Dominican Republic Celebration of Marriage
Most of our features are all about the photos … photos from every imaginable wedding style, every imaginable type of couple ~ from across the many parts of the world that our Little Black Book members travel. Today’s feature was sent to us by Soroya and Candice at The Finishing Touch, an event and wedding design & coordination firm with offices in Metro New York and London. And although the photos we have for you today are great, this feature is more about the story. The story of Jenn and Eliu. If you are in the midst of planning your own wedding, and are feeling even the least bit stressed … be sure you read to the very end for a real pick-me-up reminder of what it’s all about!
Their story …
Jennifer and Eliu met in Bayonne, New Jersey many years ago during high school. Hear what Jenn says about the ensuing years …
Although we had our bumps in the road, our paths always stayed together- fighting with passion toward our vision and what we knew in our hearts and souls- that our love transcended that of husband & wife. So for a long while, we never saw the need to marry. We were revolutionaries and non-traditionalists and we loved that about ourselves.
Honestly, we struggled with what marriage would provide that we didn’t already have. We didn’t feel the need to be like Nike and “Just Do it!” Our lives had taken us through so many new situations, states, homes, phases of development and personal growth. As each year passed, we didn’t think about not being married or how it seemed, we thought about being mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally prepared for the beauty and challenges of marriage.
In 2007, after a particularly long period apart, Eliu showed up on Jenn’s doorstep and asked her to marry him!
Again, from Jenny … Time literally stood still. Elui said that he had traveled across the country to say that he loved me more than life itself. After many hugs and kisses, he said there was one more surprise! ANOTHER? He popped in a video tape and started playing a home video of his mom, sister, nieces and MY parents flooded with emotion and CONGRATULATING us on our engagement! Truly, it was the best day of our lives.
from Candice at The Finishing Touch …
The fun began on Friday when Jenn and Eliu, along with many of their guests arrived in Punta Cana at the Paradisus Palma Real. Their wedding weekend kicked off with welcome drinks ~ a “Bienvenidos Gathering.” Saturday was filled with an amazing excursion … swimming with the Dolphins and Sting Rays. Although the water was chilly, all had a wonderful time and got some amazing pictures. They all came racing back (literally racing) for the rehearsal on the beach.
The Rehearsal Dinner was held at the Bana Bistro where guests enjoyed family-style Asion Fusion fare. Our design team had created a photo book that featured all of the guests in attendance, along with a write-up about their importance in Jenn & Eliu’s lives. It was during dinner that they shared this special gift with each of their guests.
In all my years as a Wedding Consultant, I have seen and been touched by many wedding ceremonies … but none more so than the one I witnessed on Naos Beach at dusk. One of Jenn’s closest friends performed the ceremony. It was a mix of culture and spirituality that brought tears to EVERYONE’s eyes. Jenn’s brother added a special touch by providing all the music, played on his saxophone. We often tell our brides and grooms to always remember that although they are hosting a great party, the importance of the day is found at that moment when they become man and wife, and this was certainly true for Jenn and Eliu.
And here is the part that sums it all up … from Jenn …
Eliu and I work so well because our spiritual beliefs sustain us and carry us when the road appears too long and too dark. He trusts me- even when I over analyze and make him take psychological assessments and bring my work home- he humors me and honors me and what I do- he appreciates that I will be a doctor and that I am a strong woman who occasionally roars. We work because we LIKE each other more than LOVE each other. We work because we are best friends with benefits. We work because when one of us is almost out of steam the other picks up. We work because we take mini-getaways to revive our spirits. We work because we respect each other.
Jenny, you have reminded us ALL what this thing called LOVE and MARRIAGE is all about. We truly thank-you for sharing your story with us today!
You can see more photos and details from their wedding over on Candice’s blog!
I can't tell you how much I appreciate you sharing the story. All too often we get so wrapped up in the "wedding" that we neglect to pay much attention to the "marriage". Here's to a long, happy marriage for these two!
Beautiful pictures. Beautiful couple. Beautiful story. Many years of happiness to them.
And to SMP: THANK YOU for posting a brightly colored, tropical wedding! Was wondering if I'd ever get to see another one here! ;)
beautiful story :) brought tears to my eyes
love the bridesmaid's dress...anyone know who the maker is?
I love the pictures, it looks like everyone had a great time. Best wishes to the lucky couple.
I am Jenn's Aunt and can honestly tell you I've been to many a weddings in my years and have never witnessed two people more in love with life and each other than El and Jenn. Best wedding ever
It's a beautiful thing!! God Bless You. Wish I was there, looks like a great time! xoxoxo
These pictures are picture perfect!!! They look absolutely stunning!!!
May the Lord Bless your marriage day in and day out!!! love you guys!!!!
Thank you all for the love and best wishes! Thank you The FInishing Touch Events and especially Candice Benson and Priscilla Russinello for the patience, planning, attention to details ON EVERYTHING, laughter, invitations (that ROCKED!) and last minute running around! You are amazing and made me LESS stressed and MORE grounded. :)
Yes I LOVED the bridesmaid dresses- the girls DEFINITLEY have and will wear them again and they are convertible! Actually I am going to buy one for me in another color. It was twobirdsbridesmaids.com I met Ariane personally in NYC and she and her creations are DIVINE, MODERN, COMFORTABLE, AFFORDABLE and HOT!
Best wishes to all the impending brides and grooms! ENJOY THE PROCESS and PLEASE LET THE SMALL STUFF GO! Nothing is worth anger and tantrums on your wedding day- MAKE IT FABULOUS!
I love the story and the outcome of it. You two have a genuine love that withsatnds all. I am so happy for you both as individuals and as a couple. You are a pair made in heaven and I wish you a long life filled with happiness and love. Love you both!
..Usually the quiet one is ME!!!! and Jim, says it all. I've been INHALING the nice comments and the beutiful pictures that have been displayed and all I do is just smile and breathe deeply when we see them. My beautiful Jenny was determine to incorporate her eclectic and Bohemian style with her favorites suttle colors and then came Candice from Finishing Touch, and her talented staff to put it all together with great ideas and advice and the result "THE PERFECT WEDDING" Thank you, Candice, Priscilla and staff. They're not just talented but great ladies and very professional. LOVE THEM!!!
..This wedding was superb; the resort, food, the weather, the guests and the fun loving / helpful bridesmaids and ushers can't ask for anything better. Jenny and El, are so real and beautiful .
..GOD BLESS THEIR MARRIAGE AND LIVES TOGETHER....
Thanks for the bridesmaid dress info!
What a heart-warming story, and I also love the bright, warm colors she chose.
Primo & New Prima,
The pictures are beautiful. We wish we could have been there to help you celebrate this wonderful occasion. We love you guys and miss you LOTS. Remember that "TRUE LOVE" conquers all.
I am Jenny's baby Cousin (not a baby anymore tho)
I must say I am just truely happy that I could be apart of the special day that they shared and the memory of it all will ALWAYS stick in my head. Jen and El bring tears to my eyes all the time and they are truely my idols' of what love should be like. They are the pure example of the "perfect couple". Its just funny b/c i can remember being like 9yrs old and KNOWING that they would get married one day. What 9yr old knows that? haha I'm so so happy for them and thank God that he chose me to be apart of this wonderful family!
Side note to JENNY: I didn't catch the bouquet but I'm next! lol. j/k I'm taking my precious time like you.
Wow, beautiful pictures and such an awesome romantic story. (sigh) : )
Keep it alive 4ever guys
where did you get your wedding dress? i absolutely love it!!!
...what beautiful sentiments! I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.
I witnessed these two from the start and the love, mutual respect , understanding , and consideration they have for each other can not be measured. The wedding was astonishing and truly amazing... Good thing the best man was there to hold it all together. That guy rocks! May God and the sprits of our ancestors bless your marriage. LOL, Love U guys
These pictures are breathtaking!!! What a beautiful family!!! May God bless you both as you continue to love and cherish each other forever!!! I love you very much!!! XOXOXOXO
[...] Fleshbot wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptMost of our features are all about the photos … photos from every imaginable wedding style, every imaginable type of couple ~ from across the many parts of the world that our Little Black Book members travel. Today’s feature was sent to us by Soroya and Candice at The Finishing Touch , an event and wedding design & coordination firm with offices in Metro New York and London. And although the photos we have for you today are great, this feature is more about the story . The story of Jenn a [...]
I never get tired of seeing these photos, reminiscing about this "perfect" wedding ... reading all the blogs, articles, newsletters, and all around correspondence about this wedding ... I also agree with all of the folks above, most whom I know, others I dont but appreciate their kind and sweet sentiments.
"I can't tell you how much I appreciate you sharing the story. All too often we get so wrapped up in the "wedding" that we neglect to pay much attention to the "marriage". Here's to a long, happy marriage for these two!" Truer words have never been spoken ...
These two wonderful people met in HS, went to their Senior Prom at Marist HS, basically fell in love, and have been through thick and thin, good times and bad, but nothing could stop them from being and staying together. Not even the distance of the two coasts when Jen lived in SF while going to school, and El was still back East working and living with his family. Their love stood the test of time, distance, and longivity.
I love my daughter with all my heart and soul and would give my life for her in a second, and I know that El would do the same, which is why I love him just as much ... he is just like a son to me. A hard working, intelligent, strong, sensitive (I know we cried like babies at the ceremony), handsome, and beautiful man both inside and out. His family bond is unreal, his family are what the epitome of family means ... love, caring, togetherness, through thick and thin, they are always there for one another. Though my wife comes from the same family background, it is something that I never had growing up, and love being part of it.
Anyway, enough of me going on and on, as I said, I will NEVER get tired of these pictures, photos, memories, and will live them everyday, until the day I die. I love you both and wish you nothing but the best of life for the rest of lives!
Love, Poppa
Mrs.Mullan and of course Jim...I must say this wedding looks absolutely beautiful. My cousin also wedded in Punta Cana. It was nothing less than stunning. The people in DR like Maria said, were very professional and sincere. The wedding was great, the food, music, the beach...I can imagine how you guys feel.
I would like to say congrats to Jen and Eliu, may you guys live and enjoy life to the fullest as a unit, you guys have done it up. You both look great together. The colors Jen picked are very nice, and the cake I love...love to eat it too (Laughing)...
But on a serious note Jim I am glad that you are happy, because I know if you didn't approve of anything you'd have no problem letting it be known. So congrats to you Jen and Eliu and I wish you nothing but the best. And I know I don't know you guys but when I look at your photos the NeYo (you make me better) song always comes to mind. You're a movement by yourself but a force when together, and that's what I get out of looking at you and Eliu photos. God Bless
BERENICE: My dress information: Bijou Bridal in Paramus, NJ and it is the GRACE from Amy Michelson collection.
I love my dress too. THANKS MOM & DAD FOR THE GIFT!