Our destination wedding in the Dominican Republic was truly unforgettable, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With approximately 125 of our closest friends and family, it felt more like a shared vacation than just a wedding. Spending several days with everyone leading up to the big day took so much pressure off. It gave us the chance to connect with each guest beforehand, so when the wedding day arrived, we could focus on celebrating and having fun rather than rushing around trying to greet everyone.

The reception on the beach created the most magical and tropical vibe—a perfect setting for a fun, carefree party. One of the highlights of the night was the hora loca (or “crazy hour”), where vibrant costumed dancers energized the crowd and got everyone moving. The energy was electric! To top it all off, we ended the evening by jumping into the pool, with many of our guests joining in—it was such a joyous and spontaneous way to close out the night.

Choosing the right location and resort was critical, and hiring Beth Rasor as our travel agent was the best decision we made. Before finding Beth, we were overwhelmed with options and stuck in indecision about where to host our wedding. Once we explained our vision, she helped us narrow it down and made everything so much easier. She recommended the Royalton Bávaro Resort, which turned out to be perfect. The resort offered something for everyone: stunning beaches, great restaurants, family-friendly amenities, and lively theme nights.

-Rachel