ElleGee

This is a work in progress, and I have several songs that I will need to cut out, but this is my preliminary list: PRELUDE: Stand by Me, Wild Horses (Rolling Stones), Marry Me (Train), Free (Zac Brown Band), Better Together (Jack Johnson), Shes Got a Way (Billy Joel), Unchained Melody (Righteous Brothers) GROOM WALK PARENTS: Instrumental of Texas Flood (Stevie Ray Vaughn) - He wants this for personal ties to the song . . ATTENDANTS WALK DOWN AISLE: A Little Help From My Friends (Beatles) BRIDE ENTRANCE: Cannon in D OR From This Moment (Shania Twain) - My fiance isnt a huge country fan like I am so debating this . . he prefers traditional music. Plus, I think I will be a crying mess if I walk down to 'From This Moment' . . but the words are SO appropriate! DURING THE CEREMONY: No list YET Need to write ceremony script first. AFTER THE KISS AND WE EXIT: Signed, Sealed Delivered (Stevie Wonder) OR For Once in My Life (Stevie Wonder) PRELUDE: Im a Believer (Smashmouth), Beautiful Day (U2), At Last (Etta James), How Sweet it Is (James Taylor), All You Need is Love (Beatles) FIRST DANCE SONG: Maybe Im Amazed (Paul McCartney), with my fireworks cued for the when the first song ends! FATHER DAUGHTER / MOTHER SON DANCE: We have agreed to all share this song, but have no idea what to play that is appropriate for both. SUGGESTIONS WELCOMED!!!! I have over six months to adjust this list, but love hearing what all of ya'll are playing as well.

It has listed canapes. I am not sure exactly what those are, LOL . . I am hoping to try my reception menu, and also the dessert options the day we arrive at the resort to finalize. I just wanted to have some type of food option during the bonfire to snack on. I wish we could do smores. . . .I swear I saw that someone had done that, but all the research I have done, I have no idea where I saw it. I need to ask Cecilia about that : )

We are doing the bonfire too! We are including open international bar and dessert for our guests. I think it was $18/per person.

I love this forum and all the insight we can share!!! I know many of ya'll are doing a welcome bonfire the evening prior to the wedding. Do ya'll plan to decorate in any way? Does anyone know what the set up consists of?

Hi ladies!!!!! I have inquired with Cecilia, and she has not yet responded in regards to the questions I have, so I am putting them out here too, in case any of ya'll may know! 1) We are doing the ultimate package, but expecting many more people than 20, will be charged for any chairs? And we do not plan to upgrade them, the avante garde ones are fine for us. 2) Do you know if they move the chairs from the ceremony to the reception area? I am bringing my own chair bows and need to know if I need to bring double the amount for both the events. 3) How big are the round tables for the reception? What is the standard included table cloth size and material? I am bringing my own overlays, and it will look best on white satin of course ! Thanks ladies!!!!

From what I understand, this is the dj link to Facebook. I cant really find any information on him when I researched it. I plan to create my entire play list on my ipod . .JUST IN CASE https://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/ISMAEL-ROJAS-DJ/49296478332 ISMAEL ROJAS DJ

Does anyone know if you will still need to rent a dance floor if you use the seaside terrace??? I think I may see if I can change my location for recpetion to the gazebo. How 'private' is the reception by the gazebo if it is from 6-9pm??? I am not sure what decor is included in ultimate package. I have differing answers, and want to know also. I am having the beach ceremony and am hoping at least the white canopy is inlcuded . .but not certain. I read 'natrual' centerpieces . . .but am clueless what that means too. Does anyone have any advice or pictures of this?? Thanks!! Please tell me about your shipping of items. I have read several places (and talked to a previous bride who shipped to her wedding in Cabo), of unsuccessful experiences with shipping. Are you planning to do anything different in regards to shipping. I would love to ship some items, but am scared of customs confiscating items, or holding them too long.

I asked Cecilia about bringing my own chair sashes and decor. She responded by telling her staff can decorate for you, but they do charge $2 per item . . at that cost, you might as well rent the decor through them, right?!?!?!?! I still plan to bring my own sashes, linens, and minimal decor, but I plan to pre-designate set up duties to my family and bridal party! I also asked if they recycle the chairs used in the ceremony for the reception, and she said yes. Can anyone else confirm that too? I hope I wasnt confusing her . . I was really trying to figure out if I need to bring DOUBLE the amount of chair sashes . .or if they just move the ceremony chairs to the reception area. I have ordered the chinese lanterns also, which is outrageous in price, but I think in the long run worth it. I love the way they look!! Cecilia did confirm that they are lit up as well. I have also confirmed that the photographer for my wedding in October is Juan Navarro . .I am specifically requesting Juan (or taking advice if you gals know of any of his associates that are especially good). If not, I may do an outside vendor. I already contacted Elizabeth Medina, and they are booked !. I need to make decisions on this asap!!! As for ceremony and reception decor . . I have been in contact with the florist the resort uses and they have been pretty good so far. The pricing still seems high to me, but I am looking to do ceremony aisle decor that can then translate into my reception centerpieces. I want to attatch a photo of what I am envisioning, but I dont know how... Can amyone help me? I really do not want to travel with any more items, I already feel so stressed just thinking about it, LOL! What are you ladies planning on doing for ceremony and reception decor? I am looking at approximately 8 tables, and I am imagining a magical, beachy, lit up feel. I want lots of sparkle and candlelight. I will most likely bring my own voltives (or probably LED tea lights) to help enhance this look.

These are gorgeous pieces. What if you requested something similar to this as aisle runner / canopy decoration for the ceremony. And then recycled the pieces for your reception to use as the centerpieces (and add voltives surrounding it). Stunning!

Thank you Linzb for the update. I also sent Ceclia an email this weekend confirmin who my photographer through them (my wedding is Oct 28th) would be. These are VERY important details !!!! I will keep ya'll posted when she replies. Is anyone else bringing your decorations (chair sashes, pommanders, centerpieces, linens)? I hate the idea of having to haul everything there, and then having to make sure it is set up appropriately, but it certainly seems a lot cheaper. And will also give me piece of mind that the colors are exactly what I was looking for

REALLY??????I need to look into this

I am sorry...I forgot to add: Wedding - 4pm Beach Cocktail hour - 530pm Seaside Terrace Reception - 6pm Seaside Terrace Does anyone know if the Seaside terrace overlooks the water?I am assume it does, hence the name, LOL! I am just worried about the Gazebo area and being too close to the pool . . .my guest might get a little crazy!!!! : )

Hi fellow brides!!!! I am reaching out for some advice!!!! Ceremony Decoration: I can not seem to get a clear answer of what is included with the Secrets Ultimate Packagef for a beach ceremony? From what I understand it is the white aisle runner with starfish and seashell weights to hold it down, white avanat garden chairs, and white chair covers. I am confused if any decoration is included on the chuppah. Due to the prices, I am thinking of making my own pommanders or crytal backdrop to hang from the chuppah. In addition, I am planning to bring my own chair sashes and aisle decorations (either aisle marker starfish or pommanders on a hanger). Cecillia did confirm that they would charge $2 per item for them to set up my decorations, which I think is ridiculous. Looks like my bridal party and family will be busy !! I asked Cecilia if they use the same chairs from the ceremony and just move them to the reception for dinner. She said that they do. Has anyone else had any experience with this or know for certain. I was planning on organza sashes for the ceremony, and then satin sashes for the reception. However, if they move the same chairs, I dont want any body from my wedding feeling the need to change out the sashes. Reception Decor: I am expecting approximately 50-70 people. The pricing I recived for the centerpieces I am intersted in (submereged orchids with floating candles in tall cylinder vases) is about a $100 per table The florist they use is Mayan Florist and I have now been able to get a better idea of what they can do, but how expensive it is. I can make the centerpieces myself for about $20 per table...or even less. But, I just dont want to haull the glass items, etc, and have to deal with more set up. I am on the fence of what to do here. However, I am fairly certain I will be bringing my own table overlays, napkins, and napkin rings. These are very light to travel with and can make a huge difference for my ambiance. I have asked Cecelia what the fabric material and size for the standard white ones they supply free of cost, and she has not answered me yet. My decorator locally told me to confirm that they are floor length satin or my sheer overlays will not look right. My fear is they use a pleated table skirt and a polyester table cloth. . .which would just mean I need to bring my own table cloths also. I am really looking for a romantic, magical ambiance with lots of candles and twinkles. And planning from afar, is making it difficult to really envion my dream. Other extras I included were 30 chinese lanterns and the fireworks. Ihave also booked the resort DJ for three hours, upgraded videographer, and upgraded photo package. I am on the fence with some fo the photos I have seen from Juan Navarro's site, so I emailed him to ask if he could be the one to shoot my wedding specifically. I also asked if they would have an asssitant to captrue both my entrance and my groom's face when he sees me for the first time. I am thinking I may want to add an extra hour to the reception . . but everything has already added up way past what I expected to pay. Adding an extra hour to the reception would be around $2000 . . which I I dont think is really worth it. I hope this can be a last minute decision. We are also doing a couple of other events: Bonfire Desserts & Bar on the beach the night before Bridal Luncheon Day of Wedding ( my bridesmaids and mothers) @ Oceana - they are charging me $18 per person for this!!!!!! Farewell Brunch @ World Cafe - I asked to reserve an area for my guests to come have breakfast before they leave back home PLEASE respond back with ideas, advice, suggestions . .. or anything. I am really feeling the stress right now By the way, my colors are persian plum (dessy.com), charcoal gray, and silver.

My wedding date is Oct 28, 2012. . but we will be honeymooning at the resort through 11/4 - -so I will be there at the same time : )!

Perhaps ask your guests to respond on RSVP with their favorite song they want you to play! : )

OHHHH...I see you were married at SMB also ! I would LOVE to see your photographs if they are available. I am going crazy with the unknown about placements, etc. : )

Is this still for sale? Perhaps you really want to get rid of it and sell it to me for $200 with lots of good karma.. : ) I am a budget-bride getting married in October 2012 at Secrets Maroma. I am a little (okay, ALOT) of a control freak, and having the opportunity to do a site visit before the wedding would be a godsend to my anxiety (and my fiance, ha)!.

Hi Ladies! I want to join this thread! I am a October 28, 2012 bride at Secrets Maroma Resort. I love reading everyone's contributions and advice. I know it has made many of my decisions a lot easier : )! I live in the Heights / Galleria area and would love a meet up!!!

@FUNKYDOLL .. is there anyway you can email me the sample of the music that Cecillia sent you? [email protected] I of course can ask her myself, but my wedding is several months away, and she seems to take her time to respond... which is totally fine, but would love to hear the options now if possible!! Thanks!

Hello!!! I am also an October 2012 BRIDE! We are getting married at Secrets Maroma Beach on Oct 28th. I am loving all of the ideas and advice from this site. I think I finally narrowed down my colors . . .magenta, light tan, light gray, and another accent color to be determined : )

@BrideRN: We are scheduled for a 4 pm wedding on the beach. Apparently this will give us plenty of light for photos as well. @CKRN: I am so jealous you are able to have an advanced site visit. I have also booked the Ultimate package and heavily upgraded using the resort's options. however, after this website, I am second guessing every detail, and may hire some outside vendors. I am very interested to hear your input and advice. Please keep us fully posted! And, have a great trip! I have decided to change my colors again . . .HA!!! I was leaning towards coral,magenta, and sand. However, I think I am LOVING tiffany blue (teal), purples, and fusica, with sand (or gray). What do ya'll think? The wedding is the last weekend of October, but i guess a beach wedding really does not have have to observe true 'fall' colors : )!

I just booked my wedding October 28th, 2012 at SMB. I have been obsessed with this forum since. Lets definitely keep in touch. I have found so many great ideas and advice.