pddcmc

lol, well, there is a Photobook America... good call 

@pddmc WOW! Beautiful wedding!!! Were you able to get all the photos del sol took from your wedding (including raw photos) or is there a limit on the number of photos you can have? Did they also provide a photo album?

No, we did not receive a physical photo album from them.

There wasn't a set limit of photos that we could have, but they do discard some of the photos that didn't meet their standards, which is totally fine and understandable. As far as the RAW images, I'm not sure - my husband is the photo expert, so I'll ask him. 

The thumb drive has two sets of "albums," one that is watermarked so you can share any/all images on social media, and a second without watermarks so you can print photos. They also include a document stating that you own the rights to the photos and you can make as many prints as you'd like.

How cute???
A beautiful box with our wedding photos on a memory stick!

Del Sol Photography has thought of everything!

LOVE LOVE LOVE

@@pddcmc,

Seems like it's been such a long time since I been on here. I am embarrassed to even say I forgot my username and password for a second. But here I am ....lol I still haven't got my highlight video back yet from HDC. They said it will take longer than expected because of the busy season but I didn't think it would take this long.

 

I had my photobook done with Photobook Canada. They are awesome. Loved the way it turned out.

 

Your pictures are amazing my dear. You looked so gorgeous. I really love your dress.

oh @@pddcmc don't you wish you could do it all over again?

I've been off the site for a while, too. But, thought it was only "right" to share my photos

Thank you! I really love my dress, too. Wish I could wear it all the time LOL

Photobook Canada... hm, well, I will have to see how much it would cost to use them since I am in the US. BUUUUT, I do love your book!

Do it all over again? ummmmmmmmmmmmm lol The day itself, yes...the planning - heck no! lol 

Congrats again to you and your hubby! 

Best wishes!!!

@@kcole123 Del Sol posted more of my wedding photos! Just wanted to share with you! 

http://delsolphotography.com/beach-wedding-dreams-riviera-cancun-tj/

PS that photo album book you had made it AMAZING!!!!! 

Who did you use to design and print it? I'd love something like this for our moms and for us.

Past DRC brides, when you used an outside vendor for video or photography  did you have to get approval for the vendor  or company before hiring them? I just want to make sure if I hire a company they will be allowed in. Ive heard of some resorts having list of vendors that aren't allowed. Thank you!!

Just notify your WC of the vendor and provide the names of the stylists/photographers that will be there on you wedding day.

I had The Best Moments and Del Sol Photography

@@pddcmc Wow - they're absolutely gorgeous! You both look so happy and it really looks like it all came together beautifully! I probably said that before but it really shows in these photos.

 

Thanks for coming back to the site to post the photos so we can see them! Hope married life is great!!!

Thank you! Married life is great and we are having a lot of fun! 

I was very excited to come back and to share my photos with you guys (and future brides who may come across my planning journal)!

Choosing the "right" photographer was the most important part of planning, to me, because eventually, memories fade..I wanted the emotions to live on forever - and Del Sol did exactly that!

They are finalizing the rest of the photographs!!! YAAAYYYY!!! I have no idea how to chose which ones we display in the house! LOL

Hi, everyone!!!

We received more photos from Del Sol Photography yesterday     

WOW! We LOVE hope they captured our day! This was the best investment we made on our wedding day!!!

HUGE THANK YOU to everyone at Del Sol, from our photographers to Ael with communication to the people behind the scenes!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys!!!!!

@@acw271011

I had about 5.5" cut off and had it dyed a dark brown with dark red undertones that really shine in the sunlight

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A few photos of our ceremony set-up, courtesy of one of our guests: 

@@badgerbride - We  chose DRC because it wasn't overly pricey, but it also wasn't the least expensive resort. We wanted to chose a resort that had all that we wanted, as well as feeling comfortable inviting our guests to a resort that lived up to it's name and why it was a little on the higher side. We also sent out info, save the dates, prices, and invites VERY early so people could start saving and planning to attend. In reality, go with the resort that you and your hubby want because the guests that can make it and really want to, will find a way. You can't please everyone and you shouldn't sacrifice what you guys want.

We used a travel agent, so yes, our guests received a group rate.

Also, through our TA, hubby & I received a "refund" check of $3000. It was something like every 5th room, we received $100, so that was nice to look forward to... especially since he and I paid for the entire wedding ourselves. 

Hope this helps! Happy planning! & let me know if you have any other ??s

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I'll post a pic of my hair... maybe today when I'm all made-up for our dinner date

Hi everyone! Thanks for the compliments!!! 

I absolutely will share more photos with yall! 

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Your pictures are so amazing!  I love, love, love the lace on your dress. 

My favourite pics are..well all of them , but I really like that angle with the rosary.  Is that one of your family members off to the side?

The rosary picture has my mom, myself, and my bestie in it. My sister isn't in the shot because of where she was standing . But, she may in another shot at a different angle..we'll see. Either way, it's a beautiful photo!
My "something old" & "something borrowed" was my mom's first rosary. So, we said a prayer with it before the ceremony and I carried it with my bouquet. This was really important to me, especially since we didn't have a Catholic ceremony. 

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Random, I cut and colored my hair today! I cut off 6 inches!!! Wooo hoooo!!!

@@Matt Adcock - I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Thanks for the sneak peek images this morning! 

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Morning, for any of our brides who have already gotten married at Dreams, any recommendations for activities outside of the resort?

We did Chichen Itza (the deluxe tour) and Snorkeling in 3 different cenotes! 

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@@jenna85

By pddcmc

Posted 27 April 2015 - 10:22 AM ⋅ 26 Total Views ⋅ 0 Comments

@@smileitseb @phdtck1 I had claudia as my wedding planner but the switched me to maria and I feel like I am repeating everthing that I have already told claudia! 

 

 

@@smileitseb Did you buys the TSA locks?

I had Maira. She is nice, but do be sure to print out every correspondence and bring it to the meeting.

We used TSA approved locks for peace of mind.

@@Lbrennan0 no but THANK YOU for reminding me. gonna get them at lunch. i really should have taken off the whole week!!! do that brides

i feel like im going stir crazy plus im sick all of a sudden. sore throat, running nose, watery eyes. 

this board has been so helpful !!! 

I was starting to feel under the weather a few days before we left... I drank a lot of all-natural fruit juice with vitamin A, C, & E. I also started taking Zicam. And sleep. Get plenty of sleep. All of this did the trick. Oh, and girl. Don't forget to drink a lot of water! Flying dehydrates you... you want to be well-hydrated for great skin and to feel fantastic on your wedding day!

@@pddcmc oh I see, inconsistent sounds about right based on some other experiences I've read about..I need to be sure to document everything I discuss with the resort too @@smileitseb. Don't fret, it will work out. Your wedding will be amazing and good thing you found out about the candles today now you will go prepared to discuss options when you arrive. Are you still planning to travel with your lighting set up? In my opinion you should negotiate and waive the fee for the electric candle decor. Te your TA to handle it so you can focus on the other details with packing

 

 

@@pddcmc when referencing stems, I was wondering how the place cards stood up in the glass I just tried to take a closer look and it seems to be a toothpick? So would I need to create my own place cards and connect to a toothpick? Will the resort tell me what the dimensions of the place cards should be to fit in the tequila shots?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes, if you are doing this idea, you need the place cards to be made out and have something on the end. Like you saw, I used toothpicks. Unfortunately, I was under the impression that Maira would attach something to the cards as long as I brought them. Well, I was mistaken. So, my girls and I got toothpicks from a restaurant and used the super glue that I brought just in case (thank goodness!) and attached the toothpicks to the cards in about 5 minutes.

We designed our place cards and table numbers and had them printed at FedEx (which now owns Kinkos... I didn't know that before lol). I used the standard dimensions 3.5" x 2"

@kcole123 @perianjay @TinkerSofi

Thank you for your kind words! I am happy I was able to share all of this with you guys!!! 

Best wishes!

We were lucky, without having to ask, people were very polite and did not post anything until the day after the wedding.

I must say, I am very happy that people did take pictures and share them on facebook for several reasons:

1. I personally didn't take any photos on my wedding day, so now I have a few to hold me over... which brings me to my next point

2. I won't get my photos back for about 7 weeks...and although this a long time, it feels even longer because.....

3. I forgot to look at myself in the mirror! SOOOO... I only know how I looked that day because our family & friends took pictures

4. And finally, through their photos, I am able to share with them people who couldn't attend (that is until we get our wedding photos back)

So, yay! I am happy I didn't ask people to put away their phones. But... to each, their own. Do what will make you and your husband happy and comfortable!

Cheers!

Ok I have a question

 

 

We want to do a welcome party. We were thinking of doing a cocktail party on the beach but I am afraid it will be too similar to our cocktail hour. (We are having our ceremony on the north beach, cocktail hour beach, then reception on deck) I know the jacuzzi is also available for the welcome party but when I did I site visit I remember the jacuzzis being right in the middle of the walkways to go to the rooms. Has anyone done a cocktail party at the jacuzzi and if so how was it? Do you think people will think the welcome party is too much like the cocktail hour?

People were really respectful during our cocktail hour - we didn't have any gawkers or people walking through it.

@@pddcmc oh my gosh! I love it!! Did you say there is no additional charge?! Do I need to find the stems and provide my own cards?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

@@SchroederWedding2015 can you have your welcome party at one of the bars instead?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

No, they did not charge me for them. I have found the resort to be a little inconsistent with charges. For example, I knew that a bride didn't get charged for something that I wanted, so I asked them why I was being charged.. they waived the fee. 

Yes, you need to bring your own place cards. As far as stems, I'm not sure what you mean.

@@Sheaka I leave at 6am Thursday. Whatever I don't have at this point I just won't have but thank you girl!

That's what I said too. It will all work out beautifully! I can't wait to see your photos and hear about yall's wedding day!!!

@@pddcmc what are tequila shot place cards?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I had place cards like this ^

@@smileitseb @@Sheaka how quickly does your WC email you back? I read somewhere that once you hit the 3 month mark they are much easier to get a hold of but this doesn't seem to be the case for me. 

Who is your coordinator? That makes a HUGE difference... I wasn't so lucky.

@@pddcmc im confused as to why they wouldnt allow candles? im bringing tea light votive candles and also rented tall vases for floating candles at the resort. like a major part of my centerpieces........................ 

did you and your fiance now HUSBAND take a lot of pesos down? I'm trying to decide how much to bring......just need some for when we go out maybe and our excursiions

We didn't exchange our money. We took USD down for tips & souvenirs and used our card to purchase excursions. I traveled with a lot of cash on me...thinking back, it freaks me out..but it all worked out..no problems at all.

I think it was just too windy the night I had my reception. But, the outdoor restaurants had fake candles every night too... I don't know. Maybe just double check with your WC?

@@pddcmc So glad you had a wonderful day! Did you do the tequila shots as place cards? Was there and extra cost/ any problems with it?

Yes, we did the tequila shots for place cards and everyone loved it. No, it didn't cost anything extra. The only thing is, I was under the impression that as long as I had the names made out, they would put them together for me... Well, Maira told me I needed to attach something to them. Luckily, I brought super glue and I just went to a restaurant and asked them for toothpicks. So, after my mini-bridal shower, my girls and I glue the sticks to the name cards...it was done in about 5 minutes.

@@pddcmc oh no! the wind picked up and blew things down?! That is my worst nightmare!! I envision tons of candles on the tables and would be so upset if the fires blows out.  I will be up having bad dreams tonight...sigh.

I don't know if that actually happened, or if they laid mine down as precautionary. They did not allow candles on my night...they had little electric ones

We had the Dreams of Love Wedding package on April 17th with the ceremony at 5:30 pm on the North Beach, cocktail at the Jacuzzi, and reception at the deck.

Travel: We flew with Apple vacations/Frontier Air. We had no problem taking our wedding outfits on the plane (the biggest pain was carrying it through the airport!) We got a private overhead compartment to lay our clothes down in. No problem with customs. We were over-weight with all three pieces of luggage, but when we checked our bags, the person at the counter let it “slide” because it was for our wedding (I think wearing a “Bride” shirt helped ).

Arrival: We arrived to DRC and we were greeted with cool towels that smelled amazing.  We were then taken to the preferred club to check-in and provided champagne. Our wedding coordinator met us there and walked us to the wedding office (more on that later). In the room we had a flower arrangement, champagne, and fruit, and a welcome letter waiting for us. We were in room 1551, which had an AMAZING view with the largest deck in the building.

The view from our balcony

Pre-wedding meeting: Our meeting with Maira (wedding coordinator) occurred immediately after checking in. I will say this – I was extremely disappointed. Maira did not have the most current Wedding Planner form (I should have trusted my instincts and brought a print out, but in an email she told me she would take care of it), so that made things a little challenging. But, I remained calm and positive, until… we started discussing the events of the wedding day. She said, “You didn’t tell me you were having a first look.” *Um, what?!* We had corresponded several times about this. So, by then I started to panic a little because it became apparent that she was not with it. Also, in an email, she told me she would cancel the bridal appointment with the spa (I hired outside stylists), well she didn’t. So, in the meeting I had to remind her of this. She then wrote herself a note to cancel the appointment. Unfortunately, the day of the wedding, the spa called my room and said that I was 9 minutes late for my appointment! Luckily, my MOH had answered the phone and let them know that the coordinator was supposed to contact them the previous day.

During the pre-wedding meeting, my fiancé also noticed that the WC was not on the ball, which says a lot because he is a very calm, easy-going guy. What I am trying to say is this proves that I was not over-reacting. Basically, I had my MOH and girl friends take charge – the day went perfectly.

I honestly think that Maira was new, and her English is rather lacking. Luckily, my husband's first language is Spanish, so he did quite a bit of explaining and clarification. I will say that anyone who has Claudia is very lucky. She helped us with our pre-wedding appointment when Maira was having trouble.

Rehearsal: Rehearsal was at 5:30 pm the following day. This was fantastic because it was the same time as our actual ceremony. So, I was able to see what the sun and temperature would be like. Well, it was PERFECT. The sun was just behind a building, some there was some shade and a light breeze.

After the rehearsal, Maira informed us that she forgot to order frames for the table numbers. Although, in retrospect, this is a minor detail, it was still unsettling that there was another thing that she had dropped the ball on. Luckily, she got it taken care of.

Complimentary Room: Husband checked-in to his complimentary room @ 3pm on Thursday and was required to check-out on Friday @ 12pm. He got ready in a friend’s room. No problems here.

The Best Moments: I was VERY happy with my hair and make-up, as well as my MOH and mother’s looks. I do recommend them, but I will say that I had a few communication issues with Martina at the beginning, but everything worked out wonderfully. For a little more detail, see my review under the Vendor Reviews section.

WEDDING DAY – The Best Moments: Natacha (hair) and Caral (make-up) arrived 12:30. They were so sweet and fast! My mom, MOH, and I were finished by 3 pm, which was perfect. It gave us enough time to just relax and visit with each other.

Del Sol Photography: Debora arrived to my room at 4 pm and her assistant (Jorge) went to my husband’s room for getting ready photos. Debora was FANTASTIC!!! I have yet to see photos, but she was so fun, outgoing, and full of life. In fact, even my guests commented on how great she was! For more info, see my review under Vendor Reviews.

Getting ready robe from etsy - it photographed very well and was very comfortable!

Ceremony: We had a symbolic ceremony (legal wedding at home before). We had a man who was very nice, but did have a heavy Mexican accent that made it a little hard to follow what he was saying. On the plus side, we had a bilingual ceremony, so it worked out. However, I did feel like he didn’t read our preferred ceremony script before the actual ceremony. Oh well.
My husband’s cousin and uncle performed the processional. It was PHENOMENAL. They played “A Love Idea” by Mark Knopfler. Jose walked down the aisle playing this piece on his violin and Uncle Gus played the accompaniment on the electronic piano on the left side.

Our guests tossed mini beach balls as we walked down the aisle as husband and wife.

Décor: I brought fans, mini beach balls that were in two baskets, a chalk board, and starfish garland. The resort decorated the arch with white and coral.

Honestly, the fans were not needed. There was a nice breeze blowing and the ceremony time we had chosen was perfect – it was not hot at all and the sun was not in our eyes. But, it was a nice touch for color because we didn't have chair bows (I can't stand them).

The sound system we brought was PERFECT – everyone could hear without a problem (best $150 I have ever spent).

I didn't upgrade my bouquet, but I thought it was beautiful. And, man, that sucker was heavy!!

Yes, there was quite a bit of seaweed on the beach. But, the resort tries to keep it clean. The thing is, it's the season for the seaweed to get washed up...but it's the ocean, what do you expect? lol

Cocktail Hour: We didn’t get to enjoy too much of this, but of what food I had, it was delicious! My only complaint is that the cocktail was held at the South Jacuzzi... our ceremony was on the North Beach and the Reception was on the Deck, right next to the North Beach. Really, it's not a big deal..it was just a little confusing to everyone as to where to go.

Reception: We were on the deck and it was gorgeous. We had the Mexican Buffet and the food was amazing…The best food all week. There was food featured that wasn't available at any of the restaurants. We brought the cake topper and we had a marble cake. You can't take the cake home with you or back to your room because it's sitting out for so long.

Rather than pay for an extra hour of reception dancing, we went to the disco and danced. This was fun because I went in my dress and people were so nice and complimentary  .

That's all I can think of for now. I will add more if it comes to me 

We had the Dreams of Love Wedding package on April 17th with the ceremony at 5:30 pm on the North Beach, cocktail at the Jacuzzi, and reception at the deck.

@TinkerSofi @acw271011 @maybeoneday @kcole123 @hellosassypants @FutureMrsGlover @Meandhim @calgarybride2015 and @everyone else

Here are the funny and the sweet memories from our wedding day that I want to share with you guys:

1. I forgot to look at myself fully made-up and dressed in the mirror.

2. I was so excited to see my husband that I said I don't care if my dress gets dirty, which it really, truly did by the looks of the gown in photos.

3. It took me forever to say the word "lawfully" in my vows because I was afraid I was going to say wafflely like that video I had posted a few weeks back.

4. Before the ceremony started, I asked the Best Man if he had the rings... well, I guess he didn't hear me.... and I assumed that meant that he had them...

5. Apparently, during the ceremony, my bestie realized that the rings were still in the clam ring pillow... so she jumped up and ran to get them (4 months pregnant) from the box that my MOH had put together (in it there was a copy of our vows, deodorant, mints, tide stick, my reception shoes, etc.. and apparently she and my MOH put the rings in there to take to the ceremony). She then passed them to the Best Man. I guess I was so focused on my husband and the ceremony, that I didn't see any f this!!! LOL

6. Husband dropped my ring and I bent down to pick it up! LOL I'm sure that looked ridiculous! ...I mean, look at how form fitting my dress was! I am lucky I didn't fall over!!! 

7. The minister changed our script a little...so when he said, "I now have the honor to introduce for the first time Mr. & Mrs. ____" and gave a long pause, we thought we were supposed to kiss... so we did... and the minister said something (I don't remember what it was, but everyone laughed). Well, he went on and finished announcing us and then told us to share our first kiss as husband and wife..so we did, again. haha

Everyone is right, I can't believe how quickly our day went. Minus a few mishaps with the wedding coordinator, it was wonderfully perfect with little quirks that made the day super special. 

I can't wait to share photos with you all! 

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The Best Moments: Hair and make-up artists

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*Just in case other brides run across my planning journal at a later time, I have posted full reviews on The Best Moments, Del Sol Photography, and Dreams Riviera Cancun under the appropriate review sections.*

@@phdtck1 I am still up working on the tags lol. I think I'm gonna say something simple like "Shake for the newlyweds' send off!" Unless you girls know of something more creative? And I'm not having table numbers. I may print off a chart though to show people where they are sitting. Also for a cheaper option, I ordered tumblers from dollar tree for $1 each

The table numbers ended up being a waste.. The wind picked up a bit at night, so they laid all of my down flat on the table... so I spent money on frames and time on designing the numbers for nothing.. oh well