Chad and Bria wanted a small and intimate wedding and, with their guest list of over 600 people, they knew it wouldn’t happen if they had a hometown wedding. Choosing a destination wedding was the perfect plan and they knew the people closest to them would most likely make the trip.

Keeping within their budget, the couple chose Punta Cana for the cost-effectiveness and the great things they had heard about the Dominican Republic. When it comes to planning, Chad and Bria say they spent about the same as they would have if they had a hometown wedding. Only with their wedding away, they had less people and were better able to add personal touches and make the experience special.

The couple says they included a fan-style wedding program, a “lucky in love” lottery ticket on each reception plate, drink koozies for everyone, a “welcome bag” for the guests and a Polaroid guest book. These were small, but meaningful special touches the couple knew they would have lost had they had over 600 guests. 

They also appreciated the time they had with their guests. Chad and Bria stayed at the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, a small resort, along with most of their guests. Overall, the resort ended up being booked by mostly wedding guests, creating the feeling of having the resort to themselves. After the wedding, the couple thanked their guests for making the trip by renting out a party boat.

The couple sings the praises of their wedding planner, Val of Val’s Weddings. They say she was detailed and never missed a beat, being able to give the couple everything they wanted and more. With her, the planning process of a destination wedding was made easy. 

The couple recommends that you “Go destination!” They say they couldn’t have asked for a better week and were able to spend quality time with their guests. They wanted an intimate wedding, and it turned out perfectly.

Vendors: Photographer: Hannah Hicks Photography, Wedding Planner: Val at Weddings In Dominican Republic, Ceremony/Recpetion Site: The Palms Villa, Florist: Val at Weddings In Dominican Republic, Stationery: Val at Weddings In Dominican Republic, Wedding Cake: Val at Weddings In Dominican Republic, Hair & Makeup: Barbara Marie MUA, Gown Designer: Pnina Tornai, Groom’s Designer: Island Importer, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: Christina Wu Occasions