AcutieRN

Chendy 901: I am in love with your dress. Who makes it? Did you add the sash. The review on your wedding is awesome, thanks for posting it!

JB: Ha, ha, I am not that brave. We are having such a small wedding I am not concerned about saving rooms at all. We will have 12 rooms at the most, and I bet even less once the time comes. If we were having a bigger group coming I would have waited for sure! Although it is only $100 and if I change my mind I feel like it is worth it to at least have the date booked so I can book my photographer for $100! Now, they just need to get back to me on room prices, it is getting border line ridiculous. Have you had any luck on quotes this week?

Hey girls! So I reserved my date at NOW for April 17, 2012 at 3:00 PM!!!! It was only $100 and I knew I would feel better just jumping in and booking. It will all work out with room prices, I know they will continue to run amazing specials. I also booked PhotoPhil. Very excited. Now to find a dress...who thought that would be so hard? Ha ha!

JB, Thanks for the info. I guess that price is pretty reasonable, although I am still pretty set on the NOW. My photographer, Phil, says I would love the Majestic and he raves about how amazing it is. I just feel like they do soooo many weddings per day and I was hoping for something a bit more intimate. I will spend some time checking out Ocean Blue either tonight or tomorrow too. Moni Woni: Can you tell me what the difference is between the room you booked and the basic partial ocean view? Do you know will you be close to your family in this room or pretty far? Also, when you booked your date, did they get back to you immediately to say they received your credit card info? As the hours go by I am getting more and more worried when I haven't heard back. All I am thinking is Identity theft, ha ha!

DeeSanders:That information is from the resort directly. She quoted me $126 per night for garden view and around 160 for ocean view per person. That does not include transfers etc. My TA intially was much higher at 160/211 per person. I am still not sure if I will be using her as she is insisting that she can't find a lower price. That seems to be more comprable to what you are hearing. I am not convinced yet that I am going to get my best rate from a TA. I have spoken to several and I am getting prices all over the place for all resorts. The main one I have been working with told me that the Magestic is way out our price range but from what you have been quoted it is cheaper!!! That is/was my first choice. My TA works mostly with Amresorts, so I guess she would say that. This is why I am having a hard time trusting them. I listed the email for Sorangel who was my direct contact at the resort in a post above. Try dealing with her directly and see what you get. JB: I had looked at Ocean Blue early on but really wanted to go with the Magestic or Amresorts. I will check it out again. Have you gotten any pricing on the Magestic? Jetsettin:My TA said prices would be around $600-700 for April 2012, that is mostly from Denver and Kansas City. Although the poor girls right now are paying close to $1000! Hope that changes quickly. Good luck.

I know! I really want to stick with the NOW resort/Amresorts as well. We have stayed at multiple Dreams and were in love with them, just looking for something a bit new. JB, I have actually used that email in the past but more recently I have been getting pricing from Sorangel. Her email is [email protected]. She has been giving me the pricing of $126 per room per person, but also said I couldn't get every 6th room free. When I emailed to ask why,since this promotion goes through April 2013, she never responded. I have not heard back and have sent her several emails. My TA is working on this as well. I did hear from Emy and sent over my paperwork to reserve April 17, 2012 at 3:00 pm. I have not heard back to see if she received it. I hope she tells me soon, don't like my information floating around if she didn't! Moni, congrats on booking the rooms. That is awesome! Sounds like you are having good luck and it makes me feel better. I will hang in there, but really do need some clarification on pricing soon!

Hey guys! This is so sad that we are all considering other places! I know this would be a fantastic place if they could just get their stuff together. I tried to email emy again and I have been emailing the group email as well. Maybe since it is the actual transition time they are no longer our contacts? I will keep sending the same email every day until someone responds.Ha ha- Emy actually just responded and said my date is still available. Now I am hesitant to book because of all of the price up and downs. I guess the deposit is only $100 if it doesnt work out, but $100 is $100! DeeSanders:That is a bit high! I had a TA quote me that price as well, but when I called her on it she lowered it immediately. So far the best rate I am getting is still directly from the resort. Dee and JB, can you guys let me know the names of the other resorts you are looking into? I am with you guys on trying to keep the prices low for the guests. Thanks so much guys. I will be so sad not to have this group!

Hi girls! I am getting soooo frustrated. I can not get a response from the resort to save my life, neither can my TA. I have even sent Emmy a direct email asking to book my date with no response. What else can I do? I am starting to feel like I should change resorts. I want to book my photographer and can't do it until I have a confirmed date. You would think they would want my money. So annoyed today about this. DeeSanders:let us know how your meeting with the TA goes today. I am curious if you can get any dates for sure/prices for sure. Trying to hang in there....

Me too! I agree completely. I really wanted that 89/99$ rate and was so bummed when I was told no. Then I said it would all work out because of the every sixth room free, now they are not even giving me that. I just emailed her and asked what was going on. You are right, it says right on their website until April 2013. I wonder if it is a language barrier issue, or because of the new ownership that they are having these issues? Keep me posted on your rates. She said the rates she gave me were from April 8-30. We should both negotiate until we get the same price and deal or close since we are so close in date. Hang in there, its a great resort and the other NOW brides in Mexico are so pleased with their choices, we will be too. It just takes a bit to iron out the kinks. At least we have a year to go to get it all perfect!

How crazy, I asked twice about that every sixth room directly to the resort and they said it only goes until December! Crazy! They are quoting me 126 per room. Why all of the difference do you think? It makes me so nervous. I will email them again. Yes, Deb said that she could not help me, that she would have to transfer me to her "groups" department. Maybe it is because we are all from out of your area? Now I am curious and worried about the differences we are getting in the room pricing. Ahhhhh!

Hi!Good morning! JB, I think I am going to stick with the TA I have here in Denver. She seems to be doing a good job and she doesn't require any money down to start searching for info for me. I still seem to be doing a lot of the leg work on my own, but that sounds like it is normal. I think they tend to help you more after you book when your guests start having a million questions.She is working on getting me every sixth room free, apparently that promotion ends 12/11.She said she may still have good luck with getting it anyway. I emailed your TA, she said she is unable to help me because I have a group going? Very strange.... Photophil, check him out on facebook. There is a ton of his work on the Magestic Colonial/elegance page. He also has a huge sampling on his own webpage which is www.steingardstudios.com. His direct phone in the office is 18888649832. He is gone a lot but has a secretary that answers questions. If he is already in Punta Cana the week of your wedding he charges $2600. This includes a full 12 hour day of wedding shoot, trash the dress on a separate day and all retouched photos on a cd. He says it is usually around 2000 pics. He seems really cool and all of the work I have seen on him is great. There are also several great reviews in the theads here, check them out. Hope this helps!

You girls are right, I meant driver's license not passport. Still nervous about that info floating around! DeSanders,Yes, please share! I want know how you got that price for two people? How many nights is that for?I want that!!!! I am being quoted around 1500 per couple for 6 nights! That is a huge difference. You are a lucky girl if you can lock that in! Casslexy, welcome! This is a great thread. Lots of good info every day. Is that price you are getting including air? It seems like since you have to package air and land in Canada you get great deals. Even if that is just land that is awesome for 7 nights. I don't have any pics yet of specific package details. I have found it helpful to look on the NOW mexico threads, they seem to have more pics since its been around a bit longer. JB also has some great info and has been an awesome resource for me! Did you have to put down a deposit for them to hold your date?

Hey girls! I agree with the trial idea for hair and makeup. I saw a thread here where someone posted the name of a guy in DR that will do hair and makeup and has good reviews. I just saw it yesterday, will have to look at it again. They said that he will only come if he is doing a minimum of 5 people hair/makeup though. I am not having attendants so won't work for me but maybe a good backup for you guys. Are you having BM's? I have not booked my date, I am also playing the up and down price game. I do know that I want April 16 or 17 2012 and they are both open at 3 pm(time I want). I am just holding out for the best deal. I have been able to secure $126/157 per night per person, but not including every 6th room free. If I can get every sixth room free I will book immediately. Are you guys nervous about sending them the copy of the credit card and copy of your passport? I am scared to email it and scared to fax it. It has identity theft written all over it! I know if you are using a TA that may help, but I am still not sure if I am. How are you guys doing with pricing? JB:So exciting that we are at the year mark! I can't wait and hope it flies by!

My posts keep getting held because I am new. I hope that stops soon because I keep having to retype them. Then suddenly they will show up sometimes! I am so happy to see all of the activity on this thread. It is so nice to have all of this information to help. All of the links to the DIY shops are awesome! It can quickly become a full time job to look at this forum and come up with cute ideas. I looked on Ideeli and they had some awesome stuff! I didn't end up with anything but was really interested in the Tahatti honeymoon package. The only problem is that you have to travel by March 30 2012! I missed it by a month. Oh well. Hopefully they will have other sales. DeeSanders, welcome! So happy to have another bride on this forum. Congrats! Moni Woni, sounds like you are having the same trouble I am with booking. I just want a straight answer about pricing and what dates I can book, ha ha. The photographer I am using is Phil Steingard from Canada. His work is amazing! He is in Punta Cana often and if he is already down there when you are having your wedding his pricing is very reasonable. His website is www.steingardstudios.com. He also has a facebook page and is very active in the Magetice Colonial/Elegance facebook page. I just emailed him and heard back from him within a week. I spoke with him yesterday and he was very knowledgeable about Punta Cana and gave me a lot of pointers on what will make for beautiful pics. I am so excited about using him! DeeSanders, you had asked about a DJ. Photophil suggested DJ Mania. He said many of the brides he does pics for use him and they all rave about the dancing/music. I think he is mentioned on these forums and is maybe even a featured vendor. What are you guys doing about hair and makeup? I am thinking I will do my own until there are reviews on the spa services. Does anyone know of an outside vendor?

Hey guys! So excited to see all of the acitivity on this thread! Thanks for all of the web links for ideas, this is awesome. It can literally become a full time job looking at this site and finding fun ideas. DeeSanders, welcome! I am so happy to see a new face on this thread. Congratulations! JB, I looked on Ideeli today and that was an awesome sale. I didn't end up with anything, but I loved the honeymoon deal for Tahatti. The only problem is you have to go before March of 2012. Oh well, hopefully there will be more sales. Thanks for the info on the sale though. MoniWoni, sounds like you are having the same fun I am at booking rooms! It seems like it goes back and forth. Yes, the rooms are available, oh wait maybe not, now they are available again. Ahhhh! I just want to book already and I also want a straight line on pricing. I feel like it goes up and down every day. I guess we just need to relax and know that in the end it will all work out. The photographer I am using is Phil Steingard from Canada. He has a website, www.steingardstudios.com. I just emailed him from that site and he got back to me within a week.. His work is amazing. He is in Punta Cana a ton and if he is there already during your wedding date it is pretty reasonable for pricing. Check out his work, he also has a facebook page and is active on the Majestic Colonial/Elegance facebook page. I talked to him this week and he is really informative about Punta Cana and what will help with scenic photos. I am so excited about him, I am actually planning my date around him! Dee-you asked about a DJ and PhotoPhil rec. DJ Mania. He said that he has a lot of the brides he does photos for use DJ Mania and that they all rave about the dancing/party. I think there is some info on this forum about him and he may even be a featured vendor. What are you guys doing for hair and makeup? I am planning on doing my own, at least until other brides start to review the resort and their spa services. Maybe there are outside vendors?

Hi Ashmagoo! I spoke with him yesterday by phone. He told me he was prob booked on the 30th, must be you ha ha! I am having trouble narrowing down a day with the resort. Mostly it is just that they are on Dominican time and take a few days to get back to me. I am hoping for April 16 or 17th! Phil said he can do either day. I am so excited too, his work is amazing. Are you doing a TTD shoot? Are you getting a different dress or wearing your ceremony dress? Congrats on booking Phil and have fun planning. A

JB, Thanks for the info! I guess I never asked about a date because we are so flexible and I really didn't care. But now that Photophil is available that week, I know I need to do it then. We also want it to be early in the week so we don't eat too much and look bad in pics, ha ha! Also some of our family will be only staying a few days so we want them to have the option to leave after the wedding. What day are you coming in and leaving? As for colors, I haven't made it that far! I am pretty much open. I know most people go with tropical colors, but I was thinking of having hydrandgeas as my boquet in white and light green. That still is open though too, not sure yet. What are you thinking? It would be great to share decorations....I am not planning on many since we are having such a small group. I do want chair sashes though. Do you know what the chairs look like if you don't go with the higher package that has the white covers? I asked but haven't heard yet...I also want to do most of it myself. I did see that information on the website about the sixth room, I emailed the group coordinator at the resort that yesterday and I will see what she has to say. Lots of waiting. Ready to have this part done! Moni Woni, How is planning going? Are you getting any answers from the WC now that you have a date? Keep us posted on what you are learning!

Right after I told you I didn't have that info Claribel sent me an email, looks like I was missing the entire portion of the email that had the wedding packages listed. I just had the break down of individual costs. It was like she knew I was asking for it, ha ha!You did send me Emy's email, I have been hearing from both of them so I am not sure how or when we get assigned a one. I guess after we book. The information I received on room pricing was not through my TA, she is still set on $160/211 per room per night. I refuse to pay this much when I know others are getting better deals for the same week. The quote of $125 per night pp was directly from the resort. That is why I don't know if they will honor the free room promo. I have sent an email asking. I really was hoping for that, my mom could benefit from that room! If your date is the 14th we may be there too. Our plan is to arrive on the 14th late afternoon and the wedding would be Monday the 16th. We would stay until Friday or Saturday with the fam and then head off for a honeymoon by ourselves. Haven't even made it to thinking about that yet! Is the way you secure your date by just sending in the documents they sent? Then they let you know if its available? Well better get to bed, chat with you later. Good luck with the planning!

JB: How did you hear about the soloist?Did you ask someone directly? I feel like details like this I am missing... I also heard from the sales group that does the booking. They quoted me what your TA quoted you although she didn't mention anything about the sixth room free thing. I emailed her and asked her if that was an option. That is awesome that you will be booking the highest package! We don't really want a reception with dancing, so I am going to barter for some extended cocktail time instead. What days are you booking again?How did you find out if your wedding date was free? And the time of the ceremony? I spoke with PhotoPhil today too. So excited about him! He is free the entire week of April 15th so I should be able to use him. Now just to get ahold of someone to actually book my date! Then on to the fun stuff...like flowers and cake ha ha. Oh, and a dress. Oh, the dress. Ha ha, talk to you soon.

Hey JB: I emailed your TA yesterday! Hope she has some good info for me. I did get an email from Emy Rose, one of the WC's at the resort. She sent me the basic info, just a repeat of the information you sent me. It was nice to finally hear from someone though. I was starting to think my email didn't work, ha ha! I have a dilemma with my dress. I bought a dress that I never imagined I would like, but it looked really pretty on. I had envisioned a flowy,light,informal dress but the one I bought is very structured. The salesgirl and my sisters told me it fit my body (short and curvy) the best and that I shouldn't even try on a flowy dress as it would make me look chubby. Long story short, I have regreted not trying on the ones I thought I would love. When the dress came in last week, I felt sad. It is very pretty, don't get me wrong-but it's not me. So, I made a few other appoinments and tried on the style I had wanted from the beginning, and guess what? I love them. Now I am stuck with a dress that I am not in love with and am starting from scratch!Ahhhhh! I am going to try to sell the first one and recoup some of the money. It makes my stomach turn though to spend money again! Oh well. I am trying on some more Saturday and will have my friend take pics and will try to post both to get you girl's opinions. Thanks for letting me vent! So mad at myself. A

Mrs SCK: I have been quoted $160 per person/320 per couple for May for 5 nights. I would say your quotes are just about right. I am still looking for better deals though. I am convinced that I can get it closer to $120 per person per night. We will see what happens. Good luck and happy planning.

Hi swojdyla! It has been a bit nerve wracking picking a resort so new into a new ownership. My decision was based on the fact that I have been to several properties run by amresorts (they include the Dreams and Secrets resorts) and have loved every minute of it no mater the location. I also read up on the other NOW takeovers in Mexico, and there were tons of great reviews.Most people stated that it was a seamless transition and that their experience was nothing short of amazing. I also did extensive research on the NH Real, Punta Cana reviews. The reviews were great even before the takeover, and I know from experience that the food is amazing with the amresorts chain. The price is also right! You can get great deals immediately following a transfer in ownership. We have a thread started, check it out if you are interested! Have a great night! A

JB, Just got your email-thanks so much! I will email her tonight! I really appreciate it. Sounds like she has done a really good job for you. I am going to give my local girl an email too to give her one more chance to get me some real pricing. Have a great night!

Ok, keep me posted. Maybe I should just use your TA? I am pretty far away, but if she has a 1 800 number it may work. I have asked my TA to get me a better price, but she said she would get back to me mid May! I am a planner so am getting anxious, ha ha. I will be so relaxed once I book the resort and the date. This whole change in ownership has thrown me off. Although I think it will end up being much better as a NOW property. Let me know if you think your TA would work with people out of area. I will have people coming from midwest and west coast. Denver, Kansas City, Tulsa and Chicago. Thanks so much. This planning is so much fun, even if its a bit nervewracking and addicting! I am on this web site way too much. My FI is about to kill me!

Hey girls! JB, I think we are getting married at home first too.We also aren't going to tell anyone! It saves a bunch of money and we really didn't want our ceremony in the morning or done in Spanish with a translator. We are hoping to use Pastor York too. How are things going with your TA?Have you locked in prices? I am starting to think I am going to deal directly with the resort. My TA advised me to wait until late May to book a date for April 2012.I think this just may be laziness on her part! I don't want to wait for two reasons. One is if they only have two weddings a day I want to make sure Im in the mix for the week we are planning and the time we want. Also, I received an email from PhotoPhil, who I am set on for photography. I will book around his schedule ha, ha! He said he will be down there for two other weddings that week! That means between weddings and TTD shoots he is starting to be low on time already. I also hope to get a better deal from the resort. My TA is quoting $160 per person per night for the cheapest room, but didn't you get a $116 deal? Let me know what you have heard about pricing and I am going to attempt yet again to deal with the resort directly. Until now I have heard a big zero from them! MoniWoni,thanks so much for sending the info. I got it today and it was helpful! Did you book with a TA? Hope everyone has fun plans for the weekend, talk to you guys soon.