aww thanks Evy! It was definitely a dream wedding.
What about looking into the Azul Sensatori or Azul Beach? Those are also Karisma resorts (same family as EDR), and family friendly.
Most of them won't really negotiate on their room rates. Are you working with a travel agent? I found that was the best way to get not only the best room rates, but also additional amenities many of the time (private parties or add ons).
We used the resort's WC - Lomas Weddings.
The only outside vendor we used was my photographer who is a close friend of mine that is a pro, and she stayed at the resort with the rest of our guests (I couldn't imagine anyone else capturing my special day!) They waived the outside vendor fee for her as a result. Also, her 3 night stay was less expensive to pay than the outside vendor fee. I've seen several Karisma brides choose to book the vendor a room at the resort vs. pay the fee. It seems they may be more strict about outside vendors though and allowing them at all.
We decided not to pay the outside vendors for any other services - it wasn't the best use of our $$ we felt. I think there may have been ways to get around this, such as going and picking up a cake ourselves, etc. But I didn't want the additional worry or stress of dealing with it.
We used the resort's DJ (and loved them), and brought our own decorations for the most part to keep the costs down.
That said, there are several resorts who are much more friendly with outside vendors, or charge less of a fee than the Karisma resorts.
As you said, having your closest friends and family there is a huge priority for you, so I would keep shopping around for that perfect resort. It's out there!!!
Originally Posted by EvySF
WOW!!!!!!!! Love, love your pics and you made such a beautiful bride, Allie. Thank you sooo much for the advice! The EDR resort looks fabulous 
Unfortunately, they're an adults only resort and we have some kids. Also, the people that don't have kids are my beautiful single friends who will probably want to stay closer to PDC for the social scene.
Maybe it's the time, I'm planning to get married in late April, but with the exception of Zoetry, the resorts I've contacted are not flexible at all. To be honest, I haven't negotiated the wedding costs. I've mainly focused on getting better rates for my guests. My mother has offered to subsidize some of the cots for some of our guests, if needed. Her SWEET gesture just makes me want to focus more on the people more than the place Because of that I still find myself leaning toward Al Cielo. The more I read about it, the more it makes me think that it would impossible to not have a BEAUTIFUL wedding there. The overly rustic feel of the place will definitely make it a fun challenge:)
Did you use a WC? Did you work with outside vendors? If so, were you satisfied. I'd appreciate any information you can share.
Thank you Allie!
