onyxluxenoir
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Posts posted by onyxluxenoir
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Fabulous review! I LOVE your dress... who is the designer? it suited you perfectly! I'm an October Jamaica bride too! You both look very happy and I agree that the BDW site is really incredible as a resource! I wish you a very happy married life!
Thank you so so much. I cant even remember the designer. We got the dress at Nancy's Bridal for about $800! It was a dream! I was so happy to not spend a crazy amount for a dress. Thanks again and I wish you many blessing in your marriage!
Ciao
Keisha
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I haven't made up definitely what I'm going to do with my hair, I just had micro twist put in my hair(I'm natural) and I must admit as much as i'[ve never been a braid type girl, I'm truly loving them. they are an option now.
Hi Ladies!
I had the same dilemma. Ohhhh, the stress of what to do with this natural hair. I have 4a hair and have been natural for 2.5 years in April but was right at the 2 year mark when we got married at Iberostar Grand 10.26.13. I'm not an advocate of sew-ins just because I sweat in my head and hubby HATES weaves, knew I didn't want Senegalese Twists or braids and would never even think about wearing my hair loose in the humid Jamaica weather. After much contemplation and I decided on a DIY hairstyle. Having my hair, makeup and nails done were included in my wedding package however my sister and MOH is a MUA so she beat my face, and I didn't trust the resort beauty shop with this thick, natural hair. I just didn't. Maybe they would've done a great job but I could chance looking crazy on my special day. I also enjoy doing my own nails so I handled it. Youtube and the countless natural hair bloggers I watch gave me the inspiration. I knew I wanted a bun from hell-big, ostentatious and downright ridiculous- and I didn't have enough hair to get that accomplished. I bought a couple bags of cheap Kankelon and Marley hair and starting practicing my bun a month prior to the wedding. I liked the Marley bun but it wasn't glam enough for me. However, it received lots of play at work
. I settled on the Kankelon bun (yeah with the $.99 or $1.99 a bag hair) and it turned out great. Im not going to lie the humidity got to these edges halfway through the night but that is to be expected. Go to Youtube and see if you find any inspiration. If you have any questions for me let me know. BTW....my hubby has locks and I re-twisted them the night before the wedding and our WC and Star Friend braided him up the day of. We even did TTD a couple days later and my bun was still holding strong after being fully submerged. I washed my hair after that and rocked a drawstring ponytail, twist out and wash n go for the remainder of our honeymoon.
Happy Black History Month!
Ciao!
Keisha
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Beautiful Keisha! Did you get the invitations make or did you do it yourself?
Tesa,
Thank you so much!
I got the inspiration from this website and didnt even think about DIY'ing.
We worked with a design/printer duo out of Illinois. They were referred to us by hubby's friend who uses them for promo work and other stuff.
Here is their contact info if interested:
Bart Troyer
Allegra|Marketing Print Web
630.801.9335
630.776.0276 cell
Phil Studdard did the design:
phil@flipdesignstudio.com
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I am back and ready to post pics but my files are too big and they won’t attach and the two above-mentioned are not appearing in the vantage point I desired.
I am going to include some vendor reviews. I at least know how to do that.
Photographer
We choose Misha Earle and she was fab! I love her personality, style and energy. She arrived with an assistant and truly captured us in the best possible light. She was able to corral our group and provide great instruction as hubby and I are not picture people. She even got a good laugh as our wedding party photo bombed the photographer. We also had a special treat towards the end of our reception! She provided a photo booth and fun props that everybody enjoyed. We had a TTD session a couple of days later and once again she was awesome. We dramatically walked down to the water, went under and displayed our love for the camera lens. Misha was truly a part of our wedding experience. If you are getting married in Jamaica I highly recommend her. Take a look at her website: http://www.mishaearlephotography.com/ and here is a link to our slideshow: http://mishaearle.myshowit.com/keisha_will
Resort & Wedding Coordinators
I want to live at Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall. It is AMAZING. It is expensive but well worth it. I mean it!!!! The decor, the service is EVERYTHING. You can only experience it for yourself to understand. We stayed at this hotel the year prior and knew we wanted to get married here. Dreams do come true! They provided the most spectacular location for our nuptials and I couldn't be happier with the resort and service.
Our wedding coordinators-Janielle and Syrecka were fab! I enjoyed working with both of them. I was a pretty laid back bride and tried not to stress too much. I mean getting married to the man of your dreams in Jamaica is plenty to be happy and grateful for. They were both super-responsive to my inquiries and requests and were a dream to work with. They both have sooooo much going on and so many details to remember-I dont know how they hold it all together. Thank you ladies for being part of my wedding. I appreciate you both and wish you all the blessings in the world.
Flowers
Ugggg, Tai Flora......if it wasn’t such a hassle I would’ve went Floral Fantasies. They were rather difficult to work with, fairly unresponsive and provided the wrong color flowers for everything outside of my bouquet.
Makeup &Hair & Nails
Michelle Finch (my sister and only bridesmaid) did my makeup. She was awesome. She is a MUA in Chicago and works for MAC. She is an incredible sister and great makeup pro. She even did another bride's makeup at the Suites a couple of days before she beat my face. If you need a MUA or are in the Chicagoland/Indianapolis area email her at: michellerfinch@@gmail.com
In Chicago swing by the Michigan Avenue Nordstrom MAC counter, ask for Michelle and she will get you all the way together.
I did my own hair and nails. I was 2 years natural at the time and couldn’t chance anyone not caring for my tresses the way I do. Thanks YouTube for help with my nail design!
If anyone has any questions please reach out. I am working on getting my photos resized so I can post them on this forum.
Ciao,
Keisha
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Hello BDW!
I am so sorry for my delayed review. Post wedding I didnt want to think about anything other than basking in the Jamaican sun with my brand new sexy hubby! Then work and life and ish happens and before I knew it its the end of January and I haven't done my wedding for my 10.26.2013 nuptials.
In spite of my extreme tardiness I have to be certain to pay it forward and give back to BDW what it gave to me. Planning a wedding is a daunting task and planning a destination wedding compounds the stress. This website has helped me tremendously throughout the planning process. It has been my go to resource for almost everything I have desired, lusted over, needed and didn't want to be bothered with.
I want to give special recognition to all the ladies with super-detailed posts, planning threads and wedding reviews. I know you are also many of the same extraordinary women who DIY'd and created elaborate welcome bags and such. Thank you for giving me inspiration and thank you all for participating in the wonderful sanctity of marriage.
Special Shout out to Dani Scales. That phone convo helped me more than you will ever know!!!
May you all be blessed within your marriages forever!
I'm going to try and keep this somewhat concise.
My husband and I met a club, dated for about 2 years and he proposed 12.22.2012 in Chicago, Illinois. It was one of the most special days of my life.
After short contemplation we decided to get married in Jamaica. My parents, husband and I vacationed at Iberostar Grand in the summer of 2012 and absolutely feel in love with the place. What a divine dream of a resort. We knew if we ever got married it would NEED to be a this resort.
We sent out e-Save the Dates. That went over fairly well except for the lack of responses, bad email addresses, questions/responses that were previously addressed in the STD and an overall lackadaisical attitude towards deadlines and such. Ehhhh, I guess that is to be expected!
We bought new luggage and brought about 8 bags total. I stuffed my dress in my carry-on and he did the same for his suit.
We missed our flight had to pay an exorbitant amount of money for another (Southwest eventually refunded the entire trip- it wasnt our fault)
In any event, we eventually arrived in Montego Bay and the hotel was just as I remembered. I LOVE THAT RESORT!
Included below are some specific reviews on vendors and then I'll let the photos do the talking.
If anyone has any specific questions please message me. Ill be checking intermittently.
Im having major issues uploading pics
will be back in later
Ciao
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My sexy hubby and I were married 10/26/13 @ Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall and we used Misha Earle. She is amazing, talented and has the best personality-EVER.
You WILL not be disappointed.
Ciao,
Keisha
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Originally Posted by martap7
Wow your looks gorgeous...ill consider getting bands, going to go into a jeweler and see what options we can do
Good Luck Lady!
Whatever you choose will be beautiful!
Ciao,
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Originally Posted by HeatherandMatt
Just updating as we have made some changes...Was Nov 19th @ Suites now is Nov 18th @ Beach
Happy Planning everyone!
January 18, 2014
November 12, 2013 - Suites
2013 Brides:
01-04-2013- Justine416(Justine & Ryan)- Beach
01-07-2013 - Shauna253 - Suites
01-14-2013 - Erin - Suites
01-20-2013- Jreist - Beach
01-26-2013 - Grand
01-27-2013 - mthackeray (Adam and Marci) - Beach
01-28-2013 - erin2100 - Beach
02-20-2013 - newbiebridetobe - Suites
02-21-2013 - Cateyedcutie (Monique & Robert) – Grand
02-24-2013 - HollyandJohn - Suites
03-07-2013- mcc842002 (Meagan & Tom) - Beach
03-13-2013 - kristencanada (Kristen & Kyle) - Grand
03-23-2013 - Laura2013 (Laura & Jonathan) - Beach
03-28-2013-Kassi22 (Karen & Wayne) - Suites
04-17-2013 Vanessa and Robert - Suites
04-26-2013 cancemini (Becky & Anthony)- Beach
04-27-2013 - albellis (Andrea & David) - Beach
05-04-2013 - CourtandMatt (Courtney & Matt) - Suites
05-04-2013 - DaniScales2B (Danielle and Robert) - Grand
05-05-2013 - LauraKr - Suites
05-12-2013 - fut MrsAntenor (Tanae and Vladimir) - Suites
05-16-2013 - WendyJune (Wendy & Gordon) - Beach
05-17-2013 - katiemck22 ( Katie & Anthony) - Suites
05-18-2013 kinsellak1 (Roland and Kate)- Suites
05-23-2013 - heather1214 (Jack & Heather) - Suites
05-26-2013 - allieplask (Allie and Nick) Suites
05- -2013- amybutz89- Suites
06-01-2013 - madison87 - Grand
06-02-2013 - Lillove81 - Suites
06-04-2013 beachbaby1192 (Andy & Debbie) - Beach
06-17-2013 - Bruuning17 (Laura & Jaden) -Suites
06-21-2013- kfarkas26 (Kristi and Jack)- Grand
06-22-2013 abbeynmike (Abbey and Mike) - Grand
07-01-2013 HeyMonBride - Suites
07-06-2013 - DanaB16 (Dana & Russell) - Suites
07-18-2013 - Julzman22 (Julie & Chris) - Suites
07-20-2013 - CokonLove (Naima & Satu) - Suites
08-13-2013- cander916 -(CharnayandCarl) - Suites
08-31-2013 - jleg04 (Jen & Tim) - Suites
09-02-2013- krystal084 (Krystal & Kurt)- Suites
09-09-2013 - Emily & Kieran (ejbunting) - Grand **I was deleted off after the last time I posted so I'm adding myself again!
09-21-2013 - (Amber & Nate) - Suites
10-12-2013-hollings04unc (Sabrina&Travis) - Grand
10-15-2013- KMidura (Kristina & Rich) - Beach
10-26-2013- onyxluxenoir (William & Keisha) -GRAND
11-08-2013- carajoe08 (Cara & Joe)- Suites
11-12-2013 Chris & Lisa - Suites
11-13-2013-Papoue (Pascale & Eric)- Beach
11-18-2013- HeatherandMatt - (Heather & Matt) - Beach
12-07-2013- MrsDSO (Brandy and Joe) - Suites
12-08-2013- ShayF (Shay and Dwayne)- Suites
01-18-2014- wugambi812 (Maria and Greg)- Suites
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Originally Posted by martap7
Not sure if I want a band bc I don't want it to look too gotti., plus my band has diamonds on the side of it and if I got a band it would cover it.. How about You?
Hey Lady!
So this is my entire set. There are two single bands for the top and bottom and the side stones on the bands stop in the same place as they do on the engagement ring. I dont think its too gaudy or ostentatious but then again my center stone is not as big. Im thinking about getting them sautered so the bands will lay flat but I am unsure.
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Originally Posted by martap7
This is the ring of my dreams,my honey didso amazing!! It's a 1.6ct center stone with a halo and split shank band..total all together = 3.0ct..
OMG, we have the same ring but your center stone is bigger!!! Yours looks amazing!!! What are you doing for wedding band?
Ciao,
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Originally Posted by DaniScales2b
One of my guests is our wedding photographer and we don't have to pay a vendor fee because he will be staying at the resort as a guest. I'm getting married at the Grand. If they aren't staying at the resort, I've heard of couples paying a vendor fee for the day for an outside photographer, but never having to require the photographer to spend 1 night. Hopefully its a misunderstanding.
Hey DaniScales,
I am getting married at the Grand on 10/26. I have a couple of questions for you if you dont mind. Do you have a good idea of the "flow" for your special day? I have been trying to imagine it and cannot come up with a fluid chain of events, ie ceremony, cocktail hour for attendees while we take pics or send our guest to the bar in the lobby to hang out while we take pics, dinner at the Surf and Turf restaurant and then...................... idk....
any insight is welcomed
thanks in advance
Ciao
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Originally Posted by KWandCM
Hi Ladies,
I'm new around here and planning a January 2014 wedding... hopefully at the Iberostar Rose Hall Suites. Like many of you, I've tried to contact the WC's and haven't gotten any response. I'm now trying to work through a TA. I'm getting pretty nervous about getting a date confirmed soon, as I can tell from all of you that they go fast! I feel like I'm way behind!
Would anyone be willing and able to send me the wedding packages, pricing, and date request form? I know they'll change for 2014 but anything is a start. I don't have enough posts (yet) to download the one for 2013 that was uploaded earlier. cmandkw2014@gmail.com
Thanks so much and I look forward to getting to know all of you!
You got mail!
Ciao
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Originally Posted by MK71809
You look great! my type of dress
I am really loving that dress. You look great in it. Would you mind sharing the designer?
Ciao
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Originally Posted by elissae
GORGEOUS! Abd I love your maincure color(s), too! Congrats!
Thanks so much. Now its off to Youtube to figure out how I want to polish my nails for my wedding day! Congrats on your upcoming April nuptials. Hope it is everything you ever dreamed of and MORE!
Ciao,
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Originally Posted by elissae
GORGEOUS! Abd I love your maincure color(s), too! Congrats!
Thank you so much! Congrats on your up coming nuptials. Many blessing!
Ciao,
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I am so very interested in attending this Webinar. This will be a great opportunity to resolve some of my concerns and lock down a TA for me and my group!
Can wait to attend!
Ciao,
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I wanted to wish you good the best time on your special day. We are getting married the following Saturday 10/26/2013 at the Grand!
Happy Planning!
Ciao
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My fiance and I kinda picked out rings together. I always thought I wanted a two gold, princess cut solitaire with no side stones and then I wanted the Lotus engagement ring. He massaged me over to this ring and I feel in lust. When Kathy Faigle (of Faigle and Son's in Cincy) presented the entire wedding set with the bands on top and bottom I feel in LOVE. I'm only wearing my engagement ring of course but I cannot wait to wear the entire set.
I love my rings but love him even more!
Ciao,
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Thank you so much for posting this! We are thinking about using Misha Earle. I've connected to her work the most and it is so helpful to see her price list. I havent been too impressed about Digipix ltd- that is Iberostar Grand Rose Hall's photographer of choice. Choices Choices Choices!
Ciao
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My very first post!
After lurking for weeks I am taking the plunge!!
Hello BDW Brides!
I am so happy to be a part of this site and am so grateful to all the women who have posted pictures and reviews.
THANK YOU!
My parents, then boyfriend and I stayed at the Ibersotar Grand last May. We had an incredible time. We were upgraded to an oceanfront room and ate and drank until our hearts were content. As a 5 star chick I don’t think I have stayed at a nicer hotel. It is lux, opulent and lavish-all at the same d@mn time!
While at the resort my now fiancé said we should look into getting married here. We spoke about marriage before but with all the things to do, eat and making more than enough time for adult time-we ran out of time to inquire about possible nuptials.
Fast forward........December 22, 2013 this beautiful, tall, strong man of mine proposes in Chicago as Tamar Braxton's Love and War finishes. Of course she said YES and the planning is in full force. We are booked at the Grand for October 26, 2013 at 5p. I can’t wait! We are ironing out the details with our travel agent and will put our deposit down this week or next so we can release further details to our family and friends. Then the Save the Date luggage tags (from Etsy) are going out.
We saw a couple of weddings when we were out there and they were beautiful. Everything a girl could wish for and more. We are getting married on the beach and I could care less about onlookers and gawkers. Let them all witness this gloriousness!
I’m hoping to do the semi-private dinner reception at the Surf and Turf Restaurant. It’s kinda crazy but I hope we have no more than 30 guests. I can’t be bothered with a large reception. I guess I would if I had to but I really don’t want to.
I've been corresponding with Syrecka over the last couple of weeks and she has been pretty quick to respond. I look forward to corresponding with you ladies, sharing details and getting ourselves together for this big day.
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Keisha & Will Pic Heavy Wedding Review (Iberostar Grand Hotel)
in Destination Wedding Reviews
Posted
Thank you so so much!
I truly appreciate it!
Keisha
You know my little sister! Well I guess she isnt so little anymore. lol that is quite the coincidence!!! Small world, right??
I am so happy you enjoyed our wedding pictures -we had a a FAB time! If you ever need your makeup done Michelle is the TRUTH!
Thanks so much!
Keisha
I am so certain you will look gorge in your wedding dress....I loved my dress, the price, the look and I didnt have to wear a bustier or anything underneath because it fit so well.......also post dry cleaning it looks brand new even after the TTD!
Cant wait to see your pics!
Happy Planning!
Keisha