Leslied

Wishing you an AMAZING wedding week!! Enjoy every moment!! Leslie

Yes Jenna...I'm sure that whoever is taking over for Ana and Vanessa will be equally amazing and your wedding will be perfect!!

Hi Amanda!! For the sound system, you don't need to bring anything other than your ipod. They had all necessary wires and such. No stress!! For the extra hour of reception, I believe it was $100 plus $12/per person for the waiter service. We were a total of 16. I didnt care how much it cost at that point in time as we were having SUCH an amazing time!! It was worth every penny and we have no regrets!! The waiter service was really worth it!! They were always around (more than one waiter) and we made them work hard by getting round of shots over and over again. They were also very prompt with bringing out drinks...it was great!! Im also glad we paid for this vs. having our guests go inside and wait at the bar for a drink. I think this would have split people up and would not have made for the same ambiance. For the napkins, my mother made them and also made the table runner. Our colors were fuschia and orange...my mother made them in fuschia and it added a nice pop of color to the table. We were all sitting at one table together (rectangular) which made for a nice ambiance. Let me know if you have any other questions...I'd be glad to help!! Leslie Wow!! Im completely shocked!! I really have a hard time understanding why they would no longer work there??!! Weird!! Don't worry...Im sure someone will pick up where they left off. I remember when we sent the deposit, I did not receive confirmation for a few weeks. Then I emailed them to inquire and they sent the confirmation. I know theyre not too good with the email communication thing. Been there!! I honnestly don't understand why it took so long for them to answer emails. While we were there, everytime I would walk by their office (which was often as our room as in that direction), they were always in front of their computer typing away. Even late during the evenings, they were still there.

Thank you!! And certainly don't hesitate to ask questions...this forum was so helpful for me with my planning!!

Thank you!! Congratulations to you!! You must be getting so excited!! Enjoy every moment!!

Hi ladies!! Sorry it took so long for me to write...we just got back from Mexico last week...we had been there for 2 weeks - wedding week at OCT and honeymoon week at Excellence Riviera Cancun. We didnt want to come back home!! We had the most AMAZING time at OCT with our guests (16 of us total). Everyone could not stop raving about the resort and we had so much fun!! It was the second time for us at this resort so we knew what to expect. We were thrilled to hear how much our guests loved it!! And the wedding...well its was ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!! Everything went down without a hitch!! I was so worried during the months prior to the wedding as email communication with the coordinators wasnt the best!! Rest assured ladies that their team of professionnals have it all covered!! Like many brides have said already in this forum, everything works out once you get to the resort. We met with Ana and Vanessa the day after our arrival...Vanessa took the lead and she went over every possible detail you could imagine. This was the perfect time to ask questions or add details (I had a list drawn up with questions). She showed us where our ceremony would be held (beach in front of building 1 which was our request) and outside lobby terrace for the reception. We were so impressed by the service and had nothing to worry about!! Just so you know, you can add and tweak things right up until the last minute. For example, we had 2 guests show up as a surprise (BEST surprise EVER!!) and Vanessa was very accommodating with adding these 2 guests. We also ordered 2 bottles of champagne for the day of the wedding (one in my room and one in my husband`s room). The day of the wedding was perfect!! I hung out at the pool with everyone until noon and then went to my room to shower. My friend came to my room around 1:15 to do hair and make-up while sipping on champagne. I wanted to be ready for 3pm as our photographer (Juan Navarro) would be arriving around that time. A few people came to the room and then I slipped into my dress, put on my jewelry and I was good to go. Vanessa came to my room to bring my bouquet and then went to my husband`s room to bring his boutonniere. Juan brought me to my husband around 3:45 for our first look pictures and studio photo shoot of the two of us (we wanted to do this before our ceremony so we could enjoy our time with guests afterwards). It was amazing!! He was fantastic!! We returned to my room afterwards where my Dad was waiting for me. My husband left to go to the ceremony location around 5:15 ish and I touched up my hair while waiting for Vanessa to come pick me up. My curls had fallen after the photo shoot so consider this ladies...only one hour or so outside and this happenned!! Crazy!! I was rushing to touch up my curls...my Dad not being able to help of course and everyone was at the beach so I had to do it...LOL!! No big deal!! The curls fell again shortly after the ceremony and I wasnt going to make a big deal of it. Vanessa picked me up with my Dad and we walked to the beach. A few drops of rain were felt but, quickly stopped. Thank god!! It was VERY windy at the beach...unreal!! So again, keep this in mind for the hair. It was so windy to the point where after the ceremony, our photographer suggested we do group shots in the garden instead where there wasnt as much wind and we were fine with that. Our reception on the outdoor lobby terrace began at 7pm. It was SO gorgeous how the table was set up!! I had brought a table runner, sea shells to hold everyone`s names for the seating, maracas, napkins and menus. It was placed perfectly!! The service from the waiters was out of this world!! There were a few of them around at all times ensuring we had drinks and what not!! It was great!! The food was delicious and everyone raved about it (feta and balsamic sald; champagne sherbert; surf and turf; caribbean cake). Presentation of the food was just WOW!! After the meal, it wasnt long that the shots started and everyone got dancing. I had my ipod with a playlist and it was great!! There was a guy there to manage it but, I was always running over to select specific songs which was perfect! We were having such a good time and didnt want it to end as scheduled for 10pm. So around 9:45pm, I approached Vanessa (who was always around making sure everything was running smoothly) and asked if we could extend an extra hour (at a cost of course) and she was totally fine with that!! She brought me some paper work to sign and voila!! We were dancing the night away until 11pm. At 11pm, we went down to the pool where the swim-up bar is and luckily, it was a latino dance party going on that night with tons of people dancing. Our group just dove in and we danced, danced, danced until about 1:30 a.m. All in all...our wedding day could not have been more perfect!! We were so impressed of the wedding team (don`t think its just the coordinator...there are several people coordinating the event and they have walky talkies...constantly in contact with one another). We were blown away by how well things went and worked out. We didnt have to lift a finger or worry about anything!! Our guests had the time of their lives on our wedding night and are still talking about it!! Im just so thankful for how it went and now, I have the most wonderful memories of it!! I would highly recommend destination weddings now that I`ve experienced it!! Its just such a breeze!! Ok...Ive written so much already...what a long post...LOL!! Please dont hesitate to ask me questions if you have any or want more details on something. I`d be glad to help Leslie PS for Jenna Rose - the Maracas were just gorgeous!! However, we had them shipped to the resort and when we opened the box (the day of our meeting), 4 of them had broken even thought they were individually bubble wrapped. We wanted each of our guests to have one but, couldnt anymore. So we gave one per couple and we kept a few for ourselves as souvenirs. I would recommend that you order some extra ones in case. I emailed Gaby right away who said it was the first time it happened (??)...she offered to make more but, at a cost and shipping too. The postage people must have been very rought for them to shatter like that!!

Yes I did!! From Gaby as well!! Great service from them and I absolutely can't wait to see them!!

You've pretty much covered it!! She asked that I fill out and send the "wedding check list" which covers all of the above and more. She just sent me an email yesterday telling me that she received the box containing the Maracas!! So exciting! I prepared a list of questions to ask during the meeting and then, it should be smooth sailing. I will write upon our return!!

Hi everyone! We leave for Mexico in less than 48 hours!! I'm so excited, nervous, anxious...all sorts of emotions!! Communication with Ana has gone well over the last few weeks. It's true what others have said that they crunch down on you as your wedding approaches. All details have been settled and we have a meeting scheduled with her the day after we arrive. I can't wait to see how everything turns out. I'm sure everything will be great and even if there are some little glitches here and there, I'm not gonna stress over it. If anyone has any questions, don't hesitate. I'll be sure to write a post when we arrive to let you know how it went. Leslie

Question for past brides and future brides... I was wondering what are people's thoughts on tipping the wedding coordinator...I've read a few comments on here about this but, nothing that was very specific. Do you intend to tip and if so, what would be a reasonnable amount. My wedding is coming up in 4 weeks!! Yikes!! Im so excited!! )) Leslie

Thank you for the tip and information I can't wait!! Less than 8 weeks to go!!

We are having our reception on the outdoor lobby terrace as well. I totally agree with Jenna's comment...why go to Mexico to be indoors! We wanted the Mexican feel and being outdoors with the warm air, sounds of the ocean and overlooking to ocean is just what we wanted. If it is any reassurance, it is warm during the evening but, not to the point where you would want to be in an air conditionned room. Have you been to the resort already? There is always a nice little warm breeze going on during the evening and it's kinda nice. It's just comfortable...not excessively warm and not too cold. Leslie

We have the sunset package and are paying additional costs for the outdoor reception. We're paying to have the sound system so that we can listen to our ipod during the 3 hours. We're very much into music and wanted this so that we could listen to the music we love during our meal and afterwards. I'd say save the cost of a DJ if the sound system is already included in your package. That way, you can manage your own music and listen to what you want during the 3 hours. Not to mention, save some costs!! Good luck Thanks for letting me know. I'll take a look at that. I only have my photographer and his assistant...

Do you know how much it costs to book 2-3 nights for your vendors? I only have the photographer (Juan Navarro) and his assistant. Thanks

Thanks!! You are right!! I just have to have faith that everything will work out!!

Hi ladies!!! I'd like to know what your experiences have been with exchanging emails with the resort...?? I know that they are slow in responding at times and I've been understanding. However, my wedding is less than 3 months away and can't seem to get an answer to my emails. I've been waiting for one month now...still no replies to the few emails I sent. I don't know if I'd get better results if I call... I've read every page of this forum and have seen many experiences that brides have had when it comes to communication with the resort. I'm so frustrated with them and the lack of service I've been getting!! Any thoughts or words of advice?? Thanks!! Leslie

@@Jenna...very happy for you and getting everything sorted out!! I'm sure you must feel relieved!! I have yet to hear from Ana and it's been 2 weeks. I sent her a list of questions. Did you speak to her by email or phone? Did she send you a new contract outlining all of the costs? Let me know

@@Jenna That is completely ridiculous!! I can't believe they won't honor the prices!! You did the right thing to ask to speak with Ana since she is the manager. I also booked my wedding in April 2013 (sent the wedding contract form along with the deposit) and my wedding is occurring in April 2014. Cynthia had clearly stated in emails along with attachments she sent that all prices she was quoting were for 2014. So that's why I put up a fight recently when they tried to tell me that prices had gone up and I would have to pay for them. Its just completely crazy and creates stress that is really not necessary!! To respond to your question, as mentionned in earlier messages, I simply wrote a very nasty email to Pamela in response to the increase of prices with alot of words in capital letters. I completed my email saying that if she and I couldnt resolve the matter, that I would ask to speak to her manager. Then...I received an email from Ana saying that I would be dealing with her from now on, apologizing for Pamela's email and saying that she would honor the prices I was quoted by Cynthia. To be completely honest, at this point in time, I do not trust any of them!! I sent Ana a list of questions last weekend after receiving her email and have not had a response yet AND I forwarded my email again mid-week. I certainly don't want to deal with any drama once Im there so I would rather do it now via email since its a paper trail and not verbal. Keep me posted and good luck!! Leslie

I LOVE it!!!! Such a great idea and personalized touch!!

Wow!! You also sound like you're ready for your wedding!! Great ideas and Im sure it will all turn out great. As for the chair bows, they do have fuschia at no extra cost!! My colors are fuschia and orange. I think they charge extra when one wants bows in colors they dont have. For the maracas, I did so much research as this is what I wanted for favors and have not had any luck so far. I'll check out the website you provided. Thanks We can't wait for our wedding but, are equally as excited for our week at Excellence. We splurged with the ocean view swim-out suite excellence club level. Like you, we chose Ocean as it was mostly affordable for our guests. We had looked at Now Jade and Valentin but, way too expensive for our guests. We've been to Ocean 2 years ago so we know what to expect for our wedding. Its an awesome resort!! Good luck with all of your planning. Let me know how things turn out with Pamela. Leslie Oops...my reply was for Mrs Sheppard-to-be...Im not too savy with this forum yet...lol!! I have a question...for the maracas...do you mind telling me how much you paid? And are you getting it shipped directly to the hotel or to your home so you can bring them with you? I see they are based in Mexico so just wondering...Thanks

@@Jenna Sheppard-to-be...Very well said!! Hope all goes well for you!! Kepp me posted!! My wedding planning has been going well...I had a few months off from work this past spring/summer so I had loads of time to get most of my planning done. Other than waiting for a few answers to my questions from Ana to complete a few details, everything is pretty much planned and under control. Fingers crossed We are a small group of 16 so I took the Sunset package. Our ceremony is on the beach followed by a cocktail hour on the lobby terrace followed by an outdoor reception/dinner on the lobby terrace. For decorations, other than what the hotel is providing, my sister is making menus for the dinner table so that our guests know what to expect for dinner. She is also making place cards for each seat with our guests names so that they know where to sit. The place cards will be on place card holders which are sea shells so that they dont take off with the wind!! Lol!! I didnt want to bring too much in our suitcases since we are staying in Mexicos 2 weeks (our second week being spent at Excellence Riviera Cancun for a mini honeymoon stay). What are you doing for decorations? Bringing any extras? Im always looking for ideas...

Jenna...I wrote a nasty email to Pamela and was then switched to Ana who confirmed that previous prices that had been quoted to me would be granted. The funny part is that the prices given to me were all for 2014!! They won't be pulling a fast one with me, I can tell you that!! Just be firm and stand your ground. I have a friend who got married at another resort last year in Mexico and once she got there, the wedding coordinator told her she owed $1000 and if she didnt provide it, there would be no wedding. Im so scared of this kind of nightmare to happen but, then again, nothing would surprise me in Mexico. All I can do is stay positive and hopeful that everything will go well and run smoothly!! Countdown is on!! April 28th is just around the corner and I can't wait!!

The situation appears to have been resolved after sending a nasty email!! I am now dealing with Ana from now on, who is also the manager, and she told me that she would honor the prices previously quoted by Cynthia. I forwarded all emails from Cynthia where she had quoted various prices. I will be making a folder of emails to bring with me to the resort as Im really scared that Im going to get "f----d" once I get there. This whole situation has put so much stress on me and I certainly dont need to be stressed once I get there. She did confirm that prices have gone up for 2014...yet again! I understand as a business that prices will go up from year to year. I just dont think its right to increase prices several times within the same year for the following year. That is just down right insane!! Im happy to be dealing with Ana from now on...heard alot of good things about her. I can only hope that things will run smoothly from now until April and once we are there.

Hi everyone!! I need help!! My wedding is on April 28th 2014 at Ocean Coral & Turquesa and everything has been running smoothly so far until I received an email yesterday from yet again, a new wedding coordinator. Since I booked, they have changed my wedding coordinator 3 times and everyone of them say something different when it comes to prices. This Pamela lady, who is now my wedding coordinator, sent me a rundown of the money I owe and is telling me that prices have gone up for 2014. My previous wedding coordinator, Cynthia Lira, had given me prices for various things that she claimed were for 2014 such as packages (sunset package I chose was $1350 and is now $1450), outside vendor fee (was $400 and is now $500), cost for outdoor reception on the lobby terrace (price per person went up from $50 to $60 and she says I have to pay $400 on top of that for "land rental") etc. Now Pamela is telling me otherwise. I feel like I being taken advantage of since everything is booked and Im sure they know that we can't back out now. I could argue with her and send her the emails that Cynthia sent me containing the amounts she had claimed were for 2014 and ask that they honor it but, will they reallt do that?! Has anyone encountered the same problem? If so, can you suggest how I should deal with this? Thank you so much! Leslie

Hi girls!! I'm new to the forum and thought I'd introduce myself! I've been stalking the forum and read every single page! Wow!! There is so much information and I got an answer to most of my questions. My wedding is booked for April 28, 2014 and we'll be having a Symbolic ceremony on the beach. We have a small group, 20 people, and I'm hoping to have my dinner/reception at La Petite Creperie. We went to OCT in April 2012 for a one week vacation and absolutely fell in love!! The resort definitely has everything that we were looking for and that is why we chose them for our wedding. So, no need to do a site visit which is perfect! I was initially speaking with Ana via email but, was recently transferred to Cynthia Lira who informed me that she would be my wedding coordinator. I'm wondering if the resort hired a few extra people to help out with weddings or if they simply changed the staff. Anyhow, it doesnt matter as long as I'm served appropriately. Happy planning