vav11238

Hi ladies, Because I promised our photographers here's a link to more of my wedding pics put on there site. Once again, they were great! http://bluelagoonstudio.com/2012/03/now-larimar-punta-cana-valerie-dave/ Hope your plans are coming together wonderfully!!!!

Hi ladies, Because I promised our photographers here's a link to more of my wedding pics put on there site. Once again, they were great! http://bluelagoonstudio.com/2012/03/now-larimar-punta-cana-valerie-dave/ Hope your plans are coming together wonderfully!!!!

Mandy: yes, luckily a really close friend of mine took some great pics of the reception area. I'll post those. If you do the quiet pool reception, you actually don't need a dance floor. We had one because we thought we were doing the beach and then forgot to take it off our package when we changed. The pic of me and my dancing is on a white dance floor that fit 40 people on it. The lighting was perfect because we had tea lights all over the table, plus the pool is lit and Cristina put candles around the pool and in the pool (I had a lot of tealight holders which I brought at the dollarstore based in Canada). Also, there are things they just use - the pic with the swans in the heart were used - free. The runner beside the dance floor is the runner used at the wedding and then was brought to the reception free. The runner on the table and the little signs with people's names on it I did and packed those in one of our six cases - lol! Hope those pics are helpful! Asha: Not sure if you'll want to change venus that much (and unless Cristina has said 100% you can, not sure if you can). We were told that it's one location for ceremony and that they, traditionally, like to have cocktail hour at the same place then move the reception to another location. And that they're doing there best to stop using the restaurants (unless you're not closing it down but sharing it with the guests). We had the ceremony at the fountain, cocktail hour moved to the balcony of the main buffet (where the trio played) and then there was an hour break (where ladies got to do outfit changes) but met back up at Moments and we all walked to the Quiet Pool. If she said, make sure you get it all in writing. April they're having 60+ weddings so things may changed after that madness. As for shipping, be careful. Customs takes a long time. We packed six cases and took ALL our decor with us because I was too afraid things may get lost or broken. I had two large vases and 4 boxes of lit branches and I carried those items on the plane with me. Got to talk to Eric Clapton about them (he was on our flight and I had to say excuse me so that the attendants could put them into the closets because they didn't fit into the overhead). SunWedding: I don't know why you don't have your ceremony time. I had that fixed when I got my confirmation. You are the only one I'll say this to - PRESS THEM UNTIL YOU GET AN ANSWER!! Once again - they're going to have 60+ weddings in your month and you want to have what your vision is. So tell them what time you expect your wedding to be. Email them, call them and then email and call AM resorts. Everything else will fall into place but that is incredibly important. If any of you have other questions that can't be found in all the lengthy posts I've written, write me at [email protected]. Other than that, have wonderful weddings!!!

I'm so sorry for everyone who has been having a really tough go of it lately. Here's to it getting better!!! The three day rule, I too, thought was purely for legal weddings. And because my step-daughter was on school break, we had planned on getting there earlier than was necessary. But I was told that they wanted to meet with me several days before the wedding to sort out the details. But I had already booked our travel and knew we were getting there a week before the wedding. Skygirl, I feel your pain. My step-daughter is similar to you. If she even looks at the sun, she's freckly and red. Which she is in all our pictures because it is hard to get a kid to NOT want to be in the pool. My advice - loads of bottles of really high sun screen, a wide brim hat and a nice cover-up. I didn't know the extent of my SDs inability to be in the sun (since I'm not from Scotland) so I was under prepared (my hubby is a man - lol). If no one told you about the 3 day rule (and contact Pastor Rick just to be 100% sure), then the resort should be able to let it slide. As long as you have your official marriage certificate, should be ok. But that's just my opinion on the matter. I think it matters far more for the WC because they need to meet with the chefs, bakers, get flowers ordered and decorations planned. The meeting with the WC took us three and 1/2 hours but I asked to stop then. I was wiped by that point and asked to return the next day. It was just full on questions. And the next day I had appointments with Mannia and Blue Lagoon http://bluelagoonstudio.com/. Where we went over the final details. They don't work on Sundays officially. But we saw them there everyday of the week. Most nights well past midnight because there are weddings happening or being planned. Typically they shouldn't be there on Sundays because it is the only day off they have. And they need one, trust me, poor Cristina runs around like a mad woman getting everything sorted out. If any of you have any other questions where answers can't be found earlier in the forum drop me an email [email protected]. Other than that, I wish all of you lovely brides amazing weddings!!!

Thanks Mandy!! The hubby and I chose it because we hadn't seen any other pics using it as a reception before either. And we LOVED IT!!! It wasn't windy at all because you're surrounded (at a distance) by the buildings. Of course, we couldn't use our floating lanterns because it was far too windy at the beach. So happy we didn't keep the reception there. I'm really happy we did the buffet. There were attendants at the carving stations (we had too - one fish the other meat) but you put your own food on the plates. There were little signs telling everyone what each platter was. There were probably about another five people making sure drinks were full and plates were cleared. The funny thing was that some people, staying at the resort, simply thought it was an buffet and tried to line up with plates. Poor Cristina had to run up and scoot them away. We all had a good laugh!

There's a lot of questions, I'll answer what I can: SuzzMF - I got my hair done by the hairstylist but a friend of mine did the makeup. Also, I brought with me clip-in real hair extensions and another friend that speaks fluent spanish, explained what I wanted. It looked FAR better than I could have imagined. I came with back-up plans too - just in case. LOL! I made my hair appt for 11.30 because the picture people were coming at 2pm for my 4pm ceremony. I never felt rushed and it was plenty of time. Also, I think that picture of the gazebo is over at Secrets. Which you can use provided you have no kids. Skygirl - If you get reception, then your cell will work. The hubby used his to call his dad - who was back in Scotland. Everyone else, shut off their roaming and paid to get wifi on their phones. That way they could use Skype for free. Sfra - You can use round tables in the Quiet pool area. I just chose not to. Everyone - I only ever saw Eclipse at night, so I can't really descibe what it would look like setup for a wedding. It is cool that there's a bit not covered and then another part that is. I'd definitely be up for it!! And it is Plan B. I'd say not to focus on it until you're there.

Thanks guys!!!! Miss Bliss - My hubby created a stencil of it. Actually 2 - one with the words which I used black on, then one with the heart which we decided to use lilac on because it was our wedding color (our colors were lilac and purple but spray paint doesn't have that kind of range). He pulled up the I heart NY logo, put it into word and then changed it to DR. The size of the paper we used as stencil had to be the width of the bag. And while I spray painted it I had put brackets to hold the stencil in its place securely. The bags, I brought at a bag store in London, near me. What I found online were more cloth totes which you'd have to have silk screened because spray paint will run right though. And silk screening is expensive. There are sellers on Etsy that will make them for you too. My bags were a soft burlap and were lined inside with a plastic coating. I chose it because it delighted me that water and sand wouldn't get inside. Which it didn't - yippie! And with the lining, I was able to spray paint the bags at a fraction of the cost compared to cloth totes. I have to tell you that I am considering making a little business out of it. But I had brought them all out from my bag seller and need to wait till he gets more. I'll start to do a search for the bags online. If I find them, I'll let you know.

Ask away! I've promised the hubby that I'd be on here one more week and then I'll have to resume my life. And plan my AHR. And change my name. And mail thank you cards. And plan our official honeymoon. So until Friday, I'm all yours - lol! 1. I heard that there is a rooftop where you can have your ceremony, did they show it to you or did you see it?'s There is and it the club on the resort. It called Eclipse and it is very cute place. And where Cristina wanted my Plan B to be planned. It's part covered and part uncovered and could be very cute as an option. I celebrated my bachlorette night there and once people post up some pics, I'll forward them to you. 2. At your reception at the pool, how loud was the DJ able to play music and till what time? I assume with rooms surrounding it, you cant blast it too loud.The DJ was loud. There was a party atomsphere but we couldn't go later than 10.30. Now, remember, the reception with any of the packages is only for 3 hours. If you want it longer its an additional $150 an hour plus some sort of price per person for drinks (I think, I may have it a bit wrong). But had we wanted it longer, it wouldn't have been at the Quiet Pool. The one thing my folks are sad about is that the party felt short. Dinner, dessert, cake, speeches that all took nearly 2 hours which left an hour for dancing. Cristina let us go a bit longer but it not by much. We made the most of that hour but it really was far too short. And afterwards, all the young ones headed to Eclipse and danced some more (the FI and I were wiped out and went to soak in our super cute jacuzzi at Secrets instead). 3. Where you able to take a look at the ballroom? Is it too big for 30 people? Yup, we saw the ballroom and it is big. If you're going to do 3 tables of ten, I personally think it's a bit too big. If you were to do one long table, plus a bar, buffet and dance floor - it could work. But once again, these are things that you can totally sort out once there. November is a long way to go and things are constantly changing there. Keep in mind that there still building near the Garden View and they'll be new spots created that may not exist right now but will work much better for your wedding when you're there. And if Claribel offered Castaways or Caspers then hold onto that email like it is gold and know that you have that as an option. My advice is focus on your hair, choose makeup, do a little DIY, put together your OOT bags (something I had to rush through because I left it to the last minute), shop on Etsy, keep working out, but leave all the questions about where you'll have it until you get there. Both Sarah and I changed where we thought we were going to have our receptions once there. And trust me, I was completely set on reception on the beach but once there, minds change (or weather isn't cooperating - lol). I know it is easier to say than to do but you'll worry yourself for no reason.

I don't think they'd do a separate buffet but that'll be all up to the kitchen staff. I find it hard to think that they won't be able to work with your group. As for if they'll be other weddings, I'm thinking when she said they're having 60+ in April that there will be other weddings on your day. They have three spots at Now - 11am, 1pm & 4pm and only 1 at Secrets. It does suck seeing two other brides walking by you on YOUR wedding day but you block it out and move on. In the end, they were passing figures. I cannot even tell you where they were having their events because we had the fountian and quiet pool on lockdown - lol! I know one had gotten married on the beach at 1pm, because I saw the set up. Then nothing. Until I passed by her taking pictures on the property with her small group. They might have had ten guests to my nearly 60. Cristina had told me that Sarah and I were the largest wedding groups that week. It's a small thing really, just mentally prepare yourself. Oh, the calendar on the Now Larimar site may show whether there are any other weddings on your day. I have to say, I'm happy I did the buffet. It was far more options. And Cristina really went above and beyond for us. We had two seafoods, chicken, beef and roasted goat (which is a very caribbean thing). Ask Sarah about the plated dinners but I believe you chose one entree for everyone. That wouldn't have worked for me. The last comment is the cake. That was the only let down. Ours seemed lopsided. And wasn't really the design I wanted but what could we do...we only saw it when we got to the wedding. Luckily, our cake toppers were so f-ing cute, it didn't matter. We had the frosting be cream rather than fondant. Go with fondant. It'll be more sturdy that way.

This is what I was saying. The only way to secure the things you were once told and the prices you were once given is to find the emails from Claribel stating it. If you don't have the emails, then you aren't going to get it. You'll have to search all of your emails ladies. And I have to say, it does suck when you tell your guests to meet you at Castaways for dinner (during the day it's buffet but at night it's a lovely seafood restaurant) or Capers and find out that it's closed for a wedding/event. That happened to us while there. The resort cannot have one less restaurant when it's fully booked. I had the email where Claribel had made Castaways an offer but declined because I hadn't seen any other receptions by the quiet pool, which the FI and I favored. Oh, but know that Pastor Rick isn't $550 like listed on one of the price lists. He's actually $350. And you'll have to pay him in cash. I gave the cash to Cristina on the day she handled paying him for us. As well as, DJ Mannia; you'll have to pay them in cash too. As for Blue Lagoon, I transferred money using paypal once I picked out all my pictures. So I was able to transfer that the day after the wedding. There's one ATM on the property that only dispenses DR pesos. An American cash machine is harder to come by so either travel with cash or travellers checks. We had to scramble for money to pay the DJ because I forgot and they wouldn't let me transfer the money using paypal.

Hello!!! I've just returned from my wedding bonanza at Now Larimar in DR and wanted to note what were hits from my gift bag. Our OOT bags was a massive hit!!! Everyone used them over the weekend which helped the guests recognize each other. And made me feel great after spending quite a few cold days outside in London spray painting them! There were other people there for weddings but ours stood out sooo much. Make them individual rather than just buying any old tote. Secondly, I did a face book of the guests (can be seen in the pic hanging off the bags). It was great for everyone to know who everyone else was. A lot of my family hadn't met my step-daughter so it was great that they knew who she was before meeting her. Third, candy. I put in Pop rocks and Ring Pops. I put purple or lilac shawls in all the bags (our wedding colors). At night the ladies wore them when inside air conditioned restaurants. Our favorite shower gels - just because. And for those who had kids we put in floaties, goggles and coloring books. The kids used all of them!!! A few people complained of stomach pains so the emergency pack should have been helpful. Watches. Everyone wore them but ours were water resistant NOT water proof. So a few guests watches broke in the first day or so. Only buy water proof ones. Not used or not seen used: Emergen-C packets Game books like Suduko and cross words - people would rather swim Snacks?!? I'm hoping they ate the Scottish Biscuits but we're not sure. Hope this was helpful! Oh, and for those looking to put the large mugs in there bags. I saw quite a few people carrying them around which I presume were guests for other weddings. Go for it!! If you know your group are big drinkers than go for it! Mine weren't (with the exception of 2 people) and it wouldn't have been worth it.

REPOSTED FROM THE NEW RESORT FORUM. Just in case these questions occurred to anyone else, here are a few things skygirl asked me: To answer your questions, personally, I'd get there at least three to four days before the wedding. Even if you're doing a symbolic one like we did. To get legally married in DR you'd need to get documents translated and meet with a Dominican judge that will only speak spanish. Cristina or Mercy will act as translator for you. Pastor York doesn't do any legal religious weddings - as far as I know. He books up quickly, so you should send him your info and get your date and time sealed. Were your flowers reall?or reall touch? My flowers and bridesmaids flowers were real. All of them because I hate fake flowers. But they are expensive. Actually, if you use flowers that grow in DR than it's fine but if they have to be exported than they're wicked expensive. My flowers were plain white and they spray painted (or something like that) the inside purple which looked AMAZING!!! Before i forget, could ur guests use Secrets resort property? Nope. You cannot use Secrets. They have security all around and you cannot get on unless you're staying there. They do, however, supply a way to go to the Dreams resorts. You just have to request it at reception. We stayed at Secrets two nights and in all honesty, there's only one restaurant there. Everyone eats at Now. It would have been nice to check out Dreams though. But know that Secrets is beautiful. It's quiet and calm. We had a room with access to the swim up pool. Loved it and would recommend it! They are right next door to each other. Like cross a small walkway close. I didn't realize how close they'd be until I was staying there. How was the food in general in the resort? The food was incredibly good! No complaints. Some of the restaurants service takes patience because english isn't there first language. But you're on vacation so relax and go with the flow. I watched a few people getting angry at the wait times which makes no sense. If the resort is full, it's going to take a while. And sometimes they have reservations that they have to wait for before they can release the seats. I'd say use the butler (when you're upgraded to preferred you get one) and have him make reservations for you. It's harder the larger the group you want. But can be done. Typically I'd have people eat where they wanted and meet up at the Moments lobby bar. Far easier than trying to eat dinner together every night. How was DjMannia english?did he do some talking, annoncing? We didn't use DJ Mannia's MC service. I had friends work it and they were the ones who directed people. Cheaper and worked wonderfully. I didnt know u used pastor york..i thought u did symbolic ceremony. Pastor Ricks english is perfect! In the ceremony there were 2 readings to be done and I had friends do that instead which was a nice change. Having been to Sarah's ceremony, Pastor Rick knows these cermonies like the back of his hand and sales through except when he has to say your names; then he pauses to read it off cards. He does a lot of these ceremony's and it is all the same words he uses. You'll have to find ways to make yours a bit different. I also had a bff sing three songs - one for the family to walk down the aisle, one for me & my dad and then the song when it was all done. Such a special touch. Was the video on youtube the one done by a video guy from the resort from the package? since you had bluelagoon, do u think u could have asked WC that u dont want the resort photographer from the package doing ur pic, and instead have him maybe come to a reception and do some informal pic? If you don't use something in the package - it cannot be swapped out for anything else. I didn't want a video but figured using the one in the package would be fine. And it was. But if you want to change when they take the pics I think that should be ok. That didn't occur to me. I don't see why they couldn't have her be there for the same amount of time allotted for the ceremony (45 minutes). I would have gone with that but then, like I said, I wouldn't have the range of pics that I have. Blue Lagoon took wide range shots where the Now photogs took more close-up portraits. And now I have loads of family members smiling faces. Friends & families pics are coming in (fb is crazy) and they have loads of shots of the reception. But remember, you're only going to get 24pictures from the Now photographers. It was hard for us to choose because she actually took 90. And with every extra picture costing $15 dollars, the price adds up quickly. Here are a few other things that have just reentered my mind: They're removing Castaways as an option for receptions. So you brides should double check if it was suggested as an option in your paperwork. Why, Cristina explained to me that March the have a mere 15 weddings but in April they have 60+. They cannot keep closing Castaways and having one less restaurant option for guests. I could have used it because it was given to me as an option from long before but going forward it won't be. If you were offered it, find your paperwork. 2nd, we had fire dancers at our reception. They were amazing. But two nights before, the resort had a massive show on the beach where fire dancers had performed. Luckily, a small number of guests were already there - some saw it others hadn't. But it kind of took the wind out of my sails. My dad was a bit annoyed at the idea of paying for something that the guests had already seen. Because you pay for your wedding when you first meet with the WC and go through it all. You're unaware of what events the resort has planned. Be aware of this. You may book the fire dancers and the night before your wedding they perform for the resort. The fountain is currently closed. They are repairing it. And though I don't think any one is having there wedding there in the next couple of weeks, you should definitely check with WCs and the resort when they plan on reopening. They went through the process of covering the whole thing while they work on something. Lastly, and this was a bit of annoyance for me. You may not be the only wedding that day at Now. Because my date seemed significant 02.20.2012, there were two other weddings at Now and once at Secrets making for four weddings. I kept crossing paths with other brides which bothered me a bit. Cristina was COMPLETELY focused on me and my FIs day but to keep crossing paths with other brides was still a bit annoying. Made me wish I had booked Jellyfish again. And hearing that they're going to have a stupid amount of weddings in April, it should be noted. Ok, any more questions...ask away!

Just in case these questions occurred to anyone else, here are a few things skygirl asked me: To answer your questions, personally, I'd get there at least three to four days before the wedding. Even if you're doing a symbolic one like we did. To get legally married in DR you'd need to get documents translated and meet with a Dominican judge that will only speak spanish. Cristina or Mercy will act as translator for you. Pastor York doesn't do any legal religious weddings - as far as I know. He books up quickly, so you should send him your info and get your date and time sealed. Were your flowers reall?or reall touch? My flowers and bridesmaids flowers were real. All of them because I hate fake flowers. But they are expensive. Actually, if you use flowers that grow in DR than it's fine but if they have to be exported than they're wicked expensive. My flowers were plain white and they spray painted (or something like that) the inside purple which looked AMAZING!!! Before i forget, could ur guests use Secrets resort property? Nope. You cannot use Secrets. They have security all around and you cannot get on unless you're staying there. They do, however, supply a way to go to the Dreams resorts. You just have to request it at reception. We stayed at Secrets two nights and in all honesty, there's only one restaurant there. Everyone eats at Now. It would have been nice to check out Dreams though. But know that Secrets is beautiful. It's quiet and calm. We had a room with access to the swim up pool. Loved it and would recommend it! They are right next door to each other. Like cross a small walkway close. I didn't realize how close they'd be until I was staying there. How was the food in general in the resort? The food was incredibly good! No complaints. Some of the restaurants service takes patience because english isn't there first language. But you're on vacation so relax and go with the flow. I watched a few people getting angry at the wait times which makes no sense. If the resort is full, it's going to take a while. And sometimes they have reservations that they have to wait for before they can release the seats. I'd say use the butler (when you're upgraded to preferred you get one) and have him make reservations for you. It's harder the larger the group you want. But can be done. Typically I'd have people eat where they wanted and meet up at the Moments lobby bar. Far easier than trying to eat dinner together every night. How was DjMannia english?did he do some talking, annoncing? We didn't use DJ Mannia's MC service. I had friends work it and they were the ones who directed people. Cheaper and worked wonderfully. I didnt know u used pastor york..i thought u did symbolic ceremony. Pastor Ricks english is perfect! In the ceremony there were 2 readings to be done and I had friends do that instead which was a nice change. Having been to Sarah's ceremony, Pastor Rick knows these cermonies like the back of his hand and sales through except when he has to say your names; then he pauses to read it off cards. He does a lot of these ceremony's and it is all the same words he uses. You'll have to find ways to make yours a bit different. I also had a bff sing three songs - one for the family to walk down the aisle, one for me & my dad and then the song when it was all done. Such a special touch. Was the video on youtube the one done by a video guy from the resort from the package? since you had bluelagoon, do u think u could have asked WC that u dont want the resort photographer from the package doing ur pic, and instead have him maybe come to a reception and do some informal pic? If you don't use something in the package - it cannot be swapped out for anything else. I didn't want a video but figured using the one in the package would be fine. And it was. But if you want to change when they take the pics I think that should be ok. That didn't occur to me. I don't see why they couldn't have her be there for the same amount of time allotted for the ceremony (45 minutes). I would have gone with that but then, like I said, I wouldn't have the range of pics that I have. Blue Lagoon took wide range shots where the Now photogs took more close-up portraits. And now I have loads of family members smiling faces. Friends & families pics are coming in (fb is crazy) and they have loads of shots of the reception. But remember, you're only going to get 24pictures from the Now photographers. It was hard for us to choose because she actually took 90. And with every extra picture costing $15 dollars, the price adds up quickly. Here are a few other things that have just reentered my mind: They're removing Castaways as an option for receptions. So you brides should double check if it was suggested as an option in your paperwork. Why, Cristina explained to me that March the have a mere 15 weddings but in April they have 60+. They cannot keep closing Castaways and having one less restaurant option for guests. I could have used it because it was given to me as an option from long before but going forward it won't be. If you were offered it, find your paperwork. 2nd, we had fire dancers at our reception. They were amazing. But two nights before, the resort had a massive show on the beach where fire dancers had performed. Luckily, a small number of guests were already there - some saw it others hadn't. But it kind of took the wind out of my sails. My dad was a bit annoyed at the idea of paying for something that the guests had already seen. Because you pay for your wedding when you first meet with the WC and go through it all. You're unaware of what events the resort has planned. Be aware of this. You may book the fire dancers and the night before your wedding they perform for the resort. The fountain is currently closed. They are repairing it. And though I don't think any one is having there wedding there in the next couple of weeks, you should definitely check with WCs and the resort when they plan on reopening. They went through the process of covering the whole thing while they work on something. Lastly, and this was a bit of annoyance for me. You may not be the only wedding that day at Now. Because my date seemed significant 02.20.2012, there were two other weddings at Now and once at Secrets making for four weddings. I kept crossing paths with other brides which bothered me a bit. Cristina was COMPLETELY focused on me and my FIs day but to keep crossing paths with other brides was still a bit annoying. Made me wish I had booked Jellyfish again. And hearing that they're going to have a stupid amount of weddings in April, it should be noted. Ok, any more questions...ask away!

Hello ladies, I wrote this and posted it at the other Now Larimar resort link but figured I'd copy it here (and altered it a bit). There's a bit more written and loads of pics but it's far to time consuming to go through that process twice. Here it goes: I've just returned from my eleven day wedding bonanza and have got to say we all panic for nothing! Calm down! Your wedding that is in eight weeks, plan away but know that the WC are busy planning another brides wedding and is far too busy to answer emails. They will pay your wedding the time it deserves once you're there. And if you're planning on DIYing anything - go right ahead and know that the team there will make everything work. This is something you're going to have to trust me (and Sarah - is she agrees) on. There were a few weeks ago where I wanted to reach into the computer and choke Claribel (who isn't there anymore) for not answering my emails. But then I had to let it go because there was nothing I could do. So please, let it go. Save yourself the stress. As long as you have the confirmation - you're golden!!! Now, the WC team is made up of three people currently - Cristina (my WC), Mercy and Leonardo (and due to the month of April there going to have 60+ weddings, they're hiring a 4th person). They are all smiles and pleasantries once you're there and are active in making it the wedding that you want! Now, because I like things how I like things, I brought a LOT of stuff with me (pics to come shortly). I had our large center pieces, nine boxes of t-light holders, yards of table runner, napkin rings, unity candle, cake toppers, seating name charts, bubble wands, glow sticks (bracklets and necklaces) and pinwheels. We traveled with six cases (sorry no pics on how I packed, was far to gone in panic mode for that) plus carried the vases and the lighted tree branches by hand (for fear they'd break). We had an appointment on our second day there with Cristina (which was still five days away from the wedding) and I walked her through everything. Mind you we had pictures drawn of EXACTLY how we envisioned it but had to give a little to practicalness. Sitting at my kitchen table in London, we had planned on getting married at the fountain and reception on the beach. However, when we landed it was rainy and at night the beach was extremely windy. We did a resort walk through with Cristina and decided to change our reception to the quiet pool instead. It looks beautiful at night all lit up. Of course, this one change altered 'our vision' and you'll have to go with the changes. Why? On the beach it would have been one long table (similar to pics you've seen). I knew it total we had 56 people and ordered my table runner to match that. But at the quiet pool, though a long (curved) table was used, guests couldn't sit across from each other. Rather everyone sat on one side of the table, looking out on to the pool and dance floor. Which meant that my table runners weren't long enough but Cristina made it work!!! And in the end, we loved the few (very few) changes she had to make on our behalf. For those of us who booked or researched Now Larimar when it was first reopening versus those who are new to it should note: a few items or prices have changed. You better know the prices that you intially were quoted for things. This isn't Cristina or any of the planners fault since some of us were dealing with Claribel first. When Cristina was getting my bill ready there were a few pricing issues because somethings are a bit more (for instance - extra flowers) but I had my price list and it was easily sorted. Then a few things, that I thought I'd have to pay for were just given. Cristina is really, really, accommodating! You'll see in my pics that usually, for the gazebo, you'd only get white decor inclued but I wanted some color and it was given to me plus the tropical flowers on top - which had declined to have. We also had a signature drink of caribbean lemonade (with rum) for the adults and regular lemonade for the kids before the ceremony which was also given free. All of these things, I couldn't have planned from my apartment in London and once I suggested it, Cristina made it happen! As some of you know I was very against a buffet at the reception. But because I chose the quiet pool, it had to be so (reception on the beach you can have plated dinner - but it's the one dish for everyone) and it was perfect! Largely because I was hell bent on have island food NOT European cuisine. With my mom's help we got regular Dominican food and such a vast selection plus a carving station with roasted pork and a full grilled fish! AT NO EXTRA COST!!!! We just swapped out salmon and beef for them. It was all soooooooo YUMMY!!! Everything went just as I had hoped!!! Now for the outside vendors. Pastor Rick is wonderful! But he is tightly booked and cannot be kept. Due to a misunderstanding with the bellboy who was suppose to pick me up, I was late to my own wedding - lol! Because of that, we didn't do the commitment candle because he had another wedding to get to. In the end, we did it at the reception, but still. It sucks to be rushed at your own wedding. Music - We went with Mannia for DJs and Blue Lagoon for pics. This is one important note - the photographer we had in the divine package (which have a station on the resort) took some AMAZING portraits. I highly recommend using them. I had asked Claribel to send me there portfolio which never happened so I hired outside the resort but they were incredible good. And I'm thrilled that we had two set of photographers. Blue Lagoons pictures are also so beautiful but he took more wide shots where the picture takers at Now did close portrait shots. You get 24 in the package but we could have easily brought ten more from them (if it wasn't $15 each extra picture out of the package - ouch!) We're uploading all our pics onto our wedding website rather than having a url similar to Sarah's. Once it's up, I'll send the link for you all to see but I've attached pics from Blue Lagoon here only. DJ Mannia was good! We had filled out a form and he listened to what we requested. My parents and family had a great time dancing to Haitian music and they got lots of it. Then it switched and we young people boogied to 80s classics which is what I requested! The only down side was that the reception in only 3 hours. We had to cut it short just as the dancing was kicking off! You can make it longer - at a price - but not at the quiet pool which is in the middle of the resort. There's so much more to tell you all, I'm sure, but my hands are cramping and I'm still incredibly jetlagged after our 11 hour flight back home. Here are a few random points to be made: -Cristina is (I know I've said it loads) OUTSTANDING!!! She helped sort out my hair appointment, massage, our private dinner on the beach (which we almost didn't get because they only do it on certain days) which we had alone rather than being one of several couples on the beach for your private dinner (which actually took place up in a cabana because of the wind). If you can try to get her!! Mercy is also lovely but her english is still a work in progress and I found it difficult to understand her. Leonardo is quite nice but I didn't work with him much. -Do not pay them to deliver your gift bags, hand them out yourself. It's $2 a room. And, at first, I was delivering them but my guests were coming at different days/times which made it tiresome. So the FI (now hubby) decided we'd have them deliver it for us to cut on the stress. IT WAS MORE STRESSFUL!! They'd only deliver the bags after 7pm on the day that people checked in which meant they wouldn't know what was happening until they got the bag. Then guests would also change rooms so we had a few bags go missing and it took forever to get them back. But my guests were impatient and kept wondering where the bags were. Just do it yourself. -It's still too windy for floating lanterns. We brought them and at the end of the reception walked to the beach to light them up. But it didn't work. We've now returned with said lanterns and plan on lighting them up during the AHR. -One regret not having a photographer during our reception. I know loads of my guests took pics but now, I'd love to see more pics at the reception. You may want to have one booked for at least an hour into it. -The videographer in the Divine package is such a nice guy but make sure to tell him to move around a bit during the ceremony. We got it all from one angle. ONE ANGLE! And that Angle is behind me. Sure my hubby looked good in his kilt but still...LOL! Also tell your WC to evenly distribute guests when seating for the ceremony. Somehow, everyone seems to be sitting on one side (which may have had to do with the fact that there wasn't A CLOUD IN THE SKY on our wedding day. In pics, you can see the sweat just dripping down my face. -Sitting in a large group at the restaurants is NOT EASY! You'll want to try to get even a group of ten together - good luck! The only place it was easy is at the restaurant in Garden view section called Windows. So if you're planning stuff now, that's the way to go. They have golf carts to take you there and the food is lovely. (PS make sure you and all your guests book similar rooms either Ocean & Tropical OR Garden view because garden view is a bit far feeling). Oh, and make a reservation at the chef's table at Spice once you get there. That way your guests will get to partake in the show. Use your butler for that one! Hello...upgrade!!! ;-) -The pics that you've seen with the lovely roses on the back of the seats is called Mercure. And it is an adults only restaurant. Should be noted because my step-daughter was bummed that they wouldn't let her in.