BellaWright

Thank you Rand! Congrats on your engagement!!!

Thank you M8Chow and congrats to you!

Hi Giselle! Congrats on your engagement!! 

Thank you for the compliment! Sent you a PM

Aww thank you Anna! Congrats on your engagement!!!

I had my hair and makeup done by Melissa V. Parry of MVP Hair and Makeup located in Cancun Mexico; I want to share my experience because I know how important (and difficult) booking to right hair and makeup artist can be for women of color!!!

Melissa is an amazing makeup artist- she made me look and feel like an empress! I booked my wedding date and events with Melissa after researching makeup artists in Cancun thoroughly. I ultimately chose Melissa because of reviews I read about her and the pictures- which speak for themselves! She was highly professional, super upbeat and very creative! Best of all... SHE IS A PERFECTIONIST!! There is nothing I admire more than someone who seeks to produce the best product they possibly can, even when working with drab material (such as myself, haha). I bought the Meagan package so Melissa also did my hair and makeup for the rehearsal dinner and she made me look stunning for it as well! I LOVED my hair both days but ESPECIALLY at the wedding!! It was waaaay better than I imagined it would be and looks amazing in all my pictures, as did my makeup! 

[Even after all the dancing I was still looking flawless!!]

[This is the rehearsal dinner "look" where I told Melissa to do whatever she wanted, she wanted me to look completely different from the wedding but still flawless! You can't see it but there is a lovely braid on the other side leading into the "bun"]

You must purchase the trial so that you can get an idea of just how much she is capable of, and how amazing she will make you look and feel. I used the trial as a day to see how well Melissa worked with the clip in hair I'd brought with me in hopes of adding length and volume to my hair (which is already pretty thick and semi-long). Melissa worked very well with the pieces AND not to mention my real hair as well (which I unfortunately did not have enough time to properly straighten). She made it blend beautifully and had me flinging it around like it was all mine in no time! 

[i am in the green, post my trial hair and makeup session]

I should note that I was very nervous about the whole hair and makeup aspect because I am Black and read that the hotel salons do not really have makeup or hair stylists to work with my skin tone or hair type. Since I can't do makeup and I didn't want to be worrying about doing my hair I knew the makeup artist I chose was of utmost importance. I couldn't have made a better choice  

I have to also mention that Edgar (who is an essential part of the experience as well) was always highly responsive to all of my (annoying) questions preceding the big day and helped me decide what package would make the most sense for my needs! He and Melissa are a really great team and I doubt things would have gone quite as seamlessly if he hadn't been as involved as he was in the entire planning and organizing process! 

My Bridesmaids also loved Melissa and lauded her skills! My sister was initially concerned because she has a really short hair style but Melissa saw her and said "I have to do her hair!" She made her look amazing (she is the one with pink hair)

I really only have positive things to say about the entire experience, I have never felt so beautiful. Thank you Melissa!

I had my hair and makeup done by Melissa V. Parry of MVP Hair and Makeup located in Cancun Mexico; I want to share my experience because I know how important (and difficult) booking to right hair and makeup artist can be for women of color!!!

Melissa is an amazing makeup artist- she made me look and feel like an empress! I booked my wedding date and events with Melissa after researching makeup artists in Cancun thoroughly. I ultimately chose Melissa because of reviews I read about her and the pictures- which speak for themselves! She was highly professional, super upbeat and very creative! Best of all... SHE IS A PERFECTIONIST!! There is nothing I admire more than someone who seeks to produce the best product they possibly can, even when working with drab material (such as myself, haha). I bought the Meagan package so Melissa also did my hair and makeup for the rehearsal dinner and she made me look stunning for it as well! I LOVED my hair both days but ESPECIALLY at the wedding!! It was waaaay better than I imagined it would be and looks amazing in all my pictures, as did my makeup! 

[Even after all the dancing I was still looking flawless!!]

[This is the rehearsal dinner "look" where I told Melissa to do whatever she wanted, she wanted me to look completely different from the wedding but still flawless! You can't see it but there is a lovely braid on the other side leading into the "bun"]

You must purchase the trial so that you can get an idea of just how much she is capable of, and how amazing she will make you look and feel. I used the trial as a day to see how well Melissa worked with the clip in hair I'd brought with me in hopes of adding length and volume to my hair (which is already pretty thick and semi-long). Melissa worked very well with the pieces AND not to mention my real hair as well (which I unfortunately did not have enough time to properly straighten). She made it blend beautifully and had me flinging it around like it was all mine in no time! 

[i am in the green, post my trial hair and makeup session]

I should note that I was very nervous about the whole hair and makeup aspect because I am Black and read that the hotel salons do not really have makeup or hair stylists to work with my skin tone or hair type. Since I can't do makeup and I didn't want to be worrying about doing my hair I knew the makeup artist I chose was of utmost importance. I couldn't have made a better choice  

I have to also mention that Edgar (who is an essential part of the experience as well) was always highly responsive to all of my (annoying) questions preceding the big day and helped me decide what package would make the most sense for my needs! He and Melissa are a really great team and I doubt things would have gone quite as seamlessly if he hadn't been as involved as he was in the entire planning and organizing process! 

My Bridesmaids also loved Melissa and lauded her skills! My sister was initially concerned because she has a really short hair style but Melissa saw her and said "I have to do her hair!" She made her look amazing (she is the one with pink hair)

I really only have positive things to say about the entire experience, I have never felt so beautiful. Thank you Melissa!

I had my hair and makeup done by Melissa V. Parry of MVP Hair and Makeup located in Cancun Mexico; I want to share my experience because I know how important (and difficult) booking to right hair and makeup artist can be for women of color!!!

Melissa is an amazing makeup artist- she made me look and feel like an empress! I booked my wedding date and events with Melissa after researching makeup artists in Cancun thoroughly. I ultimately chose Melissa because of reviews I read about her and the pictures- which speak for themselves! She was highly professional, super upbeat and very creative! Best of all... SHE IS A PERFECTIONIST!! There is nothing I admire more than someone who seeks to produce the best product they possibly can, even when working with drab material (such as myself, haha). I bought the Meagan package so Melissa also did my hair and makeup for the rehearsal dinner and she made me look stunning for it as well! I LOVED my hair both days but ESPECIALLY at the wedding!! It was waaaay better than I imagined it would be and looks amazing in all my pictures, as did my makeup!

[Even after all the dancing I was still looking flawless!!]

[This is the rehearsal dinner "look" where I told Melissa to do whatever she wanted, she wanted me to look completely different from the wedding but still flawless! You can't see it but there is a lovely braid on the other side leading into the "bun"]

You must purchase the trial so that you can get an idea of just how much she is capable of, and how amazing she will make you look and feel. I used the trial as a day to see how well Melissa worked with the clip in hair I'd brought with me in hopes of adding length and volume to my hair (which is already pretty thick and semi-long). Melissa worked very well with the pieces AND not to mention my real hair as well (which I unfortunately did not have enough time to properly straighten). She made it blend beautifully and had me flinging it around like it was all mine in no time! 

[i am in the green, post my trial hair and makeup session]

I should note that I was very nervous about the whole hair and makeup aspect because I am Black and read that the hotel salons do not really have makeup or hair stylists to work with my skin tone or hair type. Since I can't do makeup and I didn't want to be worrying about doing my hair I knew the makeup artist I chose was of utmost importance. I couldn't have made a better choice  

I have to also mention that Edgar (who is an essential part of the experience as well) was always highly responsive to all of my (annoying) questions preceding the big day and helped me decide what package would make the most sense for my needs! He and Melissa are a really great team and I doubt things would have gone quite as seamlessly if he hadn't been as involved as he was in the entire planning and organizing process! 

My Bridesmaids also loved Melissa and lauded her skills! My sister was initially concerned because she has a really short hair style but Melissa saw her and said "I have to do her hair!" She made her look amazing (she is the one with pink hair)

I really only have positive things to say about the entire experience, I have never felt so beautiful. Thank you Melissa!

I am also not catholic and I am having my ceremony at the chapel. Since they only do 3 weddings a day and do not overlap them you should be able to reserve it, just be firm in your decision to use it. I am happy we were able to reserve it!

I used destinationweddings.com and was able to have guests make deposits then have interest free payment plans which worked out well! My agent was Brittany Schiffler and I think she saved me TONS of stress becasue she dealt with all the guests the resort and paperwork. 

Originally Posted by snobeffect 

I am a NYC August 2014 bride and after reading this I must set my dates immediately!!! I have several questions #1 can anyone recommend me a great travel agent that will allow my guest to do a deposit and then payment arrangements? Did any brides feel having a travel agent was less stressful? Can you stay at one resort and then have your wedding at another?

Does anyone have any information on any indoor reception areas as I was told it could be as hot as 100 F during August? Also the chapel is beautiful does anyone have any information on that? In addition if you choose the chapel how would they implement the elements from the Colin designs?
In regards to receiving unlimited events does anyone know what kind of decor they set up? And if they say unlimited is this unlimited up until my stay? Or just the day before and day after the wedding? Besides the music bands soloist etc. what other type of entertainment is offered? I'm also having a hard Time deciding moon over beach palace... Mainly because of the beach issue and I want my guest to fund every part enjoyable.

I really appreciate any help!! Thanks everyone and Congrats!!!!

Oh my! I have no idea how you can study for the bar and plan a wedding, kudos to you and good luck with The Exam!!!

Originally Posted by Rpc51 

I have so much left to do but I'm currently studying for the bar exam at the end of July so I have not been able to do anything . . . such a stressful time but can't wait for the wedding to get here.

Congrats to all the August brides!!

My wedding is on August 3 at Moon Palace in Cancun! Do not feel ready at all!! Packing up things for OOT bags and favors this weekend to make sure we will have space for everything. I am super nervous!!! 

Hoping packing some stuff will calm me down. Last fitting is next Wednesday and flying out the 30th!!! Feel like I need a master checklist as I pack so if anyone has one handy please send it along!

Hi Ladies

I am probably going to be annoying over the next few days with last minute questions so please forgive me....

My sister-in-law made our guest lovely OOT bags. I am trying to figure out what might be fun to go into the OOT bags for kids. i don't want to put immodium or aspirin in theirs but don't want to just skip them either. Right now I have shutter shades, some candy, beach balls, and flashing rings... please let me know what you may have put into your bags for children or let me know if you have any suggestions! Thank you in advance!

Hi Ladies

I am probably going to be annoying over the next few days with last minute questions so please forgive me....

My sister-in-law made our guest lovely OOT bags. I am trying to figure out what might be fun to go into the OOT bags for kids. i don't want to put immodium or aspirin in theirs but don't want to just skip them either. Right now I have shutter shades, some candy, beach balls, and flashing rings... please let me know what you may have put into your bags for children or let me know if you have any suggestions! Thank you in advance!

Thank you Ruby!!!!

Originally Posted by RubyB 

Hi Bella,

 

Check out DJ ASE's stuff on www.allstarmixshows.com. He spins in Toronto, I love his stuff, great for parties and the mixes run about an hour so you can download a few and play them back to back. Open it on a Chrome browser, right click and save as on the video file. You'll need them on an iPod/mp3 player though, they're too long for CDs.

Hi Ladies! Just 13 days until I fly to Moon Palace and I do not yet have a playlist, nor do I have a clue as to what kind of music will get people dancing and having a good time 

Does anyone have a playlist for 3-4 hours of songs they used that worked the crowd pretty well at their wedding? My brother is a teenager so I had him putting some of the newer pop stuff on there but I really don't listen to much music myself so can use any suggestions. Thank you in advance!!!

Hi Ladies! Just 13 days until I fly to Moon Palace and I do not yet have a playlist, nor do I have a clue as to what kind of music will get people dancing and having a good time 

Does anyone have a playlist for 3-4 hours of songs they used that worked the crowd pretty well at their wedding? My brother is a teenager so I had him putting some of the newer pop stuff on there but I really don't listen to much music myself so can use any suggestions. Thank you in advance!!!

Hi Ladies! Only 40 days until I fly out and I am trying to get the reception in order. After being quoted a ridiculous price for table cloths, napkins and chair sashes I have decided to buy my own on efavormart.com. Do any of you ladies know the table dimensions for the reception tables? I searched a few threads unsuccessfully to try to find out. Please let me know! 

Hi Ladies! Only 40 days until I fly out and I am trying to get the reception in order. After being quoted a ridiculous price for table cloths, napkins and chair sashes I have decided to buy my own on efavormart.com. Do any of you ladies know the table dimensions for the reception tables? I searched a few threads unsuccessfully to try to find out. Please let me know! 

Great and helpful review!! Thank you for sharing!

Originally Posted by airica26 

Hey ladies,

 

I am back from my wedding and it was incredible. We all made a great choice with Moon Palace.

 

Check out my review and if you have any questions just send my a message.

 

Erica

 

http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/moon-palace-golf-spa-resort-all-inclusive/reviews/7184

Congrats Stef! Can't wait for pics/review!

Originally Posted by stefn1218 

Hi ladies I just got back from our wonderful trip I can't believe its all over!!! But it really was amazing. Just like every bride has said before please believe me, RELAX! IT WILL ALL BE PERFECT! Zaray was our amazing coordinator and really took care of everything and remembered to go over all the tiny details. I met a few brides there who I couldn't believe hadn't been on the forum! Didn't really plan anything and their weddings were also perfect!

Ill do a few review once things die down a bit. Going to finally spend the afternoon catching up on my dvr and drinking some tequila we brought home! Here are a few quick comments though that I hope help:
- be careful with the hotel pressing services...other brides had commented on a weird smell so I had mine done at home, carried it on the plane and hung it up out of the bag in my grandparents room and it was perfect. HUSBAND just lightly ironed his linen suite (which he didn't have done before the trip) and it came out perfect. My mom had her dress done at the hotel and she got it back with tiny holes all in the chiffon! No one but her noticed but she was very angry
- it IS Extremely windy almost all the time. Like everyones hair was messed up. BUT with how hot it is down there it was actually a blessing. With all the wind a lot of the tiny details, like holes in my moms dresss, can't even be noticed
- trust the wedding coordinator staff. They will get you everything you need once you are down there
-relax by the pool and delegate! I got in only twenty min by the pool until after the wedding bc i was running around trying to do stuff for others. - - -Remember the name Karla and tell your guests to ask for her about spa services. The ppl who normally schedule things will tell you everything is full but she made last minute appointments for all my guests (mainly the ones I told weeks ago to make appointments grr)
- don't worry about construction. There is some that rotates through the place but it is sooo huge you will 100% be able to avoid it if its an issue. They moved several of our guests around with no issues.

Ill try to keep checking in to answer questions but feel free to also private message me.

Enjoy your planning! It will all be worth it!

Congratulations! Cannot wait to see pictures!!! 

Originally Posted by MP41313 

Hi Ladies, I Just arrived back from MP yesterday. We were in Mexico for 14 days. A week before the wedding and a week after. 2 days after the wedding my hubby and I took off and stayed at palace resort in Isla Mujeres for 4 days. It was amazing! I highly recommend doing if you can. Much smaller and quieter resort, but perfect for a short honeymoon. We had 70 guests at our wedding- so the R & R after was much needed. As mentioned by prior brides. Relax. Everything turned out PERFECT! One thing I would note that I was not aware of before we went is the wind. It is EXTREMELY WINDY! We were told it wasn't typically like that- but we were at MP for 9 days and it was non-stop. It felt nice- given the heat, but hair and decorations will NOT sit nicely. Last minute we decided to keep out ceremony and cockail hour outside and move the reception indoors. They did a fabulous job! Emy our coordinator was awesome. We used the MP photog- he seemed to be pretty good, but haven't actually seen the prints yet. Should be arriving in the mail this week. My only issue was that I requested a specific picture ( with the mariachi band playing at our cocktail hour) and he took too long doing the "traditional/required" photos that we missed them and weren't able to get that shot. Also- we did the legal ceremony. The blood tests were not too bad. It took less than 5 minutes on resort and we never received the results. I'm guessing that means that all was good. Feel free to message me if you have any specific questions! I am bummed to be back to the real world and am already trying to plan my next trip back!

Originally Posted by stefn1218 

 

On the plane to Cancun! Ill see the fellow BDW brides there!!! Just look for a tall dark and handsome guy from Arkansas

Yay congrats! Can't wait to hear all about it!

Hi  , I was actually going to go with the live saxaphone or harpist.  I was told that they can play most of the traditional songs for weddings.  If you want them to play something more up to date, I believe you have to submit a music sheet of that song so that they can read it ahead of time.  We actually decided to save money and go with the ipod/CD option.  Hope it flows.... -Jeniffer

Hi Ladies!

Has anyone heard anything about the live saxophone song options? I can't seem to get any information but want to narrow down our ceremony song choices with FI. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!

*This is a repost from a different thread so apologies if you are on there also but I want to make sure I don't miss out on good information!

Hi Ladies!

I am getting married at MP August 3, 2013. Will any of you also be getting married around then? 

Has anyone heard anything about the live saxophone song options? I can't seem to get any information but want to narrow down our ceremony song choices with FI. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!

*This is a repost from a different thread so apologies if you are on there also but I want to make sure I don't miss out on good information!