Our wedding was amazing! Liz, the wedding coordinator, was more than a pleasure to work with. She does everything she can to make sure you're as stress free as possible, she genuinely listens to you, and is very dedicated to making your day sp...ecial. She is in constant contact through email/phone call, and any concern is addressed in a more than timely fashion. She is a HUGE asset to the resort, and they are very lucky to have her.
The next positive was Stephanie, the pastry chef. I don't have words to describe what this girl can do with cake flavor. You just have to try it for yourself, and you will not be disappointed! Something as plan as vanilla still excites your taste buds, she is just that good. She even made the accommodation, less than a week before our wedding, to make the cake bigger than originally ordered so it fit our stand better. She also took care with allergies. My mom has severe nut allergies, and she was able to make our cupcakes/cake allergen free so all could enjoy! Duke made room blocking easy and guest affordable.
The venues were breath taking- our Beach ceremony site was beautiful and the Plaza tent was the reception venue I had always dreamed of!
Downfall areas come in regards to treatment of our guests by hotel employees and several hiccups in planning. A manager personally came out to berate a family member of mine publically, which was not ok. Then the day after our wedding at 4pm, I was called and asked why we had not vacated the "suite," to which I had email confirmations that we were in this room for two nights.
In the planning process, I had been in contact with Meg, since January (we booked in Sept. '13 for Sept. '14, and I had to wait until Jan. '14 to start design planning). After several emails/phone conversations, I found out in June nothing had been taken care of and done. The poor girl that was put as an interim replacement conveyed how overwhelmed she was, and when we were put in touch, details from what had been discussed prior with Meg did not match. It was very frustrating, and I did everything from my own centerpieces to linens; which meant I also had to decorate and clean up after the reception.
When we booked, we were told transportation shuttles would be provided to the bridal party for pictures, and were told it was, quote "one less vendor to deal with." We still had to pay for a resort shuttle for pictures, and ended up not going off property. Our tasting was supposed to be for 6 people; and was planned for 4, so we ended up splitting and sharing. The food the day of the wedding was underwhelming for the price. Our bar, however, was BEYOND phenomenal.
I had a hair and makeup trial while visiting for our tasting; and am so thankful I did. I ended up doing my own makeup and had a friend do my hair. Three of my six bridesmaids had their hair done at the resort spa, then the girl who did my hair ended up fixing their hair as well.
Ending on a positive note, everything turned out stunning in the end. The venues were gorgeous, and everyone had a blast. The entire atmosphere itself is where the cost becomes worth it. The resort truly is a gorgeous location. I was underwhelmed with some services, while others exceeded expectations. We left with amazing memories, and a lot of our guests labeled our wedding "epic!" My husband and I are overall very happy with how our big day turned out and are grateful to those who helped make it special!