GPBride2009

I am getting married at the Ocean Sand this May. I have heard alot of great things about it, and the price is fairly reasonable, we are flying from Toronto. The Wedding Coordinator is great, she is really quick to respond and very helpful so far. We are getting married in the Garden Gazebo. I kind of like taht it's a little bit away from the beach, it seems more private. I might be able to help if you have any specific questions.

I went to B&BW (in Canada) and they were sold out I was so disappointed.

Those are really nice! Thanks for sharing!

That's great info, thanks! And even better now that there is Bath & Body Works in Canada! YAY! I'm going to check it out tomorrow, wish me luck!

Robyn, I love your work! I received your price list today, and I am taking your advice, I'm going to see if there is another BDW bride who might be interested in sharing the cost to fly you down for the week of May 10-17, 2009. I am getting married at the Ocean Sands on May 12, 2009. If there are any other PC brides looking for a phptpgrapher for that week, it would be a great idea to share the cost... let me know!

They are gorgeous! I love the colour combo and the starfish. This might be a dumb question, but what do you call that straw that you used to tie the bow? I love that, what a nice touch.

I used weddingpaperdivas.com for my std's and I loved them so much that I ordered my invitations from them too, today! The quality is great! And they delivered my save the date cards before the estimated shipping date, which of course I was thrilled about! I have a coupon code for 10% off, let me know if you would like it ... I found it online It definitely makes a difference when you're ordering in bulk. I highly recommend them, and I love on the website there is an online chat function which is so convenient when you just want to ask a quick question. I did order rsvp cards, only because there are quite a few people on both sides of the family who are not very computer savvy. Although we do have a website, there is no rsvp function on it, so they would have to return the card to us. I guess it's pretty old fashioned, but I found it the simplest way to do it in our situation. Hope this helps!

Ditto! Thanks for sharing, I'm starting to think about my oot bags so this is very helpful! Especially the printer-friendly version. Thank you for taking the time to do this and to share it on the forum.

August 2008 Jazlyn & Albert: August 2, 2008 - Excellence Punta Cana Kirk & Christina: August 8, 2008 - EdenH Real Arena Punta Cana October 2008 Chris and Monica: October 4, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real November 2008 Danielle & Derek: November 6, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real PC Shelley & Jamie: November 6, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Camila & Louie... November 8, 2008 - Bahia Principe Punta Cana Amy & Jordan: November 12, 2008 - Gran Bahia Principe in Punta Cana Caitlin and Joe: November 14, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Kasia & Rob: November 17, 2008 - Majestic Colonial Louise & Brian: November 18, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Anil & Pam: November 20, 2008 - Ocean Sand Jessica & Dominique: November 22, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Cassie & Brad: November 24, 2008 - EdenH Punta Cana Lucy & Tom: November 24, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Shelley & Dave: November 25, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Erica & Larry: November 30, 2008 - Grand Palladium Palace December 2008 Miriam & Herman: December 5th, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana Taude & Jay: December 10, 2008 - Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana Tracy & John: December 11, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Kyle & Daina: December 12, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana January 2009 Jelena and Bojan: January 3, 2009 - EdenH Arena Michael and Nicole: January 8, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Heidi & Derek: January 10, 2009 - Colony Bay Resort Punta Cana Erin & Martin: January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Lindsay & Jamie : January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro Chantal & Sheldon: January 30, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Michele & Jo: February 18, 2009 - Edenh Real Arena Theresa & Stan: February 20, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana March 2009 Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Mamie & Joshua: April 2,2009 - Bavaro Princess Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Nancy & Kenny - April 23, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23rd (I think) - Occidental Grand Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Shannon & Dave: April 30, 2009 - Melia Caribe Tropical May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Karen & Anthony: May 12 2009 - Ocean Sand Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Velvet & James May 8, 2009 - Riu Palace Punta Cana June 2009 melnb & FI: June '09 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June '09 - Resort undecided Katy & Will: June 20, 2009 - Occidental Grand July 2009 Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial December 2009 Julie and Rob: December 4, 2009 - Grand Palladium Punta Cana January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess

Jenn (JenniferLynn) - May 10, 2007 Kaylee (kamay)-October 16, 2008 Fannie (royfa) - October 23, 2008 Lisa (Chiquita) - November 5, 2008 Melissa (MissyR) - November 27, 2008 Dianna (Destination0 - December 11, 2008 Rebecca (rebecca120 - December 17th, 2008 Connie (teacherbride) - January 19, 2009 Lindsay (seaprincess) - January 28, 2009 Amy (Amarillis) - January 28, 2009 Chantal (Chantal85) - January 30, 2009 Kate (kleslie5) - February 6, 2009 Ana (Ana) - April 1, 2009 Kristin (ryan's girl) - April 1, 2009 Michelle (shellb) - April 24, 2009 Shannon (Shay2679) - May 7, 2009 Karen (GPBride2009) - May 12, 2009 Sorcha (townie princess) - June 12, 2009 Michelle C (michellepicksbrent) - August 19, 2009 Heather (*Heather*) - October 22, 2009 Joanne (jpitts7 - Nov 19, 2009 Denise (FutureMrsLewis) - April 26, 2011 Daina(dainanewell)- December 12, 2008

Hello My family is also Catholic, so I had to look into this too. Actually there are some resorts that offer Catholic wedding ceremonies (in a chapel or gazebo, not on the beach). But there is alot of paperwork involved - getting written permission from your home parish, alot of back and forth between parishes and dioceses. What we are doing, is actually going to our Catholic church 2 days before we leave for the trip, and having a short and sweet ceremony, parents and siblings only, and then we are leaving for Punta Cana to receive a religious blessing/renewal of vows (even though the vows will be only 2 days old, LOL!) So we still get to wed in our home church (on a Thursday night), there is no paperwork required for the resort. Something to consider - although the only downfall with this is that we are in essence having 2 weddings, but the first one is similar to say, a Rehearsal, but we're actually signing the papers!

Great review! And also beautiful photos! Those were done through "Tropical Pictures" Photography?

I was wondering the same thing - which Palladium? I'm assuming Punta Cana because you mentioned you're deciding between Palladium and Paradisus and I know PC has both those chains.... I'm also a Grand Palladium Bavaro bride. You should search this thread "Married or going to be married at Grand Palladium Punta Cana?", there's a few of us there

No, unfortunately I haven't. I have been to Punta Cana once before, for a wedding LOL, and I loved it! Have you been to the resort before?

That's great! Good to hear! Yes, that was the easiest thing - booking the date - I was back and forth with the WC and then when I mentioned Renewal of Vows, she said, I could pick whatever date I wanted. Phew, that was easy! LOL I can't wait to hear all about your ceremony and see pics!!

I hope so... I guess I'm just not sure what to expect. I just hope that they still take it seriously, eventhough it's not legal in the DR.

I am so excited to see some Grand Palladium Brides here! We are getting married May 2009 at the Bavaro, and I agree, Carolina is awesome. I loved seeing the pictures in this thread, thank you! Great to see some other GP Brides... I don't think there are that many of us around Question: I am also having a Renewal of Vows Ceremony (since we are getting married the day before we leave) and the WC mentioned that the ceremony is performed by a Guest Services staff person?? Has anybody seen this done before?

I was pretty confused too...but after reading this thread, I feel better. I am going to get out my Save the Date postcards with a link to our website, and then I was thinking of sending out the formal invites in October/November? Is this too early? We are getting married mid-May 2009.... I guess I want to give people time to make a decision.... we are inviting 120 people. Yowzas!! Still unsure about the invite/rsvp deadline....

Wow, thank you all for the wonderful welcome!! I think I am already addicted to this site... so much helpful information that I have been looking for for sooo long..this is great! Glad to be here!!

July 2008 Jenna & Steve: July 1, 2008 - Sunscape Casa del Mar Erica & Jorge: July 5, 2008 - Iberostar Punta Cana Valerie & Richard July 10, 2008 - Ocean Blue Lindsay & Billy: July 11, 2008 - Paradisus PC Kristin & Justin: July 11, 2008- Dreams Punta Cana Terina & Roger: July 26, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana August 2008 Jazlyn & Albert: August 2, 2008 - Excellence Punta Cana Kirk & Christina: August 8, 2008 - EdenH Real Arena Punta Cana October 2008 Chris and Monica: October 4, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real November 2008 Danielle & Derek: November 6, 2008 - Paradisus Palma Real PC Shelley & Jamie: November 6, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Camila & Louie... November 8, 2008 - Bahia Principe Punta Cana Amy & Jordan: November 12, 2008 - Gran Bahia Principe in Punta Cana Caitlin and Joe: November 14, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Kasia & Rob: November 17, 2008 - Majestic Colonial Louise & Brian: November 18, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Anil & Pam: November 20, 2008 - Ocean Sand Jessica & Dominique: November 22, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Cassie & Brad: November 24, 2008 - EdenH Punta Cana Lucy & Tom: November 24, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana Erica & Larry: November 30, 2008 - Grand Palladium Palace December 2008 Miriam & Herman: December 5th, 2008 - Bavaro Princess, Punta Cana Taude & Jay: December 10, 2008 - Iberostar Bavaro, Punta Cana Tracy & John: December 11, 2008 - Melia Caribe Tropical Kyle & Daina: December 12, 2008 - Dreams Punta Cana January 2009 Jelena and Bojan: January 3, 2009 - EdenH Arena Michael and Nicole: January 8, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Heidi & Derek: January 10, 2009 - Colony Bay Resort Punta Cana Erin & Martin: January 13, 2009 - EdenH Real Arena Lindsay & Jamie : January 28, 2009 - Grande Palladium Bavaro Chantal & Sheldon: January 30, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana February 2009 Theresa & Stan: February 20, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana March 2009 Nuc Med Bride & FI: March 19, 2009 - Gran Bahia Principe April 2009 Kim & Chris: April 4, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Raquel & Dominick: April 17, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Jennifer & Eliu: April 18, 2009 - Paradisus Palma Real Michelle & Jeff: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical DRBride2009: April 24, 2009 - Meliá Caribe Tropical Aliya & Joey: April 24, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana Brittany and Jay: April 23rd (I think) - Occidental Grand May 2009 Shawn & Jeremy: May 2009 - Punta Cana (Still deciding on resort) Karen & Anthony: May 2009 - Grand Palladium Bavaro Punta Cana Yadira & Alexander: May 2, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana jhildebr: May 11, 2009 - Majestic Elegance Jennifer & Adam: May 11, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Meagan & Jeff: May 15, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jessica & Omar: May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana Kristen & Craig May 22, 2009 - Paradisus Punta Cana June 2009 melnb & FI: June '09 - Paradisius FYB87 & FI: June '09 - Resort undecided Summer 2009 FutureMrsRust & FI - Summer 2009 - Resort Undecided July 2009 Nadia & Julian: July 3, 2009 - Excellence Punta Cana Jenn & Chris: July 31, 2009 - Riu Palace, Punta Cana September 2009 Clare & Ross: September 7, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Chris & Martin: September 9, 2009 - Ocean Blue (date to be confirmed) Kristy & Vince: September 19, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana October 2009 Jeannie & Jorge: October 10, 2009 - Dreams Punta Cana Jen & Dave: October 10, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana November 2009 Veronica & Paul: November 5, 2009 - Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Leslie & Gerry: November 16, 2009- Majestic Colonial January 2010 Nicole & Michael: January 23, 2010 - Bavaro Princess

Thanks Angel!

Hello! I am new to this site and am so excited to read the threads. Our destination wedding is May 2009 in Punta Cana... still working to finalise a date with the Grand Palladium Bavaro. I am quite a research and question junkie so I am happy to know that this forum exists Talk to you soon! GPBride2009