Aphrodite

2 things: 1) Thank you to the brides that got back to me about what we need to do with our marriage certificates...the Dominican consulate told me you would have to get it translated in English for it to be used to change all your last name stuff and what not...but then I read that you don't need to do anything. If ANYONE HAS ANY EXPERIENCE WITH DOMINICAN MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES IN ONTARIO and what they had to do - let me know!!! 2) This Robert Bradley photo thing - I feel badly for the brides that have to deal with this. I'm willing to be he's in jail to be honest lol. I used the photographer that was at the resort (Arrecife) and couldn't be more pleased.

Hey everyone!!! I got my marriage certificate from Dominican a few weeks ago. I live in Ontario. Do I have to do anything now to have it recognized here? I feel like some of the stuff I have been reading says you don't need to and that you just use the Dominican certificate for any legal name changes and what not. Any info on this would be GREAT!!!

I live in Canada. Do any of you ladies have any helpful links or anything as to how I have it recognized here now? Thanks!!

Thanks ladies

If anyone is following this story... We are back from our wedding and it was fabulous! I had such an amazing time there with really great friends/family . I wouldn't have done anything different. I'm glad we booted them out of our bridal party and I don't regret that decision at all. In fact, a few people mentioned they were happy that those two weren't there because they are such negative/boring/complaining people that they would have made it a bad time. The BM I kicked out, didn't show up to my bridal shower after sending my MOH an email saying that regardless of all the "stupidness" she still wanted to attend. I thought she was bucking up and actually being a mature, responsible adult...I was wrong lol. She didn't show up. Had my mother pay for a plate at the reception hall for her saying that she was coming and didn't even have the decency to cancel or tell anyone that she wouldn't be coming the day of. We have been back since November 13th. I haven't got one message from either one of them congratulating us (my husband hasn't received anything either). This BM's husband took the time to "like" a random picture I had on Facebook - but still hasn't said congratulations to us and couldn't' be bothered to "like" any of our wedding photos that were also posted. He did try to call my husband a couple of days ago and my husband can't be bothered dealing with him so he didn't pick up - no voicemail, nothing. So I guess in the end I'm glad I made the decisions I made - they are obviously self-centered, evil people who are not good friends and lack maturity. I think we all had a better time without them there

I did not get married there - I used the photographer on the resort...Arrecife. I'm not sure if they do work on other resorts - but they were definitely fantastic! I actually haven't heard anything negative about them. Ask your WC for photos of the decorations, colours, flowers, etc. that you will be able to choose from. They usually have something they can pass along. I didn't bring any centre pieces or anything like that with me - but the ones they made out of fresh flowers were very nice at my hotel. Most hotels will have something set up unless you want to bring your own.

PS - I'm back from my wedding and I wrote a review on Gran Bahia Principe on the review section of the forum if anyone is interested

I'm so sorry that you ladies have had to deal with hounding your WC. I can only imagine what that would feel like! My travel agent (my cousin) told me before I picked my hotel to email all the WCs at each hotel I was interested in and which ever ones would respond fastest - those were the ones I should consider and she was right. My WC never went more than a few hours without responding to me via email, she had called me at work, she called me at the resort... She was very easy to reach and communicate with.

They tried to steal was original documents? I know they needed the original copy of the things we got from the consulate. Had no issues getting our passports and birth certificates from them - in fact, they never kept them at all! My WC said it would take 2-3 months before you get your marriage certificate.

I find it kind of odd that they don't provide a translator for your ceremony. My hotel did and I was under the impression that most of them did as well. As far as getting your marriage certificate - my WC said you will get it at about 2-3 months after.

I would start looking at other hotels too. My biggest thing when I was choosing a resort was that the WC would get back to me within 24 hours. There's a lot that you have to contact them with and it makes it too stressful if you're constantly trying to chase them down.

Hi ladies! Just got married on November 11, 2011 in Punta Cana. Here was the end result with my dress:

No problem!

It isn't that weird. I was just married at Gran Bahia Prinicpe in Punta Cana and they charge $500 for an outside photographer. You have to look at it this way - the resorts are private property so by using an outside photographer it's almost like "renting" the property for your pictures. I guess it would be the same way as trying to rent time at any other private property for your own event - they usually charge some sort of fee. I used the photographer at my resort and I couldn't be happier with the results. I would ask to see their portfolio and you may be happy with the on site photographer - if not, then be prepared to pay extra no matter where you go.

Hey ladies! Just got married on November 11, 2011 at Gran Bahia Principe in Punta Cana. I wrote a review in the review section: http://www.bestdestinationwedding.com/products/gran-bahia-principe-ambar-all-inclusive/reviews/5260 There are a few pics in my review. I did a 5:00 ceremony (less sweating lol) and it all went down fabulously! I had a great time If you are interested in this hotel or anything else and I didn't answer any questions you have in my review, feel free to message me!

Lol. Well when we went 3 years ago we were both fine. I tend to stay away from certain foods like most meats when I'm away and so far so good!

My cousin is a travel agent and she helped me pick the best bang for my buck for the hotel with the best reviews she had from the travel agents themselves and other customers based on weddings held there. So Gran Bahia Principe Punta Cana was what won out. They have good prices on their wedding packages, are a well known chain of hotels, have great ratings, great food, great grounds and our group package wasn't bad at all. $1385 (incl. taxes) Canadian. One piece of advice my cousin gave me is email the hotel and see how fast the wedding coordinator responds to you - since that is who you have to plan everything with, you want someone who will respond to your emails in a timely fashion. I have never had to wait longer than a 24 hour period for my WC to respond.

Another Bliss Bridal bride!! I'm from Ajax You look great in that dress! I think I tried it on as well.

Hello ladies! I'm leaving on Sunday for our destination wedding which will take place on November 11th!! I can't believe this day snuck up so quickly. Just wanted some advice as to what I should have prepared to bring with us. I have: - Our legal documentation from the consulate - Passports and birth certificates - our wedding favours - general packing Anyone know what method of payment they accept to pay the balance of the wedding, the reception, etc.? I don't feel comfortable bringing that kind of money in cash! Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions!

I'm glad I didn't have the same experience lol. I went to the Dominican consulate in Toronto and the person helping us (very small office in an office tower) spoke English very fluently. Absolutely no language barrier. We had to provide our passports and birth certificates and they filled out ALL the documentation needed for us (including single status declaration). They also did the translation and then we received all the documents notorized in the mail within a few days. I believe it cost us about $500.

Thank you sxcT!!

I had my final dress fitting on the weekend at the alterations place. It's all done now!! We are leaving in less than 3 weeks! One of my bridesmaids (my sister) had her final fitting as well.

I agree. I know some people may just look at starfish as a rock or shell but to me they are living animals that already have a hard enough time dealing with our crappy environment not to have to deal with us letting them die to satisfy our needs. Sorry, I don't mean to sound like some crazy Greenpeace advocate or anything... I just know if I were using starfish it would be replicas all the way!!!

Always good to hear when people enjoyed their wedding day at this resort. I'm getting married there on November 11th and I will be sure to report back as soon as I get back! We chose the white gazebo as well. We are having a private reception at their Italian restaurant. We have also hired the on-site photographer. I have them on Facebook and think their pictures are great!

I agree - I think you're better off buying something at one of the markets on the beach where you can negotiate the price. The gift shops are pretty pricey but could also be used as a last resort if needed.