Our wedding experience at Caletas working with Adventure Weddings was truly amazing and exceeded all of our expectations. Our wedding was November 10, 2012 for 60 guests. Here is a link to our highlight video to give you an idea of the set- up:

 http://10112012adrianeadam.adventureweddingsphoto.com/video.html   

 It is really hard to put into words how memorable and beautiful the wedding truly was. 

The positives and highlights:

1. Planning process: We booked our wedding a year in advance and began coordinating details with our Wedding Coordinator Dennise about 2 months prior to the big day. Dennise and I communicated primarily by email and she was accessible by phone as needed. She was always timely and responsive to our requests and questions which made planning very easy and not stressful. She went above and beyond to ensure each detail was met and even helped us with specialized requests including DJ equipment from the states, professional guitarist/violin players for the ceremony, custom designed cupcakes for the reception, a fire dancer for our rehearsal dinner the night before, a tequila tasting bar for the reception and many more. Dennise created itemized lists confirming details and worked with us to provide an agenda/timeline for the big day. She was extremely organized and since she was on top of every detail we were able to relax and enjoy our time in Mexico in the days leading up to the wedding. 

2. Wedding decor: We wanted simple elegance since Caletas is already such a beautiful place with the greenery from the jungle. My husband and I sent Dennise pictures of exactly what we wanted for the bouquets, BM's flowers, centerpieces, etc. For areas we weren't sure, Dennise provided hundreds of example pictures including the table settings, ceremony design and set-up, etc. We picked a few items frombthose examples which was very helpful. In the end, the Adventure Wedding team delivered exactly what we had envisioned. Every detail was executed to perfection. I suggest sending pictures which we mostly googled online or picking from the examples they provide for ease. 

3. Wedding Casita for bride and BMs: The morning and day leading up to the wedding was awesome. I went with the BMs to Caletas around 9 AM and spent the day snorkeling, paddle boarding, getting massages and hanging out in the bridal casita.  The casita was stocked with champagne, water and plenty of food. We had wait staff check-in with us all day. Also, we had another Coordinator with us for the day before Dennise arrived that afternoon. She was very helpful with a few last minute needs like finding us sparklers for the reception and tracking down a sign we left on the boat on trip over earlier that morning. The service was amazing and they brought everything we needed. We started hair and make-up mid day. Our hair and make-up turned out exactly like the pictures we brought as examples. The bridal suite is up in the jungle and some of my favorite wedding pics are with the BMs with the greenery around the casita. 

4. Trip to Caletas for wedding guests: We organized transportation through Adventure Weddings from our hotel to the Marina where the boat departed from for the guests to get to Caletas. The transportation and cruise director arrived on-time in a comfortable and modern coach. Easy process. The cruise to Caletas was memorable for all of the guests. Everyone loved how they passed by Los Archos for a photo opportunity. Music and drinks kicked off the evening. Only suggestion here is Groom and GMs might want to bring a change a clothes. It was hot and humid  so the guys in the wedding party changed clothes on the boat upon arrival. Good call!

5. Photography and videography: the actual wedding and ceremony turned out beyond perfect and our guests were all commenting that it wouldn't be possible to describe to their friends how beautiful and amazing the wedding actually was. Without doubt invest in the pictures and video to remember the day! We debated over this and now having the video it is really the only way to show the experience and capture the essence of the moment. The Adventure Wedding staff was experienced and professional and the quality was good. 

6. Food: the menu was set. Although I'm sure they would accommodate your requests, no need! Our guests raved that the buffet included the best food they ate their entire stay in Mexico. The steak and dessert buffet were among the favorites. No expenses were spared and there was plenty of food to go around. 

7. Overall service: as the bride, I always had exactly what I needed. For the reception, it seemed like there were just as many waiters as guests! Everyone had the drinks they needed and even a few more they probably could have done without. ;) Not a single complaint. One of my guests told me they hired two people just to ensure the candles around the island stayed lit the entire time. WOW!

I don't have any negative comments but here are a few more tips/ideas based on our experience:

1. Be prepared for the heat if getting married the same time of the year. Think about a change of clothes for the wedding party coming over the boat (if wearing suits or jackets) and having a "cooling station" set-up upon arrival. Adventure Weddings provided cold towels as well as plenty of water which was needed. 

2. Extend the reception for an extra hour! Our guests would have kept partying and celebrating. The cruise home was a great way to cap off the night and we provided an ipod with our favorite music for dancing for the return. 

3. We had a couple guests that needed assistance walking to/from cruise/reception. If you have elderly or handicap guests make plans with the Coordinator in advance. While Caletas is not the most handicap friendly place I've been, the staff will transport guests where they need to go - not a problem. 

4. Try some of the excursions that Vallarta Adventures offers. Dennise worked out special group rates and helped us organize a private canopy tour called Extreme Adventure the day before. The guests loved the 3/4 mile long zip line! It is the longest one in Mexico. So fun. 

5. Bring toiletries for the bridal party getting ready at Caletas. They have towels though. Also, be sure you have everything packed in bags before you leave the casita for the ceremony. We left a few items behind but luckily Dennise was nice enough to drop the items off at the hotel the next day. 

6. Do as many wedding pictures before the ceremony as possible. In November it got dark very quickly so the lighting became darker mid-ceremony. This is also why I suggest investing in the video. 

To sum it up, Caletas is a unique and amazing place to have a wedding! The wedding ceremony and reception was first-class, customized to our taste, and the planning process was easy. I strongly recommend Adventure Weddings if you want to work with professionals to deliver a wedding that looks like it came out of a movie. At first we considered a wedding at a nearby resort but I can tell you that this experience cannot be matched because the beach/jungle setting and 100% candlelit island/reception are truly unique. Caletas is a very special place and we can't say enough positive things about our special day and overall experience working with Adventure Weddings. Our guests are still raving about our wedding at Caletas and it was without doubt the most special place to share our big day with them. THANK YOU so much to Adventure Weddings for creating a memory of a lifetime. 

5 stars, 10 out of 10, 100% satisfaction, highly recommended to all!