Hard Rock bride Jen, interview with our newest, amazingly beautiful Hard Rock bride. She shared with us very useful info for all future Hard Rock brides to help them with ideas and calm their nerves. Enjoy!
Q: Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?
A: True Love in Paradise! We have always LOVED to travel and explore beaches throughout the Caribbean, so we knew right away we wanted a destination wedding. After Covid cancelled 2 of our previous wedding plans to get married on a cruise we opted to uninvite everyone and Elope! This wedding was GOING TO HAPPEN come hell or high water! Our plan was laid back and simple yet elegant. We wanted colors that would highlight the beautiful natural backdrop.
Q: Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
A: We kept it simple, a beautiful circle of flowers for the ceremony made with flowers native to the island. I had seen the LOVE sign in lots of other brides photos so I knew that was a must! We added in a knot tying ceremony for our wedding. We bought the kit off Etsy and the Officiant was able to incorporate it perfectly.
Q: What were the florals like in your wedding? Did you use flowers in any of your design elements like the bridal bouquets, centerpieces or ceremony backdrop? Did they play an important part in the overall style of your wedding?
A: Our ceremony flowers were certainly the highlight of wedding. They were amazing and more beautiful than I could have asked. We opted to carry the flowers over to our bridal party as well. The pops of color were beautiful.
Q: Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
A: We hired a soloist that played the flute. He killed it! After our cocktail time/ Cake cutting we had a private surf and turf dinner at the pool. It was a gorgeous setting; the meal was delicious and we danced in the pool.
Q: Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look? Describe the looks in detail.
A: I had a terrible time finding a dress that I thought was “beachy” Everything I tried on felt super formal, hot, heavy, tight… I didn’t want any of that! After another bride recommended Lulu’s I figured Id give it a try! I order 10 dresses…Yes 10 LOL. Returned all but 2. Once I finally settled on “the one” I had a few minor alterations done and got a slit added to it. It was a great dress… Very comfy, light and beautiful!
I let the bridesmaids help with their dresses. Once we had the color figured out, we had them pick something that they both liked and felt comfortable.
The men were a piece of cake. I knew I wanted gray and white, so we just added in the matching pink ties for a pop of color.
Q: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
A: We meet many many years ago. At the time we were both Married. I showed Jason a house that he had bought to Flip. A few years later he had called me to list a house he had completed. I was excited to go meet up with him again. When I got there, he told me that he was going through a divorce… I about fell over because I was too. We exchanged many (many!) txt messages and a couple days later he came over to my house and never left!
He proposed to me on a cruise. We were in the Bahamas and got a day pass to resort. We were in the pool and he said “well I guess we should get married” I was confused. I said so are you asking me? Or??? I said yes and the next day we got off the ship and went to Diamonds International and I picked out a ring. Certainly not your typical proposal but our life is far from “typical”
Q: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
A: My special moment was getting to see Jason waiting for me at the altar. This was a 9 year and 4 kids later process (one surrogate baby). Seeing him tear up reaffirmed that this is the man that I want and will be with for the rest of my life.
Jason’s special moment was seeing me for the first time in my dress knowing this was finally going to happen
Both our dads passed away but we both know they were there looking down us on our special day.
Q: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
A: Keep it simple. Don’t worry about what other people think, you do what you want. Trust the process, Hard Rock PC has done soooooo many weddings. They have it down to an art! Once you are onsite the stress will all be gone. They will make whatever you want happen. Also, rent a golf cart the day of the wedding. Its nice to have to get around.
Vendors:
– Venue: Hard Rock Punta Cana Harmonica Beach
– Travel Agent: Kayci with Places You Go Travel Agency
– Photography: Punta Cana Wedding photographer – Photo Cine Art
– Ceremony Officiant provided by: Hard Rock
– Hair and Makeup Artist: Styling Trio
– Florist: Caribbean Celebrations
– Cake: Hard Rock
– Bride Dress: Lulus
– Shoes: Etsy
– Bridesmaids Dresses: Azazie
– Groom Suit: Mens Warehouse
– Groomsman’s suits: Mens Warehouse
– Shoes: Dudes
– Entertainment: HOTS Soloist
