Friday, July 23, 2010

Choosing the Venue for Your Destination Wedding


Bride and groom in front of waterfall at Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort, Poipu , Kauai - Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai


Where do you start when it comes to selecting a venue for your destination wedding? The very first thing you want to do is to plan a theme. Once you have decided on that, then you want to select your gown. Once those two things are done, begin to figure out where you want to hold your wedding making sure the location matches with your theme, your dress, and your budget. David Tutura brought this point home on his weekly TV show, My Fair Wedding. In one of his shows, a New York City bride was telling him that she loved frogs so she wanted her wedding to take place in a swamp. She had chosen a feminine, princess-style wedding dress and his comment was that her formal ball gown did not match with a “swamp” theme. Obviously he convinced her to change the dress and moved the reception to a huge tent with beautiful, lush tropical plants draping from the ceiling.


Grand Lawn Gazebo at Gtand Hyatt Kauai - Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai


There are so many different choices it’s hard to decide where you want this memorable event to take place. Many resorts and smaller hotels throughout the world have appealed to the wedding market by offering beautiful sites for exchanging your vows and providing numerous options for the reception whether it‘s on the beach or in one of their restaurants. Choosing a site that can be used for both the ceremony and the reception can help eliminate some of the cost and save time. With the busy lifestyle of the modern day bride and groom, many couples are seeking sensible and practical solutions when planning their wedding while decreasing stress and making things more manageable.


Seaside Wedding Chapel at Grand Wailea, Maui - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae


More and more couples are choosing sites where they can have the ceremony and the reception in the one location for a number of reasons:

Flexibility: Most guests don’t want to wait for hours between the ceremony and the reception. If you are having your wedding at a resort, the ceremony time can be much more flexible. In fact, you might want to have you reception immediately after your ceremony. Your guests will definitely appreciate that they do not have to wait around for a long time between the two events.


Wedding reception at Shipwreck Lagoon at Grand Hyatt Kauai - Photo courtesy of Grand Hyatt Kauai


Weather: If you plan your wedding outside at a beach or a garden, you definitely want to have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather. Most resorts will have an indoor back-up room reserved for you just in case, so you have one less thing to worry about.


Covered area for weddngs at Kauai Marriott Resort - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae


Timing: When travelling from one event to another, you never know what the traffic will be like. In fact, many of your guests who are not familiar with the area may get lost and be late for the event. A delay for yourself can also cause you to be late so you have less time for pictures or to visit with your guests during your wedding.


Fairmont Kea Lani seaside wedding venue, Wailea, Maui - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae


Savings: It is often cheaper to rent one venue for both your ceremony and your reception as opposed to paying for two different ones. Many hotels offer a price-saving advantage by including both the ceremony and the reception in their wedding packages. Vendors such as florists and event designers often charge more for traveling and transporting items from one location to another. By having your wedding at one location, you can eliminate these costs as well as save money on transportation and parking fees.


Ceremony location at Kauai Marriott - Photo courtesy of Muriel MacRae


More relaxing: Couples who have their ceremony and reception in one location are noticeably more relaxed and enjoy their wedding more than those who spend time travelling from one location to the other. Guests also enjoy not having the hassle of going from one site to the next and are less stressed when they do not have to figure out how to get to another location or how they will spend the next few hours waiting for the reception to begin.


Wedding gazebo on grounds of Grand Wailea Resort, Wailea, Maui - Photo courtersy of Muriel MacRae


With so many decisions to make when planning your wedding, you may want to hire a destination wedding planner/travel agent who is familiar with the various locations. Not only can this person help you find the “perfect” location but guide and assist you with your wedding plans, bringing your dreams to reality. In addition, the same person can coordinate travel arrangements for your guests attending your wedding. That way you and your true love can relax and enjoy the process! Happy wedding planning!


Newlyweds just married at Grand Wailea, Wailea, Maui - Photo couretesy of Muriel MacRae



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Muriel MacRae, owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings, is a travel consultant and wedding planner who specializes in destination weddings and romantic getaways to tropical areas. Located in Calgary, Alberta, she plans destination weddings for couples in and around the Calgary area and throughout North America. For more information about planning your destination wedding or romantic getaway, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.





Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Secrets’ Sanctuary Cap Cana – the World’s Newest Great Romantic Destination

Secrets © has long been a staple in the Mexican Destination Wedding playground, but more recently, they have been branching out to Jamaica, and most recently, the Dominican Republic with the opening of Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana on the east coast of the island, only 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport.


Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©


In the short time it’s been open, it’s already established itself as one of the Dominican Republic’s best 5-star hotels, and made Beverly Clark’s Elite Wedding Collection (2010 edition), for its commitments to excellence in providing a top quality romantic experience for its guests.


This private island provides a stunning ceremony site for destination weddings! Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

Located in Cap Cana, the eastern most part of the island, the resort is situated on three kilometres of top quality beach, with crystal-clear turquoise waters washing up on its sugar-white sandy shores. Its picturesque location makes it ideal for wedding celebrations, honeymooners, or couples just wanting a romantic escape.


Bali style beach beds have been scattered along the property - ideal for romance. Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

The property features 176 suites and villas, designed in Spanish colonial style and with impressive views of the sea. It is literally an “adults-only” playground with something for every traveller. It also has a great selection of restaurants and bars, a world-class spa, an on-site casino, and a spectacular pool. As an added plus, it is close to Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus signature designed golf course, and Las Iguanas, opening in 2010.


The spectacular views from their oceanfront suites are incredible! Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

Secrets is well known for its concept of Unlimited Luxury, but that does not even begin to cover what you will experience during your stay. Whether you wish to be indulged at the Spa, or feast on gourmet food and premium beverages, the staff at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana is there to wait on your every need. Inquire now, while it’s still a “secret”…


The Marlin Restaurant is just one of the options available for a wedding reception. Photograph courtesy of Secrets ©

To begin planning your dream destination wedding or romantic escape at Secrets Sanctuary Cap Cana, contact us now at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com


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Receiving Lines – A Thing Of The Past?

Receiving lines are as much a tradition as the wedding ceremony itself. It was an opportunity for the newlyweds, their parents, and key members of the wedding party to personally welcome their guests and thank them for being part of their special day. It could happen after the ceremony at the church or at the reception that evening (usually during cocktails prior to the main meal).

Most of us have either had the experience of standing in line for what seems like forever, waiting for those in front of us to stop talking and move along, or worse yet, actually been in the receiving line as part of the wedding party, shaking numerous hands of people we really don’t know and making small talk as they move along, really just wanting to pass along their good wishes to the bride and groom. Neither could be considered a pleasant experience, but we do it because it follows the rules of etiquette.
More recently, in light of H1N1 and other illnesses, people are questioning the wisdom of having a receiving line. Just think of how many hands you’re shaking, and therefore, how many germs are being spread. Ewww!

Don’t get me wrong! It is still important for the couple to speak with and thank each and every one of their guests for coming, but a more popular option nowadays is for the bride and groom to move from table to table throughout the evening, greeting each guest individually. Sometimes you may even arrange for the photographer to follow you and get a photo of the couple at each table with the guests there just to ensure that you have a picture of everyone. It’s a little more time consuming this way, but I think the conversations are more genuine. An ideal time for this usually is as the couple finishes their meal and before the cake is cut.

If you’re having an ultra formal wedding, you may not be able to escape the receiving line experience, but there are a couple of things you can do to speed it up. As a rule of thumb, if the guest list is over 125 people, then just include the bride and groom, their mothers, and the maid of honor. If the guest list is under 125, you can include more members of the wedding party. It is up to you whether or not the fathers of the bride and groom and the best man join the receiving line, but remember that the less people the guests have to greet, the quicker the line will move.

And make sure you use lots of hand sanitizer….

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Breakdown Of A Wedding Budget

Setting up your budget is one of the most important tasks for a couple starting to plan their wedding. Ironically, it is often the task that is put off the most, or worse yet, completely ignored. Perhaps it is because it seems to be so overwhelming or maybe it is because people don’t like looking at the numbers. Whatever reason, setting up your wedding budget should be one of your first tasks before anything else. It will give you a guideline of how much money you have to spend, and therefore, give you a realistic idea of what you can and cannot do.

It is critical that the budget is established before you commit to anything else. This means sitting down with everyone involved, be it just the two of you, or including both sets of your parents as well, and figure out how much money you are willing to spend on the wedding. Anyone who is contributing should be at this meeting, or at least have sent their information


ahead of time of what they are willing to contribute. If people are offering to pay for certain aspects, such as your dress, or the alcohol at the wedding, still make sure that they give you an actual number to work with. You don’t want to make any assumptions, only to find out their idea and your idea of dollar amounts don’t mesh. By the end of this meeting, you will have a better idea of what you can spend, which will guide you through the rest of the wedding planning process. Too many times, couples forget this critical step and end up deeply in debt when they come back from their honeymoon.


Your budget will let you know what is realistic when you start meeting with vendors. There is no point of looking at a photographer that starts at $5000 when your budget only allows you to spend $2000. Of course, there is some flex room. If you find an awesome deal on your dress, then that may allow you to spend a little more elsewhere, such as on your flowers or your DJ. The other way it can work is if there is something really important, even essential, such as having your reception at a specific venue, then you can allot money for that. But on the flip side, when you overspend in one area, it means cutting back elsewhere in order to make that happen. This is where a wedding planner can prove to be extremely useful, as they are usually masters in manipulating the budget, and can sometimes even save you money through relationships they have established with quality vendors in the area.

An average breakdown of wedding budget expenses is as follows:

  • Food & Beverage 30%
  • Flowers & Décor 15%
  • Wedding Planning 10%
  • Venue Rental 8%
  • Extra Cushion 8%
  • Dress & Accessories 6%
  • Lighting & Sound 5%
  • Tipping 5%
  • Photo & Video 4%
  • Cake 3%
  • Printed Materials 2%
  • Transportation 2%
  • Hair & Makeup 2%

There are a number of factors that will affect your budget. For example, the number of guests you have for your wedding will really set the tone and narrow down what you can and cannot afford. If you have a smaller number of guests, you will most likely spend less on food and alcohol OR be able to spend more per person on food. Another item to consider is in relation to the size of your wedding party. The more attendants you have, the more you will have to spend on flowers (e.g. bouquets and boutonnieres) and gifts for each member of the wedding party. Many wedding planners have spreadsheets that allows you to break the budget down even more, including adjusting the budget to reflect the number of guests you plan on having as well as the number of attendants.

Your budget is critical to the success and enjoyment of your wedding. No one wants to get married with the knowledge that they are going hugely into debt hanging over their heads. Creating and sticking to your budget will keep you grounded and make your wedding something that you can relax and enjoy, knowing that you planned smartly.


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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Wedding Etiquette 101: Thank You Cards


For many brides, the etiquette surrounding your wedding can be daunting at times. There seems to be rules for everything, including which fork to use, and how to properly word invites. There are seating charts and table arrangements. The list of what-to-do, and more importantly, what-NOT-to-do seems endless. On that same token, however, you don’t want to risk offending anyone – especially any of your future in-laws!

Although there are a lot of things to think about in terms of wedding etiquette, the best idea is to take things one step at a time. Today’s hot topic will be how to deal with the thank you cards.

The first rule of thumb to be aware of is that a note of thanks should be sent for ALL engagement, shower, and wedding gifts. Don’t forget, however, about the other “gifts”. These could be people who have hosted a shower or baked goodies for your engagement party. Your attendants also deserve a special note conveying your appreciation for all of the extra effort they have contributed in the months leading up to your wedding, and, of course, on your big day. A heartfelt message letting someone know how much their efforts have been appreciated can mean the world to its recipient!

Secondly, each thank you note should be handwritten and should mention specifically the gift item received. If possible, make a positive compliment about the gift, such as, “Eric and I look forward to using the serving platter you gave during the upcoming holiday season.” The message does not need to be an epic novel. Three to five sentences will suffice, with the final sentence thanking them one last time. The important thing to remember is to keep it personal and sincere.

At this point, the question is always raised, what if you can’t stand the item and plan to return it the first chance you have? My response is what some people don’t know won’t hurt them. Thank the sender in the note for the gift and let them know how much you appreciate their thoughtfulness. The recipient does not need to know how you really feel or that you plan on taking the gift back. (I’m not sure if you know this or not, but are you aware that your wedding guests are not obligated to give you a gift? It’s entirely up to their discretion.)

To help make your job easier, make sure that during any gift opening you have someone, such as one of your attendants or perhaps a close relative, keep a detailed list of what each gift was and who it was from. This will make your live much easier later when you go back to write out each thank you card.

Thank you cards should be written within three months of receiving the gift (contrary to popular belief that you have a year). Ideally, the thank you note should be written the day that you receive the gift, but this often is not the least bit realistic for those of you with a busy career. Try and set a daily or weekly goal for yourself so the task of writing the thank you cards doesn’t become too onerous. Remember, as well, that you can share the wealth and get your groom to write some of the thank you cards, too! After all, his name was on the card as well.

Sending a note for a gift is a must! Don’t let anyone tell you that an e-mail or generic letters will suffice. Even if you miss the three-month deadline, send a note afterwards with an added apology for the delay in getting it mailed out. As they say, better late than never. If you have any doubts as to whether your efforts will be appreciated, think of how nice it is to receive something in the mail besides bills or advertisements. Your thank you card will not only let a family member or friend know that you appreciated their effort, but will most likely also bring a smile to the recipient’s face!

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

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Two Alternatives To The Traditional Wedding Reception

Newly engaged couples often sit down to begin planning their wedding. They have big dreams and stars in their eyes. However, often enough those exciting ideas are quickly tossed aside once they start figuring out the huge costs that are associated with having the big wedding reception they always imagined. First there is the cost of renting the venue. Probably the biggest expense is the food, which is normally a plated dinner or even a buffet, followed closely by the alcohol expense. Then there is the cost of entertainment, which usually means hiring a DJ or a band. Finally, there is the décor. When most couples start adding up the figures, it causes a lot of concern. How do they have the wedding reception that they want without the price-tag to match?

I think the first thing to remember is that the purpose of a wedding reception is for your guests to join with you in celebrating that the two of you have committed your lives to one another. It is a party to celebrate your marriage, but what you have to remember is that the party can take a variety of forms. Better yet, some of these forms will be able to save you money and make your wedding dreams more attainable than you ever imagined.


Cocktails Reception

One option to consider is to have a late afternoon or evening ceremony followed by an elegant cocktail reception. Create a lounge space with minimal furnishing that encourages your guests to visit and socialize. Servers can bring out trays of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres or maybe set up different food stations around the room. Perhaps you would prefer to set-up a dessert bar with a variety of decadent treats to satisfy any person’s sweet tooth. Whatever you choose, your food costs will be less than paying for a full dinner meal. A trio of jazz musicians off to one side can perform ambient background music or bring in that DJ who will really get the party started. It can be the black-tie affair you want, but without the price tag.


A lounge space is not only trendy, but a great way to utilize an open-spaced area. Guests can have the option of socializing or dancing in a club-like atmosphere.


Morning Brunch

Another option is to have a morning ceremony with either a brunch or lunch reception. Your food costs associated with either breakfast or lunch is usually much less than the price of having a dinner reception. Perhaps you might have a signature drink, like a mimosa, or perhaps you would choose to only serve local beers, but another added benefit of a brunch wedding will be reduced alcohol costs. A classical guitarist or a pianist could be hired to play background music, but you won’t have the additional costs of a DJ. Whether you choose an indoor or an outdoor venue, this can be a wonderful way to spend a weekend morning, especially if your wedding includes families and children.



A brunch wedding is more friendly than formal. It sets a welcoming tone that your guests will appreciate as they spend a wonderful morning together.


There are lots of great ideas out there that can let you have the wedding reception you want. Sometimes, you just have to be able to think outside the box, or know someone who can help you get there.

If you’re interested in getting started in planning your wedding, contact us at Creative Weddings and Occasions.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Hawai’i: The Perfect Location For Your Destination Wedding

I’m sitting on our lanai watching the waves crash on the shoreline below while a giant sea turtle “surfs” in on the next big wave. The sweet scent of plumaria blossoms fills the air from the various trees scattered around the resort property. The sun shines brightly overhead in the clear blue afternoon sky, but the gentle breezes of the tradewinds keep things from getting too warm. Basically, I’m in paradise – AKA the islands of Hawai’i!


Many people who have been to the islands will tell you that Hawai’i is exceptionally beautiful, although each island is different. It is also recognized as one of the most romantic places on earth, with pristine beaches, spectacular waterfalls, and gorgeous scenery in abundance on each of the various islands. Its culture dates back for centuries, complete with kings and queens, making it rich in history and tradition, with many of the old ways still honoured in song and dance passed on from one generation to the next. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, the people of Hawai’i welcome you with open arms and the “spirit of aloha”. It is the paradise that most of only dream of.



Hawai’i is the ultimate location for a destination wedding, but ironically, it is often overlooked with couples choosing instead the more popular wedding locations of Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. When paradise is so near at hand, it has to make you ask the question, why would you go elsewhere? Probably the biggest reason we hear is that Hawai’i is so expensive. For many years, that has been true, but with the changing economy, like anywhere else, Hawai’i has had to become more competitive and adapt in order to attract tourists.



Here are some of the advantages of choosing Hawai’i for either your destination wedding or honeymoon:


  • More and more direct flights are available year-round to Hawai’i from cities in Western Canada (versus the multiple stopovers required for some of the Caribbean destinations).


  • Hawai’i has a moderate climate all year-round, but it’s best time is from May through October when the Caribbean is in the middle of their rainy seasons, not to mention the middle of the Caribbean hurricane watch.


  • As Hawai’i is part of the United States, its’ hotel accommodations are on par with the rest of Canada and the continental United States. While most people would never consider staying in less than a four-star resort in Mexico or the Caribbean, you can still find really nice (and quite AFFORDABLE) three-star accommodation throughout Hawai’i.


  • As it’s part of the United States, it is easy to arrange to get married in Hawai’i. No blood tests required! All you have to do is book your appointment ahead of time, and appear together to get your license and take an oath. It doesn’t get much easier than that!


  • Whether you’re looking for a beach, a canyon, gardens, a waterfall, or lagoon, Hawai’i has endless options in terms of perfect locations for your ceremony site. It all depends on what you want.


  • It has an abundance of in-season tropical flowers, including orchids, plumaria, ginger, and hibiscus, that can be used in stunning bouquets and centerpieces at very reasonable costs.


  • Hawai’i has a long history of rich cultural traditions that can be incorporated into your wedding celebration to make it a truly memorable and unique experience for your guests. Some ideas include a conch shell blower, hula dancers, and possibly even a luau for your reception.


  • Hawai’i has never really gotten into the whole all-inclusive resort thing, but multiple timeshare and/or condominium properties have been established throughout the islands at very reasonable rates. These condos are often perfect for individuals or groups of any size, sometimes even accommodating one more families in one unit. Better yet, many of these have kitchens within the units, allowing guests to keep their food costs down and not eat out every meal.


  • As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico continues to spread, the potential effects it might have on east coast of Mexico and the nearby Caribbean islands is causing many couples some concern who have weddings planned in those locations. Not an issue for Hawai’i.



Hawai’i has been doing destination weddings even before the concept took off. In recent years, it has been overlooked in favour of Mexico and some of the other Caribbean destinations, but I believe it’s time for us to take a second look and realize the treasure of opportunity that exists for couples wanting to get married in tropical paradise. Hawai’i is a contender, and is worthy of some serious consideration for your dream destination wedding location.

If you are interested in looking at Hawai’i or another location for your destination wedding, please contact us at for additional information at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions and Del Sol Destination Weddings. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to publish this article in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

Right from the beginning, Kristin and Colin knew that they wanted something different for their destination wedding. They were not the least bit interested in the standard, oversized all-inclusive resort, and certainly wanted something different than the cookie-cutter wedding package offered at most of these locations.

It was very important to the couple to find an eco-friendly location. After much searching, we found the perfect location – a small boutique hotel near Cabarete in the Dominican Republic called Natura Cabana. This family-owned resort prides itself on being entirely constructed of materials natural to the area, allowing guests to completely immerse in nature. Located a short drive from Puerto Plata, guests had the choice of individual cabañas (bungalows) designed for groups of two to eight. The oceanfront cabaña, Pierda, was absolutely ideal for our wedding couple, allowing them to hear the sound of the waves washing up on the shore outside their window. As Kristin said afterwards, the resort was truly everything they had been looking for, including the warm reception from the staff.

Although there had been rain each day previously in the week, the sun came out on their wedding day, as if it were specially ordered. The ceremony was set-up on the beach, with the waves washing up on the rocks in the background, just in time to catch the late afternoon sun. It was a beautiful ceremony, performed by a local judge in the area. Although the ceremony was in Spanish, he translated to English, so everyone could understand. Local musicians played native music, helping set the mood and atmosphere. Friends and family looked on as the couple committed themselves to each other in this special celebration.Kristin’s dress was an incredible find! On the hanger, it looked more suited for an elegant cocktail hour, but on Kristin it was absolutely stunning, and somehow blended in perfectly with the outdoor environment.We found an incredible photographer who came to the resort and took the wedding photos for the day. Arnaud Brichet , originally from France, owns his own studio in Punta Cana. While the guests were relaxing and being served cocktails poolside, he captured some amazing moments of the couple in their natural setting and took stunning photos throughout the day, including an entire segment with the couple on horseback (a favourite pastime of the couple at their home near Calgary, Canada) – talk about romantic!!! The moments he caught on film are memories that will last a lifetime.
Natura Cabana has a wonderful restaurant. Closing it to the public, so the group could have a private reception, they took advantage of the space and set one larger table allowing everyone to sit together in a more intimate setting. Centerpieces of tropical flowers, including ginger, birds of paradise, roses, and daisies were alternated with bowl containers with floating candles. The guests dined on local cuisine, followed by chocolate fondue to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. A local band was brought in to provide dinner music, and kept the party going late into the night. Thinking of something in line with their eco-sensitive resort, Kristin and Colin decided on wedding favours that their guests would be able to make effective use of – water bottles, engraved with the couples’ names and wedding date.
In lieu of a guest book, they bought postcards depicting various locations in and around the Cabarete and Puerto Plata area. The postcards were placed on a table, along with the centerpiece used earlier in the day from the ceremony. Bark pencils were scattered on the table, allowed guests to leave Kristin and Colin personal messages that can be added to their album later. It was incredible wedding! For couples wanting something a little more personal and unique, a small boutique hotel may be the ideal alternative to the big all-inclusive. It allowed them the private ceremony and reception they wanted, the option of choosing the vendors that would best suit their needs, and a ceremony that was reflected their personalities, the atmosphere, and the cultural traditions of the area. As the couple said afterwards, their wedding was a day of perfection. They couldn’t have asked for anything more!
On behalf of Del Sol Destination Weddings, we wish Kristin and Colin all the best as they begin this new chapter of their life together. Congratulations and happiness always!


If you wish to start planning your own dream destination wedding, please contact us at info@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com for more information.

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Cathy MacRae is a certified wedding and event planner, and owner of Creative Weddings and Occasions. Located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, she plans wedding for couples in and around the Calgary and Banff area. She is also a destination wedding and honeymoon travel specialist helping couples plan their weddings in paradise all around the world. For more information about planning your own wedding or for advice from Cathy, please contact her at cathy@creativeweddingsandoccasions.com.

You are welcome to use publish any of the articles above in other blogs or e-zines, but please ensure the signature file above is printed along with the article.