april4884

Thanks! I was really worried about my meeting with Mayte since she wasn't responding to my email to set it up and honestly, it wasn't scheduled till right before we left. She had another wedding that night but we were escorted upstairs and she came and met us. Although we hung out drinking and eating free stuff :-) it was pretty quick and painless. I struggled greatly with the music too. I thought doing it myself would help the budget and we didn't really view it as a DJ-type reception. Plus, being crazy, it was nice to know all the music that was going to be played. After researching the topic, I discovered the style of music in the DR is more of a spanish speaking Soca and Merengue and less Calypso/Steel Drums. For us, we decided to make it what ever made us happy. With the music I already had on my computer it only ended up being about $70 and I asked my mother for an iTunes gift card for my shower so it didn't cost us anything. We just used an ipod and had another one loaded up as a backup. Keep in mind two that it helps to number the playlists so they are in order for the person controlling it. Also, there are settings you can set in iTunes to help adjust all the songs to the same sound level as well as do fade-ins. Here's two websites that helped me: http://blog.gethitchedweddings.com/2011/11/how-to-have-successful-ipod-wedding.html?m=1 http://weddingrepublic.com/blog/diy-wedding-building-your-own-wedding-reception-playlist/ Going into this I had no idea what the vibe of the night would be (people crazy and wanting to dance, just chill, etc.) so I tried to be prepared for everything. Turns out everything was perfect and I got many compliments on the music. Sorry the list is so long, hope it helps. 01 Procession- Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World: Israel Kamakawiwo’ole (I just used the What a Wonderful World portion) 02 Recessional: Ultimate Party: Krosfyah & Edwin Yearwood 03 Cocktail Hour (1 Hour): Boo-Boo Man: University of Akron Steel Drum Band Caribbean Pirates: Caribbean Party Music: Jamaican, Calypso, Steel Drums, and Other Everybody Loves a Saturday Night: University of Akron Steel Drum Band Festival Steel Drums: Caribbean Party Music: Jamaican, Calypso, Steel Drums, and Other In Your Eyes: Wayne Wonder Island Song: Zac Brown Band Jamaica, Farewell: University of Akron Steel Drum Band Jamming: Bob Marley Jouvert Barrio: University of Akron Steel Drum Band Now or Never: University of Akron Steel Drum Band One Love/People Get Ready: Bob Marley One Woman Man: UB40 Outcast : University of Akron Steel Drum Band Rhythm of Love: Plain White T’s Rum and Coca-Cola: Gene Mitchell Sweet Calypso Woman: Steel Tropics Toes: Zac Brown Band Want Fi Charge: Gramps Morgan Yellowbird: University of Akron Steel Drum Band 04 Reception Dinner (1.3 Hours): Where the Boat Leaves From: Zac Brown Band Gotta Tell Someone: UB40 Plenty More: UB40 Golden Eyes: Tony Curtis Love’s Contagious: Tarrus Riley Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy: The Tams Perfect One: Sizzla Loving You Forever: Roger Robin Like An Angel: Maxi Priest Love Stomach: Khago That Girl: Jah Cure Nothing: Jah Cure Better Together: Jack Johnson You’re Just Right: Kashef Lindo Jah Love: Iration Darling It’s You: Gramps Morgan Heaven In Your Eyes: Glen Washington The Sun and the Wind: Gene Mitchell Your Love: The Dirty Heads Cabin By the Sea: The Dirty Heads Love Stories: Beres Hammond 05 Reception Party (2.5 Hours): All Aboard: Atlantik I Gotta Feeling: Black Eyed Peas Let’s Get It Started: Black Eyed Peas Marry You: Bruno Mars Just the Way You Are: Bruno Mars Forever: Chris Brown My Love: Da Bhann Tu y Yo: Enrique Iglesias Sweet Caroline (Reggae Version): Freddie McGregor The World is Ours Tonight: Gloriana Sweat (A La La La La Long): Inner Circle Down : Jay Sean Till My Last Day : Justin Moore Your Love is My Drug: Ke$ha Die Young: Ke$ha Guitars and Tiki Bars: Kenny Chesney Beer In Mexico: Kenny Chesney Pump Me Up: Krosfyah Ultimate Party: Krosfyah Say Hey (I Love You): Michael Franti &Spearhead Love Like This: Natasha Bedingfield Tonight is the Night: Outasight Raise Your Glass: Pink Always On My Mind: Phantom Planet Give Me Everything: Pitbull Don’t Stop the Party: Pitbull Gangnam Style: PSY Umbrella: Rihanna We Found Love: Rihanna I Am a Bajan: Rupee Jump: Rupee Blame It (on de music) Rupee All Night Til Mornin’: Statement Wanna Be (Right Dey): Statement Santeria: Sublime Don’t You Worry Child: Swedish House Mafia One of Those Nights: Tim McGraw Numb: Usher Knee Deep: Zac Brown Band 06 Reception Backup Mellow (58 minutes): You and I: Ingrid Michaelson The Way I Am: Ingrid Michaelson Marianne: University of Akron Steel Drum Band I Got You: Thompson Square Sunshine: Steve Azar When the Sun Goes Down: Kenny Chesney The Life: Kenny Chesney Magic: Kenny Chesney Lucky: Jason Mraz You Make It Real: James Morrison I Do: Colbie Caillat Angel: Shaggy Kokomo: The Beach Boys Flip Flop Song: University of Akron Steel Drum Band Smile: Uncle Kracker God Gave Me You: Blake Shelton 07 Reception Backup Party (1.1 Hours): Kings and Queens: 30 Seconds to Mars Telling the World: Taio Cruz Dynamite: Taio Cruz Got Your Back: TI Live Your Life: TI Stuck Like Glue: Sugarland Letting Go: Sean Kington Sube y Baja: Los Hermanos Rosario Mujer Prohibida: Los Hermanos Rosario La Duena del Swing: Los Hermanos Rosario Esa Muchacha: Los Hermanos Rosario Tik Tok: Ke$ha No Me Digas Que No: Enrique Iglesias One Day at a Time: Enrique Iglesias Club Can’t Handle Me: Flo Rida

Hello everyone! I just got back from our wedding at Jellyfish.... I have read many reviews in the past and heard MANY times that Mayte is busy and to just trust that it will work out. Being that I am the type of person who has an 11 tab wedding spreadsheet that has always been difficult to understand. Let me tell you though, once you get there it will all change. I don't know how she does it all but the day felt perfect. Mayte does so many weddings that she is beyond a pro and will anticipate every possible detail you can imagine. There were 20 of us total and we stayed at Dreams Palm Beach. Great resort for our party. Not too big that you can't find anyone but not too small either. The night we got there we took a cab to Jellyfish to go over details and drop off some cash. She brought us a huge plate of appetizers and like 7 full sized drinks to help us choose our signature cocktails. We decided on 3 appetizers-bacon wrapped shrimp, spinach ricotta hot pockets, and chicken skewers. All were amazing. For drinks we did a Pina Colada for guests as they arrived and both a Caipirinha and Coco Loco for cocktail hour. For the main menu we chose a Cesaer Salad or Caprese Salad and then had a menu that included all their regular items but with everything about $30 removed. The day of, I got my hair and makeup done at the resort. I brought pictures I had taken when I did my dry run back home and allow she didn't seem to look at them greatly and there was a huge language barrier, she did amazing. A van picked up our guests and the groom in the lobby (Mayte setup) at 4pm and another one came for my dad and I 15 minutes later. When we got there I stayed in the van and went immediately down the aisle from there (about 5:00). We had Jorge Allocco do our photography for 3 hours-which started as our guests arrived. The restaurant and beach looked AMAZING! Although Mayte does an insanely wonderful job, the setting is so picturesque that anything would do. We had Pastor Rick do the ceremony and I didn't even meet him until I got down the aisle. The ceremony was wonderful. I walked down to What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, which Mayte had perfectly cued. We did not have a DJ but did pay for sound. I did the entire playlist myself on iTunes (which had a very Caribbean vibe-I did TONS of research and this was probably the most stressful aspect of the day. Anyone feel free to ask for my playlist if interested.) and was very pleasantly surprised when there was an emcee there to coordinate it all. I also didn't pay extra for any form of dance floor yet the restaurant had something set up. Originally, we had the ceremony scheduled for later but moved it up when I realized when the sun was going to set. I'm really glad we did because we ended up losing light for pictures. Dinner was amazing and the atmosphere was priceless. We didn't rent out the whole resort but honestly did not see anyone else that was eating there because they were escorted to another part of the place at the door. We were planning on doing wish lanterns but it ended up being too windy. The staff there really was willing to do anything to make our guests happy and were extremely flexible. We ended up having buses come back around 10pm for our guest which allowed some of the older, and younger, people to get some sleep while the rest of us just hung out at the resort bar. All in all, it was nothing short of perfect. My husband and I had disagreed with my wanting to do the wedding and reception at Jellyfish instead of the resort but after seeing everything he was beyond grateful he trusted me. We saw many resort weddings and thought they were incredibly impersonal and cookie cutter. One of our guest actually almost ate at a wedding the first night because he thought it was just a buffet on the beach! It was the greatest decision we made! I have no doubt that every single bride was does there wedding at Jellyfish will me ecstatic with the results! I know it's extremely difficult but seriously trust that everything will be amazing and let it go, you will enjoy it way more that way. If anyone has questions, don't hesitate to ask. I got a lot of good information from other people's experiences. Sorry my review is so long! Here's a few pictures... With Mayte

Here's the information she sent me that I used... JELLYFISH INTERPIRCES, INC. Address: 6500 RAINBOW LN DAVIE FLORIDA *954-229-4361 *786-222-3868 Bank of América ( Florida- USA) address: 15891 SHERIDAN ST FL 6-987-01-01 FL6-987-01-01 Account # : (898029330756) Routing number : (063000047) Swift code : (BOFAUS3N) ZIP CODE: 33331-2148 Paper (ex. Ordering Checks): 063000047 Electronic (ex. Direct Deposit/Automatic Payment): 063100277 Wire Transfer: 026009593

Here's what the brochure said... PREMIUM DESCRIPTION + Whisky Dewar's 12 años + Johnny Walker Black Label + Chivas Regal + Cognac Hennessy + Vodka Absolut + Pinot Griggio + Pinot Noir + Ginebra Bombay + Tequila Reposado + Ron Brugal Extra Viejo + Ron Brugal Blanco + Bailey's + Frangelico + Grappa + Cerveza Corona + Agua embotellada Price 20,- US $ Per person per hour INTERNATIONAL DESCRIPTION + Dewar's White Label Johnny + Walker Red Label J&B + Absolut + Castillo de Molina Sauvignon Blanc Fume Res. + Castillo de Molina Cabernet Sauvignon Res. + Tanqueray + Tequila White & Gold + Brugal Añejo Rum + White Brugal Rum + Amaretto + Sambuca + Kahlúa + Corona + Bottled Water Price 15,- US $ Per person per hour LOCAL DESCRIPTION + Local Whisky + Local Vodka + Local Tequila + Santa Carolina Premio Red & White wine + Local Gin + Brugal Carta Dorada rum + Brugal Blanco Rum + Peach Liquer + Banana Liquer + Presidente Beer + Soft Drinks + Orange, Pinapple & Passion Fruit Juice + Bottled Water Price 10,- US $ Per person per hour

Did anyone get the 3G promotion with Dreams when they booked? We got $100 per person vouchers for the resort and I can't get a response from anyone as to what they are good for. Anyone have a clue?

Here's the Jellyfish Wedding pricing brochure... WEDDING BROCHURE.pdf

For people getting, or have gotten, their hair and makeup done at the resort spa, how far in advance did you make appointment? I'm emailed the spa twice now (even including pictures of my hair) and have not gotten a response. My wedding is in January and it would be nice to know it's all set.

Hello everyone! I was wondering if anyone knows how the music works at Jellyfish. We are paying for sound but not a DJ and I just figured I could hook up an ipod. Does anyone else plan on doing this for the ceremony and reception?

BRIDETOBE2013: I am SO excited to finally possibly have an answer for someone instead of a question! We are staying at Dreams Palm Beach and I had the same problem as you at first. Just when I was about to give up, I tried a link on this page for the Best Destination Wedding Travel Agents. Not only was she able to get me a group rate but the price ended up being substantially better than the current rate on the resorts website. The rate also includes transportation to/from resort and airport. AND we are getting some of our nights for free. All in all, we are very happy with this find. You will likely have to put a downpayment (ours was $100/room) but you get it back when your guest book and you have time to release extra rooms without penalty if done by a certain date. The travel agent can go over all the details with you. I recommend you try them and if nothing else, you will have gotten some answers.

BRIDETOBE2013: I am SO excited to finally possibly have an answer for someone instead of a question! We are staying at Dreams Palm Beach and I had the same problem as you at first. Just when I was about to give up, I tried a link on this page for the Best Destination Wedding Travel Agents. Not only was she able to get me a group rate but the price ended up being substantially better than the current rate on the resorts website. The rate also includes transportation to/from resort and airport. AND we are getting some of our nights for free. All in all, we are very happy with this find. You will likely have to put a downpayment (ours was $100/room) but you get it back when your guest book and you have time to release extra rooms without penalty if done by a certain date. The travel agent can go over all the details with you. I recommend you try them and if nothing else, you will have gotten some answers.

Just confirmed our Jan 21, 2013 date! YAH! So excited! Mayte's confirmation email made me smile ear to ear! Is anyone using Mayte's contact for hair/makeup? I think the resort (Dreams Palm Beach) would likely be much cheaper but I don't know.

Hello everyone! After reading everyone great reviews of Jellyfish I decided to change my whole wedding/reception from the resort to the restaurant. I'm really happy and excited with that decision! :-) Mayte seems like a real genius and every picture I have seen is amazing. I did, however have a few questions I was hoping someone could answer (Mayte's answers are a bit confusing).... Does the $500 for a ceremony set on the beach include decorations (chairs, chair bows, gazebo, etc) If not, is there a price list for these things? What about music for walking down the aisle? We would like a religious ceremony, would that cost extra? What would the $500 for the Decoration place & tables include (table linens, center pieces?)? I had read on the resorts page that we had to be on the island 3 business days (not counting Sunday, the day we arrive, or wedding day) prior to the ceremony. Is this true for all legal DR weddings? I'm sorry to be a pain and ask so many questions! You all are too knowledgeable for your own good! It feels so good to have a place to go to ask these questions....major weight lifted off finding this website!

Thank you SO much! This helped a great deal! I got in touch with Patty as well (from the link at the top of page) and am amazed at the results compared with what I was looking at on my own. Definitely the way to go! I'm just so relieved that now I feel I got my guest the best rate possible.

Hello everyone! I feel like I already know you all from reading the forum. We just decided on Dreams Palm for our Jan 2013 wedding :-) SUPER excited. Thank you all for the information thus far that has helped us feel great with this decision. I do have a question perhaps someone can help me with.... How is everyone working out a group rate/payment (if you don't mind me asking)? We are looking at 20-30 people and it seems as though the only way to get our room free/upgrades is to book and pay for the whole thing at once. We are very uncomfortable with asking guests to pay us back personally for their rooms but I also hate to miss our on our free rooms. Any input/suggestions would be extremely appreciated. Does a TA get us the free rooms without us paying? Does anyone have a good TA they recommend?