Excellence Punta Cana Brides Thread

Dolcenotte12 · February 10, 2010

Diva, check out Photo Souvenir. They are stationed at Excellence and they are simply outstanding. Severine from Photo Souvenir was my photographer. Not only is the photography amazing, but so is the followup after the pictures are taken and the timeliness and attention you receive to create the album, video, slideshow you want!

Punta Cana Destination wedding photography

Dolcenotte12 · February 10, 2010

Here's some snapfish links to my Excellence Punta Cana wedding. My photographer was Severine from Photo Souvenir.

Wedding & Reception:

Snapfish: Share:Registration

Trash the Dress:

Snapfish: Share:Registration

If you have any questions, let me know.

Boston Bride 2009 · February 10, 2010

Diva,

We brought just about everything with us because we are very particular people with what we like. We did not bring the linens or the chair sashes however I would bring your own chair sashes because it cost $2.50/sash to rent. I made all of the paper items (program, napkin insert, pieces for our OOT bags). I made the ribbon things that went around the napkins. Let me know if you have questions on anything specific with our decor.

I'm not sure what you mean by the resort staff taking photos. Do you mean photosouvenier the resort photographer? If so then we did not. We flew in our photographer for three days. Many of the other girls used them and had great pics. There are photos throughout the thread that you might be interested in. I do know that each package includes some photography we just didn't use it.

Dolce, I'm so glad you are back on here you have a lot of great information to share and you helped me immensley.

Dolcenotte12 · February 10, 2010

Thanks Debbie! I'm so happy to help. It helps me relive my wedding every time!! I am so glad everything worked out so amazingly for you! Your pictures are so beautiful! We're actually going to book our 5th trip to Excellence in July!! Can't wait to go back to my home away from home!

Boston Bride 2009 · February 11, 2010

We are hoping to go back in November for the 3rd time. We are going to Italy in the fall so not to sure yet. I can't wait to go back. We do have to visit Benny's parents in DR at some point we we will get there soon enough!

staceysbride · February 12, 2010

Michelle,

I'm using the horse and carriage as well, my dad and I will ride in it to the beach so he can walk me down the aisle (is there room for the photographer to sit across from us to take pictures during that time?) and then I'm talking to Ana on whether hubby and I can get a ride in it after the ceremony to the first picture location. She said she thought that it could be arranged, but she'd have to check on it.

I'm in the process of ordering freeze dried rose petals for the aisle and table tops, etc, but I have no clue how long the path is? Do you remember by any chance? I was thinking of having the roses done from where the carriage drops you off to the altar, and am thinking that a bulk package of 28 cups should be more than enough, but I'm not 100% sure. Input?

I keep hearing about this veranda off the Lobster House patio, I'm thinking I'll have to keep an eye out for it and it may be where our cocktail hour will be. When you meet with Ana, does she walk you to the places on the resort, or does she have pictures? How did you know you wanted that location? Had you seen it already before the meeting?

It's good to hear Ana will pop up at the spa to help translate the hair/makeup desires. I was worried about that. I don't wear makeup normally, so I'm super worried about this aspect of the wedding prep. The hair, not so much worried about. There are many Dominician women with my texture (it's curly and thick so it takes a while to flat iron but it comes out so sleek and smooth when it's done right) of hair- so I'm sure someone there can do the hair. I'm more worried about making sure someone puts in enough gel/spray/holder to make sure my hair stays the way it was styled. Really, the makeup is a bigger deal to me. I want it to still look natural and too many people have made me up to where you can see it- as in the first thing you notice is all this makeup. I don't want my makeup to be so obvious that it takes away from or is a distraction in my pictures, you know?

Also, how did you have your nails done? I saw reviews on TA.com where women had gone and they said if it was a french manicure it didn't come out that nice, but those who had just a simple color said they loved it; so I'm debating getting it done at home right before I get down there.

Do you have to get dressed at the spa, or was that your choice? I was hoping to get my hair and makeup done, have my veil/tiara pinned in place, and then go back to the room to have help from my girls with getting into my gown. Speaking of, how easy is it to explain to someone how to lace up a corset if they've never done it? I'm thinking of having my seamstress take a video clip on how to properly bustle and lace the gown so I can show whoever is helping me how it should be done. Kind of hard to explain once you're already in said dress, i'd think. lol

Did you get photos around the resort too? Any areas that you remember that would make for great photo ops?

Nikki

Dolcenotte12 · February 12, 2010

hi Nikki...I think thats a nice idea to hop back in the horse and carriage for some pics with your new hubby.. I didnt think about what a great idea that was until days after the wedding..oh well!! I wasn't very comfortable in it anyway because my dress was so fitted..I couldn't really step up into it because there was no flexibility for my legs to move up and down! Hope you get your chance and it works out well! It makes a for a beautiful experience!

The photographer would have room to sit across from you, but Severine took some pics of me getting into it and sitting in it with my mother and then ran to the beach to get pics of my husband and bridal party right before the anticipated moment. Also, it is a tight squeeze and even if you got pics on there, no one would see that you were in the carriage anyway, I think it's better for the photographer to take the pictures at more of a distance.

Did you ask Ana how long the runner is..I'm not so good with numbers but i'd say its not so close..you do have to walk a bit to get to the "altar" lol. I'm guessing maybe 30-50 yards.If anything you can space them out more if you don't have enough.

The Lobster House veranda itself is not a huge deal..what makes it so nice is that it is separated by a walkway from the Lobster house restaurant. You also get the breeze from the ocean there because its close to the beach and has a nice view. I don't know how to attach pictures here, so if you message me your email address, I can look for my pictures that I have of it and send it to you. Unfortunately, we don't have wedding pictures of it because we were off on the beach doing our pics while everyone gathered there.

I am sure Ana takes brides around to different locations, that's why it is great to get there beforehand. I had the luxury of being at Excellence 3 other times previous to my wedding so I pretty much knew the resort inside out! I was all set on the Agave patio (beautiful antique architecture there) and last minute (night before) we changed our mind to stay closer to the beach, not having to worry about other Excellence guests walking through the party like you have to worry with Agave, and for our guests to stay cool. Everyone said the cocktail hour was great!

I wouldn't worry about hair either. They do an awesome job! And they make sure the style stays! They know it can breezy/windy on the beach. I'm a makeup artist part time (did my own makeup for the wedding) and I recommend a very natural look for the beach. I did my eyes a little heavier than I like normally, but I'm glad because you would not have see any eye makeup otherwise. I brought Smashbox liquid and halo powder and it was great in the sun! It stays, seems to be anti sweat, and is a great makeup for professional photos. For the eyes, I would avoid anything sparkly or too light in color and to not wear a black liner on the beach. I'm sure you can choose colors you like...and I'm sure you can bring your own makeup, go to Sephora and try some color and try the Smashbox, I love it. I sometimes wear Bare Escentuals on the weekends when I want something fast, but I did not trust it much in the sun as it has some irridescence.

My maid of honor took my "included makeup" session and her makeup came out really nice. She liked it alot.

I had a basic french manicure, my toes were awesome and my fingers were good, too. I had them touch up a couple of spots but that's how it usually is for me anywhere. They do it differently than here in the states, but it comes out fine. Your toes might make it ok, but I think you would want freshly painted nails especially because you will be showing off your ring in pics. The sun, sand, and surf will ruin your nails in one day!

I got ready at the spa and this was recommended by Ana and the spa ladies. They only say that because they worry the humidity and change in temperature (from spa, to outside, to room, to outside again) will affect your hair before you get to the ceremony. They said it is not a good idea to go back to your room. I agree. Besides, the spa is a nice place to take portraits before you head on your way.

I think you should pick a few people to learn how to lace you up so they are not surprised the day of lol. I was worried about this too with my bustle because my friend that altered and bustled my dress couldn't make it to my wedding and I was terrified I wouldn't get it on right and that no one would be able to bustle me so I dragged my best friend to her house a few times to learn how.

Also, besides the beautiful beach and spa before you get in the carriage, definitely take pictures by Agave restaurant. So antique there, the restaurant looks like an old castle. people can't believe it when I tell them that it's part of the resort. i would also consider taking some pictures in the gardens near the shops, beautiful spot there that we never made it to. Some brides take some pictures near the columns and walkways near the lobby, this also makes for some pretty shots.

Wow, I wrote alot! Hope it helps!

TRose · February 12, 2010

Hey, can you send me some pictures of the terrace as well [email protected] sounds nice. Also how big is the cascade pool area? I want to do my reception.

I went to a wedding last weekend and they did a "horseshoe" seating layout it was really nice and intimate i loved it. But it takes 3 long rectangle tables and I will have over 50 guests so I'm wondering if theres enought room...or can you only use round tables?

Thanks, Tiffany

Dolcenotte12 · February 12, 2010

Oh i found out a way to do it on here:

This is the agave patio..this is a great spot for pictures!! here it is in true color:

Snapfish: Share Photo:Registration

And here it is in sepia so you get an idea how some pictures might look:

Snapfish: Share Photo:Registration

these are the columns that are good for pictures too:

Snapfish: Share Photo:Registration

This is the lobster house veranda..I wouldn't call it a terrace really..who knows what to call it..looking at it again...I know I made the right choice for the cocktail hour..but seriously guests will be happy anywhere there is food lol

Snapfish: Share Photo:Registration

This is the best picture I had of the cascade pool area..to the left there is a wider space where tables would fit, it's not seen in the picture..I think Debbie did her reception by the cascade pool if I'm not mistaken..look at her pictures.

I like this for a wedding ceremony and for pictures. This is the natural park I referred to in one of my posts.

Snapfish: Share Photo:Registration

Let me know what you think of the pictures!