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So I just realized there wasn't a dedicated Hyatt Ziva/Zilara Rose Hall thread. I wanted to share a few things with fellow brides since it is a relatively new resort. My wedding will be on April 23, 2017 at the Hyatt Ziva. I have attached the ceremony locations, packages and a picture I found online of a ceremony set up at the sky lounge. I have been asked about the resort a few times so I would love to share what I know with others who may be in the early stages! Hyatt Ziva Wedding Locations .pdf Hyatt Ziva & Zilara Wedding Brochure.pdf
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I'm looking to get a PDF or something with the Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall wedding package. Looking at a few places trying to get each wedding package to narrow it down. If anyone has anything that would be helpful
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After 10 years in the making, the incredible Hotel Xcaret Mexico recently opened its doors offering visitors luxury accommodations along with the ultimate all-inclusive and all-fun inclusive vacation experience. The five-star all-inclusive resort, which opened on Dec. 1, is located just 45 minutes away from the Cancun airport. The hotel is divided into five sections -- two of them designated as adults-only areas -- and boasts 900 all-suite rooms that deliver breathtaking views of the rivers, ocean, jungle, garden or the resort's relaxing infinity swimming pools. Nestled between the lush greenery of the Riviera Maya jungle and the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Hotel Xcaret showcases 10 pools, 11 restaurants (only one eatery is excluded from the all-inclusive package) and eight bars. Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service are also included in your stay. Families can also explore the hotel's kids club and teens club -- wonderful spaces to keep children and teens busy with fun-filled activities all day long. As visitors wander through the property, they can explore and enjoy white sand beaches and rainforest trails. Kayaking, paddleboats and snorkeling can also be done on site as the property is surrounded by water with natural coves, caves, rivers, cenotes. The resort is also equipped with a spa & wellness center, tennis and paddle courts and three gyms, including a functional training circuit in a beautiful nature setting. The All-Fun Inclusive Program But what makes this new luxury resort truly unique is its All-Fun Inclusive program, which gives guests the traditional all-inclusive concept in addition to unlimited access to the area's world renowned adventure parks: Xcaret, Xel-Ha, Xplor, Xplor Fuego, Xoximilco and Xenses, as well as deluxe Tours to Xenotes and Xichen, with round-trip transportation included. It is the Perfect Place for a Destination Wedding Redefining the ultimate vacation experience, Hotel Xcaret is truly the idyllic place to host events and weddings for couples who want to give their guests a one-of-kind vacation they will never forget. With its picturesque landscapes throughout, the hotel is filled with amazing locations for private events that offer stunning ocean or river views. Couples can also get married on the beach or in a chapel overlooking the entire island. And besides sharing meals together and enjoying the hotel's many onsite activities, couples and their guests can plan group excursions and outings together that are included in the All-Fun Inclusive program, allowing friends and families to create fun-filled memories throughout the entire wedding celebration. Grand Opening Promotion and Wedding Packages As part of its grand opening, Hotel Xcaret is offering incredible introductory rates as well as fantastic group/wedding promotions that include free rooms and a free wedding package. For more information on booking your stay or wedding at the Riviera Maya's newest luxury property, contact one of the Best Destination Wedding travel agents who specialize in destination wedding and honeymoon travel. You can contact them HERE! or use the contact form on 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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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 Cabo San Lucas, Mexico is the right choice for you. 1. You Want to Offer Your Guests Some Fun in the Sun: Between the desert and the sea on top of idyllic weather, there's tons to do in Cabo San Lucas. From world renown deep sea fishing to scuba diving and snorkeling along the warm coast and ATV riding on the sand dunes -- you and your guests will have plenty to do throughout your stay. Cabo is a hotbed for fun in the sun, just take a stroll on the beach and you'll find yourself with a plethora of activities to keep you busy. 2. You Appreciate Great Food: Cabo San Lucas offers a delicious blend of food options in the heart of the city as well as incredible restaurants throughout the Los Cabos corridor into San Jose del Cabo. Mexican food and seafood can be found in delicious abundance in both fine eateries and cheap eats via hole in the walls -- no matter the route, there's a little something to enjoy for everyone. 3. You Enjoy a Mix of the Desert and the Sea: With temps typically ranging in the 70s and 80s, Cabo San Lucas offers a breathtaking desert landscape along the Baja California peninsula. The famous sea arch El Arco de Cabo San Lucas provides the perfect backdrop for dramatic sunsets, and here the light blue water is warm and inviting and the beaches stretch miles long, offering you endless days immersing yourself in the sun, sea and sand. 4. You Love a Good Night Life: El Squid Roe -- it's all you need to know to have a good time when it comes to enjoying the festive nightlife this town has to offer. Bars are open late and music can be heard filling the streets into the night. There's always a dance floor to enjoy when it comes to Cabo. So make sure you bring your dancing shoes and get ready to party the night away. 5. You Want a Short and Easy Commute: If you live on the West Coast or in the Southwest region of the US, you're looking at a short 2 to 3-hour flight and you'll find yourself in this Mexican paradise. Traveling to Cabo is as easy as can be and flight deals are often offered throughout the year, making it a huge draw for couples and their guests. To book or inquire about a location for a destination wedding or honeymoon, 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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The Casa Rolandi Restaurant in Isla Mujeres Cancun
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
The beautiful Zoetry Villa Rolandi retreat in Isla Mujeres Cancun is known for its picturesque grounds and spectacular oceanfront views, but the small all-inclusive luxury resort is also known for its award-winning Casa Rolandi restaurant, where every meal is a 5-star dining experience. Found perched cliffside along the island shores, this world renown restaurant offers diners a variety of organic à la carte dining options. The eatery also serve gluten-free and vegetarian dishes, or can accommodate any allergy or dietary restriction. Specializing in Swiss-Northern Italian cuisine, some of the restaurant’s favorites include freshly made pasta dishes and delicious seafood. Here each meal is carefully prepared using only the freshest local grown fare and heart-healthy ingredients. During a recent visit, I enjoyed a specially prepared 3-course meal for lunch. The entire meal was delicious and included a ceviche salad, homemade ravioli stuffed with wild mushrooms, and coconut ice cream for dessert. It was undoubtedly one of the very best meals I’ve ever had in the Cancun/Riviera Maya area. Casa Rolandi is one of two eateries on the property and is open for Breakfast from 7:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.; Lunch & Dinner from 12:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and Late night bites from 11p.m. – 6 a.m. Reservations are not required. To book or inquire about a stay at Zoetry Villa Rolandi in Isla Mujeres Cancun, 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 writer/blogger.-
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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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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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5 Reasons Why You Should Get Married in Costa Rica
MarieSamSanchezPhoto posted a article in Planning
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 Costa Rica is the right choice for you. 1. You Love the Eco-Friendly Environment: When it comes to Costa Rica, being a nature lover is key because this country has it all. From beautiful beaches to epic mountains, thrilling rivers and incredible waterfalls amid the gorgeous rainforest backdrop -- Costa Rica is a haven for those who thrive in the great outdoors. And if you're a lover of sunsets, this country has some of the most lovely and dramatically colored skies at the end of each day. 2. You Thrive on Excitement and Adventure: If you're the outdoorsy type, then you'll love all the excitement and adventure that comes with it. Costa Rica is king when it comes to adventurous excursions. Hiking, river rafting, ziplining, diving, fishing, snorkeling, swimming and repelling are just a few of the exciting activities that will keep you busy in this country, So if you and your sweetheart and your wedding guests are looking to get the adrenaline pumping, this is the place to be. 3. You Love Delicious Cuisine: If you enjoy a meal that almost always includes plantains, beans and rice then this country is for you. Costa Rica has amazingly fresh seafood (the fried red snapper is a dish you'll want to try!), delicious meats and an abundance of incredibly fresh fruits and produce. Costa Rica is filled with a plethora of restaurants of varied price ranges -- head to small towns for some of the most delicious meals priced just right! 4. You Love Animals and Wildlife: They don't call this the most eco-friendly country for nothing. It's truly paradise here for animals lovers. From monkeys, sloths, birds in a rainbow of colors, insects, lizards, reptiles and butterflies galore, Costa Rica is swarming with wildlife, so make sure to always have your camera ready because you never know when you'll come across an unexpected visitor. 5. You Appreciate Warm and Friendly People: Pura Vida! It means pure life and the people of Costa Rica truly believe in this mantra. The Ticos and Ticas -- men and women of Costa Rica -- are warm, friendly and beautiful people and you'll quickly notice their zest and appreciation for life and its beauty the moment you step into this country. 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. -
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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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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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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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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Hi Everyone, It wasn't easy and it took lots of time to finally decide on a resort. I would of never thought it would take this long to narrow down a resort, but there is so much to consider. We had narrowed down the resorts to: Hard Rock Riviera, Moon Palace, Now Sapphire and Royalton Riviera. Okay, it wasn't the fault of my finance to take long on making a decision - It was me lol. She stated it was up to me, so I made sure I did my due diligence. I've read a number materials to make a decision such as: promotions, catalogs, tripadvisor and company website. So, Today, we have finally made our wedding reservation and confirmed our wedding date for February 2017 at the Royalton Riviera Cancun. We found that the resort meets most our needs and expectations. There is a variety of food, lots to do and great area for kids. Everything seems to be underway, we are just waiting for our wedding invitations that we just ordered lastnight. We got our invitations made through vistaprint and hopefully they turn out great. We had to jump on the invitations as they were half price. The invitations only cost us about $115 for 250 including taxes and shipping. If anyone has details, photos or wedding experiences with Royalton Riviera, Please share.
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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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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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I am getting ready to plan my Wedding May 2017 and wish I had some advice for a beach reception! I am a little concerned about the lighting and saw that there is a 20x20 tent, but is that for a beach reception? Is one necessary or what is the best lighting option for the beach. Also, does the casino still exist??? I never hear any mention of it so maybe it isn't as amazing as I hope...
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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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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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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.