Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe

[Trish Upshall]

Thank you for your review and pictures, your wedding was beautiful! I did read your review before, I haven't posted many posts on here but do find ALL reviews and information given, super helpful in helping me plan my wedding. I think many people responded re Trivera's review because she was an avid poster prior to her wedding on here and i think many people formed a relationship with her because of that and were highly anticipating her review.  I am sure many people read and were thankful for your review as well so thank you for posting it and your pictures for all of us to see!!

[Reign14]

teena84...

 

Wow, that is a pain. Thanks for the heads up!

 

I think what happened was you both posted your reviews at the same time and and a lot of girls were eagerly awaiting trivera's return since she had been keeping us posted up until she left. I definitely read your review and it was certainly no less helpful. I wouldn't take it personal. We pop in and out of this site in between our busy lives...sometimes I want to respond to a post and simply run out of time or get distracted by my real world responsibilities. Congratulations on your wedding and thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[natalieblev]

Hey teena! I hate that you feel like this! I want you to know that I read your review and appreciated all the details so very much!! I have been on here for a year now and i swear we all wait anxiously for someone to come home and give a review and it was just so crazy all of a sudden there were four brides and grooms posting reviews! The other girls are right, it really was just that Tamara has been on here so long and ive been talking to her for a year now so it just felt natural to ask her follow up questions! I hate that you feel that way though cause i know so many of us appreciate you taking the time to tell us about your wedding!! And great to know about the symbolic as that is what i will be doing! Thanks so much for following up too!! Now I gotta go check out your pictures!! 

Originally Posted by teena84 

It's funny how everyone thanked Trivera for writing her review and congratulated her but no one thanked me for taking the time out to do the same and congratulated me.  My review might've not been as good as her, but it still took me a while to write it all out.  I know I was not consistent in posting anything much, but it was still a big post for what I wrote, so it would've been nice to be acknowledged of that.  Forgive me if it sounds like I'm PMSing, but that's just my thought.  Anyway, I will not let this stop me from continuing to try to help out future brides.

 

So, if anyone cares...here's a link to some pictures my brother took: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ledavid/sets/72157633797992761/

 

It has some shots of Bar Higuey.  I'm still waiting on the professional pictures from my photographer.

 

A tip for those of you doing a symbolic wedding - after your ceremony is over, and you sign the certificate there, REMEMBER to take it from your master of ceremony or assign someone to take that certificate right away and keep it!!  I was so caught up in my ceremony after it was over, the guy gave the certificate back to the wedding coordinator, Marlene, and she kept it.  After the reception, she went up to me to ask when will I come by to pick up my cake topper, but DID NOT say anything about the certificate!!  I had no idea she had it!  I thought, since it was just a cake topper (which I didn't pay for much), and I was so busy, I didn't take my time out the rest of the trip to drop by her office to pick it up.  HAD SHE TOLD ME that she also have my certificate, I would've for sure made time to drop by to pick that up along with the cake topper!!  Now that I want that certificate back, I have to pay for shipping it back to Toronto.  With DHL, it's about $50, with UPS, it's over $70!!

 

 

I came close to creating a label to have the thing shipped back to me when I remember to check the wedding package, and under Strawberry Passion package, it states the following for #3:

 

"Delivery of the marriage certificate by UPS."

 

I immediately had my friend who speak fluent spanish, to call them up to ask them why we would have to pay for the shipping charge of sending that over when it states that it's part of the package.  The idea was to speak to Marlene, but Susana picked up, and according to her, they'll only be responsible for delivering the certificate if we had a legal ceremony, not a symbolic one.  The package didn't specify WHAT KIND of marriage certificate!!  She said she'll email me with the cost for DHL, but when I was dealing with Marlene, SHE told me that she called DHL, and was told that I have to go to a DHL from my end, and fill out some form and pay for it here first.  I called up DHL here in Canada, and they said according to their system, they can't pick something up from Punta Cana to deliver back to Toronto, so I don't know how Susana will give me a quote for the shipping charge.

 

Quite annoyed at this whole thing right now.  Technically, THEY should be incurring the shipping charge since Marlene didn't tell me she had the damn thing in the first place!  Had she did, I would've just picked it up there myself when I was still there!!

[Bjeantil]

Hey Teena, I also read all the reviews here and they all have been extremely helpful but like the others have said Most of us built a bond with T and that's why she had overwhelming responses. I appreciate your review and thanks for sharing the pictures you were beautiful!

It's funny how everyone thanked Trivera for writing her review and congratulated her but no one thanked me for taking the time out to do the same and congratulated me.  My review might've not been as good as her, but it still took me a while to write it all out.  I know I was not consistent in posting anything much, but it was still a big post for what I wrote, so it would've been nice to be acknowledged of that.  Forgive me if it sounds like I'm PMSing, but that's just my thought.  Anyway, I will not let this stop me from continuing to try to help out future brides. So, if anyone cares...here's a link to some pictures my brother took: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ledavid/sets/72157633797992761/ It has some shots of Bar Higuey.  I'm still waiting on the professional pictures from my photographer. A tip for those of you doing a symbolic wedding - after your ceremony is over, and you sign the certificate there, REMEMBER to take it from your master of ceremony or assign someone to take that certificate right away and keep it!!  I was so caught up in my ceremony after it was over, the guy gave the certificate back to the wedding coordinator, Marlene, and she kept it.  After the reception, she went up to me to ask when will I come by to pick up my cake topper, but DID NOT say anything about the certificate!!  I had no idea she had it!  I thought, since it was just a cake topper (which I didn't pay for much), and I was so busy, I didn't take my time out the rest of the trip to drop by her office to pick it up.  HAD SHE TOLD ME that she also have my certificate, I would've for sure made time to drop by to pick that up along with the cake topper!!  Now that I want that certificate back, I have to pay for shipping it back to Toronto.  With DHL, it's about $50, with UPS, it's over $70!!   I came close to creating a label to have the thing shipped back to me when I remember to check the wedding package, and under Strawberry Passion package, it states the following for #3: "Delivery of the marriage certificate by UPS."   I immediately had my friend who speak fluent spanish, to call them up to ask them why we would have to pay for the shipping charge of sending that over when it states that it's part of the package.  The idea was to speak to Marlene, but Susana picked up, and according to her, they'll only be responsible for delivering the certificate if we had a legal ceremony, not a symbolic one.  The package didn't specify WHAT KIND of marriage certificate!!  She said she'll email me with the cost for DHL, but when I was dealing with Marlene, SHE told me that she called DHL, and was told that I have to go to a DHL from my end, and fill out some form and pay for it here first.  I called up DHL here in Canada, and they said according to their system, they can't pick something up from Punta Cana to deliver back to Toronto, so I don't know how Susana will give me a quote for the shipping charge.   Quite annoyed at this whole thing right now.  Technically, THEY should be incurring the shipping charge since Marlene didn't tell me she had the damn thing in the first place!  Had she did, I would've just picked it up there myself when I was still there!!

[teena84]

Hey ladies, You girls are so understanding of my hissyfit earlier. Thank you for not lashing out at me, which I was worried someone ought to. I apologize if any of you thought I was a b*tch for speaking my mind. I have nothing against Tamara - like I said, I met her at the resort without even knowing it was her, and she was so sweet. I even got to witness her beach wedding, which was beautiful, and their vows definitely got me all teary-eyed. Anyway, moving on, shall we?

 

My wedding photographer posted up some teaser photos on his facebook...I've been a horrible client because I've been bugging him everyday via voicemail, facebook msg, whatsapp msg, and email about an ETA on when he'll be finishing up my pictures.  He finally responded yesterday, and today he posted up 15 pics to shut me up.  And shut me up he did, because the photos are amazing IMO.

 

Let me know if the following link work for ya - if not, search Aaron Willcox Photography, like his page, and you'll see my album as the most recent one:

 

 

TIP: If any of you are going to have an hour or two or more, to kill, between end of ceremony and the commencing of your reception, and are worried or freaking out what the heck your guests would do between this time, don't stress about it.  My ceremony was around 15-20 min, and people spent about half hours afterwards to take pictures at the ceremony location, which was the garden gazebo.  After that, we had arranged for the train to come pick all of us up and took us back to the main lobby.  Our guests didn't mind having a couple hours to themselves to get back to their room to shower, change, maybe squeeze in a quick swim at beach/pool, before changing to their evening wear for our reception.  I really thought about doing cocktail hour for my guests for in between ceremony and reception, but I was really trying to save money wherever I could, and thought it was unnecessary to have to pay for cocktail hour when people can just go to the lobby bar themselves for drinks, or sports bar for snacks.  We already paid a big chunk of money for the wedding, and flight, and hotel for all inclusive trip, so why the need to pay extra for your guests to drink again?  Anyway, just food for thought.  I know Tamara did a cocktail hour though, and they really set up everything really lovely.  It's just unfortunate my budget is super tight, or else it would've been nice too.

[alycamille]

Hi ladies! Just want to start off by thanking all of you for your awesome posts. I've literally gone through the entire thread over the last few days & you've all been so helpful! I'm currently booked at the Hard Rock for Feb 2014, but as we find the rates there too high, we began looking into other resorts. This site has helped me so much. I pretty much fell completely in love with the BBPD. (Except of course with the slow responses) As of now, I'm waiting on Susana to reply to see if my date is still available. I'm getting so excited & hoping we'll be able to celebrate our wedding here. Does anyone know how many people fit on the pier for a ceremony? From looking at pictures I'm thinking about 30? Also waiting for Susana on this one. Thanks so much again & I hope I'll be able to plan along with the rest of you!

[MissJali]

Hi Teena,

 

I wanted you to know that I absolutely read your review and had even showed my FI your video to "Danza Kuduro" since we have considered doing our own bridal party dance to the song. The song seems to be the theme song for my wedding. I didn't get a chance to thank you for your review but I did read it and appreciated it. I, like, many of the girls here have grown close to TRivera and even bug her with my questions outside of this thread. I don't want you to feel that your review didn't count. I appreciate the advice regarding the symbolic ceremony certificate also. I will be sure to have someone make sure I pick it up!!! As far as the cocktail hour, I also don't feel like spending the money but it does look amazing to have!! 

[MissJali]

Originally Posted by alycamille 

 

Hi ladies!

 

Just want to start off by thanking all of you for your awesome posts. I've literally gone through the entire thread over the last few days & you've all been so helpful!

 

I'm currently booked at the Hard Rock for Feb 2014, but as we find the rates there too high, we began looking into other resorts. This site has helped me so much. I pretty much fell completely in love with the BBPD. (Except of course with the slow responses) As of now, I'm waiting on Susana to reply to see if my date is still available. I'm getting so excited & hoping we'll be able to celebrate our wedding here.

 

Does anyone know how many people fit on the pier for a ceremony? From looking at pictures I'm thinking about 30? Also waiting for Susana on this one.

 

Thanks so much again & I hope I'll be able to plan along with the rest of you!

Hi Aly,

 

I looked at the Hard Rock also and hated the outrageous quotes I was getting!!! I am having the ceremony on the pier and Susana told me 55 is the max on the pier. You will not go wrong with your wedding at BBPD. They've done such amazing jobs here. I have not read one review where the girls have regretted their decision in this resort. Welcome!!!

[teena84]

Originally Posted by alycamille 

 

Hi ladies!

 

Just want to start off by thanking all of you for your awesome posts. I've literally gone through the entire thread over the last few days & you've all been so helpful!

 

I'm currently booked at the Hard Rock for Feb 2014, but as we find the rates there too high, we began looking into other resorts. This site has helped me so much. I pretty much fell completely in love with the BBPD. (Except of course with the slow responses) As of now, I'm waiting on Susana to reply to see if my date is still available. I'm getting so excited & hoping we'll be able to celebrate our wedding here.

 

Does anyone know how many people fit on the pier for a ceremony? From looking at pictures I'm thinking about 30? Also waiting for Susana on this one.

 

Thanks so much again & I hope I'll be able to plan along with the rest of you!

 

Hi Alycamille,

 

I don't know how many people can fit the pier (which looks amazing from the pictures they posted up on their facebook page), but I remember from reading somewhere or maybe speaking to Susana, that to have ceremony on the pier, they will charge you extra.  Maybe a couple hundred dollar on top of whatever wedding package you pick, or more.  I could be wrong, but I could've sworn I asked her about this because when I saw those pier pictures, I actually considered changing my garden gazebo ceremony location to the pier.  So just be prepare for that.  Also, you may want to take into consideration for your guests.  Having your ceremony at the pier wouldn't have any shade or shelter for your guests, so they would be in the bright sun for the entire ceremony.  Some people may not mind, but if it's a blazing hot sunny day, it could get uncomfortably sweaty for your guests and your fiance, especially if he's wearing a suit.  I picked the garden gazeo because there's more privacy, so no onlookers from the beach in their speedos taking pictures of you, or ruining your pictures, but also, the gazebo is big enough to hold your guests and provide them with shade.  I went to Jamaica last year for a wedding, and the ceremony was outdoor, no shade or shelter, and they didn't provide any fans for the guests, so we were all drenched in sweat, and all got burnt.  It was pretty digusting.

[teena84]

Originally Posted by llewald 

 

Hello-

I am currently trying to pick my location for the ceremony BBPD. I originally picked the Oceanfront Gazebo, but now I am a bit terrified reading other entries about how close it is to the pool. The pictures definitely do not show that and I don't want to be in the middle of pools!

 

What are your opinions about the garden gazebo? This wasn't my first choice, but seems a lot more private and intimate. I am also considering the beach, but once again, heard stories about crazy beach-goers extremely close the ceremony.

 

Any help would be great! I am also working with Marlene and waiting  for responses. We are getting married in Feb 14

Hi Ilewald,

 

Congrats!!  The gazebo by the pool is at the end of the walkway between two pools, so you'll have onlookers for sure.  We didn't have our ceremony there, but we did walk down there afterward to have our pictures taken with our wedding party, and people in the pool would gather and cheer you on.  It was kind of nice though, I got a few congrats from strangers.

 

I will try to attach a picture, hopefully it works...it's a picture of us by the pool gazebo (excuse our kiss), and you won't see much but a big piller beside us.  But that pillar was photoshopped by my brother to be bigger, because the original photo had a guy in speedos from afar in the background, and he extended the pilar to cover him.