• Real Weddings

Daniel and Dara's wedding is going to make you want to jump on the next flight to Paradisus Punta Cana in the
 Dominican Republic. Not only does it look like a dreamy place to relax in the sun, but as you will soon see -  it's the ideal location for a destination wedding.
Read on to hear more about their fun filled wedding, and see exactly how much this Punta Cana destination wedding costs. Peruse all the images in the full gallery here, captured by Captured Photography by Jenny.

Daniel proposed to Dara 
in May of 2011 in a hot air balloon 30,000 feet above Virginia where
 they both reside. This led them to choose the 'Love is in the Air'
 travel theme that they followed through out their wedding. Starting with their passport save the date cards to their wedding website and invitations, to their welcome wedding bags filled with all the essentials for island life (sunblock, lip balm
with SPF, snacks, medicine, etc.). They even 
included a 'Fly Away' magazine (with the weekend itinerary and other
 wedding details).

We just had to share a few photos of the cutest first wedding look we have ever seen. Daniel's reaction to seeing Dara for the first time in her wedding gown is adorable.

If you are thinking about having a destination wedding, Dara graciously shared her budget with us. To help with wedding costs, their family and friends helped out. Their save the dates and acrylic
tumblers were  designed by a friend, and the welcome magazines were designed by
the bride and groom. They even used our Chevron Free Printables.

I have tried to breakdown my budget but am having trouble gathering all the information, and I don't want to give a misrepresentation to other brides. I can tell you that our wedding cost somewhere between $44k-$47k based on my estimate. This includes travel and lodging for my husband and I along with all our vendors (4), the cost of the welcome bags we handed out, the gifts we gave, my dress and shoes, his suit and shoes along with the other traditional wedding costs.

Daniel and Dara's escort
 cards were hot air balloon tickets that said "good for one free hot air balloon ride" to
 their respective tables. The table names were photos of  the couple at different locations.

Photographer: Captured Photography by Jenny

Event Designer: Modern Events Venue: Paradisus Punta Cana Coordinator: Helen Rodriguez Flowers: Ever After Florals Groom's Attire: Haspel Stationery: Too Chic & Little Shab (programs) Invitations: Serendipity Beyond Design Bridesmaid Tank Tops: Wedding Chicks Rainbow Tank Top Welcome Wedding Totes: Hot Air Balloon Tote Thank You Labels: The Wedding Chicks Makeup: Sister | Hair: Best friend | Cake: Paradisus | Caterer: Paradisus | DJ: R's Entertainment | Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca | Officiant: Uncle