Amanda Gardner

Yes I was the bride that my signaturedid not match my passport. We had to pay $60 to have judge come back for us to resign.

Originally Posted by ExcellenceBride 

Hey everyone!

 

Just got back from my wedding at EPM - it was wonderful. happy it's over, lol but also happy to answer any questions, so feel free to ask away. I've posted photos below, if you want to see more, just let me know.

 

A few important things to note:

 

• Llenny is wonderful - loved her!
• be mindful of the wind. it was beautiful during the day but the wind was crazy at night so be mindful of that when planning your reception
• if you are having a Legal Wedding - be sure to have some music for when you and your witnesses are signing your legal documents. That takes about 5-7 minutes. Also, your signatures MUST match your passports or the document is void. Yup, it's happened before.
• if you have a dj - have a playlist ready b/c they'll ask for it when you meet and they will follow that playlist (almost to the t - which was kinda annoying b/c I asked them not to) But DJ Mannia is good,don't get me wrong. The dancefloor was worth the extra $$$ btw
• Also loved loved the cold fireworks on the dance floor -- totally worth it. We had them do that at the end of the first dance
• I was a little disappointed with my flower arrangements but you get over it quickly.
• I was also suppose to have the flowers that were at the alter moved to our sweetheart table, but that never happened
• I was not happy that after the ceremony - we took photos but the guests didn't know what to do. Had to go find a wedding coordinator to direct them where to go.
• I highly recommend if you are having your reception at CECCO - be sure to use the inside of CECCO as well. The bar inside is great and it helps if guests need to warm up or cool off
• Here are some photos....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have any past brides gotten certified copies of there marriage license? How? 

I will when I get them

Bags are from Jessica at the stylish scribe. She did my invitations, place cards, and bags. She was great to work with but stays super busy. The bags are alittle thin but everyone loved them. She was a destination bride that did all of her stuff DIY and then turned it in to a business. Here is a pic of my bag. 

Originally Posted by kfritz 

 

That makes me feel a lot better we just got invited out. Our wedding is oct 16 so I really do have lots of time. Did you do oot bags?

Yes I did but small. I did canvas bags with 2 maracas on it and playa Mujeres, Mexico 2013 in blue and lime green. Inside we did a beach ball, deck of cards shaped like a flip flop, candy bags, sunscreen, ibuprofen, and a bag of q-tips tied with lime green ribbon. 

My bridesmaids dresses were blue and then ribbons were lime green. I love color so I added more color at reception with maracas. The menu just had a calla Lilly as border which I used those as my flowers. I uploaded a pic for you. 

The dinner and dancing was 3 hrs. Try not to stress over it it will all turn out beautiful. When you get closer to your wedding you will get a planner that has everything detailed out. You will also sit down with coordinator to discuss all of your choices once your at resort. 

We had also never been to the resort this blog and pictures helped me tremendously snd one reason I did destination is for less stress, but if your not careful you can make it very stressful. 

Also when you email your coordinator just know it will most likely take several days to get a response, but once it's your turn and your day you have all of there attention. 

Originally Posted by kfritz 

amanda gardner what were your colors? That makes me feel better about the i pod dock. Was your dinner 3hrs with the dancing or without.  I'm trying to get it all figured out. My wedding is still a ways out, but because I've never been to this hotel and don't know anyone who has I'm a little stresed how things might turn out. I was thinking of doing thank you cards at each seting, but I like that you did menu cards.  Did you have to pay extra for the menu cards and did they match your decor?

Originally Posted by kfritz 

 

Is anyone having their reception at the ceco terrace? Our wedding is going to be small probably max or 20 people. We arn't doing a full reception just a dinner I was thinking of having the fire show but its only about 30 min.  Any ideas for decorations or backgroun music? Is it worth paying to have a band or better to bring an ipod dock?

We had ours at the CECO terrace with 20 people and it was perfect. We did the included 3 hr dinner/reception with an iPod doc. My husband created 2 playlist one for dinner and one for dance music. The 3 hrs fly by. For decoration we purchased maracas on Amos.com for each place setting with alittle card that said shake to see the groom kiss his bride. Everyone loved them! We did 2 per person but you could totally do 1 per person. I had place cards made and Llenny made the menu card. I also purchased table runners in lime green from Llenny for each table. I'll post pics when I get them. 

Originally Posted by smo0ochz 

 

Hi Brides!

   Are you girls getting your hair and make-up done at the salon? I know it is included in my package, but I'm thinking I might just do it myself. I am a make-up guru and control freak. I like high quailty make-up, especially when photos are being taken.  Anyone know what kind of make-up is used? air burshed? humm.... Thanks!!

I had my makeup and hair done at the salon and they did a fabulous job. All of my bridesmaids did as well. They primarily use Mac makeup.

My husband and I were married at EPM on Friday and everything was beautiful!! There is no need to worry. The resort is amazing and the staff are all so nice!!!! 

So excited and can't believe we leave for EPM in 14 days 

Caribbean trio or mariachi band?????? Anyone know which is better for cocktail hr?

What is everyone doing for centerpieces? Less than 2 months till my wedding

Does the resort have a towel service? Or do we need to take towels?

Lenny is my coordinator and she has been great! We also booked our wedding approx a year in advance. 64 days to go!!!

Thanks thats great to know! Ok well then next questions... A) Did you go with a local travel agent or did you find a random one online? I live in a small city and I'm not sure if I should just use one of ours or find someone who "specializes" in destination weddings. None of the wedding packages seem to include a dinner. They have cake and a cocktail hour but I'm not seeing anything about private dinners. Is that a huge extra charge? I sent away for more info but I love hearing first hand from the brides. And for some reason I dont "qualify" to view PDFs on here yet. Thanks!

Hi all, possibly a silly question but did those of you that booked through a travel agent find the cost of your group block to be much cheaper than booking directly through the resort? I'm going to have a battle on my hands convincing everyone that destination is the way to go so I want to make it as affordable as possible. Thanks.

Anybody have suggestions for a DJ?  I need to hire one soon!  Thanks!

Good question!!!! I am wondering the same thing myself!!! How many things do you have?

Did anyone have any trouble at the airport going through customs? With your OOT Bags and Items?

Hi Ladies...I will be getting married at EPM on May 19, 2013.  I'm thinking of bringing a photographer from NY and flying them into Cancun, as I'm not too impressed with the on-site photographer.  Does anyone have any suggestions for other photographers that they have used/liked?  Such a shame that we cannot use Del Sol as their photos are exquisite!

What is everyone doing for table decorations? Or what did you do for decorations? I have 15 - 20 guest trying to decide between round or long tables? Any advice appreciated

Thank you for all the information and pictures. So helpful!!!

May12 You said you had welcome cocktails at xlounge was it private and did you have to pay extra for it?

Does anyone have any info on the bars? Do any of them have dancing at night, fun music, etc?