jkweddingday

Janet1480, we just arrived home a few hours ago. I cannot tell you how AMAZING everything was!!! Do NOT worry about a thing as they take such great care of you. All of our guests talked about the beautiful resort, the amazing wedding and our outstanding photographer (Reno with Photo Souvenir). We're writing a longer review which I'll post in the review section (with a link here of course ), but I wanted to very quickly tell you not to worry a wink and ENJOY IT ALL!!! You will not be disappointed. P.S. I didn't buy a typical destination wedding dress either and it was perfect!! You look stunning in your picture! :-)

Hey ayansi08, Welcome and congratulations!! I was very nervous about a Destination Wedding. In fact, it was the exact opposite of what I wanted. It's too long of a story to outline how I wound up here, but I did, and I'm really, really excited. We chose PPC because we had some friends honeymoon at the resort and LOVE IT. We've never been there, nor have any of our guests, and we like the adventure of it all. I worked with Lauren Harder and I was not impressed. Some of the other girls here have highly recommended Teresa, so I'd try to switch to her if possible. Lauren does the bare minimum, and is not personable at all. She's very reactive instead of proactive which isn't helpful when you're planning an event site unseen. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. I leave in about a week for my wedding and will be sure to post information upon our return. This forum has been invaluable as we move forward so I would recommend you devote some time to poking around here. Good luck, Katherine

Hi Guys, I'm just going to hope an aisle runner is included and will double-check when I arrive. I'd rather work with them on-site then via email if it's not. I do have a couple questions for those of you who have stayed at PPC--first, do the buildings have elevators? We have some folks coming who can't handle stairs very well, so I wasn't sure whether I needed to request first floor rooms or if they all have elevators. Secondly, are there any buildings you would recommend (or not recommend) staying in? Thanks!

Hi Mandy5676, We're getting married at PPC on 10/1 @ 5:00 p.m. And we're also having a small ceremony--11 people (including us)! I go back and forth on how I feel about that, but it is what it is :-) We originally scheduled a legal ceremony; however, they couldn't guarantee turnaround time on the paperwork. I'm Catholic and will be celebrating in a convalidation in early December and the Church needed the paperwork beforehand. So, we are stopping by the courthouse for the legal stuff literally on our way to the airport then having my brother marry us in the DR. I like it this way as it's more personal. This forum has been super, SUPER helpful for me!! Feel free to throw out any questions as most folks are able to offer an answer. Thanks, Katherine ("jkweddingday")

Hi Ladies, Is an aisle runner included in the Chill Out Chic package? I just realized that I have this vision in my head, but I have no idea whether it's included or not. If not, does anyone know how much they charge for one @ PPC? Thanks!

Thanks, Ladies! I'm really excited now that I'm hearing good things about Jennifer. Thanks so much for letting me know :-) Janet1480, I will definitely do my best to ship you a note very quickly after the wedding!!!

Okay, ladies, I was e-introduced to our on-site coordinator yesterday--Jennifer Alvarez. Anybody have any experience with her (good or bad)? My pre-wedding coordination with Lauren left much to be desired and I really don't want the same experience with our on-site coordinator. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Janet1480, I'll be thinking of you on 10/22! We depart 10/13 so I'll miss you by a week or so. I'll try to find a few minutes to write up at least a quick review soon after the wedding in case I have anything helpful to say :-)

Janet1480, thanks! That was my plan as well (a note to the WC/on-site coordinator requesting renovated rooms for our guests). Our wedding is October 1st (we're arriving 9/26) and I'll definitely let folks know what we find. I'm a little concerned that they're going to say, "Oh, all of our rooms are great!" or something comparable so I was hoping folks could relay in what building(s) they've stayed so we know which ones to request (or avoid). Regardless, it sounds like I'm not completely off base with making the request. At least others are doing it too! Here's hoping all goes well :-)

Hey hatfiehm, there is a $120 fee to bring in an outside photographer. We've hired Photo Souvenir and are super excited about it :-) Everyone else--have you stayed or had guests stay in regular rooms and were they okay? The reviews are sort of freaking of me out. It sounds like things are okay if we get into the rooms that have been renovated. Does anybody know what buildings to request to get in the good "normal" rooms? I'm worried about our guests quality of stay..... Also, does the resort offer any excursions/tours? Thanks!

Janet1480, you've got me pretty spooked :-( I'll email/call Lauren, but I doubt I'll get a helpful, timely response. Can you send me Teresa's email and the menus you received? Thanks!

Okay, deesanders33, you've freaked me out with references to sand fleas and crabs. I've never heard of any such problems, and my reception is slated for the beach in less than 2 months. Is it really an issue (eek!)? Tink, we're doing the Chill Out Chic package and had a variety of reception locations to chose from. We chose the beach to fully embrace the uniqueness of a destination wedding in a beautiful locale. As you can tell above, I've heard nothing about sand fleas or crabs. I think we're probably going to wing it anyway although I do have visions of myself in my wedding dress with bug spray trying to set-up a parameter..... I can't speak to use of the canopy at the gazebo. Have you checked out the pictures on Picasa to see if it's included in any of the pictures at the gazebo? Hatfiehm, we're bringing in Photo Souvenir and are super excited about it!! Janet1480, I got one more menu out of her but they're all the same! I pushed back again and we'll see what she says. Otherwise I may take you up on your offer to connect with Teresa. Thanks for the advice though!

Hi Ladies, Thanks, Miss Sunshyne, for info re: the newly remodeled RS rooms. The sitting area still looks really uncomfortable, but I doubt we'll be there much anyway. Thanks for the tips about the steps ;-) We had our planning calling with Lauren the other day. I have not been impressed with her and our meeting only solidified that point, but she at least got us [most of] the information we needed. She sent me menus today and there were only two buffet options with Chill Out Chic. Has anybody else seen anything different or been able to negotiate something better? Neither option is bad, but I am surprised at the lack of variety. Also, do you convert most of your cash into DOP before going down there or do you tip in USD and stuff? Lauren mentioned that, by law, folks aren't supposed to accept USD. How did you pay for activities, tips, etc. (I assume DOP, but want to confirm)? Thanks!!

Hi Ladies, Has anyone stayed in the remodeled RS suites? They look really modern and terribly uncomfortable. We booked in RS with the nice mahogany and warm tones, but now it looks silly. I'm hoping someone has stayed there recently and can tell me how the new rooms are. Thanks!! We're down to ~60 days and SOOOO excited!!! :-) -Katherine

So.....I've been wrestling with what to get my FI for a while and this thread has been helpful. I really like the concept of BD photos, so I've just decided to go for it!! I am a large woman so I'm a little nervous about it but it's not like he doesn't know that, and the pics are meant just for him. I think it will be really exhilarating and I love the idea of giving him something sexy and sweet. I do hope they airbrush though :-)

Hi Ladies, I'm not sure how many of us this applies to, but I just found out about the ENTICE Me rates through PPC for special dates in 2011 (Jan 4 - Feb 28, Sept 1 - Oct 31, Dec 1 - 22). Basically, there's a discount of several hundred dollars (or $1,000 for Aqua). It's worth checking out, and you can find more in the Weddings section of the web site (navigate to the appropriate package page and scroll down). Our date is Oct 1, so we were able to secure the reduced rate for the Chill Out Chic package. I just wanted to pass along the info in case others hadn't stumbled upon the same information yet! T minus 9 months (or there abouts ) until our big day!!! Still quite a bit of time, but we're getting more and more excited!!!! I look forward to seeing some pictures from recent weddings there (hint, hint )!

Thanks, PJKirbs, same to you :-) We're planning to stay at the resort for a little while after so we leave just a few days before your wedding. How far along are you with plans? Vaneska--our wedding is next October (2011), but I will surely post feedback throughout the process (and a review in the appropriate place upon my return :-) I've learned A LOT from others in the thread Paradisus Punta Cana Brides Post Here, so I would definitely recommend plugging in there (if you haven't already) :-) Yay for all the Fall 2011 brides!!!!

October 1, 2011 Paradisus Punta Cana We're SUPER excited!!! :-)

Hi Glowwbug, thank you so much for the quick and detailed response! Your answers are SUPER helpful :-) I can't wait to see more pictures! Bikegirl--did you ever find out if its possible to keep the basic Chill Out Chic package, but upgrade the liquor? And, if so, are you willing/able to share the cost of doing so? Thanks, Ladies! It's so exciting to connect with other PPC brides :-D

Glowwbug - thank you so much for the review above, and posting pictures! It was super helpful, and I'm so happy to hear you had a fabulous time. Too bad about the coordination issues, but at least everything else seemed to go off without a hitch. :-) If you don't mind, I wanted to ask you a couple more specific questions about your experience which I've noted below. - I see you got married on the beach (it looks absolutely GORGEOUS!!! by the way), could your guests hear everything okay? It looks like there's a microphone in one of the pictures. Did you pay extra for the microphone? I'm concerned that our guests won't be able to hear..... - Did you have the cocktail hour/reception on the beach too? That's what I understood from your feedback, but wanted to double-check. How did everything go with that? Was it weird sitting in chairs and stuff on the sand? - Was the one string of lanterns enough or would you recommend budgeting for additional lighting on the beach? Did you have to get lanterns for the actual ceremony or the reception? - Did you order anything extra for your ceremony or are the pictures above the basic chill out chic package set-up? I think that's all for now, but I'm sure there will be more questions as things progress. Thanks again for sharing! [Most] Everything sounds F-A-N-TA-S-T-I-C, and the pics look beautiful! :-)

bikegirl, Fabulous!! I'm glad to hear that someone got back to you quickly, and was really helpful. I appreciate you posting the information which I also find to be extremely helpful. I like your lady :-) megsosborn, I totally understand where you're coming from. We definitely have key people in mind, but are waiting for them to confirm their attendance before asking them to participate. I've been a bridesmaid before and strapped for cash; there's nothing worse then having to disappoint a friend (or be embarrassed) when you can't make something work financially. We'll just play it by ear! And YAY!!!! on getting out the save the dates!! When is your wedding? kmhg, I feel the same way about paying for liquor. We're still debating what we want to do as it just doesn't make sense. Everyone is already paying a premium to be at an all inclusive. I can understand needing to charge something for labor or privatization costs, but that should be a reasonable flat fee. Have any of you ladies read some of the negative reviews of the resort? I understand that people are more vocal about disappointments, but some of the comments are bothering me. Especially the worn out rooms, crappy A/C and pushy sales people. Any one else concerned? Or anyone else quieted those concerns some how? The pictures from Mrs. Lamb (thanks again!!) made things look nice, so that made me feel a ton better. I just really don't want to be embarrassed....

Hello Again, bikgirl: Thanks! I did spend some time looking through Mrs. Lamb's site visit pictures (super helpful, Mrs. Lamb, thanks for sharing). We're still a little unsure about what we're going to do, but will just play it be ear. We'll probably do the beach regardless of the lookiloos...there's just something about walking barefoot down an aisle of sand to my fiance that makes me really happy :-) Also, I'm interested in learning the answers to your questions above, especially those related to the dinner/reception. I hope they get back to you soon! I've been working with Lauren Harder from Miami (one of the Romance people not PPC directly); she's been fairly responsive. I'm packaging all of our questions into a document so we just send her one doc every few weeks rather than random one-off questions throughout (although it sounds like you're doing the same thing). megsosborn: I appreciate the info on Phil. We had our engagement photos Sunday (10/3) with a local photographer (we're from Oregon) and had a great time. I really struggle with paying the photographer's travel on top of their package prices. I know some will trade one for the other, but I'm hoping to keep this all as simple as possible. Anyway, I like Photo Souvenir so we'll probably go with them. Will you ladies have formal wedding parties? We have a few friends in mind, but don't want to formally ask anyone until they've confirmed attendance to avoid undue pressure. Our colors will be black and green, but I'm not sure how far reaching that will be (i.e. whether our "wedding party" will be matchy matchy in black and green or whether we'll try to update linen colors). I like PPC, because it sounds like we can go as formal as we want or scale down as much as we want. In random news, we just passed the 1 year point (wedding day 10/1/11) so we're getting really excited. WAHOO!!! Hurry up and wait

Sorry everyone, this was an incorrect post. I'm happy to entertain feedback on the above, but I meant for it to be posted to a discussion especially for PPC brides. Please feel free to disregard :-)

Hello Ladies, Â I am so happy to stumble upon this forum, and tonight especially. We've put down the deposit for our wedding at PPC (!) after reading lots of reviews and really studying $$. Of course as soon as the deposit was paid I started to really focus on the negative reviews and become really nervous. BUT the recent pictures I've seen, and the happy brides through this forum, have settled my nerves. Â We're planning on doing the Chill Out Chic package and will have around 15 guests in attendance. We were looking for an intimate, special, nice and fun wedding atmosphere and are both really, really excited!! Â We are struggling a bit with the photographer. Any suggestions for photographers local to PC? We've looked at Photo Souvenir and really liked their TTD sessions, but I saw an earlier bride point to Phil Steingard and I LOVE his portfolio. Has anyone worked with him before or know the cost of having him shoot in PC? Â Also, does anyone know the most private place to get married at the resort? We were thinking of getting married on the beach, but are a little concerned about random people bothering the wedding. Â Okay, I think I'm done with the questions for now. I look forward to lots of discussions and pictures of PPC, and learning of everyone's wedding plans! I think it's going to be fabulous :-)

Hello Ladies, Â I am so happy to stumble upon this forum, and tonight especially. We've put down the deposit for our wedding at PPC (!) after reading lots of reviews and really studying $$. Of course as soon as the deposit was paid I started to really focus on the negative reviews and become really nervous. BUT the recent pictures I've seen, and the happy brides through this forum, have settled my nerves. Â We're planning on doing the Chill Out Chic package and will have around 15 guests in attendance. We were looking for an intimate, special, nice and fun wedding atmosphere and are both really, really excited!! Â We are struggling a bit with the photographer. Any suggestions for photographers local to PC? We've looked at Photo Souvenir and really liked their TTD sessions, but I saw an earlier bride point to Phil Steingard and I LOVE his portfolio. Has anyone worked with him before or know the cost of having him shoot in PC? Â Also, does anyone know the most private place to get married at the resort? We were thinking of getting married on the beach, but are a little concerned about random people bothering the wedding. Â Okay, I think I'm done with the questions for now. I look forward to lots of discussions and pictures of PPC, and learning of everyone's wedding plans! I think it's going to be fabulous :-)