rbarzu

Quote: Originally Posted by CristiandJamie Good thinking! At this point we have three bridesmaids, do you think if I order one bouquet and split it up three ways would that be too small? I might just stick with three bouquets but definitely think if someone has more BMs that would be a great solution! Thanks NaM! :-) Hey there, i do not know how you feel about artificial flowers. I first said - absolutely NOT... But I definitely changed my mind after I found a lady out of Florida, who did an amazing job with "natural touch" flowers - which I researched thoroughly - they are the most natural looking ones out there. She sent them via mail, very professional and helpful every step of the way. Everyone complimented our bouquets, and had no clue only mine was real. I have some pictures of the bouquets and this lady will work with your budget. I ended up paying $25.00 a bouquet (3 bridesmaids) and the flowers were beautiful. A side note - my REAL bouquet stained my dress...lol...I sincerely regretted not getting a bouquet of my own in "natural touch" after it was all said and done. The girls also got to keep their flowers as a memory/favor...I don't have mine and i had stains on my dress. Final score- Natural Touch: 2 Real flowers:0 :-)) (PM me for photos - the site is asking me to downsize them significantly and you will not see how beautiful the flowers really are)

Quote: Originally Posted by thefuturemrslutz Your pictures are absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH! I recommend Sascha Gluck, our photographer, all the way! As my post above says...I was a WRECK before my "I do" and Sascha made me look and feel amazing. He was such a part of our party group...everyone loved him. Once I get all of our photos I will post the link to our slideshow so you can see the many creative shots he took... thanks again Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by ddiinnyyeell We also had our wedding at 4 and you definitely are short on sunlight after the ceremony because of it. We decided to do our pictures before hand starting around 12:30 and had plenty of time and I am so happy we decided to do it that way. Of course, that is up to you -- you don't have the "wow" walking down the aisle moment. The sacrifice was worth it to me. By the time the ceremony and group pictures were done the lighting was about like this: Danielle, That is so beautiful - I love that shot... We did some shots with the sunset and I thought they were extremely romantic and different. I was very particular about the "wow" factor and not getting together before the ceremony so I didn't consider the option of photos beforehand. But many people who do (I have seen a lot on this forum) love that they have some special moments together before the big "I do." I was a wreck until the moment I walked down the steps toward the aisle so the before photos would have been (I think) a bust. I guess you can't anticipate how you will feel...at least I would have never foreseen myself to be in such an emotional state (6 years of living together + no jitters at all until the morning of...who would think I would break out in hives and have a meltdown??!) Just ask the girl that got married at 2 p.m., 1 hour before me, who had the "pleasure" of being in the beauty salon with me getting her hair done. Wreck is probably one of the lightest words she would use. lol So the hives went COMPLETELY away when I walked down the aisle and I was very calm and totally back to normal for the after photos and reception...all is well that ends well.. hugs Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by NaM I'm going to agree with Raluca and say RM is way better than Punta Cana in my opinion. They are both gorgeous but I'm just a little partial to Mexico in general. About the beach-a few people brought this up when they first got there but after we had pool time (at the swim up bar) and we went snorkeling...I think everyone was really pleased. We didn't hear a single complaint because everything else was so great. I, like Raluca, wanted a gazebo and the beach as a back drop "and what a backdrop it was" I'll hopefully have my pro pics back soon so I'll post those and my review within the next few weeks (hopefully sooner rather than later). But for now here are a few from my camera: **Just a note** since we got married in November I didn't take the time into account. We got married at 4 and although I enjoyed having all day to relax and get ready...we started a little late and missed out on some great pictures. If I could go back and do it again I would pick 3. That being said if I was getting married in the summer before day light savings time anything earlier might be too hot and I would def stick to 4. All personal preference though so make sure you research what will make you most happy!! Natalia, First let me say - YOU WERE BEAUTIFUL! I think I had told you that after Sascha had taken our pictures and was walking with us back to the Pandero terrace for the cocktail hour, we saw you and Justin being pronounced husband and wife - And I totally waved my bouquet and yelled and cheered (so did your guests, that's why you couldn't hear me lol) but i was far away and didn't really see much of your dress or what was going on. Now I am waiting to see photos! We also ran into some of your bridesmaids when riding the carriage over - their dresses were so cute! And, your grandpa and I danced up a storm at the disco one night - the man could twirl me so fast... (hahahaha...he told me later by the pool he was your grandpa, and then he took a pic of us...I thought he was so sweet...reminded me so much of my grandparents who couldn't travel from Romania...) All that aside, it is so sad we didn't take photos together (duh! we were just a few feet apart all the time that night) - maybe Sascha can photoshop one :-)) I too loved the free snorkeling tour (and it wasn't because Federico was the guide - which was the reason a lot of my ladies might have thought of joining the tour, but was definitely the reason why I did water aerobics often...lol) and I saw some cool fish too - and I was dead tired afterward...that lagoon is very long... Als, the time comment - TOALLY TRUE. The reason the light bulb went off for me was that when I booked, I asked ASP for a 6:30 p.m. wedding. And they replied to make sure that's what I wanted because it would have been pitch black. I went on one of the web sites that showed sunset and sunrise times and I realized the sun set at 5 at that time of the year....so for anyone concerned about this, it is really easy to figure out what your time of the year will look like just by going to one of these sites.

Quote: Originally Posted by rdsjcr Raluca -- you were a gorgeous bride and oh my- those pics are stunning! I was looking to get married in Punta Cana and now I am thinking Riveria Maya... and I am looking at Aventura. Quick quiestions-- did it bother you and your guests that you are not directly on a beach? How easy is it get to the beach? Also- I have a friend who does photography on the side and is willing to do for our gift, but after looking at your pics- how can I not go with him...would you say he is affordable? thanks and congrats!! Rd, I have been to Punta Cana twice, and I would choose RM any day for my wedding...but this is a personal decision, really....don't want to influence you...choose ASP...lol:-))) It didn't bother me not to be on the beach - but i heard that comment many times. And I would say that if you really want to be on the beach, ASP is not for you. I wanted to be in a gazebo, mostly because I am a shoe freak and so are my bridesmaids and ...well...I couldn't have imagined my day barefoot. (shallow? yes!) Now, we did take them off for the reception, but at that point it was very fitting and romantic to do so... Many people who dream of their wedding on a beach, actually want to do it on the sand - I wanted the ocean in the background (and what a background it was!) and for my guests to have fun not only on the day of but at the resort in general. And let me tell you, we had FUN. The activity pool was tons of fun -- not sure what others thought of our crazy group (NaM??:-))) but we participated in many events at the pool and had a riot (the swim up bar helped). So even if ASP would have had a beach, none of my guests would have preferred it over the activity pool. But it's up to you...you're the bride, you know your group and the kind of atmosphere you want. I recommend ASP all the way. As for Sascha, I can say, yes, based on my research (and I could swear I spent 9 neverending months on the internet with photographers and other vendors) he was AFFORDABLE for what we had in mind. The fact that he has an assistant (who takes photos as well - so you get all kinds of views and as he is shooting the girls getting ready, his assistant is meeting up with the guys to get their pics) he was there for 8 hours straight (and had fun with us!) and then showed up the next morning and picked us up for another 2 hours, coupled with the quality of the shots and his personal demeanor....his services are a great deal. I had priced a bunch of different photogs all based on this forum....he had the best prices, and you didn't sacrifice quality of work. (did I brag on him enough??) If you are considering him, I think you should contact him soon because I know he gets booked up...maybe just to see his pricing and get a status on your wedding date. He had told us he had some weddings booked up in July 2010, so it's wise to get on his calendar sooner than later. Does this help? Tootles! Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by FutureMrsRell Raluca - I think you had the MOST popular dress of the year! You are the 5th bride I've seen it on (between friends, photographers pics, and here!) However, I must say... YOU pulled it off better than anyone I've seen! You were an absolutely STUNNING bride! I loved how your hair was so natural. LOVED LOVED LOVED your flower! Makes we want to give up on this whole growing my hair out! Anyway love what you've posted so far! Can't wait to see more! =) FutureMrs, I KNOOOW! When I first bought the dress in March, it was a new arrival. I was stunned - loved it. It was THE ONE. So after, I started seeing wedding after wedding after wedding - in the local paper, on my friend's facebook, even one of my friends, on the photographer's site - all in the same dress!! Even at a fitting, I walked in to find another bride getting fitted in that same dress. I didn't even want to come out of the fitting room. lol. I tried others on and told myself I can find another one, but in the end it was THE ONE, and I couldn't rid myself of it. So I told myself just what you said (which I thank you for, really!) - that I will pull it off the best and that's that. And the reason why I chose this dress was my hair. It is perfect in my opinion for short hair. But, of course, before the wedding, I was obsessed with the "up-do" - no sites/magazines really show you short hair for wedding style...So I considered extensions heavily before leaving. But then, I told myself I want to be me on that day - and "me" is not long flowy hair at all...it's short and fun so I told myself that's what I will do. Now, not to say that I didn't have major doubts on the day of, watching another ASP bride get her long hair done so beautifully...lol...so it's really how you feel and what you decide...:-))) Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by KelleynEric Raluca your pictures are gorgeous!! Thank you for sharing! Sascha did a great job, I'm so happy you posted those pics and a link to him, looks like he did a great job and had fun! How long did you have him for? Did you have to pay for overnight? Cant wait for your full review!! Kelley, Sorry I haven't responded. I haven't had a chance with family in town and the holidays...I am working on a review. About Sascha - we had him for 10 hours - 8 the day of the wedding (he came at 2 p.m. for a 3 p.m. wedding and stayed through the reception, which was supposed to end at 10 p.m. - you will see in my review though, it was much later:)) and 2 hours for TTD the next morning. He actually came and picked us up at 8:30 a.m. and we went to a private beach where we had a fun TTD...and later even a beer at a restaurant. (yeah, we had beer at 10:30 - one that had spices in it for major hangovers lol) Sascha stayed in Puerto Aventuras for the night (which is 5 mins away) but didn't charge us for the stay. I honestly recommend him - I talked with so many photogs before deciding to go with him...and he was amazing...all the way! Hope this helps. Raluca p.s. And yes, I went with the Amber package for decor and I had a ton of compliments from my guests...

CancunPhotos by Sascha Gluck Ladies, I couldn't figure out quickly how to get 60 preview photos on here, but I thought the link above (to his blog) would suffice. These are the preview shots from Sascha (AMAZING!) and they are the first ones on the page - under the heading RALUCA AND CHRIS, AVENTURA SPA PALACE. Have fun! Review coming up soon....... Raluca

OK girlies-whirlies, I AM BACK!! Married and happy, trying to adjust to colder temps and being at work. I will post photos as soon as Sascha lets me take a peek and will try to find time this weekend for a full review. Until then, know that it was P-E-R-F-E-C-T! From begining to end. I am a perfectionist to the core and to my own fault amny times so I had doubts and criticism about EVERYTHING until the very moment we arrived at ASP. And let me tell you, it was indeed PERFECT. No other word can describe it. LOVED LOVED LOVED IT. So take a deep breath all of you future brides...it will be amazing! TTYS! Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by Jackie22 Hi Everyone, I'm new to the site and just planned my wedding at the Aventura Spa Palace for May. Were are having a small wedding aprox 12 people. We chose a 5pm ceremony. Can anyone tel lme about the bloodwork that is required, do they come to the hotel to draw it, how was the process? Did anyone have the fireworks? How were they? I chose the Diamond Package, did anyone choose this package? I'm trying to find a photographer, I'm thinking of using Del Sol but the want me to puirchase them a room for the night. Since our wedding is so small I'm looking for like a 3 hr photographer package. Does anyone know a photographer who will come just using the day pass? Thanks!!!! Look forward to hearing from you Hey Jackie, You have come to the right place to plan your wedding. This thread has been a life saver for me. I am leaving TOMORROW and our wedding is this Saturday. My photographer, Sascha Gluck, Destination Wedding Photographer for Cancun and Riviera Maya and the rest of the World - did NOT require a night's stay, but only the daily pass. His work is very good. I will post photos when we return and you can decide. We are doing some add-ons, a private reception and rehearsal dinner with about 27 guests so I will have a review upon returning. I will be very honest, I promise!! Also, NaM on this thread is getting married an hour after me, in the same location and I am SURE she will have helpful insights! (lol, Natalia, I just volunteered you:)) Mexico here we come!! Woo -hoo! Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by ddiinnyyeell Hi girls.... for those of you that have facebook.... I think this should work. Click this link and sign into facebook and I think you'll be able to view that album. This is our "sneak peak" at some of our wedding photos! Enjoy! Login | Facebook I looove them! You were g-g-g-gourgeous:) I can't wait to see more! Thank you so much for sharing, Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by ddiinnyyeell rbarzu -- I agree that the resort photographer isn't the best. Out of the 70 pictures we got, there were between 15-20 pictures that were nice. The rest were overly posed and corney. But the ones we liked were definitely worth it. I'll be sure to post them when I get home Friday. Danielle, Please do post them! You make me feel so much better when you say you had no problem with bringing an outside photog. As you can tell, I have been PARANOID. Yazmin has reminded me quite a few times of their outside vendor rules, so I was feeling apprehensive. And really, 15-20 photos of quality is quite a good number! Thank you for your post! I am so excited to see your review and all the photos when you get back (lol, no pressure at all!) take care Raluca

Quote: Originally Posted by lily17bear Danielle, congrats on your wedding! Can't wait to read your review and look at your pics. Enjoy your time while there. I have a question regarding hiring an outside photographer. I've been told by the resort that they don't allow outside vendors, but I've also read on the forum that they have been able to bring someone from the outside. Does this mean that they really don't enforce that rule at the resort? I would love to hire an outside photographer. Would I be able to just bring them in with a day pass, and do I have to tell them that it's a photographer coming in? Thanks for everyone's input. Hey Lily, Bringing a photographer seems to be a challenge but I, like many other ASP brides, chose to bypass their rules and try to get an outside vendor to do our photos. I have gone with Sascha Gluck (Destination Wedding Photographer for Cancun and Riviera Maya and the rest of the World) and he and his assistant will come as guests to our wedding on Nov. 21. They will have a place at the reception tables, a day pass and all that...Just as a good friend and guest would. I told our coordinator that a dear friend and guest at the wedding is doing the photos. What can they say about that? It has worked so far...but the wedding is in less than three weeks, so...we shall see. Hope not to jinx myself! I also know other brides at ASP have bypassed the outside vendor rule by either having the local photog stay for one night (so paying for their stay would make them actual ASP guests) or invited someone to tag along from the U.S. and paid for their stay and travel. Some photographers request the resort stay as part of their contract. Sascha did not. Honestly, I think the solution with the day pass will work for us. For me, the resort photography is pretty sub-standard (maybe I am a little biased because it is close to what I do for a living) and I find it silly that they would try to force that on people getting married and staying at their resort, not to mention spending a lot of money on their services. Let me know if you need any more info. Good luck!!! Raluca

CONGRATULATIONS Danielle!! We are three weeks away and it helps to see your positive comments. We want to hear EVERYTHING upon your return. Have fun on your honeymoon until then! )

Your pictures are gorgeous ieemc! NaM - I sent you an e-mail - let's figure out the makeup deal, definitely. Playa is not very far. We are going to try and find our wedding favors (some sort of local souvenir). Yazmin is veeeeery slow on e-mailing. I asked for Mundaca for the rehearsal...we will see. trying to keep my cool.... So close, so close....