Wind, Waves, and Wild Dancing at a Punta Cana Beach Wedding
If you’ve ever thought about getting married on a beach in the Dominican Republic, you’re going to love this one. Giu (she/her) and Gabi (she/her) pulled off a wedding in Punta Cana that was equal parts emotional, chaotic, and unforgettable. Think vows under a breezy macrame arch, a first dance to Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl,” and a sparkler finale that ended with everyone in the pool at 4 a.m.
How did you two meet and fall in love?
We met on Tinder in 2018 because of a random glitch. Giu had just moved to Dublin, but her app was still set to London, where Gabi was living. The distance took the pressure off, and we just started being really honest with each other. Before long, we were messaging constantly, bonding over food, hikes, traveling, and even streaming the World Cup together.
In true lesbian fashion, Gabi booked a flight to Dublin before we’d even had a video call. When we finally met at the airport, we kissed immediately and never looked back.
How long were you engaged, and what was that time like?
We were engaged for about two and a half years. The length had a lot to do with moving continents and not really knowing what kind of wedding we wanted. Gabi wasn’t into the idea of spending a lot, while Giu wanted everyone they love in one place. After spreadsheets, budget talks, and a lot of back-and-forth, we decided to go for it. The extra time gave us space to figure out what mattered without rushing.
What was planning your wedding in Punta Cana like?
Honestly, a nightmare. We thought the hotel would guide us, but the coordinator was dismissive and unhelpful. They kept trying to upsell us and even asked our photographer for random legal documents, which almost cost us having him at all. By the time we fixed things, it was one month before the wedding.
The only reason it all came together was because of our family and friends. They helped with spreadsheets, decorations, and every little detail. Without them, it would have fallen apart. And for anyone considering it, we tell people plainly: do not book the Finest Punta Cana.
How did you choose your vendors?
We had to pay extra fees to bring in outside vendors, but it was worth it. Our photographer, Adolfo Florentino, was a gem. His work was natural, full of movement, and he genuinely cared about our story. We were also lucky to have a second photographer, Frederick Reynoso, who brought even more energy and coverage to the day.
For music we went with Germán from GC Star Punta Cana, who listened to exactly what we wanted and kept the dance floor alive all night. The one vendor the hotel recommended that turned out great was Mercaflor Punta Cana. They were warm, responsive, and delivered gorgeous tropical florals.
Did you include any DIY elements?
Yes, but credit goes to our families. We sent them Pinterest ideas, and they handled table decorations from Brazil. One of our best friends, Mel, designed our welcome sign and even went thrift shopping with us for decor. Those touches gave the wedding heart without blowing up the budget.
What about your ceremony, how did you make it yours?
We had already gotten legally married in Vancouver, so this ceremony was purely symbolic. Our friend Mel officiated, and it was short, funny, and heartfelt. We wrote our own vows, inspired by an Esther Perel article, and kept them under five minutes.
The ceremony was in English, but we also translated everything into Portuguese and Spanish for our families. That way everyone could feel included.
Tell us about the wedding day itself.
The weather was windy but beautiful. Giu walked down the aisle with her mom and aunt to an instrumental of “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” a nod to her work in animation. Gabi followed with both her parents to “Mystery of Love” by Sufjan Stevens.
The ceremony was emotional, especially when Giu and her brother acknowledged the absence of their dad. Afterward, we skipped formal tradition and had our first dance together as a group to “I Kissed a Girl.” The party kept going with Colombian, Brazilian, and international hits until a sparkler-filled finale to “Mr. Brightside.”
The official party ended at the venue, but we weren’t ready to stop. We hit the hotel disco, then ended up in a private pool with friends at 4 a.m. It was wild.
What were some of your favorite non-traditional choices?
We skipped a sit-down dinner and had a buffet so guests could eat whenever. No father-daughter dances, no long ceremony, just a flow that felt natural to us. Our goal was for everything to be casual, fun, and real, not scripted.
Which vendors stood out to you?
Without question, Adolfo Florentino and Frederick Reynoso gave us photos we’ll treasure forever. GC Star Punta Cana kept the dance floor packed all night. And Mercaflor Punta Cana delivered florals that pulled the tropical setting together perfectly.
Any advice for couples planning a destination wedding?
Get a local coordinator who actually has your back. Keep spreadsheets for your budget, and be honest about what really matters to you. For us it was photography and music, so that’s where we spent the money. Everything else can be simple or DIY.
And remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about people. You’ll dance, you’ll laugh, and you’ll end up with memories that last way longer than table settings.
Photography by Adolfo Florentino & Frederick Reynoso
DJ GC Star Punta Cana
Florals Mercaflor Punta Cana
