The Love Story
From groomsmen to grooms! Joel and Rudy met in 2014, but it wasn't until 2020 that their love truly blossomed. They lived different lives—Rudy was off chasing his dreams around the world, while Joel stayed grounded, balancing work and school. Over the years, they crossed paths occasionally, sharing quick conversations and brief hellos. But when the world paused in 2020, their connection deepened. Joel, facing career setbacks and heartbreak, found comfort in Rudy's presence. What began as a strong friendship grew into love as they traveled the world and dreamed together which led to a magical trip to Japan. On a Tokyo skyscraper, surrounded by city lights, Rudy proposed… and Joel said yes!
The Planning Experience
Travel is such a big part of Rudy and Joel's love story that choosing a destination wedding was an easy decision. They wanted to share that joy with all of their closest friends and family. After a close friend raved about Punta Cana's breathtaking beaches and resorts, they decided to dive headfirst into planning their celebration there. A year before the wedding, Rudy surprised Joel with a trip to the Dominican Republic, where they explored seven resorts and envisioned what their special day could look like. Soon enough, Dreams Macao Beach came into the picture and they knew it was the perfect place to say I do!
The Celebration
Their venue, the Sky Terrace, was a tribute to where Rudy popped the question in Tokyo, complete with a stunning skyline and ocean views. The wedding theme featured pampas, warm earth tones, and bold touches of eucalyptus. To make it even more magical, Joel's mother officiated the ceremony. The send-off was one for the books and something the resort had never done before. Joel and Rudy descended the grand staircase with cold fireworks sparkling behind them as their loved ones held sparklers. The special memories didn't stop there. The most unforgettable moment of the night was their final dance before the send-off. To celebrate love in all its forms, they invited all their guests to join them on the dance floor. "As Young and Beautiful by Lana Del Rey played, we stood surrounded by the people who had supported our love, who had sacrificed their time and traveled miles to be there with us. In that moment, it was about all of us," recall Rudy & Joel.
The Memories
To sum up their destination wedding, they describe it as "unforgettable, stunning, and euphoric." One of their favorite memories was their private celebratory welcome dinner on the Sky Terrace. They wined and dined under the clear night sky, giving everyone the chance to mingle. As a token of appreciation for their guests who came to celebrate their love, they rented a private boat so everyone could experience the true beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Advice For Future Couples
Rudy & Joel's biggest advice for future destination wedding couples?
"Hire a wedding planner! For us, being present in every moment was a top priority, and having both a planner and a resort coordinator made that possible. Rudy is laid-back, while I'm all about the details, which meant I would be stressed trying to make sure everything was just right. Thanks to Ashlee and Luisa, our wedding ran seamlessly—we showed up, and everything fell perfectly into place. We truly got to live in the moment.."
Other Vendors:
Photographer: Joes Morales
Shoes: Men: Aldo ; Grooms: Converse
Jewelry: Swarovski
Stationary: Versa Printing
Bridesmaids Dresses: Azizie
Menswear: Light In The Box