dolfinluck

Congrats SunandSand and lizzyjayne!! Your pictures are beautiful!! I wore heels and had no problem walking down the aisle. I did change to wedges for the reception on the beach though

Quote: Originally Posted by telly032 I was looking around and saw that they had horses on the beach...oh maybe I'll use that for my trash the dress instead! As far as the restriction goes...the FI is military and they're being picky about where we can and can't go. Mexico as a country was out But DR is gonna be fantastic! Welcome Telly! I hear you on the military, BIL is active and we also switched locations from Playa del Carmen to DLR, luckily we still had a little over a year but in the end everything worked out better and was actually quite a bit cheaper, so much so that we had extra money to take an official honeymoon to Playa del Carmen (we leave tonight !)

Quote: Originally Posted by GEM Helllloo ladies! How are you?! My new hubby and I got back yesterday after a fabulous 2 week stay at Dreams. I will post our review as soon as I can...still trying to catch up and unpack. All I can say is WOW. Everything was just amazing. Our whole crew had an amazing time and our week alone was great, too. We had both the ceremony and reception on the beach and they were both breathtaking. It really turned out better than we could have ever imagined it. Tiara was great and everything fell into place. I was a more relaxed bride- and just trusted her and everything was amazing. Everything from my hair and makeup to the photographer to the DJ to the pastor to the dinner to the set up. You girls really have nothing to worry about. We were so lucky because we had plenty of sunshine on our day and again, it was just amazing. And we are finally Husband and Wife!!!!!!!! Congrats Gaby!!! So glad to hear everything went so well!

I checked out the place I bought my chocolate seashells from (chocolate fantasies) and sadly they dont make coral as its too fragile to ship but they do give directions (about 3/4 down the page) by melting chocolate "Just melt the chocolate on low for a few minutes and stir every minute or so until the chocolate is of a smooth consistency, warm, but not hot. Fill a sturdy plastic bag or pastry piping bag, snip the corner to desired size and squeeze chocolate onto silicone sheets, waxed or parchment paper. Make smears on the paper for fan coral. Make squiggles over half a blown up balloon and when it's dry in a few minutes, slowly let out the air and you have brain coral! You can also make smears on bubble wrap for an interesting texture. So many ideas, the possibilities for what you can do are endless."

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorbabe Have any of you chosen a dress yet? I found mine yesterday but Im not too sure to order in ivory or white white. I love the idea of white white but i don't want it to look so white that it glows, and the ivory is nice because sometimes (I think anyway) it seems like it looks more expensive. Past and Future brides...any thoughts? I got diamond white as white was just a bit too bright for my skin tone. it really depends on what looks best for your skin tone plus the fabric as white in silk is really more ivory. best of luck in choosing!!! some times i wish i could go wedding dress shopping again but my sister was getting annoyed after the 9 store we when to Quote: Originally Posted by Pink_Petals Hi Taylorbabe, I bought my dress a few months ago and I decided to go with Ivory; I found that the white looks so bleached. The Ivory I got actually still looks like white but has a more natural look to it. Here is a pic so you can get an idea of what Im talking about. Which dress did you go with? (designer/style number)? Mine is Allure Exclusive, style # 2252 xoxo wow you look amazing!!!

I was worried as well, we got there 3 days before hand. I would always eat a bunch of fruit with every meal to help fill me up and not eat too much crap. I have to be careful of mix drinks normally (have a stomach condition) so I just have one and then a bottle or two of water. Also I brought SPF 95 and a long sleeve UV protection shirt. I did break out though on my arms really bad b/c of all the sunscreen but my photographer airbrushed it out on the couple of pics you could see it. Plus you will be busy with wedding stuff so that will keep you busy and out of the sun.

Congrats to all of the July brides!!! And welcome to all the newbies! Quote: Originally Posted by Mrs. Williams Does anyone know of an outside florist? I emailed Yanna a picture of the centerpiece I wanted and the price is $75 - for hydrangeas. I want fresh flowers, as my MIL and Mommy won't let me do fake flowers. HELP please! I used fake flowers and the photographer didnt even know they were fake till I told her a couple of hours later. I think when ppl hear fake flowers they think of dollar store type. As long as they look really who cares if they are fake, the plus is you can have them as a keepsake or even re-sell them to other bride. If your MIL and Mom are willing to pay the difference for real flowers then go with it otherwise I would go with what you want. Quote: Originally Posted by dcairns we have to pick the same meal?? my fi understood we can order off the menu anything we want as long it is on their menu....hmmmmm... something to look into I know for the silver and gold its 1 app, 1 soup, 2 main course and 1 dessert that you choose for everyone. Quote: Originally Posted by atossato Congrats to the all ladies who will be getting married at DRL! I am wondering if anyone has been able to get a local catholic priest to come celebrate their wedding at Dreams La Romana...we could go to the church of Altos de Chavron but I would rather keep everyone at the resort...let me know if you have any info! When I asked Tiara about this she said no as catholic priest will not perform a ceremony outside of a church in the DR. Quote: Originally Posted by dcairns Did anyone get Real touch flowers for their throw away bouquet? Any suggestions for a vendor with a great price? I used real touch flowers for everything (except for the flower petals) and I used angels accent (i believe pink petals used her too) and loved them!!! i believe she is a bit more than other vendors but her work it beautiful and she uses higher end flowers. I still saved a bundle over what I would of spent at DLR. search the forum and you can find other vendors

Quote: Originally Posted by EmmaHartel Hi Dolfinluck- I think you were the one who did the rope lights up the palm trees. I'm in love! How many, and what length rope lights did you bring? I can't find the picture of it I'd seen before and was hoping you could email it to me to show to my fiancé. My email address is [email protected]. P.S. Thanks ladies for giving me so much info in the resort and the wedding stuff. I feel like I don't even need to talk to Tiara until right before the wedding Hi Emma, Yup I had the rope lights on the palm trees. I brought down eight 18 ft long clear rope lights and each palm tree had two of them connected together so it was 36 ft on each palm. I dont have the cd yet for all my pictures but you can see the picture on my photographer's website

I had one and brought it down and in all the commotion of the day when it came time to put in on I had no clue where it was and really didnt care to worry about it. Found it in the suitcase when I got home. It was one of those things lower on the priority list for me.

Quote: Originally Posted by atrott While I haven't been married at either location, I've attended wedding in both. I understand that Jamaica is much easier. Something you might consider if your FI insists on Mexico is getting married legally in the states & then having a symbolic ceremony at the resort. Several girls have suggested going to the courthouse & having the judge omit the vows & rings and sticking just to the legalities. This way it doesn't seem quite so much like a 'wedding ceremony' at the courthouse. This is what we did, lasted about 3 mins and just did the bare minimum required and the plus is it only cost $28 for everything.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jessica Is it the B&N in Moorestown? Because I saw that the other day and am totally thinking of going as well. no, its at a little boutique in flemington that she is coming to. looked more into it and its the same day we fly out for our official honeymoon, so i cant make it but hopeful two of the girls from my work go and let me know when i get back

Quote: Originally Posted by Sunandsand Heather, if you could scan your receipt and email it to me, that would be amazing! I'll use the extra money to buy some rope lights! They looked great in your photos. I looked last night were i thought I put it but couldnt find it, going to try couple other places it might be tonight, fingers crossed. Do you think that they got confused by your email as the cocktail hour is $8 pp. I really wouldnt think they would up the price so much in just 2 months, plus mid-year at that.

As I was driving to work this morning i saw one of the stores in my town is having Tesesa do an appearance, i'm totally thinking of going

Quote: Originally Posted by Sunandsand Hey Heather, do you have any emails from Yanna or Tiara conirming the 3$ price. Did they give you a discount because you had a lot of people? I will have 23 people. If you have any paperwork that has the $3 on it, I would really, really appreciate it if you could email it to me: [email protected]. BTW, your gorgeous photos were a huge deciding factor in going with a beach reception. Did they already have the trees lit up like that? Sadly no I dont have an email with the info, cant remember who but someone posted it a couple of weeks before my wedding the price when they got it from Tiara. When I had my meeting, Tiara mentioned the extra $3 charge. The only proof I have is my receipt, I could look for it and scan it for you if you think that will help. They didnt give me a discount cause I only had 14 ppl. Thanks so much, I love how the pro pics of the reception looked. I brought down the rope lights and they just hung them up.

OMG what a great opportunity!!

Quote: Originally Posted by Sunandsand Hey ladies, I've decided to change our reception to the beach from the SSG. I'll be saving a few hundred dollars and right now everything helps, right? Only thing is, Yanna is quoting me $8 plus 26% for the open bar per person. I seem to recall other people mentioning a lower price. Can anyone confirm this or let me know what they were quoted for the bar? Thanks Andrea I paid $3 plus the 25% for the open bar per person for the beach reception. Would def double check on that.

Quote: Originally Posted by Jefiner What size are the parasols in your pics? Do you still have the link of where you purchased them? 32 inch and got them from luna bazaar Quote: Originally Posted by Hopelesslyblissful Do you have any orange decorations left?? I know I PMed you earlier about the sashes, but by any chance do you have any of the lanterns (paper or metal) left? Yes still have all the orange paper lanterns left (paper and metal). Quote: Originally Posted by dolfinluck Thanks so much! The JBM dress I got from JC Penny online , surprised they still have it. And got my MOH at Macy's, not sure who it was by but can find out, will let you know. My sister's dress was by Max & Cleo and she got it at macys, I couldn't find it online though.

I agree with everyone else, we were engaged for 4 year before we got married. DH wanted to finish school, I wanted to have my career established (was just out of college) and we wanted to save money. When ever anyone would make a comment about us being engaged for so long I would just tell them you going to pay for the wedding and then they would just shut up. Personally we were living together for 4.5 years before we got married and there is no difference. There is no need to rush if your not ready.

Forgot to mention, my corset did go down to my butt, but from the TTD pictures you cant even notice (main reason for using the thicker lace-ups) and wore white underwear. I would of def not done this for the wedding though

Quote: Originally Posted by taylorbabe Hi ladies, and newcomers! Welcome to the forum, as you can see everyone on here is extremly helpful. Forum has been busy I have a lot to catch up on. ***I'm wondering if we need to bring down our own cake custting utensils or does the resort have those for us to use? ***Also I've been racking my brain for centre pieces...does anyone know if the resort provides anything at all? I'm planning on renting the SSG and figure they must have centre pieces they normally use that would be available in a worst case scenario. I don't want to pay shipping ahead as I will already be shipping the party favors ahead of time. ***Has anyone chosen the fireworks option? or seen it done? As always, any suggestion/help is appreciated. They had cake cutting utensils down there, nothing special but got the job done. As for fireworks, Tiara sent be the below picture. Since it was $600 for just a couple of mins I passed as they looked like they didnt go that high and the bonfire was only $120 and lasted an hour.

I left the modesty panel in for the wedding and took it out for the TTD. It was very easy to remove. Plus I had both lace up straps, so I used the thin one with the modesty panel and the thick strap without the modesty panel

Quote: Originally Posted by Vero007 Was your transfer part of the package? Shuttle by bus? 1.5hrs doesn't seem so bad. My TA said it would take up to 3hrs but the high way wasn't done when she visited last.. certainly an important factor. Does anybody have any documents regarding the silver, gold or buffet meal? Did you have any troubles with bugs during your meal? Thanks again. Yes it was included with the price of the hotel (from our TA). The highway will only decrease the trip from Santo Domingo; so I was told from the transfer manager at the hotel. It would of been great to fly into La Romana but from the US no one flies direct into in and currently on AA flies there. The meal info I believe is on their website, if not that is one of the first things the WC will send you. And no, no problem with bugs on the beach during dinner.

Quote: Originally Posted by jojo0411 Hello Dolfinluck! Your pics are amazing! Thanks for sharing I'm loving your bridesmaid dresses, where did you purchase them and who was the designer? Thanks so much! The JBM dress I got from JC Penny online , surprised they still have it. And got my MOH at Macy's, not sure who it was by but can find out, will let you know.

Congrats LG and GEM!!! have a wonderful time! Quote: Originally Posted by CherryCoke Thank you everyone for the weather feedback. Price will end up being the driving point. I want my family to be able to afford the trip. I wonder when the best prices for next spring become available? We got our pricing for hotel in Sept and was the best price for May, as for flights we didnt book till Jan but even cheaper pricing came out in March. Quote: Originally Posted by nsimpson Also, for those of you who used lit (LED) lanterns, was Tiara or Yanna able to set them up or did you have to designate one of your own people to do this task? Thanks! I put my sister in charge of this, we put together the LEDs earlier in the day and she just when around dropping them into the lanterns. Had to make her earn her MOH title, j/k thats the most I made her do in the whole wedding process Quote: Originally Posted by Vero007 My concern is that I can leave from Ottawa,ON but it lands in Punta Cana. The travel rep said it can take up to 3hrs with all the stops.. but I have only read 1.5 hrs on this forum. Or I can leave from Montreal, Qc and it lands in Santo Domingo which is even further. Ridiculous considering there is an international airport in La Romana, 13km away. What's your experience? Furthermore. I will be booking the basic package(free one) and add to it. I was thinking gazebo wedding and beach reception. Would any of you have documents regarding what it costs to have the beach reception? Anything would help. Choice of menu and so on. I see the website has a pdf format file but it says it's corrupted and it won't open. Please e-mail me at [email protected] Thanks a lot! We didnt have any stops on our transfer from Punta Cana and Santo Domingo was only like a extra half-hour away plus by the time you have your wedding the highways should be done and the transfer will be about the same time as Punta Cana. We could of flown into La Romana but would of had to have a layover in Puerto Rico. It was a little more money but I prefer a direct flight as less chance to lose your luggage and the layover time was 2 hours so you really dont gain anything. As for the beach wedding reception, you can pick the silver, gold or buffet meal (think you need a certain amount of ppl). And you would also need to pay $3 pp plus taxes for drink service.

If you dont love the pictures from the hotel look else were. I was not really impressed with photographers down in the DR so I contacted a bunch in nj that I loved there work. Yes one or two of the photographers were quoting $6000 or more but one of them was very reasonable (just a bit more than a local DR photographer for the amount of coverage) and I loved her work. In the end I am so happy with my decision and just love all my pictures (all 1,000 plus of them!), I had to bump up the budget for photography a bit but saved in other areas.