terrace, and had a great time. We brought BOSE ipod dock (the one with 8 hour battery), and played dinner music, dance music, first dance, parent dance, and cutting the cake song. My brother took care of the music, and it helped to have him take care of it for us. One thing I will mention is we had long table since there were 11 of us, and the table was really small, everyone was right next to each other. If I could go back, I would have asked for the table dimension and added another table to it.

All in all, our wedding was beautiful and I wish it lasted longer. We had so much fun, and our guests said it was the most beautiful wedding they have ever been to. That was really sweet to hear! And even though it wasn't perfect, I am very happy with the way it turned out. I was extremely thankful to N, for all her help. She took my vision and brought it to life. And I forgave her for lack of email correspondence months and weeks prior. She really takes good care of you once you get there.

Here are some pictures! And I will share more once we get the professional ones!

Hi ladies!!! I'm back and MARRIED!!

I will write a long review this weekend. Been so busy since coming back. But I have to say the wedding was amazing!

I will leave you with a picture! More to come soon!

Originally Posted by danak71 

 

It's funny because on one hand I feel like I've done everything I can do at this point and then on the other hand I feel like I SHOULD be doing a lot more! LOL But for the most part, I think things are going well.

 

I can't wait to see your pictures. I know you're going to look amazing on your wedding day! Make sure you write us from EPM and let us know how things are when you have time!

Glad to hear things are going well with planning. It's a great feeling when you are not rushing. I did have to pay rush shipping for my menu and cocktail cards, from vistaprint this weekend, but I think that was the last of ordering stuff online.

I can't wait for the wedding day, and to share my pictures with you! And I will try to write you guys from EPM. I hope the weather is gorgeous.

Originally Posted by danak71 

 

I'm SO excited for you!!! Are you ready? Do you feel like you have everything done or are you panicking at this point? :-)

Haha I have most things done, but I am starting to panic! We wrote a list of everything we need to do before we leave, and what we need to take down with us. And it seems like a lot of things left to do. We got the bags out of storage, and they are ready to be packed.

I have to say time really sneaks up on you! How's your planning lady?