Dominican Ally

Okay Ladies - I have a new question! Does anyone know if there is a charge for an outside photographer? If so, what is it? Thanks a million!

Congrats on being married! I'm sure I will have lots of questions once I choose my resort for sure! My TA did advise me that GBP is HUGE, so I am also considering the one in La Romana (smaller)

Can't wait to book a date, and choose one of these amazing photographers! Anyone know if Ocean Blue charges for outside photogs?

Krysta Lee Ann, So glad that you at least got a refund - can't believe the photographer still hasn't contacted you though - how rude! Wishing you the best of luck in finding your new photographer - I bet you'll find one even better Certainly more professional give the treatment from your previous one....

Kat, I live near Kingston as well. I would be interested in your photogs info if you could pass it along to me. Love your pics! So you just paid for her airfare/hotel and she covered your whole wedding?

Gorgeous! I would suggest going to a jeweler and getting a custom band. If you shop around enough, some don't charge custom fees. I was originally going to get a store bought band, but then met a jeweler at a wedding show. After he drew up and explained what he would do to match my E ring, I was sold! I love my ring so much, that I want something that fits it perfectly

That is sooooo exciting! Can't wait to hear how your amazing day went! Congratulations on your big day being so close!

Hi DominicanLeila! I just ordered my "save the date" postcards on Vistaprint too. I don't have a theme or colours (yet) so I just went with a "tropical" themed postcard, and website for now - figured that will work. They have some really pretty backgrounds and themes to choose from on there. Since we don't have an exact location or date, we just put basics on the front, some further details/explanation of our plans on the back, and then directed them to our wedding website to check in for further info. Obviously those who don't have internet access (like my gramma) we will keep in touch via phone and in person for updates. Here is the front design I did...they have many to choose from. It's certainly not formal, but I think that for the price (30 bucks for 100 in colour, front and back) they are pretty decent looking. Plus they aren't actually invitations, so I didn't want to spend a fortune.

I totally agree - and I'm trying to mentally prepare for those who are going to drive me up the wall. I don't want anything to ruin that day, because you're right - all that matters is that at the end of the day, we will be married in paradise!

Thanks for the tips! I was surprised by the Easter thing, but I'm going to follow the advice and stay away from it. Sorry to hear you had issues with the TA - I am really hoping not to, but expecting it. I think we will have 3-4 gateways for our flights as my family is spread out over the country. Yuck! Good to know you got most of your things straightened out and booked - must be a relief!

Very good perspective - I like it!

Has anyone seen the new 2012/2013 "Wedding Collection" Catalogue from Transat? I just received one at a wedding show, and didn't think a whole lot of it until I started looking more closely. They offer 3 of their own "exclusive" wedding packages that are simpler, and more affordable than some of the packages the resorts offer. Just comparing the wedding packages you ladies have sent me from Ocean Blue to the three packages they offer for the various hotels they work with (Ocean Blue being one of them)....it looks like a better deal for sure! I'm just afraid it is too good to be true, or that there is a catch. What does everyone else think? Has anyone booked this, or looked into it further? If you don't have a cataloque, check it out online: http://www.transatholidays.com/EN/Travel/Our-weddings?ID=927&ParentID=interet It does say you have to have 12 passengers booked southbound and northbound on the same flight/same gateway. That there, may mean I can't use it unfortunately. I will have 20+ guests at least I believe, but they could be spread out over 3 gateways across Canada. Just wanted people to be aware of this, as it does look like a great deal (potentially)...and I am wondering what everyone thinks of it. Cheers! Alicia

Hi There, I forwarded you, everything that has been forwarded to me through the lovely ladies on this forum about this resort! Thanks everyone! I can now begin my crazy budget spreadsheet, and face the reality of the costs of all of this

Krysta Lee Ann - I am so sorry to hear this about your photographer. I am from Kingston (well Howe Island - but used to live in Kingston, and work there still)....and I just saw this on FB as well. I had added Robert Bradley Photo to check out his work, and was considering hiring him. I did just notice another photographer friend of his posted on his wall - indicating she would like to try to help out anyone who had him booked for 2012 weddings. I am so sorry this has happened to you - maybe you can find another photo in the area to take down with you? Or have you checked out the local photogs down that way? I've come across some threads in here for photogs in Jamaica. Good luck, and hope it works out for you!

I love the Dreams resorts. I'm currently pricing Dreams La Romana, Ocean Blue Punta Cana, and Grand Bahia Principe - I figured it will give me a range of prices and options - then I will feel out guests for their price points, and pick the resort that fits most people's budgets. I will feel so much better once I pick a resort!

Oh ladies I feel you all. I'm just getting into the planning, but can already anticipate things getting ugly, and me having a break down! Hang in there, everyone! And remember, you chose a DW for your own reasons - no need to justify it to anyone. I don't understand where people get off acting as if they are obligated to come, and reminding you all of the expense, etc.........they were "invited"...they can say no! I'm sending out 150 invites, and I'm fully expecting to potentially only have 20 people. The only reason I feel confident with at least this number is that I have almost this number saying they will be there no matter what. Lets hope this doesn't change

This is amazing! I got a few good laughs, a couple "that is totally me" moments, and reading this actually provoked some seriously deep thoughts....

Love it!

Hang in there with the travel agent woes. I'm just in the starting part of the process, and fingers crossed not to have too many issues. I'm scared! lol

I'm just starting the planning process - and I can just see myself having these same problems. I'm going to prepare myself now (ya right!) and just try to accept that I can't control people booking, etc. I'm hoping my TA can keep people on track, but we will see! I think the biggest stress would be to not know the numbers ahead of time so that you can budget, and prepare OOT bags, etc. Frustrating stuff, ladies! Hang in there!

This thread makes me feel better! Thanks ladies! I'm just starting the planning, and already having some negative feedback. I can only imagine how much more complicated it is going to get - but at least I have this forum!

Thanks for this thread - gotta love divorce and family drama when planning a wedding...such fun!

Has anyone seen the new 2012/2013 "Wedding Collection" Catalogue from Transat? I just received one at a wedding show, and didn't think a whole lot of it until I started looking more closely. They offer 3 of their own "exclusive" wedding packages that are simpler, and more affordable than some of the packages the resorts offer. Just comparing the wedding package at the hotel I'm looking at (Ocean Blue & Sand), to the three packages they offer for the various hotels they work with (Ocean Blue being one of them)....it looks like a better deal for sure! I'm just afraid it is too good to be true, or that there is a catch. What does everyone else think? Has anyone booked this, or looked into it further? If you don't have a cataloque, check it out online: http://www.transatholidays.com/EN/Travel/Our-weddings?ID=927&ParentID=interet It does say you have to have 12 passengers booked southbound and northbound on the same flight/same gateway. That there, may mean I can't use it unfortunately. I will have 20+ guests at least I believe, but they could be spread out over 3 gateways across Canada. Just wanted people to be aware of this, as it does look like a great deal (potentially)...and I am wondering what everyone thinks of it. Cheers! Alicia

Has anyone booked the new 2012/2013 air transat packages? I just got the wedding collection catalogue from them at a wedding show. I'm actually super surprised by the pricing of these packages vs. the ones the resorts offer. They seem to be a much better deal, so I don't get it - what is the catch?

I'm all about avoiding spring breakers too! I've read reviews on travelzoo from people who got caught at resorts with groups of 200 college kids - not fun, even though I'm not old...lol