My Dream Jellyfish Wedding: My Offsite Wedding Venue Experience
Unlike most brides, I never fantasized about a grand wedding. The idea of a fairytale ceremony with a white dress, bridesmaids, and flowers never crossed my mind. However, when I became engaged and stumbled upon the world of destination weddings, everything changed. Eight years have passed, yet my fascination with wedding photo galleries, décor, and the breathtaking allure of sky terrace gazebos and beach ceremonies remains as strong as ever.
My destination wedding timeline seemed flawless; I allocated 24 months for planning and an additional 18 months for my guests. Beginning 24 months prior, I delved into the search for the perfect venue. Being well-acquainted with Punta Cana, I explored every wedding venue option available at the time, only to find that nothing quite met my expectations.
As my quest continued, endless hours of Google searches and meticulous investigations led me to the realm of offsite wedding venues. Among them stood out Jellyfish Punta Cana, Kukua Beach Club, and Huracan Café. Yet, above them all shone the planner of my dreams: Mayte, fondly known as 'The Punta Cana Fairy Godmother.'
The moment I laid eyes on Mayte's work at Jellyfish, I was captivated. It felt like fate had led me to the perfect venue. From the moment I laid eyes on Mayte's work at Jellyfish, I was captivated. Without hesitation, I contacted them and secured my cherished wedding date: June 26, 2016. Yet, my initial excitement faded when I noticed unexpected changes in Jellyfish's wedding décor. The magic seemed to fade, and I soon discovered that Mayte, my guiding light, had parted ways with Jellyfish. With a new wedding team in place, the venue no longer met my expectations.
Panic set in, and I embarked on a mission to explore alternative venues, realizing that although Jellyfish had captured my heart and initially seemed perfect, it could no longer fulfill my vision.
In January 2015, I arrived in Punta Cana and immediately visited Huracan Café. The venue was undoubtedly breathtaking, yet it exuded a boho beach vibe that didn't quite align with my romantic, flower-filled vision. Despite having placed a deposit, a lingering feeling urged me to keep searching for the perfect venue that truly resonated with my heart.
And so, the search continued, leading me to discover the one and only Kukua Punta Cana. The moment I laid eyes on this venue, I fell head over heels. The beach was unlike anything I had ever seen - bright, beautiful, and pristine. The venue itself was out of this world, and I knew in my gut that it was the one. Without hesitation, I put down another deposit to secure my date.
For 16 months, I embarked on an intense planning journey alongside the amazing wedding team at Kukua Punta Cana. They were incredibly responsive and attentive to my needs, which put me at ease and allowed me to focus on my vision - flowers, flowers, and more flowers! Day after day, I immersed myself in floral arrangements, decoration ideas, and wedding details. I was happy, excited, and, of course, nervous - after all, this was normal, right?
As the big day drew closer, about two months before the wedding, I found myself facing a reality I hadn't anticipated. Despite everything being perfect on paper, something felt amiss. Doubt crept in, and I couldn't help but question if it was just normal cold feet or something more profound. There was an inexplicable sense of unease.
I began to reflect on why I had chosen Kukua and this particular destination in the first place. While everything about the venue was dreamy, and the planning process had been smooth, I couldn't shake the feeling that I might have rushed into the decision. Was it the right venue for me? My sister, till this day, says the venue was perfect, the fiancé, not so much, lol. (Note to my husband: I disagree, babe, I promise <3)
Throughout this journey, I realized that amidst all the excitement and joy, there are stresses and doubts that no one really talks about. It's not just about choosing a beautiful location or finding the perfect resort; it's about finding a place that truly resonates with you and your partner. It's about navigating the fine line between fantasy and reality and making sure your wedding is an authentic reflection of your love and relationship.
As I reflected on my choice of venue, it became clear that it was never about the planner; it was always about the venue itself. Jellyfish had spoken to my heart all along - the beautiful bright blue beach, the unique venue shape, and that mesmerizing starlit dancefloor were simply irresistible. With just two months left until our big day, a pivotal moment changed everything.
Having planned at another venue for nearly two years, I made a life-changing call to Jellyfish. In that moment, my heart knew it was making the right decision, and 30 days later, we said "I do" at the venue that had always been meant for us, Jellyfish Punta Cana.
This journey taught me that amidst the stresses and doubts, our hearts hold the answers. Sometimes, it takes a leap of faith to follow our hearts and embrace the venue that truly resonates with our love story. So, if there's one thing I've learned, it's to trust your heart, for it knows the way to the destination that is meant for you. Stay tuned for the next chapter of this unforgettable adventure, where we'll explore more magical moments and cherished memories. Let love (and me, Carol!) guide you to the destination that fills your heart with joy!
Stay tuned for my next blog post about my experience at Jellyfish Punta Cana!
