Trace2013

Gorgeous!!! Congratulations! Everything looked so beautiful.
 

Wedding cake was dessert, we were able to choose two separate flavours and it was also excellent.
 

Originally Posted by Canadagoose 

 

I have a question for Trace and Sandy,

 

How was the food for your wedding dinner?  I've been looking at the menu options that Jessica sent me and it really doesn't sound like there are very many dishes served. I find this especially worrying as neither one of us likes fish or seafood.

 

What do they mean by 'Standard Decoration'?  What does that include both for the ceremony and the reception?

 

Are white chair covers included with the price?

How much extra do they want for coloured sashes?

 

What do you think is better value: the Gold star package (with the rest being a la carte) or the Dream wedding package with more included, but a significantly higher price?

 

Thanks!!!!

 

Deanne

Hi Deanne,

Check out my review on trip adviser, it may help answer some questions for you! http://goo.gl/rwb8L

To answer your questions here - the food was fantastic. I was actually blown away by the quality as I was expected average, hotel food and what we received was well above any of our expectations! Like you, we are not fish/seafood people and went with the steakhouse dinner (Which was also our favourite a la carte.. bloomin onion appetizers there!!!) So, our meal included a salad to start (wedge style, beautifully presented and very tasty) then soup (onion, nothing special). Main course was grilled ribeye presented on grilled pineapple with potatoe/veggies and it was DELICIOUS! We were able to have a vegetarian option for those who wanted, but we had to gather the #'s in advance. We chose the veg lasagna for them and I was told it was delicious in itself. For the children, we had them send chicken fingers/fries.

My set up would be a really good representation, I believe, of "standard set up" as I paid zero dollars for any additional decor. White chair covers, white fabric canopy, burlap runner, microphone, DJ to play my ipod before and during ceremony. The same can be said for our reception, we had it in the convention centre and the only decor I brought from home the maracas as take-aways for the tables and some oversize balloons I had got for cheap online. Everything else was the work of Alejandra, I paid not one extra cent for any of the table decor you see in my pictures. It should also be said that I am soooo not picky about a "theme" , all my request was white, white, white. And what I saw was beyond my expectations considering my limited opinion. **Disclaimer!** Some might say the table set up is "too simple" but I hate at weddings when there isn't even room on the table to put your camera down or you can't see the person across from you because of some centerpiece you forget about the moment you have your first drink. The menus on tables were a surprise to me as we had never talked about that with Alejandra and although we had sent along a pre-determined seating chart, I hadn't given anything thought at all (bride brain) about how we might display it. She saw the oversight and took care of it by printing out a fantastic display and setting up a table for it without even a single drop of sweat on my part.The lighting was compliments of my DJ, DJ Doremixx who was by far the best DJ we've ever had the pleasure of partying to in North America. No lie. He was that good and worth every single penny. The only thing I would have not done was put up the tacky "cory and tracy" banner, but my Mother had dragged it all the way from Canada without me knowing it (it was up at my shower) so who was I to say no? meh.

We were never offered the Gold package so I can't compare for you, although I do know that Alejandra did a quick comparison in pricing at our request at our meeting after we arrived and the dreams package ended up being better value for us due to the amount of people we had (95). 

Jessica, I posted some pics at the bottom to give you and the others an idea of just how long the walk is before hitting the beach. hope that its helpful.

Originally Posted by Jessicalynne 

 

 

My pleasure!!! Here's my person email if you need anything else: [email protected]

 

For the language, you can request for an English speaking judge/officiant for $25 or $50. It's worth it though in my opinion.

 

I have a question for Trace and Sandy. When you had your ewdding on the beach, do you have to sign the papers before you kiss/say I do? I saw one wedding on youtube where they exchanged their vows, kissed, said I do and then signed the papers and THEN walked back down the aisle. Obviously I'd like to do the paperwork before our personal vows, kiss and "I now pronounce you..."

 

5 more weeks!!!!!! holy crap yay.

My pleasure ladies! This site helped me so much but there wasn't a lot about the Tucan/Quetzal at the time so I'm glad we all are paving the way for others!

Unfortunately Jessica I can't answer this question as I didn't get legally married in Mexico, we did that in Canada before we left as we were wary about having a complete stranger perform the ceremony and whether there would be a language barrier. Esp since we really wanted to write our own script/vows it was just easier that way. This is something that Alejandra I'm sure will be able to answer for you though....

5 more weeks??! So pumped to see your pictures, you are going to have a BLAST! Seriously, choosing the Iberostar was the best decision we made, it all came together so seamlessly - even with a massive group like ours. And don't worry, if you get there and have some last minute changes or upgrades they are so good about it so just go with it and make those changes! This is your week, afterall

Our photographer sent this to us.. TOO FUNNY, but this is what happened the whole time! People just have no clue sometimes. So don't worry about the gawkers, they disappear.

Hey Deanne,

Don't be worried about semi naked gawkers (although there will be plenty of them!!) that's the beauty of photoshop! They were everywhere watching us get our pics done and you would never know when we received the completed package. There is a jungle venue and we did end up getting a couple of pictures in there for variety but the beach is far prettier!

Trace
 

Originally Posted by Jessicalynne 

 

Hi Trace!

 

I hope your days as a married woman have been blissful I have three questions for a fellow Iberostar bride.

 

1. Aisle Length: How long do you think it takes to walk down the aisle from where they start you? The pictures look pretty long, but would you say 30 seconds or so?

2. Ceremony Music: Did you have music during your ceremony? I have specific songs that I want to play via an ipod or sound system. Did you use that? If so, did you think it was loud enough. 

3. Mic: Did you use a mic for the ceremony? If so, did the hotel provide it or did your DJ?

 

I'm officially at 60 days!!! I can't wait. Any information you can provide would be so appreciated.

 

Thank you. You're the best.

 

 

-Jessica

hey girl! I am SO SORRY TO YOU ALL!!! I should be more diligent in checking this but so much has happened since we returned home at the end of January.. Including a pregnancy announcement!!! haha, wow, that was some honeymoon. hahaha

Anyway! To answer your questions:

1. Aisle Length: How long do you think it takes to walk down the aisle from where they start you? The pictures look pretty long, but would you say 30 seconds or so?

- The walk actually starts behind the first set of rooms and you walk down a path before hitting the runner on the sand... SO, I'd say give yourself at least 30 seconds. you can go there one day and time it out if you like too, of do it at the rehearsal that you will have with Alejandra. To give you an idea, I had 4 girls and a flower girl and me walking to one song "Forever" by Ben Harper. we didn't practice it (stupid!) but it ended up I hit the middle of the runner by the time it ended so it was all good. I think the song is just over 3 mins.

2. Ceremony Music: Did you have music during your ceremony? I have specific songs that I want to play via an ipod or sound system. Did you use that? If so, did you think it was loud enough. 

- We brought our ipod for ceremony music, they provided a DJ to play it on cue and sound system/microphone for our officiant. it was nice and loud, no issues there. No extra charge (we had dreams package as well)

3. Mic: Did you use a mic for the ceremony? If so, did the hotel provide it or did your DJ? All provided!

I will be way more diligent coming on here to answer all you brides with weddings coming up. just want to reiterate it can be frustrating waiting to hear from Alejandra but once you are about a month out you'll notice her response rate increase substantially. You simply are not a priority at the time as she's so busy with weddings happening now. When you get there it will all fall into place, promise!!! and I see you were quoting on the welcome party - DO IT!!! we had it by the beach bar with mariachhi from the package and it was the best ever. Great way to start a week in paradise.

Hi Qupid!

They made the switch with photographers right before we got married so I had the information sent over to me in case we wanted to change to them. Here is the link to the webpage: http://www.photo-pro.com.mx/web/app.php/home The contact is Damarys Dias, the email is: [email protected]
 

We didn't end up going with them in the end because I just wasn't comfortable with what I saw but their pricing was very similar to Adventure if you had already quoted them.

Sorry I don't have any info on paperwork, I'm a fellow Canuck but thought that whole thing was so confusing as well so we just did the paperwork here and had the blessing ceremony there. No one knew the difference and we saved a ton of stress about it all.

Good luck!

I had to buy my hair/make up day passes which were $50. Also had to buy for the DJ in case you are hiring outside for that too!
 

I hired Sara for hair and make up services for myself and my four bridesmaids on my wedding day, January 9, 2013. I made the decision to go with Sara because of the photos I saw on BDW and corresponding with her via email. I loved how all the brides she made up looked so natural and happy! Sara brought along Abby, her trusted partner who does a wonderful job as hair stylist. They arrived right on time to our suite, set up and were ready to go!

Although English is neither Sara nor Abby's first language we all felt very comfortable that they both understood exactly what each girl had wished for regarding hair and make up as each were consulted before they would get started. No one girl looked alike which I loved! She was able to bring out the natural beauty that makes every girl uniquely gorgeous.

Having all my girls with me that day was very special and having Sara and Abby laughing along with us made it feel like they were two good friends. Sara is so sweet, very attentive and unwilling to stop working until she achieves perfection in your look.

Her communication leading up to our arrival was efficient and timely. I highly recommend having Sara (and her partner Abby) for Makeup/Hair services. You will not be disappointed!

Thanks for making us feel like the most beautiful in all of Mexico that day!

Tracy

Originally Posted by Sara Tamargo 

Hi everybody! I'm really excited because now I'm a vendor of BDW!.. My sister Sol Tamargo and my brother in law Matt Adcock gave me a big help!!.. I was born in Cancun and being in this gorgeous Riviera Maya Paradise is amazing! I hope I can get to meet many of you and share everything I could help with.

OH MY. I want to go BACK! haha. You girls are going to have the best time! Although, now seeing the views from the suites at the Tucan the Quetzal suites are a bit better as they are literally right at the ocean. And only one bed! (weird) Anyway, here is the video with my pro pics:

Also, still can't add the Quetzal as a hotel here to add my review but here is the link to it on Trip Advisor:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g150812-d154883-r150437366-Iberostar_Quetzal_Playacar-Playa_del_Carmen_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

A couple of pics I took of our view from the suite and the Mariachi who were amazing! Also, I noticed that Adventure photo is still plastered all over the photography office, although I didn't see them out taking any pictures at all like you'd normally see at these places. Who knows what is going on there?

Jessica, we did our welcome party at the beach bar and we had 95 adults. It was great because they set it up really nice and we got a breeze from the ocean as it was quite muggy and humid at night esp for January. I can only imagine how much hotter it will be in June, it may be super humid and hot in the jungle in the evening? As well, the mosquitoes weren't too bad but we definitely got our fair share of bites. They may be worse in the jungle.

The Tropical restaurant is closest to the beach in comparison to the Steakhouse (but not by much!) Both are about the same in terms of decor and size.

OK. So I've been trying to add my review for the Quetzal on this site but it won't let me so I've posted in the help forum. But until then, I did put it up on trip adviser so if you'd like to read it there be my guest!

Beach set up photo for you ladies - (no professional ones yet) Just an FYI. I gave Alejandra zero direction for this set up, and was charged not a penny extra for anything you see here.

I've been trying to add my review of the hotel/wedding into the reviews section, however it doesn't look like its been reviewed yet. When I click "add" it tells me I don't have proper authority or something that affect.. Please help! I'd really like to post here as this website was a life saver! Thanks

hey ladies!

I'm finally back (and hating being home in the cold). Well, if I can tell you all anything its please please please put your fears to rest about the Tucan/Quetzal. Alejandra is seriously a dream and a true professional to work with, I could not have asked to be treated better!!! So many things to share but just got home yesterday so will update soon

Thanks Jessica... I have no idea whether I'm nervous, excited or just overwhelmed and ready for it all to get going already... HaHa. We are having our wedding party over tonight to do gifts and kickstart our vacation week so I think tonight it will really sink in with everyone around.

Actually, we ended up cancelling with Jorge.. He basically stopped responded and I have seriously not heard from him since. So we switched and went with Lincoln from Moments that Matter. And to be honest, I was so surprised his pricing was very competitive to what Jorge had quoted so I decided to switch. Will let you know how that goes but also spy on the new photogs!
 

Next time you hear from me I'll be a Mrs!

Hey Amanda,

Sorry to hear that. We are leaving on Sunday so I can update you after our wedding on Wednesday to let you know how it goes as we'll probably have similar days (we have 95 people coming out!)

A few things, we did the dreams package there was no rental for restaurant and we are hiring outside DJ (Doremixx) for $900 for 7 hours of service.

Will try and give you a quick update on here from the resort after the wedding to hopefully put your mind at ease or help make your decision.

Just finalizing the last few details with Alejandra and then we are off at 6am Sunday! Wish me luck!!!
 

Your pics look so awesome! Can't wait to hear your review, although I'll probably be gone as we are only 9 days to go! Any last minute tips or advice for me?

@Amanda - There was no additional charge to us to have the reception in the convention center vs the restaurant. The only reason we moved it was to extend the reception until 1am. We are paying an additional $7/pp per hour for the additional 2.5 hours.

Originally Posted by Kali628 

We had 35 people that came with us and everyone had a blast.  It was great to get together as one big group.  The resort was perfect for our needs.  I am definitely happy we chose this place.  My only complaint was the hair stylist (expensive at the spa, I ended up having to have my cousin fix my hair, and there was a language barrier we couldn't break).  The Mariachi were a huge hit.  That wedding coordinator works her butt off--there was a wedding everyday but one while we were down there and they were all different.  I have to post a more in depth review in the correct section but that's a little tidbit.  I'd be happy to answer any questions though!

 

Here a few pictures:

 

 

 

Originally Posted by Kali628 

 

Hi ladies, I'm back! We had a wonderful time and I'm so happy we chose this resort. I'll post some pictures when I can!

Welcome home Kali! and Congratulations you are officially a Mrs! Eagerly awaiting your thoughts and pictures

No problem, glad I could help!

We used mywedding.com because I found it was so simple to use! Here is ours www.mywedding.com/hewlkowedding

Jessica

NO WAY! hahaha. Although I've enjoyed the process somewhat, I'm going to be very happy to have all the planning and decision making over and done with

I had asked for pictures of the convention center as this whole discussion was a real sore spot for us. We truly wanted to have everything in the open air restaurant but they are super strict about limiting the reception to 4 hours. No buying your way out of that one! I was not happy to have to essentially end the evening at 10:30, even though we could go to the disco. The idea of rounding up 90 people and making sure everyone knew the party was continuing there was not something I was interested in doing, and just when things would be really getting started! So...We booked the convention center and have the DJ staying until 1am. Here are the pictures Alejandra sent of the convention center, they will do a standard set up and we can bring whatever else we want. To tell you the truth I'm not bringing a ton, I plan on decorating with balloons, adding maracas as favours to the tables and letting the DJ lights and the Mexican fiesta do the rest!

Here is my inspiration pic I sent to her (I found those big ass balloons online and they are amazing):

:

Here are the pics:

There were some of the questions I sent off to her once I had seen these pictures:

Some additional questions for you:

1 - Will the children be part of the head count for extra charge per person if we extend the night by 2.5 hours past the four hour time limit? Children just pay the half price.
2 - Who is responsible for decorating the convention centre? Is that something that you and your team will take care of? The convention center has a standard decoration and I have some tea candles and standard centerpieces. The main table is decorated with a flower center piece. The tablecloths are white and beige, or white and peach. Color tablecloths could be requested to an external provider if you want something different.
3 - Are there decoration options or would we be responsible for providing all of the decor? Sometimes the bride brings some special decoration and we take care of it. If you want to add balloons, special centerpieces, color table clothes, color saches for the chairs, color lights or extra flowers could be possible. Please note that every extra decoration requested  has an extra charge.
4 - Would we still have to choose the menu options that were previously provided? Yes, of course. You can choose a menu of a restaurant. It might be a fixed menu, this is the same meal for everybody. If you have vegetarian or allergic guests let me know and the chef can prepare some special food for them.
5 - We've hired a DJ from the local area, will there be any issue with his set up in the convention centre? There is not issue with the DJ if he has his day pass. Let me know please if he need a table for his set up or any thing you would need for him.

Sorry, such a long post but I wish I had other brides to ask questions to when I was first making decisions so I want to be as helpful as possible as we all know there is next to nothing online about weddings this hotel!

Tracy

Hey Sandy,

I CAN NOT EVEN BELIEVE how fast time has flown by! I just had my final dress fitting - Starting to get so excited!

We booked with Air Transat, as that is who our Travel Agent worked with. I've personally travelled with Sunwing a few times and have been very happy with the service, no complaints and champagne toast to start your vacay!
 

No problem, I didn't want to go to all the trouble of a passport invite (too lazy!) so I just did a two-sided invitation. The timeline was on the back... Here it is:

Hi Zoe!

Welcome and congrats on your engagement. I was also concerned about this and created a fun wedding day timeline on the back of my invite that told guests to arrive at the beach at 3:45 for our 4:00 ceremony. I thought it was a cute, but important reminder for them that we plan to start immediately at 4:00. Same for the reception, since its in a different part of the hotel I asked them to start making their way down 15 minutes in advance of dinner service. This way we hope most everyone will be there and we can get things going fairly quickly.

I sent the email off to you late yesterday Christy!

It sounds like you will be having an amazing wedding, that plan will be great. Then whoever wants to keep the party going can hit up the disco and I'll bet you'll have it mostly to yourself for the beginning of the evening. We went with the package because we wanted a more traditional reception: Sit down meal, speeches, dj, dancing and we wanted it to go until 1am.

Just to let you all know I rec'd an email yesterday from Alejandra that they have changed photo providers on site. They no longer deal with Adventure Photo, it is now Photo-Pro. A little concerning considering we had negotiated a custom package with Jorge and were booked for the last 6 months. She said we could still keep our agreement with Jorge if we wanted but looking at the new packages, we may stand to save $1100 if we switch. And since Jorge didn't ask for a contract or deposit we may do that. Ultimately, the correspondence I get back from the new company will be the deciding factor. If I don't feel at ease, I'll stick with Adventure. However, I'm wondering if I'll be charged an outside vendor fee now? So many decisions. Anyway, I sent you the new price package for Photo-Pro and not Adventure since that's who you'd be dealing with on site.

We've been to Playacar but never the IB so I'm kind of relieved to hear you love it so much. I have been to other IB's in Dominican and felt really good choosing them based on the chain but it's always good to hear first hand what a great place it is.

Anyway, I'm off for my last dress fitting!