Ocean Turquesa & Coral Brides?

[ThomasK]

Hello all - for those of you that have already been to this resort or have actually been married there - how was the over all experience? And also how was the beach/ocean? 

 

My fiancé and I have been researching for a few weeks now into destinations (our TA is getting us a quote for this place)

 

One of our main concerns we keep seeing bad reviews for places in Mexico/riviera maya are that the beaches are pretty bad with seaweed and some even are not good for swimming at all... If you wouldn't mind sharing your thoughts/experiences/pictures I would greatly appreciate it!

 

We are planning for a July 2013 wedding

 

Thanks!

[kleenotes]

Hello OCT Brides!

I found this site a few days ago and am hooked!  I have read through all 99 pages of this thread, which helped me decide on OCT!

 

I feel behind on planning... I have not done an ounce of planning and need to catch up to all of you!

 

Thanks for all the tips! Keep in touch!

 

<3 Kristi

 

[JBandDJ]

Hi everyone!  We getting legally married in Canada first as well and doing a symbolic ceremony at OCT.  Does anyone know who actually "officiates" the symbolic ceremony?  I would like a someone who knows what they're doing to do a greeting, exchange of vows, exchange of rings and announcement.  I really want it to go smoothly....

 

Also, I have a number of things in order and would like your advice on whether I'm missing anything or not....

 

I have done:  photographer, beach ceremony, terrace reception, seating plan, chosen MCs, ipod playlist for reception (still working on ceremony), OOT bags (these are our favours), working on choosing menu still, decorations (buying from resort), dress/jewellery/garter/barefoot sandals/flops for dancing

 

Need to do:

 

"officiant" of ceremony

find out about steamer/iron

finalizing menu

guys outfits

gifts for bridal party

gift for fiance

alterations on dress

guest mat (signing it)

vows

program for reception

ask guests about menu restrictions

 

I am, of course, more concerned if there is anything I'm not thinking of....please help....I'm feeling the time crunch and am trying to do a few things each weekend so that when the date gets really close I wont have anything to do and just relax  2.5 months away 

[AnaS]

Hi ThomasK,

 

I have been to the resort twice and I like it very much.

 

A few things that made me decide on this resort:

- It is a big enough resort (~500 rooms I think), but not too big to require taking a train to go from one place to another like some of the big resorts there ( I visited some of those huge resorts and did not like the idea that my guests may not see each other while staying there)

- The wedding and reception locations are multiple and all of them nice ( from the lobby terrace, beach location, outoor restaurant location, etc)

- It is a nice place, think about something clean and neat, but not extremely luxurious at very good prices ( for guests and wedding). I compared both guests prices and wedding prices with a few other resorts and seems more affordable. There are places where the wedidng could be very cheap but it would become very expensive for guests

- We felt the service was very good while we stayed there and belive our guests will feel good too

- It has a 5 different restaurants for guests; so no worry that they will be sick of eating the same thing for a week (when I have heard a lot about all inclusive places)

- It is kid friendly ( has a children pool, daisy club, teen club); We have families coming with their children, so this is a huge plus for them

- Last but probably the most important, Ana, the wedding coordinator is fantastic. She has been the most prepared, nice and accomodating wedding coordinator amongst all of the resorts that I have visited in my initial trip ( and I saw about a dozen)

 

On the beach and ocean comment:

- The resort is located in Puerto Morelos. Puerto morelos has a reef neerby the shore, which indded creates a problem with seaweed. It is not the clearest ocean you can imagine (Playa del Carmen or Cancun are much better), but I saw them picking up the seaweed everyday while I was there

- The beach itself is very nice; clean and nice

 

I have pictures that I have taken, but I think the facebook ones that one of teh other brides mentioned are probably better (more professional). PM me and I can send you what I have too.

 

Let me know if you have other questions.

 

Thanks,

Ana

[TropicLover]

Wow!  You sound like you've thought of everything.  Are you doing a Welcome Party or Rehearsal dinner? 

 

I'm also doing a symbolic wedding and haven't heard anything regarding the officiant.  In our case we're going to provide the majority of the ceremony script including the vows.  There are a tonne of threads with great scripts as well as many websites out there.  If you're worried about what they'll say or won't say you might want to go this route.  Good luck!
 

Originally Posted by JBandDJ 

Hi everyone!  We getting legally married in Canada first as well and doing a symbolic ceremony at OCT.  Does anyone know who actually "officiates" the symbolic ceremony?  I would like a someone who knows what they're doing to do a greeting, exchange of vows, exchange of rings and announcement.  I really want it to go smoothly....

 

Also, I have a number of things in order and would like your advice on whether I'm missing anything or not....

 

I have done:  photographer, beach ceremony, terrace reception, seating plan, chosen MCs, ipod playlist for reception (still working on ceremony), OOT bags (these are our favours), working on choosing menu still, decorations (buying from resort), dress/jewellery/garter/barefoot sandals/flops for dancing

 

Need to do:

 

"officiant" of ceremony

find out about steamer/iron

finalizing menu

guys outfits

gifts for bridal party

gift for fiance

alterations on dress

guest mat (signing it)

vows

program for reception

ask guests about menu restrictions

 

I am, of course, more concerned if there is anything I'm not thinking of....please help....I'm feeling the time crunch and am trying to do a few things each weekend so that when the date gets really close I wont have anything to do and just relax  2.5 months away 

 

[JBandDJ]

Yes we are doing a welcome party at the buffet the night all the guests arrive. We will hand out our welcome bags/favors then.  We aren't doing a rehearsal dinner, just a simple walk through so everyone knows where they're supposed to stand etc.  Still concerned about who is officiating the symbolic ceremony......

[BrandingMyImage]

Hello Girls!

 

I have read every post on this thread and feel as if I know you all. Off topic.. I would like to surprise the bride with having lanterns let go at the end of her wedding. I have tried to get in contact with Ana but have had no luck. Does any one know if this is possible at the resort? If anyone talks to Ana soon, can you please ask her? Especially if you have a wonderful relationship with her because honestly I am hesitant to ask because what if she says "no." Eeek. Technically the beach is public property... should I pursue the "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission" strategy?

 

Thanks so much for the help!

[BrandingMyImage]

Hello Girls!

 

I have read every post on this thread and feel as if I know you all. Off topic.. I would like to surprise the bride with having lanterns let go at the end of her wedding. I have tried to get in contact with Ana but have had no luck. Does any one know if this possible at the resort? If anyone talks to Ana soon, can you please ask her? Especially if you have a wonderful relationship with her. I am also hesitant to ask because what if she says "no." Eeek. Technically the beach is public property so should I pursue the "it's better to ask for forgiveness than permission" strategy?

 

Thanks so much for the help!

[JBandDJ]

The lanterns sound amazing!  I don't know if this is possible though. As long as you email Ana with the wedding date in the subject line she will get back to you....sometimes she takes a couple of weeks though. The closer to the wedding the faster she responds. 

[kleenotes]

BrandingMyImage--

 

I e-mailed Ana a few days ago and waiting to hear back too....

 

Did you try calling Ana?  I called three times the other day.  LOL  She picked up all three times. 

If you need the number, let me know.

 

-Kristi