wendy

I really appreciate the advice, ladies! I'm 35 and F is 40. We're getting married early '09 and have spoken often about 'to child or not'. ANY advice on the age-thing is so appreciated. But it's a bit zany because it's not like you can turn back time. There are stories that can certainly scare you! When it all boils down, I do like the approach of being smart with your health and doing what's best for you as a couple. Any other stories or advice out there?

We've stayed at the RIU Vallarta, so between your great descriptions and the photos, it's easy to picture how wonderful it must have been! Thanks so much for sharing (including the tips on the hairstyles!) Best wishes!

Hi! Are you a bride/bride-to-be or wedding guest of the Marival all-inclusive in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico? If you have any experience there, your input would be so appreciated! We're hoping to have our ceremony on the beach, then our reception outside one of the restaurants. We'll be there Jan. 31 - Feb. 7/09 and are planning a legal ceremony. Did you plan or already attend the Marival? Was there anything you preferred? We want to ensure our guests have a great experience, as we appreciate the effort and expense they are putting forward for us. *THANK YOU*! Sending best wishes your way, Wendy & Craig

Thanks so much for your input! It's so nice chatting with someone who's experienced a wedding at the Marival! While we're familiar with the resort, it certainly is different once you're viewing the facility through 'wedding eyes' as opposed to 'just' a great vacation! Do you recall where on the resort the ceremony and reception were held? ie. ceremony on the beach or garden? Reception in one of the restaurants our outside? As a wedding guest, was there anything that you 'wanted' for or would have preferred? I just know we'll have a better time if our guests are happy! You were asking about a private reception...this may sound like a silly answer but the resort wedding coordinator should offer a breakdown of cost/person. There are usually minimums (ie. 15 guests). In some cases, your group can essentially 'take over' a restaurant if you don't mind a few strangers in the room and this can be part of your wedding package (so you don't pay/guest). On the other hand, even their private dinners are usually so affordable when compared to a traditional banquet facility. Hope this helps a bit. When/where is your wedding or are you still in the discovery phase?

Wow...THANKS so much for taking the time to share that advice, Jamie! Luck of the draw on your timing, eh?! I'm a bit nervous sending our original birth certificates...but I guess that's the only way. If I may impose on your advice once again - did you have any difficulty getting the wedding date you preferred? May I ask which resort you picked? (your profile shows Jamaica...please forgive me if I'm out-to-lunch on something, as I'm a newbie) ;-) Thanks so much for sharing - it really helps!

Appreciate the animated welcome! Jamaica sounds WONDERFUL! Sending well wishes your way!

A-ha! THANKS! ;-)

I just joined and was wondering how your visit to PV went? We're planning our DW for February, 2009. When is yours?

FINALLY! I've finally found another bride for the Marival in Nuevo Vallarta! We're planning our wedding for February, 2009. How was yours? I would sincerely appreciate ANY advice you can offer! Was your DW legal? Where did you hold your ceremony? Reception? Thank you thank you thank you!!!

Hi! Forgive me - I'm a newbie and I thought I read all the 'how to use the forum' posts, but I don't recall what "AHR" is? *thanks for your patience*

Great advice! Is anyone getting married (legal or otherwise) at the Grand Marival resort in Nuevo Vallarta? I'm in the planning stages for our beach ceremony February, 2009 and would appreciate *any* advice on planning from a distance (we live in Canada) and tips on working with the resort wedding coordinator. All opinions welcome!

Thanks! I got hung up on your blog....WOW! You do amazing work!

Hi there! I, too am a Canadian bride-to-be Nuevo Vallarta bound! Although, I'm from the much chillier Winnipeg, Manitoba. Your December date is quickly approaching; you must be SO excited! My fiance and I stayed at the Riu Vallarta this past winter...it's gorgeous! We ended up selecting the Grand Marival for our wedding, as it was more fitting for our guests, but your location will be amazing! We don't depart until January 31 and have just begun the paperwork to ensure our marriage is legal. If you can offer *any* advice, it'd be so appreciated! I'm sure things are a tad hectic, so if you're unable to reply, I completely understand. Have a WONDERFUL time - best of luck!

I'm so pleased to find this site! Sincerely looking forward to learning - and helping if I can - on planning a destination wedding. We're from Winnipeg, Manitoba tying the knot in Mexico at the Grand Marival all-inclusive resort in Nuevo Vallarta (sometimes also referred to as Riviera Nayarit). We depart January 31, 2009 for one week. We're also planning a cocktail-style reception February 28 to include those unable to join us in Mexico. I hope this introduction suffices...I'm a newbie!