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Classic Caribbean

The Bride: Debbie Gallant
The Groom: Benny Celado
Wedding Date: November 27, 2009
Venue: Excellence Punta Cana Resort

When Debbie Gallant and Benny Celado got engaged in the spring of 2008, the Boston-based couple dove right in to the planning process. After calculating the cost and the added stress of flying their out-of-town guests to the city, they decided a better option might be to get out of dodge. After some online research, Debbie and her mom went on a site visit at their favorite option, Excellence Punta Cana Resort and Spa in the Dominican Republic. “Words do Excellence very little justice. It’s simply breathtaking. The grounds are lush and the colors are absolutely brilliant. I knew this was the place immediately,” says Debbie. As soon as she returned, they began planning their intimate November 2009 wedding celebration for 30 guests at the resort.
Invitations – A Gift for Their Guests
The couple wanted to show their appreciation to each member of their small and intimate guest list by making the invitation itself a gift. They ordered thin, blue, rectangular silk boxes from Thailand, in which they placed a classic blue and white printed invitation with handmade enclosures. Debbie then punched flowers from decorative white paper and sprinkled them inside the box. The final personal touch? Debbie and Benny hand-delivered each one.
Favors – Destination Essentials
Like many destination weddings, goodie bags were an essential detail to help the guests get into an island state of mind. Blue polka-dot beach bags included a beach towel, first-aid kit, lotions, a bottle of Dominican rum, and a cup that read, “Eat, drink, and be married.” They also included a thank-you note and an itinerary, which allowed guests to plan ahead for the week’s events.
Venue – Six-Day Celebration
Excellence Resort made the planning a breeze. A welcome cocktail party kicked off the week, followed by lots of sun and surf with family and friends. “By the time the wedding rolled around, our guests were relaxed, sun kissed, and ready to party,” Debbie recalls. Their ceremony was held under an arbor on the beach followed by a cocktail hour at the beachfront bar and a romantically lit pool-side reception.
Venue – Six-Day Celebration
Excellence Resort made the planning a breeze. A welcome cocktail party kicked off the week, followed by lots of sun and surf with family and friends. “By the time the wedding rolled around, our guests were relaxed, sun kissed, and ready to party,” Debbie recalls. Their ceremony was held under an arbor on the beach followed by a cocktail hour at the beachfront bar and a romantically lit pool-side reception.
Venue – Six-Day Celebration
Excellence Resort made the planning a breeze. A welcome cocktail party kicked off the week, followed by lots of sun and surf with family and friends. “By the time the wedding rolled around, our guests were relaxed, sun kissed, and ready to party,” Debbie recalls. Their ceremony was held under an arbor on the beach followed by a cocktail hour at the beachfront bar and a romantically lit pool-side reception.
Theme – Color of the Sea
The couple used a bright aqua blue, the color of the Caribbean Sea, throughout their décor. The white chairs at their ceremony were accented with an aqua sash. Debbie’s bridesmaids wore aqua chiffon dresses by Wtoo and carried bouquets of large white roses wrapped in an aqua satin ribbon. For centerpieces, candles floated in three-foot-high cylindrical vases filled with sea glass.
Bridal Attire – Chiffon and Silk
When the boutique that Debbie visited failed to have the exact dress she was looking for, she reluctantly tried a Maggie Sottero gown and fell in love with its delicate ruched chiffon and lace-up back. It was Benny who chose the stunning Marchesa gown that Debbie changed into before the reception. The cream-colored, off-the-shoulder dress of light, flowing silk allowed her to move comfortably in the island’s evening heat.
Bridal Attire – Chiffon and Silk
When the boutique that Debbie visited failed to have the exact dress she was looking for, she reluctantly tried a Maggie Sottero gown and fell in love with its delicate ruched chiffon and lace-up back. It was Benny who chose the stunning Marchesa gown that Debbie changed into before the reception. The cream-colored, off-the-shoulder dress of light, flowing silk allowed her to move comfortably in the island’s evening heat.
Bridal Attire – Chiffon and Silk
When the boutique that Debbie visited failed to have the exact dress she was looking for, she reluctantly tried a Maggie Sottero gown and fell in love with its delicate ruched chiffon and lace-up back. It was Benny who chose the stunning Marchesa gown that Debbie changed into before the reception. The cream-colored, off-the-shoulder dress of light, flowing silk allowed her to move comfortably in the island’s evening heat.
A Lasting Memory - Flying Photographer
After an engagement session with photographer, Corinna Raznikov, which yielded incredible results (and new friendships), the couple was left wishing that flying her to the Dominican was within their budget. Benny, in particular, continued to mention Raznikov, how much he had enjoyed her, and what an amazing job she had done. While Debbie commiserated with him, she figured out she had a great surprise gift for her to-be-husband. When the couple walked into the welcome cocktail party at the resort, there was Raznikov, snapping photos, courtesy of one very generous bride. Benny was blown away. “She was shooting from the moment she got off the plane, documenting our wedding week. She is so generous and such an artist,” Debbie remembers.
A Lasting Memory - Flying Photographer
After an engagement session with photographer, Corinna Raznikov, which yielded incredible results (and new friendships), the couple was left wishing that flying her to the Dominican was within their budget. Benny, in particular, continued to mention Raznikov, how much he had enjoyed her, and what an amazing job she had done. While Debbie commiserated with him, she figured out she had a great surprise gift for her to-be-husband. When the couple walked into the welcome cocktail party at the resort, there was Raznikov, snapping photos, courtesy of one very generous bride. Benny was blown away. “She was shooting from the moment she got off the plane, documenting our wedding week. She is so generous and such an artist,” Debbie remembers.