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Jeanetta H

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Posts posted by Jeanetta H

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    Ugh!  Still haven't heard back from the resort's DJ to confirm that he will be at my wedding.

     

    HOWEVER - With all this extra time I've had, I've been thinking more about whether I even need a DJ.

     

    My wedding reception will be 3 hours, from 7-10pm.  Half of that time will be our dinner, which leaves only 1.5 hours for dancing.  With the romantic package, I do believe it includes Ipod hookup and speakers, right?  So maybe I don't need a DJ at all.  I can just show up with a playlist of all the songs I'd like to play, and let the Ipod do the work of the DJ.  That will save me $700 right there.

     

    Is anyone else doing this?  Let me know what your opinions are! 

    I am doing this too! Ana said the resort provides someone to help with the equipment so I dont see why I need a dj if we already know what songs we want to play. Money saved :)

    • Like 1

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    Ooh, good call, I'll check out Lulus. You have not head from her even once? Who is your coordinator again? I'm sure you've read the comments about this, but really, you don't need to speak to them that much, it all comes together. I'm sure once it gets closer to your date, they will make you top priority. They have a billion weddings going on at all times, so just give it time. I figure, the more I am prepared on my end, the less I need to rely on them to make sure everything is taken care of. SO, fingers crossed and just hope for the best I guess. lol

     

    Yes, the hotel policy is a 3 night stay. Just talk to them about it and see what they can do for you. I have a videographer (2) 2-3 photograhers, and my DJ so There was no way I was paying $500+ for each of them!!!

    Oh my goodness that would have been expensive! I think I am just stressing more today because we just bought a house and had to deal with all the paperwork and wedding stuff on top of it all. I am overwhelmed lol Im sure it will all come together. For your bridesmaids are you buying a bouquet for them or going with fake flowers from home?

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    This forum was a little quiet for awhile, glad it's picking back up!!! Looks like everyone is pretty prepared. I just went to that webiste to check out the maracs. I looked into them a few times, but never came across the right ones. We have 45 guests, so I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg on these, but the ones you found are ADORABLE! I'm browsing their gallery now!

     

    What are you girls doing for flowers? With our Paradise package, we get some...but I would need about 4 or 5 more bouquets for the reception. While reading another thread on here today, I found some clever ideas with faux flowers! Much, much cheaper! Still not sure what I want to do about that one.

    You are actually required to book 3 nights, but I managed to get it down to two nights since I have a lot of outside vendors! I tried REALLY hard for a minimum of one, but we had to meet in the middle at 2, and I am ok with that. Still cheaper than the vendor fee and day pass fee!!

     

    I agree. I was all about trashing the dress, but my mom was hysterical about it, and since she bought the dress, I agreed to get a second. Once I actually HAD the dress though, I couldn't imagine actually trashing it ahhahah!! You're right- it would be way too heavy! Did you find your second dress yet??? Samuel Luna...oh man, did you see his TTD sessions? Unreal. They look fricken AWESOME!

     

    I went with the Paradise package ( I think ) The most expensive one, since we have over 40 people coming with us, and wanted dinner outside on the terrace, it was perfect for that. I don't remember off the top of my head how much it was, my parents took care of it. I think it was around $4,000? I have my wedding binder at home, I'll take a look at confirm tonight. I think it was a steal, it includes a lot of extras!  

    We also went with the paradise package and were quoted 4000. I bought little maracas as favors and had some napkins made for dinner with our name and date on it. I dont know if i'll go with much more than that. My travel agent is going to look into the hotel booking for the photographer. Was the hotel policy that said you had to book min 3 nights? I have been looking online at some cute dresses for ttd. lulus.com has a few i like. I'm getting excited but really stressed too. We havent even heard back from a wedding coordinator yet. Its scaring me lol

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    Thnak you, you as well! Getting VERY excited. We are doing a TTD session too! I think I am going to buy a different dress for that though, thoughts? The cost for outside vendor is $500, plus the cost of day pass....so to get around that, I'm booking them hotel stays. It's cheaper than paying all the fees- and was OK'd by the wedding corrdinator!

     

    I am getting my hair and make-up done there, I've heard good things about the spa there...but was thinking about doing the same thing as you, actually. I'll probably just bring some of the products with me and let them have at it. I was going to go in a few days prior to the wedding to do a test run. 

     

    I'm right there with ya! I scheduled my dress alteration/ fitting for March 22nd, so I have to hustle hahah!!

    Did you book 1 night or two for the photographer? Since the ttd is the day after the wedding would one night be enough?

    Thnak you, you as well! Getting VERY excited. We are doing a TTD session too! I think I am going to buy a different dress for that though, thoughts? The cost for outside vendor is $500, plus the cost of day pass....so to get around that, I'm booking them hotel stays. It's cheaper than paying all the fees- and was OK'd by the wedding corrdinator!

     

    I am getting my hair and make-up done there, I've heard good things about the spa there...but was thinking about doing the same thing as you, actually. I'll probably just bring some of the products with me and let them have at it. I was going to go in a few days prior to the wedding to do a test run. 

     

    I'm right there with ya! I scheduled my dress alteration/ fitting for March 22nd, so I have to hustle hahah!!

    I'm going to get a second dress for ttd too! I dont want to ruin my wedding dress and i think it would be too heavy once in the water. What package did you go with for your wedding? And how much were you quoted at? The prices they gave me were for 2014.

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    I've heard back from Pamela, and saw that the 2014 prices jumped by like $500!!  Crazy!

     

    Anyways I've asked her politely if she will honor the prices that I was quoted when I originally booked by wedding in May 2013.  Still waiting to hear back from her, so we'll see.

     

    Was it hard for you to get the 2013 prices back, or did you have to fight a bit to get it?

    Oh my goodness!! Thats insane pricing! I was not quoted 500 either. I think they told me 300 and I have to pay for a day pass for photograpghers helper. I will be emailing to ask for the origional price quoted to! Let me know what happens with you

    Hello, all! I have been meaning to post in this forum for quite awhile; as I've spent countless hours reading through the thread, taking notes, and reading everyone's experiences. I booked our wedding at OCT back in July, and our wedding date is set for May 16th, 2014. I am pretty relaxed about planning, as I'm impeccably organized and knew we had so much time to plan everything out. Now, we are 6 months out, and I think the majority of the planning is done. From the other posts, it seems Ana is hard to get a response from, but it has never gone more than two days without a response. I have only asked her very straight forward questions that she can reply to simply, so perhaps that is it. I'm not quite sure what this post should entail,but I know I had A LOT of questions in the beginning. I wouldn't even say I'm a "planny" person, but I was over analyzing every detail, I've since let go of that stress. My MOH's sister was married here in MAY, so having someone who went through it was very helpful. Her advice to me was to not go overboard with the tiniest of details, because the setting for the wedding is absolutely gorgeous, and that I need to relax, and realize that it all does come together, and honestly, probably could be done in a week's time, honestly. BUT, I've started really focusing on the planning about a month ago. I mean, I JUST bought my dress a few days ago (I was scolded for waiting so long... lol)  I never saw myself as an actually girly girl who would get so into this, but I have, and have loved it. So, here is what we have figured out so far:

     

    Ceremony will be on the beach. Now, I am just going to buy sashes for the chairs (mint green with a starfish on the back) since it is cheaper than renting them for $3ish/ea. I was told to move my ceremony from 5 to 6, by the sister of my MOH. She was married right around the same exact time and said the sun was just a liiiiitle too bright at 5, but would have been perfect at 6. So we are doing that. We toyed with the idea of a cocktail hour, but after reading everyone's reviews, we've realized that everyone can hang in the lobby bar, as our reception will start an hour later on in the lobby terrace, so they will be just outside the door. Saves SO much money and they will have something to do while we take our photos. We are not doing one of those "first look" things, so we'll need to get all of our pictures done withint that time. Reception will start around 7:30, and we extended it by an hour, for a total of 4 hours.

     

    There were two things that we decided we would splurge on:

     

    *An excellent photographer. I've seen the photos taken by the resident photog, and I was not impressed at all. In fact, I'm pretty sure my cell phone could take better pictures (no offense to anyone that has used them) I'm just saying, you will have these pictures for a lifetime, it's worth it. We hired Samuel Luna, who has been an absolute pleasure to work with so far, and his work is outstanding. We scheduled a Trash the Dress session with him for the next day (it was included in the package we paid for.)

     

    *A DJ. Now, I know that a hot topic in here is just using iPod to play your own playlist, and I thought about that as well, and am sure it would turn out just fine. The DJ at the hotel, as far as I can tell, doesn't MC, he simply plays YOUR playlist for you, and does not interact. This is supposed to be something that everyone will remember for a lifetime, and it was important for us to have someone to handle the ebb and flow of the evening. We don't want to worry about someone introducing us, or our first dance, etc...and we really believe it will help keep the order of things. We are giving him a list of 30ish songs, I could have easily made my own list of 100's, and 100's, but someone that can read the crowd, keep things energetic, get involved, to us, it's worth it. We are bringing glow sticks and Thundersticks with to give to him, to incorporate into the party. Also, his rate was VERY affordable. I spoke with him on the phone for nearly 45 minutest last night, and laughed nearly the entire time. GREAT guy-- DJ Bob (http://weddingdjrivieramaya.com/)

     

    Now...the part I hate! The fees! For a 2014 wedding, the hotel is now charging $500 for outside vendors. And they told me I need to pay an additional $200 fee the DJ, as this serves as an "energy" fee. I think it's completely ridiculous. Add to that, an outsider fee, to allow them onto the grounds for the day, which is, I believe, $80/ PP, Per day. I have two photographers coming in, and my DJ, so you can see my dilemma. I'm going to get them rooms for the night, which will be cheaper than paying all of the fees. However, Ana emailed me today saying that need to stay a minimum of three nights, which, I'm sorry, is BS. You can book rooms by the night online, and since they are having dinner with us, I have fully considered them my guests, so... I'm getting around this and not dealing with this noise!

     

    That is really the only complaint I have so far about working with the hotel, or with my planner, Ana. If anyone has questions about planning, I know I have not gone through this yet...but I think I have it all pretty much covered so if you're wedding is around the same time as mine, and you're freaking out about anything, you're not alone. More than likely I have freaked out about it as well. I feel very confident now, though, that everything will run smoothly.

     

    We are bringing items with us (menus, programs, welcome bags, place cards, table #'s, paper lanterns, string lights, party items for the reception dance, personalized Patron bottles to do a shot together, and some digital photo frames, guest book, I THINK that is it. We aren't bringing any huge items for center pieces, or lanterns, etc.  But these are all small details that I'm sure nobody cares to hear about : )

     

    I work online all day, so I've literally been to this board 100's of times, and thought I would put my two cents in, in case anyone is interested in chatting!

     

    Hope everyone's wedding planning is coming along nicely and hope to exchange tips in the coming months as we prepare!! Eeeek! I'm so excited! pinkie.gif

     

     

    Sarah

    Congrats on the wedding!! We are getting married may 14 and using samuel luna too :) Our ttd is on may 15. Im super excited but kind of stressed about this new cost for outside photographer. How is everything else going with you? I havent actually spoken to the wedding coordinator my travel agent has been doing most of it so far. I am ok with that I'm not too picky. Are you getting your hair and makeup done? I have been on the fence about it. I was gonna go to mac or sephora and get them to make me over and i'll buy the products they give me. I'm getting excited now. I have to get to the gym and work off the christmas junk lol

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    Originally Posted by LeahR View Post

     

    I am getting married here in May 2014. I spoke with the hotel and it is almost 400 dollars (vendor fee plus day pass) to bring in an external photographer...and this is per person. Has anyone used an external vendor and know more about this

     

    Oh my goodness! Thats alot!! I am bringing in an external photographer. The one they use doesnt impress me. I want good pictures

    What have I learned from planning a destination wedding?

    in Random Thoughts

    Posted

    Originally Posted by Jamielynn55 View Post

     

    Lol this thread is kinda depressing while your still in the process of planning your wedding.

     

    It is depressing lol but whats more depressing is that the people we think are close to us and will be there to make the planning and the wedding special for us are the ones who try to ruin it with their negativity or lack of caring. This thread is great for venting and sharing :)

    What have I learned from planning a destination wedding?

    in Random Thoughts

    Posted

    This is a great thread! I am in the process of planning a DW and we have changed our resort due to comments on price from people. We are still getting negative comments. My fiances cousin even went so far as to call another travel agent and try to arrange for a cheaper trip and then proceeded to tell other people that she can get the trip cheaper. I just cannot get over some peoples behaviour. We are still waiting on people to book.....including people in our wedding party! Its stressing me out. I told my bridesmaids to chose a dress they felt great in as long as it is in the color i want and knee length and flowy. Not one of them have a dress yet. And when I send group messages about dress shopping or how everyone is comin along finding a dress I either dont hear back or they havent found anything. So frustrating. I could have picked one and said they had to buy it but I was trying to be nice. I am so happy we have this forum to vent. I dont want to complain too much to other people because I dont want to be a bridezilla. I have also found that everyone was soo excited about the engagment and wedding....now nobody talks to me about it or asks how the planning is coming along. I thought this was supposed to be a memorable and exciting experience. Honestly I feel like other people will always ruin it for you so make it about yourself!!!

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    Originally Posted by MrsSheppardToBe View Post

     

    Hi Everyone,

     

    My wedding is next year, and I have a few questions which I've emailed to Cynthia but I haven't heard back yet.  Just wondering if my fellow brides can help me out!

     

    1) Who is the resort DJ, and how can I contact him for pricing information?

    2) How far in advance can I confirm the time of my ceremony?  I want to book the resort photographer, and I need this info for booking.

    3) Does anyone have a list of the legal wedding requirements for a civil ceremony?  I am from Canada if that matters at all.

     

    I appreciate any help you can give me! 

     

    <3 Jenna

     

    [email protected]

     

    Hi and congrats on your wedding! My travel agent helped me book my time through the resort. The resort photographers are photo-pro.com.mx. I'm not sure regarding the legal requirements but I know there is bloodwork and fingerprints involved. My fiance and I are going to legally get married in Canada then have a symbolic ceremony in Mexico. The travel agent suggested this as it can get complicated to legally marry there. Also I believe they knock a few hundred dollars off the price of the wedding package if you are just doing symbolic. I'm not sure about a DJ but I know the resort has a sound system included in the wedding package and if you bring an ipod with your own music I think someone from the resort can play it for you. We are not going to bother with a DJ because of this. When is your wedding? Mine is in May 2014 and the travel agent said to wait until about December to start contacting the wedding coordinator. Hope this helps!!

    Edmonton Brides 2012/2013/ 2014...

    in Brides Roll Call

    Posted

    Hello Ladies!! I am from Edmonton and I am getting married May 2014 at the Ocean Turquesa! I am wondering if any of you have shopped at Gemini Bridal for a dress? I found a dress I love and they are the only store who  carried it. So I made an appointment and asked about the dress. The sales person confirmed they had it so I booked to try it on. I called a day before to make sure they still had it and she confirmed that yes they do. I went it, the manager had no idea what dress I had asked to try on and I thought that was weird since I had called twice confirming that I wanted to specifically try that dress. So I told her and she said she would have to search the store so my mom and I sat and waited for 15 min. She then told me they dont even have it in the store it is in their warehouse in Toronto!! I was really disappointed. The manager apologized over and over and told me that she would have it sent to the store and it would arrive in about a week and a half. I called back a week later and the saleperson had no idea what I was talking about. And proceeded to tell me the manager is out of the country. I am very disappointed in the lack of customer service there. They took my number and said they would call me when they figured out what was happening with the dress. I have yet to hear back. Very disappointed !!
     

    Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    Originally Posted by Brynnly Mazzie View Post

     

    We booked Sam! Our wedding is July 27 and we have been working with Sam through email for about a year now. So far he has been absolutely fantastic. He speaks English well, is always very responsive and answers all of my questions in full detail. His contract is very straight forward and his prices are amazing. I'll let you know how he is after our wedding but so far I've been impressed!

     

    Thanks so much!! And you must be so excited!! July 27 is coming up soon!!! Cant wait to see pics!!

    2014 Canadian Brides

    in Destination Wedding in Riviera Maya, Cancun & surrounding areas

    Posted

    Originally Posted by deedeelala View Post

     

    I am getting married at the Iberostar Paraiso Maya in November 2014. I am getting the Dream Package which comes with a private beach dinner. So far I have made my own boarding pass save the dates through a template a found for free online and they turned out great! I have been trying to get quotes from TA and have spoken to two of them already, but they both quoted me very high. I think it may be a little too soon to get good deals considering my wedding is over a year away! It is just so exciting to plan for everything! 

     

    Has anyone else booked their resort? Did you have to send a photocopy of your credit card and IDs? I just don't think I feel too comfortable having to do that at Iberostar... 

     

    Hey! I sent a photocopy of everything, passports, credit cards, etc to the travel agent who forwarded it to the resort. Then she emailed me a copy of the reciept from the resort. Hope this helps!

    Canadian Brides!!!!!!!!!

    in Brides Roll Call

    Posted

    Hello Ladies! I am excited there is a place for the Canadian Brides to post! I am excited to share planning with all of you!! My wedding is may 14, 2014 at the Ocean Turquesa in Mayan Riviera Mexico. I am going dress shopping on Sunday I will post pics!

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