Wedding Day

villa del mar

Ceremony

Our Wedding

We met in December of 2020 for what we thought was a seemingly simple date. Shortly after leaving the date, we texted each other saying that we knew the other was extraordinary. On our second date, we met at a restaurant when it opened at 5:00 pm, and in a flash, the waiter was coming over to the table saying the restaurant was closing. It was nearing 11:00 pm, but we had been so enthralled in the conversation and with the person across the table that the rest of the world felt separate for a moment (or I suppose 6 hours). Needless to say, we fell deeply in love with each other quickly. Our love has felt deeper than anything we have ever known. Over the last few years we have grown our relationship to lift us both towards our dreams, to love the other unconditionally, and to always be a best friend before anything else. We are so grateful for our love and for the special people in our lives. We can't wait to celebrate our wedding with you!!

Our Story

Photos

Brooke Germscheid

Sandra French

Victoria Vasso

Erin

Mike Kara

Bobby Kara

Wedding Party

When should I RSVP?March 1, 2025

What is the best airport to fly into in DR?Recommended: Santo Domingo - 2 hours from venue. Other: Punta Cana - 4 hours from venue.

How do I get to/from the Santo Domingo airport?We will provide two shuttles on Wednesday, May 21st from the Santo Domingo airport to Las Terrenas. Most likely a shuttle at 1 PM and 4 PM (to be finalized). We will provide one shuttle on Thursday, May 22nd from the Santo Domingo airport to Las Terrenas (time to be finalized based on guests' flights). Two shuttles provided on Sunday, May 25th for guests to travel from Las Terrenas back to the Santo Domingo Airport.

Other Transportation:If you are flying into Punta Cana, you will need to hire your own taxi/car service to take you to the venue.If you are flying into Santo Domingo but prefer not to take one of the provided shuttles, you will need to book your own taxi/car service.Taxis for 1-4 people from Punta Cana are approximately $300 USD and from Santo Domingo are approximately $150-200 USD

Tips for Traveling Abroad:7 to 8 months before:&nbsp;Ensure your passport is up to date!&nbsp;Your passport needs to be valid for at least 90 days after your last day in DR.&nbsp;For example, if you are leaving DR on May 27, 2025, your passport must be valid until August 25, 2025. 3 to 4 months before: Purchase your airfare 1 week before:&nbsp;Coordinate your phone plan accordingly. You can either use an international data plan ($10/day for Verizon/AT&amp;T) or you can access your data when you have Wifi. 2 -3 days before:&nbsp;It is recommended to get small bills on the trip. If you're staying at a Villa, they are usually fully staffed with cleaners, chefs, chauffeurs, etc. A few tips can go a long way! Chargers: DR has the same outlets as the United States. No need to bring adapters unless you're one of the guests coming from Europe!

What is the native languageDominicans speak Spanish but a decent amount do know some English!

What is the dress code for your wedding?Beach Casual

Q + A/ General Info

The Wedding with take place at Villa Del Mar, where family will resident with the Brides.

Villa Del Mar

Transportation Options: SHUTTLES/ DRIVERSAN DOMINGO TO LAS TERRENASVisitors: All visitors must be announced to Security at the Complex entrance, Telephone No. 829-918-1030. Coming soon

Airport Transportation

Venue

Excursions

Can be done on your own or with an excursion company.&nbsp; If on your own:&nbsp;Extra Taxi: $$&nbsp;1$ park entrance&nbsp;Optional Guide $40&nbsp;	Optional Horse rental extra - If you wish to ride horses to the falls, you can arrange them at the entrance.&nbsp;

El Limon Waterfall Hiking 

Playa Ermitano 80$USD per person&nbsp;

Boat Excursions 

Includes: Transportation, Lunch &amp; Drinks&nbsp;110$USD per person&nbsp;

Playa Fronton, Playa Rincon & Playa Madame 

Please NOTE: This is NOT in front of the villa.&nbsp;1.5 hour ride $65&nbsp;2 hour ride $75&nbsp;9:30 am departure or 2:30pm departure&nbsp;Taxi not included&nbsp;

Beach/Trail Horseback Riding

Price depends on the amount of people.

Beach Horseback Riding - In front of Villa

Private Surf lesson 2 hours $50&nbsp;Group Lesson 2 hours $35&nbsp;

Surf Lessons 

Tour through a nature reserve, you travel in a taxi then take a boat across the Samaná bay to the nature reserve, you will visit caves and boat through mangroves. Great for viewing wildlife. Wednesdays &amp; Saturdays 8am-2:30pm&nbsp;	Included: Transportation, Entrance to park, Guide, Lunch and Refreshments Bring: Running shoes, Swimsuit, Towel, Sunscreen, Repellent, Water, Sunglasses, Rain Gear. Price: 85$ USD per person 50$ USD Kids 2-11 yrs old.&nbsp; **Not recommended for people of age, boat ride can be a bit strenuous**&nbsp;

Los Haitises National Park

For 6 persons includes soft drinks, water and fruit. Price depends on the size of boat you choose.&nbsp;**Can be customized to include lunch, drinks**&nbsp;

Deep Sea Fishing 

Spend the day swimming in fresh water pools and for those who are adventurous, swing your way into the cool water by zipline. This park has an underground cave system, two swimming lagoons with crystal clear waters, a park with lots of natural spaces to enjoy, flora and fauna. Price of taxi, park entrance and tolls

Dudú Lagoon

Playa Jackson Reef 55$USD per person&nbsp;Las Ballenas Reef 25$USD per person&nbsp;Samana 45 USD per person&nbsp; ADD- ON Sublue Scooters 30 Minutes 15 USD

Snorkeling 

Various packages and prices, please consult with Rebecca&nbsp;

Scuba Diving 

Includes: Quad or Buggy, Guide, Lunch, Waterfall, Ruta de Cafe, Casa Typica, Beach stop. 85$ per person&nbsp;45$ kids under 8Visit a traditional Dominican Home, learn about Cacao and how it is made traditionally, sip some local coffee and see how it was made in the good ol' days, visit El Limon Waterfall, stop for lunch, beach swim and return.&nbsp; *10$ extra per horse if wanted for Waterfall hike&nbsp;*Half day does not include lunch&nbsp; 	*Please only consider this Tour if you have some sort of experience on All terrain vehicles, this tour takes you on open roads and mountainous terrain. Some experience is necessary*

El Limon Waterfall & Coffee Trail Quad or Buggy Tour

Let us take you to the Dominican Countryside. Where life is slow and completely connected to nature. Visit the Campo de Santo for a tour of their community plantation. See many local plants and learn what each of them is used for. Learn how cacao is made, visit their traditional kitchen and savor a cup of their fresh coffee.&nbsp; $20 per person without lunch&nbsp;$40 per person Traditional Dominican Lunch included&nbsp; *Transportation not included&nbsp;

Campo de Santo Traditional Farm Tour 

Beginner:&nbsp;Beach and Jungle Trails starting at $45&nbsp;Intermediate&nbsp;Bike park trails and beach riding $70&nbsp;Advanced&nbsp;Mountainous terrain, in and around Terrenas&nbsp;$85&nbsp; Or customize your own based on your skill level $90

Mountain Bike Experience

CULINARY EXPERIENCES

6 course Tasting Menu&nbsp;Dominican Roots. Natural Ingredients. Top Shelf experience.&nbsp;	Chef Luis Alfredo in his home (or yours), learn about Cacao &amp; Coco and the processes it takes to get from farm to fork, after you will enjoy a 7 course tasting menu.&nbsp; $100 per person	5 Star reviews here https://abnb.me/OvWN2pSndrb or check out his instagram @itinerante ***Chef Luis Alfredo is also available for any special dinners or events***&nbsp;

5 Star Chef Table Experience

Bistro style Buffet (Light Lunch)&nbsp;6 bottles of Prosecco or pre-made cocktails&nbsp;For groups of 20-28 persons&nbsp; *Menu customization available*&nbsp;**Catamaran rental extra**&nbsp;**Guests of Villa del Mar have the option to use the villa chef for lunch as well or upgrade to this option**&nbsp;

Catamaran Lunch with Chef Alfredo

Let us take you to the Dominican Countryside. Where life is slow and completely connected to nature. Visit the Campo de Santo for a tour of their community plantation. See many local plants and learn what each of them is used for. Learn how cacao is made, visit their traditional kitchen and savor a cup of their fresh coffee.&nbsp;$40 per person Traditional Dominican Lunch included&nbsp;*Transportation not included&nbsp;

Traditional Lunch in the Dominican Countryside at Campo de Santo

HEALTH & WELLNESS

90min $75&nbsp;75min $60&nbsp;60min $50

Lomi Lomi & Deep Massage 

Breathing exercise according to the Wim Hof method, then learn some Qigong/Flow movements and finish in a cold bath.&nbsp;This can be done in the villa or at his space.&nbsp;$20 per person + Price of Ice&nbsp;

Wim Hoff Experience

Personal numerology readings based on traditional Chinese medicine and energy flow.These readings can help you understand your strengths and weaknesses in your personality, your relationships and your career.&nbsp;Duration: 1h&nbsp;Price: $70

Numerology Readings 

Hatha Flow, Vinyasa, Restorative&nbsp;1 Session $120 - 3 Sessions $300 (up to 10 participants)&nbsp;

Private Yoga Classes

Things to Do

Registry

Order of Events (5/21-5/25): 5/21 - Wednesday 3PM Check In - Las Terrenas.Guests fly into the Santo Domingo airport (SDQ).Take shuttles to Las Terrenas (2 hours from airport).Enjoy the evening at one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. 5/22 - ThursdayEnjoy a free morning in Las Terrenas and/or hang with other wedding guests (beach drinks and games, soccer tennis, etc).From 1 - 6 PM, Bri and Vanessa will be providing a Luxury Catamaran excursion- with drinks and good sites included! Along with a dinner party for all at 6pm. 5/23-Friday WEDDING DAY4:00 PM wedding ceremony begins4:30 - 5:30 PM cocktail hour5:30 - 6:30 PM dinner6:30 - 10 PM dancing 5/24-SaturdayEnjoy extra day in DR 5/25-Sunday11AM Check Out11AM Shuttles provided from Las Terrenas to Santo Domingo Airport

Briana & Vanessa

Briana & Vanessa

Registry