Destination Wedding Location Love: Xcaret (Riviera Maya, Mexico)

I recently went to the Riviera Maya to do a site visit at Xcaret (pronounced esh-caret) for a client who is interested in getting married there next September.

Upon arrival it just seemed like any other theme park - the entrance was nothing to write home about and I kinda got worried about the location and what potential it really had. Well let me tell you...once I walked through those gates - all my expectations from photos I have seen were met and than some! It was kinda mind blowing actually and a little overwhelming. Pictures does not do this venue justice - trust me on this, I've seen many pics of the venue and I was still in awe.

Graciela, one of the in-house wedding planners, walked us through the entire wedding guest experience. From entering through a special gate, to the walk up to St. Francis of Assisi Chapel (which by the way is officially sanctioned as a Catholic Church), to the journey guests will take en-route to reception site including a spiral descent (called the snail path) to a reception cave that has a river running through, it's called La Isla - which serves as one of the parks restaurants as well.

Additionally, we got to see other locations, like The Ponds, an area on the Caribbean Ocean that serves as a ceremony and reception location. We also got to see the Crypt of Souls a humongous dome like cave with an opening on top that houses a large crucifix and crypts (not real) filled with LED candles (pictured above). There's also a walk around the Crypt of Souls that is filled with Santos or figures of Saints. The floor is a huge spiral labyrinth and has water running in between the paved areas. The sound of the trickling water vibrates throughout this experience. It's an awesome location for photos or even an intimate small wedding for say 10 people.

Xcaret was designed as a "majestic park by the sea that features unique activities, where you can have fun while discovering the natural and cultural richness of Mexico. Among its great treasures, in Xcaret, you can find underground rivers, cenotes, a Butterfly Pavilion, recreated Mayan ruins, a beach, inlets and Xcaret’s one of a kind celebration “Xcaret Mexico Espectacular,” an absolutely wonderful show. At Xcaret you can also enjoy the most amazing water activities such as swimming with dolphins, scuba, Sea Trek and snorkeling."

For the destination wedding, Xcaret offers an experience your guests will remember forever! It's the location that destination dreams are made of. Guests will experience so much beauty, history, and see things such as the Bridge of Paradise, which is a representation of a traditional Mexican cemetery. This cemetery is made of 365 tombs that represents a day of the year and the 52 steps leading to it represents the 52 weeks in the year. I am telling you every corner has something amazing at Xcaret. Oh and I almost forgot THE VIEWS are amazing from St. Francis of Assisi Chapel as well as The Ponds. The location is very accommodating to all guests including individuals who may need special assistance.

The entertainers at the park can be hired to perform at your wedding or ceremony. All of them amazing musicians and artists. From conch blowing Mayan natives to an eight-piece Mariachi band - you can get the best of the best from Xcaret's extensive list of live musicians and performers. The parks in-house caterer can also customize your menus or you can select from menu's that already have conceived. They will also work with you to make sure that it fits within your budget! The staff is also wonderful to work with.

Here are a few photos of my Xcaret experience.

St. Francis of Assisi Entrance

Altar in St. Francis of Assisi (the open sided church with thatched roof has beautiful views of the Caribbean Ocean)

The back of St. Francis of Assisi Church and the built in benches

The inside of La Isla Restaurant set in a cave with a river running in between the stage and main dining floor. This restaurant/reception space can sit over 300 people. on two levels.

Part of the Bridge of Paradise

I love this location for a wedding. This venue offers so many possibilities for unique wedding experiences. It will truly add to the wow factor in your destination wedding. We finalized the contract for my client's Xcaret wedding while I was there - I can't wait to execute it next September 2011!

Make your wedding dollars stretch by having an incredible wedding abroad in places like Xcaret! You and your guests will love every moment. If you have questions regarding destination weddings to Riviera Maya Mexico or to other destination in Mexico, or anywhere else in the world to be exact, contact me at percy@percysales.com! I would love to work with you on your destination wedding!

-Percy

Photo credit:
Crypt of Souls photo taken by: Pierre Voille
All other photos taken by: Kathy Grate

Location Love: El Paseo Restaurant, Santa Barbara, CA

I had the pleasure of working with the historic and world famous El Paseo Restaurant this past weekend for a client's wedding. This place is incredible and I forgot how magical this location can be for weddings and events.

El Paseo Restaurant is under new management/ownership (Paul Jakubowski and John Scott co-owners) and has an incredible new chef, Alex Castillo. The food is superb and the service that my clients received were top notch. Guests were raving how accommodating and genuinely nice Paul's staff were throughout the event. Paul, who is also the general manager, has transformed El Paseo Restaurant to its original glory (cuisine and service) and re-establishing it as the place to be in Santa Barbara.

El Paseo Restaurant is set in a Hacienda style courtyard that has a retractable roof, balcony's, and central fountain. The tables and booths are set around the courtyard. There is a large bar area that can accommodate the cocktail hour and the restaurant itself can easily seat 150 people. They have kept the styling true to it's original roots and it really makes this location a gem in Santa Barbara.

El Paseo Restaurant then

El Paseo Restaurant now

If you are looking for a fabulous location, with incredible food, service, and pricing consider El Paseo Restaurant. It truly is a magical place and your guests will leave having a wonderful experience!

El Paseo Restaurant is located at 10 El Paseo (between Anacapa and State at De La Guerra), Santa Barbara, CA (805) 962-6050

Santa Barbara's Zoofari Ball on Marie Manvel's Block by Block

I had the pleasure of being part of the fabulous committee that put on Santa Barbara Zoo's Zoofari Ball this year. This year's theme was Hot! Hot! Hot! Carnaval! which had a beautiful Rio Carnaval feel to the event. Lisa Carter and her team at Behind The Scenes designed a vibrant event that captivated the feel of Rio! Over 600 people were in attendance and raised much needed funds for Santa Barbara Zoo's educational programs. It's the wildest fundraiser in Santa Barbara and the most fun. Mark your calendars for Zoofari XXVI!

Here's a clip from Marie Manvel's local show Block by Block on KEYT (ABC affiliate) covering Zoofari Ball XXVI Hot! Hot! Hot! Carnaval! Held on August 28, 2010.

Zoofari final from Marie Manvel on Vimeo.

The Merengue Dancing Dog!

This has nothing to do with weddings but it does have a lot do to with creating a memorable moment. I wish some of my couples could have done a fun first dance like this - and this graceful. Enjoy it!

Happy end of August!

-Percy

Real Weddings: Megan & Peter

Megan & Peter are the winners of the 2010 Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway. This couple beat out 633 other couples to have their dream wedding produced by 50 of Southern California's best wedding vendors!

I had the wonderful opportunity to design and plan their dream wedding with the help of the Dream Crew™. It was a fun journey for all involved.

Their dream wedding was held at Rancho de Las Palmas on June 27, 2010 in perfect Southland weather. They were surrounded by their family and friends in a joyous celebration that lasted late into the night. The couple shared many laughs and tears throughout the evening in a lavish wedding that was filled with the best of everything. It was truly a memorable event!

Here is a photo montage created by the awesome Alex Neumann, head photographer for the dream wedding. All photographs in this series taken by Alex Neumann Photography.

Photo Montage of Megan & Peter's Dream Wedding from Percy Sales on Vimeo.

Click here to view photos from Megan & Peter's Rehearsal Dinner taken by Gloria Plunkett Photography.

Details of the Dream Wedding:

The Locations
Rehearsal Dinner Location: Camarillo Ranch

Wedding Location: Rancho de Las Palmas

The Couture
Wedding Dress by Watters and Lili Bridals in Tarzana, California

Bridesmaids, Flower Girl, Men Ties and Pocket Squares, and Maid of Honor Dresses by Coren Moore

Grooms Calvin Klein Tuxedo by 1800MyTuxes.com

Groomsmen, Ring Bearer, Ushers, Fathers tuxedo rentals by Friar Tux

Mothers of the Bride and Mothers of the Groom dresses by Siri

The Bling (Accessories)
Veil by Toni Federici at Lili Bridals

Crystal and Silk headband by Malis Henderson at Lili Bridals

Bridal shoes by Nina Shoes

Navy Blue Eel Skin purses for the bride and her entourage by Katie Gallagher Handbags

Bridesmaids, flower girl, and mothers jewelry by Bonita J

Bridal Jewelry by Lady Bead

Groomsmen and Grooms custom cuff-links and Grooms boutonniere holder by DeAnna Cochran Jewelry

Custom garters, dress tag, and ring bearer pillow by Victoria Joanne at Hand Crafted Creations

The Beauty Team
Bridal Party Lashes and Brides Intraceuticals session by Danielle at Studio Lash

Hair and Makeup by Ja'Nice at DeVenir Beauty

The Flowers
Ceremony, Bridal, and Reception Floral by Your Image Floral Design

Cocktail Reception Floral by Fleuretica

Orchids provided by Amy's Orchids

The Food
Rehearsal Dinner Catering by Events by CP Catering

Wedding Catering and Bar Service by DJ's California Catering

Candy Buffet Bar by butter 'n eggs

Cookie favors by LuvBug Cookies

Wedding Cake by Judy's Great Cakes

Groom's Cake by TC Bakery

Vodka Bar by RND Vodka

The Designs
Wedding Design, Planning, and Coordination by Percy Sales Events

Graphic Design, Website and Thank You CD's by CNI Designs

Aisle Runner by Starry Night Design Studio

Floor Decal by Ten23 Designs

Rehearsal Dinner Invitation by Adair Design

Wedding Invitations by The Invitation Spot

Calligraphy by Calligraphy by Jennifer

Seating Tag Mobiles by Just Wenderful

The Photographers and Videographers
Photobooth by Mint Photo Lounge

Engagement and Rehearsal Dinner Photography by Gloria Plunkett Photography

Party Photographer and Wedding Candids Photographer by Marie the Photographer

Wedding Day Photography by Alex Neumann Photography

Videography and On-site Video Presentation by Skyline Videography

The Music
String Quartet by Windsong Quartet

Cocktail Hour music by David Vito

DJ and MC by The Wedding Music DJ's

The Extras
Honeymoon at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego and Acacia Mansion by Acacia Mansion

Hummer limousine by American Luxury Limousine

First Dance Choreography by Cliff Housego

Chiavari Chairs and all Linens by Sitting Pretty Chair Covers

Hotel Stays by Grand Vista Simi Valley

Ice Luge by Images in Ice

Minister Services (offered by not used by couple) by Revered Barbara Laughray

Real Weddings: Rebekah & Josh (Part II)

A couple of weeks ago I posted an awesome cinematic movie of Rebekah and Josh's wedding done by custom|made productions. Now I want to share some details of their beautiful wedding day that was taken by the wonderful Laurie Bailey at the beautiful Rancho de Las Palmas in Moorpark, California. Enjoy the pictures and Mazel Tov to Rebekah & Josh!

Ketubah signing

Josh giving Rebekah's daughter a bracelet to welcome her officially as his daughter

Rina's fathers (groom's mother) prayer shawl

The ceremony under the chuppah

Mazel Tov

Little details

Custom Kippahs

Custom Seating Cards (Tables named after cities that the couple love)

Two types of favors

Three different centerpieces created by Flowers by Leah

The Party

The bride and groom serenading their guests with Ingrid Michaelson's The Way I Am

Love Story: Megan & Peter

I wanted to share with you the love story video that Skyline Videography did for the Megan and Peter, the winners of the Southern California Dream Wedding Giveaway that I was proud to be a part of and able to design and coordinate. This video was shown during their wedding on June 27, 2010. It includes a portion of the ceremony that Skyline Videography edited into the film on site. The wedding took place at the beautiful Rancho de Las Palmas (it was my third wedding at this location in a month).

Photos and actual video preview will be posted at a later date...but for now enjoy this!

Megan & Peter - Love Story / Same Day Edit from Skyline Videography on Vimeo.

Real Weddings: Ambar & Sasha (Part II)

Last week I posted photos of Ambar and Sasha's wedding at the Mission Inn in Riverside, CA. Here's a video highlight of the event done by the wonderful Adam and Kim Finlay at Skyline Videography. The dancing seen at the end of the video does not do justice of what actually transpired throughout the evening...but it does showcase the fun that occurred that evening.

Ambar & Sasha's Wedding @ the Mission Inn from Skyline Videography on Vimeo.

Battle of the Wedding Designers Update

Story of my life. I was notified late this afternoon that the Battle of the Wedding Designers episode that I am on (Aloha Wedding Bells) has been postponed due to a scheduling conflict at TLC. I am not sure what that means...but I guess they didn't think it's the right time to air that episode for one reason or another - I know they just want to showcase this episode to a larger audience. But I was told that it will still air, just not tomorrow night and that it has not been pulled all together. I personally think it's going to be a great episode and that TLC is waiting until sweeps week to show it or they are turning it to a 2-hour show (wishful thinking on my part)! So as soon as I know the new date I will let you all know. I am hoping it will happen in the next couple of weeks.

I am a bit disappointed, but what can I do. We will just have to wait a little longer to see if they take a bite and if I won the battle.

Thanks for the continued support and the anticipation!
-Percy

Tune in this Friday (7/9/10) to see Percy Sales on Battle of the Wedding Designers

The Battle of the Wedding Designers episode I am on will air on Friday, July 9, 2010 at 10pm/9pm CT. The title of the episode is Aloha Wedding Bells. Watch me battle it out with Michelle Buckley and Steve Kemble. Who will win the cultural challenge? Tune and and watch! Here's a preview of the episode that aired this week (it's a little ghetto because I don't have anything to record off the DVR...but it works).

Battle of the Wedding Designers (Aloha Wedding Bells) Commercial from Percy Sales on Vimeo.

Show: Battle of the Wedding Designers
Channel: TLC
Season 1, Episode 4 (Aloha Wedding Bells)
Premieres July 9, 2010

Real Weddings: Ambar & Sasha

I briefly met Ambar and Sasha at the wedding of Sasha's cousin that I did at the Four Season's Biltmore in Santa Barbara last year. Six months later they were hiring me to help wrap up the details to a wedding that Ambar had envisioned. The couple quickly became good friends of mine and I looked forward to our daily emails and talks.

Ambar and Sasha are incredible people. They love to have fun but most importantly they want to make sure all the details are in-place and that their guests were having a great time. They got married at the beautiful Mission Inn in Riverside, CA surrounded by an incredible group of family and friends and they partied all night long.

Their ceremony took place in the St. Francis of Assissi Chapel located on-site and the reception was held at the hotel's Music Room. A beautiful event full of Ambar and Sasha's spirit. This was the first wedding I have ever done where the linens were custom made by a relative, in this case Ambar's mom made linens for every table (over and underlays). Additionally, my team decked out the music room with over 400 candles on top of the floral that my in-house florist Wendy Smith created. The guests partied to a mixture of Latin and Persian music mixed with today's hip hop and pop tunes. Fun Fun Fun! So fun that at one point the groom turned into a Chippendale dancer - YIPPEE Sasha! :)

Here's a few shots take by Miguel Torres Photography from the evening. Hoping to post a video soon.

This was one of my favorite moments. As the doors opened to the chapel, Ambar just stood there and I am off to the side saying, "Ambar look up it's your moment!" and she said, "Really." I again said, "Look up and do your thang" and she did the sign of the cross, looked up, and made her way to the altar. I cried.

The vendors for Ambar & Sasha's wedding were:

Planning, Design, and Coordination: Percy Sales
Floral Design: Wendy Smith of Your Image Floral Design
Ceremony and Reception Location: Mission Inn
Music and MC: Michael Angelo Music DJs
Photography: Miguel Torres Photography
Videography: Skyline Videography
Wedding Cake: Jamaica's Cakes
String Quartet: A Touch of Ivory
Chiavari Chair Rentals: Dress My Chair
Minister: Mary Jean Valente
Make Up: Beauty by Solana
Hair: Hala Espinoza at Salon H

Real Weddings: Rebekah & Josh

I had the pleasure of planning and coordinating the wedding of Rebekah and Josh with Josh's mom Rina and father Tal for close to six months. They had a wonderful vision that was executed on the beautiful grounds of Rancho de Las Palmas on May 30, 2010. The wedding was a joyous day filled with love, family, music, and dancing (boy can these people dance). The bride chose to walk down to Metallica and Guns 'n Roses rather than the typical wedding stuff, which really set the tone for the entire event. It was a beautiful wedding.

Ari Perilstein and his crew at Custom | Made Productions captured the day beautifully in this awesome cinematic film (about 13 minutes long) that brought tears to my eyes. Take a look at the beautiful wedding of Rebekah and Josh!

Rebekah | Josh Cinematic Film Edit from custom | made productions on Vimeo.

The vendors for the Rebekah & Josh's wedding were:

Planning and Coordination: Percy Sales
Ceremony and Reception Location: Rancho de Las Palmas
Catering and Bar Service: DJ's California Catering
Video Production: Custom | Made Productions
Photography: Laurie Bailey Photography (photos will be posted shortly)
Flowers: Flowers by Leah
Music and Entertainment: Pini Cohen and Band
Linens and Chiavari Chairs: Sitting Pretty Chair Company
Rentals: The Tent Merchant
Lighting: Sky Production
Invitations: The Invitation Spot

Mazel Tov Rebekah and Josh!

Watch Percy Sales on TLC's Battle of the Wedding Designers

I know it's been a long time since I've posted a blog...well let me tell you it's been an incredibly busy year so far and the first six months of 2010 just whizzed by! I promise to do a better job in the last six months of the year.

The biggest news that I have is... I was asked to be one of the Wedding Designers for a new TLC (The Learning Channel) Show called Battle of the Wedding Designers (working title). A pilot of the show aired in November 2009, Battle of the Wedding Planners, and it was so popular that they have done a four episode mini season for the summer and yours truly will be on one of the episodes.

The premise is that three of the top Wedding Designers (flattered to be considered one of the tops) battle it out to win the honor of planning a couple's wedding. We all had to pitch our ideas to the couple, show our venues and designs, and at the end of the day the couple chooses the designer they want to design their dream wedding. Who am I up against? Do I win or do I go home a disappointed wedding designer? You will have to watch as the drama unfolds. The series will air on Fridays at 10pm ET PT and 9pm CT starting June 18, 2010. So set your DVRs to Friday evenings on TLC! My episode (Episode 4) is slated to be on July 9th!

Here's a promo piece from the pilot



Can't wait to see it all complete!

-Percy

Oscar 2010 Gowns: Ahhhs and Nahhhs

This years Oscars gave us some of the most BORING dresses to date, nothing really stood out and and nothing was really jaw dropping gorgeous. But from the sea of gowns I was still able to spot some Ahhhs and some Nahhhs. Here's my Top 10 Choice for both. First the Ahhhs.

My Top 10 Ahhh Choices: Top Left and Clockwise

Sandra Bullock in Marchesa, Cameron Diaz in Oscar de La Renta, Diane Kruger in Chanel, Nicole Ritchie in Reem Acra, Vera Farmiga in Marchesa, Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab, Sarah Jessica Parker in Chanel, Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries van Noten, Penelope Cruz in Donna Karan Couture, and Helen Mirren in Badgely Mischka.

My Top 10 Nahhh Choices: Top Left and Clockwise

Mariah Carey in Valentino, Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive, Charlize Theron in Christian Dior, Sigourney Weaver in Lanvin, Carey Mulligan in Prada, Amanda Seyfried in Armani Prive, Meryl Streep in Chris March, Tina Fey in Michael Kors, Molly Ringwald in Todd Thomas, Zoe Saldana in Givenchy.

• Mariah - your dress looked too small for you - like 5 sizes too small.
  
• Jennifer - you look like you're wearing futuristic bubble wrap and your hair looked like you are going through female pattern balding with that hairstyle.
• Charlize - what's up with the rosette boobs? Nice dress - but it looks like someone wearing lavender gloves hugged you from behind while holding two lavender loofahs.
  
• Sigourney - maybe you and Mariah should have swapped dresses - yours looked too big.
• Carey - the front should have been a little shorter or to the floor - it made you look Oompa Loompa short.
• Amanda - just plain boring.
• Meryl - it looked too matronly and it looked like the losing dress from a Project Runway challenge. It was not flattering.
  
• Tina - oh Tina...was dress suppose to be comic relief? The one shoulder isn't working for you and the pattern of the dress made you look thick...not a good thing.
  
• Molly - love the color, but again it looked a little to big - maybe with smaller jewelry it would have worked better.
• Zoe - I almost loved it - the top interesting but it looked like a blinged out ace bandage and the bottom would have been nicer without all that cabbage and kale. Too many concepts working against each other.
  

So there you have it my Ahhhs and Nahhs. Don't get me wrong I think there's some saving grace with the Nahhhs if they just adjusted a thing or two here and there.

Trends found on the red carpet: Lavender is hot and so is Fuchsia. Front slits are in and interesting details are hot.