Reviewed on Nov 23, 2020

To set the scene, my now husband and I decided to have a destination wedding in his home country of the Dominican Republic to make it easier for his family to attend. Thank GOD we did especially before COVID...but we also had that alcohol poisoning scare leading up to our wedding. Now flashback to 9 months of planning with Dreams Punta Cana day-of wedding planner and myself...which I thought would be a breeze. As the owner of day-of coordination wedding business, I already had my timeline, decor ideas, make-up artist, officiant and photographer booked. The resort provided these services included in my package (Dreams of Love), but as an African American bride and DOC in the states, I already had my favorites. The resort sent their required documents about 6 months in advance and the bulk of our communication was done via email. I selected all decor form the resorts' rental company Caribbean Celebrations. My fiancé and I traveled to DR for Christmas 2018 and I scheduled a tour of the resort and met our day-of. The wedding event spaces were gorgeous! The rooms were less than average and could have used some updating. Our package included the following: Service of Judge or Minister Wedding organization and personal touch of on-site wedding coordinator Preparation and ironing of the couple’s wedding day attire Complimentary room for one member of the wedding couple the night before the wedding (based on availability and upon request) Bouquet(s) and/or boutonniere(s) for wedding couple Two boutonnieres and two corsages for wedding party Hairstyling and makeup application for one member of the wedding couple for day of ceremony Wedding Cake and sparkling wine for up to 20 guests Private cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres for up to 20 guests (1 hour, Silver Hors d’oeuvres Menu) Private dinner reception for up to 20 guests (3 hours, Silver Dinner Menu) Natural floral centerpiece for the sweetheart table (1) 36 full color photos and wedding album (taken during ceremony) Special turn-down service the night of the wedding 15% discount on all spa treatments (boutique purchases not included) Newlywed Package Late check-out for the couple (based on availability and upon request) Free Anniversary Nights (stay a minimum of 5 paid nights over first anniversary date and receive 2 additional nights free or stay 4 paid nights over first anniversary date and receive 1 additional night free) We selected to be married in the Garden Gazebo, with a cocktail hour and the reception at the Himitsu Terrace. We added string lights above our tables and the Caribbean Trio for cocktail hour music. We planned for 100 guests, so there was an additional cost per person for everything --outside of the 20 guests included in my package. Full service DJ (additional cost, but at the resort). We also selected the Dominican buffet and it was our BEST decision. The food was amazing! Our guests still talk about the food they had at our wedding. I used what was included in the package and rented additional items from the rental company. OH I made my bouquet, the boutonnieres and the bridesmaids wreaths. You are required to arrive at least 5 days before your wedding. During that time, you have about 2-3 meetings to review wedding details. As wedding clients, your bar package is preferred (top shelf liquor) which is nice given how much money we already spent! During these meetings, many things had to be revisited (timeline of the day, labor hours of staff, spa timeframe, layout of space, etc) which caused additional funds to be spent and a very unhappy bride. My biggest compliant: The DOC admitted to knowing I needed to be charged for an additional hour since I had my wedding ending at 10 PM, but didn't think it was wise to tell me and reverted everything up an hour. Instead of advising me during our meeting, she sent a new schedule to my room and asked for my signature to confirm details. After all of my tears, and trying to understand why she didn't say anything my fiancé just gave her the credit card. But on wedding day, everything was executed properly. Overall the communication and attention to detail could have been better. I got my whimsical wedding, surrounding by my friends and family. I couldn't have asked for a better day. If you're considering this resort, I definitely suggest a smaller guest count but also get married as soon as you arrive so you can enjoy the resort more for the remaining days. The beach, cabanas, activities off the resort and the DR are amazing. The people are even better. MUA: @jaimemakeupoficial Hair: @chimerechapman Dress: @betsyrobinsonsbridal Photographer: @stephenreasonover Bride: @pcktfulofsunshine Groom: @yearofthefatboy

Guest Type: Bride
Wedding Date: Oct 1, 2019