NancM

Dana, Love the "message in a bottle"...did you do those yourself or have them made? Do each of your guests get one when they book their trip? Great idea! Nancy

Don't know what happened to my number 8, but my sons are seven and eight yrs old!

Ladies, LOVE the pics of all the dresses each of you have chosen...and love how each of you is doing something different. I would like to be able to post a picture of mine, but my FI also checks out this site with me and I want the dress to be a surprise, so it will have to wait until after Nov. 16th...can't believe how quickly this has come up! Yikes, not much time now...we are trying to work on a ceremony script right now, as well as our vows; didn't think it would be as difficult as it is. Yanna sent me their standard scripts, but they are very generic, so we are attempting to personalize it. Also, want to include my boys (ages 7 & as much as possible, so I asked if they would be willing to do a short reading - a poem entitled "What is a family?", and they aren't being too receptive about that idea, sooooooooo, not sure what to do now. They love the idea of the wedding and can't wait to go away, but I just don't think they want to be front and center with us for the entire ceremony! We are, however, doing a unity candle, which they are pretty excited about; go figure, tell them they can hold a lit candle and they're in!!! Dolfinluck, Thanks for link for the chocolates; I just placed an order for some starfish (in pink - just hoping it's a dark one, but if not, my boys will still eat them!). Can't wait to get them to see how they turn out! Bee, So looking forward to reading your review when you get it posted. Thanks again for taking the time to write one. Dana, Not sure if you were looking for paper lantersn, but I ordered a few from a place in the States called the Paper Lantern Store. Definitely worth checking them out, especially if you have a frined or a U.S. address to which you can have your order shipped to, to save on shipping costs. Check out the link: http://www.paperlanternstore.com/ Prices are VERY reasonable, and they have tons of colours to choose from. Happy planning everyone, Nancy

Hi Bee, Â Congratulations...and thank you so much for sharing your stunning photos with us. You and your husband looked like you walked off the pages of a magazine. Simply breathtaking... Â I too look forward to reading your review, if and when you get a few minutes to write one. Â Quick questions about your nails and your cake: Â 1 - I know you talked about getting your nails done before leaving; were they the gel tips, and if so, how did they last? We are leaving on a Thursday morning and the ceremony is not until the Tuesday, so it would be almost a week after having them done, so I'm not sure if it would work out. Â 2 - The flowers on your cake were beautiful...were they ones you brought down with you, and if so, where did you find them? Â Again, everything looked beautiful, and it seems as though people were having a great time! Congrats! Â Nadia, Â Wow, you were really there for 1 month??? That is amazing! Thanks for giving us some good news about the resort, Yanna, the ceremony. I'm so glad everything went well for you and your husband. Congratulations to you both and welcome home!

 Hi Bee,  You're too funny...sounds like you are having a GREAT time!!! Good for you and your husband. You're making me so excited about getting there, seeing the resort and meeting Yanna & HDC. I cannot wait to see your pictures...  And yes, you made sense...enjoy yourselves!  Nancy Â

  Congratulations Bee!!!!!  I was thinking of you all weekend, wondering how your big day would go. So glad to hear it went as well as it did. Thanks for the update, even though you are on your honeymoon! Now get back to your vacation and enjoy yourself with your new husband.  Like all the other brides to be on this site, we can't wait to read your review!  All the best, Nancy Â

 Bee,  You will most likely not see this until you either get home or sometime on the trip if you're checking your email, but I just wanted to wish you and your fiancé all the best on your wedding day!  I hope the sun and good times are plentiful...enjoy it and have a wonderful vacation!!!!  Nancy Â

 Hi Pink Petals,  Good luck with your vases...take Dana's advice and use ziploc bags to contain them, just in case. IF something were to happen to them, I have no doubt that the resort would have replacements you could use...you may be able to work something out with them once you arrive, if need be. It will all work out...don't worry about it. I know, easier said than done, right?  As for Elke, I'm going to have her do our ceremony too...I know Sunandsand said how great she was, so I'm really looking forward to having her do it.  Nadia,  Best of luck on your big day! I wish you and your fiancé lots of sunshine and happiness. Like all the other brides-to-be, I can't wait to read your review.  Gaby,  Good luck with this weekend's party...here's hoping your guests enjoy themselves as much as those who went to your DLR wedding!  Dana,  How excited are you to have your dress? You picked it up State side didn't you? Did they do the alterations for you before you brought it over?  I had my dress at home right after I bought it, until I finally brought it in to the seamstress, and I used to try it on all the time when no one was home...sad but true! Each time I'd get something new, like shoes, earrings, necklace, etc, I'd put it on. I have a fitting this Thursday and can't wait to see how it looks. I bought it back in February for a steal, but I wanted the back changed from a zipper to a corset, so this will be my 1st time seeing it like this. Can't wait to try it back on...and my best friend, who can't go away with us, will be joining me, so at least she'll get to see the dress when it's on.  Nancy

Congratulations Gaby!  You and Eric sound like you had a wonderful time and made the best out of every moment, as it should be! Last night, my fiancé and I looked at your photo album that you posted here and it was simply breathtaking..you were a radiant bride, your hair was stunning and your dress, beautiful.  I just looked at all your photos again and it makes me more & more excited to get there. Quick question, if you don't mind: did all of your flowers come from the resort florist? They were very pretty, including the bright orange bouquets your girls had and the groomsmen boutonnieres. Nice job...  Everything looked perfect and it was so sweet to see so many smiling faces, all having a ball! Great job guys...thanks for coming back and telling all of us about it, and sharing your memories and pictures.  Nancy

Hi Pink_Petals, I know that, for HDC, we did ask Arnaud about the use of Paypal for the remainder of our bill and because they have internet service in the Preferred Club area (and maybe elsewhere, I'm not sure), that's how we'll be paying for that. As for the SSG and any other "extras", I believe it will be done via Credit Card, but I'm not 100% sure about that. As for the cost of the SSG, I have yet to receive confirmation from Yanna about that, just that she did explain that we will be choosing items from the SSG menu prior to the reception. I emailed her earlier today, so we will await her response, but I was sure to include Tiara's email indicating the cost back in April when we had discussed this with her. Hoping that they too will honour that pricing. Keeping my fingers crossed...I'll let you know what they come back with. Dana, Thank you for posting the interior shot of the SSG...the more I think about the weather there, the more I like the idea of eating indoors for the reception! At least we know that it's a viable option and hopefully we could still have the dancing out on the deck. Thanks again... Nadia, With you having booked so far in advance, there should be NO way they can charge you that newly added cost for bar service. It would be highly unfair. Best of luck... Nancy

Pink_Petals, I couldn't agree more!!!!! This constant changing in prices, times, etc...is beginning to wear very thin! I just sent Tiara and Yanna an email since neither of them have responded to our last one that was sent on June 14th. We were given the original rate back in April of this year which DID include drinks and menu, so this price difference is not sitting well with me AT ALL. We went with the "free" package but it's becoming more and more ridiculous at every corner...need a dirty martini! We'll see if either Tiara or Yanna get back to me...I'll let you know what I'm told. Nancy

WOW lizzyjayne...stunning phots and great review!!! Contratulations to you and your husband. I'm so glad it all turned out beautifully. I keep showing the ladies I work with all of your pics! Each time a new one comes up, I call them over to have a look. Thank you so much for coming back to the forum and for letting us know how everything went. I'm so thrilled to be able to work with HDC for our wedding. Thanks, too, for telling us about the suite you were able to get for the day of the ceremony...a wonderful idea, and one I never would've thought to ask Yanna. You were radiant...and the girls looked beautiful in their dresses too! I do have a question about the flowers you had: were they from the resort or did you bring them with you? They were gorgeous and a terrific colour. I also loved your husband's boutonniere...a nice change from others I've seen; again, was that from DLR or brought with you? Thanks! Nancy

SunandSand, WOW, that is soooo beautiful; what a great way to honour your children. I bet there wasn't a dry eye on the beach...I know I'm tearing up. I've been looking at vows online to include my boys and to find something that my fiancé can say to them since he will, essentially, be joining our family as their stepfather. We want this to be so special for the kids...it's not just about us. We did get a unity candle (one for blended families), with all of our names inscribed on it, as well as the date of the ceremony, but I love the reading because it's a promise that you and your husband made to the children. Again, simply beautiful... As for the Dr. Seuss reading...I remember reading that to the boys when they were little; I've got to get a copy of it again and take out the parts we'd need. Your ceremony must have been wonderful. Thanks again for the advice. Now, must dry my eyes, and try to work! Take care, Nancy

SunandSand...posted a reply on your review thread, but wanted to congratulate you on this forum as well. Your photos are amazing! I've been away for a while and have been getting caught up...congrats to all the new brides and to all the new brids to be! Gem...welcome back from your honeymoon! Glad to hear that it went well. Congratulations to you and your new husband. Looking forward to reading your review. dolfinluck...Love the new wedding photo of you and your husband; beautiful! Hope the two of you are enjoying your official honeymoon!!! Pink_Petals...congrats on the civil wedding! Can you believe it's only a little over a month away WOW! Saw the photo of you in your gown...you look gorgeous; I'm sure you cannot wait to wear it in the DR. As for the open bar, I haven't the slightest idea about that. We're still trying to get a straight answer about the SSG for our dinner/reception. We've been given so many different answers from Tiara and Yanna and haven't received any replies within the last couple of months. I understand that they are extremely busy, so will just have to trust that it will all be worked out before November! Can't remember who was asking about which type of heel to get for their wedding, but after reading this forum, I decided to go with a wedge heel at the suggestion of other DLR brides. The aisle leading up to the gazebo would make it a bit difficult, in my opinion, to walk with stilettos (although I LOVE them!)...probably a safer bet with a wedge. telly032...I've also got an ivory dress and purchased some tulle for the gazebo a while back, but have since decided to go with paper lanterns, again, after seeing other brides on this forum use them and seeing how beautiful they looked. From what I know, the staff at DLR will put up your decorations for you...don't believe they charge for this service, do they Good luck to you... Sorry for being so long winded...it's been a while! Nancy

First off...Congratulations SunandSand!!! You, your husband, your children, guests, looked AMAZING! So wonderful that you took the time to review and allow us to view your pics. Thank you for sharing and I'm glad you made the best of your situation with respect to the travel portion of the trip. Good luck to you with your TA...hope something can be worked out for you and your husband. Hearing how your children read from Dr. Seuss is such a GREAT idea...my boys are going to be 7 and 8 at our wedding and we want to include them as much as possible, and that is the most original reading I've ever heard and so appropriate, especially for kids! Kudos for thinking of that...would you be offended if I possibly used your idea with my own boys? So glad we also booked HDC...everytime I see their work, I get more and more anxious to work with them on our day. They truly are amazing! Thanks again... Nancy

Hi ladies, Congrats Heather (dolfinluck) - glad to hear your day went well. Thanks for coming back to the forum and giving us feedback! It's much appreciated. Congrats KPEG - hope you had a great wedding! Pink_Petals - your dress is beautiful and the picture does NOT make you look big AT ALL. It's gorgeous...thanks for all the pictures of your planning, decorations, etc...will you be shipping all of this down there ahead of time, or will you be packing it all with you when you go? I'm so afraid of breaking anything, I'd be a nervous wreck on the plane! Welcome DRbride2011 - my fiancé and I will also be going for 2 weeks; 1st week with the rest of our guests and my 2 boys, 2nd week alone. I'd love to say we're getting a honeymoon suite for the 2nd week, but right now, all of us are booked in the Preferred Club, so we'll most likely just keep what we have, unless, of course, we change our minds when everyone leaves. So many options, and so many other decisions still to make! I don't kow how many honeymoon suites there are unfortunately...sorry. Has anyone heard from Yanna lately? I received an email from her on the 11th of May advising me that she would be our WC (replacing Tiara), but she hadn't answered any of the questions I had sent, so I responded to her that same day and have yet to hear back from her. I know they're super busy with weddings right now, so I don't want to email her again, but was curious about whether anyone else is getting replies. Thanks! Best of luck to our "next week" brides: fyniac - May 26, 2010 VallieR - May 29, 2010. Hope you both have a wonderful time! Nancy

Hi flowersfizz28, We also booked HDC for our wedding and we can't wait to work with them. We went with them after others on this forum had recommended them. They did not take long to get back to us...perhaps a day or two and then it all went pretty quickly. Arnaud sent us their package prices, and once we reviewed them and asked about other items, we were sent a contact, filled it out and paid for our deposit (20% - I believe) via Paypal. Arnaud said he'd be in touch @ 2weeks prior to the wedding, or we could email at anytime if we had any further questions. We let Tiara know, and as Pink_Petals and Amy said, you'll only have to pay for a day pass for each photographer/videographer that HDC sends to DLR ($60 per person). Good luck... Nancy

Best of luck to you "dolfinluck"...enjoy every moment of it! Looking forward to reading your review when you return. Congrats!!! Nancy

Hi flowersfizz28, I've only seen pictures of the pier and it really does seem pretty...I believe some of the other brides on this forum have had their cocktail hour there, so they may be better suited to help you. I'm not sure how I would feel eating on the beach for the sole reason of the possibility of sand blowing around when I'm trying to eat...other than that, I'm sure it would be beautiful too! Not very good at this advice thing, am I? As for the weather, that too I'm not familiar with, but I don't think it cools down too much...again, others who've been there would know more than I do. When are you going to be there? Nancy

Hi ladies, Congratulations Liane & thank you for posting your review! Again, we appreciate the feedback. Sounds like you, your husband and your guests all enjoyed themselves. I look forward to seeing photos if you have the time to post them. Thanks Nadia for putting the list of wedding dates back on the board...realized I've never added my date. Congratulations everyone & best of luck to everyone still planning their big day! LaRomanaBride - Feb 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! Bridget - March 15, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! jlcoon - April 13 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! Jenne - April 21, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! LaRomanaStacey - April 22, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! Odarcka -April 26, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! Amy - April 28, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! Maybride2010 - May 3, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS! hjack - May 7, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS (date twins)! brbr.bo - May 7, 2010 - CONGRATULATIONS (date twins)! Heather (dolphinluck) - May 15, 2010 KPEG - May 19, 2010 fyniac - May 26, 2010 VallieR - May 29, 2010 LizzyJane- July 6, 2010 GEM - July 9, 2010 Andrea (sunandsand) - July 14, 2010 Nadia - Sept 3, 2010 Pink_Petals -Sept 10, 2010 Nancy (NancM) - Nov. 16, 2010 LastMinuteCouple - Jan 12, 2011 Everyone's comments and advice have been terrific. Have a great weekend! Nancy

Amy, I read your review... Thank you so much for doing that for everyone else to see. You looked stunning and it sounds like you had an amazing time. Each time I read a review from one of the DLR brides (thank you ladies!!!), it makes me more excited about my own. I hope that I too can learn to relax and simply enjoy each moment and go with the flow. Did you upgrade wedding packages or did you go with the "free" one? Also, did they provide any music for you to walk down the aisle to, and if so, is that part of the DJ service? Sorry for the many questions...any help is greatly appreciated. Best of luck to you and your new husband, and to all the soon-to-be brides! Nancy

Jenne, You looked radiant on your wedding day...your gown was gorgeous and everything just looked amazing. I've seen your other pics on the DLR thread; thanks for posting them...we too are having our reception at the SSG, but we've been told we can only have it until 10 pm, but at the same price that everyone else was quoted ($1000 + tax). Not quite sure why, but we're hoping that that will still leave us with enough time to dance after our dinner. We've got the "free" package, and will not have a DJ but rather our IPOD and docking station, so hopefully we can make do and be done by 10! Again, thanks for all the beautiful pictures and the review...makes it seem more real and a whole lot more reassuirng to hear from someone who's been there, done that. Best of luck to you and your new husband!

Best of luck to you and your fiance Jenne...have a great time and a beautiful wedding!

Hi Fyniac, My fiancé and I are having the same issue with the meal too...we're not sure if we should just limit the dinner itself to our immediate families and then hope everyone can be seated near us, or if we should just rent out a restaurant (most likely the SSG). We're getting the "free" wedding package, so any guests over 10, I believe, are additional costs. We've got enough time to think it through, but, considering it's an all-inclusive resort, it doesn't seem right to pay for meals. But...we also have 2 little ones with us (my boys are going to be 7 and 8 when we're there) and we've promised them they could dance after the ceremony, so we're left with trying to find a way to let them do that too! This "free" wedding is beginning to cost more and more each time we turn around. One thing I'm very excited about is the photographer...we decided to go with HDC Photo and have already booked Arnaud for the afternoon. Everyone on this site was right about him...he's been amazing to deal with and responds right away to emails!!! With so many weddings happening in April and May, I haven't had the heart to email Tiara lately...I know we have ample time to make more decisions, so we'll let her focus her attention on where it's needed right now. Hope everyone on this thread is doing well and the plans are running smoothly! Nancy

Thanks everyone for your kind words and welcome to this site. This is, by far, the perfect place for anyone planning a DW. Nancy