The Love Story
Melissa and Edwin met in 2008. Edwin was a second-grade teacher at the school where Melissa had been hired to teach Kindergarten. It all started with a few hellos in the hallway, followed by a string of after school happy hours with a lot of the school staff. The chemistry between Edwin and Melissa was undeniable. They laughed and joked around and it always seemed like there was no one else in the room when they were together. Edwin says he knew from the start, Melissa needed a little more convincing. After knowing each other for about a year, it all changed with one fateful kiss in an elevator. The two have been inseparable ever since!
The Planning Experience
They loved the idea of having a wedding and vacation with all their family and friends at the same time, so having a destination wedding was exactly what they wanted from the start. Since both of their families are from the Dominican Republic, it was a no-brainer for them to have it in Punta Cana.
The Celebration
These lovebirds incorporated plenty of personal touches to their wedding in paradise. Edwin gifted Melissa a beautiful personalized book "The story of our love" as my wedding gift that had all the things he loves about me and Melissa surprised him with a watch that he had been eyeing for years. There wasn't a dry eye in the venue when Melissa and Edwin started reading their handwritten vows from their personalized vow books, but Edwin provided some comedic relief by including that he would always share his French Fries with Melissa for as long as they both lived
The Memories
Melissa and Edwin amazed their guests with a choreographed first dance to a three-song medley, while cold fire sparklers lit up the dance floor. Melissa recalls "it was the perfect mix of emotion, Dominican culture, and fun!" When remembering their destination wedding experience, they describe it as "emotional, amazing, and perfect."
Advice For Future Couples
Melissa and Edwin's biggest piece of advice is to stay organized and on top of your guests! Everything will depend on the number of guests who attend, so send the save the dates with details early on to give your guests adequate time to plan!
Other Vendors:
- Photographer: Tamara for KatyaNova Photography
- Videographer: Araña Productions
- Dress Designer: Alvina Valenta
- Dress Boutique: Kleinfeld Bridal, NYC
- Shoes: Badgley Mischka