tracy0716

I'm pretty sure there's already a thread on here somewhere about this....but to answer your question I'm doing a symbolic ceremony and not telling anyone other than my mom who is going to be our witness. It seems cheaper and much more convenient. I don't think anyone will notice the difference during the ceremony. And if someone asks you can always say you filled out the paperwork with the WC and judge before the ceremony. I think once our awesome DW is over I'll tell people if they ask. I just don't want to hear from anyone that this isn't our real wedding since we got legally married back in NJ. Good luck with your wedding planning!

My jeweler just emailed me a pic of my e-ring with my wedding band. I'm so excited I can finally post the pic!!! Side note- FI drove 7.5 hours to Sacramento from San Diego (he was there on reserve duty) to go to this special jeweler to design the ring himself. I think he did a great job and absolutely appreciate the effort he put forth...

I like them both but I voted for #1...the charm on the bow really caught my eye! You're so lucky your friend is making your invitations for you. Good job getting the invites done so early, I really procrastinated and it made for a crazy time at the invitation store. Thanks for sharing!

Yay another NJ bride. Welcome to the forum, I'm sure you'll find a ton of helpful information here. Good luck and enjoy your planning!

Congrats and welcome to the forum. I'm a Punta Cana bride 2 be so let me know if you have any questions. Like the other comments said check out the Dominican Republic section of the forum. Good luck and enjoy your planning!!

Congrats and welcome to the forum Amanda. This site is awesome for finding out information on different resorts, ceremonies, and reception ideas. It's also nice to have other people to talk to who are dealing with the same issues. Good luck with your planning and enjoy!!

i feel ya...i am not a good dancer and feel awkward slow dancing in front of everyone. I'm sucking it up bc my FI and dad really want to have these dances. I guess maybe you should bring this up to your dad and see what he thinks. Maybe he'll agree with you and you guys can do a funny/fast dance with him or no dance at all...good luck!

oh man they're so pretty but a half size too small for my feet!

Thanks for the update! I watched the news segment and I thought it might be you (Your name and wedding month matched up...haha such a stalker). Good luck getting this settled, I really hope you get your dress!!

Yay!! I'm so happy so many NJ ladies responded to this thread! Cristinimartini- Sorry to hear about your grandfather, but that's beautiful that you were able to have a ceremony at home for him to witness. We're getting married in NJ before we leave too. Nothing fancy just going to the courthouse a month before and filling out the paperwork. I think it will just make things easier on me instead of worrying about translanting documents and paying extra money for it. JerseyKitten- We're so close! Don't worry I'm paying for dress alterations too. I got my dress at Castle Couture in Englishtown (I think it's really Marlboro). I considered going to Kleinfeld's but considering the distance and price I reprioritized. It's so convenient having the dress shop 5 mins away. I heard great things about Cinderella Bridal and am probably going there tomorrow to find a dress for my sister. Dana- I wish we were eloping almost every day. We would still do the DR thing but not invite anyone. Everyone is being less than helpful with the DW. I know it's expensive and inconvenient for some people but I don't really want to hear about it from them. This forum has saved my sanity now that I know I'm not the only B2B that is getting bothered about having a DW. Hello to everyone else I missed. Soooo how do you guys want to go about planning a meet up? Any suggestions. I'm still pretty new to this forum and I'm not too sure how this goes.

I was going to start a new thread about this but did a quick search an found this one. So I'm hoping to resurrect this thread... Quote: Originally Posted by JennyK What made you have a destination wedding? Did you look into weddings here and if so, where? I've noticed theres a lot of us NJians on here and its probably bc we're the only smart ones to go away and not have to spend $60K+ on a decent wedding. So lets get to know each other! I'm Jenny and I live in Monmouth County.. Freehold My name is Tracy. I'm from Monmouth County- Manalapan moving soon down to Manahawkin in Ocean County. We're having a DW because I could not possibly handle planning a huge wedding at home. Plus a DW is more affordable and fun in my opinion. I've noticed in a lot of other threads there are quite a few of us NJ brides. Maybe we can organize a get together like some of the other areas. I'm the only one of my friends and family to attempt a DW and this site has kept my sanity. I am now fully addicted and can't get enough. Looking forward to hearing from some other local ladies.

I fixed up the list a bit...may was a bit out of order, jennifer and paul needed to be added (may 13th) and july was out of order. Sorry for being so crazy but I like things to be in order. I figured I'd leave March since there's one more day left in the month and I felt weird about deleting it. Okay well enough of my craziness, here's the updated list: 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!!) Jennifer & Paul May 13, 2010- Bavaro Princess Rosa & Larry May 15th, 2010 - Excellence Punta Cana Heather & George May 15th 2010 - Dreams La Romana Lauren & Nate May 18, 2010- Majestic Colonial mary & joey may 21st, 2010- dreams punta cana 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 Laura & Zach July 15, 2010 - Majestic Colonial or Grand Palladium Palace Tracy & George- July 16, 2010- Paradisus Palma Real James and Jessica- July 17, 2010 -Paradisus Punta Cana 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 Kim & Anibal - October 9th, 2010 Riu Palace Punta Cana 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 November 2010 Dana & Mike - November 16, 2010 - Grand Palladium Bavaro Tiffani & Merlin- November 21, 2010 Paradisus Palma Real January 2011 Ashlee & Daniel - January 12, 2011 - Paradisus Punta Cana February 2011 Renée & Paul - February 3, 2011 - Majestic Colonial, Punta Cana Amanda & Jason - February 26, 2011 - Riu Palace 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

Quote: Originally Posted by Kerry444 Actually I was getting information on both the paradisius punta cana and the real. What made you decide on the punta cana? Hi Kerry. Congrats and welcome to the forum. This is a great site to find out information and to get help from other brides going through the same process. I'm getting married in the Dr at the Paradisus Palma Real. I've been to the PPR before and when my FI and I decided on a DW I just knew I had to go back to the PPR, it's beautiful!! Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck and enjoy your planning! ~Tracy

Quote: Originally Posted by dana Here is a link of reviews. It has the phone number for reporters. If you get on the news maybe a reputable company will give your a discounted or free dress. Enzo Bridal - Englishtown, NJ Oh man this is down the street from my house! I feel so bad for you and anyone else that bought their dress from them. I really hope you get some help whether it's from the BBB or BDW. Good luck again.

I agree with Mrs. B...relax. It's really all up to you what type of DW you want to have. You have the ceremony time set so that's good. Do you know where it will be held? As for the reception, it's not something everyone does. It's really up to you and your FI. Some brides (me) are having a private reception afterward. That's where you get into the packages and other locations, menus, linens, music, and decorations like chair bows. Other brides choose to have a semi-private dinner at one of the restaurants. Some brides choose none of the above. It's all your choice. I'm not familiar with your hotel but I'm sure all of this info is on that thread. Sooo you can relax and figure out what you want. There's info here for all types of weddings. Good luck!!

JerseyBride- Check out the Channel 7 News at 11:00, there's going to be a story about the dress store and hopefully some sort of solution for you. I hope this helps!

I love this list!! I nodded and laughed at each point because they were so true. I even shared them with my mom and she got a good laugh too. We're dealing with the bogus excuses right now and all of the unwanted criticism for having a DW. If our friends and family only knew I'm in the mindset that as long as FI and I are there with our parents that's all the matters. Thanks again for posting this list, it's so true!!

Congrats! I'm 10 days after you so I'm at 109, can't wait to be in double digits like you. Good luck with the rest of your planning and I hope you have a great day!

Ughhh I feel so bad for you!!! This is ridiculous! I totally agree with MDLady...try to find a dress off the rack now. I see you're in NJ and so am I. I recommend the store I got my dress from Castle Couture on Rt 9. I think their address is in Englishtown, not too far from Woodbridge. If you go asap you might still have it altered in time. Good luck!!!

My cousins aren't the brightest of people and packed the mamjuana in their carry on. On a plus side the PPR was very nice about giving them bottles of wine to use!

Hi Michele. Congrats and you engagement and welcome to the site! I'm sure you'll find tons of helpful posts and information for planning your wedding. Good luck and enjoy the planning!!

You have a lot of time until your wedding so hopefully things will get better by then. If not just be aware of your surroundings at all times and limit the amount of time you spend off the resort. Keep up with your positive responses!!

Quote: Originally Posted by JerseyBride1981 OMG ladies!!! Going through the same drama this week. Found out that the hotel was offering 50% off the rooms til 3/7 so called the TA to get the rate for the group. Got the rate!! YAY!! But now I got people saying that they are coming yet have not sent back their RSVP and haven't verbally RSVP'd I'm like WTF I told my mom by 3/22 if you have not sent in an RSVP, you are not coming and that's got to be it. I really cannot have crashers at a DW, I mean how do you even do that? On top of that FI Best friend may not be able to make it!! He's going to be crushed if this is the case. I am crossing my fingers hoping that it won't be the case. I saw the same deal online and sent out a mass email to our friends and my mom alerted our family that still has not booked. How many people took advantage of this deal?! Just one person!!! I couldn't believe it! I sent out our STD back in Oct. which gave everyone 8 months notice and we have a wedding website (but I don't think anyone other than me has gone on). Some of our guests have asked when the invites are going out and I'm getting the impression they're waiting for them to go out to book which I think is silly. If you got the STD it has all the info and it means you're invited. Thank goodness I'm sending them out next week. But other than that we have around 12 people booked so far. I'm hoping for a lot of NO responses bc we want to keep it small but had to invite a ton of our cousins to not offend anyone. I hope no one tries to crash our wedding bc I don't think I will be as gracious as I would like to be...I guess I just have to wait and see!

Our one and only...can't wait for us to actually be married!

Quote: Originally Posted by Island Bride How come when I click on the link I get a picture of Gucci sneakers? haha. haha i thought it was only me...i wanna see the pink shoes!