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Quote: Originally Posted by sheila2011 Quick Question...what kind of things have you guys been emailing Carolina? Should I be emailing her to tell her which package I want and that I want the beach party? I thought most of the other things can be picked when I get down there. Just wanna check if I am missing anything!! In other news, I bought my heels for the ceremony yesterday! I love green so my shoes are stiletto emerald green heels! Now I have to learn to walk in them! Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover Hi!!! Def let her know the package you want, and if you want the beach party. And if you have a restaurant in mind you'd like to have your reception at, let her know so she can save it for you. And make sure she confirms 'I confirm your package and beach reception' I told her I wanted La UVa, and I got it...I also got her to confirm it, and brought all the emails down with me incase (I didn't need them) Are you planning your ceremony in the gazebo or the beach?! if the gazebo you'll be fine with the shoes, on the beach I'd suggest getting a pair of flip flops and then once your back on solid ground you can put the pretty shoes on!!! I agree def. let her know you want the beach party.. they can only do 2 per night at opposite ends of the beach, and they are in high demand considering there is like 4-5 weddings a day. I had almost 40 guests and our dinner was at the spanish rest. it was a smaller rest. so it seemed like we had the whole things; there were huge windows all around us it was gorgeous and perfrct for the size of the wedding.. very nice area of the resort as well.

Quote: Originally Posted by richarsd I "got stuck" with 2 pm for my ceremony too. We're having a legal ceremony (ie: judge is doing it). Basically, all the ceremonies are based around the judge's availability. There is one judge for all of Punta Cana so he usually has several weddings per day. What he says goes. Therefore, the legal ceremonies on the resorts take precedence. All other ceremonies, such as ROV and Symbolic, are then based around that. So we don't seem to have a lot of choice regarding times unless we luck out. I originally wanted 4 or 5 pm, and I was flexible on the day, but I was given the choice of either 2 pm or 11 am...I picked 2 pm!! Lol There's always the possibility of someone else cancelling and then you change your time if so. I was married at 3 pm and found it was the perfect time, by the time the ceremony was over and pictures were taken it was 5:30-5:45 and time to meet our train to take us to the restaurant... trust me 2pm will be fine

Quote: Originally Posted by jerzshortstuff MilitaryMrs.s-to be... CONGRATS! That is so exciting! caribbeanLover ... Good luck with your surgery! I will definitely be keeping both of you girls in my prayers that all goes well! So did any of you do the ceremony on the beach? FI is a surfer and I'm a beach lover so the whole point of us going away is to get married on the beach. I guess I'll be okay as long as I know people may be gawking or in pictures. (which we may not even do pro-pics anyway since we're on an extremely TIGHT budget) That's why I was hoping for a later wedding time, but maybe she can make it later once we are there since she said it was "subject to change." Thanks for all of your input girls! I saw the beach wedding set up a couple of times over the 2 weeks that I was there and did not like it at all... where you walk down is right where people are sunbathing, and to me they didnt set up the "alter" close enough to the water... there is a ton of beach traffic as well, so getting everyone out of the way is almost impossible... I would be very clear with Carolina to describe the set up to you and the proximity to guests befor you choose the beach ceremony... Honestly, I would go with the gazebo, it is much better for pictures and for the ceremony.. (coming from someone who as well wanted to be married in the sand)

BRIDES WHO WERE MARRIED IN APRIL 2010: Have you received your marriage certificate from Carolina yet?

I used HDC, and had Mijlan shot for us... and could not have been more impressed with the quality of photos and professionalism. He met in my room at about 2:30 to shot me getting ready befor the ceremony. He captured every moment perfectly. After the ceremony he shot my wedding party on the beach, as well as some group shots with our family and guests befor taking shots alone of my husband and I on the beach, beside palm trees and laying in the grass... beautiful pictures, he had great posing ideas and was very easy and comfortable to work with. We had originally only booked with HDC for 3 hours, but since we had a break for dinner befor our reception (to do the cake cutting and frist dance) he offered to extend to the 5 hr and leave durnig dinner to get his tri-pod to come back for the reception.. which we agreed too... he ended up staying well past the 5 hrs and mingled with all of us during the reception- it was great!! Our package including the deposit was about $1500. We received a photo book with 200 pictures, 100 (5x11) prints, 30 (8x12) prints- we also received all photos(more than 600) and rights on cd... WELL worth the cost.. I dont have anything but good words for HDC. We met with Arnaud twice later during the week and he is so kind.

i am not sure if 20 people could fit under the gazebo, with the table there holding the books and flowers it would definitly be tight.. everyone would end up being huddled arounf carolina and the judge. not to mention that the sides are completely open, and i think the top of the gazebo is aswell- not a good shelter if there is rain. moving the wedding ceremony inside would be a better option.

I have been checking the weather network compulsivly for the last month... weather looks good to me...apparently April is the driest month with the longest/most sunshine hours... lets hope it true... I can't believe I leave next week, it seems like yesterday I was engaged and this time seemed so far away...Some of you girls leave tomorrow!! How exciting... dont forget to blog if you have a chance- fill us in on what everything is like... And Good Luck, all the best!

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover WHo's having the beach party after dinner? Are you decorating the place, or bring stuff done, or you will just deal with however it normally gets set up? I don't know what to do! i am having a beach party, and i am letting Carolina set it up as she normally does, with whatever they have there... it all comes back to weight restrictions on the flight, and i don't want to haul stuff all over the place. i am sure they will have plenty of decorations there, and if not what you want you can probably find a supplier there in the DR.

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover I called CanJet and AirTransit (that who we originally flying with) both of these companies allow you to bring a carry on your purse and it's free for your wedding dress as a bride. So call sunwing, they may do the same. I know they don't have a closet, but it should still be free to take it on the plan. I plan on just keeping it in my lap for 4 hours (it'll be long plan ride!!) LOL... that was my plan b- spending some close quality time with my dress on my lap... whhat ever it comes down too cuz that sucker is not being checked with the luggage... Has anyone has problems with this Sky Service Dillema?? I know some tour operators charter flights through this Airline... thank god Sun wing has there own fleet... if that wasnt the case I think I would have had a major breakdown... geez

Quote: Originally Posted by DawnBuckley I am traveling Sunwing too and today I have been shifting things among suitcases! Trying to fit the Welcome bags in. I had to remove the metal water bottles we are giving everyone because if the bag can't lay flat I can hardly fit them in the suitcase! My sister is coming for Easter dinner this weekend so I think she will be taking her welcome bag and the bags for her kids. She may also carry a few others for us because we will be way over the weight limit... after all... we have to think of all those shoes!!! Yikes! At first I thought it was 22kg per bag, and 2 bags per person, but no 2 bags and one carryone for a total combined weight of 25 kg.... so crazy, i had to say my fiance was right when he said we are not bringing extras down we will buy favors there...clothes, shoes, appliances (blowdryer, straitner) the limit will add up quick... my carry-on is my dress- the bridal salon i purchased it from has these special garmet boxes made specifically for travelling on planes= which is a relief becuase apparently sunwing doesnt have an area to hang your dress...

The Knot has good hairstyle pictures, just sign in to view them.... I still don't know how most of you are managing to bring down so many extra's, we fly with SunWing and are allowed at total weight of 25kg per person... so for a compulsive packer like me that is pretty lite... and i am not prepared to pay the rediculous added charge for extra weight... I am trying not to stress, rather be excited, but it is so close and i want everything to go smooth... i am stressing on forgetting something....... How is everyone else feeling?

Quote: Originally Posted by isy_beau I'm flying in from Montreal with Air Transat, my flight is landing in Punta Cana at 11h15 am we will be on the beach with a drink in our hands by noon!! i am so glad my flight is early : )

Quote: Originally Posted by isy_beau I'm arriving on the 15th at 11h00am. On the same note has MilitaryMrs.s-to be, I would like to thank all of you girls for just being there and sharing, it has help me alot sungoddess_08 don't worry like Tracy said you're lucky cause your gonna have all of are reviews and pictures I arrive on the 15 aswell, around the same time... we are flying in SunWing from Toronto, although my FI and I leave on the 29 (our guests all fly back on the 22). Where do you fly in from? Maybe we will be on the same shuttle : )

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover Sorry, I meant for the ceremony, there will be no DJ for the ceremony, I'm going to get Carolina to find someone for me to play the cd's. So I thought it would be less confusing for who ever is playing it, if it was all sepreated with labels, when to play which cd. because there will be things in the middle of each song that person will have enough time to get the right cd. Maybe I'm wrong,maybe it'd be more confusing.. i just don't know anymore!!! For the DJ I will give him my Ipod, and back up cd's just like you said. Are we able to bring our Ipod's? I had emailed Carolina about what format is best, my concern with the Ipod would be the docking station or connection that would work with whatever equipment they have in the DR, I know that based on what "generation" the Ipod is the docking/ connection piece is sometimes different... who knows maybe i will do both... and i agree with you, i no longer have any more space for thoughts.. i am tired of planning and thinking I just want to get down there : )

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover I leave in 18 days!!!! Like Courtney I don't feel I'm ready, and every other day I'm add things to my list to do, so it never ends. For the mugs, I got them at the dollar store, only problem is I boug 17 of them at the time not knowing who was coming, and then I did my own labels and I screwed some of them up so the mugs were done for. But I saw some at canadian tire (I will have to ge those one for the bridal party) for $4.99.. I know it's alittle pricey but it's still cheaper then discountmugs. I did my own labels. I made my own art clip, printed on label paper, and then took book protector, put it over my sheet of labels and then cut them out,stuck them on,and they are waterproof. I tell you, it was still cheaper then discountmugs, just a little more work on my part, well worth savea couple of bucks in my mind. I'll be putting them in the OOT bags with other random stuff (firs aid kit, lip balm with spf,cross word puzzle book....) I got the bag from vistaprint.ca for $5.50 a bag with our logo on it. I think your hair would be perfect for the beach theme. I would have done the same, if I had an actually beach dress. But it's a big church dress. Me too I got the confirmation that she got all my documents, and that we are set to marry.. I def let a sigh of relieft out lol. I really love your idea for favours. They will love it. It's a memory of their trip but also your wedding. For the bags, I'm actually handing them out before everyone leaves, as different people will be there on different days. Also this way I don't have to worry abou packing them, I have enough to pack.. def more then 55lbs per person that we are allowed!!! Oh thats amazing she'll do it for free!!! I lost the contact I had, so I'm just waiting on an e-mail, and I'll send you a msg as soon as I get. You luck girl you!!! (no I didn't get them from Carolina, your too funny!!! like I;d actually get real good info from her!! lol) She's way to busy for that. Like I was saying to Sungoddes, I'm doing the same, crossing something off my list maybe even afew things, next thing you know, I've add another 10 more things to do.. never ends!!!! i just want this part to be skipped and were there already!! What are you doing for your ceremony music? Are you putting in on a cd, or IPoD? I put them on cd, each song ,each cd... prelude on a cd (while guest are being seated) then the bridesmaid song on one cd, then me and my dad walking down on a cd, signing the papers, pouring the sand.. ect... I also decided to do my cake cutting and my first dance at the ceremony so the photographer can get these pics. But the cake will be served at dinner (I'll try and see what I can do to get it served there.. I doubt it.. but do ppl want to eat cake in the sun anyway?!?) SOoo many questions and decisions.. it's driving me nuts... Officailly have no more space in the brian. I would think to put all songs on one cd (maybe make a copy for backup) in the order you want the songs played, that way there is no delay or confusion switching from cd to cd.. if the songs are on one disc it would probably be easier for the dj to navigate through the songs...

Quote: Originally Posted by sungoddess_08 I've been catching up -- lots of hair appointment talks!! I need to look for a hairstyle that I want -- but I won't be going to get it done, I do my own hair all the time, and I don't plan on doing anything fancy, just a messy bun or something! I've decided to do mugs as favors -- or OOT bags. I haven't decided 100% on either becasue i'm still trying to find affordable mugs. Discountmugs is really good - but it costs a lot to ship to Canada. So if anyone has suggestions about what they did (if either of these) I would love to hear it! You guys must be SO excited -- how many days until you all leave? Do you have your dresses back yet (if they were being altered), shoes picked? etc. ? I have decided to purchase favors in the DR for our guests, and as a gift I will have our photographer take a picture of the couples who came and frame it for them upon our arrival back into Canada... I had originally thought to make oot bags, or do the bubbakegs but decided against it since it takes up so much room and weight.. i am not keen on hauling down anything more than needed... we leave in about 3 weeks, i got the okay on our documents with carolina last week so i am breathing a sigh of relief.. my FI/BM's custom suits came in and are perfect- no alteration needed and i pick up my dress the day we fly out- all the alterations have been done since Feb... I am getting very excited now- the only thing left to do is burn the cd for our reception and pack!!

Carribean Lover: go to the website renovaspa and choose our resort... they have a price list for EVERY service they provide, and i think it is just a standard rate... they also have rates for trials that can be done 2-3 days befor the wedding... at an added cost... if you are in canada you will have to pay through paypal, as it seemed credit cards were only set up for american payments... very quick reply's from the spa.

Quote: Originally Posted by beachbum Do we get any kind of bride discount at the spa? I want to book online too you get a 10% discount, however I have long hair way past my shoulders and it was still $120 USD... way over priced but it must be done

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover I was told I'm allowed to make the appt 3 days in advance!! Pls let us know if things have changed. Ohh that'd would also be really nice. But you know you can go to any bar and have a welcome party. For free. And then use this for your wedding day, or did you plan to also use the beach party as one of your events for the wedding? if no what did you plan to do after dinner? go to the disco? Hi, I made an appt through RenovaSpa online to have my hair done, Carolina said that I could make it in advance. You pay for any services through paypal and they email you a voucher to submit when you arrive... I didn't want to chance not being able to get in on the day and time that I wanted...

Quote: Originally Posted by tracy0716 Hi everyone! I added myself to April!! February 2010 Anne & Tim: February 20, 2010 - Jellyfish Restaurant (Staying at Melia) Jessica & Chairoj: Feb 20, 2010 - Grand Palladium Palace Resort Amber & John: February 27, 2010, Paradisus Palma Real March 2010 Melissa & Mark, March 3, 2010 - Iberostar Bavaro Jennifer & Cory March 13 2010- Palma Real Punta Cana Amy & Robert March 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Kim & Ron March 17, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Diane & Devin March 25 2010 - Paradisus Palma Real Anna & Lawrence March 26 - Majestic Colonial Erin & Pat March 27 2010 - Dreams Palm Beach JenP March 27,2010- Moon Palace Lindsay & Seth March 28 2010 - Paradisus Palma Real April 2010 Ken & Carla April 12, 2010 - Grand Oasis Marien Courtney & Michael April 13, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Tracy & Mike - April 13, 2010 - Grand Palladium Royal Vanessa & Eddie April 16, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Steph & Jason April 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium Palace Punta Cana Alli & Darren April 19, 2010- Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Tammy & Ryan April 19, 2010- Grand Paradsie Bavaro(Alli were getting married next door) Katie & Steve April 19, 2010- Grand Palladium Punta Cana Mylène & Jenrené April 19, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Crystal & Tyler April 20, 2010-Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Jennifer & Trevor April 21, 2010 - Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Helen & Scott April 21, 2010- Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana Dianne & Adam April 21, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana Jess & Aaron April 22, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Stacey & Eric April 22, 2010 - Dreams La Romana Holly & Shawn April 26, 2010 - Bavaro Princess Erin & Jeremy April 28, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Amanda & Craig April 28*, 2010 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana May 2010 Lara & Mike May 3 2010 - Majestic Colonial Jennnifer & Trevor May 11th 2010 - Majestic Colonial Nicole & Matt May 13, 2010 - Majestic Colonial (Hey Jennifer, maybe we'll see you there!!) Rosa & Larry May 15th, 2010 - Excellence Punta Cana Heather & George May 15th 2010 - Dreams La Romana mary & joey may 21st, 2010- dreams punta cana Lauren & Nate May 18, 2010- Majestic Colonial Sara & Adam May 22nd, 2010 - Indecided, Punta Cana (Palladium, Dreams, Iberostar or Excellence) Iris and Mike May 27, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Rebecca and Hector May 27, 2010-Grand Palladium Punta Cana Shanelle & Michael ~ May 28, 2010 ~ Paradisus Punta Cana Susan & Roberto ~ May 28, 2010 ~ Dreams Punta Cana Valerie & Jake May 29, 2010- Dreams La Romana Melissa & Jason~ May 31, 2010 Paradisus Punta Cana June 2010 Bobbi And Tyler: June 4th 2010 Majestic Colonial Jen & Joe: June 5, 2010, Dreams Palm Beach Nikki and Stacey: June 10, 2010 Excellence Punta Cana Kate & Devon: June 12, 2010 Paradisus Punta Cana Lynette & Daniel : June 12, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana LaToya & Micah: June 18, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana Michelle & Wesley: June 19, 2010 Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort Punta Cana, DR July 2010 Natasha & Benjamin - July 2, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Hudson - July 5, 2010 Dreams Punta Cana SabBrew- July 6, 2010- Ocean Blue & Sand Asheley1316- July 8, 2011- Bahia or Majestic Lynette and Darnel July 13, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Tracy & George- July 16, 2010- Paradisus Palma Real James and Jessica- July 17, 2010 -Paradisus Punta Cana Laura & Zach July 15, 2010 - Majestic Colonial or Grand Palladium Palace Jenn & Andrew - July 21, 2010 - Majestic Colonial, PC Liz & Miguel - July 26, 2010 - Undecided location {Santiago, Puerto Plata, or Punta Cana August 2010 Jeanette & Julio - undecided Punta Cana, (PPC or PPR) Aug 2010 Linda & Robin: August 3, 2010 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jess & Eamon: August 7, 2010- Melia Caribe Tropical Denise & Julio: August 7, 2010- Punta Cana- Melia Caribe Tropical Ashley and Eric: August 31, 2010- Paradisus Palma Real September 2010 Nadia & Serge: September3, 2010- Dreams La Romana Jennifer & Elvin: September 4, 2010- Dream Palm Beach October 2010 Autumn & Dominic - Oct 16th, 2010 - Dreams Punta Cana Michele & Andrew - Oct 19th, 2010 - Majestic Colonial Luciel & Emil - Oct 23th, 2010 - Catalonia Royal Bavaro Monica & Brandon - Oct 29, 2010 - Excellence Resort Punta Cana January 2011 Ashlee & Daniel - January 12, 2011 - Paradisus Punta Cana July 2011 Ashley1316- July 8, 2011- Bahia or Majestic July 2011/ 2012 Yvonne and Andrew- last week of july 2011/ 2012 (money dependant), dreams la romana It is getting so close, I am so excited!!

Quote: Originally Posted by isy_beau Hi, I just got an answer back from my wedding planner, and they can do 2 beach party now since the beach is so big, so one party at each extremety so we should be fine the both of us my wedding is at 4pm, what are your colors are you getting married in the new gazebo or on the beach we are going with the new gazebo and my color is fushia We are thinking the beach, depending on whether it is too windy or not we would then move to the gazebo; although photos I have seen of this, it looks like guests are far back... most likely we will be on the beach... my colors are spa blue (turquoise) and tan. I have a hair apt at noon, maybe Ill see you at the spa on that day- we can toast with a glass of champagne... do you still have alot to plan out?

yes i am using a dj, and will just bring tracks that we would like to hear on a disc... Carolina had said my beach party/ reception will most likely be from 9-12, if we start dinner at 6... although I am thinking I may want to have supper start around 5 since our ceremony is at 3

Quote: Originally Posted by isy_beau Hi, I'm the other bride that requested the beach party, so now I'm really confused, cause mine is confirmed since july. I just sent a e-mail to my wedding planner that is here, that works with Carolina to understand what is going on!!!! could there be two beach party at the same time you are getting married on the 19th sorry for stressing you but I'm also stressed now! Hi, I dont think we should worry.. if I remember right Noonie, another bride on this forum had mentioned there was another beach party at the same time they did her's... I know they can only do three weddings a day... My wedding time is at 3pm

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover Hi!! welcome and congrats. Yes time is definitely flying!!! I'll still be there when you arrive and for your wedding, maybe we can meet up one of the days! Hope your planning is going smooth. I thought so too, just had to confirm the beach party when you got there, but clearly not! so if you already decided you want to do it, confirm with Carolina, this way you know for sure. The same thing with me, she told me if I wanted the beach party I had to confirm because she had other requests for that day... and I about lost it, because I have emails dating back to September requesting and trying to confirm the beach party.... it's all set now but man, if we decide when we get there then fine- but if not, don't tell all us brides it's a decision made when we arrive... StREsSFulLL!!

yes i just got one from her requesting that yesterday- also from an email i sent her in january... reservation number is the booking number for your guests through the package provider(your TA will/should have this). most of my guests are booked as a group so we have one reservation number through sunwing for the resort. i am guessing it is their way of indicating who is with what wedding party and who is grouped together.