Bienvenidos a Puerto Rico!

My mom and I just returned from 5 days in Puerto Rico to visit the Courtyard by Mariott Isla Verde Beach Resort, taste the menu for the wedding, taste the cake and also to attend my cousin Diego's wedding in Vega Baja. As soon as I got off the plane, there was a sign that said "You are in Paradise." Boy was I ever! This island is the most spectacular place I've ever seen and I cannot wait to get married there! We did so much, but I'll try to keep this post mostly wedding-related :-)

The first thing we did was taste the menu:

Yep. See all that food? Just a sample of the wedding buffet! It's traditional Puerto Rican food, but there are plenty of items for people who are a little less adventurous (and especially kids) including 4 salads, plain and traditional rices, chicken, pork and vegetarian options. We also have hors d'oeuvres for cocktail hour, which are delicious! COME HUNGRY!

We also decided on our welcome drink, which I'll keep a surprise for now. I was so sad Steve couldn't come with us, but I was texting him the whole time and sending him tons of pictures so I hope he felt he was still a part of the decision-making process.

After we ate, it was time for a tour. We couldn't get into the room to take pics, but we did see it (there was a meeting going on). It was perfect! So pumped!

This is the view of the pool area where I will walk out.

This is our cocktail area that is currently under construction but will be finished in 2 months. Plenty of time! I can't wait to post the after-pics. They are also adding a deck and patio to this area so it will look really amazing.

One of 2 kiddie pools, since we are expecting at least 11 kids!

Between these palm trees on the grass will be our ceremony. I told them the people in the hammocks could stay, but the hotel assured me that the hammocks will be gone for the ceremony :-)

This is the lobby facing the door of the hotel. So lovely!

Ariel shot of our ceremony cite from one of the ocean view rooms.

See those little red things on the chairs? You don't even have to get up to go get another drink. You just raise the little flag and someone will come and wait on you. The ocean is behind you if you're facing the pool.

Then, we went to taste cake! It was so delicious!! It was also about double the price of the same cake my cousin had at his wedding on Sunday. So, we are going to go with the same flavor and save a few hundred dollars and get the same quality :-) Oh the joys of knowing people who actually live on the island!

I also got the name of the wonderful girl who does my cousin's hair and makeup as well as a few other surprises that we're going to have for our guests to really make the night memorable.

If you ever have the choice to do a destination wedding, DO IT. You will save yourself a ton of money, a lot of stress and grief too!

Everything is pretty much locked down and all I have to do is show up with my dress and my finance. It's really REAL now and we could not be more excited!

If you'd like more information on the wedding, please make sure to visit our wedding web site and make sure to book your hotel early!

There is a room block available at the Courtyard by Mariott Isla Verde Beach Resort under "RaeAnn Roca and Steve Pickett Wedding" for our date, so go ahead and book it now if you want :-)

Hope you're getting just as excited as I am!!!