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Luxury Style: 24/7 Butler Service at Karisma's Villa Carola
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Imagine having 24/7 butler service while you and your family enjoyed a luxury vacation on a private property with all the comforts and convenience of an all-inclusive resort in a tropical paradise. Well that experience can be yours at Karisma Hotels & Resort's Villa Carola property in Puerto Morelos, Mexico. Villa Carola, an exquisite two-story private villa, is adjacent to the Azul Beach Hotel in the Riviera maya and offers 10,700 square-feet of luxury and privacy for 12 adults and 8 children, 6-ocean view bedrooms and bathrooms, and a private pool, beach and jacuzzi. But one of the villa's best perks is 24-hour assistance from your own personal Majordomo -- a butler of sorts who is there to make all your special requests and preferences come to life. The pampering at Villa Carola begins even before you arrive to the property, with pre-arrival service by your butler, who will make sure your vacation experience is perfect from beginning to end. No matter your requests, your Majordomo is ready and at your service because no wish is too far fetched and it always comes with a warm smile. According to Carlos, the Majordomo for Villa Carola, he communicates with guests from the very start even before their vacation begins, obtaining information on their likes/dislikes and preferences for food, activities or comforts and necessities inside the villa. Carlos is also there to help with planning reservations at any of the Azul Beach eateries, the Vassa spa or to help arrange any off-site excursions or transportation. "I am here to help and assist with any requests or needs the Villa Carola guests have," he said, adding that no requests is too big or too small. Besides the services from your personal Majordomo, guests at Villa Carola can also enjoy the delicious offerings of the Gourmet Inclusive Experience, including daily maid service, non-motorized water sports, daily activities, private beach butlers, delectable cuisine, and 24-hour room service. To find out more about staying at Villa Carola or the other two Karisma Villas in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.-
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If you and your sweetheart are one of the many couples that got engaged over the holiday season, you're probably wondering, what do we do now? Here's a list of to-do's to help get you started on the journey toward the wedding of your dreams! 1) Call family and close friends: Start making those phone calls or sending those messages to let those closest to you know, you are to be wed! 2) Make it social media official: Once you've let your closest circle know the good news, make it social media official. Post a photo of the proposal or perhaps one of you and your spouse-to-be with your new bling. 3) Get ring resized if need be: If the ring doesn't fit the way you want it to, make plans to get the ring properly sized as soon as possible. And if you have the means, get your ring insured. Always better to be safe than sorry. 4) Begin looking at dates: Sit down with your sweetheart and begin the discussion on when you'd like to get married. It doesn't have to be an exact date right away, but at least start thinking about the season and year you plan to tie the knot so that you can start planning accordingly. Your wedding date will help determine your timeline for the rest of your wedding to do's. 5) Decide on a local wedding vs. a destination wedding: The location of your wedding is typically dependent on how big your guests list will be. Do you want it to be a huge celebration? Or do you prefer a smaller more intimate wedding? Keep in mind, destination weddings tend to weed out a lot of people on your guests list simply because some won't be able to travel, take time off work, or afford the trip. So bear in mind that when it comes to planning a destination wedding, your guests will be incurring their own costs to attend. But most importantly, plan your wedding at a location you both agree on -- this is your day to celebrate your love. 6) Start an inspiration board: When it comes to weddings, there are tons of details involved. And whether you plan on having a wedding planner or not, you can start the planning process by creating a vision board of what you want your wedding to look or feel like. Pinterest is the most popular option for creating an inspiration board. So start searching for those ideas and pin away! 7) Wedding planner vs. self planned: Wedding planning is hard work. So if you can, invest in a planner/coordinator who can take care of the big details -- or at least hire a day-of coordinator at the very least. You'll find that having someone to organize and take care of the overall planning will help a ton when it comes to alleviating wedding stress. If you don't have the means to hire a planner or coordinator, then invest in a good planning book and ask your friends/family for help. Keeping yourself organized is most important if you plan to do it on your own! 8) Create a wedding budget: Determining your wedding budget is often the hardest and most stressful part of wedding planning. Sit down and talk with your sweetheart about wedding finances and also take time to determine whether you will have any financial support or help from your parents. And always keep in mind that there are typically unexpected expenses that will come up during the planning process so plan to set aside extra money as needed. 9) Start saving $$$: Planning for your wedding can be a huge expense. So after your plan your wedding budget, set aside some time to determine how you plan to save along the way. Perhaps it means cutting back on other expenses in your life, just remember, saving up for your wedding is temporary. Also don't go broke planning the wedding of your dreams -- a wedding only last for a day, make sure to plan for your marriage and life together as well after the Big Day. 10) Start booking priority vendors: If you've had your heart set on booking a particular vendor (i.e., photographer, entertainer, caterer, venue, florist, hair/makeup stylist, etc.), it's important to reach out to those vendors right away to secure your date. The earlier you book these important vendors the better, as vendor pricing can often increase without notice. 11) Ask for parents' input on guest list: Once you've decided on a venue and budget, it's time to start drafting up your guests list, consult with your parents on their thoughts as well. Take into consideration their input when it comes to who gets invited, and then make it a joint effort with your spouse-to-be to decide on who makes the cut. It's normal to have various revised guests list and keep in mind that the location of your wedding may affect who attends your wedding as well. 12) Go dress shopping: Some brides likes to go dress shopping early, some like to wait till later. But at the very least, start looking at the different styles and designers of wedding gowns that catch your eye. Remember that some designers will require that you order your dress months in advance, also keep in mind that styles change, so if you don't plan on getting married for a year or more, it may be better to wait. And don't forget, to set aside time and money for alterations! Most importantly, enjoy the process of wedding planning. It can be a stressful process, but just remember that in the end you'll end up marrying the love of your life. So enjoy the journey! To book or inquire about any destination wedding venue/resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit our website at www.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Destination Vow Renewals are a growing trend -- after all, it's an opportunity to do it all over again and perhaps this time around, do it even better than the first! Here are five steps to helping you create the destination vow renewal of your dreams: 1) Pick a location: First and foremost sit down with your sweetheart and pick the site of your dream vow renewal together. For many couples, committing to your second round of I Do's together means you're in a better place financially compared to when you were newlyweds just starting off. So don't hesitate to pick a location that is epic and on your travel bucket list, unless of course you want to return to the site where you first said your I Do's -- whatever route you decide, make sure it's a place that you both agree on! Karisma Resorts & Hotels offer a plethora of beautiful locations throughout Mexico and the Caribbean, some locations even include a free vow renewal ceremony or special rates for vow renewals. You may also want to consider renting one of Karisma's private villa to celebrate your special occasion in absolutely luxury and style. 2) Narrow down your guest list: Unlike your wedding day, vow renewals don't have to include everybody and anybody. This celebration can focus on just the two of you or include just your closest circle of family and friends. It's totally up to you because this time around, you don't have to worry about offending that aunt or cousin you didn't really want to invite but had to in order to avoid family drama. Make your guest list as little or big as you want it to be, and if you want it to be an elopement vow renewal party of two -- so be it! 3) Pick family to be in your bridal party, if you decide to have one: Should you decide to have a bridal party, consider picking your children or perhaps siblings, parents or other close family members or friends to stand by your side. There's nothing more beautiful than seeing a bride walked down the aisle by her children. Much like your celebration, keep your bridal party small and meaningful. 4) Go simple on the details and focus on the experience: Perhaps you were one of those "go bananas on details" brides your first time around. Well this time, you don't have to go "there" if you don't want to. Instead of focusing on all the crazy little details, why not keep your mind and heart focused on the experience you'll share with your spouse and anyone you invite to join you. Make it all about the experience rather than the details, this is your time to truly celebrate love and live in the moment. 5) Make it a vacation to remember: Plan activities, excursions and outings together with emphasis on enjoying the experience. This time around you don't have to go big on a Welcome party, rather plan something special for your group -- maybe a day trip snorkeling or diving. Or perhaps a fun outing like an ATV tour or camel safari. Keep your Destination Vow Renewal focused on making unforgettable memories together! To book or inquire about any destination wedding venue/resort, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit our website at www.wrighttravelagency.com - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Besides the incredible massage and spa services the Vassa Spa offers at Azul Beach Hotel in Puerto Morelos, brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests can also enjoy the spa's full service hair and makeup salon to ensure they're picture perfect for the big day. The Vassa Spa salon staff is comprised of trained hair and makeup stylist who are very receptive to their client's inspiration photos and styling preferences. The staff also suggest that brides schedule a trial before the Wedding day to ensure that you get the look you've envisioned for your I Do's. "I would definitely suggest brides do a trial ahead of the Wedding day," says Yidan Ortiz, who has been one the salon's stylists for six years. Ortiz says that it can be challenging when the bride wants to try out a style or changes her mind on the day of the wedding because not all styles or looks work for every person's face or hair. Trial runs allow for the stylist and the client to nail down the perfect look for the final run come the big day. Hair and makeup trials should be scheduled in advance and requests can be made to work with the same stylist during both the trial and the Wedding day. The spa, which typically has at least four stylists on staff, uses Mac products for all makeup services because of its propensity to last in hot and humid weather conditions. Airbrush style makeup is also available upon request. Aside from hair and makeup services, Vassa Spa and salon also offers manicures and pedicures by appointment. Click here for more information about Vassa Spa's treatments, services and prices. And to book your stay at Azul Beach Hotel, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE!
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Hi Everyone- Getting Married At Sanctuary Cap Cana Dec 2017
CapCanaBride posted a topic in Newbies!!
Hey (or Hola) everyone I am new to this site and super excited because I just booked my wedding at Sanctuary Cap Cana. Is anyone else getting married there next year cause I would really love a planning buddie I have been engaged for over a year now and we finally set the date ( Dec 3rd 2017) and we are super excited My David actually proposed to me at Sanctuary last year and we fell in LOVE with the resort and staff. He created this romantic night on the beach had the photographer ready and actually serenaded me with a song and at the end asked me to marry him ( that's my ring in the pic ) I always wanted a blue stone with diamonds like princess Diana's ring and he got the PERFECT one... my birthstone and diamonds... The resort is actually a castle on the ocean (see i am kinda going with a princess kinda theme here LOL) common what bride does not wanna get married in front of a castle on a private Island RIGHT??? . We have not decided on our final venues yes but the Island is a top contender for sure. They told me when I booked my wedding last week that Brandon McManus from the Denver Broncos actually got married on the Castle Island after he won the Superbowl (how cool is that) Evidently they get all kinds of celebrities that stay there. Annnnnnnnnnnny way, next week I have my "stage-one" planning call with my coordinator to start my wedding workbook and I am nervous excited. Gotta make some BIG decisions for venues and my wedding package ect ect ect..I will let you know how it went I took tons of pictures of the Island and the resort when we were there, but don't know how to post them, can anyone help me pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! Oh before I forget, how soon did everyone get their dress??? I started looking already Send me a message so we can chat Excited Cap Cana Bride- 1 reply
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5 Reasons Why Villas are Perfect for Family/Group Trips
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Traveling with groups of family or friends can be quite challenging for several reasons. Besides the obvious intricacies of air/road travel in a large pack, finding a hotel or resort that can accommodate a large group while keeping everyone close to each other can be a real nightmare. So when it comes to group-style vacations, why not have everyone under one roof via Villa vacationing to help simplify things? Villa-style vacationing is becoming a quite popular trend for those with large families or traveling in groups. Here are five reasons why villas are ideal for family/group trips: 1) Your group will have complete privacy. At your villa, you don't have to worry about loud neighbors, making too much noise that might disturb your neighbors or having to plan gatherings when the grounds are not too crowded. Villa vacationing means your group will have the ability to enjoy your private space from morning till night without having to worry about other guests. If your villa comes with a pool, there's no need to worry about other guests crowding the pool space because it's all yours! A villa not only serves as your vacation hub, it's more like a vacation home giving you all the amenities and space you need for a relaxing stay. 2) It can be affordable when split between different parties and the perks make it worth it. Although pricing for villa vacations can often seem intimidating, when splitting the costs amongst your group, a luxury stay at a villa can be quite affordable. The perks of staying at a private villa also make the costs worthwhile for several reasons: open access to the amenities (pool, spa, pool tables, lounge furniture), homestyle comfort and a spacious living areas you simply don't get in a resort room or suite, ability to host gatherings for your large group on your own timeline. Villas also often come with kitchens so you can dine at home if you'd like, also cutting costs. 3) The Villa serves as the hub. There's no need to plan to meet anywhere or schedule a time slot where you group can gather, because your villa can serve as the hub for your group making outings or special activities much easier to plan. Want to plan a special meal for your group -- why not do it right on your villa property? Your villa gives you the space you need for any occasion. 4) You can still have a sense of privacy amongst your group. Villa vacationing doesn't always necessarily mean you'll be on top of one another -- there are spacious villas that will still give each family in your group the privacy they need on their own. For instance, the gorgeous Villa Carola by Karisma at Azul Beach offers separate entry ways for the first floor and second floor units -- yet both are on the same grounds and share the same pool, but each story has their own living room space giving each the privacy they need. And with six bedrooms and bathrooms, you can easily accommodate up to 12 adults and 8 children. 5) Builds camaraderie in your group. Sharing the same roof will not only give you a sense of togetherness, it also gives you more opportunity to create more memories together! Villa vacationing is perfect for groups especially large families -- how happy are kids when they know they can hang out with their favorite cousins from morning till night? Villa vacationing is truly the perfect option for families who want to spend time together and share a vacation experience they'll never forget! To find out more about villa options at your ideal destination location, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.-
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Earlier this year, the Cancun/Riviera Maya based design and decor team at Zuñiga Productions created a vibrant Indian wedding ceremony design in one of the ballrooms at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. The use of rich jewel tones and touches of gold help to make this a ceremony display one your guests will soon not forget. For more information on Zuñiga's design services, visit their website at: www.decocancun.com
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Indian Wedding Ceremony Decor Inspiration by Grupo Gama
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Earlier this year, the design and decor team at Grupo Gama based in Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico, put together a stunning and elegant Indian Wedding ceremony setup at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in one of their spacious ballrooms. The use of crystals and touches of white, ivory and gold helped create this timelessly unique display. For more information on Gama's services, visit their website at: www.grupogama.mx-
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Earlier this year, the Cancun/Riviera Maya Sakurako Yakushiji the COO and Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA -- a premiere wedding decor stylist team in the Cancun-Riviera Maya area -- and her design team created an incredible Indian wedding ceremony display in one of ballrooms at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort. The design was inspired by rich deep tones and a variety of beautiful details to create a one-of-a-kind ceremony setup. For more information on LATIN ASIA's services, visit their website at: www.weddingcancun.mx or contact the team directly at [email protected] - - - Sakurako Yakushiji, COO, Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA, has impeccable logistics knowledge, extraordinary floral design skills with a Masters degree and international license in Japanese floral art. Having her own Hindu wedding ceremony at Agra India, she and her team understand the deep meaning of what it takes to create a dream Destination Indian wedding regardless being Hindu, Sikh or Ismaili Muslim. Saku has trained people from scratch not only to execute great performances, but to make every member of LATIN ASIA a better person creating new opportunities every day.
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Photo Tips: Timing Your Sunset/Sunrise Ceremony & Portraits
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
If you've been dreaming of a beautiful ceremony followed by incredible romantic photos at sunset, or perhaps you want to plan for sunrise photos -- you can actually determine the best time to plan your festivities by checking out approximate sunrise/sunset times for your wedding location. By visiting: www.timeanddate.com/sun you can enter your location (if they don't list your city, choose the next closest major city) and you'll have the option to view sunrise/sunset times on the exact date you plan to get married. This is a great tool for you as you begin your wedding planning process. Ideally, portraits done during the golden hours -- the two hours after sunrise and the two hours prior to sunset -- will give you the most flattering and soft light which will help yield gorgeous photos. If you can, try and connect with your photographer on the timing as well to discuss the ideal time for your ceremony and portraits. Your photographer can of great help in determining the best time for portraits.-
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I wanted to share with you all how I ended up choosing the resort I am getting married in in Cancun. I found this to be the most difficult and daunting part of planning. You all have been so helpful so I wanted to return the favor for any others looking or getting started. I also have more info on my flowers and budget and I will post that separately so people can get an idea of what things will cost. I was very concerned with pricing and I know asking what you paid for your wedding is a little sensitive but I will start a new thread with my wedding flowers cost. I knew I wanted to get married in Cancun, not Riviera Maya or Playa Mujeras, but downtown Cancun as I have been there many times before and for my group it would be a perfect destination between partying and beach/resort/relaxation. I started out by writing down all the hotels I liked and then I started emailing info. All I got from the coordinators were the pdf files with the packages, but realistically, that was not enough to make a decision. With my personality, I need to know all the ins and outs and what to expect before I choose a resort. I've heard things can add up and there are a lot of hidden fees. I don't mind spending money but I want to know in advance what I'm getting into to avoid any arguments later. I also received lots of recommendations to get a travel agent and they would be able to help me. I did get a travel agent but making the decision on which resort still came down to me knowing all the facts. With the above being said about my personality, a lot of people on this forum as well as the coordinators recommended to choose a hotel based on where I saw myself getting married and which grounds I liked. For me, this wasn't enough. I badgered the coordinators to show me all of their fees, including outside vendor fees, how it works with the extras such as dj, photographer, and decor, as well as extra guests and linens, etc. The hidden fees I found were astonishing, some hotels were charging extra money to walk in sand if you had your reception on the beach or to keep the food warm. Off the bat, I discounted those hotels since those were things I didn't want to deal with. I chose my resort on one thing alone after all my research: Outside vendor fees. I wanted a resort with low outside vendor fees as I didn't want to be bamboozled into paying high resort pricing when I could get the same thing outside for cheaper. The resort I chose is Dreams Sands Cancun and the date is 1/28/17. Dreams Sands outside vendor fees are $150 per a vendor which is very reasonable compared to the others who charge $800 or $1000. I made sure this fee was per vendor and not per person. The resort is not as beautiful as lets say the Hyatt Ziva, but ultimately I would be very agitated had I found out these high fees later on when I started planning. The coordinator at Hyatt Ziva was actually not very helpful when I contacted her and was trying to get me to book the package on the very first day that we spoke on the phone. After receiving a more detailed email from them, I crossed Hyatt Ziva out. Thats it, I based it on one factor. I also made sure this hotel is in a great location right near party city and its affordable for guests and allows kids. So far, planning seems ok. Dreams Sands seems easy to work with but I will definitely fill you in on all that as I get closer. How did you all choose your resort?
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Villa Carola Perks: Host a PIzza Party for Your Guests
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
When you opt to stay at a private villa like the incredible Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts for your destination wedding celebration, you have the flexibility to use the private grounds to host various gatherings for your guests. From simple to elaborate, the villa space can be utilized as the hub for your group and it's the perfect spot for events like a festive Welcome Pool Party or perhaps a farewell lunch! As a guests at the villa, you can use the services of the private chef, bartender and staff for any planned events. If you want to host a unique celebration, consider a Farewell Pizza Party before your guests depart from your destination experience. At a villa-hosted pizza party, your guests will have the opportunity to create their own personal pizzas with fresh dough and delicious ingredients, including a variety of veggies, grilled meats and seafood. And of course, your personal cook will be on site to ensure your stone-fired pizzas are cooked to perfection and ready to serve fresh. And as usual, you can't beat the gorgeous views along the Villa Carola outdoor terrace. It's truly the perfect way to say thank you and farewell to your guests for being a part of your destination wedding experience. To find out more about staying at Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.-
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Perhaps you and your sweetheart already live together and have more than enough traditional coupling stuff for the home (i.e., toaster, towels, bedsheets, glasses, etc.) or maybe since you're a destination wedding bride you've come to realize what a tough task it would be for you to lug any gifts home that were brought to your destination celebration. Either way, there are plenty of alternatives to the traditional wedding gifts wish list to consider. 1. Create a Honeyfund at honeyfund.com Here you can register for things that pertain to your honeymoon experience, like a scuba dive, a dinner out, a couple's massage by the shore -- it's up to you to list what you and your mate have planned for your getaway. And your friends and family can contribute to your fund to make your honeymoon a memorable one! 2. Sign up for a giftcard registry Yes this does exist and who doesn't love the flexibility of giftcards?! This way you'll have more control of what you need to purchase and your guests will feel like they are still helping you out as you start your lives together. Cardavenue.com allows you to craft a giftcard wishlist for any type of celebration. 3. Ask your guests to contribute to your favorite cause or charity People will want to give you something, so why not encourage them to pay it forward instead. The IDoFoundation is a site where you can create a free charity fundraiser and ask your guests to support a worthy cause in honor of your union. 4. Create a Home Fund If you and your soon-to-be spouse are saving up to buy a home, why not ask your guests to help you with your down payment? At Hatch My House couples can create a home fund that guests can contribute to that will help them buy a place they'll one day call home. 5. Tell your family and friends their presence is present enough For many destination wedding couples, having their guests invest in a trip/vacation to their destination celebration is more than enough of a gift. So thank your guests in person or include it on the invite or your wedding website that gifts aren't necessary -- and tell them their mere presence at your wedding is all you need.
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Renting a private villa like the incredible Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts for your destination wedding celebration has several perks, but perhaps one of the best aspects of renting a villa for your stay is that you can host private events outside of your wedding -- like a fabulous Welcome Pool Party complete with an abundance of food and drinks for you and your wedding guests to enjoy. Unlike hosting an event on the general resort grounds, a pool party at your private compound allows you a lot more flexibility and freedom to cater your gathering as you please: 1) You can schedule your Welcome Party during any time of the day. There are no strict timelines to abide by and no special section you must have your party at. When it comes to renting the Villa Carola property, you decide when you want to host your event -- just let your private butler know and he/she will take care of things. 2) Your party can last as long as you please. Feeling like partying from the day into the night? No problem, since you're on the private compound, the entire property is yours to use as you please with no time limitations on pool/spa use. 3) You can utilize the services of the private chef, bartender and staff to cater to your guests for the duration of the celebration to help make your gathering as stress-free as possible. Staying at Villa Carola means you have access to your own private staff. You will have the help of your assigned butler who can help plan and organize the party details with you along with taking note of any special requests you may have, a private chef who can create a scrumptious buffet style menu of grilled delights and tasty appetizers and desserts that you and your guests will love, a bartender who can keep the drinks flowing, and servers who will ensure that everyone is provided with the best services possible throughout the party. 4) Your guests can enjoy the beach, the private pool and spa at their leisure. Villa Carola is perfectly located on a beautiful stretch of turquoise waters adjacent to the Azul Beach Hotel. The villa has its own private access to the beach along with private beach beds, and a huge pool and spa that can only be used by those staying at the villa. You will also have access to private outdoor showers and lounge chairs throughout the grounds. 5) Your guests can either dine along the tables near the ocean view or relax in one of the poolside lounge chairs or on a hammock. Although this is a party, your guests can either socialize, stay active or completely unwind. There are several spots to relax on the spacious Villa Carola property. Renting a private villa like Villa Carola is a way for you to enjoy a luxurious vacation experience but also extend the pampering to your guests as they enjoy the atmosphere and perks of villa vacationing during your hosted events! To find out more about staying at Villa Carola by Karisma Resorts in Riviera Maya, Mexico, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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4 Reasons Why Staying at a Smaller Resort is Ideal for You
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
With so many options out there, choosing the resort to host your wedding festivities can be quite a difficult task. But besides location, a resort's size can often play a huge role in setting the tone for your entire celebration and getaway. Here are 4 reasons why a smaller resort is the right choice for you: 1. Group gatherings are easier to coordinate. When your resort is of smaller size, your wedding group will literally take over the property -- and that can be a great thing! It won't be hard to run into your attendees at a smaller resort and it makes it much easier to plan gatherings for the group. A unique camaraderie is one of the best things about destination weddings because you end up making great memories together! 2. Everything is conveniently located and you won't feel intimidated by the size of the resort. I've stayed at huge resorts before and while the walks from one spot to another helped ease the damage I was doing to my vacation waistline a la all-inclusive style vacationing, I didn't always feel like "hiking" everywhere. Big resorts while spacious and offer a lot to see, are not always convenient. Smaller resorts have a much more intimate feel and nothing is ever too far of a walk. When I vacationed at Azul Beach Hotel in Puerto Morelos, Mexico this past spring, I was surprised by the spacious but intimate feel of the resort. I loved that everything was just a short distance/walk away -- this is especially helpful on those warm days when all you want to do is lay by the pool or take a dip in the ocean because a dose of water therapy is always nearby! 3. You won't feel overwhelmed by the crowds. With large resorts come big crowds. At a smaller resorts you won't feel like the pools have too many people in them or that the beach is too crowded. And when you're looking for some true R&R, a smaller crowd is a must! 4. Getting dinner reservations is typically pretty easy. When you're staying at smaller resorts that offer a variety of food options, you'll find that dinner reservations aren't hard to come by. So planning that special dinner for two or perhaps a group meal will be a cinch. For more information about smaller resort options for your destination celebration or vacation, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel throughout the world. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.-
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Bridal Beauty Tips to Looking Flawless on Your Wedding Day
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Written by Styling Trio, a premier Hair & Makeup Agency in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen We've worked closely with many lovely brides over the years and can't help but be constantly amazed by how many we encounter with beautiful skin and/ or luscious , healthy hair. Of course, being in the beauty business, we can’t help ourselves but to ask these gorgeous gals what they do, what's their secret. Many have told us about expensive facials and moisturizers and even some aggressive hair repair treatments. What we also hear about most often these days are the natural, basic, DIY tips to staying beautiful. These are our favorite ones , directly from our beautiful brides to you! Green Tea This one tops the list from personal experience . Green tea regenerates cells so of course it's great for your overall health. You still must watch what you eat but add Green tea to your diet too and boost your metabolism and improve your health. Susan got married in June last year. She started drinking green tea twice a day for 60 days and saw the difference right away . She felt it certainly helped keep her energy level up during the day. Perhaps consider having a cup of green tea to start your wedding day and give yourself a healthy little boost! Yoga Stress can cause breakouts. To avoid this, especially before wedding time, make sure you are at peace . A great way to achieve this state of Zen is through a combination of yoga and meditation. Both are great practices to help keep your nerves and anxiety under control. Lauren was married in January this year and she started breaking out as the wedding day got closer. So she went to a dermatologist in an attempt to get anything she could to stop from breaking out like this before her wedding. However, after talking to her dermatologist, she realized her breakouts were due to stress! Lauren was never a fan of yoga or meditation but it was something that she had to include in her life if she wanted to reduce stress and help control her breakouts. She started a yoga and meditation regimen 90 days before her wedding, practicing each at least 3 times a week and it really helped her. We saw her and we can attest to the fact she looked radiant on her wedding day! Chlorophyll Christina was married on April this year and we noticed her gorgeous skin right away! She told us her secret was a chlorophyll shot every morning . She started it 60 days before the wedding and the first 35 days her skin was already glowing! It makes sense if you think about it because chlorophyll brings oxygen and hydrates your skin. Christina also started drinking plenty of water and juicy fruits like watermelon and grapefruit as a part of this cholorophyll regimen. We think it worked wonders! Coconut Oil Meena was married in December last year and she had damaged hair from years of heat styling and more. So 30 days before the wedding , she heard about the benefits of coconut oil for dammaged hair and started treating her hair with coconut oil for 30 minutes daily. You just put it in and then and then shampoo and condition normally, preferably with cold water. The difference for Meena was huge and by the time her wedding came, her hair was gorgeous and so healthy looking! Honey Casey was married in August of last year and wanted to give a boost to her blonde locks before her wedding day. A couple of months before the big day , she noticed that her maid - of - honor's hair was looking shinier than usual and asked her what her secret was. She told her she started adding a teaspoon of honey to her conditioner every day . By the time the wedding came, Casey had gorgeous glowing locks just as she wanted. Some have had similar effects with the addition of olive oil to their conditioner. Try them both. They have antioxidant qualities that can be nothing but good for you! We love these tips not only because they are natural choices but you can easily include them in your everyday life and get that bridal glow before your big day! If you have more of natural DIY tips tips, please share with us below! Styling Trio is a Hair & Makeup agency representing talented artists in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen. Adrian Guerra founded Styling Trio in 2009, with a clear vision and a fantastic team behind him, the agency is the premier choice for brides searching for the best hair stylists and makeup artists in the Riviera Maya. For more information on Styling Trio's hair and makeup services, visit their website at: www.stylingtrio.com - - - If you have a question you'd like us to "Ask the Expert" message me (MarieSamSanchezPhoto) and we'll feature your question and answer on a future post! "Ask the Expert" features commonly asked questions by brides and grooms with answers and insight provided by our very own Best Destination Wedding Forum experts.-
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How We Met Andrew and I met online early summer of 2014. Our initial conversation started with our likes for rivalry hockey teams, the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins. From there the conversation kept flowing and we went on our first date in early July. We continued to talk and go on dates over the next couple of months until we made our relationship official in August 2014. From there the rest is history ♥ The Proposal Every year we make a trip to Florida and stay in Indian Rocks Beach. This time we traveled with another couple (Ellen and Tyler) at the end of March 2016. Ellen and I being typical girls we wanted 'cute and coupley' sunset photos with the boys. On Sunday, April 3rd we finished dinner and walked down to the beach just in time to get in some good photos of the sun setting. Andrew and I took a few photos standing on the beach with the sun behind us, and then he said 'Let's try one more (pose)'. Then he got down on one knee in the water and I immediately started blushing and crying because I was so shocked/happy/surprised. After Andrew gave his romantic spiel and asked me to marry him, I said of course. Travel Agent/Picking a Resort We knew that we wanted to have a destination wedding right from the get go because we are beach bums and love the sun/water. Neither of us have ever been to Mexico, however it seemed like the perfect place for our wedding! The next thing on the list was to find a travel agent. I had been told to shop around for an agent for pricing and most importantly the person knows what they are doing/is easy to communicate with. We went to a local mall and popped into Flight Centre, they directed us to a nearby mall where their group travel specialist was located. Instantly we clicked and my finance and I knew we would be going with this agent based on her knowledge, experience and how helpful she was. The next step was choosing a resort, we wanted the resort to be affordable, yet still nice. We weren't very flexible with our potential wedding dates because the best man is a teacher and it is the only time he could take time off work to come to the wedding. After looking at quotes and reading (wedding) reviews we were sold on the GRAND SUNSET PRINCESS. On May 5th 2016 we put our deposits in for travel May 17th - May 24th. Our guests had the deposit deadline of July 13th to guarantee the rates given by the TA. ....More to come
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5 Reasons Why Staying at a Larger Resort is Ideal for You
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
With so many options out there, choosing the resort to host your wedding festivities can be quite a difficult task. But besides location, a resort's size can often play a huge role in setting the tone for your entire celebration and getaway. Here are 5 reasons why a larger resort is the right choice for you: 1) There's lots of space and usually a plethora of options to host events and celebrations. Larger resorts will typically have more options for you to choose from when it comes to hosting weddings, events or gatherings -- and this is really important when it comes to larger celebrations that include a lot of guests (like Indian destination weddings). Aside from the wedding, if you plan on hosting a welcome gathering or farewell breakfast or brunch, a larger resort will give you different spaces/areas to choose from. Mega resorts like Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun offer a wide variety of incredible spaces and location options for brides and grooms who want different settings/atmospheres for their celebratory events. 2) There's typically a lot of stuff to do on a large resort. Larger resorts will be packed with lots of different areas to explore and plenty of things to do. Expect an abundance of activities both day and night for kids and adults alike. It's impossible to get bored at a large resort because there are ways to keep busy from morning till night. 3) You will usually have a lot of food options and eateries to choose from. With a larger resort usually comes many food options and eateries. If you want you and your guests to have a variety of food and drink options, a larger resort will often give you more than enough choices. 4) Every day will give you an opportunity to explore a different part of the resort -- it's like you're in your own city! If you're the type who wants to be able to do everything and anything without leaving your resort grounds, consider a larger resort. You can choose a different part of the resort to explore and experience each day. Besides restaurants and pools, larger resorts will often have a nightclub, lounges, bars and daily entertainment for you to enjoy. 5) You will have the opportunity to meet and interact with a lot of different people. If you love being social, a bigger resort will give you plenty of opportunities to do get your mingle on. For more information about larger resort options for your destination celebration or vacation, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel throughout the world. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.-
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Malas Decor: Tradition and Symbolism Beyond Beauty
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Written by LATIN ASIA - Destination Wedding Decor Varmala is a tradition from ancient times where a beautiful garland of flowers (jaimala) symbolizes a proposal of marriage. Malas or hanging garlands have been used as wedding décor in India since ancient times. They have a special meaning depending on if they are Hindu or Buddhist. In Hinduism a mala represents the 108 names that can have the god Vishnu, the creator of the universe and the god of goodness, so, that’s the reason to use them in a Hindu wedding. The tradition of jaimalas is one of the many rituals in an Indian wedding. When the groom puts jaimala to his wife, they are declared husband and wife and all best wishes are in the jaimalas for a long, happy and healthy life together. The bride also puts jaimala to the groom. This exchange represent among other things respect for each other. But garlands of flowers (malas) are not only used in the neck. Today, you can use to beautify anywhere. If you want to make an impact from the first moment, you can use beautiful curtain at the entrance of the hall or to decorate the walls. The jhula, is a very important element in the wedding and if you decorate it with malas will look awesome. The focus of all Hindu wedding is the Mandap , which can be decorated with multiple colors: Some are simpler but equally beautiful designs. Amazing, right? If you need assistance on adding this incredible detail to your wedding, email Latin ASIA at: [email protected]} Source: http://www.littleindiadirectory.com/ultimate-guide-to-indian-flower-garlands/ For more information on LATIN ASIA's services, visit their website at: www.weddingcancun.mx Sakurako Yakushiji, COO, Master Florist & Decor Expert of LATIN ASIA, has impeccable logistics knowledge, extraordinary floral design skills with a Masters degree and international license in Japanese floral art. Having her own Hindu wedding ceremony at Agra India, she and her team understand the deep meaning of what it takes to create a dream Destination Indian wedding regardless being Hindu, Sikh or Ismaili Muslim. Saku has trained people from scratch not only to execute great performances, but to make every member of LATIN ASIA a better person creating new opportunities every day.-
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We have booked our wedding at the Dreams Tulum Resort for March 18, 2017. My guest list is about 40 people with the ceremony taking place in the chapel and reception on the beach. Just wondering if there are any brides out there that have had their wedding there recently? If you have any tips, advice, it would be much appreciated! I want to make sure I'm budgeting myself correctly especially with the "extra" fees that may come about.
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Hello, We are planning a destination wedding in Mexico for October 2017. So far the quotes we have received from toronto to cancun have been close to 1700/ person based on double occupancy and close to 1900/ person based on double occupancy from calgary to cancun. I am hoping they drop but would also like to start planning. Is it ok to book the wedding package and choose a date before booking the travel packages? I am worried they won't have room. Thanks!
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Dealing with Guests Who Want to Book Outside the Travel Agent Group Rate The art of getting all your guests to place their deposits for your destination wedding accommodations and finalize their booking through your travel agent can be hard -- we're talking rocket science hard. Because you'll likely have at least one guest who needs a little more time to book, another guest who goes rogue and THINKS they have found a better deal at the same resort, and of course another set of guests who decide they're going to stay at another resort all together. So how do you deal with this? The bottom line is: be open and honest with your guests from the start, and be sure they have full information on the process of booking their stay.. When wedding guests book outside the established travel agent group rate, there is often a resort surcharge for that person to attend any of your scheduled events. So let your guests know about these extra fees that must be paid if they book outside your contracted group rate. Since couples have arranged a group rate and held rooms for their guests in a group block, many brides and grooms do pass any additional charge for booking outside the group on to those guests who choose that route. So convey to your guests ahead of time what the ramifications are if they book on their own. Having guests book elsewhere could also put additional pressure on the wedding couple, as most resorts require a minimum occupancy to stay at the resort. Also when it comes to guests who decide to book lodging elsewhere outside of your chosen resort, make sure they know there will typically be a visitors fee for them to enter your resort and attend your wedding (if that is in fact, your resort's policy). These visitor fees can average anywhere from $75 to $200 per guests --so these unexpected costs can easily add up. Additionally, if a resort is full to capacity, they are under no obligation to sell these "day passes" to people wishing to enter for the day. Resorts will not overcrowd their paying guests by allowing in those staying elsewhere if they are full, meaning there's no guarantee they'll be able to attend your wedding at all! Now it's up to you whether you want to cover your guests visitor fee or tell your guests that they would be responsible for paying it on their own -- Most couples make it clear that any additional cost for those choosing to stay elsewhere would be the guest's responsibility, from transfers, to taxi to entry fee. Once these are all calculated into the total price, it is quite typical that the cost of staying elsewhere can actually be higher than just booking into the group block and staying on site. Additionally, the whole concept and experience of a destination wedding includes not just guests attending the actual ceremony, but leisure time spent on the beach with the wedding couple, or relaxing with a drink in the lobby bar -- all things that off-site guests would be excluded from experiencing. It's also important to emphasize to your guests that you've contracted the help of a travel agent, who can help ensure their needs are taken care of should any problems arise during the booking or travel process. Travel agents usually also have established working relationships with the resorts they work with and can quickly handle any issues or unexpected problems that arise -- giving you the attention and assistance you need, whereas those who book deals on discount travel websites often have no recourse or anyone to turn to who can offer immediate help. Most importantly, when guests stay off-site, they are missing out on the best part of a destination wedding -- which is the group trip aspect. It's the bonding of the wedding guests where you really foster relationships with people and long lasting memories, and these times can only truly be had when you are interacting with the group at the same resort. How Do You Tell Your Guests of the Importance of Booking the Travel Agent Group Rate? TA Wendy, one of the agents for Wright Travel Agency -- the official agency for the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- suggests that couples put something on their website or Save the Date that says, "We are delighted that you are considering attending our Destination Wedding, and to make your booking the trip smooth and easy we have contracted for the rooms with a Travel Agent who specializes in Destination wedding travel. If you are planning to come this is how you should book your reservation to ensure you are in our group block and a part of all the festivities." A simple statement like this will often deter guests from going off and travel shopping on their own. Unfortunately, there truly is no way you can force anyone to book according to your wishes, but you do have the ability to provide your guests with the knowledge upfront of what can, and will happen, if they decide to book outside the established group rate. Being upfront and honest from the get go, can save you a lot of headache, stress and most of all money in the long run! For more information and assistance about establishing a group rate at the resort of your choice, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! - - - About me: I am a former BDW Bride AKA as MarieSam and I was addicted to this forum as I planned my own wedding in 2009. Since 2010, I have been the proud owner of MarieSam Sanchez Photography -- a husband and wife photography team based in Southern California and documenting love all over the world. I am also a mother to two girls, an avid traveler and a destination wedding writer/blogger.
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Hello everyone! I'm hoping someone can help us gain some clarity on the topic of Group Rates. We're getting ready to sign our resort room contract and the rates look like they are basically $12 off/pp/per night of what you'd get on the resort's own site for an individual (non-group) stay. The promos our TA has gotten us are great and we're very happy with them. I'm just wondering, how much should we expect to save our guests on the room rates? Is the group deal more about the promos than the rates? I've tried Googling "average group rates savings" but really haven't gotten anywhere. Any kind of clarity you can offer here would be appreciated! Thanks!
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Brides.com: 5 Things Guests Hate Most About Wedding
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
We've all been to at least one wedding in our lifetime, and while it is a joyous and celebratory gathering, no wedding goes 100 percent as planned. Things go wrong at weddings all the time, both big and small. But there are some aspects that a couple should consider ahead of time to avoid having unhappy guests during their Wedding Day. According to a recent article published in Brides.com, here are 5 things guests hate most about weddings: 1) Delayed Receptions Don't wait too long to feed the guests once the ceremony ends. At the very least, have a cocktail and appetizer hour to keep your guests happy before the reception begins. Also keep in mind that if you're having children present, there should be activities to keep them occupied rather than having them run around amongst starved guests. 2) Lack of Planning Keep in communication with your guests to ensure that they are aware of any changes to the schedule. Remember when planning, to think of every aspect of the day and carefully plan your details out -- having a wedding coordinator, or at the very least, a "day-of" coordinator is a great way to ensure that all bases are covered. 3) No Microphones at the Ceremony Make sure you have the proper tools (microphones) and sound system in place to ensure that your guests can actually hear your vows. This is especially important if you're having a ceremony outdoors (beach especially!), there's nothing worse than your guests traveling both near and far and then not giving them a chance to fully witness your nuptials because they can't hear them. Consider having microphones if you're not sure your guests will be able to hear you during the ceremony. 4) The Bride Venting About Her Wedding (At the Wedding) Don't be that bride who complains about her wedding while at the wedding! Yes, you may be stressed and exhausted, but expressing your disappointment to your guests and bridal party will make them feel uncomfortable during a time when they are there to celebrate you. 5) Cash Bar If you're having guests travel to your destination wedding, consider offering at least a limited bar if an open bar isn't within your budget. This article was originally published on Brides.com. Tell us, what is your pet peeve when it comes to attending weddings?-
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