An introspective on the Rodriguez Family

So I thought it'd be nice for our friends to get a glimpse at the families involved.

I'll start with the Rodriguez family. Unfortunately, I don't have alot of pictures of Maria's (Isa's mom) side of the family because they are all in Costa Rica.

Meet Orlando and Maria Rodriguez!


Maria is a nurse at a local assisted living facility. She is loving wife and mother and a wonderful cook. Orlando, an equally loving husband and father is retired and loves Red Sox baseball. Maria is a native of Costa Rica and Orlando is of Cuban descent. Both also enjoy a brisk morning walk, a heated game of Dominoes and break dancing.


Pictured above with Orlando is Gilbert, Isa's brother. He's the consummate ladies' man but remains humble about it. He enjoys import tuning (car modification), Gator sports (thank the good lord) and hanging out with friends and family. If any ladies would like his number, please submit your application along with a $50 processing fee.


Last but certainly not least is the matriarch of the Rodriguez family who Isabel refers to as "Abuelita" which means Grandma. Abuelita is 90+ years young and has the respect, admiration and love of her entire family. She enjoys frequent family visits, particularly chatting with her grandchildren about world, local or even household events.


Isabel is very much a reflection of the warm, good natured family she was raised in.

If I can find pictures, I'll add her amazing extended family as well!

Stay tuned for a glimpse into the Duong family!

Update! Holiday Inn Express - Kendall

We finally talked to the booking director at the hotel.

Here's the deal.

Details:

• Only 30 rooms are guaranteed, but there may be more available after first 30 are filled.
• The rate is $109/night and it DOES NOT have to be prepaid.
• You will need a credit card to "guarantee" your room.
• You will have 15 days BEFORE your reservation to cancel.
• You must call in your reservations for these rooms.
  
  The number is (786) 837-2100.
  
  Reference the Duong/Rodriguez Wedding.
  (Please don't butcher Long's name in the process - it's pronounced "Young")
  
  Now, if you miss the 30 rooms, there may still be an opportunity to book rooms at $110/night through the website, but your reservation must be PREPAID in full when you book. If you choose to do this, it's still best to call in to make sure that all 30 rooms from the above arrangement aren't full yet.
  
  If you choose not to prepay, I believe the current rate is $127/night.
  
  If you miss the rush and can't stay at the Holiday Inn Express, you may also consider these hotels which are pricier, but near the reception hall:
  
  AmeriSuites
  Mr. Brian Rubine
  Tel.: (305) 279-8688
  http://www.blogger.com/www.amerisuites.com
  
  Crowne Plaza Hotel
  MIAMI KENDALL
  Tel.: (305) 279-7700
  http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/miamk?_requestid=367495
  
  We have not set aside any rooms in these hotels because if guests don't stay there, we'd be left holding the bag for the unoccupied rooms. Ridiculous huh?
  
  Three fun facts about the hotel:
  
  1. The Holiday Inn Express boasts the ONLY heated pool in the area!
  
  2. If you're planning on playing a round of golf, there's a putting green right out in front of the hotel!
  
  3. The hotel is right across the street from the Tamiami Executive Airport, NOT Miami International Airport. No commercial flights in, but if you feel it's time to take advantage of your fractional interest owned jet, or you think it's about time you charter your own aircraft, you're golden!
  
  
  Don't forget!
  

Driving Directions for Miami

Miami is LARGE. It's on a grid, but can be difficult to navigate. Avenues run North/South and streets run East/West (don't know about you, but I think the rest of the world has it the other way around . . . STREETS are supposed to run North/South)

So arm yourself with a GPS device in your rental car or be prepared with a map and directions!

To help you out, we've added a set of links on the right hand side for Maps & Directions. Should be easier than trying to stuff a bunch of directions in the invitations!

These are Google Maps.

It's best to click the Print LINK and get even more detailed driving directions.

The first set of directions is for the Church to the Reception Hall.

Other directions we plan to add:

• Airport to Hotels
• Hotels to Sobe (South Beach)
• Hotels to Church
• Hotels to the Hard Rock Casino (in Hollywood)
• Hard Rock Casino to nearest ATM (jk)

Booking your flight: Ft. Lauderdale vs. Miami International

Isabel and I were down in Miami last weekend and completely forgot how much you have to drive when you're down there.

The reception hall, the church and the hotels are all relatively close to each other (5-15 minutes) and are located in the Kendall area of Miami.

Ft. Lauderdale International Airport is generally cheaper to fly into for US domestic flights. It's where I've always flown in and out of when I lived in South Florida (but I lived right in between Ft. Laud and Miami). That said, it's a good little drive to the Kendall area of Miami where we'll be doing the wedding stuff.

So here are the pros and cons of both airports:

Ft. Lauderdale International:

Pros - Cheaper, cleaner, less hectic
Cons - A good 45 minutes to the Kendall area of Miami (a bit more gas money)

Miami International

Pros - Closer to the Kendall area
Cons - Hectic, crowded airport; a little bit pricier for US domestic flights (but you'll save gas)

Bottom line: If you've already booked your flight, don't bother changing it now. In South Florida, everything is 30-45 minutes away.

Latest Update on Holiday Inn Express

Looks like the Holiday Inn Express will finally open it's doors towards the end of this month. In about 5-7 days I have a scheduled conference to discuss booking with the sales manager.

We actually stopped by to see the hotel a few days ago and according to the on site contractor, the hotel is all done, but they are doing a bit of cleanup and dealing with permitting issues.

Now, the hotel only has 107 rooms, which is probably enough, but obviously I can't ask him to hold every single one forever.

So the second I give the green light, we'll ask that everyone book ASAP.

Hope everyone is doing well!

Long & Isa