Dive headfirst into the sun-soaked shores of the Dominican Republic for a wedding tale that’s as heartwarming as it is adventurous. Meet Isabel and Anthony, the dynamic duo behind this fiesta-filled fiesta that brought together family, tradition, and a sprinkle of fun romance.

Choosing Destination Bliss

From the get-go, Isabel and Anthony knew they were destined for a destination wedding. But this wasn’t just any old destination – this was the Dominican Republic, where the rhythm of the merengue fills the air and the beaches beckon with their azure embrace.

“I’m a first-generation American,” Isabel says. “My parents are from the Dominican Republic and a significant portion of my family is still on the island, so I think we always knew we wanted to get married there so that Anthony’s family could experience the D.R. and its people, and so that it would be easier for my family to be a part of this big day.”

Venue Vows

Enter Casa de Campo, a slice of paradise in the heart of the Dominican Republic. With its sprawling grounds and dreamy vistas, it was a no-brainer for the couple. But forget the cliché beach wedding – Isabel and Anthony wanted drama, romance, and a touch of telenovela flair.

“We didn’t want a beach wedding, so we loved that Casa de Campo had venue options aside from the beach,” Anthony says.

Planning Panache

Now, let’s talk logistics. Planning a wedding, especially a destination one, can be as daunting as trying to mambo in stilettos. But fear not, for Isabel and Anthony had a secret weapon: a kick-butt wedding planner in Deborah Leonardo. With a dash of knowledge, a sprinkle of responsiveness, and a heap of patience, their planner guided them through the labyrinth of wedding prep, ensuring every detail was perfection.

DIY Delights

Who says you can’t add a personal touch to a destination wedding? Not Isabel and Anthony, that’s for sure. From a handcrafted garter made with love by Isabel’s godmother to a custom seating chart by Isabel’s sister, each DIY detail added a touch of whimsy and sentimentality to their big day.

“My sister [also] designed a wedding itinerary for our guests to pick up at check-in (since we had events across two days at various locations),” Isabel says. “This way, our guests had something to refer to that wasn’t on their phone if they found themselves without WIFI or cell service.”

Wedding Day Recap

Words of Wisdom

As we bid adieu to Isabel and Anthony’s whirlwind wedding adventure, let’s take a moment to soak in their sage advice:

• “Secure a wedding planner that’s local or knows your chosen destination well and that is responsive.”
• “Although nowadays we can make things happen virtually thanks to Zoom and other similar platforms, we found it very helpful to budget time and money to visit your wedding planner and destination in person. It was so reassuring and helpful to do a proper in-person walkthrough and tasting.”
• “Give your guests enough notice to prepare for travel.”
• “Ensure you have a way an appropriate way to communicate with guests so that you can relay important information and so they have a forum to ask questions.”
• “Lastly, consider a way to welcome guests, whether it is a simple itinerary or a welcome package with goodies like sunglasses or candy at check-in.”

And there you have it, folks – a wedding tale as vibrant and unforgettable as the Dominican sunset. So here’s to love, laughter, and happily ever afters, Dominican style. ¡Salud!

Vendors: Photographer: Beloved Agency; Wedding Planner: Deborah Leonardo; Ceremony Venue: Plaza Chavon at Casa de Campo; Reception Venue: Altos de Chavon Amphitheatre; Florist/Decor/Design: Johnatan Moreno of Caribbean Celebrations; Lighting/Fireworks/Entertainment: Ana Pereyra of Altos de Chavon Amphitheatre; DJ: Komari; Stationery: Zola & Paperless Post; Cake: Casa de Campo; Makeup: Jina Morales; Hair: Vanesa Travieso; Gown Designer: Essence of Australia; Gown Shop: The Bridal Room; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Suits by Holland; Bridesmaids Dresses: The Dessy Group; Groomsmen Tuxes: Menguin; Photobooth: Soy Photobooth; Recommended by: World’s Best Wedding Photos