Married or going to be married at Grand Palladium Punta Cana?

Can any of you past brides tell me what the vows are like for the legal ceremony? I didn't think I would care but I just went to a wedding and absolutely hated what the judge said, it just seemed so "legal" and not very heartfelt

Okay I have a few minutes now to give some details!

Everything was smooth from the get-go when we arrived at GPPC we were told we'd been upgraded to the Royal Suites. It was amazing, and I would definately recommend the upgrade even if you have to pay - it's worth it and offered privacy from the guests. We were upgraded because it's low season right now.

The suite was amazing for pictures and the maids did a great job with flower petals and curtain arrangements, it looked nice in the pictures. I was also able to order a bottle of champagne the night before to be delivered while I was getting my hair done. It was great to come back to a cold bottle of champagne on ice to have while getting ready.

I was really impressed with the gazebo set up - it looked great. The cart picks you up and takes you over to the ceremony area, and it was nice because no one could see me standing at the end. When the music started my MOH walked first, then my mom and nephew. I did not have a song for them as I completely forgot (haha) so I told Carolina WHILE we were at the end waiting to walk down and she was like "no problem, I have one -- when it starts start walking" haha. So they walked, then they quickly switched to the one I brought for me. As I said, it was nice because no one could see me until I came around the corner through the arch. This was really appreciated because I saw two weddings at Dreams Palm Beach and the gazebo is right next to the pool and the bride has to walk through the lobby in front of all the people, and everyone can see her the whole time. It's nice to have that extra bit of privacy.

Our first day we went to meet with Carolina and she was perfect - we picked our flowers, cake and colors. I went with green and afterwards I wasn't so sure, but seeing it in the pictures now I am very happy!

We chose the caprese salad and beef medallions for the menu (I don't eat beef so they gave me the chicken thing, and as commented before it wasn't that great lol). Everyone loved the meal. Carolina did a great job of decorating the table at La Uva and there was no one else in the restaurant (another benefit of low season) so it was like a private dinner.

After the ceremony we had champagne and took pictures. We had made a CD to play during the champagne so that was good for when we left to go do pictures on the beach.

Our ceremony was at 5 - and it led perfectly into dinner which was at 7. We stayed there until 10 and then headed to the lobby for some drinks/

We hired HDC photography and they were amazing. Milan came to take pictures of both the ceremony and the TTD at Dreams Palm Beach over our honeymoon. I love the pictures and would recommend working with HDC.

Whew -- I have to think about more, but feel free to ask questions. I've also posted pics on facebook so pm me if you want to see them!

Congratulations, sungoddess! So happy for you!! .... And so jealous that it's not my time yet. lol

To all the ladies who have already been married, can you talk about your spa experiences? Did you book your appointment before you left, or did you wait until you got there so you could bargain with them on the price? I have a little bit of the "OMG, what if I wait until I get there to book and then they're booked up and I can't get in" fear going on. But, of course, I also want to get the best price. So I can't decide if I should book now or wait. Also, did you get your makeup done in the spa? I want to get my makeup done professionally, so I'm thinking about having them do it. However, I'm not a big makeup wearer. I like it light and just a little here and there to cover the blemishes and even things out. I'm scared that they might apply makeup a little too heavy for my tastes. Basically, how did everyone like the spa?

I used the spa services to get my hair done -- it was a last minute decision and I booked 2 days before. My mom decided the day before to get her hair done at the same time, and then my grandma decided the day of! None of us had problems booking or getting the time we wanted. There are 3 chairs there and enough staff...I would wait to book until you get there. Also, weddings are a priority so they will bump someone else if they need to to get you in -- haha they told me.

We did the renewal of the vows, but we did not tell our guests. Carolina had paperwork for us to sign and everything! We gave her our own wording for the ceremony and we wrote our own vows.

I get married there on July 20th...it came up so fast I don't know where the time went lol!

Sungoddess and Sap...what did/are you guys doing for wedding favors? Are you bringing/did you bring your own music (like on a ipod) for a reception or use the DJ? Its funny, i was on this site like 8 months ago right after I chose, then got busy and forgot, suddenly now I'm freaking out again! Sap, you are getting married the same week we are, We arrive on the 17th!