2013 Paradisus Palma Real

[Rotha Penn]

Opps, Sorry Rotha I see that you did write that some of your pic were jot at altos de chavon. How did you fit it all into your wedding day?

It was definitely a jam packed day but well worth it because I love photography. I had hair and makeup at 9 and finished around 11:45 or so. Went to my sister's room to get dressed and David got dressed in our room. We had 2 photographers that's why there are shots of both of us getting ready. We then met in the lobby for our first look pictures which took us to about 12:15. A few pictures and we were on our way. You are correct it is about 90 minutes away. We had an awesome driver (booked Cesar in advance with Yessica) and got us there by 1:30. My photographer took care of the paperwork in advance so it saved us time - there are fees to be paid and information for security purposes. We had 2 solid hours of shooting before we all wanted to pass out from the heat and hunger since none of us got a chance to eat beforehand (recovering from the day before on the boat ). Somehow Cesar got us back to the resort at 4:30 where we met with our respective bridal party. Technically they all should have been ready to go if not almost finished and we could have taken group pics in advance but not the case with this gang. Instead photographers snapped shots of everyone getting ready until our ceremony which started at 6:00. After the ceremony, everyone went to the beach for group photos. We then sent everyone that wasn't in the bridal party to the cocktail reception and continued to take more photos until about 7:30 where we joined everyone at Olympus Terrace (cocktail hour). Everyone was then escorted to Apollo Terrace for the reception at 8:00. David and I were held back so they could introduce us. For the reception, we immediately went into our first dance and then dinner (buffet style). We had tango dancers during the meal. Afterwards, parents dance, speeches, cake cutting, dancing/shots (the bar staff kept finding ways to get us taking shots - really professional and fun crew). We saved the fire show for the end since we had to relocate everyone back to Olympus Terrace. After the awesome show, we were fired up and since we were close to the beach, we decided to run into the ocean. If that wasn't enough we jumped into the pool on our way back Hotel security didn't care for it but after the debacle with the wedding, I didn't really care. We all went to change out of our wet clothes and met at the Red Lounge to party and dance the night away until they closed. It was so much fun! Sorry for the novel, but wanted to show that it is possible for the trek to Altos de Chavon should you desire.

[Rotha Penn]

Wow Thanks Rotha! We are having our reception at Apollo and are thinking of adding the fire dancers if it fits into our budget. Right now we are trying to figure it all out. I decided to not go with the passport invites and do some linen starfish ones....which are 1.90 from zazzle.com We are trying to spend less and add more later on. The chill out chic seems to be the best right now....not sure!!! Thanks for you input. Please let us know of anymore tips. EV you are next CONGRATS Lady!!! 

Definitely cut corners where you can because it does add up pretty fast. We thought we would be saving money by doing a destination vs in town because we had a tiny group vs the 120+ we would have had in town, not so much. We actually spent more than our original budget because we wanted everyone to enjoy it since we knew it was about $1400/person (flying out of CVG is very expensive). For example, tango dancers were nice but definitely not needed. Like I said before, since we had a small group, we cut the DJ out and just used iPod with the basic sound package. We're a bunch of dancing fools so we didn't need a DJ to get us on the dance floor. The basic bouquet is pretty so no need to upgrade unless you want a bigger one for your pics. I regret upgrading since I'm pretty sure I held it for a total of 15 min max. Also, no need to do centerpieces for the cocktail reception tables. I don't even remember what they look like since everyone was excited about the food and drinks. Don't be afraid to ask for substitutions. We did for cocktail and dinner menu and no charge so long as they approve. We didn't do didn't dinner menu cards since it was buffet. We didn't upgrade cake and it was delicious, just bring your own cake topper. My biggest advice is to enjoy your day no matter what. At the end of the day, if it's a vendor that you didn't choose, there is a good chance they will disappoint you. I gave them plenty of feedback in hopes that it will help future brides so fingers crossed. And yes, best of luck EV! You've worked so hard for this, so enjoy your time off. Can't wait to see your pics because I know you are going to be a beautiful bride.

[Rotha Penn]

Seriously, have fun everyone no matter what. Hopefully, we are only doing this once so savor it to the last second.

 

 

 

 

[angelnjewels]

Hi Ladies, So I just got an email from pastor York stating thy he will no longer be able to work with us due to some issues w PPR!!! I am so pissed. Why don't they make it simple for ppl... ITs OUR WEDDING DAY for goodness sake!!!! I am so angry we wanted sitdown we can do that anymore everything is becoming an issue!!!! Ladies we will get through this!!!

[angelnjewels]

Rotha, Thank you for your words!!! I have to look at the big picture overall I am sure it will be ok... it's just the agrivation leading up to it that's annoying... Thanks for the pics!

[ma329]

@ angelnjewels we didn't do the group rate in the end.... My family all got better deals booking air and hotel together! We are getting married in July and most people booked back in January average price was $1500 per person air and hotel for 7 days 6 nights from newark nj direct flights! And that is in the reserve! Honestly it is worth it to do a package especially since u are paying for your parents! My sister her husband and two kids paid 3200 for 5 nights air and hotel in the main resort for 5 days for nights total for everyone.

Did they use a specific website to book the package?

Sorry, I didn't mean to be Debbie Downer. You are all going to be lovely brides with beautiful weddings. I just wanted to set everyone's expectations so you can communicate that with the Romance team. I had a good debrief with them yesterday and I understand what the mishaps were a result of. Just over communicate and don't sweat the small things and you will have an amazing day. I'm a PR manager and events are part of my job so my expectation levels are off the chart. Now that everyone is gone, we are having a blast on our honeymoon. We upgraded to an oceanfront room in Royal Service and it is spectacular. The private pool and beach areas have become our sanctuary. Francisco at the beach will get you the beds and Gloria the bartender was awesome. If anyone is planning to use a car service for trips outside the resort, book through Romance. Yessica got us a great deal $150 for 4 hours and he took us wherever we wanted. His name was Cesar and he was amazing. He carried my shoes and bottles of water throughout Altos de Chavon in the sweltering heat. Best of luck and let me know if I can answer any other questions.

Thanks so much for the details!

[EVKnowsitall]

Omg ladie we finally leave tomorrow! Thanks everyone for the well wishes. I haven't been on the thread because as you can imagine its been crunch time. My bachelorette party was this past weekend- I just got back this past Monday and I lost my phone the day we got there so I haven't been able to get on. I probably won't be able to post anything anyway but I'll definitely hit the thread back up upon my return. So excited! Thanks ladies for all your great advice, compliments, and convos. Off to DR in a few hours, married on Friday!

[luza87]

Hi ladies! I just got married at Paradisus Palma Real on Friday and the wedding day itself was perfect! The romance team is on top of everything and did an amazing job! There were  few glitches with the resort itself especially the check in process but other than that it was a wonderful vacation and wedding day! I will post a few pictures very soon!

[luza87]

file://localhost/Users/christianvasquez/Pictures/iPhoto%20Library/Masters/2013/07/02/20130702-090623/img-303.jpg

[luza87]

Hey all, this is the link to my 1st wedding album on facebook. There are 4, the albums are public so you would be able to see them all.

I hope they help you in some way!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.944652292510.1073741826.43903271&type=1&l=a05e889718