We had the most incredible experience ever.  Our wedding day was absolutely perfect and I couldn't have hoped for anything more!

(Photo:  Enjoying some drinks with friends)

We had 46 guests travel to Punta Cana to join in a full week of wedding celebrations.  The resort was 20-30 minutes from the airport.  We were greeted with mamajuana welcome shots upon arrival and check-in.  Our check-in process was quick, easy, and overall very pleasant.  

(Photo:  Wedding Olympics at the Tiki Bar the day before the wedding)

The grounds of the Iberostar were breathtaking.  Everything was so well-manicured.  There is no way to describe the beauty and photos don't do it justice.  At night, there is uplighting on the palms - so so pretty!

We tried a few of the reservation-only restaurants, but thought the food was just as good at the main buffet.  There was lobster every.single.day.  I was in Heaven!! Everything I ate was delicious, but a few of my favorites:  Breakfast:  oatmeal, made-to-order omelets, fresh mango.  Dinner:  lobster, lobster, lobster.  There was fresh-cut prosciutto one night that was fantastic.

I've been to Punta Cana three times now and the beach in front of the Iberostar is the most beautiful stretch that I've seen.  You need to reserve chairs pretty early because it's a little crowded.  Usually, we would start off the day at the beach and migrate to the pool later in the day to meet up with friends and family.

(Photo:  Playing "Dizzy Bat" with our favorite bartender during the Wedding Olympics)

The bars were excellent! We spent a lot of time at the pool bar (favorite bartender was Tomas), but our absolute favorite bar was Siboney Bar on the beach.  It is a little tiki bar with SO much character.  There is seating in the shade or sun.  There was always great music playing and the most fabulous view you've ever seen!!  Our favorite tiki/beach bartender was Gilbert.  The tiki bar also served hotdogs and nachos with queso and hot sauce, both delicious!

The rooms are set up "bungalow-style" with eight units per building, four up and four down.  Our on-site wedding coordinator pulled some strings and reserved a second-floor room RIGHT on the beach.  The rooms are spacious and very brightly colored.  The bathroom is very nice.  There is a drop-down living area with a pullout couch which leads out to the balcony.  Overall, I have no complaints about the room. We were very, very pleased!

(Photo:  Getting ready with my bridesmaids)

Magdalena was our wedding coordinator.  I can't say enough about her.  She was PERFECT!!!  Her English is exceptional (both written and oral).  She is very organized and I truly didn't have to worry about a thing.  We met with her the day after we arrived and I knew we were in good hands.  She walked us around the resort to show us where everything would take place.  I handed over everything: Ipod for ceremony music, ceremony decorations, placecards for dinner.  She kept saying, "you don't worry, you need to RELAX!", which I did!

(One of our "First Glance" photos)

(Photo: My favorite bridesmaid shot)

(Photo:  Favorite groomsmen shot)

The only hiccup I can think of had to do with our wedding flowers.  I received a list of 6 to choose from; we picked a mix of three which looked most tropical.  I think something may have been lost in translation because we received a flower we didn't choose in our bouquets.  I decided I didn't care enough to send the flowers back, and I'm glad I didn't.  Everything looked perfect and really, the flowers were the least of my worries.

(Photo: First Kiss)

The wedding day was quite possibly the fastest day of our lives!  I had a hair appointment at the resort salon.  I wasn't thrilled with my hair at the time, but I made a few tweaks and everything ended up looking great.  Magdalena delivered the flowers to our room around 11:30, then we were off to take pictures around the resort.  One of my favorite memories from the day (besides marrying my wonderful husband) was right before the ceremony.  We finished pictures about a half hour early, so my bridesmaids and I went to the tiki hut on the beach for a pre-wedding beer and hotdog.  As the music played, a refreshing ocean breeze came up the beach, and I was laughing with my five best girlfriends;  I realized how lucky I was.  I can almost guarantee that most brides do not feel as relaxed as I did at that very moment.  

(Photo:  Trash-the-Dress photo shoot)

Overall, our group of 46 had an excellent time and I can't imagine anything better.  I would HIGHLY recommend Iberostar Bavaro for your wedding.  You will be happy you did!!

(Photo:  Trash-the-Dress photo shoot)