phunkyphan

Thanks. I will make sure we have at least 2 hours for the photos. Carib Photo seems to be the cheapest option. Did you use them?

We only had the hour provided in the package. I really wish we could have afforded another hour. However, our guests took so many digital pictures that it helped to fill I the gaps. But if you have the money to spend I would suggest an additional hour.

Hello,  I am confirmed for June 6, 2014 at AS and have not yet contacted the Miami planner.  We are discussing whether to get the Pearl or Silver package to go along with the Sky Wedding Package.  The gold package seemed to be good for legal ceremonies but we are having a symbolic ceremony.  Did you use all of the amentities of the gold package?  We are also trying to decide if we want a DJ or an iPod.  I've heard pros and cons of each.  Nice to hear everything worked out with the iPod.  Which photography package did you use?  I don't have a problem going with Lomas but don't really know which package to select. We used every single one of the amenities in the gold package. Really the only things in it that you will not actually need is things like the breakfast in bed and the couples massage. However, these things were really nice to have. We added everything up individually. By the time you pay for photographer, judge, blood tests, hair, etc., you are paying more than you would for the gold package anyway. You may as well get the bells and whistles that in the end do not really cost extra. I would avoid the insane cost of a DJ and just bring an iPod. It worked out great for us. Plus we knew that we would love every song. They provide someone to run the sound with the rental speakers and it includes a microphone. We just used the photography package included in the gold package. However, if fund had not been so tight we would have opted for an additional hour. Thanks, Jenny 

Azul Sensorati sounds like a fabulous resort, but I'm having trouble getting my mind wrapped around all of the crazy vendor restrictions! One of the things that I was interested in was having fire dancers and possibly a guitarist at my wedding.  Are those options available (and other interesting entertainment)?  Can anyone comment on the quality of the Azul-approved vendors?  I would be bringing in a photographer from the U.S., most likely, or trying to schedule someone like Elizabeth Medina.

Alright ladies, I FINALLY have some time to post about our wedding. We bought the gold package so we would have everything we needed and frankly a massage on the beach is always a welcome experience. The number one piece of advice I can give is to not waste your money on outside vendors. Everyone at Azul is professional and does a great job. Remember that you are working with a photographer that shoots there almost daily. They know how to get the best shots at the resort. The flowers included in our package were absolutely perfect and they happily moved them to our reception to help us cut costs on decor. We brought a few things of our own for set up of ceremony and reception including gazebo sheers. We were only charged $50 for set up. After we met with the WC at the resort, she called to let us know that they wanted to put bows on the reception chairs at no cost. This was one of many things that we were upgraded to upon our arrival. Our biggest upgrade was that we booked the least expensive room we could get and we got upgraded to a big room in the premium section. we opted for the set group menu for the reception. The food was beyond my expectations and the service was exceptional. I had my hair and makeup done in the spa. I would absolutely have it done his way again! We used an iPod with play lists for the reception. If you rent the speakers, there is a microphone for anything like toasts. They also provide somebody to help run the iPod and sound for the event. I cannot imagine paying the ridiculous prices for a DJ when you can make a list of all the music you want to hear for so much less. As someone who has worked catering wedding for over 5 years, wedding DJ's are often obnoxious and inappropriate. I have seen many brides that were upset with things DJ's blurt out or their awful music selections. There are so many details missing here. If any of you have specific questions, I would be happy to answer. All in all I would really just say, stick with Lomas and services provided at Azul. It will keep your costs down and it keeps your stress level way down. These guys really made the whole thing so stress free when I got there. Trust me when I say the most frustrating part is the planning via your Miami based WC. Just be assured it will all get worked out and the WC on site will bend over backwards to help you with any last minute details. Any time you have questions that are not being answered or you need a better explanation than what your WC gave you, come to this site! This site filled in all the gaps for me and helped to get me more relaxed.

Originally Posted by TailsUK 

 

Hi,

 

I am a UK bride who is lucky enough to be getting married at the Sensatori in May 2013 and have stumbled across this forum. I don't normally post on forums but I thought this was a great way of communicating with other brides getting married at Azul Sensatori. 

 

I have been reading through some of the thread and I have found some of the information very helpful as you all seem to share the same concerns as I did. 

 

I have noticed I share the same WC as some of you, Erika, she has been helpful so far. 

 

So far we have sorted out the ceremony and dinner. We are also having a S'mores party on the beach in the evening. Being from the UK we don't really know much about S'more parties but Erika has told us it the closest thing we could get to a bonfire on the beach. We are very unsure about what to do with regards to photography and music. It seems very expensive for such a little time frame and we also have to take into consideration that we are having a wedding reception back in the UK for family and friends who cannot come to Mexico. 

 

At the moment we are booked into a standard room but our travel agent advised us that we maybe upgraded due to us being a wedding couple. What are other peoples experience of this?

 

Thanks

We also found the photography packages to be quite expensive.  We are using the hour included in our package for the ceremony and some before pictures.  For the reception, we are asking our guests to be so kind as send us their digital pictures.  We also found Holga cameras by a google search on amazon.com.  They are inexpensive and take really artistic pictures.  We got one that we are loading with color film and one to load with black and white film.  I also have a dear family friend that has agreed to be sure that she photographs some of the key moments at the reception.  By doing this we saved tons of money on pictures our guests would have taken anyway.  Plus putting the Holga cameras on the tables really helps to draw everyone in to participate in the reception.

Originally Posted by ELAINENYC 

 

Murmel - AS ALWAYS...YOU ARE A LIFE SAVER!!!!!!!! Thank you soo much. It is definitely very helpful. I have been going crazy the last couple of weeks trying to figure this part out. I know I still have 2 months but I feel like I still have so much to do..AHHH!!! Working on OOT Bags and music this month and next month is my headpiece, bridal sash/belt and any other last minute things I may have forgotten.

 

I am having a welcome dinner the night before the wedding at Spoon, so all of my guests can get to know each other. Did you (or any other brides) play music during this (assuming you had a welcome dinner).  Not sure if its necessary since everyone will be talking? Thoughts?

 

Thanks again!

I was told by my Miami based WC that in the restaurant you cannot decorate or play music of your choice.  This is why I have chosen a private event for my reception.  I would assume the rules are going to be the same for a dinner the night before.  I am doing the same thing the night before.  I didn't bother to ask about music or decorations as it was a no for the reception.

Hello all you lovely brides! I am just now finding this forum and what a lifesaver it has been so far! It has brought my stress level WAY down. So first of all, thank you all for posting the information you have. I will be glad to share or answer any questions I can as well. Second, I was wondering if anybody has bought their own sheers for the gazebo. I am thinking of doing this, but my WC says there will be a set up fee. Do any of you know how much it would be? I am trying to decide if I will be saving money or wasting precious luggage space to get them down there.