Mexico - Safety Concerns?

So obviously when Brian and I were researching destinations for our destination wedding, we had several criteria. We knew we wanted to go somewhere warm, that travel costs should be similar for everyone who planned to come, that we could rent a home (rather than stay in hotels), and let everyone have a vacation while coming to our wedding. Oh, and we also looked at safety. When we first started looking at Mexico the lovely swine flu was rising. Once again, folks were panicked about heading south of the border (although, really - you can catch that thing anywhere). Now the latest news from the US Government's newest travel warning for Mexico is out. And what does it say? Good news! They're not concerned about the resort towns, only specifically concerned with towns that border the US (pretty much the exact opposite of where we'll be). For additional details, I encourage you to check out this article from the Seattle Times (with link to the US Government advisory) http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/travelwise/2011358640_trpucci16.html?cmpid=2628 ...So no excuses about the safety folks! We'll see you in Mexico :)

New Year, More Photos, More Details!

First off, Happy New Year to all! We had our last Christmas apart (thankfully!) and enjoyed the holiday time with our families. We've also been working on the wedding details and getting more and more excited to go to Mexico!

We did receive the rest of our engagement pictures, to view them visit here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2208207&id=25900729&l=ee39250c78 or check them out from our photographer's page here: http://www.kristenmarie.org/blog/2009/12/26/krystlebrian.html

In wedding planning news, after a FULL year of searching... I finally chose bridesmaid dresses! Very exciting, very cute dresses, and now feel like planning is really under way!

Finally, for those who may be joining us in Mexico but haven't yet found somewhere to stay - there's two townhomes still available on the Romero compound (where the Watson family and Murphy family, as well as bridal party will be staying). Each fit 4 people and are $1500 for the week. If you're interested, please let me know and I'll put you in touch with the owner.

We're less than six months out, save the dates will be sent out soon. I'm sure before we know it, we'll be in Mexico!

Location! Location! Location!

At this point we've started introducing you to our wedding party and given a quick (well, maybe not so quick) insight into how this crazy relationship started. Probably time to provide some details about the wedding location!

When we started planning the wedding, we knew right away we'd be going away. Key considerations were: somewhere tropical, hopefully even distance from the west and east coasts, somewhere that there was lots to do, and something within our small budget. After a LOT of research (that Krystle did) we landed on Akumal, Mexico. Neither Brian nor I have been to Mexico, but we've heard great things - especially about Akumal.

About Akumal:
Akumal is about an hour south of Cancun, pretty close to the border of Belize. It's less touristy and more rustic than Cancun and surrounding areas, but close enough to the bigger attractions to get groceries and go to Costco (yes, there is Costco in Mexico). Akumal is known as the "Place of Turtles" as it's where the sea turtles go to lay their eggs. There are several beaches, cave diving, open water diving, and historical attractions nearby. The Watson and Murphy families will be staying at the Romero Compound on the Yal-Ku Lagoon. The Lagoon is actually a marine sanctuary with excellent snorkelling. We're still researching other activities and will keep everyone updated on what looks interesting to us!

Other logistical items we'll be working on over the next few months include: flight options, transportation from the airport, and hotel accommodations for additional guests. If anyone has additional points we should consider, please let us know!

A step back in time...(part II)

Last post I gave you the run down on how we met... now to more recent history... In July of 2008, we moved in together in a little apartment in Issaquah, WA. Two days after moving in, we had our first addition to the family - Atilla the English Springer Spaniel (and greatest dog in the world). Brian started subbing for the Issaquah School District and I continued to work in communications - everything was great. Then, in the middle of December - things got even better... Brian proposed. Here's the official story: We were about to have a snowstorm, it was already snowing a bit and we decided to go for a walk. As I was downstairs, ready to go - Brian, as usual, was taking forever to get ready. He yelled down to me "do you see my jacket?", "do you see my watch?", "do you think my hat is down there?" - just as I was about to tell him to find all of these items himself, he was hurrying down the stairs and kneeling in front of me. Completely floored, I barely remember him asking "Will you marry me" - and apparently I kept saying "Are you serious?!" over, and over again. As Brian put the ring on my finger, the dog grabbed the ring box and ran around (typical). We then went for our walk and then started calling our friends.

Pretty immediately we knew we were going to get married in a different way than the past weddings we had been to. Although the weddings were all fun - we had geographical concerns and wanted to re-live a bit of the beginning of our relationship. So Mexico... Here we come!!

What's up with the wedding?

Yup, it's true... after FIVE years of dating, living together, living across the country together, and everything else in between... we're getting married! We're hoping to use this blog as a place to provide information to those who are planning on joining us, those who are unable to join (but are curious to see just how awesome this wedding will be), and probably let some creepy internet stalkers hang out too.

So here's what we know so far:
Date:July 3, 2010
Location: Casa Romero, Akumal, Mexico (both ceremony & reception)
Time: TBA (probably pre-cocktails around 5:30, ceremony at 6)
Bridal Party (more specific details on these wonderful folks in later posts): Maid of Honor: Brittney Watson; Best Man: Jon Carey; Bridesmaids: Laurel & Caitlin Murphy; Groomsmen: Grant Watson & Jared Long

We'll be posting details on flights, hotels, things to do in Akumal, trivia about ourselves and the bridal party. In addition, feel free to use the comments area - we'll check back to answer questions.

Can't wait for the big day & hope that you can all make it!