Welcome Cocktail Hour

Boat Excursion (Paid - Optional)

Rehearsal Dinner (Bridal Party + Family)

Wedding Morning Beach Run with the Bride (optional, informal)

Kukua Beach Club & Restaurant

Wedding Ceremony, Dinner & Reception

Ceremony

Reception

<a href="https://kukuabeachclub.co/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Venue Website</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/kukuapuntacana/?hl=en" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Venue Instagram</a>

**Please drop all of your photos from the wedding and wedding week / your time in the DR in our shared Google Photos album <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/dcUecSip2iw4thNa9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>!** Thank you!

Wedding Week

March 13 - 17We recommend arriving by or before Saturday, March 14th (find more under "travel"). Additional, more informal optional planned activities (included at no added cost through the resort) for guests to join in on may be added shortly, such as: • Water sports, such as kayaking, windsurfing, bodyboarding, scuba diving + snorkeling (at the resort)• Beach volleyball + court sports• Pool + beach time• Shared a la carte meals + a goodbye brunch• Evening entertainment + resort "parties" You can find the timing and location of these activities on the RIU app! (In order to connect the app with your reservation, you will need to wait until you check into the resort. From there, you should be able to see and register for different events.) Find more about what's all included at the resort under "where to stay". *Photos shown on this page are of the venue*

Our Wedding

A Decade of Destiny

Our Story

where to stay / accomodations

**You may stay for any 3 or more nights during this room block period.** The bride &amp; groom's preference is for our guests to stay in the room block with us. Cost was our #1 priority during our search—we did extensive research to find the most high-value and practical option on the island, with the largest variety of offerings/activities at the least expensive price. Find out more about everything the resort includes in our "what to do" section! <a href="https://www.vacationcrm.com/Group/ViewGroupPage/6d1994c4-2b9f-461b-a3a2-f313b4113b20?companyId=134885a0-e76c-46c2-a1d7-e0537c9c33e9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Destination Wedding Reservation Booking Link</a>: the all-inclusive price is about $200/night/person.&nbsp;The upfront cost when booking is $100 to hold your room, and you can pay the remainder as needed before the event at no added charges (check the site linked above for details about payments and payment planning).PLEASE NOTE: Rooms at this price are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Once this room option is out, there will still be rooms available in our room block, but they are an upgraded room experience at a higher cost—book as soon as possible to get the lower cost option, as we expect these to be in high demand. Payment deadlines are as follows:~ Initial Payment (reservation fee to hold your room): November 15th~ A second deposit (towards the total cost of your stay, any amount): November 29th~ All final payments (total cost of stay): December 15th. We understand that a trip like this is not necessarily for everyone—if you can't make it, we completely understand (though we'll miss you!) and we'll be sure to celebrate together at some other time. :)

Hotel Riu Palace Bavaro

Your main contact for questions + assistanceThe contact information provided above is our travel agent group (Patty &amp; Kristen with Unique Romance &amp; Adventure Travel). We strongly recommend using them to help make the planning process as smooth as possible for you—they've been in the industry for 40 years, worked hard to get us the best possible deal, and have been incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and responsive every step of the way. They have put together a room block site to get you all set up with everything you need to know: please check it out <a href="https://www.vacationcrm.com/Group/ViewGroupPage/6d1994c4-2b9f-461b-a3a2-f313b4113b20?companyId=134885a0-e76c-46c2-a1d7-e0537c9c33e9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>.

Why we chose this resort

Punta Cana is almost entirely all-inclusive (24/7 unlimited food, drinks, activities, and services at no added charge) beachfront resorts—Caribbean vacation resorts are baked into the culture, and are the main attractions of the island. For a place to start, an understanding of what to expect in Punta Cana can be found in <a href="https://youtu.be/lCDb94K10dc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this video</a>. The DR is known for offering some of the best prices and values in the world for its all-inclusive beach experiences. An all-inclusive option is helpful for our guests to easily know the cost of the trip up front, in its entirety. We decided on a location walking distance to our venue for ease of access/transport/continuity (see more in our "transportation" tab). We opted for a room block to keep our community in one place for the best rates so we can all enjoy time spent together. Finally, the resort selection was made after significant review for the most cost-effective option that included something everyone could enjoy—this resort will have great options for individuals at all ages and with a wide range of interests. If you're interested in looking at alternative options, check out our FAQ about this.

Basic Resort Information• Non-smoking environment• Complete refurbishment in 2024• Environmental best practices; recent awards + certifications• Access to 2 other RIU Resorts (RIU Palance Punta Cana and RIU Bambu)• Wifi throughout resort• Parking•&nbsp;Accessibility / disability accommodations available• One of the largest beachfront spaces in the DR

Where To Stay

What To Do / activities

Check out the "home" tab for included formal events, such as the welcome cocktail hour.

What's included unlimited / for no additional charge at the resort?

Outside of formal events, you will have access to: FACILITIES• Restaurants: 10 (Asian, Italian, Mexican, Steakhouse, American, Grill, &amp; more. Unlimited meals/snacks are provided at no added cost 24/7.) You can make reservations for a la carte meals during your stay upon your arrival.• Bars: 12 (poolside, swim-up bar, sports bar, cocktail bar, ice cream parlor, and more. Unlimited drinks of all kinds are provided at no added cost 27/7.)• Swimming pools: 11, including loungers + parasols (adults only, family, party pool, baby pool, children's pool with slides, and more)• Water Park• Gym / fitness center• Sports court areas (such as tennis, soccer turf, basketball, and beach volleyball)• Spa + wellness center — i.e., steambath (some services such as massages are for additional charge). -- Massages, nails, and other luxury spa services (if you would like to use any luxury spa services, book under our group for a discount by reaching out to Patty &amp; Kristen. If we get a small group to book, we get an additional discount!)• Dancing club / Discoteca• "RIU Party Area" with open-air stage, pools + bars

What activities are included at the resort?

FOR NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE:• Group fitness activities / classes (yoga, etc) - classes can be reserved upon arrival at the resort for the duration of your stay.• Outdoor beach volleyball• Multipurpose sports pitches• Windsurfing• Kayaking• Bodyboarding• Snorkeling• 2p Catamaran sailing• 1 scuba diving session in the pool• Tennis• Biking• Nightly live music, shows, and other entertainment• Multiple pool parties / other types of parties thrown daily FOR ADDITIONAL CHARGE:• Scuba diving school• Golf• Additional activities may be available on request, such as guided / larger group sailing, ATV riding, boat tours, zip lining, and swimming with dolphins Outside of the resort, Punta Cana offers a lively night life, restaurants, shopping, &amp; trails / sights to explore.

What To Do

Travel + Transportation

Book your flight to Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ)—you can join our room block for any 3 or more nights between Thursday March 12th and Wednesday March 18th. If you plan to stay at the resort for any days outside of this blocked period, please let Patty and Kristen, our travel agents, know by emailing teampk@uniqueromancetravel.com—they will need to help coordinate this in order to maintain our discounted room block rates for the entirety of your stay. Remember to bring a valid passport (*needs to be valid for 6 months after your arrival date*)! Find more information and recommendations <a href="https://www.vacationcrm.com/Group/ViewGroupPage/6d1994c4-2b9f-461b-a3a2-f313b4113b20?companyId=134885a0-e76c-46c2-a1d7-e0537c9c33e9#ae463112a-b805-4f37-810d-a4b718084964" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> (under "flights").

Flights to the DR

We have arranged a trusted travel service that works closely with our venue + travel agent, Renny Travel DMC, to provide "private group" shuttle service for our wedding guests to + from the airport and resort. Renny will take small groups of our wedding guests based on their arrival days and times, grouping guests arriving at similar times (typically about 20-30 minutes apart). Find out more about this service <a href="https://www.vacationcrm.com/Group/ViewGroupPage/6d1994c4-2b9f-461b-a3a2-f313b4113b20?companyId=134885a0-e76c-46c2-a1d7-e0537c9c33e9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>, including private transport if you're interested in minimizing wait time (scroll to 'transportation'). You can also find additional information about this service decision in our FAQs. If you opt to stay elsewhere, you will need to arrange transportation separately. Be aware that taxis in the DR are known to upcharge.

Transportation to and from the Airport

There will be no transportation coordination needed—the resort is walking distance from the venue, sharing the same beachfront. If you opt to stay elsewhere, you will need to arrange transportation separately. Note that Ubers are infrequent and taxis in the DR are known to upcharge—plan ahead.

Transportation to and from the venue

Travel / Transportation

Weather

TEMPERATURE:On average, March in Punta Cana typically has a low of 70° F and a high of 85° F. As of 3/10, the temperature looks like it will be in the 70s and 80s. PRECIPITATION:While it is still considered during the sunny season (sunny forecast 80% of the time), it can occasionally sprinkle on and off (it's the first month following peak season, so hopefully less crowded as well)—but these showers don't usually last more than a few minutes at a time, and shouldn't be a huge impediment if we get them. As of 3/10, the weather report is showing that there may be some mixed rain/storms from Friday through Sunday (up to a 50% chance). WINDS:Winds are usually relatively light to moderate in March (14 mph). HUMIDITY:Humidity is considered moderate/average (72%). WATER:The Caribbean Sea is typically very warm this time of year—prepare to swim! Please continue to check weather websites/apps as you prepare and pack for the most up-to-date information.

Dress Code

DRESS CODE—WEDDING:The wedding itself will be outdoors. Attire will be nice-casual to semi-formal, but prepare for warm weather (think: women—summer sundresses; men—nice shorts + button-up or polo). This will be a beach wedding—bare feet are allowed, and fun vacation wear such as Hawaiian shirts are encouraged if you'd like. *Please note:* We ask that you do not wear solid browns/golds/champagnes/tans, as this will be the color of the wedding party. Women, please also avoid wearing solid white :) DRESS CODE—RESORT:IMPORTANT: Bring a few extra "nice" clothing items as well, as the cultural expectation at resorts in the DR are to dress relatively nicely for restaurants and bars.

Weather + Dress Code

Wedding Party & Immediate Family

Lexie and Dana met in 2014 while attending the University of Puget Sound—and despite many phases of both long-distance and in-person friendship, have been connected at the hip ever since. The two bond over their careers and learning lessons of the last 12 years - Lexie has an incredible professional drive, deep perseverance/resilience, and an ability to truly show up for her people. Fun fact: Lexie called it back in 2017 that Dana + Sean would end up together (at the time, Dana called her crazy).

Lexie Garrity

Keala and Dana met in 2014 while attending the University of Puget Sound, and have been very close ever since 2015. They both lived in Seattle together since graduating (until Dana & Sean moved to Denver a few months ago), and connect over their curiosity of science, psychology, and many shared memories of the last 12 years. Keala is an incredible chef, baker, dinner host, conversationalist, podcaster, climber, and all-around humble go-getter. Dana & Keala have a long-standing tradition of hiking & brunching together.

Keala Yang

Carly and Dana met while attending the University of Puget Sound, and were roommates in the fall of 2016. Their shared time in Seattle post-grad continued to deepen their friendship. They enjoy connecting over STEM/healthcare, shared experiences/values, and memories (mostly outside/active/in nature). A few of the traits Dana admires Carly for are her generosity, kindness and understanding, adventurous nature and ability to find positivity/joy. 

Carly Baxter

As the sister-in-law of the bride, Meg and Dana met about 10 years ago—and Dana is thrilled to have Meg in the family. Dana loves Meg for, among many other qualities, her genuine down-to-earth nature and ability to brighten a room + put others at ease. Fun fact: Meg and Steven’s beautiful daughter, Alice, is the flower girl for this wedding!

Meg McAdoo

Molly and Dana met through a mutual friend right before Covid hit in Seattle. Despite living in different states - and even countries - during the time to follow, the two made an effort to maintain their connection through phone calls and visits. Molly is a caring, thoughtful, intentional friend, inspiring others to get out of their comfort zones, keep an open mind and explore an unfamiliar path.

Molly Roklen

Hannah and Dana met through gymnastics in 2007—which is how they spent much of their time together throughout middle and high school. They've remained close through phone calls and travel ever since. Hannah is one of those incredible people that can balance an eye for design, organization, intention and planning with goofiness + always finding a good reason to laugh (and still find patience for her scatterbrained friends like Dana). Fun fact: Hannah and Dana both had (some variation of) broken backs and mental blocks over relatively simple skills together throughout most of high school—a bonding experience. To this day, their first question to each other upon catching up is "how's your back?"

Hannah Peterson

Sean has known Austin since age 2, and as neighborhood friends throughout all their years of school growing up, they share many cringe-worthy memories. As one of the smartest guys you'll meet with a dry sense of humor, Austin has since integrated into Sean's college friend group. Austin, Sean, and Dana have played countless rounds of strategy board games together, and the couple is honored to have Austin by their side.

Austin Flegel

Sean and Teague met through their college fraternity in 2013, and lived together post-grad for almost 6 years in WA. Teague joins Dana & Sean on ski trips, hikes, & backpacking, and shares their love for dogs. Supportive and caring to his friends and most well-known for getting the party started, he is a blast to have around.
Fun fact: the first time Teague met Dana (post-grad) was while rescuing her from a broken-down car.

Teague Wallace

After 4 years of college football, Sean and Reid lived together for another 6. Best known for his sneaky athleticism, unwavering reliability, and a knack for always going out of his way for friends. Fun fact: one of Reid's first days hanging out with the couple, they made him hike 27 miles through the mountains in a storm.

Reid Hartmann

Sean met Luke through football in college 13 years ago, and they lived together post-grad for many years. Known for bar naps, math wizardry, gourmet cooking skills, and conspiracy theories that keep the tinfoil industry booming, Luke is the most loyal friend you'll ever have.

Luke Taylor

One of Dana's brothers (twin/fellow triplet?), Steven has been one of her biggest supporters and best friends since day one. A first-round pick for loyalty and cheffing up creative ice cream concoctions, Steven can preach T Swift lyrics like gospel. Known to rock high fashion (i.e., the inside-out look and green soccer ball suits) yet still flex the highest IQ in the room. Dana & Sean admire this full ride law school prodigy who chose saving the world over cashing checks, and have loved getting to know his new daughter Alice!

Steven Jessen-Howard

The other of Dana's brothers/twin/fellow triplet, Matt has also been a support system and friend for over 30 years. His dog has a larger wardrobe than he does and has been on more planes than some people have. While his nomadic and entrepreneurial tendencies post-grad have taken him around the world, he's risked being on international hit-lists for family. His mail hasn't found him in years but he will still always be there and show up for the important things - he's proof you don't need a permanent address to be a permanent part of our lives. 

Matt Jessen-Howard

3.5 year-old daughter of Dana & Sean, Cassie got most of her personality traits from her mother. Came without a shut-off button for her tail wagging + constant need for an emotional support toy. Known to show every emotion on her face, need to be in the middle of everything at all times, and have irrational fears. Her favorite activities are uphill skiing/snowboarding with her parents, trail running with her mom, playing keep-away with her dog friends, and terrorizing her older sister Maggie. Fun fact: Sean got Cassie as a surprise when Dana was on a trip, and as soon as Dana came back and saw her, she started crying and Cassie immediately started peeing - and the two are still just as excited to see each other. 

Cassie

At 5 years old, Maggie was brought home by Ellen & Pat shortly after Sean & Dana started spending time together - and formed a special bond to Sean since the very first day. As Sean's best friend (but now with a pesky little sister, Cassie, who wants to be just like Maggie when she grows up), Maggie has found herself in a love triangle. The braver, messier, muddier, and more adventurous of the two, Maggie has been known to get Cassie out of her comfort zone and try scary new things (like jumping into cars or over sticks) only when the two are together. From weeks to even months at a time of living with Dana & Sean, and the couple taking her on every outdoor adventure they possibly can, Maggie is a core part of their family.

Maggie

Linda & Peter have been married for 40 years! Sean & Dana would like to thank both of their parents for the love and support over the course of our lives, relationship, and to get us to this day. We love you!

Linda & Peter Jessen-Howard

Ellen & Pat have been married for 37 years! Sean & Dana would like to thank both of their parents for the love and support over the course of our lives, relationship, and to get us to this day. We love you!

Ellen & Pat Whaley

Wedding Party

Follow along on some of our adventures over the last 5 years with this visual gallery

Photos

Can I bring my kids?

Unfortunately, we're unable to accommodate children for the wedding. That said, we'd love to spend time with the whole family, too, and we chose a non-adults-only resort with families in mind for this reason: there are plenty of family-friendly/kid-focused pools, waterparks, playgrounds/play areas and other services (like an arts &amp; crafts center, and "Kids Clubs") at the resort, if you're interested in bringing a sitter along. Additional cots are available for rooms at RIU upon request.

Do I get a +1?

Yes! You are welcome to bring your partner/+1. If you do not have a +1, you are welcome to consider sharing a room with a friend to bring your cost down slightly. If you'd like help coordinating with someone to share with, reach out to Dana or Sean—we are happy to help connect our guests!

What are the other options if I don't want to join the room block?

Find out more about the selection we made and our reasoning under "where to stay." If you do not wish to stay with the room block (about $200/person/night for 24/7 unlimited food, drink, etc included), there are some Airbnbs available about a 30 minute drive from the venue + resort. Some things to be aware of if you look into Airbnbs or hotels:•&nbsp;This option would involve purchasing your own food, transportation, and activities•&nbsp;Ubers are minimal and Taxis typically upcharge by about double that of an Uber in the DR•&nbsp;Considering the resort/private beach culture, this option may provide more challenge finding beach/pool access. That said, there are some public beach spots in the DR, although not in particularly close proximity to the venue/resort.•&nbsp;Candidly, we have only heard/seen poor experiences about the very few non-all-inclusive hotels in the DR.•&nbsp;**Kindly note that all planned activities and meals with the wedding group (aside from the wedding) will take place at the resort and be accessible only to those staying there.** Lastly, there are some other all-inclusive resort options. The vast majority of these would provide a further upgraded cost (for what felt like a minimally upgraded experience, from our discretion)—if you are interested in upgrading your room for a slight additional cost, we held a few of these and that can also be done through the group room block at RIU (reach out to our travel agent; see the "where to stay" section). Reach out to Dana &amp; Sean if you have additional questions (we've probably done the research on your question already and can point you in the right direction!), or see our "where to stay" section for assistance booking.

What is the culture like in the Dominican Republic?

In general, all-inclusive resorts are a very safe environment focused on your comfort. There are no current safety escalations in Punta Cana—it should feel similar to going to a touristy resort area in Mexico, the Bahamas, or other areas of the Caribbean. The people in Punta Cana are warm, friendly individuals, with a culture revolving around the all-inclusive resorts. There are locking safes in rooms for your comfort, but we did not see any videos or reviews where this was a concern. Notably, the cultural expectation for dress code at resorts in the DR is to dress relatively nicely for restaurants and bars. Please bring a few extra "nice" clothing items. We did see a few reviews about a semi-expectant "tipping" culture—this is the main work industry there, so be aware you may be asked for tips (if you're not comfortable, this is an all-inclusive resort in which the cost of your food and drink is already covered, so don't feel any pressure to tip if you don't want to). That said, this does not appear to be an overwhelmingly apparent experience for all. We will have a trusted shuttle service set up for all our guests from the airport to the resort—you are in good hands throughout the entire experience! An understanding of what to expect in Punta Cana can be found in&nbsp;<a href="https://youtu.be/lCDb94K10dc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this video</a>.

Will there be options for me at the wedding + resort if I have food allergies or am on a specific diet?

Yes!We've selected a variety of options, and will be sure there is something for everyone. Please let Dana + Sean know as soon as possible if there are foods you are allergic to, as well as anything you do not eat at all (i.e., vegetarian/vegan, etc). Our venue was actually founded as a restaurant first, and the chefs are happy to make something tailored for your needs. The resort has a large variety of food choices you are welcome to select from, with a wide range of buffet and a la carte restaurant options. The chefs and servers are all available if you have questions for them about the food options as well.

Can I drink the tap water there?

Similar to Mexico or other areas in the Caribbean, it is not typically recommended for tourists to drink the tap water in the Dominican Republic. There will be plenty of bottled waters at no extra charge provided in your rooms at the resort, as well as whenever you need them!

Can I opt for a different method of transportation (my own service coordination) from the airport to the resort?

You certainly may if you wish; we simply set this up for our guests' ease. (See our suggested option in the "travel/transportation" section.) As for alternative options, the second-cheapest to Renny's service we've provided would be AMSTAR. This is a group service as well at $39/person/trip. However, this service would not be limited to shuttling guests for our wedding only (like Renny), and would include additional drop-off locations (and therefore, may take longer). If you would prefer a private shuttle experience (quicker turnaround time), Renny can do that for you for $45 + tax (more on this <a href="https://www.vacationcrm.com/Group/ViewGroupPage/6d1994c4-2b9f-461b-a3a2-f313b4113b20?companyId=134885a0-e76c-46c2-a1d7-e0537c9c33e9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a>). Alternatively, you can take an Uber or taxi.

Can I work remotely while there? / Will there be wifi?

While you are certainly welcome to (our resort does offer 24/7 free wifi), it is recommended you take time off for this trip if possible, or bring your own hotspot just in case—we have read in some places that wifi can be spotty across the entire Dominican Republic at times.

What travel documents will I need?

In order to enter the Dominican Republic, you will need a valid international passport book that does not expire for more than 6 months after your travel dates. If you will be needing a new passport, you will need to either 1) mail in a passport application: you can find the application paperwork online or obtain a printed version via appointment at participating USPS locations. You can get your updated passport photo to mail in at participating locations via either walk-in (such as some CVS stores) or by appointment (such as some USPS locations). Additional paperwork may be required to submit, such as in the case of legal name change since your previous passport was obtained - find additional details and links here: <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">U.S. Passports</a>, and keep in mind that there are scams online - please ensure you are using the valid US government website before submitting personal details or credit card information online. This process can take a couple months, so please plan accordingly - there is an option to pay expedite fees, but 1-2 months is still typically needed for this timeline. 2) wait until you are within 2 weeks of your travel timeline, and then you will be able to get an in-person appointment. Find details here: <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">U.S. Passports</a>. To enter the DR, you will also need a completed E-Ticket prior to your travel day (<a href="https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://eticket.migracion.gob.do/</a>). Note that there are many scams online, and this ticket should not include any fee - please use only the link provided here. Patty and Kristen (our travel agents, teampk@uniqueromancetravel.com) will be sending additional information/instruction over to all guests staying at the resort for completion and collecting other necessary travel documents via email closer to the time of the wedding. This information, as well as more details, is included in your reservation link. It is also listed on Patty &amp; Kristen's site <a href="https://www.vacationcrm.com/Group/ViewGroupPage/6d1994c4-2b9f-461b-a3a2-f313b4113b20?companyId=134885a0-e76c-46c2-a1d7-e0537c9c33e9&amp;wwpath=www.theknot.com/us/sean-whaley-and-dana-jessen-howard-mar-2026#a8bf932ef-9c78-4050-b2e4-8bc5d903b0de" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a> under "passport information", also linked on our travel tab of this website. If you are staying elsewhere in the DR besides the resort, please use the links above to navigate what you may need to prepare and don't hesitate to also utilize Patty/Kristen with any additional questions.

How can I share my photos/videos with the bride & broom?

The bride and groom request that you please share any and all photos and videos of wedding day + your weekend in the DR with them in <a href="https://photos.app.goo.gl/dcUecSip2iw4thNa9" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">this shared google photos album</a> for everyone.On wedding day, there will be QR codes to scan at every table bringing you to this album for ease. Please be sure you download the google photos album in advance!

How can I make a reservation at the resort?

To make a reservation at the resort during your stay for a la carte meals and group fitness classes, this can be done upon your arrival to the resort at check-in. Paid spa/wellness services (massages, nails, etc) can be done in advance. Our group gets a 10% discount off of their services, and if 10 or more people from our group we get an additional 10% discount. To be sure your reservation applies towards our group, confirm with or book through Patty &amp; Kristen.