Daniel and Dara came to us with a very specific theme and colors — and they needed it all, passport wedding invitations and ceremony and reception items. We were happy to help them out and be a part of their destination wedding! As seen on Wedding Chicks, below is their story.
Daniel and Dara’s wedding is going to make you want to jump on the next flight to Paradisus Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Not only does it look like a dreamy place to relax in the sun, but as you will soon see – it’s the ideal location for a destination wedding.
Read on to hear more about their fun filled wedding, and see exactly how much this Punta Cana destination wedding costs. Peruse all the images in the full gallery here, captured by Captured Photography by Jenny.


Daniel proposed to Dara in May of 2011 in a hot air balloon 30,000 feet above Virginia where they both reside. This led them to choose the ‘Love is in the Air¨ travel theme that they followed through out their wedding. Starting with their passport save the date cards to their wedding website and invitations, to their welcome wedding bags filled with all the essentials for island life (sunblock, lip balm with SPF, snacks, medicine, etc.). They even included a ‘Fly Away’ magazine (with the weekend itinerary and other wedding details).
If you are thinking about having a destination wedding, Dara graciously shared her budget with us. To help with wedding costs, their family and friends helped out. Their save the dates and acrylic tumblers were designed by a friend, and the welcome magazines were designed the bride and groom. They even used our Chevron Free Printables.
I have tried to breakdown my budget but am having trouble gathering all the information, and I don’t want to give a misrepresentation to other brides. I can tell you that our wedding cost somewhere between $44k-$47k based on my estimate. This includes travel and lodging for my husband and I along with all our vendors (4), the cost of the welcome bags we handed out, the gifts we gave, my dress and shoes, his suit and shoes along with the other traditional wedding costs.

Daniel and Dara’s escort cards were hot air balloon tickets that said “good for one free hot air balloon ride” to their respective tables. The table names were photos of the couple at different locations.


Venue: Paradisus Punta Cana
Coordinator: Helen Rodriguez
Flowers: Ever After Florals
Groom’s Attire: Haspel
Stationery: Too Chic & Little Shab (programs)
Invitations: Serendipity Beyond Design
Bridesmaid Tank Tops: Wedding Chicks Rainbow Tank Top
Welcome Wedding Totes: Hot Air Balloon Tote
Thank You Labels: The Wedding Chicks
Makeup: Sister | Hair: Best friend | Cake: Paradisus | Caterer: Paradisus | DJ: R’s Entertainment | Dress Designer: Paloma Blanca | Officiant: Uncle