adobrzanski

We hired Carlos from DJ Mannia for our November 7 Wedding at Grand Palladium Punta Cana. I think we were one of the first couples to use DJ Mannia's services in the Dominican Republic so I just wanted to post a little review for future brides. Carlos was great to work with and was always quick to respond to any questions via email before the wedding. Once we arrived in Punta Cana, Carlos met with us at the hotel to discuss details. We were still unsure whether we were going to have a private reception or a beach party and Carlos was very patient and understanding. He was willing to set up wherever we decided and just told us to let him know once we decided. We had sent Carlos a list of songs we wanted to be played during dinner and for the dance as well as special songs such as first dance, cake cutting, bouquet toss ect. He came prepared with all of these songs downloaded and even had his IPOD during our meeting so we could listen to our first dance song to make sure it was the right one. He also wrote down the names of the whole bridal party and order in which they would be entering the reception so that he could introduce us all as we did not have an MC. We ended up doing a private reception and when we arrived Carlos was all set up an ready to go. He had contacted the wedding coordinator in order to find out exactly where and when he should set up. He did a great job of introducing us when we entered the restaurant as well as played everything off the list that we sent him. I had requested that in addition to the song list we gave him, if he could take requests from our guests and he was very happy to do that as well. During the reception he did a great job of communicating with my husband and I as to when to announce the first dance, cake cutting, bouquet and garter toss and he even suprised us with balloons about halfway through the dance that everyone had a great time with! We would highly reccommend Carlos from DJ Mannia to all future brides who are getting married in Punta Cana! We were extremely pleased with his services.

Hey Beach bum, not sure if we can have it in the new gazebo or not. we were origionally going to have it in the old gazebo until I found out there is a new one. Yes Fr. Jean is my contact too and I have not asked him about the new gazebo. I am just planning on figuring it out during our meeting with Carolina.

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover really!!! This is NOT the information I got from the priest in Punta Cana. If only I had got real information, maybe I could have done what I wanted all along (to get married by a priest on the ocean) Fustrating!!! I do know the extra work, don't you need to get your priest from home to sign something as well?!? I was told this too. *sigh* Courtney:LOL real shoes?! you've gotta post them!!! I'm sure you'll have no problem finding flip flops, not sure what your looking for, Old Navy still has a wall of them, for $5 Or you can find an avon dealer, they have some really cute ones, still! CaribbeanLover: That totally sucks that you got wrong information. It is definately doable. It looks like your wedding is not until April so you still have time if you want to do the Catholic thing. I can send you the priests email address of who I've been dealing with down in Punta Cana if you want. And yes, you have to have an interview with your priest at home - like you would normally do but you have to get explicit permission from your priest to allow your marriage in punta cana. Oh and P.S. You cant have the ceremony on the beach - only in the gazebo or a church. Angela

Quote: Originally Posted by Gooner Hi Adobrzanski, Thanks for the info. This was a confusing point for me as I do NOT plan on getting married in my home country (Canada) prior going to the Dominican, based on your message I assume you are doing the same? When you are talking about a catholic ceremony in the gazebo, would this be the new Gazebo just built? Also what are the extra charges for a Catholic wedding as I know its more expensive. Thank You -Chris Gooner, We are not doing anything legal wise for our marriage in our home country (Canada). all the legal aspects are being taken care of in Punta Cana. I emailed Carolina and asked if we are able to use the new gazebo and she said it was fine as long as its ready by then, so hopefully we can have the ceremony in the new one

Quote: Originally Posted by caribbeanLover if you pm me your e-mail address I do have a pic of the beach reception. You can do catholic ceremony, but in DR they only marry you in the church. So what you could do, get married at the church with the priest. Then arrange a different time for the judge to come and make it legal at one of the gazebo's. Or, you can get married at Home with your priest and then go to DR and do a symbloic wedding (cheaper) I am having a legal catholic ceremony in the gazebo in November, so it is possible. There is quite a bit of paperwork involved. You need to send it to the priest in the dominican 2 months before your wedding for approval.

Does anyone know what color chair sashes/ table runners the grand palladium has? We are doing a private reception at La Uva, can you rent white chair covers and how much? Thanks!!!

Quote: Originally Posted by sperger I had asked Carolina for 4/17 since it is a Saturday, but I'm not sure that it's not possible to be married on the weekdays. Ours is a catholic wedding, so I needed the priest to be available on that day too, and we'll be in the gazebo. The private reception is an additional $1000, at one of the a la carte that is on the beach. My ceremony time is 2:00 pm, and I'd really like it to be later in the day. I emailed Carolina about changing the time, or even the day with the priest, she is going to think i'm crazy soon. But I'm just worried that it'll be this huge stretch of time before the actual reception and dinner. PM me if you'd like me to email you the package info that I received from Carolina! Hi, I am getting married at the Grand Palladium in November 2009 and am having trouble getting replies from Carolina to my emails. Just wondering if you would be able to email me the package info that she sent you. Thanks! Email is [email protected]

Does anyone know if it is a requirement to be in the country 3 business days prior to a catholic wedding? Has anyone arrived less than 3 days before and had any problems Our wedding is November 7 and we are thinking of flying in November 4th in the afternoon. (November 6 is a holiday). Would this be ok?? Thanks!

I am having a legal catholic ceremony at the Grand Palladium and have been in touch with the priest directly. He is going to perform the ceremony in English.

Hi everyone! Planning to get married in November 2009 and am trying to decide between Punta Cana DR or Guanacastle Costa Rica. I have read alot of Punta Cana reviews but can't seem to find much on Costa Rica? Has anyone had a wedding there or been to one that is willing to share their experience? Any info would help! Thanks