As a destination wedding advisor, one of my favorite things to do after my wedding couples have tied the knot in the destination of their dreams, is have them fill out a questionnaire.
Of course, I already know numerous details about their experience, as I’ve communicated frequently with them throughout their trip, and we have a post-wedding conversation about everything, but the questionnaire allows me to get a more intimate peek into the bride and groom’s sweetest memories, after the dust has settled and they fully have time to reflect!
Some really special clients of mine, Deanna and Michael Whelan, were kind enough to provide some feedback about their November 15th destination wedding in Punta Cana.
While the rating Deanna gave to Travel With Class of “100,000 / 10” might be slightly exaggerated, I think her observations and experiences provide an invaluable perspective. Details like these not only allow me to experience a little euphoria vicariously through them, but they also provide me with valuable feedback that I use to help me assist future destination wedding couples.
If you’re interested in the insights of a recent destination wedding bride and groom, and are looking for a clear picture of what the process and end-product look like when you put your faith in the hands of a destination wedding specialist, keep reading!
And, feast your eyes on the breathtaking photography sprinkled throughout, courtesy of their talented photographer based in Punta Cana, Junior Cruz Weddings. He comes highly recommended, for anyone thinking about a Dominican Republic destination wedding!
How the bride and groom chose Travel With Class LLC
Searching for the right destination wedding specialist can be a full time job all on its own! It’s not always easy to find an advisor who has ample experience, is a great communicator, and vibes with your personal style and vision.
Deanna and Michael happily stumbled upon my business through another bride’s “glowing review” on a bridal Facebook page. (Gotta love the internet!) They booked a free consultation with me, and, by the end of our virtual meeting, were convinced that I was the right fit for them!
Throughout the process, we talked about everything from securing them VIP treatment from the moment they step off the plane, to special details like how they would incorporate their adorable fur-child, Charlie, into the wedding festivities! Guests loved seeing Charlie on the cake topper, drink stirrers, and signs throughout the venue.
Deanna felt comfortable enough to vent to me when she felt stressed, and to call me, even on weekends, whenever she had a moment of panic over resort accommodations, transfers from the airport for their guests, or what to do if it rains (and it did!).
The closeness that comes with planning a destination wedding helped to foster our relationship beyond simply client/advisor; to this day, we remain close and chat often. The same goes for many of her guests, as well!
I was surprised and excited to receive a personalized sweatshirt in the mail from Deanna just a few days ago. And you know you’ve done a great job when your client gives you a generous tip when they pay their final bill! (Thanks, again, Deanna and Micahel)!
How the bride and groom chose their destination venue
You’ve pinned countless pictures on a vision board and you’ve narrowed down your guest list. You see your close friends and family gathering in paradise to celebrate your love story, but you aren’t sure how to choose the right blissful oasis from so many options.
That was exactly the case with Deanna and Michael. They knew their must-haves: sun, fun, and a simple yet classic vibe.
The Dominican Republic was also on their radar, even though a friend of theirs had just recently been married there. It was geographically closer to the east coast (and their home state of New York) than most of Mexico, Jamaica, or Costa Rica. It just seemed like the ideal place, so, with all that in mind, I went to work finding all-inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic that would match their needs.
In the end, they trusted my research and, choosing from an extensive list of possible resorts, opted for Lopesan Costa Bavaro in Punta Cana. It was just the right combination of simple elegance, classic Caribbean atmosphere, and family-friendly fun.
Everyone from Deanna’s cherished nieces and nephews to their fun-loving best-friend crew were taken into consideration when deciding on this five-star, all-inclusive resort.
Deanna told me she was struck by the beauty of Lopesan Costa Bavaro, with its colonial architecture, meticulously-maintained gardens, and a beach that UNESCO deems one of the best in the world!
The expert guidance provided by Travel With Class LLC
This particular wedding was a thrill for me to plan because I was entrusted to help in virtually all aspects of their big day. Deanna and Michael especially appreciated my availability on phone calls with the resort wedding coordinator and vendors in Punta Cana.
Piecing together a wedding can be stressful enough, and organizing details with people who are thousands of miles away and who do not always speak fluent English can be a laborious task.
But, destination wedding specialists know the right questions to ask and understand the nuances of juggling many moving parts.
We also have more time and resources to devote to such tasks, freeing the bride and groom up to simply enjoy the process and daydream about their upcoming wedding in paradise.
My unique past as owner of a wedding planning business and as a florist allowed me to lend advice on color schemes, table settings and centerpieces, and the perfect flowers to really make their day shine!
Together, we worked to ensure that all the logistics of a destination wedding came together, such as getting many of their decorations from New York to Punta Cana. Deanna had her wedding signage shipped directly from the supplier to the resort.
Deanna and Michael also loved how easy I made it for their wedding guests to choose and book their resort accommodations through the personalized link for their destination wedding on the Travel With Class LLC website.
Emails also went out to Deanna and Micahel’s guests reminding them of deadlines, providing tips on traveling to a different country, and generally hyping up the excitement that awaited them!
Consistent and accessible communication is the key to a successful trip for destination wedding guests and for the overall success of the wedding itself.
The joy should start months, if not years, before your wedding – during the destination wedding planning process!
When you cross paths with an amazing couple like Deanna and Michael, you feel inspired to make certain they feel the magic of a destination wedding at every turn.
I find ways to secure upgrades, when possible, schedule private transfers to their resort, and splurge on little treats sent throughout the trip just to let them know I’m thinking about them!
As I read through Deanna and Michael’s comments in my client questionnaire, I’m delighted by their kind words and energized to bring that level of satisfaction to my current and future destination wedding couples.
Thank you, Deanna and Michael!
The moment the sun hits your skin is when the fun begins, but the joy should start months, if not years, before that – during the destination wedding planning process!
If you’re feeling like I might be the one to guide you through an enjoyable and successful planning process, please reach out! All it takes is a click on my Let’s Get Started link, and we’ll be planning your dream destination wedding in no time!
– Steph
