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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 -
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. -
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! -
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. -
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. -
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 chawrela@ualberta.ca
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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 -
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. -
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. -
Hello! New to the forum, thought I would see if there is anyone else who is or has had a wedding at Hacienda Tres Rios in Mayan Riviera? Doing a search, the last thread on here is about 2 years old and it seems much has changed there since then. We are booked for November 2017 and I am just a little nervous as I am struggling to find many recent reviews or advice regarding weddings here. Specifically I am curious if anyone has had issues with the fact that they sell timeshares there. Or if anyone had any complaints about the beach/water quality. When we visited, the water was rather murky and unlike your typical Caribbean water. I just hope this won't be a major disappointment to our guests. Any help would be greatly appreciated Erica
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Any Bermuda Brides out there??? Looking for advice, reviews, any info you care to share! I am getting married at the Fairmont Southampton on July 7, 2016. So far, we are having a wonderful experience planning our wedding. Just looking to connect with some other Bermuda brides out there!
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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. -
Imperial Wedding In A Royal State
PoonamMayankSharma posted a blog entry in PoonamMayankSharma's Blog
Imperial wedding in a royal state Imagine an artistic mandap at a magnificently decorated royal palace by the side of a pool and as you step outside the palace, you see splendour of eternally changing sand dunes as far as your eye can go. Rajasthan as the name goes is the land of royal kings and that is what makes it a perfect destination for those seeking an aristocratic wedding. We are presenting our 3 favourite locations in Rajasthan to get married: Udaipur: Rightly called as the most romantic city of India, this place is the most scenic destination for getting married. The beautiful lakes and palaces provide a perfect setting for an outdoor wedding. Book a location near a lake or at The City Palace Complex, this is the most affordable location in Rajasthan for a wedding. Jaisalmer: Known as the Golden City, Jaisalmer is a well-established place for weddings with heritage hotels and resorts. It lies in the middle of Thar desert, providing a picturesque wedding environment. Inculcate parts of Rajasthan culture such as the camel ride, Kalbelia dancers and authentic food to make fun-filled evening. Jaipur: Invite your guests to The Pink City and indulge in a luxurious wedding in a resort or a heritage hotel. You can get the benefits of best facilities and charm of royal heritage in this city. A perfect day time Mehandi by the pool side, a star studded Sangeet and a grand wedding- everything that you need for a dream wedding! -
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. -
This post is the final part of my 3 part review of SWO and my wedding in Jamaica. If you missed Part 1 & 2 go back and read them as there is valuable info about the resort, outside vendors, and SWO wedding coordinators. (Part 1 of 3 is here and part 2 of 3 is here) BRINGING DECORATIONS FROM HOME I brought 1 suitcase of various items from home with me for decorating the gazebo and took them to the meeting with the wedding coordinator 2 days before our wedding. I was a little worried before the meeting because during my emails with the wedding coordinators they said I would have to pay a minimum of $50 for setting up my decorations on the gazebo. This annoyed me because all the other SWO brides on here said the wedding coordinators set everything up for them for free and these brides had way more stuff than I did. Turns out I was worried for nothing though because once I got to the meeting the coordinators said they would take care of everything and there would be no extra charge. My room was overlooking the gazebo and on the day of the wedding I was able to watch them decorating the gazebo. It was very windy and they struggled quite a bit to get my drapery hung but they never gave up and in the end it looked beautiful. I will say I did bring a little treat of maple candies I picked up at the airport before leaving Canada for each of the wedding coordinators to our meeting so not sure if this helped them decide not to charge me but I’m pretty sure it didn’t hurt either CEREMONY (MINISTER, CAKE, VIOLINST) There are several beautiful locations throughout the resort where you can have your ceremony but we chose to have our ceremony at the gazebo on the Wild Orchid side. I will break down each of the other location options in the next section. We really loved the Wild Orchid gazebo location since it out on a pier and you can only get to it by walking down a long boardwalk so it was more private than the other locations. If you have 12 guests or less then I highly recommend the Wild Orchid Gazebo location. We chose to have our wedding in the 4pm time slot so we could take some sunset pictures after the ceremony. Getting married at 4pm is a little risky since this is the time of day you are most likely to experience “liquid sunshine” in Jamaica but we were lucky and did not have a single drop of rain on our wedding day. As a side note: you can pay extra to have your wedding at 5PM which they call the sunset wedding option but before booking it check with dateandtime.com because depending on the time of year the sun might not be setting until later so you’ll pay extra for nothing. When we got married in February the sun was setting until 6:30PM. The ceremony is 20 minutes long and then you have another 30 minutes to do the post ceremony activities (IE: champagne, cake). the wedding coordinators run the whole thing with precision. They did do a beautiful job but I often felt like they were rushing us through the signing of the marriage certificate and cake cutting to stay within their allotted time. Even our photographer cracked a joke about being in the military at one point. Just before the ceremony was about to start one of the wedding coordinators came and picked me up with a golf cart from the lobby of my building. She escorted me to the start of the gazebo boardwalk and instructed me when to start walking so I would be in sync with the wedding music. She also reminded me to keep my head up and smile so Misha would capture good pictures which I appreciated because I probably would have looked down to avoid tripping had she not reminded me Music - originally I was just going to bring some pre-recorded music on my iPod but in the end decided to splurge and hire the violinist provided by the resort. I’m so glad I made this change. He was so amazing and added an extra something to our ceremony. I provided a list of songs I wanted to the wedding coordinators during the planning stage and they confirmed with the violinist that he could play them. I originally asked the wedding coordinators for a list of what he could play but they said he didn’t have one and to just request what I wanted and they would check with him to see if he could play those songs. Not sure if they were just being lazy or if he really doesn’t have a play list but either way everything I asked for he was able to play. I had him play “All of me” by John Legend when I walked down the aisle and he did it flawlessly. His name is Jose Salgado and here is a link to a YouTube video of him playing a selection of songs: When you get the violinist you have him for 1 hour so I had him arrive 15 before the ceremony to play music for our guests before I arrived. He then stayed after the ceremony and played music while we were having our champagne toasts and cake. I highly recommend hiring him. Minister - Our minister’s name was Terrence and he was such a character. We met with him at the wedding coordinator meeting 2 days before our wedding and went over the details of the ceremony. He then told us we had two choices how to respond to his questions during the ceremony. We could either say “I do” or we could say “I will”. He suggested we go with “I will” as “I do” means you’ve already done it, “I will” means you will always do it. We chose to say “I will” During the ceremony Terrence had us all laughing with little jokes and crying tears of joy during the tender moments. I’m not sure if the resort only uses him as their minister but if not request Terrence; he’s fantastic. Cake - Right after the ceremony and marriage certificate signing we moved on to the cake. Since we had the free package we had a 1 tier cake in either chocolate or vanilla. We chose vanilla and it was delicious. This cake feeds about 12 people so we had leftovers and asked the wedding coordinator’s box up a second slice for my grandparents to take back to their room, had a second slice boxed and sent to our room for later and then had the rest of the cake delivered to the Preferred Club concierge staff to share. They really appreciated this and it meant the cake didn’t go to waste. PS – I brought individual size cake boxes from home for this. You can buy them from Michaels. During the pre-wedding meeting with the coordinators I gave them a cake topper I had made to match my other flowers and some dark blue ribbon. They passed those onto the cake people and they decorated the cake with the items I provided. They did not charge extra to decorate the cake. My husband is a firefighter so since we were getting married far from home and couldn’t have true firefighter wedding I special ordered a fire axe with our names and wedding date engraved to use for cutting our cake. We gave that to the wedding coordinators at the meeting too and they made sure it made it safely to the ceremony and then kept it safe after the ceremony until we picked it up at their office the next day. It was actually pretty funny when I first pulled the axe out of the suit case to show them at our meeting. Their eyes got so wide and they looked scared until we told them what it was for. Then they each took turns waving it around and telling my husband he better behave or else apparently we were the first people to bring a fire axe to cut our cake because they thought it was a great idea and said had never seen it before. As a side note – We live in Ottawa Canada so once the weather got nicer at home we arrange to have a local photographer capture a post wedding photo shoot with my husband in his firefighter uniform and me in my wedding dress. Even though it was not our wedding day it was nice to be able to capture this very important aspect of our lives. I will make a separate post about this topic later. ALTERNATE LOCATIONS FOR CEREMONY If the Wild Orchid gazebo is not suitable for you because your group is too large or you don’t like the location then you have a few other options around the resort. The St.James side also has a gazebo on the water but in my opinion the Wild Orchid is in a better location and looks like it is better maintained. Just like Wild Orchid it is only suitable for groups of 12 or less. For larger groups you have the option to get married in the beach front casita. This location is nice but is very close to the main Wild Orchid pool and right beside the main water front walking path of the resort. This means it is not private at all. You have about 25 feet of space between the walkway and where you will stand to get married. We witnessed several other weddings at this location while we were there and each time a big crowd of people in wet bathing suits were gathered watching the ceremony and taking pictures. I’m sure this crowd made the wedding photographer’s job harder….trying to capture the bride and groom’s special moments while trying to keep the fat middle aged man in a speedo out of the shot The wedding coordinators do try to contain the crowd and keep them quiet but if you’ve ever been in a big group of drunk people then you know this is easier said than done. If having a bunch of “looky loos” watching your wedding doesn’t matter to you then go ahead and book this location as it is right on the water so you won’t need to decorate it much to have a pretty backdrop for your pictures. If you do have your ceremony in this location the wedding coordinators will set up your dinner reception on the small beach area right beside it so everything will be in the same location. small beach area beside casita where receptions are View from casita to main walkway View from main walkway to casita The alternate location for larger groups is the on the beach right in front of the Barracuda beach bar on the Wild Orchid side. This location is more private than the Casita but there is no shade so if you are worried about your guests sitting in the hot sun rent a tent or maybe provide them with cute parasols in your wedding colours to shade themselves. Just like the Casita the wedding coordinators will set up your dinner reception on the beach right beside your ceremony. This beach area is bigger so if you have a really large group then I would recommend it as you will have more space for everyone once the party gets started. This is the location I had chosen when I thought we were going to have a large group as I was also going to have a steel drum band and bonfire party after dinner so I wanted enough room for everything. No matter which location you choose if it rains the wedding coordinators will move your ceremony to the covered patio beside the ball room and your reception will be in the ballroom. I never asked because I wanted to be married outside but I’m sure if you wanted to get married in the ballroom or its patio (rain or shine) that would probably be an option too. PRIVATE WEDDING DINNER IN GAZEBO If you book 7 nights or more at SWO for your wedding then you will qualify for the Honeymoon package. This is apparently a $995 value that they give you for free. Along with a couple massage (which we used 2 days before the wedding) the Honeymoon package included a candlelight dinner for two during our stay. Once we discovered that it was just going to be us and my grandparents at the wedding I went ahead and booked a special dinner for my grandparents at the French restaurant (reservations are required at this restaurant if you want to sit inside.) I then asked the wedding coordinators during our pre-wedding meeting about booking our candlelight dinner for the night of our wedding. They said they could not do that and we would have to eat in one of the restaurants with everyone else or pay for a special beach dinner on our wedding night. Preferred Club Concierge to the rescue again. After our meeting with the wedding coordinators I stopping in our lobby and asked the concierge if they could book our candlelight honeymoon dinner on our wedding night and they said “no problem, mon!” Normally when you have the candlelight dinner it is set up on the beach but our concierge arranged to have it in the Wild Orchid gazebo where we got married and went even further to make sure all our wedding ceremony decorations were left up so we could enjoy them. Needless to say I tipped them well The concierge reviewed the menu options with us and we picked our selections ahead of time. For our main course we both had filet mignon and lobster and everything was delicious. Our dinner was booked for 7pm so once we were done with our photos we invited Misha and Kenmar to join us for a drink in our lobby, after our drinks we said our good-byes to them and heading off to our dinner. As we walked towards the gazebo we noticed that on top of our decorations our waiter had decorated the walkway to the gazebo and the gazebo itself with candles. During our dinner the waiter stayed at the far end of the gazebo boardwalk to give us our privacy. If we needed him we just waved and he would come. Everything was so romantic and beautiful. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful and private location to enjoy our first meal as husband and wife. So this concludes my very looooooong review of SWO and Jamaica. I will leave you with the following tips and suggestions: •Stay strong and don’t get pushed around by the wedding coordinators. They will try to bully you into doing what is easiest for them but it is your wedding so fight for what is really important to you. •Get rsvps from your invited guests before the resort’s 2-month deadline. I was naïve and set my response deadline for the same day as the resort head count deadline and ended up having to chase people to get their replies. I ended up being about two weeks late with my finally head count. •Be willing to accept that many (or all) your friends and family will not be able to attend your wedding. Some will not be able to afford it, some will not want to go to the resort you choose, and some will not have a valid reason they will just not come. Every destination bride out there will tell you this is just comes with the territory of having a destination wedding. •Hire a private driver to pick you up from the airport upon arrival. You will be bringing extra luggage and having private transportation means you can get to the resort quicker….we left the airport about 15 minutes after the bus had left and still beat the bus to the resort by a good ½ hour. We hired Jeffery Stephens from Reggae Tours and he was fantastic. •If you are flying into Montego Bay book with Club MoBay for arrival and departure services. On arrival they will greet you at your gate with a sign that has you name on it and personally escort you past all the security and straight to the exit. If you’ve ever been through security in the Mo Bay airport you know what a lifesaver this service is. They also have a private lounge on arrival and departure where you can have free drinks, snacks, and freshen up/change your clothes. This is great if you are coming from or going to a cold climate since you’re not stuck in your winter clothes while travelling to or from the resort. •During the planning process don’t panic; the coordinators know what they are doing. it will all come together and be beautiful. •Most importantly: BREATHE. You are marrying the love of your life in a beautiful tropical location….enjoy the moment!
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If you've always wanted to spend vacation bliss in an overwater bungalow, that memorable experience can now be yours in Riviera Maya, Mexico at the El Dorado Maroma Palafitos, which officially opened to vacationers in early September 2016. The luxurious overwater suites -- the first of its kind in Mexico -- are situated off the soft white sands of the Maroma Beach, considered by many as one of the top 10 beaches in the world. But besides the breathtaking views, these spacious 600-sq. ft. suites for two also offer a private infinity pool and an oversized deck with lounge chairs, glass bottom floors where you can watch the sea life move beneath your bungalow, and a ladder providing easy access to the clear turquoise ocean water. Each bungalow also features a private outdoor shower and a romantic indoor jacuzzi for two. Every bungalow is also equipped with: - King size bed - Air conditioning & ceiling fan - Smart TV - Telephone - Aromatherapy shower - Make-up mirror - High end toiletries - 100% cotton & thousand-thread-count sheets - Radio/alarm clock - Safety deposit box - Espresso Coffee maker and tea brewing station - Premium stocked minibar - The outdoor terrace is also equipped with luxurious wooden furniture, reading material and blankets Those staying at the all-inclusive suites will also have exclusive beach bed access, 24-hour room service and customized beach picnics. But the spoils do not end there, during your stay you'll also have your own butler, who can take care of all your unique vacation needs, including handling any pre-arrival requests and reservations to the delivery of reading materials, beverages and gourmet bites at the pool. The multilingual butlers will also provide services such as the unpacking of luggage, serving sunrise coffee experience and in-suite full breakfasts. Your personal butler will also ensure the suite is kept in perfect condition and arranged according to guests preferences. Palafitos guests can also exclusively indulge in rest, relaxation and rejuvenation with spa treatments at the overwater Náay Spa. And once your mind and body are at ease, you can dine on exquisite gourmet meals at The Haute Cuisine -- the overwater grill and wine bar serving only those staying at the bungalows. The eatery, which boasts spectacular ocean views and fresh tropical breezes, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner from the open kitchen grill. I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of the Palafitos this past spring and I can without a doubt say, it's a slice of heaven perfect for couples looking to spend some much needed time in a paradise all their own. With the bungalow set-up and convenient butler service, you'll feel like you've traveled to your own oasis where luxury and comfort are in abundance. It's the perfect spot for a honeymoon or anniversary trip or simply those wanting to get away and be pampered. Reservations for the Palafitos can only be made through a select group of luxury vacation consultants, like Wright Travel Agency -- the official travel agent group of the Best Destination Wedding Forum. For more information and assistance on booking your stay at the incredible overwater bungalow suites, 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. -
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. -
Most people probably think a week at an all-inclusive resort sounds like a dream, where you don't have to worry about food or drinks and the toughest part of your day is deciding where to eat dinner. But for someone like me, who has grown up going on adventurous vacations where you're constantly on the go and eating where your travels take you each day, the thought of being on a resort for a week made me feel a little apprehensive. But you know what happened? My husband, our two daughters and I stayed at Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya for a week and we didn't go stir crazy, actually we loved it! My qualms about the all-inclusive experience before our stay at Azul Beach Hotel was feeling like I had to stay on the resort the entire time to make the investment worth it. But in actuality, the all-inclusive experience gives you everything you need without having to feel like you need to adventure off the property for anything. Everything we needed to have a relaxing wonderful week in paradise was provided for us at the resort -- from a plethora of delicious food options, to activities and entertainment for both children and adults, and even an amazing spa experience -- we found each day at our resort exciting and new and it was honestly an amazing vacation for us all. When looking into an all-inclusive vacation, here are a few tips I would suggest you consider as you plan your travels: 1. Pick a resort that has a variety of food and dining options: some resorts like, Azul Beach Hotel, provide only a la carte dining options (which is fabulous because you indulging in meals that are always fresh and made to order). But other resorts will have mostly buffet-style dining and a few a la carte options. Take your preferred dining experience into consideration when looking for an all-inclusive resort. Also check and see if the resort offers room service, which is a great option to have even if you don't think you'll use it. My husband soon found himself opting for room service when he had late night cravings -- keep in mind that most resort eateries will close, so having 24-hour room service is quite helpful especially if you're a late night diner! 2. Consider the resort activities and entertainment options: if your vacation style entails keeping yourself busy, a resort that offers a variety of activities in addition to daily entertainment would be your best choice. Also look at reviews to determine a resort's style -- is it more catered for adults or families with young children? Perhaps it's a mixture of both. 3. Look at the resort amenities: Whether you love being poolside, enjoy a day at the spa, or like lounging on the beach all day -- make sure your resort offers what you need when you look for a vacation. Also consider the resort's size, as some people love being on a huge resorts where you can wander through the grounds and others like being able to move about the resort with ease and not much walking. The resort amenities and its size will play a big part in determining the overall vibe of the property. 4. Can you easily plan and do excursions from your resort?: If you're the type of vacationer who likes to adventure about during the day, choose a resort that offers tours and excursions that can be planned or scheduled on-site. While we spent most of our time on the resort, we did go off-site one day for a camel safari at the beach that was about a 30-minute ride away. It was a perfect little day trip that still allowed us to enjoy and explore, but it was close enough to our resort that we didn't feel like we were wasting the day traveling. And of course, it's always wonderful coming back to the comforts of your resort after being off-site for the day! Overall, the choice to go to an all-inclusive resort doesn't have to feel confining if you pick a location that offers all the options you need to have a relaxed and fulfilling vacation. So take your time to look over the options and don't just jump at the best deal out there -- consider your vacation style and preference, then make your decision based on what you feel will give you the best overall experience! For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or any other all-inclusive resort options, 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. -
Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya is known for its family-friendly setting, and through the resort's Nickelodeon Experience, parents and their children can enjoy the ultimate family vacation. One of the hotel's most popular activities is the Nickelodeon sliming -- an experience your kids will soon not forget. Through the concierge, your family can schedule a private sliming -- what is this you ask? Just one of the coolest activities that kids love where you can get slimed with Nickelodeon's famous green goo! Sliming is a ritual enjoyed by the likes of celebrities like Justin Timberlake, Will Smith, Katy Perry and Kobe Bryant. So children of all ages will love to be added to that list of honor! And when the resort's Nickelodeon crew arrives for your private sliming, they'll also make it fun with a dance performance to start leading up to the moment. Sliming includes up to 4 people with a private photographer for a fee of $98. To find out more about scheduling a private sliming during your stay at Azul Beach Hotel, click here. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, 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. -
While Azul Beach Hotel in Cancun-Riviera Maya makes sure its youngest guests are well taken care of with special kids' menus throughout all of the resort's restaurants, the hotel also goes out of its way to create a fun dining experience for families with children through their character breakfast. Guests can start off their day by enjoying a delicious breakfast alongside SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles at the seaside eatery Chil. Families will not only get to enjoy an exclusive dining experience, they'll also get to meet and take pictures with the featured characters, who do their best to entertain diners. The morning we woke up for our early morning reservation, I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the character breakfast, but seeing my little one's face light up when she was presented with a table full of colorful and delicious breakfast bites was totally worth it. And when the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles appeared during our breakfast to entertain us while we dined, it solidified just how cool this experience is for families with children. Our freshly prepared breakfast was excellent, all the kids present had fun and dining with a picture-perfect view of the sparkling ocean is truly a great way to start off your day! The character breakfast at Azul Beach Hotel is priced at $29 for adults and $17 for children. To find out more information about booking a character breakfast during your vacation stay, click here. For more information about Azul Beach Hotel, or to book your stay at this family-friendly resort, 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. -
My name is Charlotte and I'm planning to marry abroad in 2017. However, I haven't decided in what country I want to marry in yet, I'm thinking maybe South America or Europe. I'm currently in the process of researching venues but I'm unsure what type of search words I should use when browsing venues. Any suggestions? Can anyone tell me their experience on how they found their venue abroad? How much time did you spend looking? I just want to find the perfect venue for my day. All help much appreciated:)- 5 replies
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Villas: Affordable Luxury for Your Destination Celebration
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
Perhaps the idea of a destination wedding appeals to you, but having to celebrate your wedding vows at a hotel or resort does not. Though most couples opt to have their wedding at a resort, if you're willing to do a little more research -- you can still have that posh and luxurious wedding resort feel with a whole lot more privacy by having your wedding at a private villa. And yep, you don't need to be a millionaire to make it happen! ' Hosting a wedding at a private villa has a lot of perks, besides of course giving you and your wedding guests ultimate privacy. Here are a few reasons why choosing a villa wedding might be the way to go when it comes to planning the wedding of your dreams: 1) The villa can also serve as your home for the week. Most villa properties that allow guests to host weddings on the property will also require that you stay at the villa for a minimum number of nights. This not only gives you a great place to stay at your destination, you'll also be able to prepare for the Big Day even easier since everything is truly "on site." Things to consider: you'll need to decide who will be staying on the property with you and make sure there are other accommodations nearby for the rest of your family members and wedding guests. Make sure to also ask if there is an extra fee you'll have to pay to host the wedding or any other events on the property grounds. And whether there is a time limit on how long your event(s) can last. 2) Besides the wedding, you can host other wedding events at your villa -- like a Welcome Dinner, a Meet and Greet or fun pool day to welcome all your guests to your destination wedding. The luxury of staying at a villa is that you can make and create your surroundings as you like and use it as the centerpoint for all your guests throughout the duration of your destination vacation. It really serves as a wonderful place for you and your guests to laugh and enjoy, and of course celebrate! 3) It can be quite affordable when split between different parties. While the base price for renting a villa can seem steep at times, if you have enough space to invite other family members or close friends to stay there as well, splitting the costs between the different parties can make your luxury stay quite affordable. The perks of staying at a private estate also make the money you spend worthwhile -- for instance, open access to the amenities (pool, spa, pool tables, lounge furniture), you get one-of-a-kind homestyle comfort and a spacious living areas you simply don't get in a resort room or suite. You will live like royalty for your entire destination experience and it'll be an experience unlike any other vacation you've ever taken! 4) Staying at a villa gives you total privacy. I've often heard of couples being totally appalled when they see other resort-goers in their bathing suits standing closeby and taking photos during what they hoped would be a romantic beach ceremony. Some former brides and grooms can attest to the running joke that there always seems to be at least one big-bellied man in a speedo hovering over the ceremony location and basically gawking. Well when you're staying at a villa there is one thing you'll be guaranteed and that is, privacy for your entire celebration. 5) Your Wedding Day is done on YOUR timeline. You don't ever have to compete with any other couple for the best time to host your beachside sunset ceremony or worry about whether your party will run too long. When you're staying at a villa and hosting your wedding on the property, you create your own timeline according to your needs and wants. 6) You typically don't have to worry about an outside vendor fee. At a private villa, you often have the freedom to use the vendors of your choice without penalty. Many resorts on the other hand, will require that you use their preferred vendors, but if you decide to use someone who's not on "the list," then you may have to pay an outside vendor fee and those can be upwards of $500 -- a hefty price to pay if you're trying to create a dream wedding team. When booking a resort, hotel or villa as your wedding venue, always make sure to ask whether there are outside vendor fees ahead of time to ensure that you can use your dream vendor. 7) There is often an option to add-on a butler or chef for the duration of your stay. Yes, not only can you live like kings, if you'd like you often also have the option to be treated like one too. At many villas, there is often the option or inclusion of a butler to help accommodate your every need as well as a chef to ensure you're well fed throughout your stay. Butlers often serve as your personal concierge, making sure that you are enjoying every minute of your stay while also fixing any problems or issues that need to be handled. 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. -
When it comes to planning your Indian destination wedding, there are typically three important factors to consider when choosing your perfect destination location and venue. 1) Can the resort accommodate the size of my wedding and the different events we'll be hosting throughout my destination celebration? And if so, will my events be in an area that offers a sense of privacy? Destination weddings can typically be on the smaller side, but when it comes to Indian weddings these celebrations often include larger groups of 100 people or more. So when planning your wedding, couples must determine right away whether the resort/venue has the space to accommodate larger celebrations. Since Indian weddings usually also include events leading up to the wedding day, it's important to also find out if the resort has a variety of areas available to host the all the different ceremonies and celebrations. Once those two factors are considered, couples should ask whether these spaces will also give them a sense of privacy away from the hustle and bustle of other resort-goers and other activities happening on the resort grounds. The Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun-Riviera Maya is quite a favorite for Indian weddings because of the resort's expansive grounds, which gives couples a plethora of options for the different celebrations and ceremonies such as the Mayian ceremony, Mehndi and Sangeet ceremonies, Choora ceremony, Jugo ceremony and of course all the ceremonial aspects and traditions that occur during the Wedding day and reception. 2) Can my resort/venue provide an Indian food menu? Because Indian destination wedding celebrations typically occurring over the course of several days, food is a key detail couples must consider when planning their festivities. While many resorts do not prepare Indian food on site, and will instead offer cuisine from an off-site caterer, there are resorts such as Moon Palace that are equipped with chefs who are fully trained to prepare Indian food, including use of all the authentic spices and ingredients needed to provide a variety of dishes throughout all the wedding festivities. This may be a key perk for couples who want to ensure that all the food during their events are freshly prepared and readily available for their guests. 3) Are there vendors in the area that can provide the specific cultural services I need for my wedding celebration? While Indian destination weddings have increasingly become more common, there are destination locations that are more popular and accommodating than others in terms providing all the necessities for these types of cultural celebrations. The Cancun-Riviera Maya region is quite popular for Indian destination weddings because the area is blooming with a variety of top-notch vendors who specialize in Indian weddings. In this area couples can easily find officiants, mehndi artists, dhol drummers, caterers, wedding planners and decor stylists. With a series of events happening during an Indian wedding celebration, decor styling teams like LATIN ASIA -- widely considered experts in the Cancun area when it comes to Indian weddings -- are extremely helpful for couples who want to ensure their festivities are decorated with all the beautiful and cultural details needed throughout their wedding celebration. In Cancun-Riviera Maya, you can also find hair/makeup stylists who specialize in Indian weddings -- an important factor for many Indian brides. The Styling Trio, a Hair & Makeup agency representing talented artists in Cancun, Tulum and Playa del Carmen, is one of those companies in the area that have trained artists who specialize and cater to brides having an Indian wedding. When it comes to planning a destination wedding, it's always a good idea to reach out to an expert in the area you're looking at -- be it a wedding planner of a travel agent who knows the area well (like Wright Travel Agency which has a group of agents who specialize in destination wedding locations and venues throughout the world) -- because they can help you get started on the right foot as you plan the wedding of your dreams! - - - 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. -
Hi Everyone. I recently got engaged and am looking to get married in the Dominican Republic. Both my fiance and I are of Dominican background and having the wedding there would just be amazing since our families living in the Dominican would be able to attend. I have been looking at Now and Dreams resorts in Punta Cana. I also have looked at JellyFish and Huracan restaurants. I am so lost! I have no idea where to start. I was wondering if anyone here is using any of these venues? Maybe you can help me go in the right direction. We plan on getting married August 2017. also, Is anyone here a UVC member? My fiance and I got a membership and were wondering if they offer any further discounts for any of the AM resorts. Any information from anyone would be extremely helpful! Thanks in advance and happy planning!
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Hello everyone! My name is LaTayia but I go by Tia. My fiance and I were recently engaged on May 22nd. We are extremely interested in a destination wedding and have decided to have it in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. We took our first international trip together there and thought it would be really nice to go back to where we started. Currently I am interested in having it at Paradisus Playa Del Carmen because that is where we stayed our first trip and since we have young children coming I felt it would be the best option since there is an adults only and a family side. After looking at the website the tailor made option seems to be the best fit for us. We plan to get married June 2, 2018 so I know it's a little early to actually book everything but I would definitely love any advice you all are able to offer. There will be about 40 or so people in attendance. I have a few questions that hopefully someone may be able to address: 1) When it comes to booking the resort for a wedding, do you have to pay a down payment or do you pay in full? 2) How does making room reservations work? Each couple that will be coming will be paying for their own rooms so do we just tell the hotel how many rooms we will need and then the block them out? Or do my fiance and I have to make a payment to reserve the rooms? 3) If in the event that it rains, where do they have the ceremonies? 4) Is there anything that we are not permitted to bring to the resort? Such as a unity candle or remembrance candles for loved ones who are no longer with us? A related question is, has anyone packed the knives to cut the cake with in their luggage? 5) Can anyone offer any information about how much each package costs? I know I can call the resort and ask but I am curious to know the range in which others have paid. 6) Does the DJ that is recommended by the resort play all types of music/can you request him to play certain songs? 7) For those who have had their hair and makeup done at the spa, how did you like it? Do they specialize in all hair types and complexions? 8) If anyone could give their experiences on the ease or trouble they went through when planning their wedding at this resort went that would be great! I know I have asked a lot of questions here but I am just really excited! lol Thank you in advance for all of your help
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