msop04

Hey ladies... To the brides who have had a beach ceremony (with the new, larger pergola), have any of you upraded your chairs (to tiffany)? If so, do you have photos? I am having trouble finding photos of the setup with anything other than the standard white w/ white covers. I don't want to have chair covers, and I'm debating on upgrading to the white or mahogany tiffany chairs, but would like to see what each looks like with the beach ceremony setup. My colors are neutrals (brown, linen, and ivory) with greens (from dark to lime), so I thought the mahogany chairs w/ ivory sashes and greenery/flowers would look nice and elegant. Please post if you have pics! Thanks!!

Hey CriCri! Cecilia has been on vacation, but she just got back. She emailed me today. I'm sure she is bombarded with emails...

Does anyone know the dimensions of the new beach ceremony structure?? I may be ordering a curtain of sorts to hang in the middle section and would need to know how tall and wide it is... Also, if anyone has done something similar or knows where I might find photos of such decor, please post!! Thanks ladies!!

My wedding isn't until March 2013, but I am dealing directly with Maya Floral for anything and everything flowers. I found it was just too difficult to try to go through the coordinator, who then has to talk to the florist, who may or may not understand what I wanted or may be lost in translation to begin with... I simply asked Cecilia to give me a direct email to each vendor, and she sent me all the information. I have been emailing Carlos with Maya Floral, and he has been EXTREMELY helpful! I sent him almost twenty photos showing what I liked, our wedding colors, and even my dress! (some pics for inspiration, some I wanted him to replicate). Within 3 days, he sent me a ton of ideas of arrangements/bouquets/etc they had done that were very similar. I know that a lot of the floral is included in the Ultimate Package, so I'm hoping what I've chosen will be okay and I won't have any additional charges. I feel more "in control" by dealing directly with Maya Floral. I guess I'm just type A like that! LOL If you are interested in doing the same, I'd be happy to send you his contact info!

Can anyone tell me the difference in the Caribbean Trio and the Mariachi Trio? I want them to play for the cocktail hour, but can't decide on on which one... anyone?? Thanks in advance!

Thanks! I really like that -- hopefully we can make room in the "budget."

Who is the minister in this video? I have been told to use Roxanna, because she speaks English and doesn't need a translator... Out of curiosity, which vows were used in the video, religious or not religious? My FI and I aren't very religious, but would like some mention of God... Do you know where I can find the scripts?

Cri, did you pay extra for the flowers & fabric (draped on the wood) in this photo or were they included in the package? It seems the more I read about the Ultimate Package, the less it actually includes... I'm so confused -- and my budget is getting out of control expensive!! UGH!! Originally Posted by CriCri This has been my wedding canopy

Hey girlie! That's really not too bad -- does that include shipping and setup? Did they say that it would be long enough and stretch all the way across the back? (since the new beach pergola is larger) Are you using the new beach setup (the larger one)? If so, would you hang the curtain on the back panel or on either side and leave the back open? Just wanting some opinions! Hope your planning is still going well!

Cri, Would you send me the price list for Maya Floral? I have no idea what to expect... better prepare myself now! Thanks!

That's the million dollar question, beachbride... It's also the major problem/worry/etc... I can't seem to get any answers as to what is available, so I can book. It's like, "hello, I want to give you a lot of money now, but you won't seem to let me pay you..." LOL I can't relax until I know what's going on... here's why: My original date (that I requested anyway) was 2/22/13. I didn't think this was a problem, as the SMB site showed the entire month of Feb (and all time slots) available. However, my TA forwarded me an email from Cecilia stating that the site only shows definitive dates - meaning it has been paid for or a deposit has been sent. So my thing is, if I'm ready to pay for a date for sure, then wouldn't that make mine definitive (therefore overriding all those who have "tentative" dates)? Frustrated doesn't even begin to describe how I feel -- helpless is more like it. Our guests will need to book their rooms ASAP and most will have to apply for passports, so they are constantly asking me about a date (since they are the ones who are inconvenienced by not knowing anything... sheesh!) I know you have to crawl before ya walk, so that's what I'm trying to do... First things first -- A DATE -- but I can't seem to get one (it's been almost 3 weeks and 4 emails since I sent the initial request). Once I get that in a contract, I can work out the details, but everything is riding on the date. I can't do invitations, STD, or even tell anyone that's invited because the first thing they ask is, "FINALLY!! I need to book! ...when's the date?" Do you kinda see my frustration?? ...or am I just being a crazy bridezilla? I'm gonna try my best to chill this weekend, but I'm getting aggressive next week. I need to book and pay/sign a contract in the next two weeks, so I can actually start all the planning. When does this get fun? Does it ever get better??

I'm really trying... I'm just worried that, in the end, I'll be disappointed... **deep breaths** I tend to get stressed easily, so I was hoping this DW thing would not be as bad as a traditional wedding (I'd hate to think of how it would be otherwise...) **breaking out the tequila now...** HA!!

Ladies, I need some reassurance with this whole SMB wedding thing. I feel really frustrated and "not in control." AT. ALL. Did anyone have a problem trying to get Cecilia and/or Mexican vendors to answer their emails? Let me start out by saying that I really am an impatient person (and Type A, if ya know what I mean... LOL), but this IS my wedding I'm talking about, and it makes me very nervous to leave so much unknown and "sight unseen." Especially when I'm gonna be spending tons of money to try to make this happen. Here goes... I am now using a TA that one of the fabulous ladies from this site recommended, so I feel a little better, BUT... (this is my little vent -- just bare with me...) My new TA mentioned that SMB can sometimes be slow in answering requests and a lot can be lost in translation, but that he would be my "liaison," if you will. **this made me feel 100% better!! I told him that I had sent in a Wedding Request form via SMB website, but that the only response I received from Cecilia was (and I'm gonna paraphrase), "Congratulations on your engagement... first step is choosing a date... lots to offer at SMB... let me know if I can be of any assistance..." Ummm... yeah. Didn't I just request a date using THE WEDDING REQUEST FORM?? Isn't that what it's used for? Okay. So my TA emailed SMB and Cecilia about my request and her answer was the she never received anything from me, had not heard of me, blah blah blah. Please note that she answered me with the form I filled out and my specific questions from the "Notes" section. So I forwarded the email from her to my TA. I guess it didn't matter at this point because our wedding date had already been booked. I have since emailed (and forwarded my TA) Cecilia requesting available Friday & Saturday dates in the 4PM slot for beach and gazebo weddings. I just hope I'll get an answer soon. I'm ready to put a deposit down and get the ball rolling! Then there's The Styling Trio for hair and makeup. I've sent two emails, but no response. I've seen two different sets of quotes (albeit VERY VERY DIFFERENT PRICES), but I need quotes of my own and confirmation that they could do it... Am I being my usual impatient self? Has anyone felt this way or had the same experiences? Sorry for the rant, ladies... just had to put it out there.

Just ran across this post -- I, too, am trying to decide between the Gazebo or Barracuda Terrace... would you send those files to me if you still have them?? That would really help me to decide. (This forum is so great)

Oh okay - I guess I need to be doing that too... Did you just order them or did you actually print them yourself from a home printer? I am thinking of designing them using VistaPrint - has anyone used them? I can always add ribbons, bling, etc., but need someone to print them for me, I think. I am open to any and all suggestions from everyone.

Miss Lola, you are a gal after my own heart!! I am obsessed with this look! We WILL HAVE IT!!! LOL Thanks for listing that site - it looks really good (and affordable)!!

Does SMB provide the wedding dinner menus and place cards, or it that the bride's responsibility to bring those? (as you can see, I am clueless!! LOL) I found these photos on the Sandals Martha Stewart Weddings site... Do you think SMB could replicate this look for me?? I love the idea of the hanging "curtain" of flowers or shells or whatever...

Oh. My. God. AnnieWeds, your ceremony and reception sites were absolutely gorgeous!!! I loved everything and your choice of white & ivory for the decorc -- So elegant! Your photographer did an awesome job and you looked beautiful. Did you add anything to your package (as far as decor/lighting)? Loved the round lanterns! What time of day was your beach ceremony? The light of day was perfect!!

Cri, yours is just beautiful! What time of day did you have your wedding? It looks to be around 4 or 5? Were you happy with this time? I'm worried about my photos being dark, but then again, I don't want it to be so hot! LOL

Does anyone have any photos of their hair and makeup that the SMB Spa did?? Still trying to talk myself into using this... How flowers, pomander, or other decor use in your weddings?? Any coral colored flowers?? Any "other" flowers/extras not listed on the website?? If so, please post!! Thanks!!

Yay!! Since they've gotten the new beach setup, we are seriously considering it!! It will be beautiful! What are you doing as far as decorations, chairs, etc??

HA!! I'm gonna try the Cecilia method too!! I have received a complete quotation ( Bridal Hair, make up, trial, transfer,...bridesmaids), let me know your email address and I will forward you the email. Just to have a basic quotation you can consider: - Bridal Package, Hair and Makeup, just wedding day, 285 USD So, just to clarify... $285 was your quote from The Styling Trio (for everything listed above)... I was just curious because LolaTX was quoted $450 (other Stylist) - $600 (for Adrian) But I'd love for you to forward the email to me - maybe I'd have some negotiating power?? I'll private message you with my email address. Thanks! Hair style and make-up cost: 59$+ 49% (+ 11%tax ). You have also 15% discount of all the SPA service such as the hair style and make up trial $59 credit from SMB, right? If you don't use the video, If I remember well you receive a credit of 600$ Ok, cool... $600 for the video credit. Is that with the other photography also, or just video? I'm wondering what would be the "grand total" credit for: Video ($600) + All Photography ( $ ) = "Grand Total??" CriCri, you are so knowledgeable -- SMB needs to hire you as an official correspondent!! Thanks bunches, girl!!

Thanks, beachbride!! That does sound really awesome for the bonfire!! You should totally post some photos!! My guests will surely enjoy it!! Everyone on this board has be SOOO nice and very helpful!!

That's not a lot of credit for the photography... seems like someone posted that you'd get like a $900 credit for not doing the video?? I'll just need to look into it - I'll keep everyone posted though! The bonfire sounds SO COOL!! I'm a Southern gal, so start a fire and little music and I'm good to go!! HA! Thanks for the info, KCDawn!!

LolaTx, my wedding is "tentatively" scheduled for 2-22-13 (tentative, because I Cecelia has YET to email me back... ugh!) Oh well, guess I'll just book, then get a contract drawn up, as CriCri suggested. Thanks SO MUCH for giving me the name of your TA -- the least expensive trip I could find for 3 nights was $2800-3000 for the couple, so that would be a dream come true if he could find something... and I can almost guarantee ALL of my guests would book through him, should he be able to help us out!! Don't worry, I will let him know you referred me with a glowing review!! :) BTW, by double room, do you mean a room with double beds, to be shared by 2 ppl, or...?? The quotes I found were on Expedia.com, for 2 adults/3 nights in the lowest level room -- of course that included taxes, fees, airfare, and the whole bit. Even so, your TA's quote was way less... North Carolina, huh? That's cool, I live in Birmingham, AL, but I'm originally from southeast TN (and that is where my family still lives), so maybe your TA really can find something for us -- AND FOUR NIGHTS WOULD BE EVEN BETTER!! I really appreciate you and this board -- once again, THANK YOU!!! P.S. I couldn't get the site to come up for Gosecrets.com, but I Googled his name and found A Way To Go Travel Agency out of NC... let me know if this is the same.