Our Aruba Wedding

There were some things I liked about the Mandara Spa at the Marriott’s Ocean Club property next door to the resort. They have Phyto products which are awesome (in particular their volumizing spray). They use Bare Escentuals mineral make-up which is what I use at home! They gave me ice water with lemon which was refreshing and played nice calming music. Also, one of my bridesmaids had her hair done at the Mandara Spa. She was really happy with the bun, but when she asked them to ‘flat-iron / straighten’ her bangs, they didn’t seem to know what she was asking for. She went back to the room and did her bangs herself.

For me though, the ‘zen’ ended there. The people were very nice but it just wasn’t the experience I was hoping for. I was taken to the room where hair and make-up would be done and wasn’t impressed. It was small – maybe 7′ x 9′? The cabinets were dark and looked dated as did the plain porcelain tiled floor. (When I visited the Westin’s Intermezzo Spa, I remember their hair / make-up room being modern, bright and immaculate.) The Mandara room was crowded and there was a layer of dust on the cabinet in my line of vision. (All I really had to look at was a mirror inches in front of me and part of that dusty cabinet.) The room felt worn and tired. The lighting was also terrible – I remember big bright light directly overhead – there are no windows for any natural light and I don’t remember additional light sources. If I looked forward at my face, my eyes were just black shadows, so to see my eye make-up I had to either tip my head way back and hold a mirror hand-held mirror or go outside. You also hear the conversations going on at the front desk which are a little distracting.

Hair Trial: Thursday was my hair trial with Carmen. She seemed very nice but didn’t speak english so the manager, Cheryl would ask what I wanted and try to translate. I wasn’t bothered at first because I had brought photos. One of my inspiration photos is the image, left. I liked that it looked organic and beachy. Unfortunately, the first hair attempt was totally wrong. I wanted an updo with some volume that still looked natural, which I know is a challenge with my fine hair. She started with the curling, and then did some teasing. Then she took small sections of the front and twisted and pinned them back. It totally reminded me of a high school ‘prom’ hairstyle. Taking a closer look at the picture here, I can ‘kind of’ see how she got that style from one of the pictures, though there was some volume only on top and the sides were stuck to my head. In the back she tried to do a fancy bun which just doesn’t work with my baby fine hair and wasn’t in any of the photos I had showed her.

Cheryl came in to check and when I was really unhappy Cheryl explained some more to Carmen and Carmen started over. We then moved on to my alternate inspiration photo, shown here. Neither of the ladies seemed to get upset with having to start over. They seemed to be very patient which I really appreciated, so I was not yet concerned. This time she did some teasing giving me some volume on top, and tried another sort of fancy bun with three distinct sections which again didn’t work with my fine hair. (Maybe this is the trend of the day that brides ask for that has somehow missed me.) The volume on top only gave my head a triangular shape and made my forehead look huge. I didn’t get anything close to the sideswept front you see here.

By now its been 2 hours. I’m just about ready to cry, especially as I’m thinking of all the other things I’m supposed to be working on (putting together bags for the welcome party) and we haven’t done any make-up yet. I point again to my photo and ask if there is any way we can do something more like that. She takes my hair down and it does in fact have some volume in it. That’s when I ask, can’t we just kind of gather this to the side and put it in a more natural bun (like the photo!!!)? As if I had just grabbed it and tied it up. Finally, everyone agreed yes, they could do that. They would blow it dry and put it in rollers for a while to get the volume, then tease and tie it up. We didn’t have time to try it but I finally felt like they understood what I wanted, and we at least had a plan for the wedding day. I made another appointment for the make-up trial for the next day and scramble out of there to run upstairs and start assembling welcome bags (which would take 3 hours)!

Friday’s make-up trial went worse than hair. Keep in mind time is really tight and this is an appointment I wasn’t expecting to need. I presented one photo, shown left. VERY soft natural make-up except for some drama in the eyes. The eyes feature sandy and bronze colors, darker at the outside and shimmery on the lid. Somehow I ended up with really heavy purplish-grey eye shadow all around. I was stunned to be presented with something that was nothing like my photo. Cheryl came in again and again took Carmen to look at the color photo on the computer (our printout was black and white, though I had a color image on my iPhone). She did it again with natural colors, but pretty light – no drama. I was feeling defeated and running late for a meeting so I called it ‘good enough’. One note – as I was leaving I noticed lipstick she used was crumbling and peeling off (don’t know what kind it was but it was very strange). I walked back into the salon to point this out and she said she’d us a different kind the next day. I ran upstairs, wiped off as much of the make-up as I could and then rushed to my meeting.

Wedding Day! Luckily we were finally all on the same page with the hair. Carmen did a beautiful job! Great hair, first try! Very natural (I think) and looked much more like ‘me’. I was asked to arrive with it damp so she could blow it out and put in the velcro rollers. After that she teased quite a bit and then parted to the side and pulled it back into a simple neat bun that didn’t look ‘over-done’. Then she brought out the super-hold hairspray and oh my god — the hair did not move all night!

Make-up wasn’t so easy. I asked, could she do the eye a little more like my photo and am told yes. What I ended up with was the really light eye. I asked again, can it be a little more like my photo — a little drama at the outside of the eye? Another lady took over and added way too much, some of which had fallen under the eye leaving me with what looked like dark shadows (they said they would put a tissue underneath to catch falling shadow but didn’t). They had also put on way too much blush which looked like a poor attempt at ‘contouring’ my chubby cheeks. I didn’t dare to let them work with it more and left.

I left the Mandara and stopped to where Edwina’s (our independent wedding planner’s) make-up artist was working on the moms. In a few minutes she expertly helped me with the false eyelashes the Mandara could not help with. I really liked her and wished she had been the one to help me with my own hair and make-up which she would have done for a lot less money.

I got back to the room feeling like I am wearing a pound of make-up. Luckily my photographers are also friends and weren’t shy about telling me I could lose most of the make-up! (Initially I had given the make-up artist the benefit of the doubt thinking maybe I really need that much make-up for photos.) I started by using a dry wash cloth to rub off a lot of the blush and breathed a big sigh of relief. Then I wiped away a lot of the eye make-up and tried to soften it by putting some highlighter on top of the dark that wouldn’t lighten up. I also rubbed under the eyes and finally ended up with something that looked more like my photo and had a little drama.

So, in all, I have to say that the Mandara Spa might not be the beautiful ’spa experience’ you are looking for. I wouldn’t say not to use them but definitely do a trial and have photos that show exactly what you want, hopefully front and back. I’m sorry I don’t have pictures of the trials that ‘went so wrong’ but I was just too embarrassed by how bad they looked. I’ve also read online reviews that say their manicures and pedicures are pretty bad. On TripAdvisor is a review from a bride who loved her Marriott wedding but said she went back to the room and redid her Mandara manicure and pedicure herself the day of the wedding.  I guess I should have done like her and asked for at least part of my money back but I just needed to move on.

I do feel that hair and make-up might have gone better if there wasn’t a language barrier. I think not being able to communicate ‘as we go’ caused problems and I hated having to call the manager in. She comes in the room expecting me to be happy and I’m nearly in tears. It was really awkward and I think led to me giving up quicker than I otherwise might.

Cost: I believe I paid around $100 for the hair trial, around $75 for the make-up trial, $170 for my hair and make-up on the wedding day and only $50 for the bridesmaid updo. (The bridesmaid asked for a simple french twist but instead got a bun – luckily she liked the bun better than the twist she had in mind.) Total cost, around $400 for 4 services, only one of which we were totally happy with (the bridal updo on the wedding day).

If I were to do it again, I would probably have worked with Edwina’s lady who seemed really sweet and came to the hotel. (By the way — the Marriott let us use an open ‘meeting room’ for the hair and make-up for the moms and maid of honor which worked out perfectly!) Sorry – if you want to book her, you’ll have to make that booking through Edwina. I do not have the stylists information to share – her services were part of the billing from Edwina.

I am planning to have my bridal hair and make-up done at the Mandara Spa at the Marriott. I have an appointment for a full hair and make-up trial this week and then have my appointment for the day of the wedding. I’ve told them what time I need to be done but but they still haven’t told me what time I should be there. I was having trouble getting replies to recent emails until the Marriott’s wedding planner intervened. After she replied the manager sent an email asking about my hair and wanting a credit card authorization which I sent probably two months ago.

Another thing I wanted to know is if they had any photos of hair and make-up that they have done. I still haven’t received an answer to that, let alone photos (though I have to admit I wasn’t really expecting to get them). After asking three times what kind of make-up they use (foundation – mineral, liquid or airbrush), I’m finally told they use Bare Escentuals. This is something I’m actually pretty happy about. I’ve been using Bare Escentuals for over a year now and love it. In fact I just stocked up when I was at one of their stores last weekend.

Finally, the other thing I want to do is false eyelashes and am told they do not do that, even if I bring them with me. (My inspiration is the photo above.) An independent stylist will be coming to the hotel though, to do hair and make-up in room for the mothers and my maid of honor. I think she can do the eyelashes, but am not sure if they can be done after make-up is already applied! She won’t be coming until an hour or two after I need to be at the Mandara. My other thought is to stop by the Mac counter and see if they can give me some pointers. At one time I had thought about lash extensions but expect I’m out of time for that.

Trying to find a hair inspiration photo is a little tough. I know its really really windy and that an updo is a must. But, I don’t want it totally glued to my head – you now, the slicked back look on the top and sides? So far the best I’ve found is this photo, left.

I’m starting to get this nagging feeling that I should cancel with the Mandara and use the independent wedding planner’s lady instead. The reason for the Mandara is to ‘get away’ for an hour or two. For now I’m going to hope for the best at the trial and will hope we can figure something out if it doesn’t go well.

Well I think this is the week things are really going to start coming together. As expected, I am now getting LOTS of emails from our independent wedding planner — she rocks! One thing she has is a stylist who will come to your room and do your hair and make-up. Her up-dos cost much less than the Mandara Spa. Still – I wanted to see photos which I have just received and have to say the work is very nice. Looks like she can probably do as elaborate of a style as you want. Also — one thing I really appreciated – she shared a couple of photos and wanted me to assure her I would not share them with anyone else. I promised her I would keep them to myself and really like the fact that she protects the privacy of her brides. She is a lady of integrity. We had a good feeling from the moment we met her and have not had a single second thought since making the decision to hire her. Also, this is a good example of how an independent planner can save you money.

You might be figuring out that I’m a ‘product junky’. I thought I’d pass along this deal I just got in an email – I haven’t used this product yet, but think I might just have to order some up with this “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” deal. I’m putting together an “Emergency Bag” for each of my bridesmaids with items like first aid, sunscreen, and other things that our guests might need. Here’s what the email said: Bliss's 20-in-1 Wonder Balm

“Whether you use it for soothing an insect bite or taming unruly eyebrows, Bliss's 20-in-1 Wonder Balm works all kinds of wonders.” -Maureen Choi, Bridal Guide

Key Features & Benefits:

• soothe sunburn and windburn
• soothe just-waxed skin
• soothe stressed post-treatment skin
• soothe stinging and itching from insect bites
• moisturize chapped heels, elbows, knees
• moisturize chapped noses
• prevent runner’s chafing
• prevent shoe blisters
• nourish cuticles
• tame hair flyaways
• groom eyebrows
• fix make-up mistakes

The deal is only good for a week but I’ll try to post what we think of the product. If you’ve used this already please let me know if you thought it was worthwhile. (Click on the product image to check it out for yourself.)

I’m sure I’m not the only bride that gets obsessed with nearly every aspect of her appearance before a wedding, but boy am I ready for this to be done! I think a destination beach wedding creates even more pressure. While I will be married in a traditional gown I will spend a good share of the weekend in a bikini, like on the sailing excursion. I’m not very comfortable in a swimsuit to begin with… I find myself putting together a game plan for timing weight-loss goals, dress fittings, hair highlights, acrylic nails, pedicures (need to get on a regimen), workouts and even a package of chemical peels! My obsession at the moment is finding the best scrub / exfoliator that will help me get rid of the perma-farmer tan I seem to have down my left arm (from driving) and my chest from V-neck blouses. I read a review somewhere that rated 6 sugar scrubs and know there was one I wanted to try but of course I can’t find it. I think maybe it was one by Bliss?

Of course now Apothica, one of my fav beauty sites is having a 20% off sale on top of free shipping. Something tells me this can only mean trouble! Still, how do you really know what products will work? Last week at the medispa I purchase one of their cucumber mint scrubs that I have to say I’m not too happy with.

All Orders over $49 Receive Free Priority Shipping from Apothica.com

After several emails with the manager of the Mandara Spa, I now have ‘tentative’ appointments for Saturday for me, my girls (bridesmaids) and my mom. I had to secure the appointment with my credit card but am told it will not be charged until the appointment. (You can cancel up to 24 hours before the appointment. If you cancel less than 24 hours before you will be charged for the appointment.) The only frustrating thing is I don’t have pricing. She says they don’t really know until your ‘consultation’ and the actual appointment. They need to see the hairstyle desired and see the hair type of the person. I pushed for a ‘price range’ (an average), because I’ll be having my hair done no matter what, but for my bridesmaids and mother the price could definitely make a difference.

On one hand, the Marriott’s wedding package pricing tells you $150 for a bridal updo. I’m wondering is a bridesmaid updo the same? Even if its a simple french twist or bun? Finally I’m told that any updo ’starts at $75′. That’s definitely better than a guaranteed $150, so I’m expecting it to fall somewhere in the middle. She says you can help control your cost by showing up with your hair freshly washed and blow dried.

Make-up starts at $85, whether you are a bride or member of the wedding party.

So, I was thinking maybe the salon visit would be something I will treat my bridesmaids to (I only have two) and treat my mother to hair and makeup. But that would really add up. I would expect those three hairstyles and makeup could easily reach $400 by the time service fees are added in. (You still have a service fee with the spa, but by booking your appointment directly, don’t also have a service fee from Marriott.) And of course I’m counting on my hair and make-up running about $250. So now, what to do? If I’m going to spend $100 on each of the girls, I have to wonder if there is something they’d like more than a hairdo. Like a J Crew gift certificate or spa treatment?

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Well I haven’t given much thought to “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” yet, but I have finally started looking for my bridal jewelry. Aside from my engagement ring I don’t have anything glam. I’ve been looking for some really nice CZ pieces but am shocked at how expensive they are. Then I stumbled across a site that will rent diamond jewelry. Kind of seemed like a weird idea at first but then I started looking around. There is a gorgeous $9800 necklace on there that can be rented for $290 (the beautiful ‘lace’ pattern can’t really be seen in the photo, left.) I’m also in love with some beautiful diamond drop earrings for just over $100, close to the price I was going to pay for CZ. (Though don’t get me started on the $21,000 bracelet – out of my league but wow). Of course the nice thing about CZ is that I’ll have it forever. The question is, will I wear it again? Do I want it as a keepsake? Or could these glamorous diamonds be my ’something borrowed’? Just check out all of the bridal magazines and shows where they’ve been featured…

Something Borrowed and Something New - Diamond Jewelry Rental

I’m sure I’m not the only bride that suffers from moments of irrational sensitivity, but boy do I feel bad when it happens. One thing I want to get crossed off my list is my appointments for my bridal hair and makeup and trial run. I emailed our hotel wedding planner asking if she can make the appointment and she tells me that she could make the appointment for me and charge it to the master account along with other wedding expenses. However if she does that I would have to pay the additional 22% (service fees and taxes) that they add to everything. She said instead, I would be better off to call them directly to make the appointment secured with my credit card. (She couldn’t take my credit card and make that appointment for me.)

Well that managed to set me off in a bit of a tizzy. I thought it should be an easy thing for her to make a call and secure the appointment and then let me pay the spa directly when I get there. The prospect of having to to call them frustrated me because I can’t make an international calls through my cell phone or through work. (Would you believe I am 11 weeks away from the wedding have have not yet made a single phone call to Aruba? They’ve called me but I haven’t called down there yet.) So I get online to purchase a phone card and find myself waiting for them to ‘verify’ the account before I can use it.

So here I am steaming and totally lose sight of what should have been obvious. The wedding planner was actually doing me a great service by making a suggestion that could save us money! And the simple solution was to ask her to pass my email address and phone number to the person that would make the appointment. Early yesterday morning the salon manager had already called (a call I missed), and today I receive a very kind email follow up from her! It turns out this is not as simple as ‘making an appointment’. She actually wants to get an idea of what I want – already wants to see photos, and wants to make sure we can find time for me to make it into the salon for a ‘free consultation‘ a day or two before the wedding. (I’m sure there will be costs involved with a full trial but at least they want to make time to meet with me before the wedding day.)

Anyway – I totally feel like an idiot and am now really looking forward to working with the salon. I don’t have the appointment or costs yet, but definitely have a much better attitude. I haven’t even thought much about what I want to do with my hair (though it will be easier to pick a style knowing it needs to be up). I hadn’t given it much thought because I don’t have a veil yet. But now I’m thinking maybe it makes sense to pick the hair before the veil? So far I like the picture I included in this post. It’s from the Knot. And I’m also wondering if I should do a hair test run at home with my stylist who knows my hair and bring those photos with me.

Well I know I’m doing this backwards but I need to find my bridal lingerie. (I had my first dress fitting last week even though I didn’t have my under garments picked out yet.) I have tried SEVERAL bustiers and am having a really hard time. I think I’ve exhausted the least expensive and local options. I keep hearing about the Va Bien bridal bustier (available at Bare Necessities) and am finally going to give it a try… Of course my concern is heat in Aruba. How much will I be able to bear as far as shaping garments?

I just stumbled across a tip from a make-up artist about getting married in hot climates – consider an IcyBag! I’m afraid these aren’t glamorous or sexy but am glad I found out about this sooner rather than later! Imagine a 90º wedding ceremony – you’re ok because of the Aruban wind – but you go to re-apply your lipstick only to find that its melted! I’ve actually had this happen before and don’t know why I didn’t think of it til today. An IcyBag is an insulated cosmetic pouch that has freezer pack inserts that will keep your cosmetics cool. I’m so glad I didn’t purchase my wedding purse yet because now I’ll be sure to find one that’s just bigger than my IcyBag. Here is a write-up that was in USA Today, July 23, 2007:

Cool makeup for a hot day. Sweltering temps melting your makeup and firing you up? Chill your temper and your products with an IcyBag, a fully insulated makeup bag with a compartment for two freezable gel packs that last up to four hours. The $14.99 bag sells online at IcyBag.com.

Creator Kathy Cohen came up with the idea five years ago after a makeup meltdown during her outdoor wedding. “I went to reapply my makeup and everything had melted,” she says. ‘” said ‘I can’t be the only one who has gone through this”.

And for those who need more than fresh makeup to perk themselves up at a long outdoor wedding, the bags can also keep mini-liquor bottles refreshingly cool.