robinbood

Bumbles- you have teaser pics on Elizabeth's blog (Elizabeth Medina Photography) You and your hubby look so happy!

Great pics, Yamille! Looking forward to more!

Congrats, Yamille!!! It all works out in the end . Can't wait to see pics!

Congrats , Bumbles. I am so happy for you! Can't wait to see your pics from Elizabeth!

Bumbles- Congratulations! And Yamille- I wish you a wonderful day- can't wait to hear all about it! Best to you both.

Congrats, Freckles!!!!! I'm so happy for you . Great review Dana. I think there are threads about using photobucket to post photos (I haven't done it myself yet!).

Missy- WELCOME BACK!!!!!!!!!!! Lauren, your dress is great!

Hi Cac239,

We had sea bass and steak- both were delicious! The mahimahi is excellent too, but when we were there you could get a version of it at the buffet, so we wanted a fish that would be different.

Hi SMB&CRZ,

 

Both my mom amd my MIL were definitely hesitant about the whole DW concept- I ended up taking my mom down for a site visit in November before the wedding (Jan) to finalize everything, and so she could see we were not dealing with a totally undeveloped country, etc.- it was the best move I ever made! She came back saying "hola!". That being said, even if she hadn't been able to come down prior, i knew she and everyone else would love it once they got there, and some would stay skeptical until they arrived- that's just how some people are (afarid of change, etc), and we can't change them- so don't let them get to you (but also don't expect them to be supportive until they're at the resort, that way you won't be disappointed ). Hope this helps!

Thank you everyone for the compliments and well wishes--- I wish the future brides as happy a time as we had at our wedding, and all of us health, happiness and long, joyful marriages .

Kelly,

 

I am so glad you decided to share- I love your pics! Another beautiful PRC bride (and the groom too)!

Lauren,

 

Missy R used Swank and loved them (and she'll be back up on the site w/in the next two weeks, so you can ask her in detail).

 

Fanny and Freckles, I can't find the receipt that has the steaming . I swear I think it was less than $20, but I'll email Perla and ask her for a copy of our bill that has it and let you know for sure. Just a tip, I had the dress steamed 2 or 3 days before the wedding for minimal stress, and had my MOHkeep it in her room (the butler had actually returned the dress to our room and had left it out, so it wouldn't wrinkle- which was nice except my hubby almost walked in and saw it! I sent him away before he walked in and moved the dress to my MOH's room!).

I had my dress steamed at the resort and it turned out great and wasn't expensive- i will check the amount when I get home tonight and let you know!

That's great Carlos. How lucky for DR brides!

Hi Brooke,

 

WFor live music, would you consider a steel drum? That may be less, and fun. We had the mariachi band during the cocktail hour. Let Perla know what you could afford for live music and see what she comes back with- it can't hurt, and she may have some flexibility with rates/ideas. We saw a wedding with an ipod when we were there, and it looked/sounded great as well, so you can't go wrong .

Kim,

 

The pictures (and you and your hubby) are beautiful! I love Elizabeth's work so much! Congratulations!

Actually, I think I got a good deal because we were a larger party--we used Mannia and i don't think we even paid the $300 outside vendor fee (which, if we didn't, it probably was an oversite, because that is their policy). I never spoke w/ or had any dealings w/ Swank- Carlos came- Perla knows him, and he did a great job. I know Missy loved Swank as well. I hope this "supervising fee" concept goes away, because it's causing more grief than good. For you girls who are using another dj, did Perla mention this supervising fee too, or just Swank? I'd only go by what Perla says (and you can always discuss w/ her if there's an issue- remember, she's there to make your wedding wonderful!).

BTW, Kelly, did you ever post your pics? I think Missy asked you, but I haven't seen them!

Hi Meredith,

 

I wish you a Wonderful time!!! Also, Carlos is fantastic- he met us at the hotel a couple of days before the wedding, and it was great to go over things, and just know him before the day. You are in very good hands.

 

I emailed w/ Missy yesterday- she sends her best to everyone, and can't wait to be back!

Great pictures! I especially love the one w/ the red gloves!

I am so happy for you and your husband to be.

Hi Everyone!

 

I know it can be stressful, being far away from the resort/wedding site, but just know that the site is so beautiful-that the tablecloths, etc. add to the beauty, but don't make it (vs. if you were having a local wedding hall reception)!

 

As to deciding on the flowers, centerpieces, etc., they really are able to do quite a bit, but it is up to you to decide what you want. Keep in mind that local tropical flowers are cheaper (so orchids end up being cheaper down there than callalillies- the reverse is true up north).

 

I chose my and BM bouquets and the cake from pictures Perla sent me- a combination of pictures actually (style of one bouquet picture, but with the color of another), and I sent her the picture of the type of arch I wanted from a picture I saw online. Perla had told me that they can make/match anything, so any pictures from the knot.com, etc. are fair game . We chose the tablecloths and had a food and cake tasting when we were down there. I had a florist up by me do a mockup of the centerpieces and sent the pictures to Perla. She confirmed their florist could match them.

 

As for pricing, we at first thought the reception would be cost prohibitive, and were even planning to have the reception off site! But then I told Perla our budget, we reviewed what we wanted, and she came back well within our range! Had I used that approach from the beginning, I would've saved my DH and me a lot of early on grief (but it all ended up wonderfully in the end ).

 

And remember, they do have tons of weddings every week, so the response time via email tends to be "manana". Sending one list vs. several separate emails is a better way to go, and having the subject read "Response needed", or something like that, works well. Once you are there, they are completely attentive. Hope this helps! Your weddings will be wonderful.

Those pics will take your honey's breath away! Just gorgeous.

Hi Kate,

Yes, they are Jim Hjelm! My maid of honor had the teal dress, and it looks like one of my BM had the same dress as one of your others, but in the "tranquil" color. Guess good taste runs on the BDW . Elizabeth was sooo great to agree to do my wedding, and so great to work with- I still can't believe it worked out!

YES, you can pay by credit card!!!! Yay

Hang in there girls! I had a two week period where Perla was MIA- turned out she had been extremely ill, but then she was back to emailing regularly. I did have my travel agent verify that she was still there though, because it was a couple weeks before the wedding and I neded to make sure! One suggestion is to title your email "Please respond!".