Vika Yakovleva

Hi Girls, sorry its been forever since ive been on here, work has been keeping me busy. I finally got my slideshow from anel...enjoy! btw, wedding was amazing, none of you should even worry one bit, the wedding team at dreams is sensational, went above and beyond my expectations!!!!!

http://280412masotto.dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/#/masotto/

Oh wow you are cutting it very close. You will only have the day before for the actual wedding planning with the coordinator. But I'm sure everything will still be perfect, from all the great reviews, these coordinators are pros! quote name="elsa s" url="/t/47576/dreams-riviera-cancun-brides-post-here-new-thread/11070#post_1895810"]My wedding is on April 30th and i leave on the 28th... I find it ridiculous how expensive the DJ is and if they charge an additions 15% over the 11% tax plus 300 an hour.... that's just a rip off but i guess we have no choice....

Originally Posted by elsa s 

 

does anyone know if the 2999 for ultimate pkg is going to have an additions 15% service charge and 11% tax on it??? and does 300 per hour for dj and add photo packages have these additional charges on it? I'm trying to calculate the charges in total....

Elsa,

Unfortunatly the package does not include the tax or the service charge on it, as for the DJ, i am pretty sure that it doews not include tax eaither. When is your wedding? I leave in less then a week and get married in 10 days!

Yes you will be there in my wedding day, I hope our paths cross. Maybe we can grab breakfast or lunch and you can give me some pointers. I hope your wedding goes without a headache and I'm sure you will look stunning. Can't wait to see the pictures!

April 19th... Flying out on the 11th, leave on the 28th ... i might get to see your wedding! We both dont have long!!

Dominique, Thank you so much, I'm filling it out right now and sending it over to Georgina! The extra cost does suck, but it's worth it for me to get legally married in front of my parents! When are you getting married? quote name="Dominique 161" url="/t/47576/dreams-riviera-cancun-brides-post-here-new-thread/10980#post_1891041"]Vika.. I feel the same; I want one wedding day in front of my closest family and friends . I’ve been to legal weddings in Thailand, France, Portugal and Jamaica and i know a couple that have had a legal ceremony in Mexico. All beautiful weddings, no horror stories! All paper work and blood tests will done at the wedding meeting so you are not wasting your holiday time at meetings! All you need to do is email your wedding planner the legal marriage form (Ive emailed it too you) copies of your birth certificates. and the names of your 4 witnesses. Its been really easy. The only negetive i can think of is the extra cost. Hope this helps

Our parents live far away from us as do all of our close friends, I think this is why I started to get freaked out. When we sign out license, I want it to be I front if our families and not some rental/court provided witnesses.

We did that too...at the court house with just our parents and went out to eat after.  We also didn't exchange rings until Mexico, so it still felt like Mexico was our wedding.

Oh wow, your day is coming right up! Congrats! We might see each other, we arrive on the 22nd and get married on the 27th!!! My email is vika333@gmail

Hi again Vika, No, Lorena told me that if we didn't want/need to include our parents names, we didn't need our birth certificates at all.  All you need in that case is your passports & tourist cards, 4 witnesses (arriving the same day as you) & their passports, the blood tests (which they do when you get there), and the legal form that needs to be completed and sent to your wedding coordinator in advance.  If you send me your email address I can email you a copy of the legal form so you can start collecting the information that is needed for that.  I would double check these things with your wedding coordinator as well, but that was what I was told.  We're getting married on April 18th, so we haven't actually gone through the full process yet! [/quot

Would you mind sending me over the form I have to fill out so that I can just send it to the resort who out having to wait for some one to get back to me in 3 weeks lol. My email is [email protected]. I would really appreciate it! Thank you!

Hi Vika, I went through this recently with Lorena.  Below is the info she sent me.  There is a form you need to fill out in advance, it contains info about you and your witnesses. You need 4 witnesses total.  This is the only critical form they need in advance (she asked to have it a month in advance, but maybe 3 weeks will still be ok).  If you want to have your parents names in the wedding documents, you also need copies of your birth certificates certified and translated into Spanish at the Mexican consulate in your country.  This wasn't possible for us, as the closest consulate is very far away from where we live (not within driving distance).  We were told that if you can't do this, you just need to have your passports and tourist card (which you get when you land in Mexico), and can still have a fully legal wedding that will be recognized in your country.  The only difference is there will be no parent information in your wedding documents.  I hope this helps!  The text in red below is what Lorena sent me:    

For the CIVIL Wedding you need:

·                    Copy of your birth certificate (just the couple) with the apostille and the translation into Spanish (this is optional, as long as you decide that the names of your parents appear in the legal paperworks, if is not important for you, you only need passport and tourist card)

·                    I need that you fill out the attached document with capital letters and send it to me as soon as possible.

·                    4 witnesses (arriving the same day as you)

·                    The blood test (applied in Mexico, in our first meeting)

        Passports and tourist card.  

This was very helpful, thank you! So if we do t include our parents names, do our birth certificates still have to be translated into Spanish?

Hi Vika, I went through this recently with Lorena.  Below is the info she sent me.  There is a form you need to fill out in advance, it contains info about you and your witnesses. You need 4 witnesses total.  This is the only critical form they need in advance (she asked to have it a month in advance, but maybe 3 weeks will still be ok).  If you want to have your parents names in the wedding documents, you also need copies of your birth certificates certified and translated into Spanish at the Mexican consulate in your country.  This wasn't possible for us, as the closest consulate is very far away from where we live (not within driving distance).  We were told that if you can't do this, you just need to have your passports and tourist card (which you get when you land in Mexico), and can still have a fully legal wedding that will be recognized in your country.  The only difference is there will be no parent information in your wedding documents.  I hope this helps!  The text in red below is what Lorena sent me:    

For the CIVIL Wedding you need:

·                    Copy of your birth certificate (just the couple) with the apostille and the translation into Spanish (this is optional, as long as you decide that the names of your parents appear in the legal paperworks, if is not important for you, you only need passport and tourist card)

·                    I need that you fill out the attached document with capital letters and send it to me as soon as possible.

·                    4 witnesses (arriving the same day as you)

·                    The blood test (applied in Mexico, in our first meeting)

        Passports and tourist card.  

Thank you, I just emailed Georgina, fingers crossed to get a response sometime soon! I started to get really sad that I will have two separate wedding dates. One when I get the license and one my actual date. I don't think I want that.

I would definitely check with the hotel to make sure it's possible. I had a symbolic but just from the research I did it seemed like a lot of stuff that had to be done before hand. I think your birth certificates have to be translated once you get to Mexico. 

Hi girls, I need help! I leave for Mexico in less then 3 weeks and just now changed my mind about the type of ceremony we will be having. We were originally going to a symbolic ceremony but now I want to have a legal one. Can you please tell me what are the steps for that, what do I need to bring with me? And how do I go about translating it into English or how do I take that marriage license and make it legal in the US??? I already know about the blood test, it's more about all the paperwork needed, I saw somewhere that you have to bring a birth certificate, does need to be translated into Spanish? Any help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you so much in advance!

OMG...Today is exactly a month before my wedding!!!! I can not wait already! 

Here are the prices given to me by the spa. Hope this helps. Hairstyle $66usd Hairstyle short (above shoulders) $55usd Make-up $55usd We offer a 15% discount to the bridal party if minimum 6 ladies take hairstyle and make-up. In order to make a reservation for you and your guests, could you please provide me the follow information: quote name="tiffany0613" url="/t/47576/dreams-riviera-cancun-brides-post-here-new-thread/10860#post_1884433"]Another question, we are planning on paying for the hair, makeup, and a mani or pedi for the bridesmaids the day of the wedding.  We are supposed to get a 15% discount on services with the Ultimate package.  Shouldn't this appy for all of the services for the bridal party since it is being billed to our room and not theirs?   We have stayed at other Amresorts before and whenever we did ANY type of service at the spa or salon we were allowed to use the hydrotherapy circuit.  Dreams is telling me $43 per person for us to go the day of the wedding even though we are spending so much money there! What are the rest of you planning on doing the day of your wedding?  We were planning on the girls spending the day at the spa.  I'm starting to feel so ripped off with things!

Hi ladies, haven't been here in a while with the hectic schedule of tax season and wedding planning. I have a question for previous brides or brides to be that inquired about this. I wanted to see more pictures or videos of the fantasy island wedding reception? I had el Patel restaurant already all book for a private event but my fiancé showed interest in the fantasy island setup. Any information will be helpful. Thanks. Happy planning!

It's the balcony outside of the desires lounge (the night club) that's where I'm having mine cocktail hour. I heard some girl saying that she was told they are not using this for cocktail hour anymore, I will through I fit because they confirmed my locations. Fingers crossed.

You will be getting married the day after me, how exciting!!!! maybe we can share some props or decorations for the wedding, what are your colors?

 

Originally Posted by RobynKelly 


Thank you!
I have so many questions and can't seem to get answers! we have had to change the dates of our holiday and need to move the wedding date to 28th April 2013 however I cannot get anything confirmed!
Can I ask where are you having your reception?
Thanks again
Robyn x

Hey, would you mind emailing me a cope of that confirmation from Evangelina?? I would really appreciate it, so this way I can let her know I will be doing the same thing. Thank you my email is [email protected]
 

Originally Posted by dimplesandsuga 

DJ

 

SO LADIES....We have beaten this dead horse into the ground. But I just hung up with Evangelina about an hour ago and she confirmed with me and sent me an email that you may use whatever DJ you please so long as they have their own equipment AND you must pay for them to stay at the hotel at least one night. So if you have the package that gives you 2 free rooms, you can stick them in there....WHICH IS WHAT WE ARE DOING!  I'M SO HAPPY I COULD SCREAM.  I've posted the DJ's info before but if you need it again and would like to use him, let me know and I will repost his info. 

 

I was wondering how much did they charge you for the candle centerpiece with rose petals? I have all the pdf with the sample centerpiece but there are no prices included, thanks in advance

Originally Posted by Kmarch85 

To be honest the whole week we were there the wind was just perfect that night - just a slight breeze so there was no bugs.  The other nights it was crazy windy.  Now... just to let you know, it was a changing of the seasons the last 2 weeks which means all this rain comes in and wind, which pushes more warm air in.  They said it is how they know "spring" is here.  In that case I would see if other brides who had weddings around your date have had less windy weather.  

 

Yeah The candles didn't stay lit even with the breeze coming in - I would recommend flameless either way.  

 

The Carribean buffet is 1 of the 3 choices in the Ultimate package if your party is over 40 people - 

 

Tonight I will update my blog with the other options for dinners.

 

http://thetravelingbridedrc.blogspot.com/2012/03/buffet-dinner-menus.html  - STAY TUNED

 

Hey did anyone find out if there is no open bar during dinner?  My FI are going back and forth between DRC and Now Sapphire, and I'm trying to get all costing together. I also know that you can only use their approved DJ, DJ Visual Sounds?  Has anyone came across any reviews on him? Thanks everyone!

I would suggest to have your ceremony at 4pm and then your cocktail hour still at 530. Your ceremony will never start on time and will probably be about 5 to 10 minutes late, it will last maybe 30 minutes. You can than use the extra 30 minutes left between the ceremony and cocktail hour to receive congratulations from your guest as well as take a few group pictures of the entire guest list, maybe some other pictures with people outside of your family and bridal party before they go enjoy the cocktails and apps. While they are doing that you can go continue taking pictures with your bridal party. Hope this helps.  Thats how I am doing it.
 

Originally Posted by Cbert22 

Hi Ladies,

 

I am struggling with a few things and i was hoping some of you might be able to provide me with some insight. I would be sooo grateful. Too many decisions!!!

 

We are getting married 11/30/2012 BTW

 

Ceremony start time: 

My goal would be to start the ceremony as late as possible (but while we still have sun) so that there is a smooth transition from ceremony to cocktail to reception. I would prefer to have my reception start at 7pm so that it will at least go until 10 (i may extend to 11). Gina suggested a 4:30 ceremony, 5:30 cocktail and 7 reception. My concern with starting the ceremony at 4:30 is that the sun sets around 5:05, so even if my ceremony lasts 15mins, we will only have 20mins of photos before the sun sets. If i started at 4 or 4:15 I’m not sure what my guests would do until the 5:30 cocktail, unless i moved my cocktail to 5 and then had a 1hr gap between the cocktail and reception. Do you have any insight? Have any of you considered taking some of your photos before the ceremony?? Sorry to ramble

 

Reception location:

North beach vs South beach. Gina has me at the south beach vs the north. does anyone know what the difference is? My ceremony is happening on the north beach and the cocktail is going to be at desires terrace...

 

I really appreciate any help i can get. Thanks!!!

Hey girls,  I came a cross a post from a future bride that said that open bar is not included in your dinner option and that you have to pay $15 p/p to have open bar....have you heard anything about this?????

Oh it was Anel,  awesome!!! I  am talking to her already about doing my wedding. Thank you
 

Originally Posted by daizee0808 

 

Anel Fuentes de Maria | Dreams Riviera Cancun Photos | http://dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/ | Vallarta Adventures | Paseo de las Palmas 39-A, Nuevo Vallarta, Nay. 63732 | Tel: +52 (322) 2971212 ext 453 | Toll Free from US or Canada: 1 866 725 3007

| http://dreamsriveriacancun.adventurephotos.com.mx/ | www.vallarta-adventures.com | www.dolphin-adventure.com l  

 

what do you mean the bar is not included, there is no open bar during dinner? So are we to pay a per person charge for the dinner (after the 20 people) and then also pay $15 a person for open bar??? I am starting to rethink DRC, I was looking into RIU hotels and they dont charge you all these extra fees, and if you close down one of the restarant for a private event which cost $2000, you dont have to pay for the dinner or drinks, its all included.

Originally Posted by Nsammy44 

The package does not include everything. Only includes dinner for 20. We just found out we have to pay for the bar as well, kind of lame. $15 a person. Also the DJ is $300 an hr. The don't charge for whatever location you chose, unless you chose to have the dinner or reception at one of the resturants. Dance floor, lights, and decorations all cost extra. Getting married April, 13th 2012, I cannot believe how close it is. Nicole

 

Daizee. Thank for sharing your photos, they look amazing.  Who was your photographer?

Originally Posted by daizee0808 

Ladies, here are answers to your questions. - Picture frame for sand ceremony: You can find this kind of picture frame anywhere. I saw so many places that carry them ( Hobby Lobby, Meijers...). It's a wooden frame so my dad drilled a big hole on top and we bought a funnel from Michaels to pour the sand into. - Reception Location: We had it at the Seaside Grill. This was a perfect location because the resort has so many parties that you would want a separation from the other events (noise issue). It also gets really windy at night so there is a potential for sand to get into your food if you have it outdoors on the beach or pool deck. We originally wanted the pool deck but they messed up and gave it to someone else by mistake. I threw a fit and got our travel agent involved so we ended up getting the Seaside Grill for free. It would have cost $15 per person + 11% tax. - Groom & Groomsmen suits: I live in New York so we bought them from an Italian suite store which we just ran into randomly. We got lucky because we purchased them during the winter so they had a major clearance. $1,200 suits reduced to $300 so we bought 6 of them. If you are in Manhattan, let me know and I will give you the address. I believe they still carry them. Not sure what the color is..I think it's cream leaning toward the yellow side.

Grrrr Matt, I loooooove your pictures.  I actually spoke to Sol via email last week and then checked with Dreams Riviera cancun and we cannot use you guys as our photographers, it was heart breaking to find out. 

Originally Posted by Matt Adcock 

 

Hello Robyn,

 

Welcome to the forum!!

 

In our personal experience, we would recommend you to have your ceremony start time be 1.5 hours prior to sunset.  This will give you great light for your ceremony, and even better sunset light for your beach portraits!! During this time of the year, our ceremonies typically begin between 5:30 - 6:00 PM. 

 

Here are a few pictures of your location, hope you enjoy them:

 

 

 

 

For more pictures and ideas, please visit: http://delsolphotography.com/blog/content/galleries/?gal=543

 

Suerte!!!