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"The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever." — The Notebook www.photofeelingsrivieramaya.com www.photofeelingsrivieramaya.com
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I am eloping with my groom and we have decided to honeymoon at the Sun Palace. Because they offer a complimentary symbolic wedding we have decided to look into it. So, far it does not seem free, but I was wondering what others thought? It actually cost $250 'deposit.' I say cost, because it is Non-refundable, but you can apply it towards wedding 'costs.' Since they are providing the very basics for just the 2 of us, I was thinking about using it for the wedding photography. That cost $1,000 plus. I am wondering if the free wedding is worth it and want to know from brides who married at Sun Palace. Thank you.
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Brand new here. We're planning a wedding at Azul Sensatori Thanksgiving Wknd 2014. Can't wait to get all of the helpful 411 from you all! #vivamywedding
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Hi everyone! After 3 years of a fun, happy engagement that flew by in the blink of an eye, we are finally settling into a rhythm and are ready to plan! Overwhelmed doesn't even come close to describing my leap into destination wedding planning! I know I want a Mexico wedding - reason being: Mexico has a fun nightlife and we want to be able to go into Cancun or Riviera Maya and not stay at the hotel the entire time. I am looking for a hotel that's all inclusive with a modern decor. A departure from the traditional hotel styles...i know. My budget is around $30k for up to 70 people. Also - can anyone reccommend a good wedding planner? Please share your tips Huge thanks and congrats future brides! -yelena
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Hi everyone! I need some advice please! I'm getting married at Barcelo Maya Palace this July. I was originally estimating only about 50 guests to come and I was planning to do the ceremony and reception on Coral Beach. Now it looks like my guest list has doubled and Coral Beach cannot accommodate this size. Can anyone send me pictures or let me know what beach is the best? I heard Playa Azul is very nice, but its on the other end of the resort. But, I heard the back up is a banquet. Which I do not want. Also, there's not much lighting, so I would have to pay extra for lights. I was thinking about Palmeras Beach at the Tropical because its right next door to the Palace. Has anyone ever been there or have had their ceremony and reception? My ceremony will be at 5pm. I just don't want a bunch of random people in my photos during the ceremony and reception. Also, any suggestions on where to get centerpieces down there? Something affordable. Thanks! Stacie
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A sexy and mysterious shot from a Underwater TTD session
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Hello brides! I would like to have some manzanita trees/branches as my centerpiece for my reception. I'm getting married at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya, which is close to PDC. I'm wondering if anyone here knows if there is a way to purchase these around PDC or Cancun. I can buy them online for about $8 each, but I'm concerned about carrying them in my luggage and possibly breaking the branches. Any ideas?
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Let's get this blog rolling! I'll be posting weddings and daily favorites, here's one Underwater Trash the Dress picture, in the beautiful Riviera Maya, for starters: Thanks for stopping by! Hope you come back often
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Hello! I just got engaged on the 14th of December and we are looking at doing a destination wedding. We have 2 small kids, and have tentatively picked out the Crown Paradise Cancun resort. Does anyone have any suggestions for this resort? There is a big lack of reviews on this resort, and I think I've read all the forum posts/googled reviews I can find! We are looking at between 40-60 guests - would love tips on what you did to make a destination wedding that size successful! Also - does anyone have experience NOT going through a travel agent & having guests book through CheapCarribean or something like that? I'm debating that as the easiest way to go for guests, but also don't want to deal with the hassles. I've always booked my own trips, and gotten great deals, so I'm a little wary of spending a bunch of money on a TA if I don't have to. If you have recommendations for a particular TA who is a lifesaver AND budget-friendly, please let me know! Excited to be spending a lot more time on this site Thank you for the help!!
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“Love is like the wind, you can't see it but you can feel it.” ― Nicholas Sparks, A Walk to Remember www.photofeelingsrivieramaya.com
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“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.” ― William W. Purkey www.photofeelingsrivieramaya.com
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“You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ― Dr. Seuss
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“A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.” ― Elbert Hubbard Playa del Carmen, México / February 2013 www.photofeelingsrivieramaya.com
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The Miriam & Luke's Azul Sensatori Wedding Miriam and Luke were wed on January 24, 2011. Miriam, username Murmel, used the BDW Community to bring her destination wedding to life. Miriam gives back to the BDW Community as she kindly shares the details of her perfect day in an interview below. Miriam & Luke's Wedding Profile The Bride Miriam / BDW member: Murmel The Groom Luke Hometown Toronto, ON, Canada Wedding Date 1/24/2011 (legal 12/04/2010) Wedding Location Azul Sensatori, Puerto Morelos, Mayan Riveria, Mexico Why did you choose to have a destination wedding? There were quite a few reasons why we choose a destination wedding. The first one was a very personal choice. I lost my father to cancer as a teenager, and my mother is ill and now resides in a nursing home. I feared having a “traditional” wedding would bring a flood of emotions of not being able to have my parents there. So I thought- “Sun, beach, drinks-that would make it a happy and relaxed location for me”! Another huge reason was that almost all of our guests would have had to travel to our wedding no matter where we did it. Our family and friends are so spread out that we figured we might as well all travel! There have been so many weddings that we have travelled to, only to get a minute or two to spend with the bride or groom over the weekend. So since we don’t get see each other often, we though what a great way to spend a week together. Why did you choose your location? My husband and I are blessed that we manage to travel quite often, and we simply love Mexico! So it was an easy choice for us. As well the Cancun airport is such a popular destination it made it easy for our guests to make their way there from all over Canada and the USA. Choosing the actual resort took a lot of time and research. A few of the major wants and needs were: We knew we had guests with kids coming, so a family friendly resort was required. We wanted good food (not just buffets!) Nice rooms, good service and all for a decent price. So after using a number of resources (Trip Advisor, Debbie’s Caribbean, travel agency resort flyers, friends suggestions) we narrowed down our search to 4 resorts. (I only discovered BDW after we had already chosen…and after that it’s history. I used this site to help me with everything else!) We then travelled down to the Mayan Riveria and toured through the resorts. We fell in love with the Sensatori. It was big enough to afford lots of activities, space and privacy-but small enough to make it easy to find each other and create an intimate feel. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the food is the best we have ever experienced in the Caribbean! (We have returned 3 times now because it is such a beautiful resort) The only downfall is the beach, which is small and the water rocky. But we are more pool type people anyway, so it doesn’t affect us to much! Our travel agent was also able to get us a group rate of about $1500 CDN/person for the week. (this included return flight, transfer to/from airport, room and all food/drink) So we were sold! What were your wedding colors and/or theme? Turquoise and lime green, with some accents of black and white. You’ll also notice some pink and purple-this was a tribute to my mother. When my parents got married she carried pink, purple and white flowers down the aisle. So I wanted to do the same! And my husband loved the idea so much that he carried the pink into his outfit. He had custom made pink Converse sneakers and a custom made shirt with pink collar. Every wedding is special in its own right. What made your wedding unique? I married my best friend that day! What more do I need to say. There were so many special moments that day. My sister walking me down the aisle. Having breakfast with all my girls in the morning. Celebrating with family and friends. Having our guests serenade us during dinner. Heartfelt speeches. Hearing the ocean lap up on the shore, as we said “I do”. The whole week was just such a wonderful, relaxed time with friends and family- I could not have asked for a better experience! Also having 2 “weddings” really made it special for us. Even though we downplayed the legal wedding, it held very special meaning for us. Since my mother is ill, we knew she would be unable to attend our wedding, but we were able to find a wonderful judge who went out of his way to help us, and got married at the nursing home in front of my mother! One of the major challenges of putting together a destination wedding is finding and working with your ideal vendors from afar. What wedding vendors did you use to put together this spectacular wedding? Photographer -- Taylor Jackson Florist -- The alter display was designed by the florist at ASP and all bouquets were made by mother and myself Wedding Coordinator -- Onsite Resort Coordinator Wedding Dress -- Pronovias Invitations -- VistaPrint You were an active member of BDW and created some great content. Could you please summarize (with hyperlinks) some of your best work for us? My DIY Fabric Luggage tags My Pre-Travel Brochure Kids Airplane Activity Booklet Miriam's Planning Journal Murmels Wedding Review at Azul Sensatori Your Wedding was absolutely beautiful! Your posts and reviews will be extrememely helpful to our new brides. Thank you for sharing your special day with us at BDW. Dear members, if you planned your wedding with the help of our community we would love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in sharing your wedding experience with us. For more information here is the "BDW Real Weddings | Featured Wedding Submission Information Thread" Thanks!
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Definitively the most famous eco park of the region, Xcaret provides an impressive and almost fairy-like ambience for your wedding. One thing worth mentioning is that wedding ceremonies only start after the closure of the park, which means bridal sessions are mostly planned before the ceremony, with the park at disposal. In the winter though, the early sunset makes you need to arrive well in advance to have some nice pictures with your fiancé. Otherwise and also if you do not want your promised one to have a look at his bride to be, a session better be planned the day after. Wedding ceremonies are traditionally held in the little chapel on top of te the colourful cemetery, but also for civil ceremonies they have a special area at the rocks on the seashore, or also in the new hacienda.[/size] Here you can have a look at some 'Real Xcaret Weddings' by Zasil Studio to get inspired.[/size] Lindsay and Josh April + Adam Jessica + Guillermo Even if Xcaret already provides an amazing décor, you can consider giving it a personal touch with extra flowers, candles and decoration. It's worth it! Jocelyn + Alejandro Xcaret added a new area, including it’s own chapel for wedding ceremonies. This one is much bigger than the one on top of the cemetery, without loosing intimacy thanks to it’s ‘cave’ form. A little, but not unimportant detail: if you choose to have the churchceremony in the new chapel and afterwards the civil ceremony, dinner and party at the hacienda just beside, you can avoid some running around! Paulina + Daniel
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Shawn Trisha Gran Bahia Principe Akumal Wedding In Riviera Maya
TammyWright posted a article in Real Weddings
Shawn & Trisha's wedding at Gran Bahia Principe Akumal Shawn & Trisha were Married on April 11, 2008 Trisha, Tlseege, used the BDW Community to bring her destination wedding to life. Trishagives back to the BDW Community as she kindly shares the details of her perfect day in an interview below. Wedding Profile The Bride Trisha Seegert The Groom Shawn Faber Hometown West Bend, WI (Just north of Milwaukee) Wedding Date April 11, 2008 Wedding Location Gran Bahia Principe Akumel Resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico Why did you choose to have a destination wedding? I absolutely love to travel. I have been traveling since I was a very small girl. I would always tell my parents that I would get married on the beach some day. In fact, I was a BDW bride BEFORE I was engaged! (You can read my engagement story here!) Shawn came into the picture in 2004 and we were inseparable. He loved traveling too, so a destination wedding just seemed natural. In our minds, there was nothing better than getting married with our toes in the sand, the waves crashing behind us, and our closest family and friends there to support us. Why did you choose your location? Oh my! What a hard question! I'm extremely type A. I have spreadsheets for my spreadsheets! So when it came down to choosing a wedding location it was very hard for me. I had spreadsheets with wedding offerings, prices for accommodations, and prices for airfare. I made a list of the things that were most important to me: Must be affordable so as many of our friends and family can come as possible Must allow children Big enough that our group doesn't HAVE to be on top of each other, yet close enough we can find each other I HAD to get married with the sand beneath my toes and waves crashing I wanted an outdoor wedding reception In a location that offers excursions for my guests When I combined all the things that I wanted the Gran Bahia Principe Akumal turned out to be perfect! It's an extremely affordable, highly rated hotel. It was very child friendly with children buffets, play areas, and shallow pools. It's a very large complex, but has three smaller sections within it, so finding each other was easy. The ceremony site was on the sand with a rocky area in front of it, meaning I'd get my waves crashing! I was able to have a poolside reception. The Riviera Maya is FULL of amazing excursions that we all took part in! What were your wedding colors and/or theme? My theme was tropical paradise. So our colors were bright blue and pink with touches of green. We had palm trees, hibiscus flowers, and star fish as small touches throughout the event. But mostly, we relied on the gorgeous scenery to provide our theme Every wedding is special in its own right. What made your wedding unique? It's what makes every wedding special, the love between my husband, myself, and our families. Having our family and friends there to support us was amazing and truly showed how much they cared for us. But just looking into my husband's eyes while we said our vows, that was about as special as it gets. One of the major challenges of putting together a destination wedding is finding and working with your ideal vendors from afar. What wedding vendors did you use to put together this spectacular wedding? Photographer -- Amore Studios (Seattle) Florist -- Resort Florist Travel Mugs --Discount Mugs Jewelry -- Husars House of Fine Diamonds You were an active member of BDW and created some great content. Could you please summarize (with hyperlinks) some of your best work for us? My Newbie Post! My Engagement story with the FABULOUS Leigh Miller Our Engagement Photos My Save the Dates My Invitations My planning thread My wedding brochures and arrival letter Bridesmaid Gifts from Husars Travel Mugs My Wedding Review My Photographers Blog Post Your Wedding was absolutely beautiful! Your posts and reviews will be extrememely helpful to our new brides. Thank you for sharing your special day with us at BDW. Dear members, if you planned your wedding with the help of our community we would love to hear from you. Contact us at [email protected] if you are interested in sharing your wedding experience with us. For more information here is the "BDW Real Weddings | Featured Wedding Submission Information Thread" Thanks!- 2 comments
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Should you have Judge or Minister? In Mexico Cancun-Riviera Maya you can have either Legal or Symbolic, unfortunately in many resorts does´t give the opportunity to meet your minister or judge and personalize the ceremony , please ask your coordinator the name of your minister and many of them are open to you for contacting them and make something very personal. I have the pleasure to meet and work with very flexible and experienced Ministers that are always responsive and very professional, for religious christian ceremonies I recommend Mr. Enrique or Adrian Monroy , they are english speaking, affordable and very formal . If you are looking for something more symbolic less religious Miss Roxana Fernandez is the option , she is great and sweet many resorts book her with anticipation and you can email her special moments or scripts.Finally the best judge for legal ceremonies in the area is Estela Sanchez she is great and easy to work for the paperwork and flexible ...she is open to make some adjustments in the actual speech always keeping the "legal" part.Just remember that for legal ceremony paperwork will be requested: Passports , tourist card , divorce decree(if apply), blood test and Judge payment .Symbolic or Religious ceremonies: NO paper work at all The ceremony is the whole reason because it is the actual "wedding moment" it should be beautiful and emotive...See the pictures below of some of them... . Sandy Planner!
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By MarieSam Sanchez Journalist + Photographer www.mariesamsanchez.com One of the most popular locations for destination weddings is the Cancun/Riviera Maya in Mexico. And with one look at the pristine beaches stretched along the Yucatan coast, it’s easy to see why so many couples are flocking to this heavenly paradise to say their I Do’s. BY EUGENE SANCHEZ When it comes to getting the most bang for your buck, the Cancun/Riviera Maya area offers an ideal setting for every style, type and budget. Whether you’re dealing with a budget of $5,000 or less, or ready to spend tens of thousands of dollars on your Big Day, this Mexican paradise offers a variety of options guaranteed to deliver your dream wedding. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY Where Should I Get Married? One of the best things about this region is that there are several hotspots all within driving distance of each other, including Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Playa Aventuras, Akumal and Tulum, with each location offering its own special vibe. CANCUN As Mexico’s number one tourist destination, Cancun is a huge draw for couples seeking a chic, fast-paced, beach city feel. Here you’ll find tons of well-known shops, restaurants and nightclubs mixed in with local favorites boasting the best of Mexican culture. Cancun is known around the world for its spectacular turquoise sea and unrivaled dedication to optimum service and relaxation for all its visitors. There is a vast array of fun daytime activities for both young and old along this beachfront oasis, and when it comes to a sizzling nightlife, Cancun offers the best in entertainment, bars and clubbing. PLAYA DEL CARMEN Travel 45 minutes south, and you’ll find the region’s next largest draw in Playa del Carmen, a place that some describe as a laid back bohemian version of Cancun. Located in the middle of the Riviera Maya, “Playa” has some of the best beaches in the area, a plethora of beachfront accommodations and the ferry to Cozumel, which runs several daily trips. BY EUGENE SANCHEZ The heart of this lively town is Quinta Avenida also known as 5th Avenue – a beachside boardwalk bustling with wonderful shops, flea markets, restaurants and nightclubs. Visitors can be found in droves walking along this popular street day and night with the town’s lovely, white sand shores just footsteps away. BY EUGENE SANCHEZ TULUM Drive an additional 45 minutes south and you’ll hit Tulum, a town known for having the only major Mayan ruin along the Caribbean coast. It’s also rapidly growing in popularity because of its mixture of great restaurants, shops and resorts amid a more rural, quiet beachfront atmosphere. This area also offers some of the most serene and spectacular beaches along the coast, providing the perfection conditions for snorkeling, diving, swimming and sunbathing. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY AKUMAL In between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, you’ll find a hidden slice of treasure known as Akumal, which means “The Place of Turtles.” This sleepy little town is often referred to as a secret getaway because so many visitors in the region have yet to discover its beauty, much to the delight of the town’s loyal fans. Akumal is a small community lined with swaying palm trees sprinkled in between beachfront condos, villas, homes and small hotels. There are no large hotels or resorts in the main part of town, which helps preserve its small and quiet paradise-like feel. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY Akumal is a treasure trove filled with small calm bays perfect for snorkeling and swimming with the town’s beloved turtles and precious marine life. Snorkelers of all levels can also enjoy the calm waters of the town’s small lagoon inlet known as Yal-ku. BY EUGENE SANCHEZ Although Akumal may be small in size, there are more than a handful of first-class dining options for those who come to visit. Be it the fun beach bars, the popular Italian and seafood restaurants or the delicious bakery and homemade ice cream stand, you will not go hungry in this quaint but vibrant town. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY PUERTO AVENTURAS Located just 20 minutes south of Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras is a luxurious marina community that offers a world-class collection of condominiums, spectacular villas and top-notch hotels and resorts. This gated neighborhood also offers access to a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, shopping, restaurants and a deep sea marina. BY ED FLADUNG Puerto Aventuras is also centrally located to cenotes, beaches, the ruins and parks such as Xel Ha and Xcaret, ensuring that each day is filled with fun and adventure. Where Should We Stay? After deciding where to have your wedding, you’ll need to start thinking of what type of accommodations you’d like for you and your guests. And fortunately, the Cancun/Riviera Maya offers every lodging option imaginable. A popular choice for many these days are all-inclusive resorts, and no matter what town you’re staying in, there are all-inclusive options suited for every budget. If you want to venture off-site a little more when it comes to drinking and dining, then look into one of the many hotels and resorts throughout the area that provide that flexibility. But if you’d like more privacy than what a resort or hotel has to offer and also enjoy cooking your own meals or dining “at home,” the region is bursting with amazing villas, condos, and beachside bungalows that can be rented on a daily or weekly basis. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY Where Should We Have The Wedding and Reception? Although many couples opt to have their ceremony and reception at the resort or hotel they’re staying at, when it comes to having the wedding of your dreams in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area, there are also other options to consider. For some celebrating the Big Day on site might be the best choice because it provides the couple and their guests with the most convenience. As a bonus, many resorts or hotels offer fantastic and affordable wedding packages when the bridal party and guests are actually staying on the grounds. This is a great way to cut down on costs if you’re trying to stay on budget. BY ELIZABETH MEDINA PHOTOGRAPHY But for those who want to celebrate away from resort or hotel grounds, the region has plenty of private venues or facilities that can accommodate both small and large groups. A well-hidden but beautiful gem of a venue that I used for my own wedding reception is the Centro Ecologico de Akumal (CEA) Center in Akumal. Known as a non-profit ecological center dedicated to promoting marine and environmental safety in the region, the CEA Center offers a simple, open-air shoreside venue large enough to host parties of up to 150 people. And best of all, renting this modest yet lovely facility only requires a $500 tax-deductable donation to the CEA Center and its ecological programs. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY Another place to consider having your wedding ceremony and reception is at a villa or private home. With ultimate privacy, any couple can easily create their dream wedding in one of the many state of the art homes or simple beachfront properties throughout the Cancun/Riviera Maya. But like a private facility or venue, it’s important to remember that having a non-resort wedding will likely require that you hire a local wedding planner/coordinator to help you obtain a caterer, chair/table rentals, lighting, entertainment and prepare for other important aspects of your celebration. BY FER JUARISTI What Kind of Wedding Should We Have? When determining where you’d like to get married, one must also give thought to what type of ceremony to have. In the Cancun/Riviera Maya region, couples have the option of having a traditional civil ceremony, a religious/spiritual ceremony, or a cultural ceremony also known as a Mayan Wedding. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY Different venues will offer some or all of the above options, so make sure to clarify that with your wedding planner/coordinator early on in the planning process. It’s important to note that most Catholic ceremonies must be held inside a church or chapel, however, there are a few resort gazebos in the area that are allowed to accommodate Catholic ceremonies as well. What’s The Food Like? If you love food, then you’ll love the variety of delicious cuisine that Cancun/Riviera Maya has to offer. While you might often see familiar franchise restaurants throughout the area, there are tons of local eateries that feature the best in Yucatan cuisine. Seafood is of course a popular entrée on every menu along with Maya and Mexican flavored dishes that are guaranteed to please. BY STEPHANIE WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY And what really makes Cancun/Riviera Maya a foodies’ paradise, is the ease and ability to find restaurants catered to both budget conscience vacationers as well as diners looking to splurge. What’s There To Do In the Area? If there’s one thing that makes the Cancun/Riviera Maya area distinctly unique, it’s the myriad of fun activities available up and down the coast. Adventurers can explore a bit of the region’s past by visiting one of the many fascinating ruins – Chichen Itza, Coba or Tulum. Thrill seekers can also take a trip on the wild side by parasailing over crystal blue waters, ziplining through lush vegetation or speeding through jungle grounds on ATVs. And for those who love to fish, take a charter boat from either Puerto Adventuras or Akumal and test your luck on the deep blue sea. BY EUGENE SANCHEZ Known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, the area also gives water lovers first-class options for snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. And for a refreshing change, why not try a dip or dive in one of thousands of cenotes – fresh water diving holes – scattered throughout the peninsula. BY EUGENE SANCHEZ If you’re looking for a fun daylong excursion, take a ferry or boat ride to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel for a taste of island life. And for a perfect mixture of adventure, thrills and discovery, consider a visit to Xel Ha or Xcaret. Located 30 miles from Playa del Carmen, Xel Ha is a natural inlet known for its rich underwater life and is best described as an open-sea aquarium waiting to be discovered. Xel Ha offers plenty of water based activities and a variety of wonderful restaurants. BY EUGENE SANCHEZ Xcaret, the region’s popular echo-archaelogical park, is a beautiful park by the sea where one can discover and learn of the natural and cultural richness of Mexico. Some of the highlights at the park include a butterfly pavilion, a beach, snorkeling inlets, and other water-based activities such as snuba or swimming with dolphins. But its greatest treasure is perhaps the incredible evening celebration, “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular”, a show that showcases the country’s history and culture. The Bottom Line The decision to celebrate your Big Day in the Cancun/Riviera Maya region is a great way to go. But like all destination weddings, make sure to carefully consider important things like style, taste, and budget before deciding on where to say your “I Do’s.” And because the region is filled with so many ideal options when it comes to accommodations and venues, be patient and take the time to really do your research. Of course the BDW forum is the perfect place to start your research by searching for reviews and feedback from former brides and grooms as well as vendors. And while many couples fall into the trap of making sure they choose a location or venue that all their friends and family will love, first and foremost make sure it’s a place that YOU love. Never lose sight of the fact that this is your day and with careful planning, your dream wedding can easily become your reality. BY VICTOR HERRERA PHOTOGRAPHY