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natiknyc

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  1. Hi all! I am back from my wedding, and ready to answer any questions you might have! Let me start by saying - it was a wonderful day, and the resort staff really does a great job making sure your day is perfect (or close to it!) Transfer from the airport We had our package from AppleVacations, so had an individual direct transfer to the hotel, which was not bad at all - 1hr 15 minutes door to door. Hotel Check-in Pleasant and easy, with champagne and a hot towel. However, they do have an extremely weird policy of check-in at 3, and check-out at 12. We were at the hotel by noon, and had to hang around in jeans/longsleeve dying to take a shower and strip to a bathing suit for the next 3 hours! Hotel amenities The gardens are beautiful, everything is very clean. The beach was run down by seaweed, which was pretty awful - it was a battle that the cleaners could not win at all. They kept gathering the seaweed and then burying it, but then a new wave would come in and bring in pounds and pounds more of it. The shore was very rocky and full of shells for 8 days out of 10 we were there for. The last 2 days - it was as we were at a different beach! The seaweed was gone, and the shore had no rocks or shells, which made our swimming sessions much more pleasant. The spa was beautiful, and that couples massage was like dying and going to heaven. The entertainment during the day was similar day to day, but it was fun anyway. The shows at night were either a hit or a miss - the water show was phenomenal, and magic show was extremely cheesy. Food Food was generally eeh. At the italian restaurant, the appetizers were the best, main entres were yucky. The french restaurant was decent. The asian place was ok, and again - the appetizers were much better than the mains. The mexican place was ok. The buffet - it seems like lunch had the most options, breakfast was more or less the same every day, and dinners were just ok. Tummy issues We had a total of 24 people, and about a third did not have any issues at all, the rest - seemed to have at least one not fun day. We stayed there for 10 days, were eating and drinking without thinking anything of it, and I had painful cramps on day 6, which left me alone on day 7 but I still had to be aware of the nearest bathroom everywhere i went. The abnormal "going" continued, but without pain or much discomfort. Meeting with the wedding coordinator We had the Ultimate Package, but I still had a very elaborate plan for all – ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. I brought decorations, and Nayeli (the coordinator) took notes and then delivered exactly what I spoke to her about. There was no pressure of adding anything additional to the package, but they were not flexible at all in trying to decrease the overall price. Those taxes and service charges really add up!!! The big day Started off with an early start, breakfast and beach. The night before we agreed to stay at different sides of the resort so not to see each other (they also gave him a separate room). At first he was laughing at me to not wanting to see him the morning of the wedding, but after – he said that the anticipation just made it so much better. 11:30 – had my hair and make-up done. When they say, give yourself an hour for each – I would say, give yourself more time than that. My hair was relatively detailed, and it took 2.5 hours and she had to rush through make-up. The results were phenomenal. I brought in pictures of both, and the girl who took care of me, did exactly what I wanted her to do. Great job! (And it helps if one of your bridesmaids comes with you to chat, two and a half hours is a looong time to sit and stare at yourself in the mirror) 2pm – we brought out own photographer, so he came by the room to take pictures of my girls and I getting ready. 3pm – everyone pretty much left to hang out by the bar next to the beach, while my dad stayed with me and fed me French fries (you really do forget to eat, until the hunger creeps up on you and you are ready to eat a baby horse!) 3:30pm – beach ceremony. Beautiful! The wedding coordinator was there to help throughout the walk, and was there to tell everyone when to start walking, etc All in all, it took about 20 minutes. 4-4:30pm – took pictures by the beach with everyone 4:30-5:30 – the bridal party went with us and our own photographer to take pictures at the beach/rocks and all over the resort. The guests had an hour to explore and drink =) 5:30-6:30 – cocktail hour at the lobby balcony. We originally wanted to have the cocktail hour at the beach, but then thought that for the pictures, it would be good to have a different setting. And since there was that extra time – let the guests walk around a bit! 6:30-10:30 – reception by the dolphin pool. We got the extra hour, and it was sooo worth it. We are both Russian, and our families tend to sit at dinners forever, so we knew that 3 hours would not be enough for the first dance, father/bride and mother/groom dances, and all the toasts. We also rented the sound system (which is such a ripoff, but what other choice do you have?), and at the end, had the last hour pretty much for dancing. We were concerned with the privacy issue that everyone talks about by that pool, but we really wanted the paper lanterns, and this was the only location that you could have them. There were no privacy issues, we were so involved with each other, that I honestly cannot tell you if there was anyone walking by at all. But be warned, this resort seems to be the Wedding Central – during the weekend, there could be 2-3 weddings a day, and during the weekday, there is at least one! So it seems like everyone at the resort, after gawking at their first wedding of the day, they ignore all others after. Food – was not that much, and none of it was exceptionally good. But our wedding cake – was the best cake I ever tasted! We got the tres leches with apricot filling – absolutely to die for. Service – the waiters were too quick in putting food on the table, and we actually had to tell them to slow down, otherwise we would get to the dessert within the first 45 minutes! Otherwise, the guys were great. Resort photographer – Teo was amazing to work with, and the pictures came out phenomenal. Only issue was the cost – if you want additional pictures (over 50), it is $20 each. Negatives – the food came out too fast, and they lost 11 shot glasses. We brought personalized shot glasses for each of our guests, and some of them took them, some of them left them at the table hoping to get them later – the coordinator claimed there were none left. Eleven went missing, which was a bummer. Thank goodness we have extras back at home, and now will just have to mail those, but still. Otherwise – a great experience, a wonderful day, the weather complied, and all in all – it was everything I expected it to be! Feel free to reach out to me with any questions you might have (while all the details are fresh in my mind!) – natgurova@@gmail.com. Also, I have 24 turquoise satin chair sashes and 4 table runners, and fancy big seashells (for table decorations) for sale! The seashells, I brought two bags, with different kinds of shells to scatter them on the table for the cocktail hour and for the reception – they looked great! They did not open one bag at all, so it was more than enough. Pictures upon request as well. Good luck ladies!!!
  2. Hi all! I got a week left before I fly out, and it seems like the thread slowly died out...Hopefully you are finding all of your answers through the coordinators, meanwhile, I am bugging out =) Seven days left to cross off 25 items on my to do list...still did not find a song for the first song.. AAAaaaa! Will report back when I get home, crossing fingers for everything to go well (especially the weather!) Wish me luck!
  3. Hi ladies! My date is coming up and I am getting a bit panicky...4 more months to go! Patiently waiting for the package to come... Question - did anyone get their hands on the "useful Spanish phrases" for their Welcome Bags? If anyone has that list - would you please send it my way! The address is at natgurova (@) gmail.com Thank you ladies!!!
  4. Hi Lucy LuckyToes! If you still check this thread, and see this message - I would really really really appreciate you sending me the Spanish phrases files! my email is natgurova@@gmail.com Thank you so so much!!!
  5. Hi Ladybugbt! Your date is coming up so close! You must be super excited and anxious!! So many good things to come! I still have 7 months more to go..TO answer a few of your questions (although i realize I might be a bit too late!) - i am planning on bringing my own bows for the chairs (great deals on ebay), table runners (i should only have about 4-5 tables), some decorations (i got some beautiful large seashells i am planning on "scattering" around the centerpiece), and welcome bags. For welcome bags i will be getting mostly medicine related items (pepto, tylenol, first aid kit, sanitizer), the detailed plan for the week (dinner for ladies/men the night before, detailed schedule of the big day, etc), a sudoku pack, and a crossword that i will make up myself (titled "How well do you know the bride and groom?") I would love to hear about all of your decisions about the decorations that you are bringing. Have you made your welcome bags yet? Also, would you pleeeassseee send me a copy of the package? (So i can get a headstart on the flowers, etc - natgurova@yahoo.com). Also, did you figure out what to do with your ladies the day before? And how big of a party will you have, and the location of your reception? How far in advance did you book the trip, and was it through AppleVacations? I know i just bombarded you with questions, but i am at 7 months prior mark, and getting a bit nervous. Any bit of insight will help! Thank you!!! And i hope your day will turn out wonderful!!!
  6. I do not think so. My fiance's frat brother got his "Justice of Peace" license, so he will be marrying us. The wedding coordinator said that it is ok, and we do not need to be in the country 3 days before, or anything like that. Although if you are using a minister there to get you married - not sure what the protocol is. Send them an email! so far, they have been responding to my emails within 1 business day.
  7. Yap, it is only for ONE centerpiece! I think i will have four round tables, so that means that i have to multiply the price by four! I decided to not have the petals (simply because they might fly away, and the price - i can get them off ebay much cheaper!), and go with the shells. I got a nice "mixed bag" with large shells of different variety from Christmas Tree Shops, and i got starfish there as well (6 starfish of about 4 inch = $2). I figured, i will bring the marbles for the vase, bring my seashells and scatter them, and just deal with getting the vase + 3 calla lilies (which will cost me ($80 + 16% tax)x4 = $371...arghhh). Still thinking - buying the flameless candles and bringing them as "centerpieces" will be a cheaper option, but i do not think it will be enough. And slowly but surely things will fly out of the budget...=(
  8. Hi ladies, I was wondering if anyone can send me the package Dreams Tulum usually sends out two months prior to the wedding? (natgurova@gmail.com) - With all the decoration choices, flowers, etc...I would like to see my options earlier in the game =) My wedding is still far away, January 7th 2015, but I already picked up some decorative shells at Christmas Tree Shops, they are so pretty! I am planning on having a runner on the reception table with some shells scattered and lighting underneath. For the centerpiece - i really like this idea: The resort quoted me $100 + 16% tax for the vase, 3 lilies and marbles, and $21+16% for the petals. Uhm...- a bag of petals costs $.89 on ebay with free shipping. Marbles can be found at any dollar store. And for the lilies with a vase, they quoted $80+16% tax. I still think it is pretty steep...What are you ladies doing for your centerpieces?
  9. This sounds so bizarre to me! The way i was explained this - it works just as booking a regular vacation, so the prices depend on the flight scheduling/hotel/time left/economic factors. The only difference is that you reserve a particular time slot and location for your ceremony, by paying the deposit of $500. I am doing everything myself, i figure i have enough time. You are lucky to have someone on your side helping, especially Spanish speaking! But the fact that they are pressuring you to book now, does not make sense. I have worked for 4 years at a travel agency in my youth, and have traveled all over Europe after with multiple flights/hotel reservations - it is so weird that they are pushing you to make this decision NOW. From my experience, you should book l within 3 months of the trip - in this case, because it is a wedding and the stakes are high, 6 months in advance should be enough, 8-9 months - the earliest. I believe they are pushing you to book now because this way everyone will know what their commissions will be now, and they do not have to worry that they will get paid less in case the price will go down. I am not telling you to not book now, but definitely question their reasoning!
  10. Hi adrianita! I am actually having my wedding just 5 days after you, January 7th! Congrats! Not sure what you mean by the "quoted prices"...Do you mean the wedding package prices? Or the prices to hold the rooms? My best friend's mom has her own small travel agency. She originally told me to get in touch with the airlines (like JetBlue, as i am flying out of NY) and the hotel directly, as sometimes they provide better deals. JetBlue laughed at me, as when i contacted them it was still over a year before the departure...So they told me to wait until about June to get back to them, as they have not finished with the pricing that far ahead yet. And the hotel quoted me $237 for the cheapest room (so just for the hotel for a week stay you would end up paying about $1660) My travel agent laughed at that. She said that Apple Vacation will have deals and with the flight, it should end up being under $1500. Do not worry! I just checked AppleVacation for my days, and it still comes up pretty steep ($2000 per person) - but it is still waaaaaaay ahead of time. The airlines still do not know their schedules, so the prices are very volatile. Realistically, you should start to see the prices go down closer to June/July. At that point, monitor AppleVacations website, and perhaps, give their wedding ppl a call, to see if you can secure a block. I know, i am itching to book everything already as well!
  11. Hi everyone! I am getting married at Tulum January 7, 2015...i know - so far ahead!!! I am expecting about 30 or so people to join us, and have already booked a symbolic ceremony at the beach at 4pm. I am planning on having the pictures of my groom and I right after, and the cocktail hour from 5-6, group pictures, and reception at 7. I have not read all the comments on this thread (but planning on doing so before the new year), but already have several questions.. I was planning on having my reception next to the Dolphin Pool, but saw a comment that it was not private at all...Any experiences? And in terms of the music - would it be silly to have a DJ for only 30 people or so? And just like Pattel712 is interested - is the resort DJ any good? I am sure there will be many more questions to come, but whooohooooo to all the brides with the upcoming weddings! Hope it will be the best time of your lives, girls!!
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