A Bride's Review of Moondance Cliffs

I recently followed up with a newly-married MTS bride and found her glowing review to be incredibly helpful, descriptive and detailed. Krystle got married this past December at the Moondance Cliffs resort in Negril, Jamaica, and she had a fabulous experience which makes me so happy! I asked if I could share her review with all of you and she said yes, so here it is!

I will never be able to say enough good things about MDC. I would recommend it a million times over... They went above and beyond not just for Dave and I on the wedding day, but for all of our guests throughout the entire trip. I few things to back up my claim:

·         When we arrived we were greeted by a handful of people who remained important players throughout our stay, as well as by a board that welcomed our wedding party prominently during our entire stay.

·         The staff helped me stuff, prepare, and hand deliver (allowed me to even go with) each welcome bag to the exact bed of each guest room.

·         They simply took all my wedding materials & inspiration print-outs and I never saw them again until they were perfectly displayed on the wedding day. They asked a few questions, but I didn’t have to lift a finger.

·         Somehow everyone always remembered our names.

·         My mom’s room was upgraded because they worried with her disability she would not be comfortable on the second floor. Before she arrived they consulted me about this and showed me her new room to confirm this was a good idea. It was however, their idea to move and upgrade her free of charge.

·         On Thursday night I had asked for a low-key welcome reception for everyone to get to know each other. They prepared butler passed appetizers and specialty drinks. Everything was so elegant. I had no idea they were doing this, as I just asked for a common place to congregate for a drink.

·         On Friday the boys went on an all-day fishing trip. Since they left before breakfast, MDC prepared a bag breakfast for them to take with at 6 am.

·         Friday night the boys brought home a bunch of fish and the cooks at MDC prepared it many different ways for everyone to try the fresh catch. The leftover fish was prepared for the rehearsal dinner.

·         Friday, a few of the girls went cliff jumping and got their bathing suits dirty. MDC noticed and laundered them (free of charge) to remove the stains.  

·         Friday, I ruined my pedicure. MDC noticed and fixed it so it would be perfect for the wedding.  

·         Saturday, after the catamaran cruise that they organized for us, I returned back to MDC to find that they had setup an outdoor rehearsal dinner. I knew that we were having a rehearsal dinner but I had not made any special arrangements. We discussed what would be prepared and a good time to have it. I knew I didn’t have the budget for anything special so I never brought up any details. MDC brought in music, set up tables on the lawn with flowers and candles and other decorations with fruits and vegetables. It was so beautiful and unexpected.

·         Sunday, the wedding, was beyond my expectations. Everything was well organized (if anything ever went wrong, I didn’t know it), personal, and beautiful. I never felt rushed, lost, or like my guests were not well cared for. The only tears I cried were of joy.

·         Whenever we had an event, MDC informed guests that they could not dine at the restaurant we were using. Our events were always private.

·         The staff was always personable, courteous, helpful, and professional, but fun too.

·         I have continuously heard great things about it and just about weekly someone calls, texts, or sends a message on facebook asking when we are going back. I have had many memorable vacations... Vacations that I loved. I usually say I will return someday, but I am always ready to go home. We weren’t ready to go home.

It was very intimate and felt like a home-away-from-home. With that being said, if a bride and groom are looking for lots of activity on the resort (outside of what they plan and their guests bring), you won’t find much. With all the things scheduled we had just enough down-time by the pool and time out & about that having a quiet resort was perfect for us. It really made things special, but I could see how some couples would prefer a busy resort with lots of people at the bar. If a bride is ever considering Moondance Cliffs and has any specific questions, let me know as I’d always be happy to answer.

Thanks to Krystle for allowing me to pass on the detailed review of this charming property. I am so happy to hear about the fantastic time you had at Moondance Cliffs... Congratulations, once again!

MTS Couples: Ashley and Tylor

I meant to do this photo blog early last month but as Theresa mentioned in the last post, I was a little busy with my new baby boy! Blake is now a little over a month old and is doing very well. I am very much enjoying my time with him while out on maternity leave. He's napping now so it's a perfect time to blog! Here's a snapshot of him from early this morning:

I love those kissable lips!

I could easily spend the remainder of this blog being a photo-crazed new mommy, but instead I will post some gorgeous wedding photos from a couple who recently married in Punta Cana (in the Dominican Republic). Ashley and Tylor got married on March 3 at the all-inclusive Majestic Elegance resort. Here are a few snapshots their group took of the grounds and pool area. 

I am so excited that Ashley is allowing me to share pictures and feedback from their special day. It was a perfect beach wedding setup for a beautiful-looking couple! Here are her thoughts along with a few pictures from the event...

I can't thank you enough for telling me about Majestic Elegance. Everything was perfect. The wedding was so perfect and seamless, our friends and family said it was the best wedding they have ever been to! The entire week was a dream. The resort was beautiful, weather perfect, staff was kind and fun, the food was definitely above average and we enjoyed all the restaurant options. We would not have changed a single thing. Everyone had a blast and I want to relive it again and again!!!

Getting ready with her Mom & sister

The white wedding setup on the fabulous Caribbean beach

What a joyful bride! Love this snapshot.

Exchanging vows

Love the back of Ashley's dress!

They're married!!

How good-looking are they?!

An intimate moment on the beach

What a fun group shot!

It was an absolute joy to coordinate the travel details for Ashley and Tylor's group. Ashley was such a laid-back and flexible bride which makes the process so much fun for me! I am really excited about how smoothly everything went and wish Ashley and Tylor a lifetime of happiness! Looks like they are off to a good start :)

MTS Couples: Holly + Matthew

One of our MTS brides recently returned from her wedding at the Sandals Halcyon resort in St. Lucia. Here's what she had to say about the all-inclusive resort:

We had a wonderful time! So beautiful down there. We loved the resort and also visited the Grande [Saint Lucian]. We liked the Grande too, however we really enjoyed Halcyon the best. Much more relaxed and the rooms are closer to the ocean.

Other than her valuable feedback, Holly also sent me a photo album full of vacation snapshots from their adventures. It started out with their arrival at the airport and covered everything from the horseback riding excursion, dinners and cocktail hours, their wonderful beach wedding and more. It was so much fun to browse! She was nice enough to let me share some of their pictures here- It was really hard to pick though! I love how natural and candid their photos are... They look so happy and relaxed, don't they? Take a little peek for yourself:

Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs! I am excited to work with you again in the future and am SO happy you enjoyed your trip :) Thanks for sharing your experience with me!

MTS Couples: Jessica and Brian

I just received some great wedding photos from a bride who recently returned from her January wedding in Punta Cana. The group stayed at the Majestic Colonial resort (which is a family-friendly property and all-inclusive) and loved it! I am so happy that they had a wonderful time and wish them the very best in married life! Here are a few snapshots she shared:

What a great family photo!

Love this one! Look at that water...

I thought her flowers were gorgeous!

<3 Congratulations!! <3

Thanks again for sharing Jessica and Brian~ We are so happy you enjoyed your trip!

MTS Couples: Cathi + Ryan

Good Morning to our loyal blog followers! I have another wedding photo blog to share with all of you. Are you enjoying these?? You're mighty quiet and I'd love to hear some of your thoughts and comments below.

Today's lovely post will feature photos from a recent MTS destination wedding at Sandals Grande Riviera in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. All photos are courtesy of Karin Newstrom Photography who features a sophisticated yet fun style for pet, portrait and wedding photography in the Twin Cities.

Here's a helpful note that I don't think all blog-readers realize yet: If you click on the photos you'll be able to scan through larger versions of each to get a clearer and more colorful view.

The happy couple during their wedding-day morning swim

Cathi made the boutonnieres and hairpieces herself. So impressive!

~Perfect bridal footwear for the beach~

The bride putting on the finishing touches...

The groom sharing a laugh with the guys. Don't they have it so easy?!

Beach area at Sandals Grande Riviera

So many unique details. Cathi made the favor bags too, of course!

I love the genuine expression in this one :)

Beachfront wedding ceremony

Look at the gorgeous rainbow!

I love these!

So many great photos of the bride + groom together!

Here's a snippet of what Cathi mentioned to me upon their return: "Two words to sum it up - the trip = amazing, the wedding = magical. Feels like a dream and we're all (I mean all 14 of us) are in awe and basking in the after-glow of a trip to remember:" 

That makes me so happy! Thank you for letting me share snapshots of your wedding day, Cathi and Ryan. I love how many special touches you added to make your day so beautiful & unique. Congratulations once again to you both!