We are so pleased to kick off our Real Bride segment on Zipto David's Bridal.

Let us tell you a little about the plan...we have selected a "real" preson, having a "real" destination wedding. She has agreed to let us follow her from the early planning stages of her wedding, to the wedding and beyond.

You will see her choices from everything from cake to flowers and locations...and we have a lot of them and you can even vote to see which is the most popular.

She will share many of the moments you may be wondering about...how is it done, what the choices are...timing...as we follow her from her engagement party to the big day.

But first...let's start by speaking with the bride to be herself, Cassandra. Cassandra is from New York.

Hi Cassandra., please tell us, first of all, how did you meet?

 

Cassandra:
We actually went to high school together but did not meet until we were both working at Chuck E. Cheese our senior year. We became best friends and were inseparable, (like Dawson & Joey). both our families say the knew we would be married someday! It wasn't until 5 years later that we started dating.

 

Well welcome to the website...we are naming this piece "A Real Bride". You have agreed to have us follow you through your whole wedding process-which we are thrilled about, but I have to ask...what made you decide to let us invade your space?

 

Cassandra:
I was looking online to try and find the resort that would be a perfect fit for us with just the right location that I always dreamed of. In my search it was very difficult to find photos and video of the weddings on location especially a real wedding, even looking on different social media sites like YouTube, Facebook and MySpace. I don't like going into the unknown and investing my time and money and hope that it turns out like the models. I think that it would have been more helpful to me to see this, so my my hope is that it helps future brides make the decision on their location and see how easy it is to plan a destination wedding as well. I have to admit, I'm not a "ham", so I know our wedding will be a totally real version on every level. That is what I wanted to find and what we plan to deliver. I want to have some fun, show the good, the tough and the wonderful aspects of planning a destination wedding.

 

So tell us about the proposal first...where, when...all the details, spill it!

 

Cassandra:
It was October of 2007 and James was planning to take me to dinner. I'm not one for surprises (in fact I'm known to be a bit stubborn) so I kept trying to figure out where we were going. Nothing seemed off to me since every once in a while we would have surprise dates and just tell the other how to dress and then just drive there. So he started driving and I kept guessing. neither of us had been there before, it was a place his dad recommended. We had a very nice dinner and we started to walk out and he said that his dad told him that the restaurant was right by the water and they had a dock in the back. We went to check it out and there was an overlook by the ramps, he moved me to that spot and commented on what a beautiful night it was. I was holding his hand and looking around the area. It was such a romantic moment for us both. I heard the pop of the box then he went down on his knee. I could feel how excited and nervous he was in every breath. He said all of the mushy stuff and had to ask me to let go of his hand so he could pull out the ring...and obviously I said "Yes!" It was a magical night and I called all of my family when we got into the car.

 

Oh wow, I love the mushy stuff. How romantic! So, tell us the story with this great pitcure-which baseball stadium was that...and you used the photo for - did I hear invitations?

 

Cassandra:
The second picture down (on left) was taken in April of 2008, the weekend of my sister's wedding, at Shea Stadium (the last year the Mets will play there). I am not a big hot dog fan but who can go to a baseball game and not have a hot dog? I ordered one and of course he wanted a bite of it so I passed the camera to my Grandma to capture this shot. I really loved this picture because it really is us. My Mom fought with me all the way when I decided that I wanted to use this photo as our engagement party postcard invitation. As usual Mom gave her advice but let me do it my way. Everyone loved it and found it funny. We even made our own video montage that played at the party and everyone started clapping when that photo came on. Either they really liked it or they thought it was over, but there were two more photos left.

That is too funny - so you are going to let us add the montage too? Wow, you are brave.

 

Cassandra:
Sure why not?! It was a lot of work to put together and we are proud of it. I am sure it will get some laughs all over again. Of course, Mom will cry!

 

So tell us what made you decide to go with a Destination Wedding instead of the typical local facility, and all of that.

 

Cassandra:
James and I are very laid back. We are not big on all the details and frustration of planning a typical catering hall wedding at home. As a kid I never dreamed of a big wedding in a church and the reception at a fancy hall. I dreamed of being married on the beach. I have always been a beach person, I don't like to swim in it but i love how it looks, how it smells, how it sounds and the feeling it brings deep down like all is peaceful. I knew that one way or another it was going to play a part in my big day when it happened. When we put it together we are actually saving money by having it away and also getting an even bigger advantage, a VACATION weekend. I can not imagine a better way to share time with the people we love and care about. It's a no brainer, and I am having so much FUN planning it. I know that the economy is tough right now, and so James and I did a lot of leg work to compare pricing and venue options. There are some inexpensive ways to have a wedding at home. We know that our guests will have an added expense, but when it all is put together, we feel that a destination wedding is the best of both worlds. Wedding, Vacation, Family & Friends!

 

Sounds like you have really done your homework...what areas have been you been thinking about and why?

Cassandra:
We looked at many different options as far as destinations, some really great once, but in the end it came down to Aruba or Cancun. We chose Cancun because it was most cost-effective during the current economic times. It has the most convenient flight schedules and many all-inclusive properties so there would be no worries about the added cost of meals and drinks. The beaches are pristine Caribbean Blue and the service is impeccable. We know, we've been there and the Mexican service is unique. Having been to Mexico before, I already knew just how warm and friendly the people were too.

 

And what did you decide on?

 

Cassandra:
Paradisus Riviera Cancun. It has "all" the elements we are looking for. 5 star quality. The response from the Romance Manager has made all the planning an effortless task. The rooms are beautiful and the overall setting is amazing!

What else made you go with that location?

Cassandra:
The resort looks beautiful in brochures and photos. I have heard only great things from people that have been there. As I said before, we really like the All-Inclusive concept. It just makes so much sense. Paradisus Riviera Cancun also offered a lot of amenities that we were looking for including being family friendly. We wanted our families to feel comfortable with bringing their kids and make a vacation out of our wedding weekend so being family friendly was a must, and Paradisus takes it to the next level. They offer family suites, family concierge, kids activities, walkie talkies to use for all day communication, and when the parents want some "alone" time, they even offer babysitting services. Not to mention the resort offers a feeling of Mexican elegance and will suit the needs of anyone attending.We are confident that one will be disappointed.

 

So when are you doing this?

 

Cassandra:
The wedding is set for August 1, 2009. We will be there a few days before and stay a few days after to continue our honeymoon.

Tell us a little about the process so far...

 

Cassandra:
The process has been very simple so far. I emailed Perla, the Romance manager from the hotel, to check that the date was available and gave her information. She sent us the packages and add-on options and we decided what we wanted. The great thing with Paradisus is that they have packages that are put together that includes different food, cake and ambiance. We decided to go with the Chill Out Chic package, but, I loved the cake from the Aqua package and they are able to coordinate any changes. We upgraded and added some additional items too. I don't want to give it all away too soon.

 

Now what are the next steps?

 

Cassandra:
Finding the perfect gown, finding the bridesmaids dresses, picking invitations and putting the final details on everything with Paradisus. Maybe even a visit to meet all the staff and see the property in advance. I know I don't have to, everything is going great, but I am anxious to meet them, they have all been so nice. And...just counting down the days. Having a great time with the whole project and to show the world how easy it really is!

 

So, our next update, will it include shopping for that perfect gown?

 

Cassandra:
Yes. Of course. I hope to get some feedback from the postings. I want to make this as interactive as possible.

 

Great-I am dying to see your pictures...this is really exciting.

 

Cassandra:
I can't wait either! Not too much longer now.

Well, like I said you certainly have me excited. I can't wait to see the gowns. We are going to set this up so people can vote and tell you which one they think looks like "the one".

 

Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. this is really going to fun!

 

Cassandra:
Thank you. I am glad to do this for the future brides. One of the first things I did was pick-up a copy of Bridal Guide, and also opened a Facebook page with them, the link is: http://apps.facebook.com/connectedweds/wedsites/RealBride

 

Do you always read the last page of a book first? If so, you can skip right to the wedding video here at Paradisus Riviera Cancun Resort in Mexico.