Sax Pool at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Welcome Party

Catholic Chapel Jesus The Good Shepherd

Engagement Ceremony

Isle of Wight Plaza at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Chanthamcharth & Mylanchi

Wedding Mass

Ceremony

Fillmore Ballroom at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Cocktail Hour

Wedding Reception

Our Wedding

I moved around a lot as a kid, so I never really had the chance to put down roots anywhere. No place ever truly felt like home. From Chicago to California to India and back to California, I always felt like something was missing. That is, until I came back to Chicago and saw her. For the first time, I felt something different—something like home. Just kidding, I'm not that corny—but seriously, I knew there was something special about her. What started as a casual glance quickly grew into a crush, and that crush turned into what a fifth grader might call love. I had all these feelings, but the idea of even saying hi felt terrifying. So, I waited. And waited. Finally, after years of building up courage, I was able to say hello—but not much else. So, I came up with a plan: I'd befriend her cousins, the people closest to her, and hopefully, it would make talking to her easier. Befriending her cousins went smoothly, but talking to her? Still felt impossible. More time passed, and we found ourselves in high school. Talking in person was still a struggle, but I’d graduated to Facebook Messenger. We’d have great conversations that lasted for weeks—until out of nowhere, she’d give me the cold shoulder. I’d wait a little while, try again, and we’d pick up where we left off—only for the cycle to repeat itself. This back-and-forth continued throughout high school, until eventually, we drifted apart as we went off to college. In college, we didn’t talk much during the first semester. It was tough, but at that point, I realized I couldn’t keep chasing something that didn’t seem to be going anywhere. Then, one of the biggest blessings of my life happened. Call it coincidence, I call it divine intervention, but my roommate happened to be dating Marie’s roommate and invited me to visit ISU (shout out Seb and Ashley). The moment I saw her again, all the old feelings came rushing back. I was in. The visit went well, but it was clear that we were still more friends than anything else. I was hurt, but I knew love wasn’t something you could force. Then she came to visit SLU, and while we were still mostly just friends, something amazing happened. A few weeks later I visited friends at Marquette. I saw her, we had small talk, but before I left, she said: let me know when you get back. Little did I know, this small gesture would blossom into so much more. We started texting, then talking on the phone, and finally FaceTiming. The moment we started FaceTiming, I knew: it was game over. The girl of my dreams was into me. We talked almost every day that semester, through the summer, and by the time I finally asked her to be my girlfriend, I was certain. And, well, you know what she said (yes, obviously, or we wouldnt be here today). The next ten years have been the best of my life—full of highs, lows, and everything in between—but through it all, our relationship only grew stronger. And now, we're ready for the next chapter: MARRIAGE. I can't wait to see all of you on November 14th to watch me, the most emotional guy in the room, lose it as my best friend walks down the aisle and we begin this new journey together. Thank you all for being part of this incredible story!

Jimmy's Version

I remember walking into 5th grade CCD class, and I noticed someone new. I thought to myself “oh who is that”, and I somehow sat right across from him in the circle.&nbsp;&nbsp; Over the years, Jimmy made friends with my guy cousins, and we’d occasionally talk here and there. Friends would come up to me and tell me that Jimmy is a good guy and that we would be cute together. And I’d respond the only way I knew how—by standing there awkwardly lol.&nbsp; Sometime in high school, Jimmy and I started Facebook messaging pretty often, and I slowly started to catch feelings. But did I handle those feelings maturely and communicate them? No, no—I panicked and ghosted him…real smooth, Marie, real smooth… Then college came along. I went to ISU and Jimmy went to SLU. Jimmy became friends with Sebastian and I became friends with Ashley, who were dating (what a coinkydink). One weekend, Jimmy randomly tagged along to ISU “for fun”, and we all hung out. A few months later, I visited Josni at SLU and had a chance to spend time with Jimmy and his friends as well. After that visit, Jimmy texted me to say he liked me. I froze, obviously, but I remembered that same feeling I had back in high school. About a month later, we were at Marquette visiting friends. At a party, Tebin started talking Jimmy up, saying how amazing he was. As he spoke, I found myself staring at Jimmy, thinking about those old feelings—and for the first time, I processed it (finally). Before we went back to our colleges, I told Jimmy to let me know when he got back. And he did. And we’ve been talking ever since ☺️ Jimmy has been the most amazing person to come into my life. We’ve grown together, challenged each other, and supported one another in becoming our better selves. Huge shoutout to our friends and families who’ve been a part of our story. After ten incredible years, we've reached this beautiful moment—about to get married and start our new journey together! I can't wait to marry my person!

Marie's Version

Our Story

Photos

Parents

Stephen & Jessy Chakkalakel

Joy & Shila Chemmachel

Groomsmen

Jeffin Chakkalakel

Joel Chakkalakel

Matthew Uthupan

Lucas Chemmachel

Geo Chemmachel

James Mundaplackil

Jerome Uthupan

David Uthupan

Elijah Delosreyes

Austen Gumber

Josemon Chemmachel

Nabbin Chammachel

Justin Amakil

Steve Lukose

Shawn Mathew

Rino Muringothu

Shane Nediyakalayil

Sebastian Chirayil

Albin Mutholam

Sreejith Panicker

Nihil Abraham

Bridesmaids

Alli Mundaplackil

Albey Chemmachel

Neema Chemmachel

Ida Parampettu

Dinahmary Jaimon Chemmachel

Jenny Pillaveettil

Christina Parampettu

Serah Nediyakalayil

Simmy Vazhakalayil

Varsha Mundaplackil

Sabbina Chackapurackel

Jaimie Poothakary

Flower Girls

Cynthia & Saniah Chakkalakel

Alaina Chemmachel

Ring Bearer

Castiel Mundaplackil

Wedding Party

Q + A

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

Hotel Map

Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)

Travel

Enjoy delicious international cuisine and exotic eats prepared with the freshest local and imported products and convenient snack bars. Enjoy all-inclusive buffet and a la cart dining at restaurants with no exclusions or reservations whenever you feel hungry or thirsty!

Dining

Water, water, everywhere. True enough. Especially when it comes to our pools. Surrounded by a Venetian-style canal setting, Hard Rock Hotel &amp; Casino Punta Cana features 13 expansive pools, 4 swim-up bars and 3 kids pools with flume waterslides and activities for those under 16.&nbsp;So, come on in – the water's perfect.

13 Pools

Just to guarantee you the most epic family vacation of all time, we’ve added another rocking amenity. The all-inclusive&nbsp;Hard Rock Hotel &amp; Casino Punta Cana’s&nbsp;very own water park,&nbsp;Rockaway Bay. Be the first to dive in.&nbsp;

Rockaway Bay Water Park

At Hard Rock Roxity Kids Club, we know that every child is unique, so we offer a variety of activities to suit different interests and personalities. Whether your child is into music, art, sports, or just loves to play, we have something for everyone. Our state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with everything needed to ensure a safe, comfortable, and engaging environment. Hours of Operation:- 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.- 2:00 pm to 10:45 pm. Children schedule:&nbsp;Children under 4 years are welcome in the company of an adult.- 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.- 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Kids Club

At Hard Rock Hotel &amp; Casino Punta Cana, we believe wellness has a rhythm, a melody, and a beat. That’s why we created Sound Body, a holistic approach to healthy living, with music at its core. Featuring our one-of-a-kind amenities designed to refresh the mind, rejuvenate the body, and re-energize the spirit. Discover the power of music through your custom wellness experience. Discover your Sound Body with&nbsp;Rock Spa®, Rock Om®, and Body Rock®.

Wellness

Be prepared to golf across a magnificent course that features beautiful Platinum Paspalum grass, undulating greens with sufficient surrounding bailout areas, fairways that carve through the Dominican jungle, and strategically designed bunker layouts.&nbsp;

Golf

This world-class gaming destination delivers the ultimate casino experience in the Caribbean. Featuring state-of-the-art slot machines, live table games, a dedicated poker room, and an exclusive VIP Lounge, you'll find endless ways to play and win. Whether you're a casual gamer or a seasoned high roller, you'll enjoy top-tier service, thrilling games, and an unforgettable atmosphere—all just steps from the beach.

Casino

Experience the energy of ORO Nightclub, the most exclusive nightclub in the Dominican Republic. Our venue offers a spacious and upscale setting for your evenings in Punta Cana. With room for a large crowd and numerous private tables, ORO delivers high-energy entertainment, world-class DJs, and an unbeatable party atmosphere. Minimum age to party and drink: 18 years old. HOURS&nbsp;Open Wed - Sat from 11:00 PM - 4:00 AM CONTACT&nbsp;call&nbsp;<a href="tel:+18097547095" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">+18097547095</a>&nbsp;for reservations Oro Nightclub is not part of the all-inclusive. All food and beverage items are at charge.

Oro Nightclub

Ready for a jam session? Pick your choice of one of our Fender® guitars, which come with headphones and a Fender® Micro Mustang amplifier, to create a pop-up studio right in your own guest room. The best part? There's no charge (we only need a credit card to secure it). Keep it all day, all night… it's all inclusive. Note:&nbsp;Please request your guitar at the Guest Service Desk located at The Main Lobby from&nbsp;7:00 am to 11:00 pm.

Jam Session

There’s not much that can beat a stay at the All Inclusive Hard Rock Hotel &amp; Casino Punta Cana. But that doesn’t mean we can’t add to it. Head out to the natural beauty and wonder of Punta Cana and experience a full setlist of world-class tours that are sure to make your stay that much more unforgettable.

Tours & Excursions

Things to Do

Registry