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With so many great destination location options throughout the world, choosing the perfect location for your wedding festivities can be a tough task. But the agents of Wright Travel Agency -- the official agency of the Best Destination Wedding Forum -- are experts on the most popular destination regions and they are happy to share their insight when it comes to choosing the best destination area for your dream wedding celebration. Here are five reason why getting married in Cancun, Mexico is the right choice for you. 1. You Enjoy a Good Night Life: There is no comparison to Cancun's nightlife in all of Mexico. Here you and your guests will have a plethora of options when it comes to late night bars, eateries and of course world renown clubs. The nightlife thrives every day of the week and when it comes to clubs, it's not just music you can enjoy, there are literally acrobats and performers coming from every corner. It's basically Cirque du Soleil for all the sexy and grown people! You will find all you can drink club options -- and when they say all you can drink, they truly mean it. If you're looking for lively nightlife, Cancun is the place to be. 2. You Love to Shop and Dine: Cancun is thriving with shops, malls and restaurants on every corner. Looking for bargain shops or high-end stores? They've got it! There is an outlet mall, a shopping mall and plazas full of your favorite establishments. When it comes to dining, you will have tons of eateries to choose from -- there is literally every international flavor of your choosing when it comes to Cancun and best of all, you don't even need to rent a car to get from place to place. Cancun has a great public bus system that is affordable and makes the rounds throughout the city all day and all night long. Taxis are also readily available on every corner. 3. You Appreciate Beautiful Clear Blue Water and Soft Sandy Beaches: Cancun's sandy beaches are long, expansive, safe and swimmable. If you're dreaming about warm crystal azure waters, you will find them in Cancun. Beach activities are plentiful with parasailing, beach volleyball, snorkel and dive trips. If you're looking for fun in the sun, this is the place to be. 4. You Want a Good Mix of City and Beach Life: If you love the ocean but also want your fix of city life with shopping and dining options at your fingertips, Cancun is the right spot for you. Cancun offers a great mix of urban and beach life all in one. Cancun also offers daily transport/tours to the Riviera Maya region for activities and excursions. And there is also easy access to Isla Mujeres via ferry or private boat -- in just 30 to 45 minutes you'll find yourself enjoying island life! 5. You're Looking for a Solid Variety of Pricing and Accommodations for Your Destination Wedding: In Cancun you will find a great mix of affordable and luxury resort options -- there is truly something here for everyone. From simple elegance to high-end luxurious establishments, Cancun has everything you could possibly want or need. To book or inquire about a location for a destination wedding elopement or wedding, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or visit the 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 photographer and writer/blogger.
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Has anyone been following the recent news surrounding alcohol related incidents in Mexico... specifically in Cancun and Playa Del Carmen hotels. Iberostar Paraiso is mentioned, but incidents have been reported at other resorts too. Some theories are indicating hotels are served bootleg alcohol and/or have deals with local hospitals to extort money from guests. I've had a few guests contact me regarding some recent alcohol-related incidents in Mexico and I've reached out to our hotel, Azul Senstatori, but haven't heard back yet. http://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2017/07/20/all-inclusive-resorts-mexico-suspected-drugging-tourists/490429001/ http://www.cnn.com/2017/07/27/us/mexico-state-department-alcohol-warning/index.html http://mexicovacationawareness.com BE SAFE!
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Looking to get married in the Spring of 2018 in either Aruba or Grand Turk. Wondering whether to book wedding package through Carnival or go through an independent vendor avoiding Carnival expenses since I would like to get married ON the island, not the ship. And I would rather not have reception because I don't want to take time away from port to get back on ship early. Any advice?
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Hello everyone !! I just recently got engaged and have thrown myself into wedding planning as I know how quickly availability goes in good resorts. I am torn between a few hotels in Mexico and want to hear some input and people's experiences at the following resorts to help make this decision a little easier . My top pick is Azul Beaches. I love the way azul does their weddings they look absolutely beautiful. But I also want to know the ups and downs of this resort. I know it is small and boutique style which I like but I need more info.. if it too small? If I end up having more people will it be an issue to get more rooms? Do they have top shelf liquor? Etc Second choice is Azul Fives 3rd- Dreams 4th - playa mujeres If there are other good one and for a better price please let me know .. I just want my guest to have a great experience and even though I love Azul I want to make sure the people like the resort aswell! Will so so so appreciate your advice! Thank you
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All-inclusive resorts are known for offering a plethora of international dining options, but when in Mexico, the mark of a good all-inclusive resort is having an eatery that provides its guests with excellent Mexican food and drink experience. And for resort-goers at Dreams Playa Mujeres, the Tres Colores restaurant is the place to be. In line with the Dreams highly touted gourmet dining experience, Tres Colores offers an elegant Mexican ambience where visitors can enjoy authentic Mexican dishes served a la carte. Some of the most popular items on the menu include the shrimp tostadas, the octopus salad, the beef, chicken and shrimp fajitas, and the beef au gratin. Aside from savory bites and dishes, the restaurant also serves delicious drinks, including service from the popular cocktail cart where diners can indulge in international and domestic top-shelf spirits or the fan favorite -- margaritas being made tableside. Tres Colores is an excellent option for a dinner gathering for both small and large groups. The restaurant is open for dinner service from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is located near the main lobby. Semi-formal/formal wear is required. To find out more information about booking your honeymoon or destination wedding at Dreams Playa Mujeres or any other resort/location, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or 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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Help looking for resorts in Montego Bay for my wedding I am having a hard time deciding. Help me with suggestions. My date that I'm looking at is July 21th 2018. Roughly 50-65 guest thanks
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A Visit to Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya: A Luxurious Oasis
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Locations
The minute you step onto the Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya Resort and Spa, you instantly feel like you’ve been whisked away to a special place. Located a little more than hour away from the Cancun airport, Secrets, which opened its doors in late 2015, is located in the town of Akumal — the Quintana Roo’s best kept secret, where warm clear ocean water flows in abundance along the powdery Akumal shores. It’s definitely for those looking to get away from the busy city-feel of Cancun or the festive nightlife that thrives in Playa del Carmen. Rather, Akumal is a place for those wanting to completely unwind and enjoy the natural surroundings. From its lush landscaping to the feeling of total serenity, this all-inclusive resort offers its adults-only guests a space to enjoy delicious cuisine at one of the six gourmet á la carte restaurants, a grill, a buffet and a café where reservations are never required, lounge by one of the more than 10 pool areas, rejuvenate your body and mind at the world-class spa or simply bask in the sun all day long on Akumal’s Bay’s incredible beaches. With 434 suites spread throughout the grounds’ lush and picturesque landscaping, everything is conveniently located so you never feel too far away from anything. But even when the property is at full capacity, the amenities and rooms are spaciously spread out enough that it never feels like the resort is overcrowded or too busy. You can experience true relaxation here with the perfect dose of peace and quiet. While the pools offer a great way to soak in the sun, Secrets Akumal is also located on one of the best beaches in the area. Akumal Bay is a local favorite, where you’ll enjoy the warm clear azure waters and if you’re lucky you may also happen to run across a turtle or two during your ocean swim -- after all, Akumal means "place of the turtle." The pristine beach is great for swimming, snorkeling and for those seeking more adventure, diving is also offered. If you opt for preferred club access, you’ll also receive daily access to Secret’s incredible hydrotherapy pools located at the resort's Secrets Spa by Pevonia. Aside from hydrotherapy, the spa also offers other services such as body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, a full service beauty salon and the fish foot treatment — something everyone should try at least once! When it comes to weddings, Secrets expansive grounds offer plenty of picturesque locations for couples to share their I Do’s. From gorgeous garden settings, incredible indoor options to a magnificent beach setting — this resort has it all. And of course, the delicious food at this property is something the entire wedding party can enjoy! Aside from the amenities and entertainment options onsite, this resort is also conveniently located close to the Tulum ruins as well as the thriving nightlife in Playa del Carmen — so you’re never too far from nearby adventures. Secrets Akumal is the perfect place for a luxurious and relaxing getaway for friends, lovers or family! To find out more information about booking your honeymoon or destination wedding at Secrets Akumal or the resort of your choice, contact Wright Travel Agency at:www.wrighttravelagency.com or 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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I first learned of the Fish Foot treatment when one of my friends posted pictures of her experience during her trip to Asia, and I was immediately fascinated by this method of getting rid of the dead skin from your feet by way of tiny fish basically nibbling at your feet. Yes, at first the concept sounds a little crazy, but everything I read mentioned how effective it was at truly exfoliating your feet — and I’m a sucker for wanting smooth feet because as a Southern California I pretty much live and flip flops and sandals. So while on my last trip to Dreams Playa Mujeres, when found out the Dreams Spa by Pevonia at the resort offered this unique spa services, I jumped on the opportunity to let this box of fish do their work The first part of the treatment included getting my feet cleansed and pampered first to ensure that I didn’t have any lotions or oils on my feet that would damage the fish — the cleansing and quick foot massage was a pleasant surprise to say the least. Then it was onto the chair where I’d sit of the next 15 minutes while the fish did their thing. I was initially hesitant to put my feet in the water, but I was assured by the spa staff that the fish nibbles wouldn’t hurt but instead it would feel like a little tickle — and about 20 seconds into the treatment, they were totally right. Those initial nibbles are a little alarming, mostly because it’s probably a sensation you’ve never felt before, but they feel just like tiny little pulses along the pads of your feet and it is not painful at all. About a minute into the treatment, you’ll be totally at ease and you can sit back and relax — or if you’re like me, you’ll continue to be fascinated by the idea of what’s going on and take photos and video of your experience. My 15-minute treatment went by in a flash and when the spa therapist dried off my feet, I was happy to feel the new smoothness on my heels as well as the pads of my feet. This treatment totally works! Due to lack of time, I only opted for the 15-minute session, but I would recommend a longer treatment if you can swing it. This is definitely a unique and fun experience you’ll enjoy and remember, and of course the bonus is, you’ll end up with beautifully smooth feet! To find out more information about booking your honeymoon or destination wedding, contact Wright Travel Agency at:www.wrighttravelagency.com or 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 all!!! Looking into venues for our destination wedding... anyone have any experience with the Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana?!? Any Information would be helpful!! I know it is a newer resort and I can't find many reviews Thanks!!!
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So you've said "yes," to tying the knot destination wedding style. But what's next? Picking your location of course! But there are many aspects to consider before you choose your destination wedding location. We've compiled our top tips to help you choose the perfect spot for you to say "I Do!" 1. Reach out to an experience destination wedding travel agent. Agents are worth their weight in gold when it comes to planning your celebration. Not only are they familiar with wedding locations regions and resort options, they can help with so many of the other variables listed below. The forum's official travel agency Wright Travel Agency helps its clients from the beginning with planning the most important travel/lodging details to overseeing any issues during the travel process through the end of the trip. These agents deal with your guests directly, so that you don't find yourself bombarded with a million travel/lodging questions that you're not quite sure to how to answer. Wright Travel agents are also aware of all the special promotions and discounts being offered at the different resorts, resulting in great savings for you and your guests. These agents also have close relationships with each of the destination resorts, which can help ease your wedding planning experience from beginning to end. Most importantly, there is no charge to use Wright Travel Agency's service. (For more information on Wright Travel Agency visit: www.wrighttravelagency.com or you can contact them HERE! 2. Timing? You'll quickly find that every location has "seasons" -- meaning, there will be times when your location of choice will be cheaper or more costly to travel to in terms of airfare and lodging. Holidays tend to be more expensive as they draw more people to the area. So consider timing because that will greatly affect the costs necessary for you and your guests to travel to your wedding location. 3. Budget/Costs. How much do you want your guests to spend? And, does that matter to you? Some couples seek to be considerate of their guests investment in the trip, while others have their heart set on a destination location and all that matters is that they're able to get there -- guests present or not. It's really up to you to decide, but bear in mind, the total investment will play a significant role in determining the size of your guests list. So If you want to draw big numbers to your destination celebration, then consider what each person will have to spend to travel and stay at your location. 4. Distance. Yep, distance matters. Costs and time will also factor into this aspect. If you decide to get married in a location that will require several of your guests to travel 8+ hours or more one way, then you have to accept the fact that some people simply may not be able to make that trip. Long distances will eat up at least 2 days of travel time, cutting into a person's time off. You also have to remember that distance will affect how much you can carry with you. If you had intended to bring a lot of your decor, then realize you will be lugging a ton of stuff thousands of miles away -- that could complicate things and make your journey tougher. So keep distance in mind. 5. Kids vs. No Kids. To have kids or not to have kids, that is the question. The answer is really up to you -- do you want children to be present at your celebration? The choice is ultimately up to you. This is an important decision to make early on because many resorts in destination locations are adults-only. So talk to your sweetheart right away about whether you want children present or not -- just remember, some guests may welcome an adults-only getaway, while others won't be able to attend because of family obligations, and you need to be OK with that. 6. All Inclusive vs. Non All-Inclusive. Deciding on whether you want to go all-inclusive or not will play a huge role in the budget/costs factor. All-inclusive options are in abundance in several Mexico destination locations like Cancun/Riviera Maya, but these options are few in places like Hawaii. While it may seem like your guests are having to pay a lot upfront costs to go all-inclusive, they will likely enjoy a more stress-free vacation experience because the main costs (dining, drinks, activities, etc.) are already paid for. The all-inclusive route may also help lower the costs you will have to spend on the actual wedding celebration at your resort. Check out our blog post about going All-inclusive to help determine whether you want to go that route. 7. Legal Requirements for Tying the Knot. Does your location have certain legal requirements when it comes to weddings? You need to look into this as soon as you begin the planning process because it may affect how early you need to arrive at your location. This will also impact who you choose to marry you, where/how you plan on getting married and what type of ceremony you'll be having -- religious, spiritual, legal, etc. Reach out to the resort planner or coordinator for assistance on these details as they should be well informed about the processes that will affect your wedding celebration. 8. Number of Guests. The size of your guest list will be a big factor in choosing your location because if you plan on having a large group, looking at smaller resorts may not be ideal. So consider this variable early on as it will narrow down your options upfront when it comes to looking at location options. 9. Wedding Planner/Coordinator? Many resorts will include assistance from a wedding coordinator or planner from their wedding department as your wedding date nears, but some couples invest in an independent coordinator/planner to take over the wedding planning process from the very start. Many brides and grooms find that planning a wedding away from home can be quite stressful, so hiring an expert to handle the details from a far could be a great investment that will make your wedding journey much more stress-free and enjoyable. To find out more information about booking your honeymoon or destination wedding, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or 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've been thinking about renewing your vows in front of your closest family and friends, Azul Fives Hotel in Playa del Carmen, Mexico has the perfect vow renewal package for an intimate celebration and best of all -- it's free! The Sky Rooftop Vow Renewal package at Azul Fives is ideal for couples who wish to renew their vows in an intimate setting with up to 24 guests. The celebration includes: Ceremony Inclusions Romantic ceremony location Altar table with white linen Uncovered white garden chairs Sound system with speakers and microphone Non-denominational officiant Welcome cocktail served to all guests upon arrival Cold towel service for each guest during ceremony Signature Services Expert Signature Designer to help plan your event Guest concierge* Personal onsite attendant day of the ceremony - 3 hours* Special room for your other half with gourmet bites on day of the ceremony 12pm - 5pm Reception Inclusions Dinner reservation for your group at Flavors Restaurant Personalized menu card Vow Renewal Romance Package for the Happy Couple Private four course candlelit dinner on the beach for two Chef's special gourmet breakfast in bed Chilled bottle of sparkling wine delivered to room upon arrival One-night return stay voucher for your next anniversary 15% discount on spa services Fresh tropical floral arrangement in room Romantically decorated suite with rose petals and aroma therapy Beachfront sky massage two for one* Couple's also have the ability to further customize their vow renewal experience, including adding options for photography and video as well as decor and floral options. This package is offered only at Azul Fives Hotel and the following requirements apply: - Package is available complimentary for US or Canada based couples - The couple must 3 Bedroom Sky Suite for 3 nights or more and two additional rooms - Ceremony must take place in the couples' bedroom sky deck. - Other couples can purchase this package for $950 USD. - Gourmet Honeymoon & Anniversary Package inclusions apply to wedding couple only. One massage must be purchased to receive one of equal or lesser value complimentary. - One-night return stay voucher valid for future stays of 5 nights or longer, non-transferrable, holidays excluded and must be used within 395 days of check out date. To find out more information about booking your complimentary Sky Rooftop Vow Renewal pakage at Azul Fives Hotel, or for assistance on booking an all-inclusive vacation for your honeymoon or destination wedding elsewhere, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or 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're looking for a special but simple way to renew your wedding vows with the one you love, Karisma has the answer for you and it's just $399 for a celebration that begins in the morning and ends at night on your Wedding Day. Karisma Hotels & Resorts, a luxury provider of vacation properties worldwide, now offers the perfect vow renewal package to celebrate love at some of their most incredible destination locations. Vow Renewal Celebration Package: $399 (for two-person ceremony only) For couple's who want to keep it simple and intimate with just the two of you, Karisma's Vow Renewal Celebration package is the idea way to renew those I Do's. Priced at $399, this package offers: A non-denominational Minister to perform a romantic symbolic ceremony Romantic ocean front ceremony location Sound system with speakers and microphone Symbolic wedding certificate Professional services of a signature wedding designer Sunrise breakfast basket including assortment of cheeses, sweet rolls and mimosas on the morning of ceremony Chilled bottle of domestic champagne at the ceremony Romantically decorated suite with rose petals, aroma therapy and candles the night of the ceremony This package is offered at El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels, Azul Hotels (excluding Jamaica), and Generations Riviera Maya, but the following requirements apply: - Valid for couples based in USA & Canada only - Valid for ceremonies taking place Monday through Thursday at 5 PM or earlier. Weekend ceremonies must take place at 2 PM or earlier. Ceremony location restrictions apply. - For those qualifying for the Memorable Moments Honeymoon & Anniversary package, the ceremony will take place at the dinner location just prior to the honeymoon dinner on the beach. - Package inclusions may vary without previous notice. Not combinable with any other promotion unless otherwise specified. Couple's also have the ability to further customize their vow renewal experience, including adding options for photography and video as well as decor and floral options. To find out more information about booking your Vow Renewal Package at Karisma Hotels & Resorts, or booking an all-inclusive vacation for your honeymoon or destination wedding, contact Wright Travel Agency at: www.wrighttravelagency.com or 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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Hi guys, My fiance and I are deciding on which resort we would like to have our destination wedding at. Our wedding is August 4, 2018. We plan on having a "weddingmoon." We are from the United States. We cannot decide between Sandals Negril Beach & Spa or Hideaway at Royalton Negril. We definitely want an Adults-Only resort. Hideaway Royalton Negril is not open yet. They were supposed to open in January of this year, but its been pushed back a few times to March 31, 2017. I am hoping to speak to a wedding representative in the first week of April to see if my date is available. Does anybody here know of someone having a wedding at a Royalton Resort? That would be my first choice. Anybody here have their wedding at Sandals Negril Beach & Spa? I have invited 40 people, but I doubt most will come. My fiance and I stayed at Luxury Grand Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay in September 2016. We loved it there, but want to try some place new! Any information is appreciated!
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Dear Rachel (Infinity Weddings), Miguel and I cannot extend enough thanks to you for coordinating our wonderfully romantic wedding in Los Cabos. Your hard work and care ensured that our day was enjoyable and STRESS-FREE! All of your hard work did not go unrecognized. My guests are still raving about every aspect of our wedding and our welcome dinner (sunset cruise), they were exactly what Miguel and I envisioned catering to all our guests. Through planning in the early stages to every last scheduling and detail down to the minute was perfectly executed. You constantly reminded me of important details and due dates and stayed on top of vendors ensuring that they were on time and provided quality service. On the day of the wedding, Rachel and her team were onsite to be sure every detail (of which there were many) was implemented perfectly from start to finish. Rachel, you have all the qualities every bride would hope to have in a wedding planner - creative, detail-oriented, reliable, organized, compassionate, professional in every sense of the word. To say the least our wedding day was picture perfect thanks to you going up and beyond for us. Every part of our day truly exceeded our expectations. We are beyond grateful and blessed to have worked with you Rachel. You truly enjoy what you do and I did see it in your eyes and smile throughout our wedding day, it was a joy to witness that. Miguel and I would like to extend our utmost gratitude to you, Rachel, for your expert help in making our special day one to remember for a lifetime. She is THE BEST wedding coordinator in Los Cabos! This is her wedding coordination website: http://www.infinitycabo.com/ Claudia and Miguel Martin *Catholic Wedding / Cocktail Hour / Reception all held at Sheraton Grand Hacienda Del Mar. Please see pictures.
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I'm trying to find information about having a legal ceremony for just the 2 of us ,I would like to keep costs down as many of the features in even the most basic packages are not needed .I appreciate any input thank you
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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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Hello everyone! So I am looking to get married in Mexico somewhere around Cancun in early November of this year. I'm searching around for resorts and have found a few that I really like, however, I was hoping to find more places that offer all inclusive but then offer to opt out of the all inclusive if any of my guests wanted to. I have found one and I do really like it but I would love to hear if anyone else has found a resort like that. My fiancé and I definitely want the all inclusive option but we would like to give our guests he option to opt out to help with the cost. If anyone has any seen or worked with any resorts that offer this, I would love to hear about them! Thank you so much! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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How Do We Decide? - Hyatt Ziva Cancun Or Dream Tulum
ChristinaDuv posted a blog entry in ChristinaDuv's Blog
Hello BDW Brides!! I am a newbie to this site and I am already grateful for finding it. My fiance and I got engaged on Labor Day weekend 2016, and since then it has been a roller coaster of emotions trying to decide a location. I am currently a full-time nursing student, and trying to accomplish both was driving me insane. So early on I found a wonderful TA and focused on school while she took the information we shared with her and did some research. Thank heavens she did, because the amount of time I spent staring at screens reading reviews, looking at photos, and messaging people that had vacationed in Mexico and the Caribbean was overwhelming. Finally, with our TA's amazing help, we narrowed it down to three and then pretty quickly to two. Now I am torn. With every good review, there is a negative one. Any time I think I find a flaw in one resort, the same flaw pops up in the other. Hyatt Ziva Cancun and Dreams Tulum are both gorgeous, yet quite different. Instead of asking myself which I love more I constantly wonder which one my guests will love more. Which one will have them walking away in awe of what they experienced. Now that I have the costs I still don't know what to do. So here i am, ready to read through as many forums as possible on these locations in hopes there is another bride out there that wants nearly the same things I do that is basically reading my mind and has made the decision first. Crazy??..yeah, I think so too.- 3 comments
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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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After traveling to several countries and numerous resorts and hotels throughout the world, I've come to realize that what sets apart good resorts from excellent ones is customer service and guest experience. And these aspects truly made me appreciate and enjoy my weeklong stay at Azul Beach Hotel in Puerto Morelos, Mexico this past year because the customer service and guest experience here were second to none. From the moment we stepped foot on the resort grounds, we were welcomed by friendly faces who always went out of their way to ensure that all our needs and any special requests were taken care of. Whenever we were in communication with the front desk or concierge, we were always greeted warmly and our questions or requests were quickly addressed. Room service even happily arranged for a glass of milk to be delivered to our room every night for our 2-year-old little girl before she went to bed. And whenever we needed anything in our room, it was delivered promptly. I cannot say enough about the front desk staff and concierge -- they are always willing to help when they can. The Vassa Spa is another area of the resort where customer service really shines, the spa staff is completely focused on giving you a relaxing experience highlighted by top notch service from beginning to end. Scheduling an appointment at the spa is simple and easy and you will feel all your stresses melt away the minute you walk through the spa doors. But the guests experience doesn't just end there -- you are greeted with the same professionalism in all of the hotel's eateries as well. The hostesses are all very warm and welcoming and before you dine, they always ask for any allergies they need to be aware of. And I cannot say enough about the servers in each of the restaurants, all of whom were extremely friendly and attentive. Because our toddler would take naps in the late afternoon after spending hours at the beach or pool, my family and I often dined late for dinner. And while we were often the last guests left in the restaurants, we were never rushed or felt pressured to dine quickly. Our servers encouraged us to enjoy every part of our meal and always suggested dessert or coffee to wrap up our meals no matter how late it was! Having a wonderful dinner experience was always such a nice way to end our day. Another aspect that I really enjoyed at Azul Beach was the staff's focus on ensuring that families with children were well taken care of. Traveling and vacationing with young children can be so intimidating and stressful, but at Azul Beach, they go out of their way to make sure children's needs are met -- be it with an expansive kids menu at all the eateries, the many kids amenities in the rooms (bath robes, slippers, toys, crib, stroller, etc.) and throughout the resort (the kids pool, kids lounge chairs, toys on the beach, the kids club, etc.). The staff is there not only to serve the needs of adults, but that of their youngest guests as well! When you visit Azul Beach Hotel it feels like home. And before your stay even ends, you'll find yourself already looking forward to the next visit! To find out more about staying at Azul Beach Hotel 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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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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Our Dream Wedding in Puerto Vallarta, November 2016 After 1.5 years of planning our destination wedding, we just returned from Puerto Vallarta and it was the most flawless beautiful wedding I could have imagined. Upon our engagement in May 2015, I began researching wedding coordinators in Puerto Vallarta. With the type of wedding we wanted, I knew I could not organize it alone. We knew from the beginning that we wanted to have our wedding ceremony at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and the reception at Vista Grill Restaurant…we just needed help making it happen. Of course being in Canada, we wouldn’t even know where to begin in finding vendors for the wedding either. After some research and referrals from friends, we decided to host our guests at the NOW Amber and Secrets All-inclusive in PV. It is an absolutely incredible resort, and the food is unbelievably good. Each meal is fine dining, some of the best meals I have ever had! Since we were not hosting the wedding on resort, we did not receive any special “wedding perks” at the resort, but we were okay with that, we just wanted a nice hotel for our family and friends to enjoy their entire holiday. I was very thorough in researching wedding coordinators in Puerto Vallarta. I contacted almost every coordinator I could find listings for, and requested proposals. Right off the top, I could tell some were trying to take advantage of us, as they were quoting insane amounts for the meal at Vista Grill, which I already knew the prices of the group menu, so I knew they were trying to make a kick back for themselves. This made it easy to cancel out quite a few planners/coordinators. When I found Eva and Michael at Vallarta Weddings, they were my instant favourite. They charge a flat fee for their services, and were incredibly up front about the costs of everything. In retrospect, I would actually say their fee is very low for all of the work they do! I gave them my ideal wedding budget, and they did everything they could to ensure I stayed within that! Eva and Michael’s compassionate approach to their work gave me instant trust in them planning our day. To be honest, I wasn’t very clear in my own “visions” of décor and what not for the wedding, but it was like Eva could read my mind, and would send me pictures of exactly what I liked! They gave us a rough time table of when we should be planning different things, and this helped immensely. After the initial venues were confirmed and deposits made, most of the detailed planning didn’t occur until the last three months before the wedding. Eva and Michael took the time to meet with my parents while they were vacationing in PV a year before the wedding, and also took the time to meet with our Priest who was vacationing in PV, and would be doing our ceremony at the church. This was all extra time and coordination for them, however they were happy to do it and went above and beyond in everything they did. The planning process was entirely smooth and I trusted all of Eva and Michael’s recommendations for every vendor etc., (which all turned out absolutely beautifully ). Two days before we left to fly to Puerto Vallarta, I received an email from Eva asking me to call her urgently, as the Mexican Government had just closed down our reception venue, Vista Grill, that day. I was absolutely devastated of course, and so worried that my wedding, which I had 82 people flying to Mexico for, was going to be a flop after so much planning. Eva was an absolute angel and rock through this, she was so compassionate and understanding I was blown away. Even though this was obviously not her fault, she was apologetic and vowed to do everything she possibly could to ensure our wedding was perfect. The day after we arrived, Eva and Michael picked us up at the resort and we embarked on re-planning our wedding reception. They spent probably 8 hours with us, showing us new venues, and then working out the details as we selected one. We ended up having the reception at the top terrace of the Grand Miramar hotel, which was the most beautiful place I have ever seen! Eva and Michael were also kind enough to take my parents to the venue the next day so they could see it as well. Everything works out for a reason! When times get tough, you really get to see peoples’ true colors… and Eva and Michael truly amazed me I cannot speak highly enough of everything they did for us to make our day perfect! I also can’t imagine the amount of hours they put in over those few days re-planning the wedding. When Eva arrived at our rehearsal the night before, she actually had gold spray paint all over her hands that she hadn’t even noticed, which was from her making my décor! They are some of the most hardworking people I have ever met. In addition to Eva and Michael saving our reception, they also saved my ceremony! Little to my knowledge, my brother’s guitar broke in transit and he was supposed to play the guitar while I walked down the aisle at the church. I found out after that Eva and Michael spent an entire day finding a rental and taking my brother to get it as well! The day of the wedding went so smoothly, you would never know we had so many bumps in the road. We had hair and make up done by Franc Gole and Jesus Avelar, truly the best pair you could get in Vallarta. I haven’t ever had make up done that good even in Canada! When we got back to the hotel, the photographers were there, the flowers were there, and the guys were already downtown with the assistant photographer. We had 10 passenger vans transporting all the guests and bridal party between the hotel, church, venue, and hotel again. Vallarta weddings organizational skills were flawless, it all went very smooth. Soko Sandoval was our photographer, and from the few photos I have seen so far, I am sooo thankful we chose her! She captures every moment perfectly and creatively. We didn’t like typical “posing” wedding photos, so she was great at getting candid and edgy shots! After the ceremony we walked through the streets of PV with her taking photos of us. Her eye for things was amazing, I am so excited to see the rest of the photos. When we arrived at the Grand Miramar and walked out on the upper terrace, I could’ve cried I was so happy. The sunset was beautiful to start, but everything was SO elegant and gorgeous. Beautiful white floral centerpieces with gold highlights, black and gold maraca favours, lights strung above…it was right out of the movies. The wait staff carried around appetizers and cocktails for our guests, the service was incredible. The meal was delicious as well. We had a three course dinner, salad to start, prime rib, and churros for dessert. Everyone commented on how great the food was here. Eva and Michael were still running around busy this whole time, making sure everything was flawless. I learned after that many guests approached them with their own questions (ie. Allergies in salad dressing, kids menu, etc.) and Eva and Michael assisted them graciously. We also had Michael as our DJ and I am so thankful we chose him! I was nervous as I didn’t have time to prepare a song list in the chaos of things, but we briefly told him the styles we like a few days before…and again it was like they read our minds! He played Mexican/Salsa light music during the cocktail hour, acoustic folk covers (think Jack Johnson type music) during dinner, and really got the party going after! We told him we wanted some stuff that was top 40ish for everyone, but with a majority being hip hop based for our younger crowd. He nailed it- I was amazed! He played really cool covers of Snoop Dog that I need to try and find now, blended with some oldies, and into some awesome classic hip hop to finish the night. Our wedding day was absolutely perfect, even better than I ever dreamed it could have been….and I can honestly say it was entirely because of Eva and Michael of Vallarta Weddings. A few of our friends who are not yet married asked us how much the wedding cost, as they estimated it to be well over 50 K Canadian. I am so happy to say that Eva and Michael helped us hold this beautiful wedding for under our budget of 20 k. I share this because I know when planning my wedding, I was always wondering how much things cost. I have no hesitations in referring anyone and everyone to Eva and Michael as I know they are the best you could have in Vallarta! If anyone has any questions please feel free to email me at [email protected]
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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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After several days of special cultural ceremonies and practices, an Indian destination wedding culminates with a festive Wedding Day and dinner reception. Much like the events leading up to this final day of celebration, the dinner reception is typically a colorful and elegant display of vibrant colors and details. Earlier this year, the Cancun/Riviera Maya based design and decor team at Zuñiga Productions created a stunning dinner reception design in one of the spacious ballrooms at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort -- one of the most popular resorts used to host large scale weddings because of their expansive grounds and the variety of event location offerings. For more information on Zuñiga's design services, visit their website at: www.decocancun.com
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Mehndi and Sangeet Ceremony Decor Inspiration by Grupo Gama
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Unlike traditional wedding celebrations, Indian Weddings often span over the course of several days with a series of special cultural ceremonies and practices. Some of those gatherings include the Mehndi and Sangeet ceremonies, which are typically held a few days before the Wedding Day. A Sangeet ceremony involves a celebration with lots of singing, dancing and music, and traditionally takes place prior to the Mehndi ceremony, which is the ritual of applying henna to the bride in preparation for the wedding. During the Mehndi ceremony, the bride and other female guests have henna or mehndi design patterns applied to their hands and feet. Earlier this year, the design and decor team at Grupo Gama (which is based in Cancun/Riviera Maya, Mexico) created an incredibly bright and beautiful display for these festive ceremonies at the Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in one of their many outdoor open spaces -- perfect for hosting both large and small wedding celebrations. For more information on Gama's services, visit their website at: www.grupogama.mx- 1 comment
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