The Traditions behind……

September 27th, 2011 by TWE

 

 

Did you actually know the traditions behind Something New, Something Old, Something Borrowed, Something Blue and a Silver Sixpence in her Shoe………

This good luck saying dates back to Victorian times and is still very much in when it comes to weddings in this day and age.

Something  Old represents the link with the bride’s family and the past. Many brides choose to wear a piece of antique family jewelry or a mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown.

Something New represents good fortune and success in the bride’s new life. The wedding gown is often chosen as the new item.

Something Borrowed is to remind the bride that friends and family will be there for her when help is needed. The borrowed object might be something such as a lace handkerchief.

Something Blue is the symbol of faithfulness and loyalty. Often the blue item is the garter.

A Silver Sixpence in her Shoe is to wish the bride wealth.

The Wedding Day Garter

Throwing the garter began in France when pieces of the bridal attire were considered lucky. The bride would throw the garter to the guests at the wedding and whoever caught it could expect good luck. In the United States, the groom traditionally removes the garter from the bride and throws it to the unmarried men. The man who catches it is thought to be the next to marry. At some weddings the man who catches the garter will place it on the leg of the lady who caught the bouquet or they may start the next dance. It is also common for the recipients of the bouquet and garter to have a photograph taken with the bride and groom.

The Bouquet or Toss Bouquet

At its inception, the bouquet formed part of the wreaths and garlands worn by both the bride and groom. It was considered a symbol of happiness. Today the practice of tossing the bouquet is an offshoot of throwing the garter. The single woman who catches the bouquet is believed to be the next to marry.

 


 

 

The Top 10 of Wedding Movies

September 14th, 2011 by TWE

Here is our list of our Top 10 Wedding Movies:

 

1.-Four Wedding and a Funeral

 

Romantic comedy about Charles, a noncommittal Englishman who meets Carrie–the American girl of his dreams–at a mutual friend’s wedding and proceeds to awkwardly woo her through one funeral and three more weddings–one of which happens to be her own. Finally Charles discovers himself standing at the altar on his own wedding day, betrothed to a woman he has no desire to spend the rest of his life with.

 

The story may seem simple, but the film is elevated by screenwriter Richard Curtis’ ear for witty dialogue and a colorful supporting cast. Director Mike Newell’s sympathetic attention to character keeps the proceedings believable, and prevents the film’s more serious moments from seeming mawkish. These elements, along with Grant’s star-making performance as Charles, helped the film achieve unexpected international success, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture.

 

2.-My Big Fat Greek Wedding

A perfect comedy of all the times. This is an independent film written by and starring Nia Vardalos and directed by Joel Zwick.

Toula Portokalos’ family from the suburbs of Chicago promotes exactly three traditional values – “Marry a Greek boy, have Greek babies, and feed everyone.” From an early age, she is mortified by their patriotic ‘over-the-top’ ways. When she falls in love with Ian, a WASPy non-Greek, Toula struggles to get her family to accept her eager fiance while she herself comes to terms with her heritage, her cultural identity, and their meddlesome ways

 

3.-Father of the Bride

Father of the Bride is a comedy about letting go and even if you’ve seen it several times, it still a wonderful movie to watch with the family

Annie (Kimberly Williams) is excited to tell her parents (Steve Martin & Diane Keaton) that is she is getting married. Upon hearing the news, her father is the only one who is not thrilled and he begins to suffer from separation anxiety over losing his little girl. He also has concerns about the eccentric wedding planner (Martin Short) and the rising costs of the wedding.

 

4.-The Wedding Planner

Mary Fiore is the wedding planner. She’s ambitious , hard-working, extremely organized, and successful San Francisco wedding planner who works only for the most wealthy and exclusive clients but who is also a perpetual single. Mary knows exactly what to do and say to make any wedding a spectacular event. Bt when Mary falls (literally) for a handsome doctor her busy yet uncomplicated life is turned upside down – he’s the groom in the biggest wedding of her career! Will she help him walk down the aisle with his internet tycoon girlfriend, or will Mary finally get to be the bride herself? When it comes to love, you can never plan what’s going to happen

5.-My Best Friend´s Wedding

One of the best romantic comedies of the 1990s. A 28-year-old woman, who years earlier made a pact with her closest male friend that if neither were married in ten years time they would marry one another, now faces the fact that the man is about to marry someone else. He asks her to be his “best man” and she agrees, planning to go to the ceremony and then break up the couple before they exchange their vows. Instead, she accepts the turn of events and realizes she doesn’t need to be married to be happy.

 

6.-The Wedding Singer

A man with a miserable love life travels from wedding to wedding singing romantic songs to happy newlyweds while dreaming of hitting it big as a rock star. The setting of the 1980′s makes it a wonderful time period for cliches and inside jokes for those of us who grew up in the decade. The soundtrack is great too, capped off with a song that will make the heart of any woman melt.

 

7.-27 Dresses
Jane woman who has served as a bridesmaid a shocking 27 times wrestles with the prospect of supporting her sister at the altar on number 28, she is idealistic, romantic and completely selfless–a perennial bridesmaid whose own happy ending is nowhere in sight. When her sister and her boss George (Edward Burns) make plans to marry, the smitten younger sibling mistakenly assumes that her lovelorn older sibling will be happy to take part in the wedding. For as far back as Jane can remember, she has sacrificed her own happiness for the sake of those she holds dearest, but now that her heart has been broken, she’s finally found the courage to be honest with herself.

 

8.-Bride Wars

Liv and Emma are best friends who since childhood have planned every detail of their respective weddings. At the top of their bridal “must have” list: a ceremony at New York’s ultimate bridal destination, the Plaza Hotel. Now, at age 26, they’re both about to get married; they’re about to realize their dreams; and they’re about to live happily ever after. Or maybe not. When a clerical error causes a clash in wedding dates–they’re now to be married on the same date!–Liv, Emma and their lifelong friendship are put to the ultimate test. Liv, a successful lawyer who is used to getting what she wants, including the perfect job and the perfect man, won’t settle for anything less than the perfect wedding she has dreamed of for years. Emma, a schoolteacher who has always been good at taking care of others, but not so much in looking after herself, discovers her inner Bridezilla and comes out swinging when her own dream wedding is imperiled. Now, the two best friends who’d do anything for each other find themselves in a no-holds-barred, take-no-prisoners struggle that threatens to erupt into all-out war.

 

This movie is a roller coaster of emotions and it highlights what friendships are all about.

9.-Maid of Honor

Tom Bailey , a nice guy but a serial dater with a girlfriend in every zip code of New York, he is in love with his best friend Claire. But Tom has a fear of commitment and refuses to admit the obvious–he should propose to Claire before she finds a less procrastinating suitor. When Colin, a rich Scotsman sweeps Claire off her feet and asks for her handin marriage, Tom must witness her unquestioned happiness up close and personal–because she’s chosen him to be her Maid Of Honor.

 

10.-The Wedding Date

Kat Ellis is looking for the right man. NOW. The position comes with a few requirements: willingness to travel, keen social skills, good looks, suave demeanor, sharp mind–and a tux. The qualified candidate should also have the ability to make ex-boyfriends jealous, to turn heads whenever entering a room and to reduce any woman within eye-and earshot to a week-kneed, besotted admirer. Kat wouldn’t be so urgently in need were in not for her spoiled half sister’s wedding where the best man happens to be Kat’s handsome ex-boyfriend. What’s worse, the currently single Kat has to schlep all the way from New York to London, where her wildly dysfunctional family lives. For Kat, what begins as merely a face-saving ruse with a dashing guy-for-hire quickly starts to become more than she ever expected.

 

A FUN AND REWARDING ACTIVITY

August 24th, 2011 by TWE

 

Here at Tropical Wedding Experts we always try to make sure that we create activities with a meaning.  This one I particularly like and cherish …. whilst integrating fun and “tickling” ones artistic side we give back to our community here in Cancun.

This bike building activity was created by our Fun & Motivation Crew as an “ice breaker” for wedding groups (and of course for our corporate groups).  Have you ever found yourself at a wedding where the wedding parties were from all over the US and half of the wedding group were complete strangers to one another.  What better idea than to mix and match the group, do a little treasure hunt, build a bike and give back something to kids in need.

It will be a fun race against the clock where participants search for clues and face challenging situations that must be resolved as they crop up. On an average the event lasts about two hours.

Clues and challenges will test participant’s skills and abilities. Teams will do physical or mental activities and by scoring they will win pieces and tools to assemble the bikes.

Because of its great versatility, this activity can be adapted to any group’s needs and can be held anywhere even on hotel grounds.

Bikes will be donated to a local charity. Everyone is a winner in this fast paced philanthropic team building adventure!!!

Wedding Invitations 2011

July 26th, 2011 by TWE

 

So what are the color, style, and design trends for 2011 Wedding invitations?

From light pinks, blues, greens, yellows, oranges and just about every color in between to brighter shades of colors, color is definitely “in” this season. It’s difficult to pinpoint the most popular color for spring wedding invitations, but pink wedding invitations seem to be the most popular.

For wedding themes, spring is the time for blooming flowers. Popular flowers for wedding invitations include roses and calla lilies. Even insects can play a part in dressing up your wedding theme, like ladybugs and butterflies.

 

Most Popular Wedding Invitation Colors

The popular trends for wedding colors usually change with the seasons, however, there’s always a set of popular colors every year that fit any season.

The most popular wedding invitation colors are: Pink, Blue, Green, Red, Lavender, Purple, Turquoise, Aqua, Chocolate Brown, Silver, Gold, Peach, Mauve, Coral, Orange, Burgundy, Fuchsia and Forest Green. Most popular wedding invitation color combination are red and gold, green and orange, chocolate brown with a touch of pink or blue, pink and green, and cobalt blue and gold.

When following 2011 Wedding Trends, it is also very important to not overlook your own color and style preferences. Select the colors and styles you are most comfortable with – have your wedding your way!

 

Wedding Invitation Styles & Designs

Simple and elegant wedding invitations with natural and pastel colors are favored by 2011 Spring brides. Wedding invitations are a way to express your personality and display your sense of fashion and style, so creativity and personalization are very important when designing and wording wedding invitations. Modern Brides have an abundance of wedding invitation designs to choose from. Vintage, letterpress, and monograms are in style in 2011. With customizable postage options, you can now orders stamps to match your wedding invitation designs and your wedding theme.

 

 

 

 

Join Us at the 3rd Cancun Bridal Expo on September 30!

July 23rd, 2011 by TWE

 

Where Future Brides and Wedding Professionals Meet!

For the 3rd year in a row, Cancun will have the pleasure of hosting the Bridal Expo Cancun. This year it is held at the Omni Cancun Hotel on September 30 from 3:00pm to 9:00pm. Admission is free !

Bridal Expos are a great way browse for new wedding ideas, see the newest trends in destination weddings, meet future brides and wedding professionals alike all in one place. Cancun´s Premier Bridal Show & Expo will feature over 25 exhibitors including: Décor, Photography, Caterers, Hotels and much more.

The highlight of the Expo is a bridal gown fashion show, cocktail reception on the beach with live music, fireworks and a spectacular Mayan Ceremony.

Get in touch with future brides, meet new or old vendors, get in touch with a ray of hotels (how by the way will be offering attractive rates for that weekend) , and meet local and international wedding planners. Looking forward to seeing you there!


Beauty and valuable tips for a Beach Wedding

July 11th, 2011 by TWE

 

Finally the big day is getting close.  After months of planning, you find yourself carefully packing your suitcase for your oh so amazing and long sought after destination wedding. For the road just a few beauty and general tips, in order to look and feel your even better self.

If you are looking at a wedding during the winter months, it is recommendable to do some ¨pre-tanning¨ at home before you head out for your destination wedding.  A little pre-tanned skin will look great on the photos (I would try and stay away from the “do it yourself tanning options”.  Let the professionals do their job so that you have an evenly tanned body).  Generally, one usually does not have enough time in advance once arrived at the destination to work on the natural tan.  Just a small note… be careful with the sun.  A “winter” skin will rather turn red than brown if you bask in the sun even with lots of sunscreen.

Over all plenty of sunscreen is the key regardless of the time of the year.  The tropical sun is “aggressive” all year round.  Actually I would recommend to stay a bit out of the sun prior to your wedding (I know it is hard with all of your friends and family in the pool/ocean having a grand old time).  Also, make sure you and your groom both are wearing some form of sunscreen if you are getting married on the beach during the day. A sunburn on your honeymoon won’t be any fun!

Actually, I would recommend scheduling the time of your ceremony where you will not be under the blistering sun. The majority of the weddings happen about an hour and a half before sunset (to still catch the best light for pictures).

Also careful if you are wearing a strapless wedding gown.  Basking in the sun with your hot bikini ….. outch, those white/red lines on your chest will not look great.

Nothing makes skin more beautiful than lots of sleep and drinking lots of water.  With a good local wedding planner you will not lose sleep over planning your wedding J.  Start a basic beauty regimen ~ including weekly facials ~ one month prior to your wedding. If you start too close to your wedding day, your skin will be getting rid of toxins and could have a proclivity to break out. Giving your skin and body a month to adjust to your new routine will help ensure glowing skin for your wedding day ~ and the perfect canvas for your makeup. But hey, do not stop drinking lots of water once you get to your beach destination.  Stay hydrated in the heat and humidity!

Go easy on the sparkle makeup. It will reflect in the sun and may make your pictures reflective.  Choose a more matte finish makeup.

If you are getting married on the sand, heels are not recommended. They will anchor in the sand and you won’t be able to walk.

Don’t forget to consider the climate when choosing your wedding and bridesmaids dresses. You all will be swimming in sweat if you pair your fairy-tale satin ball gown with tropical humidity. Whether your dream location is specifically a beach or simply outdoors, dress for no stress. Same goes for your future husband and his groomsmen.  Stay away from the stiff suit or tuxedo. Linen is the way to go.

Make sure your dress is hemmed so you can walk on the sand without tripping.  Don’t buy a dress with an extra long train or you will end up dragging it in the sand.

Practice your beach wedding hairdo. If it’s windy, you don’t want your hair in your face during the ceremony!

Make sure your veil is not flying in your face or lifting off during the ceremony because of the wind. Many brides don’t wear veils on the beach for that same reason. A natural flower will definitely complete the look.

If you wear contact lenses, keep some eye drops in your new husband’s pocket. Sand in your eyes is no fun during your ceremony. Tears will be shed during the “I do´s”, no doubt, but if you have sand in your eyes and cannot stop crying…..

Just a random tip I learnt from my mother.  We lived and traveled all over the world when I was a child.  We all know that sometimes our stomach has a hard time adjusting to new food/spices and all.  Make your absolute first “meal” good old plain white yogurt.  It carries local “bacteria” which will ease your stomach into the new cuisine J.

 

Topic of The Month. July: Beauty Tips

July 8th, 2011 by TWE

 

 

How Can You Make Sure Your Makeup Lasts all Day?

Unless they’re really lucky, most brides struggle with imperfections on their wedding day. Fortunately, there are makeup tips for weddings that can make skin look more flawless than ever.

We have all the insider tips you need to keep your powder puffed, your lipstick stuck, and your mascara on your lashes, so you can look your bridal best all day long

The Canvas

On the day of your wedding, make sure you have a clean, lightly moisturised face with no traces of mascara or other make up.  If you use eye drops or products that stay on the skin, be aware that these can leave a residue on the skin and can sometimes be visible when make up is applied.  It is a good idea with eyedrops to make sure you wipe up any excess and possibly avoid products that coat the skin

It all begins with your skin. We know that you take care of your face, drank plenty of water, and stayed out of the sun. Follow these steps to get your face makeup-ready for the wedding day:

  • Start using a lip balm or moisturizer — color fades unevenly on dry, chapped lips.
  • Don’t use harsh treatments on oily skin — you could actually increase the oil in your skin. Instead, create a skincare routine using cleansers and balancers that have been customized for your skin type.
  • The months before your wedding are the days to experiment with makeup — take the time to choose a custom makeup palette that’s perfect for your complexion. Make sure you’ve made your selections at least one month before the wedding in order to avoid any potential reactions to new products.
  • Get your last regular facial a week before the wedding.
  • If you rarely have facials, don’t get one within a month of the wedding.
  • Never introduce a new product into your regimen too close to your wedding day because the consequences could be dire; you could have an allergic reaction or breakout. Also, never get a facial less than a week away from your wedding date because skin can sometimes break out in blemishes after a treatment.

 

The Base

 

You’ve done your homework. Your skin glows. What comes first? Foundation? Powder? Concealer? Try these tips for a flawless complexion:

  • Apply moisturizer 20 minutes before starting your makeup — to minimize slide.
  • Use concealer under your eyes. If you think you’ll be a teary bride, look for an oil-based concealer.
  • Before applying eye color, use an eye shadow primer. Make sure it is oil-free and lightweight so that it does not crease a few hours after wearing. A primer will ensure that your shadow goes on smooth and lasts all day.
  • After your foundation has set for a minute or two and it feels dry, dust your face with a translucent powder. I actually prefer mineral foundation myself. Any powder works. Just make sure the color is a match if you choose something heavier.

The Cheeks

For a blushing bride look that doesn’t dissolve during the ceremony, try these great techniques:

  • Use a powder-based blush — it’ll last longer than a cream blush.
  • Try a cheek stain for a long-lasting, natural looking flush. Go to a makeup artist well before the wedding to try out different shades and learn how to correctly apply it. If stain is too tricky for you, powder blush lasts longer than cream.

The Eyes

Try these tips to keep your eye makeup in place through the waterworks:

  • Prep your eyelids with an eyeshadow base or a little face powder.
  • If you use pencil liner (this works with liquid too) go over it with a liner brush and eyeshadow in the same color as your liner. This works just like powder over foundaton. Powder over creme keeps things from moving!
  • Use waterproof mascara. Allow each coat to dry for a few seconds before applying the next layer. Certain mascaras have a tendency to smudge on different people. Find the one that works for you
  • If you expect to cry a lot, leave your lower lashes clean; this minimizes smudging.
  • Try an eyelash perm — the French swear by this spa technique. Results last for about nine weeks.

The Lips

You’ll need lip color that lasts without constant touchups. Try these steps for a lasting, kissable smile.

  • Skip your lip moisturizer or apply it at least an hour before starting your makeup.
  • Prep your lips with a little foundation to give the color a base.
  • Using a lip liner, first outline your lips; then fill them in for an extra layer of color.
  • Apply your lipstick with a lip brush.
  • Apply one layer of lipstick, blot with a tissue, and apply the second layer.
  • For color that really lasts, try a lip stain. This is a particularly good choice if you want a bright, high-maintenance lip color, like ruby red.
  • Moisturize your lips in the days before the wedding — lip stains can be drying.
  • If you use lip stain, apply it directly to lips — skip the foundation and lip liner steps.
  • Be sure to have makeup remover ready for mistakes; lip stain won’t just wipe off.

Test-Drive Your Makeup

You should test your makeup at least two weeks before your wedding to leave time to make any adjustments. Give your finished makeup a few minutes to set; then mist your face with water from a spray bottle. The spray will simulate tears and give you a good idea of how your makeup will hold up to a good cry. Keep your makeup on through at least one meal and see how you look after a few hours. If you’re still picture-perfect with just a few minor touch-ups, you’ve got a winning routine. Take pictures of the test run in different light settings to see how your makeup will photograph on your wedding day.

Your skin is the basis for your wedding day makeup as this is where it all begins. Make sure you drink plenty of water and start exfoliating 1-2 times per week in the month leading up to the wedding.

 

Different Underwater Wedding Photography

July 5th, 2011 by TWE

 

I have done many weddings in my life and have met a lot of unique wedding photographers but recently one left a lasting impression with me to a point where I would like to share his work with you.

The other day one of our wedding planner´s left a business card on my desk.  It showed a bride a groom under water.  Well nothing special one could think.  But the photo sparked my attention so I turned the card around to look for the website.  I was captivated by the pictures I saw, especially in his gallery of “trash the dress”.  I have been living in Cancun for many years and find that it still amazes me in terms of what this area has to offer.

There are unique to the world underground caves and rivers called “cenotes”.  This is where he takes a lot of his pictures.

Small historical note on Cenotes:

The Yucatan Peninsula has almost no rivers and only very few lakes. The widely distributed cenotes are the only perennial source of potable quality water in this area. Major Maya settlements required access to adequate water supplies, and therefore cities, including the famous Chichén Itzá, were built around these natural wells. Some cenotes like the “Cenote of Sacrifice” in Chichén Itzá played an important role in Maya rites. Believing that these pools were gateways to the afterlife, the Maya threw items of value into them and made human sacrifices, sculls and skeletons were discovered as old as 13,600 years.

I have been to a few cenotes during my time here. If not in one of the theme parks … but off the beaten track …. they are mysterious, exciting, peacefully quiet and the water is ice cold water. Just a small note… I entered through a root of a tree.

So if you have a wedding couple looking at pictures that are completely out of the norm and so very different, I can honestly say, that Rodrigo will not disappoint.  I am actually thinking of a photo session with my 5 year old daughter…  of course in a cenote.

Rodrigo del Rio Lozano, for friends and family “Gogo”, specializes in weddings, sub aquatic and landscape photography by passion, passion he discovered 11 years ago especially for all that The Riviera Maya has to offer. Rodrigo has explored all of corners of the Riviera in different ways: land, aerial and underwater. He will do whatever he can to capture the image exactly the way he has pictured it.

His work can be found in several widely known publications in Mexico such as: “El Gran Azul”, magazine specialized in diving, Newspaper “El Norte” from Monterrey, Mexico, magazine “Nuestra Boda”, and the front cover of the magazine “4 Vientos”

He is also a member of the “Wedding Photojournalist Association” and the “Artistic Guild of the Wedding Photojournalist Association”. He has his own studio is Playa del Carmen.

Details : www.rodrigodelriolozano.com

Requirements for a Catholic Ceremony in Cancun

July 4th, 2011 by TWE

 

Outside of a church or chapel, a catholic ceremony unfortunately cannot be performed unless you bring your own Pastor. If you do decide for a church wedding, there are various churches located throughout Cancun, Puerto Morelos and Playa del Carmen. Some hotels have a chapel located on their grounds. The couple must visit their Pastor or Parish Priest in their home country and complete the required paperwork. Your Parish will have to get in touch with the church here in Mexico to check on dates, available times and additional necessary documents that may be required.

Requirements for a Catholic marriage in Cancun are:

• Certificates of baptism
• Certificates of confirmation
• Permission of the selected church
• Two witnesses
• A passport-size photo of both the bride and groom
• Prenuptial counseling attended by both the bride and groom

*Requirements are subject to change at any time.

 


Royal Hideaway

July 4th, 2011 by TWE

 

Situated on the breathtaking beaches of Mexico’s pristine Riviera Maya, the Royal Hideaway Playacar effortlessly blends world-class service with impeccable style. As the world’s first adult-only all-inclusive resort to earn the prestigious AAA 5-Diamond Award, Royal Hideaway Playacar serves guests an unforgettable vacation experience with infinite opportunities for luxuriant indulgences. Magnificently-appointed villa accommodations, attentive concierge service and an opulent full-service spa comfort guests with a revitalizing atmosphere, courteous care and rejuvenating treatments. Located on one of the Yucatan Peninsula’s most stunning stretches of beachfront and just 45 minutes from the Cancun International Airport, Royal Hideaway Playacar is the perfect place to toss your cares into the sand and decompress amidst sheer luxury.