Arianna & Norrel
You’re Invited
to our
Wedding in Paradise
June 20, 2026
Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
Welcome
Dear Family and Friends,
We are overjoyed to invite you to share in one of the most meaningful moments of our lives. Please join us for a joyful, love-filled weekend in the beautiful paradise of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic!
Our wedding celebration will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana on June 20, 2026—and it simply wouldn’t be the same without you there. Your love and support have meant everything to us, and having you by our side as we begin this next chapter would be the greatest gift.
We can’t wait to make unforgettable memories together in the sun, laughter, and love.
Please register to attend below. And, let’s make this celebration truly special—together.
Celebration
- Arrive: No later than 3pm June 19, 2026
- Wedding: June 20, 2026
Registration
- Registration Starts: 06/01/2025
- Deposit Due: 08/15/2025
- 50% of Balance Due: 11/15/2025
- Balance Due: 03/15/2026
You may arrive earlier and/or extend your stay after the wedding.
Monthly Installments are available.
We have secured a room block to make booking as easy and as
affordable as possible.
You must book your resort stay on this website in
order to attend the wedding events.
To join the celebration just follow the 3 simple steps below.
STEP ONE:
Please check out the available rooms at the link below
ROOMS AT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO PUNTA CANA
Please note that the resort requires a minimum stay of 4 (four) nights for wedding guests.
STEP TWO:
Please complete the room registration form below as soon as possible.
STEP THREE:
Once you receive your travel plan (within 2 business days of registering) first authorize your travel plan, accept or decline insurance, then authorize your deposit.
If you have any questions or need any assistance contact:
Deirdre Swinson
Enlighten Excursions
301-384-1519
ds@enextravel.com
PLEASE EMAIL REGRETS TO: ds@enextravel.com
We’re spending an extended weekend in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana.
ABOUT PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
Punta Cana’s name actually comes from the Spanish words for “tip” (punta) and “sugarcane” (cana), referencing the region’s location and its historical ties to sugarcane farming. It also has one of the Caribbean’s longest coral reef systems, making it a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving.
While Punta Cana is famous for its white-sand beaches and all-inclusive resorts, it also offers a taste of authentic Dominican culture through some lesser-known treasures. The Dominican Republic is the only place in the world where you’ll find larimar, a rare blue gemstone formed by volcanic activity and found only in the country’s southwest. Visitors often take home pieces of larimar jewelry as a uniquely Dominican keepsake. Another cultural highlight is mamajuana, a traditional Dominican elixir made by soaking rum, red wine, and honey with tree bark and herbs—said to have everything from healing properties to aphrodisiac effects. And no visit is complete without trying La Bandera Dominicana, the country’s beloved national dish of stewed meat, rice, and beans, often accompanied by salad and fried plantains. These authentic flavors and finds offer a deeper connection to the vibrant spirit of the Dominican Republic beyond the resort experience.
ABOUT HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO PUNTA CANA
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana is a premier all-inclusive resort located on the pristine shores of Macao Beach in the Dominican Republic. Spanning 121 acres, this expansive property boasts 1,800 luxurious rooms and suites, each equipped with modern amenities such as hydro spa tubs, private balconies, and complimentary Wi-Fi. Guests can indulge in a diverse culinary experience across 15 restaurants, offering everything from Brazilian steakhouses to Asian teppanyaki, and enjoy beverages at 20 bars and lounges, including swim-up and beach bars. The resort features 13 pools, a lazy river, and the Rockaway Bay Water Park, catering to both relaxation and family fun. Entertainment options abound with a 45,000-square-foot casino, live performances, and the Oro Nightclub. For wellness enthusiasts, the Rock Spa® offers a range of treatments, while the Body Rock® fitness center keeps guests active. Families will appreciate the Roxity Kids Club™, mini-golf, bowling alley, and arcade center. With its blend of luxury, entertainment, and family-friendly amenities, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana delivers an unforgettable Caribbean getaway.
RESORT TRANSFERS
Your room rate includes all of your taxes and fees. Your round-trip resort transfers will be added to your room rates and arranged our travel advisor. Please be sure to provide us with your flight details by April 30, 2026. This gives the transportation company enough time to arrange staffing and vehicles for the entire group.
FLIGHTS
The airport you need when booking flights is Punta Cana International Airport, airport code PUJ. We recommend that you book your flights as early as you can. You may book on your favorite airline. Consider using miles or credit card points if you have them. Our agency is not able to assist with bookings that involve loyalty miles or credit card points.
If you would like to book your room and air together, we would be happy to assist. Simply email ds@enexromancetravel.com with your preferences for airlines, flight times and number of connections. Please be advised that the airline payment portion is due in full at the time of booking your flights. Please be prepared with your payment upon requesting a quote.
And please don’t forget to provide us with your flight information no later than April 3, 2026 so that we can arrange your included resort transfers.
You can submit your flight information using the form below or email your flight confirmation to audrey@enlightenexcursions.com.
Arianna and Norrel’s story begins in the Bronx, New York, where both were born and raised. Though they attended different high schools—he at Eagle Academy for Young Men and she at the Women’s Academy of Excellence—their paths crossed during their senior year in 2009, forging a connection that started as a close friendship and would later blossom into something extraordinary.
In their early twenties, life took them on different paths. Arianna went to college in Virginia while Norrel stayed in New York City. Between 2011 and 2013, they dated long-distance, navigating young love across state lines. Though time and circumstances led them to part ways, the bond they shared never truly faded.
Fast forward a decade—ten years of growth, discovery, and personal evolution—and fate brought them back together in 2023. This reunion rekindled not just old memories but a deeper love rooted in familiarity, friendship, and newfound maturity. By September 2024, Norrel proposed to Arianna in a surprise rooftop ceremony, surrounded by their closest family and friends. The moment was both a reflection of the love they always shared and the new life they were ready to build—this time, forever.
Their connection has always been grounded in friendship. “I always felt like Ari was the one,” Norrel shares. “We started off as best friends, and I’ve never wanted to talk to anyone more than I did with her. Her patience and our shared passions made it clear.” For Arianna, the answer was just as sure: “I knew Norrel was the one when I experienced a sense of safety I never had before. I finally had a true partner—someone excited and committed to building a life with me.”
Now legally married since February 22, 2025, Arianna and Norrel are preparing to celebrate their union with a destination wedding in Punta Cana. Surrounded by the sea, their families, and a few good drinks, they’ll reaffirm their vows in the setting that best reflects their shared love for travel and joy.
As they look to the future, they’re eagerly awaiting the arrival of their son and are committed to raising him with love, intention, and a strong sense of purpose. They hope to model a lasting love rooted in respect, laughter, patience, and unwavering support—a vision of Black love that uplifts and inspires.
Their love story is full of beautiful moments—from dancing in the kitchen to R&B favorites, traveling the country hand-in-hand, to unforgettable milestones like their trip to see Usher in Las Vegas, and the quiet joy of shared meals and new wines. One song in particular, “Spend My Life With You” by Eric Benét and Tamia, has remained the soundtrack to their journey—played on repeat from their early days together to today.
You are strongly advised to purchase travel insurance to cover certain risks inherent in travel such as supplier bankruptcy, group cancellation and the inability to travel due to a medical or personal emergency.
Coverage and rates may vary by state. Some policies include coverage for trip interruption or cancellation. The full coverage terms and details, including limitations and exclusions, will be contained in the insurance policy that you choose to purchase.
Please note that the Travel Protection Plus Plan MUST be purchased within 5 days of your initial room deposit.
In addition to the Travel Protection Plus Plans we offer During Travel Protection. Details on this policy can be found below.
This plan covers trip interruption, trip delay, as well as accident and emergency medical coverage. Cancellation is NOT covered on this policy.
In addition to the Travel Protection Plus Plans we offer Travelex Travel Select. Details on this policy can be found below.
Please note that if you purchase your Travelex Travel Select Policy more than 15 days after your initial trip deposit bonus coverages such as the Pre-existing condition waiver and the Financial default benefit will not apply to your purchase.
NOTE: Anyone who knowingly presents a false or fraudulent travel insurance claim for payment of a loss or benefit, or knowingly presents false information in an application for insurance is guilty of a crime and may be subject to fines and confinement in prison.
Event information coming soon…
