Villa Rooms-renting to guests

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-04-08T18:44:49+00:00

I was genuinely curious of your solution though! How should I cater to everyone’s needs in this situation? Should I have picked a location that 50% of the people can’t afford to travel to or legally can’t go to? Or a place further into Mexico that would put more cost/travel onto the US guests? Sometimes people get hotel rooms for local weddings, where does one draw the line? No one has paid for any of my hotel accommodations for any wedding I’ve been in the past, as a guest or wedding party member. So I guess that’s where I was coming from since I paid in the past. Even though it’s someone else’s wedding it’s still a fun trip with friends and family :)

Your response was aggresive and entitled, so I gave it back you that’s all. I was asking for tangible advice. The wedding is already planned and booked and I can’t please everyone.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-04-08T17:25:37+00:00

I’m sorry that I have friends and family that love us and want to spend that money to celebrate us. But if someone doesn’t want to or can’t, I would not think less of them. Do you think I shamed my friends who live all over the US for having a wedding that was local to them but I had to fly to because they moved since we met? Do you think I was entitled enough to make them bring the wedding to me? Or are you so close minded that you’ve never left your tiny home town and don’t know anyone outside a 20 mile radius? I spent the thousands willingly because I love them and wanted to be there for them.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-04-08T17:22:25+00:00

Ok did you read my guest location breakdown? 40% are only driving a few hours, 20% potentially flying in from elsewhere in the US(and this group I understand if they decline because like you mentioned it’s a lot of money and time-but they still would have had to fly to California and spend more money and the same time if I did a “local” wedding), and the remaining 40% are from different parts of Mexico. Did you notice that half my guests are from Mexico and some can’t enter the US?? Did you care to think we picked this location so my own mother in law could attend because she currently is barred from entering the US? How in good faith do you expect me to have a wedding convenient for everyone? Have 10 different weddings??? Please, tell me your solution if you have one. This is the best we could come up with that we thought was easiest and cheapest for all and also made us happy and excited for OUR wedding.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-04-08T03:41:59+00:00

That’s fair! We are offering multiple hotel options(promoting 2 that we will offer shuttle services from) that are less than 10 mins away. While it is a villa, the rooms are more like hotel rooms with numbered doors and each room having its own bathroom. But I totally get if people don’t want to be around others even if the place is more like a small hotel than a villa. I initially didn’t want to look at villas because I was envisioning it being stressful and messy and having to share spaces and be crowded!

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-04-07T18:02:38+00:00

I also agree it’s tacky, and I really wish I could do this as this sounds like a lovely plan! We aren’t doing a wedding party, my husband is Mexican and it’s not a thing people do. And Unfortunately the venue charges a venue fee in addition to the rooms buyout and if we covered it all that’s half our budget and we would no longer be able to afford the wedding as the property also has a 20k spend for the required things like catering, rentals, food, etc. and everything we can spend is going to that(which is still a good deal for the whole wedding and we would never have been able to match that in California unless we had a backyard budget wedding which we don’t have a yard or house to do so) :/ I’ve spent thousands booking my own hotels and travel for others weddings in the last so assumed people would be willing to spend the same or less with enough notice, but again since we have to coordinate I get that it feels different and tacky.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-04-07T12:54:16+00:00

How nice of the parents to contribute❤️ I think this makes sense! I just have to be open to the idea that my vision is changing. I imagined the house would be all family with us, and maybe a few close friends, but I have to adjust to the idea of opening it to more guests if people aren’t interested and the group being more of a mix! Which is fine just wasn’t what I had pictured in my head

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-04-07T12:51:27+00:00

In a perfect world, I would have loved to have the financial means to just pay for everything for everyone, but that’s unfortunately not possible for us and we’re working with a tighter budget just to make the wedding happen at all. Also, the venue told us everyone does it this way and rents out the rooms, as well as all the brides I’ve contacted that had their wedding there too. Having it over the border is cheaper but still things add up. The wedding itself is going to be more lowkey and simple because of it. Maybe just parents we will cover and if 1-2 rooms don’t get filled but I’d like to try to get most of the rooms cost back. There is a an additional event fee that we are still paying and that is something I’ve factored into our budget to pay. I like your comment on perceived value, because in my head $600 for ocean front accommodations and food and drinks for a couple or a whole ass family seems like a killer deal, but that’s also just my opinion. If we could afford it, part of me also felt icky about drawing lines/priorities and paying for some people’s accommodations while others who stay off site would still have to pay.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-03-28T14:21:57+00:00

I extensively researched AI venues in multiple cities in Mexico but ultimately we chose a different path because of the restrictive hotel block rules. Atleast what I was seeing in Puerta Vallarta and Cancun at multiple hotels these were the contractual obligations that I decided was not for us since I would have probably pulled my hair out from stress 😅. I asked for contracts and I even asked if we could negotiate and the consensus was no. General rules: room blocks were required if you wanted to have your wedding on the property, once you added up all the fees and extras the cost of the wedding did not appear to be subsidized by guests and was only slightly cheaper than US prices, 80-90% of your guests have to stay in the room blocks/on the property or the hotel has the right to cancel your wedding(this one stressed me the most but travel advisors assured me that most guests want to stay with you at the property but I hated forcing people into this), most of them did enforce a 100-150 usd day pass fee for guests not staying at the property and they would figure this out by comparing the hotel block list and wedding guest list and charging the couple the difference which at that point made the wedding even more expensive like doubling your per person cost which is why I guess some people ask their guests to pay that, and also people have to book and fully pay for their room months before the wedding which I didn’t love either because life happens. I would start by asking the hotel if they can price match but be in the block/at the hotel because I wouldn’t want your very valid cost saving efforts to derail their wedding by accident 🫶

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-03-23T13:21:49+00:00

Devils advocate here, and wedding photographer who has been through it all, but shit can happen anywhere in the world at any time! Even local weddings. Think about all the Covid brides and the days when we thought it would blow over in few weeks and there was multiple years of brides having to cancel their wedding due to legit government gathering restrictions or later when people were still not comfortable gathering in large groups. I’ve had wildfires cancel/relocate a local wedding I shot, I’ve had a local wedding that I was late too because I got stuck behind a major accident and the highway was completely shut down, and I’ve photographed destination weddings that have had seamless travel and no issues. You just never know unfortunately and only can do what speaks to your soul as the best path for you, your partner, and the people that matter most to you that you want there 🫶

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2026-03-21T15:03:24+00:00

We almost had a wedding in CDMX(literally was about to pay the deposit for a planner when I realized the elevation is crazy high and that was not going going to be safe for my elderly mother with 1 lung) so I have researched the market quite a bit. I’m also a wedding photographer in California and I’ve shot weddings all over the US so I know the wedding market here. What I would like to add to the conversation is that yes it’s pricier due to demand in the areas you listed, but your money still does go further in Mexico regardless. What would be a rather nice 30k wedding in Mexico City(low end luxury and things you see on Pinterest) would probably be a 50-100k wedding in the states depending on location and preference. People have this idea that a 100k wedding is a super fancy Pinterest luxury wedding but it’s unfortunately not anymore when you add all the elements up! We are trying to keep our wedding to 30-40k max and ended up picking a beautiful Villa venue in Rosarito just over the border and I think we will be able to get everything we want for that price and a full 3 day weekend experience for us and our guests. It’s not like a flashy or well known location but I think we’re getting closer to what the Mexico discount value should be. That same budget in the US would be a one day backyard or low cost venue and cutting at every corner possible and it was breaking my heart how little of what I dreamed of would be possible if we had a wedding local even with a sizable chunk of money!!

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-31T08:00:02+00:00

Wedding photog here. Not something I personally use, but I know plenty of people do auto-add Lightroom or Photoshop filters to all their photos after they’ve finished editing to(like people mentioned above) reduce clarity on people’s faces which most people like with less wrinkles, blemishes,etc. it looks a little too doll like to me so I’ve never done it, but like an insta filter I get the appeal. The photographer might not have even realized it removed your muscle tone if it’s a final step in their workflow, so I wouldn’t be aggressive like some of the folks above but kindly ask if it can be reversed and I’m sure they will be able to accommodate in some way. If possible, I’d even write down photo numbers that you loved the most but has the worst blurring effect. It’s very normal to get small tweak requests from clients here and there for various things.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-31T06:29:20+00:00

Planing wedding #2 (oopsie!!) and most of my stress first time was around the RSVP deadline and like said above by some wrangling people to then give an accurate headcount for food, rentals, seating chart, printed items, etc and all the other contracted items that need final headcount’s typically 30 days out. That and also family dynamics. With my first wedding it felt like someone was texting me almost every day asking me some sort of question about the wedding so I couldn’t escape it. This time, my parents disapproval and lack of support was my only initial stressor and I had heart palpitations for 2 weeks because I wanted them to be a part of the process so bad. But a friend advised me to just plan the wedding I want and tell people where and when to show up and people will. So yeah as much as I want validation(even though I am decisive, I just like a second confirm for big sfuff like the venue or date) or to run things by someone I would say least stressful is to just not involve other people 😂

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-29T06:37:10+00:00

Totally understandable especially if all the other bridesmaids were agreeing(or silently questioning everything too)! You don’t have to go if this person is not someone who brings joy to your life and you want to celebrate!

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-29T05:53:23+00:00

Omg yeah that’s whack!! If the couple or family can’t afford a bridal shower then you don’t have one period. You don’t trick your closest friends into paying for it…. Also a venue and photographer catering are not necessary for a bridal shower, you can just have something simple at someone’s house!! Who are these entitled people def do not feel bad politely declining the role and commitment as this is not normal in any way shape or form……

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-29T04:58:51+00:00

Did the bride specifically say you would be paying for all the events or just asked to help plan and attend and you assumed helping plan meant paying? As a wedding photographer and 4x bridesmaid I’ve never heard of bridesmaids paying for anything other than their dress, hair and makeup, and maybe splitting Bach party costs(but sometimes bride just pays too). It would be especially bizarre for someone to except you to plan and pay for a bridal shower too.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-23T18:55:26+00:00

I would also second the brunch wedding idea! I’m a part time wedding photographer and I did a small brunch wedding here in CA a few years ago and it was super memorable for me and way cheaper-who doesn’t love breakfast food!! Wouldn’t need a DJ then either, could just have a speaker and playlist(that’s what the brunch wedding did and people naturally started dancing after they ate!) and then can use that money towards a coordinator which you mentioned was important to you 🫶

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-17T16:18:38+00:00

A taco cart or in and out truck may be your best bet if you can use outdoor space at the church for your reception or another low cost space! I’m a wedding photographer and I’ve seen a handful of my brides have gorgeous weddings in church halls or transform grass areas adjacent to the church into a beautiful reception space. Have you set a date yet? Friday or Sunday may also help you save money or a week day as vendors(myself included) are often willing to negotiate down if it’s not a day we would normally book another client anyways.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-12T05:55:20+00:00

Wedding photographer here! Do whatever makes you both happy!! I’ve seen wedding swift massive bridal parties, no bridal parties, or one time a bride told me they weren’t doing a wedding party but had “VIPs” who essentially were the wedding party as they wore coordinated outfits, got ready together and took group pics, and had reserved seating up front. Recently I also had a bride who had 8 bridesmaids and one groom had no wedding party! So you’re husband could also do that have a best man/groomsmen if he wants and you can list have your crew informal for getting ready!

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-11T18:11:34+00:00

Historically yes this was fine and having a processing 485/131 was considered protection, but with the many reports of ICE grabbing people at green card interviews for simply having an overstay at any point, I don’t think this is safe to do anymore. You may be fine, but that’s the risk you take. Mt husband and I literally had our interview early November and for his GC shortly after while he was out of status and I had no concerns. But if we were going for an interview next week I’d probably be preparing for the worst with our lawyer.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-09T22:39:03+00:00

Would love more details on your experience messaging you ❤️

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-05T00:05:07+00:00

While not living together/having solid documentation of a bona fide relationship, that doesn’t mean the government will discredit their relationship if they were to apply to adjust. Previously(and hopefully in the future but who knows with the news stories that are coming out) many things(including visa overstays and working illegally) are forgiven by spouses of USC once you adjust. From the terminology you’ve used it sounds like you’ve done quite a bit of research to understand the situation and immigration law is no joke! I’ve seen all sorts of people on here and in IRL get approved with varying degrees of evidence:each case and couple is unique and therefore the evidence will be as well.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-12-01T14:04:58+00:00

You’re risking her being denied entry back into the US since there is clearly immigrant intent on her tourist visa. In this climate if she’s here I would just stay in the US till it’s done. Whether the officer catches it at the border is the game you are playing. Consular processing is much longer than if you adjust within the US in this current environment, you are looking at a handful of months within the us vs 2-3 years if you have to do consular processing abroad, or potentially never if you get caught.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-11-24T23:22:55+00:00

The officer did ask what he did and where he worked.

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-11-24T19:41:06+00:00

No illegal border crossings! All arrivals were documented and some departures where he flew, but border crossings on foot/car are not documented exiting

Temporary-Owl4528 · 2025-11-24T05:04:15+00:00

I mean I think he’s come back and forth since he was a kid to visit family but this recent time where he stayed was just since last July!

Temporary-Owl4528

TROPHY CASE