caitlin

I am glad that so many people feel better after seeing the photos... i know it would have helped me a ton! I really don't have anything negative to say about my experience, but here are some tips... The bus ride to the resort is a little rugged. There are 2 roads that go to the resort and one of them is ugly!!! and a bit scary! So if you have the choice, take the longer route, which is 10 minutes more, and a lot less bumpy. The resort itself is beautiful and the staff is very nice. The pool is huge, we spent most of our time at the pool bar, as you can see from the photos… I have a huge crazy family!! The rooms were nice too. The only real problem we ever had to face was the ability to accommodate such a large group. We had 78 people, for an average of 5 days. It took a long time to seat large groups in most of the restaurants, if they could do it at all. It was easier to eat in smaller groups. The food was OK... but I am a bit of a food snob! lol. Our wedding itself was a legal ceremony with use of the minister then the justice came later to sign the wedding cert (which I still don’t have). It was strange that we had to have both to make it legal and appease the parents, but at that point, we didn’t care. We got married in the gazebo, which was more private and perfect. You wouldn’t think you could fit that many guests, but it worked out fine for us. I had fans on each chair which was a real hit and kept the guests cool. We used the Caribbean Trio for before the ceremony and during the cocktail hour. If I could do it again, I would do the same, but also have them actually play the wedding march from the speakers cause half of the group was still watching the flower girl and ring bearer when I walked down the aisle and caught them by surprise! I am a very laid back person, as you can tell from the shirts, so it was a very casual atmosphere! We had the reception private on a balcony overlooking the ocean off of the French restaurant. It is not offered on the website, but by far the nicest place there and I would recommend it to anyone!!! We hired the DJ and just brought a CD with our songs and others for him to choose from. He did a great job! The main difference that we thought was strange was the order that things went it… like we got there and they wanted to do dinner first. So the speeches and dances didn’t happen till half way through? Which actually made it easier for me (thank you open bar), being that I am shy. We danced like crazy for the rest of the night and actually forgot about the cake till we were leaving and someone saw it in the corner. Hence the crazy end-of-the-night poses at the cake. So if you are someone who wants things done in a particular order, make sure that your coordinator knows that in advance! Oh, and the flowers were amazing – all I asked for was “a mess of color†and I brought the ribbon to match the other accessories. And don’t fall for the additional decorations for money… it is pretty enough without it! My only last recommendation is this… if you want privacy you can find it here, it is big enough to lose people. But if you have a crazy family and want alone time after the wedding, I would go to another resort. That was the only thing I would have done different. It is one thing to have everyone there for your wedding, but your honeymoon is a bit off when your parents are there! It was amazing and my family now says that it is mandatory for all further weddings to be destination! I would do it again in a heartbeat! BTW… Maria was my coordinator. We had some issues getting in touch with her months before, but once we were down there, she was amazing. She stayed with us the whole time and was a great help. For more photos, you can go to my wedding website and see others www.joeandcaitlin.weddingwindow.com. My photographer is amazing and I would HIGHLY recommend her to everyone. She was in the pool snapping away the morning of the wedding – who else would do that? Oh, and someone asked where my mom got her dress – Davids Bridal actually. It worked perfect for the wedding! I hope this helped everyone out. if you have any questions, I can try to answer them. Good luck to all of the NEW soon to be BRIDES!!!!

I just got back from Dreams in Punta Cana and we had an amazing time! My photographer just posted a Blog with some of the photos that I thought I would share with you all. I know when I thinking about a destination, I searched for photos of past weddings at Dreams to ease my mind. So here are some of mine. I would not have changed a thing! Maria did a great job! and if anyone is looking for a photographer, Kate did an amazing job if you can book her!!! Kate Connolly Photography Blog | Another Reason to Smile - Advertising & Editorial Lifestyle Photography, Weddings & Events Photography Blog under Caitlin and Joe Good luck to all of the new brides!!!!

Hello. My wedding is in 8 days!!! and so I am getting nervous. There is a storm watch out on the Island and I am crossing my fingers for good weather! I was wondering how everyone like the DJ at Dreams? I was thinking about putting together a song list and possibly some CDs. Do you think this is necessary? What has everyone done in the past, or is planning on I think I am starting to feel the stress! lol

I have been in touch with Maria at dreams, and she has been a great help! She has been very quick with responses, and really helpful. THANK GOD! I was nervous, but feeling much better!

Well i am sure that everything will be fine, they do amazing weddings at this resort, and everyone raves about it... i thought destination weddings were supposed to be less stress! lolol!

Well, still nothing, hope it is not my email?

Well I sent a message to weddings1 and to the manager, so hopefully someone will get that one. Thanks for your help Jessica!

I have been emailing Dreams with no response. I read that Delphine, who was my original WC is no longer there. Does anyone know who has taken her spot?

I guess since it is not a "legal" issue, it is not that big of a deal. I am just glad i didn't change my flights and everything! They should really be more specific that it is a hotel requirement!

I was a little confused by the 3 day rule. I was told and it is on the website for Dreams, that you have to be in the country for a minimum of 3 days before your wedding- and that it was a legal issue. I called the WeDo site number, to make sure that my travel day would count, and they told me that it is not a legal issue, it is something that the hotels do? Does anyone know anything about this?

BEAUTIFUL! i am getting so excited now! I have a couple questions maybe you can help me out since you are a pro now! What was the timeline of your wedding. I have the ceremony at 4 but the reception isn't till 7... just pictures and pool bar till then also, i see you used the Trio. Did you like them? I was thinking of having them for the cocktail hour and reception - but then i would have nothing for the ceremony cause it is so spaced out. any suggestions? and did the chairs come included with the gazebo? any tips or suggestions you might have would be great. thanks again! Caitlin

I love the way these turned out. I may try to do something similar! Any other suggestions?

How far in advance did you send your stuff it?

I was told to look at this website for details. I have not gotten that far yet, but there is some information on there that should help you out. Let me know how you do. WEDO .:: Taking care of your legal documentation for your Dominican weddings Hope this helps.

I am booked with over 50 people coming to my wedding this November at Dreams and I am nervous! It seems like there is nothing you can do till you get down there. Am I missing something? I have no idea what I supposed to be doing! lol!!! Can anyone help? Has anyone recently gotten married there? How was it? Thanks!