Wedding Reviews on The Imagination 9-18-09

[lowash67]

I would like to say thank you to everyone who posted reviews of their wedding and links to pictures to assist me.

The night before the wedding we stayed at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami, in Miami Florida about five minutes away from the ship. We had 47 confirmed sailing and 5 non sailing.At least three of my guest were a no show. I think its so tacky to RSVP and then not come. Thats another story. Most of my guests spent the night in the hotel. We were able to get a shuttle through VIP services which was only $4.oo per person. The shuttle transported about 25 of my guest including my husband to be. I caught a cab to the pier along with my girls. I didn’t leave the hotel until 10:30. I was getting my make up done and was running late, so I thought. I began to panic and brizilla came out..lol.

The girl who did my make up name was Candace she was excellent. My maid of honor found her online. She was truly the best. She came to our hotel room that morning and did all of my girls face’s including my mothers. Her website is candefaces@live.com

My husband to be and I decided that we didn’t want to see each other the next morning, which was almost impossible. This was very stressful so I immediately upon arriving on the ship decided that I didn’t care. You both have to meet with the officiate to go over the ceremony, So If your fiancé wants to be involved like my husband does then you will see each other. We were immediately directed to the VIP section, there, we were introduced to my wedding coordinator Christine. I was told I had two but I only saw one. Christine was right on point with everything. We had no problem boarding the ship, it went rather well.

I was escorted to my cabin by Christine the coordinator and my future husband was next door in my maid of honors cabin. My girls were able to get ready in my room and the guys got dressed in my maid of honors room. The coordinator left me and stated that she would give me a call at around 1:00, she did. Once the girls were dressed they left me and I was now in the room with my Matron of honor and flower girl.

That important call came and it was on time. The photographer came in and took some nice shots and then the videographer came in to get some questions answered for the video and I was so nervous. I fumbled over my words, but they did edit it. (So glad)

At 1:15PM, the wedding coordinator walked me up the Shangria La Lounge.
The ceremony started on time but it was so short but very sweet. My husband to be was crying before I even walked down the aisle. I was surprised because he doesn’t show a lot of emotions. The ceremony was almost perfect. The music CD’s that I had made did not play so my bridesmaids had to decide really quickly, what songs to play while they walked down the aisle and what songs to play while I walked down the aisle. They refused to tell me what was going on until afterwards. It’s funny because when I heard the song play I wasn’t going to go down the aisle. lol I knew that was not the song that I had made. The photographer stepped in and motioned for me to come on so I did. That was one of my nightmares that I had prior to the wedding. Go figure. Over all I have no complaints about the ceremony.

The reception was held in The Illusions Disco, we immediately went to our first dance and then the cake cutting and toasts. It all went rather fast. I didn’t like the cake but the guest said it was good. The food I heard was awesome, I don’t know because I don’t remember eating anything. If you look at some of my pictures I had a plate in my hand. I must say everything was fabulous and I am so glad it is all over with. If you have any questions that I can assist you with, please feel free to ask. Here are just a few pictures that carnival took and I scanned them. Hope you enjoyed.

[lowash67]

Here are some more pictures that my maid of honors boyfriend took.http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=ADE3903C936&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW

[SweetDara]

You looked beautiful. I love your color scheme and flowers. All the best to you and hubby!

[lowash67]

Originally Posted by SweetDara

You looked beautiful. I love your color scheme and flowers. All the best to you and hubby!

Thank you so much and Same to you sweet Dara

[PrettyHazardous]

Oh Congrats Locita. I didn't realize that your day had come. Everything looked beautiful. I'm glad you had such a great time and you had a very supportive bridal party.

[shortnsweet7676]

Originally Posted by lowash67

I would like to say thank you to everyone who posted reviews of their wedding and links to pictures to assist me.

The night before the wedding we stayed at the Holiday Inn Port of Miami, in Miami Florida about five minutes away from the ship. We had 47 confirmed sailing and 5 non sailing.At least three of my guest were a no show. I think its so tacky to RSVP and then not come. Thats another story. Most of my guests spent the night in the hotel. We were able to get a shuttle through VIP services which was only $4.oo per person. The shuttle transported about 25 of my guest including my husband to be. I caught a cab to the pier along with my girls. I didn’t leave the hotel until 10:30. I was getting my make up done and was running late, so I thought. I began to panic and brizilla came out..lol.

The girl who did my make up name was Candace she was excellent. My maid of honor found her online. She was truly the best. She came to our hotel room that morning and did all of my girls face’s including my mothers. Her website is candefaces@live.com

My husband to be and I decided that we didn’t want to see each other the next morning, which was almost impossible. This was very stressful so I immediately upon arriving on the ship decided that I didn’t care. You both have to meet with the officiate to go over the ceremony, So If your fiancé wants to be involved like my husband does then you will see each other. We were immediately directed to the VIP section, there, we were introduced to my wedding coordinator Christine. I was told I had two but I only saw one. Christine was right on point with everything. We had no problem boarding the ship, it went rather well.

I was escorted to my cabin by Christine the coordinator and my future husband was next door in my maid of honors cabin. My girls were able to get ready in my room and the guys got dressed in my maid of honors room. The coordinator left me and stated that she would give me a call at around 1:00, she did. Once the girls were dressed they left me and I was now in the room with my Matron of honor and flower girl.

That important call came and it was on time. The photographer came in and took some nice shots and then the videographer came in to get some questions answered for the video and I was so nervous. I fumbled over my words, but they did edit it. (So glad)

At 1:15PM, the wedding coordinator walked me up the Shangria La Lounge.
The ceremony started on time but it was so short but very sweet. My husband to be was crying before I even walked down the aisle. I was surprised because he doesn’t show a lot of emotions. The ceremony was almost perfect. The music CD’s that I had made did not play so my bridesmaids had to decide really quickly, what songs to play while they walked down the aisle and what songs to play while I walked down the aisle. They refused to tell me what was going on until afterwards. It’s funny because when I heard the song play I wasn’t going to go down the aisle. lol I knew that was not the song that I had made. The photographer stepped in and motioned for me to come on so I did. That was one of my nightmares that I had prior to the wedding. Go figure. Over all I have no complaints about the ceremony.

The reception was held in The Illusions Disco, we immediately went to our first dance and then the cake cutting and toasts. It all went rather fast. I didn’t like the cake but the guest said it was good. The food I heard was awesome, I don’t know because I don’t remember eating anything. If you look at some of my pictures I had a plate in my hand. I must say everything was fabulous and I am so glad it is all over with. If you have any questions that I can assist you with, please feel free to ask. Here are just a few pictures that carnival took and I scanned them. Hope you enjoyed.

Thank you so much for sharing this review. It is very helpful to me. First, I'd like to say you were a beautiful bride and it looks like everyone had a wonderful time. I will be getting married on the Carnival Glory out of the Port of Miami in April 2010, so I have several questions...

1. Was the port of Miami pretty easy to get through? I've heard it can be pretty hectic.
2. How was the Holiday Inn (location and cleanliness of rooms)? I've heard mixed reviews of this hotel.
3. What did your guests think of the VIP shuttle service?
4. What time did you actually board the ship?
5. How long was your reception and what kind of music did the dj play? I was only able to get the one hour reception, so I'm thinking I will probably have to cut out the bouquet and garter toss and the speeches.
6. Did the photography interfere with your time with your guests? I'm just wondering if I will be spending so much time taking pictures that I won't even get to enjoy my guests.
7. Where did you get the groom's/groomsmens' suits? I like the brown color. Did you rent or buy them? How did you handle returning the suits of those that cruised if you rented them?
8. Who did your bouquets? They were beautiful.

My final question... How in the world did you get 47 guests to sail with you? Right now I only have 6 sailing guests. Thanks again for sharing this review.

[harrodsfan]

Loved your attitude too....you two make such a cute couple and I just loved the yellow dresses..(Yours was pretty too..)
Congratulations and smooth sailing for the rest of your lives together.

[4evercruiser]

You were such a beautiful bride! Your dress was gorgeous, too. Glad to know your wedding went smoothly and you had a great time. I just have a question regarding your reception. Were you and your hubby announced upon entering the reception?

Congratulations to you both and best wishes for a long and happy marriage.

[shorbr]

You looked beautiful So happy that everything went perfect for you and your husband...doesn't that sound nice.

My husband and I will be celebrating our first year anniversary on Sunday. He is the love of my life.

Here is hoping that you and your husband are happy ALWAYS

[cece9922]

BEAUTIFUL!!! Your dress is amazing! Loved your flowers!!! And who ever that is in the brown dress looks fantastic!

Isn't it amazing how quickly it flies by? You forget half of the things that happened.

how was the cruise?

[jerseygirl79]

Congratulations!!! You were stunning! LOVE LOVE LOVE the yellow and brown! The women were beautiful! You are so cute and tiny!!!

I'm glad your day went well. As we know, a cruise wedding is not those who need to be in control.

So happy for you both!

[lowash67]

Originally Posted by shortnsweet7676

Thank you so much for sharing this review. It is very helpful to me. First, I'd like to say you were a beautiful bride and it looks like everyone had a wonderful time. I will be getting married on the Carnival Glory out of the Port of Miami in April 2010, so I have several questions...

1. Was the port of Miami pretty easy to get through? I've heard it can be pretty hectic. My Party and I had no problen with the port of Miami everything went so well. I was so suprise. No complaints
2. How was the Holiday Inn (location and cleanliness of rooms)? I've heard mixed reviews of this hotel. If I was going to stay more than one day I would not have choose this particular hotel.. It was convienent and very clean. We partied so hard security came to my maid of honors room to shut it down.It was funny because me and my husband are in law enforcement.
3. What did your guests think of the VIP shuttle service?We got this on a humble. When we arrived in Miami,they were standing around the airport and approached us for a ride,they took us to the hotel for $ 600 per person.We then asked them what they were doing the next day to pick us up at the airport and they were happy to oblige.The next day we were charged $4.00 per person. We also arranged for them to pick us up once the cruise was over. They were great.
4. What time did you actually board the ship? I boarded the ship around 10:45. My party was already on the ship.It went really quickly but I was told it all depends on how fast they clear the ship from the previous cuise.
5. How long was your reception and what kind of music did the dj play? I was only able to get the one hour reception, so I'm thinking I will probably have to cut out the bouquet and garter toss and the speeches. The reception went so fast. I brought a CD but I really don't remember whether they played my music or the DJ's music. The DJ was not bad.I didn't do the bouquet toss or the garter toss. We had so many married couples and a lot of family and close friends there.So I ommitted that part. You do feel rushed but I knew most of those people would be joining us on the cruise so we could continue where we left off at.
6. Did the photography interfere with your time with your guests? I'm just wondering if I will be spending so much time taking pictures that I won't even get to enjoy my guests. No, the photographer did not interfere with my time. My photographer was excellent. His name was Eric. He did an awesome job. What I did was made a list of all the pictures that I wanted taken and the coordinator made sure he followed my list. After the wedding he took a few pictures and the coordinator let him know that we would continue after the reception.Make sure you go over the list with someone so that no one is left out. Out of all the pictures I did not get a picture of the entire bridal party. I got the girls by themselves and the guys by themselves. Oh well..
7. Where did you get the groom's/groomsmens' suits? I like the brown color. Did you rent or buy them? How did you handle returning the suits of those that cruised if you rented them?I renter the Tux's from menswarehouse in our state and My husband and I were able to take them all back to the Menswarehouse in Miami just before we boarded for our second cruise, to our honeymoon.Just let the mens warehous know you are planning a destination wedding and they will accomodate you.
8. Who did your bouquets? They were beautiful.My bouquet,my girls flowers and the guys boutineers were made by angels accents. We loved them and were able to bring them home with us.

My final question... How in the world did you get 47 guests to sail with you? Right now I only have 6 sailing guests. Thanks again for sharing this review.

We had been planning this wedding for a year and a half. We put together a payment plan where they only had to pay $20.00 a month. As soon as we found inexpensive airfare we told them.. Mainly we kept them informed. We had some straglers but mostly everyone came through and they enjoyed themselves. They are still talking about how classy everything was. Which makes me and my husband so happy.

[lowash67]

Originally Posted by 4evercruiser

You were such a beautiful bride! Your dress was gorgeous, too. Glad to know your wedding went smoothly and you had a great time. I just have a question regarding your reception. Were you and your hubby announced upon entering the reception?

Congratulations to you both and best wishes for a long and happy marriage.

Yes we were announced. I don't know who announce us but it was done.

[lowash67]

Originally Posted by cece9922

BEAUTIFUL!!! Your dress is amazing! Loved your flowers!!! And who ever that is in the brown dress looks fantastic!

Isn't it amazing how quickly it flies by? You forget half of the things that happened.

how was the cruise?

That was my mother..she looked great!

[shorbr]

Your mother is beautiful as well. Her dress was gorgeous !!!!

[shortnsweet7676]

Originally Posted by lowash67

We had been planning this wedding for a year and a half. We put together a payment plan where they only had to pay $20.00 a month. As soon as we found inexpensive airfare we told them.. Mainly we kept them informed. We had some straglers but mostly everyone came through and they enjoyed themselves. They are still talking about how classy everything was. Which makes me and my husband so happy.

Thanks so much for taking time to answer my questions The info helps me out a lot.

[mouche]

Originally Posted by lowash67

Here are some more pictures that my maid of honors boyfriend took.http://www.photoworks.com/photo-sharing/shareSignin.jsp?shareCode=ADE3903C936&cp=ems_shr_a lb_pml&cb=PW

You looked so beautiful, and you had a lot of people show, that must have been a chore I can see the love that you and your husband share, a blessing from God. Well I will be getting married on June 26, 2010 in North Carolina and then flying into Miami the day before our honeymoon cruise. We also will be staying in the Holiday Inn Port of Maimi, I stayed there this past March on my last cruise and we enjoyed it, well I just wanted to say Congrats on finding the love of your life, it shows on both of your faces.

[merocket59]

Congrats!! I still miss being on the cruise and the wedding, it's really fun to read about other peoples and reminisce! Love your flowers I got calla lilies from AAs too they came out great.

[Cruiselover7279]

You looked beautiful and I loved your dress. Everyone looked so happy and I loved your yellow bridesmides dresses. Congrats to the both of you.

[lowash67]

Thank you all. Even though the wedding is over, I still find myself checking back in on cruise critics. If there is anyway that I can assist the next bride, I will definately do so. I had a blast and I hope the future brides enjoy their days as well.