sjmacphe

Thanks ladies for all the ideas and the advice. I am pretty much decided on a location now, I just have to confirm rates with my TA and the wedding coordinator...getting excited! I probably won't have time to work on STDs until maybe June. I am sure I will have more questions!

March 2009 Marisa & Don: March 10, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Sita & Fernando: March 14, 2009 - Riu Bachata Carmen & Donovan: March 19, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Mamie & Joshua: April 2, 2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Nancy & Kenny: April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23, 2009 (I think) - Occidental Grand Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Shannon & Dave: April 30, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical Christi88 & FI: April 30, 2009 - Eden Real May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Nicole & Justin: May 1, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Eliu & Jennifer, MAY 3, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Velvet & James: May 8, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Karen & Anthony: May 12 2009 - Ocean Sand Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Nichole & John: May 16, 2009- Melia Caribe Tropical Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Heather & Joe: May 23, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Sam & Sarah: May 27, 2009 - Majestic Colonial June 2009 melnb & FI: June 2009 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June 2009 - Resort undecided Vanessa & Hugo: June 19, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Mark and Jessica: June 19, 2009--Dreams Punta Cana Amanda and Tony: June 19, 2009-- Dreams Punta Cana Katy & Will: June 20, 2009 - Occidental Grand Rosanne & Alex: June 24, 2009- Dreams Punta Cana Sue & Steve: June 30th, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana July 2009 Kylie & Chris: July 1, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Amber & Seth: July 2, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Cecile & Nord: July 24,2009-Moon Palace, Punta Cana August 2009 Shannon & Rich: August 5, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Ana & Adam: August 15, 2009 - Iberostar Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kenya & Eddie Sept. 12, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Kim & Jason September 18, 2009 - Dreams Palm Beach Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Carmen & Tiny: October 09, 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Darcy & Dave: October 11, 2009- Melia Caribe Tropical- Punta Cana Angela & Jason: October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Jenny & Matthew: October 27, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical c & d: October 27, 2009 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Lisa & Jim: November 5, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial Andrea & Chris: November 24, 2009, Majestic Elegance Krista & Dave: November 25, 2009 - Sirenis Tropical December 2009 Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Amber and Dan: December 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Beth and Ian: December 12, 2009- Excellence Punta Cana Lindsay and Tracy: December 31, 2009 - Majestic Colonial January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess Jocelyn & Michael: January 25, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Lisa & Adam: January 2010, Dreams Punta Cana Nicole & Chad: January 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2010 Amber & John: February 27, 2010, Paradisus Palma Real March 2010 Jennifer & Cory March 13 2010- Palma Real Punta Cana April 2010 Erin & Jeremy April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Amanda & Craig April 28*, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana May 2010 mary & joey may 21st, 2010- dreams punta cana Jennnifer & Trevor May 11th 2010 - Majestic Colonial July 2010 Lynette and Darnel July 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana

I have done a 180, I thought about DR and Mexico - but after comparing reviews and talking to several TAs I have decided to go with Melia Las Dunas! I am excited, it looks like a very nice place to get married, lots of different options for wedding locations, beautiful scenery! I am already on the FB group which seems to be more popular than this forum for info about the resort, but I just wanted to update this site too! I'm hoping to get married on June 2 or 3 2010!

Thanks for the insight ladies, I think people will want to book as soon as I have my resort picked and pricing figured out...I will probably aim for the early this summer, I have told pretty much everyone (with the help of my parents who keep inviting their friends lol) that we are going to have a wedding somewhere south and the general timing within one/two weeks...I agree I should probably wait until I at least know which country/location I want...sigh, too many choices!

Hi Ladies, I am looking for some input, I am getting married in early June 2010. I have not decided on a resort yet as the pricing I am getting is still very preliminary and I want to wait a little longer to see if prices are more competitive. With this in mind, I am just not sure how to word the STD if I don't know the location of the wedding, should I just wait longer? And with the STD do you ask for an RSVP to email or phone so you can get an idea of numbers? Then, how close to the wedding do you send the actual invite with all the info about how to book and the resort/area etc? Thanks for any help or insight -Stephanie

Hey Ladies, I am not going to be married on Dec 29 at the Majestic, I was sad to cancel it but it's just tooo expensive to go there at Christmas/New Years. I can't ask people to pay almost $3K to go for a week. Now, I feel like I am back to square one! I still want to consider the Majestic, but since I am having it in May or June 2010 now I am thinking prices at other places will also be more competitive...I got a quote from a TA who said it will be 1800 pp plus taxes in May 2010 to the Majestic...still seems a little high to me, if we were going this year it would be about 300-400 cheaper than that...so, I am not sure what to do!! I have contacted another TA to get a quote, so we'll see how that turns out... Just thought I would update you guys since I am not longer a Dec 29 bride!

Hey Ladies, I am considering getting married in PV...I have never been, I went to the Riviera Maya this January - I like it a lot but I think I would like to try somewhere new for the wedding...I like the scenery in PV, how did you decide on this location and resort? This is so tough!! Thanks -Stephanie

January 2009 Erin & Martin: January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Lindsay & Jamie : January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro Chantal & Sheldon: January 30, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Michele & Jo: February 18, 2009 - Edenh Real Arena Theresa & Stan: February 20, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana March 2009 Marisa & Don: March 10, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Carmen & Donovan: March 19, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Mamie & Joshua: April 2, 2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Nancy & Kenny: April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23, 2009 (I think) - Occidental Grand Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Shannon & Dave: April 30, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical Christi88 & FI: April 30, 2009 - Eden Real May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Eliu & Jennifer, MAY 3, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Velvet & James: May 8, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Karen & Anthony: May 12 2009 - Ocean Sand Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Sam & Sarah: May 27, 2009 - Majestic Colonial June 2009 melnb & FI: June 2009 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June 2009 - Resort undecided Vanessa & Hugo: June 19, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Katy & Will: June 20, 2009 - Occidental Grand Rosanne & Alex: June 24, 2009- Dreams Punta Cana July 2009 Kylie & Chris: July 1, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Amber & Seth: July 2, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana August 2009 Shannon & Rich: August 5, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana c & d: August 15, 2009 - Majestic Colonia, Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kenya & Eddie Sept. 12, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Kim & Jason September 18, 2009 - Dreams Palm Beach Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Carmen & Tiny: October 09, 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Angela & Jason: October 20, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Jenny & Matthew: October 27, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial December 2009 Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Stephanie and Luke: December 29, 2009 - Majestic Colonial January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess Lisa & Adam: January 2010, Dreams Punta Cana Amber & Dan: January 2010, Majestic Colonial February 2010 Amber & John: February 27, 2010, Paradisus Palma Real March 2010 Jennifer & Cory March 13 2010- Palma Real Punta Cana July 2010 Lynette and Darnel July 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana __________________ Amber Eugene, OR

Thanks again guys - I'm so glad my friend told me about this forum. I did join the FB group too, so many discussion/photos to go through - looks like I will have lots to keep myself occupied! One more potentially stupid question, I have not been to this resort - is the Rodeo restaurant the same as the steak house that you've all been talking about? This is the venue that I have reserved a table for on the wedding, just wanted to make sure. -Stephanie

Thanks for all the info guys - that sounds like a really great option to have the dancing in the Parrot Bar. I will have to have a chat with my TA about the pre-booking business. Also, I received an email confirmation from Maritee for our wedding, is this all you get?? Eek - I am worried about showing up to this resort and them not having any record of our wedding, should I call and speak with the WC as well right away? I am sure I will be working with them for the coming months, I just want to make sure I get my date booked now! The ceremony is apparently going to be held at 3 pm - I am thinking of using the Gazebo, is it any more private than the beach? (PS - I am getting married at the Colonial). Is this a good time of day for it? It seems good to me...but I have never done this before, or been to a DW, so I just want to make sure... ONE more thing, I wanted to have a civil ceremony but I was unsure I could make it work given that my FI and I only have a limited time off, is it true you NEED to be in the DR for 3 business days before you can legally get married there? If so...I think I will do a symbolic ceremony, just wanted to see if anyone has been able to get married there legally WITHOUT being there for 3 business days. Thanks so much for you help -Steph

Hey Guys - I just got an email confirmation that I can have my wedding on Dec 29 2009. I am excited - looks like this resort is beautiful. I have been working with a travel agent but my TA has told me that she can't book any travel yet because the prices for Dec 2009 aren't available yet...how have you other ladies been able to book your travel already? Also, I would love to hear about different options you have all chosen for your reception/dinner etc. I was really surprised by how much an all-inclusive charges for an open bar/dance...I am planning to do dinner in one of the restaurants (don't know which one yet! - Suggestions??) and then I'm not sure what to do...I would like to have cake cutting/dancing as a group but I don't want to pay a ton...Any suggestions/advice would be great! Thanks! -Stephanie

I didn't get a chance to check out the wedding show (studying ALL weekend) - how was it? I am excited to start dress shopping!! Did they have any info about destination weddings? Sorry about the Baked Expectations - I'm pretty sure we are going to get married in the DR, if I had known sooner I would've brought some when I was there at Christmas this year haha . On another note, does anyone know who much is costs to have a simple civil ceremony in Canada? Due to my limited time frame to get married in the DR (right around xmas/new year 2009/10), I am thinking it might be easier to take care of the legal aspect before we go and then do the symbolic ceremony there...Anyone done this? Thanks for the welcome! PS - Yay for the Winnipeg "heat wave" lately haha

Hi Wendy - congrats - I am considering this resort, please let me know how everything goes with your wedding (pics would be super great hehe). I haven't heard back from Angela (who is apparently the WC there) but I only emailed her like 4-5 days ago...so I will have to be patient I guess!

Hey there ladies, I am hoping to get married in late Dec 2009 in Punta Cana. I have never been there, I went to an all inclusive for the first time this year over New Years in the Mayan Riviera and had an awesome time (with my new fiance ) . I chose the DR cause there are fewer restrictions on marriages and I have heard great things about the beaches (wasn't 100% happy with the beach in Mexico where we stayed; also DR seems to be more economical). I was already told by Dreams PC that they can't book our wedding, must be a popular spot during my limited time frame (we are both in med school - no time off except 2.5 wks at Christmas!). My TA recommended Catalonia Bavaro resort, but there are very few reviews available. Has anyone here been there, or gotten married there? I was also considering Iberostar PC (any info about this hotel would be great also). I basically want a nice hotel with good service, and good food - it seems like most hotels in this area that people choose fit that description (And not too huge!). I also want a WC who is on the ball, and doesn't screw up our reservations or requests badly...Other than that, I don't know how to chose! Any info you may have would be GREAT!! Thanks -Stephanie

Hello, My name is Stephanie Macpherson, I am from Winnipeg MB, Canada. I just got engaged on Christmas day - and am excited to plan a destination wedding. My fiancee and I are both medical school and are both from Halifax - on the east coast of the country so I think this is the best option for us! I really don't know where to have to wedding - I am thinking of either the DR or Mexico. I am just looking to hear what other brides have experienced at various resorts and what I need to do before we go! I am hoping to get married next December right after Christmas as Luke only has a couple breaks in his training.