Melissa and Edwin wed on the beach at a beautifully colorful destination wedding in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The couple shared with us the story of how the location, and the big day came to be.
Both of our families are from the Dominican Republic so it was a no brainer for us! We visited Punta Cana right after we got engaged and put down a deposit right away. We couldn’t wait to get married in paradise and be able to incorporate many elements of our Dominican culture.
We handwrote our own vows in personalized vow books. Needless to say, the vows were super emotional and everyone was crying as we read them. Edwin provided some comedic relief by including that he would always share his French Fries with me for as long as we both lived.
Edwin also made me a beautiful personalized book “The story of our love” as my wedding gift that had all the things he loves about me. I gifted him a personalized watch box with a brand new watch that he had been eyeing for years and never purchased.
We had many personal touches. Each guest was given a mini beach ball upon arrival to our venue and instructed to keep it until after the ceremony. Our friends and family threw the mini beach balls into the air (not at us) as we walked back down the aisle as husband and wife. We did a unity sand ceremony using sand that matched our wedding colors to symbolize us joining our lives as one.
We also honored our close family members that have passed with a collage frame on our welcome table that said “Share a toast with…” and had all of their pictures.
Each table for our reception was named after a place that held significance for us and our relationship. There was a frame at each table with details on the location, a map, and why it was special to us on our journey as a couple.
Our first dance as husband and wife. We did a three song medley of “Never Felt This Way” by Alicia Keys, “Mi Corazoncito” by Aventura and “Poision” by Bell Biv DeVoe. No one knew that we had choreographed moves and that we were mixing different songs. It was the perfect mix of emotion, Dominican culture, and fun! The first dance ended with cold fire sparklers illuminating the dance floor and our guests were wowed!
Advice from the newlyweds for future destination wedding couples?
Stay organized and on top of your guests! Everything will depend on the number of guests who attend so send save the dates with details early on to give your guests adequate time to plan!
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Katya Nova Photography
Wedding Vendors: Wedding/Reception Dress: Alvina Valenta from Kleinfeld Bridal, Videography: Araña Productions, Wedding Venue: Jellyfish Restaurant, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Hair + Makeup Artists: Krystie Anne Hair and Makeup, Cake: Cake Studio Bavaro, Desserts: Punta Cana Cakes, Favors: Dominican Favors, Crazy Hour Entertainment: HOTS Productions, Officiant: Pastor Marcos Lykins, Travel + Accommodations: Destination Weddings
