as told by Dani Laverty, Destination Wedding Specialist
Couple: Kari and Neale
Wedding date: November 7, 2012
When the Kari’s mother, Christina (Chris), initially contacted me in March 2012 to assist her with planning her daughter’s destination wedding in Punta Cana, little did I know it would mark the beginning of a wonderful journey of not only planning the travel details for the wedding party of 16, but also what feels like a lifelong friendship.
Kari and Neale had already decided on the resort to host their special day by the time Chris reached out to me to begin the travel planning process. I reached out to Now Larimar’s wedding coordinator, Cristina, in order to verify the resort’s availability. Although there were a few minor hiccups when securing the ceremony date with the Punta Cana judge, as he is a very busy man with quite the jam-packed schedule, once the date and time was set, it was smooth sailing from there on out.
Over the 8 months of planning, the mother of the bride and I formed somewhat of a bond as we discussed travel and wedding-related details leading up to the big event. From the purchase of Kari’s gorgeous wedding gown to the pre-wedding celebration party at home, Chris always kept me in the loop and shared wonderful pictures and stories that made me feel truly involved and connected to my bride and groom. Fast forward a few months and it was time for Kari, Neale, and their closest family and friends to pack their bags and jet off to Paradise! I anxiously awaited their return home mid-November so I could hear all about their trip.
Upon their return to reality, Chris shared all of the fabulous tales of their journey and described how the wedding and entire trip was nothing less than perfect. Kari and Chris adored their wedding coordinator, Francina, who seemed to make everything happen just the way Kari and Neale requested without hesitation. They met with Francina on Monday, two days before the ceremony, to confirm all of the final details of their ceremony and reception. Francina arranged a rehearsal dinner the evening before the ceremony at 
“Capers,” Now Larimar’s delightful Italian restaurant, complete with personalized menus for the entire wedding group. The wedding day came along with the sunshine, as every destination wedding couple hopes for. Their quaint and simple ceremony was held on Now Larimar’s white sand beach, overlooking the rolling waves of the turquoise-blue Caribbean Sea. Following the “I do’s,” the festivities continued with a seated lovely reception dinner on Now Larimar’s Quiet Pool Deck. Although it was a warm evening, the group kept their cool by standing with their feet in shallow end of the pool. A highlight of the reception was when the groom’s brother, Neale, caught the bouquet!
Along with any wedding, especially one planned in another country, there are sure to be a few glitches and delays along the way. But, even though the beautiful bride happened to spill her mimosa on her dress just hours before the ceremony, there were no “bridezilla” moments; the crises was averted, the gown was salvaged (and looked flawless), and everyone got a good laugh! The wedding photographer even complimented Kari and Chris for not having a bridal “meltdown” in the midst of the debacle. Chris commented that the photographer the resort provided was “outstandingly talented, climbed all over the sand and everything else in sight, was very personable and very professional,” and that she would highly recommend his services for any destination wedding in Punta Cana.
Working with wonderful brides, grooms, and their families, like Kari and Chris, is what makes my job so fun. I can’t even begin to describe the joy I experience when, after months and months of planning, I have the opportunity to hear all about the beautiful details of the destination wedding, learn about the wonderful memories made, and see the gorgeous pictures when my brides and grooms return home.
Christine, Mother of the Bride’s, comments:
Describe the experience with your destination wedding specialist:
“Dani was like a gift from heaven. We felt so overwhelmed until we met her. We feel like have made a friend for life!”
What was the most memorable moment of your destination wedding?
“Seeing all the relaxed smiles on my families’ faces as my son walked my daughter down the aisle” .
