Mel2010

Good for you! I guess sometimes we just know when a dress is right for us -- or not right for us, lol!

Woohoo! Glad to find a bride who chose Caribbean Emotions. We have booked with them too! Any other brides out there chose this photographer??

I'm sorry that you haven't heard back from her yet. I know this resort coordinates at least 2 weddings a day. So imagine coordinating 10-14 weddings a week -- that's insane! I'm sure she'll get back to you soon. Jan-Apr are really busy months too! But Melani usually replies within 1-2 days, so maybe she's just swamped right now.

That is such a good idea to get rid of some cash right away -- I LOVE that idea!! lol

I think the restaurant could accommodate a ceremony and cocktail hour after wards. Mayte will help you plan your wedding whichever way you wish to have it. =) I think she's super busy this week (and last week) and I know that she answers emails later on in the evening -- so I'm sure she will get back to you soon. If two weeks go by, email her again.

Thanks Adenen! So I guess that's what I was wondering -- if the resort was still willing to cater to your 30+ guests. We are planning on having 3 group dinners during our stay (meet & greet dinner on day 1, rehearsal dinner and farewell dinner). I'm just hoping that the resort will still be accommodating even though we aren't getting married at this resort. Do you guys at least get a room upgrade? lol MissNatalie18: We are also bringing down A LOT of cash. Our photographer only accepts CASH, we have to pay Mayte in CASH for some items, we have to pay the judge CASH and then there is Mayte's TIP, so that's A LOT of MOOLAH to bring down. Our wedding is also 5 days into the trip so we have no idea where to stash this money. I'm thinking of spreading the money between our parents room, our room and maybe my maid of honor and place it in their safe? This way if it gets stolen, we don't loose all of our money in one shot, lol. Or the other option is to lock your money in your suitcase. We have locks for our suitcase, so we would leave some fake jewelry and some money in our safe to make it look like that's our most valuable stuff, and then lock up our money in our suitcases. I don't know...these may be dumb ideas too. if you have a better idea, please share, lol.

Argh, nevermind my last post. I quickly read "that you sent Melani an email" lol. I'll send her an email tonight to find out the deets on this. I'll keep you ladies posted.

Hey Jenleah, Please let me know what Melani's response is - as I'm stressing out about this now. :S

I PM'd you.

Hey ladies, This question goes out to the brides who have already been married at the Jellyfish restaurant. If you booked your wedding at the JF restaurant, did you lose any discounts with the resort regarding "complimentary room upgrade", or package deals on spa treatments, bouquets, hair/makeup trials, etc? And where did you get ready before the ceremony? At your resort? Or at the JF restaurant? If you got ready at the resort, did you pay to bring in your photographer to take pics of you getting ready?

I love white lilies too! And I think the blue orchids make such a good combo/contrast with the white lilies. Thanks for sharing - you've inspired me for my own bouquet. =)

Yah, I'm thinking of going that route -- only we've chosen a photographer from PC. So I'm worried that the resort staff will recognize him and say "ya right! This guy isn't your family member/guest". I think I'll send him an email and see what he says. I still can't believe the resort decided to do this. Aren't they loosing money by doing this? We were willing to pay the fee for bringing in an outside photographer. Maybe I should email Melani and see what's up.

Oh, I'm so glad to hear that you got a hold of you! And congrats on the Jan 2012 wedding!! There's nothing wrong with planning in advance -- enjoy every moment of it!!!

Hey ladies, although we are not getting married at DPB, we are planning on staying at this resort from Nov23-30, 2011. We have chosen to have our wedding at the JellyFish restaurant. I just read the latest thread about not being able to bring an outside photographer. This is worrying me as I was planning on getting ready at the hotel and having pics taken there before we head off to the restaurant. Think there is a way around this? Like say...I bring our photographer in as "a guest". He would only be there maybe 1hr before we leave for the restaurant. This really sucks if I can't bring my photographer to the resort....any suggestions as to what I should do?

Wow! I love these flowers, they are so beautiful. What combo of flowers did you use and what are those blue flowers??

Hey there, All I can say is that Mayte is really busy these last few weeks. She has at least 2-3 weddings per week and also just had a baby. Don't worry about her not getting back to you so quickly - she will I promise! Did she close a date for you? If she says she closed a date for you in her email then that means your date is secure. The next step would be to tell her what menu option you want and any other services you will require so that she can write up a pre-invoice for you. Once that's done, you'll have to send 10% deposit via money wire transfer (she will provide you with the banking info) and this will just re-confirm your date. This woman is amazing!! You just have to trust that she will get back to you. I've never known someone to be so dedicated to her clients, so with a little patience you'll see that things will get better. Also, there is tons of info in this thread regarding booking, decoration options, previous brides who got married at the JF, etc. Good luck and happy planning. You've chosen a great place for your reception. =) P.S. When is your wedding?

Have you tried adding accesories to it? Like adding a belt around the waist that has some bling? Or a flower or broch? There are so many options out there that you could actually change the total look of the dress. I think this dress looks good on you and compliments your waist line. If you tried on your shoes, veil and added some bling you might feel gorgeous in it again. If you've tried this and still feel the same way, then I would say buy another dress and maybe keep this dress as your trash-the-dress or sell it as mentioned above.

Hey Natalie, This may help with your concern: Countries with Malaria Risk* in the Top 50 Destinations** among Canadian Travellers (other than the USA) Dominican Republic ~ Risk is highest in the provinces bordering Haiti, there is little to no risk in other areas of the country. Check out this website - I found it very helpful: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/tmp-pmv/thn-csv/malaria-paludisme-eng.php#rec And this is by far the best Travel report ~ http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=77000 I live in Canada and always refer to these sites when traveling and have never gotten Malaria. Just make sure to where a bug repellent spray that has DEET in it and spray it mostly during Dusk and Dawn and you should be OK. Or you could take the Malaria pills too.

A work colleague just came back from Punta Cana (she stayed at the Paradisus Punta Cana and did a photo shoot with Arrecife Studios. They are really good. Her pictures are beautiful. She said he was really fun to work with and that she felt really comfortable around him. Hope this helps.

Everything looks great!! Enjoy every moment and remember to post your wedding pics when you get back!! Woohoo!!

Awesome thread! Everything looks great. And thanks for sharing your play list. You reminded me of songs I had totally forgotten about.

Hey ladies, thanks for the info on the real flowers vs. fake flowers. I wondered about this too! I will definitely go with the fake flower as well.

WOW! These are gorgeous. Love the color combos.

Thanks for the review adenen16! I have two questions for you already...lol. What did you select as your menu options for dinner (other then the lobster you mentioned) and how was the food you selected? Second question is, did Mayte set up some name cards with a little starfish attached to them? And if so, is this a keepsake for your guests?

Hey Alisha, Welcome back and Congratulations!!! Can't wait to read your review and see some pictures.