JillTran

gkashmira, your dress is BEAUTIFUL! It would be nice to keep it, but I can understand why you would want or need to sell it, watching it sit in your closet is not fun, might as well help make another bride just as happy and pretty as you were on your special day =)

Congrats on your beautiful wedding!

-Jill

Originally Posted by MrsShoreytobe 

 

I am ditto'ing this recent post regarding the barcelo (tropical) - any suggestions re: types of packages available, etc? Extra costs that surprised you, etc?

Originally Posted by jmstev32 

 

"thegiz"

 

Are you having a reception?  How many people are you having?  We are getting married in August with 42 people and I'm trying to decide if we want to do a full blown reception or have a dinner in one of the restaurants.  We are having a reception at home so I am worried about the costs racking up in mexico!  Any help would be great!  Thanks in advance!

Hey Ladies,

Congratulations on your recent engagements! One of my brides is getting married at the Barcelo Maya Tropical at the end of this year (2013)

Majority of their wedding packages include a 3 hour private reception and open bar in a Banquet, for up to 15-24 guests, and additional guests are an extra $27-$75 per guest, depending on which package you go with. 

Mint Breeze package $2200 for 20 guests / $27 per additional guest

Strawberry Passion package $3500 for 15 guests / $66 per additional guest

Tangerine Sunset package $9800 for 24 guests/ $75 per additional guest

Open Bar (National drinks) $11 per person per hour

Dance Floor $780 for rental

Dance floor with lights $1208

I have the packages in a pdf version if anyone is interested in them, you can email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Good luck and happy planning!

-Jill

Originally Posted by ccoburn142 

 

I am also planning on getting married at the Riu Palce

 

How long did it take them to get back to you after you requested a day??

They usually get back to me within a week or so whenever I email them. Especially to confirm your wedding date. Who are you corresponding with at the RIU? We have clients getting married here next year, let me know if you have any questions and I will see if I have the answers!

Good luck and happy planning =)

Hey Antoinette,

Congratulations on your recent Engagement! What is that you would like to know? Here are the pictures that I have, for your reference. These are for some of the venue options at the RIU Palace Costa Rica.

Conference Centre Ballroom

Green Area

Green Area

Flamingo Terrace

Terrace Limpia (4th Floor Terrace) - Very large area and beautiful for reception, but maximum time is 10PM since there are a lot of rooms right under the terrace

These aren't really beach shoes, but love the bottom bling! This photo is from one of our gorgeous brides who got married last year in Oahu.

@Martoca, These are great inspirations, thanks for sharing! I definitely agree, you have to have a balance!

Thanks for sharing your wedding photos with all of us here on the forum @kary, your wedding looked beautiful!

Everyone of these chuppahs are so beautiful! Great inspiration!

www.wix.com is a good one too, and super user friendly.

Originally Posted by flo628 

 

My FI and I are having our good friend (who actually set us up) officiate the ceremony, which is kind of my favorite part of the ceremony. We're also having the ceremony super short, b/c we're not keen on being the center of attention for a long time, and we might do a shot of tequila with everyone after we say I do- have ushers pass out shots and just have one all together, since we are getting married in Cabo. We're obviously not that traditional to begin with.

@flor628, that's so romantic, to have the person who set you up, marry you! I love the idea of doing the Tequila shots to get everyone loosened up. Congratulations on your engagement, you're all going to have such a good time!

Congratulations @mvee1025, thank you for sharing those pictures! Definitely gives me a better idea and understanding for my brides getting married at the Now Larimar.

Congratulations again, you looked absolutely radiant!!

Hmm interesting! There's Target now in Langley, Delta, Surrey and Coquitlam B.C. I'll definitely have to check out this department!

Originally Posted by Chrestena 

 

Hi Girls!!  Ok- as promised I will try to post some photos Please keep in mind that my professional photos aren't done for about a month, so most of these are camera phone photos, and some of them have really bad quality...there are a few professional ones that our photographers sent in as sneak peak pics I really wish you could see the video because that really gives you a great idea of the rooms and the layout of the resort and wedding site. I will still try to download a link to youtube once I get it placed there

 

Carlotta- the SPA was amazing I really hope everyone makes it there at least one day- it is so relaxing and pretty. We really did not have a mosquito problem at all- in fact, I didn't get bit. It was only that on our wedding night, there was a huge flying bug, kind of like a dragonfly, with a really large wingspan, flying around our room! I didn't want him hurt- I just wanted him outside. Other than that (and the little bugs from all the rose petals they placed everywhere for our wedding night) we were fine

 

And, yes, I really suggest looking at both locations in person and deciding. I re-read my review and it sounded a bit confusing, so for clarity- we originally decided on  the beach gazebo. When we got there, we walked both locations and really fell in love with the beach pergola location, and decided to go the barefoot, toes in the sand route. Once I saw the palm trees and the water so clear and so close, I just felt a personal attachment to this ceremony site. And yes, the time alone immediately following the ceremony was great- I wish someone had secretly followed us and snapped a photo! 

 

Here are some pics!!! I tried to upload them in order, but....no such luck! Sorry lol XOXO    Chrestena

 

Momma and Daddy

 

My new hubby!!  These were taken the next day, around 5 pm for the light. Yes, there were lots of people on the beach watching

 

This is the set-up for our rehearsal dinner at Portofino on the terrace. This was set up for 26. It was so nicely done.

 

Just finished! whew!

 

One of our professional photos. Married 3 minutes. Spanish Trio playing our first dance! PS- Thats Vanessa Roldan in the background in blue!! 

 

Heart on my behind. ha ha.!

 

Epitome of a beach wedding...a bathing suit clad couple walks by during our kiss! Loved it!! They cheered for us too

 

These are so out of order. This is moments before the photo above this. 

 

The beach is very lush as you head inland. Lots of great photo opportunities as the sun is setting.

 

I wanted to show my bouquet to you girls. It was so vibrant and happy!! I only got to wear my shoes for the reception. During the ceremony, we all wore foot jewelry.

 

Funny pic Directly after the wedding, at our ceremony site. The brunette in the left is my new step daughter, and the little blonde and little strawberry blonde on the far right are my daughters. The tall blonde is my sis in law, and her daughter is our flower girl. 

 

Vanessa had Mike drink a Vodka Tonic while waiting for us girls. This is the ceremony site location. You can see there are people in the water, and some chairs, but they are kept away by rope before the ceremony. Dont worry!! The rope is removed long before any guests come to the site It was so pretty here!!!

 

Spanish Trio in the background. Wonderful minister!!

 

Sneaking through the trees to the ceremony site. Very romantic. I could see glimpses of him waiting... tried not to look, and he told me he was doing the same thing

 

This was just so beautiful. The sand was pure white and sparkly, the water was shimmery, and it looked magical. You can see I just did the chairs in white so everything else stood out, the flowers, and the girls dresses, and the rose petals, against the sky and the water. Funny story about the lady in the pink bathing suit. She was so sweet- she was from Ecuador, and came over after the ceremony and asked if she could please take a photo with me. She kept saying I looked like a barbie doll, and that she wanted to be a bride again so badly. Her husband was to take the photo (they were married for 22 years). I took the pic with her, and then asked if she wanted to put my veil on, and hold the flowers for me to take a picture of her and her husband. At first she said "Oh no, I couldnt do that..." but I took my veil off and put it on her, let her hold my bouquet, and made her husband stand next to her. She was laughing and said "Dont get my legs in the picture!" and I took a bunch on their camera. It was really a wonderful moment!!! Destination wedding style!!

 

24 hours married! This is directly outside our villa- the beach is right behind us.

 

This is the outside of La Adelita. The pillars are beautiful around the resort, so there are many great places to take photos!! 

 

Professional photo. I just loved the Spanish Trio. It was one of my favorite decisions. They were amazing.

 

This is the ceremony site 2 days before we left to come home. I went here to walk the exact same path I walked on my wedding day, one more time before going home. This is how it looked when I changed my site locations. It is not decorated with a thing except Mother Nature, and it is still just so breathtaking. I took this to show the "aisle" created by the palm trees. As a bride, you emerge from the lush jungle, to this part of the sand, and walk through these threes. To the left (not showing in the pic) is a thatched roof bar.

 

We're Married!!!

 

Professional photo

 

Ha! Running like dorks on the beach. There was a family right behind us wishing us well.

 

Punta Emilia wedding arch in the background. The waves are pretty good here- as it is pretty windy!

 

I posted this pic to show the difference in the locations for the ceremony sites. This is directly to the right of the beach gazebo. You can see the water is amazingly beautiful! The difference is this area is rocky, and because the water has rocks in it, there is lots of sea greenery growing on the rocks. Both locations are stunning. I just preferred the beachy area to the rocky area.

 

My daughter holding my very long veil, walking to meet my groom!

 

Trash the Dress photo shoot the day after the wedding. Those were the flowers Vanessa gave me for my hair, they lasted til the next day By the way, my dress is fine!! I washed it in the outdoor shower twice, then in fresh water in the bathtub, let it dry, and did it again, and it was actually cleaner than it was after the wedding! I think chlorine in the pool would have damaged it, but the sea did not. My fabric was embroidered tulle, so I cannot say about another fabric.

 

My beautiful bridemaids (our daughters and sis in law). The color was so intense against the natural scenery!

 

I am a very happy bride  

 

One thing I forgot to mention! We have been to this resort a few times now, and it is very windy!! You may notice that I am standing on the right, not the left, as most brides do, (except Jewish brides). I stood out at our site every day before the wedding and noticed that the wind blows to the right. I did not want my hair blowing crazy in my face and my veil blowing in front of me, so I made this request to Vanessa and she agreed! You may want to do the same!! Im so glad i did this because my hair was blowing away from my face pretty hard. If I was standing where Mike is, ALL of my hair would have been in my face.

 

I remember this moment so well! My heart was pounding, but i was calm...very strange!

 

 

 

This is our balcony with the hammock. Popping champagne. Everyone ready but the bride

 

This is a Mayan Suite. We were in room 3306, upstairs. the rooms were beautiful!

 

These guys were really great!! Loved them!!! Worth every penny They played right there on the beach for us!!

 

My groom as I was walking down the aisle. You can see the roof behind him- that is the area with the sail-boards. They were true to their word, and moved everything away so it was nice and neat. I did love seeing the thatched roof in the shots though And he wore the hat because it is HOT!!

 

I hope these help you ladies! I know you will all have just beautiful weddings- I will check back to see how you are all doing!!! Ask me any questions you wish and I will be happy to help

 

Someone asked about El Dorado, and I do not have a photo of it, but it was very good!  I would choose the place you like the menu of, and trust that they will set it up beautifully. We had a dinner 2 nights before our wedding at El Dorado, for 24 people, and a Spanish Quartet came over to play for us knowing that we were a wedding party. Make sure when you book dinners before the wedding, that they know you are a wedding party- they really want you to enjoy everything!! 

 

Talk to you soon!! XOXO Chrestena

Ahhh love all the pictures! Thank you for sharing these! Congratulations!

Originally Posted by smhud1313 

 

We are looking at Aug 31 and according to their website it's booked. Goodness gracious. I called and the ocean front swim up rooms are totally booked but she said there are some room openings. Just for our families are going to need 12 rooms. Then add friends in still. Rough estimate is approx 16-20 rooms.

 

I've requested a contact with the resort and with a travel agent so now just waiting on both to get back with me. I honestly didn't think it would already be filling up so quickly 17 months out.

Hi @smhud1313, it could be that maybe it's not sold out but the pricing has not been released yet?

Originally Posted by Kay6356 

 

Hi ladies here is my completed DIY sand ceremony frame - cost was around 20$ all said and done!  It took no time to do and it was super easy!  I just have to paint the funnel

 

 

Oh thats a great idea! Thanks for sharing and congratulations all you lovely ladies on your engagements!

We just had clients who had a traditional Indian Wedding at the Dreams Riviera Cancun and it turned out beautiful. We have some pictures on our Facebook, check them out. www.facebook.com/bluepetalweddings

@Pierre Violle Great photos! As always!

@Sandy Planner, great photobooth! Interested to know what you're rates are per hour?

Originally Posted by Chawny 

 

Can anyone that has already gone through this process tell me what the Fountain location was like vs. the beach I really dont want to pay extra for the Gazebo as I am going there with a very small group only 10 of us very small intimate group. I would also love to hear from anyone that also had a very mall group to tell me what the best restaurant would be to sit and have reception dinner as there are not enough people in my group to justify a seperate booked off area

 

Thanks in advance

 

Congrates to all the brides out there

 

Chantel

Hi Chantel,

Congratulations on your recent engagement! One of our wedding designers here actually, had organized a wedding this past January 2013! I have the location pictures but it is a PDF format, you can PM your email address and I can send you what I have. It also has reception locations as well.

I definitely agree, it is silly to spend your budget on a  private function for 10 people. The wedding packages at the NOW resorts include a semi private dinner for up to 25 guests (unless you book the "Your Moments" package.

I can send you info on this too =)

-Jill Tran

Originally Posted by ksaeuong 

 

Hello Everyone,

 

I am a newbie to this site and this is my first posting. My fiancé and I are aiming for May 2014 for our wedding. Right now, we are in between HRPC and the Paradisus Palma Real for our wedding venue. This upcoming June, we are supposed to go and do a site inspection and make a final decision. I can't even tell you how glad I am to have found this site for all the information and support!

 

I was wondering if anyone has decided what they are doing for hair and makeup?

Congratulations @ksaeuong and welcome to the forum! Both resorts are great choices, that definitely is going to be a tough decision to pick just one!

For your site inspection, the Paradisus does offer a discounted site inspection package, (which would basically be free if you book your wedding with them), with 3 nights stay - http://www.paradisus.com/romance-inspectionfirstvisit-loveatfirstsite.php - You basically will pay for the inspection up front, and if and when you do book your wedding package with Paradisus, you will get a credit back.

"A credit will be applied towards the bride/groom's final payment on the wedding package selected. This credit will be equal to the cost of the site inspection package and limited to the value of the first 3-nights of their stay."

I hope this helps, let me know if you want me to send you any information on this further.

Happy planning!

-Jill

Originally Posted by MrsCtobe 

 

To the recent brides, Congratulations, your reviews are sooo helpful, Thank you. And the photos are Beautiful!

I leave in 12 days time, everything nearly done and I'm very excited.

Can anyone tell me if they received the 'free' photos only from the resort photographer?

I have provisionally booked the silver package(25 photos included + 10 free). TTD & video.

I'm thinking of doing away with the silver package & just have 10 free, TTD & video.

It's only me & H2B, and wondering if I really need sooo many photos,(50 in total) to be in an album, stored in a cupboard looked at once a year!!! We are also having an AHR and having a photographer, any advice please ladies?

Congrats @MrsCtobe , bet you're counting down the days! Be sure to post some pictures and a review when you're bac =). Congratulations again and best of wishes!

-Jill

@Carolash39 You look stunning! And not to mention the set up looks great. Thank you for sharing your pictures with us, as well as the DJ Mania Star lanterns! I will definitely keep that one on the books!

Originally Posted by DP1andDP2 

 

Hey Ladies!

 

My FI and I want to have a welcome cocktail party--for about 45 of our 60 guests who will have the energy to get together for drinks the Thursday before our wedding (Sat.). Do you think it's possible for us to just meet up at a bar after dinner? Are all of the bars open every night? Any recommendations?

 

I haven't been on this site for a while and I'm trying to catch up on the chatter. Otherwise the planning is going well I am trying to choose my reception theme/decorations. There are soooo many options out there yikes.

Congratulations @DP1andDP2 on your engagement! There is the Sky Bar which is open 24 hours!

Originally Posted by JennaLea 

 

Hey everyone! 

Does anyone know if they do this in the PV area? If you have so many of your guests stay at a certain hotel, does the hotel give your guests a deal? This happens a lot at hotels here in the states, so I figured it may be the same. I can't look into hotels till I choose my villa because I want the hotels close to where we stay - but in the mean time does anyone recommend a certain hotel they used? Someone to contact?

 

 

Thanks!!

@JennaLea - Yes they do! All resorts will block off rooms (given that there is a minimum amount) and give your guests a group/discounted price for the dates that you have blocked off.

What sort of resort are you looking for in the PV area?

Originally Posted by futurekcarrera 

 

So I just came across this on Pinterest and thought it would be awesome for a destination wedding (considering the cost of imported flowers). Has any body considered using synthetic flowers and doing it themselves??? At first I thought 'tacky" but the more I think about it, I'm actually considering it. If you buy the nice fake flowers, it can turn out really pretty (and exactly how you want it!), plus it is a keepsake forever! Thoughts, opinions? Is it a"no-no" or maybe worth it?

 

Check this out, it looks really good!:

http://www.weddingchicks.com/2012/09/17/how-to-make-a-fake-flower-bridal-bouquet/

Hey futurekcarrera, NO! Not tacking at all!! Not if you go with the real touch flowers! I believe you can pick them up at Michaels, but are not cheap! Check out www.destinationornot.com, her name is Lynda and is a Canadian based company - When we participate in wedding shows, we always have her with us in our booth and let me tell you, everyone is SHOCKED that the flowers on display are not real.

Check these out they really are amazing!