OUR STORY
THE LONG WAY HOME
Long before we ever imagined a forever together, we were family. IK was my brother’s best friend, a familiar presence, and a trusted sounding board when I was applying to medical school. For years, our dynamic was simple, protective, and strictly platonic. We were the friends who met up a few times a year to explore Maryland’s hiking trails; where, for the record, I introduced him to every great route he knows.
THE SHIFT
Then came 2022.
Standing side-by-side as a bridesmaid and groomsman at a family wedding in Nigeria, the shift was subtle, sudden, and impossible to ignore. Between shared glances, endless laughter, and a peculiar pattern of seeing 11:11 at every turn, the universe seemed to be dropping subtle hints.
A week after returning home, a text message arrived that changed everything: “I don’t see you as a sister anymore. Let me take you out.”
Flabbergasted, and completely unable to picture him as anything other than a friend, I figured, what’s the worst that could happen? Our first date at an Italian restaurant in DC was wonderfully fluent in conversation, yet endearingly, deliciously awkward. But IK was persistent. Knowing the grueling demands of my general surgery residency, he quietly became my anchor; cooking endless meals, dropping off food, and sending spa gift cards after my hardest shifts. Slowly, the shift happened. The friend became my rock.
THE PROPOSAL
Aruba · May 12, 2024
By May 2024, I had a few quiet questions about where our story was headed. What I didn’t know was that IK had been planning a rather unforgettable answer.
For my birthday, he whisked me away to Aruba, where an oceanfront dinner awaited. Somewhere between the beautiful views and the birthday celebrations, our server arrived with two cakes. One wished me a happy birthday. The other asked me to marry him.
Convinced there had been a mix-up, I promptly informed the server that she’d brought the wrong cake. It never occurred to me that the question was actually meant for me.
Until I turned around.
There he was. My best friend, my rock, my man, down on one knee.
And, of course, I said yes!
I wish I could adequately describe what that moment meant to me. Beyond the surprise, it was the thoughtfulness of it all. The planning, the intention, the way he had quietly orchestrated a moment I would carry with me forever. But then again, that’s IK. A man who has always found ways, big and small, to make me feel seen, cherished, and celebrated.
Life since Aruba has brought its own lessons, challenges, and quiet growth. And through it all, we’ve continued to discover that love is not simply a feeling or a beautiful moment, but a choice we make, again and again.
IGBA NKWU
Friday, April 16th, 2027
Traditional Marriage Ceremony
We begin with tradition. Join us for our Igba Nkwu; an evening rooted in family, culture, and the customs that have brought generations together before us.
Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic
Attire, Time, & location: Details to follow
THE WEDDING
Saturday, April 17th, 2027
Les Terrenas, Dominican Republic
The day we’ve been waiting for. Join us as we exchange vows, followed by an evening of dinner, dancing, and celebration in Las Terrenas.
Attire, Time, & Location: Details to follow
LAS TERRENAS
Samaná · Dominican Republic
Tucked along the Samaná Peninsula, Las Terrenas is a place where lush hills meet miles of coastline, and life seems to move just a little slower.
When we imagined bringing our closest family and friends together, we wanted somewhere that felt intimate, warm, and removed enough from everyday life that we could simply be present with the people we love.
We found that in Las Terrenas.
LA CASSONA
Where We’ll Celebrate
Somewhere between the traditions that raised us and the life we’re building together, we imagined a celebration that felt entirely our own.
At La Cassona, a private estate tucked away in Las Terrenas, we’ll bring together family and friends from different corners of the world for two days of love, culture, and celebration.
There will be the familiar beauty of our Igbo traditions, the joy of watching two families become one, and, knowing our people, enough music and dancing to make us forget what time it is.
For some of you, this will be your first visit to the Dominican Republic. For others, another beautiful stamp in your passport. Either way, we hope the experience feels like more than a wedding invitation. An opportunity to discover somewhere new, reconnect with familiar faces, and make memories with people you love.
GETTING TO LAS TERRENAS
Santo Domingo (SDQ): Las Américas International Airport
Santo Domingo is the primary gateway for our wedding weekend, offering direct and daily flight options from major US and international hubs.
Transfer: A 2-hour drive along the scenic Atlantic highway toll route to Las Terrenas.
Samaná (AZS): El Catey International Airport
Located ~30 minutes from Las Terrenas. Serves select seasonal nonstops and charters.
FLIGHT ROUTES
UNITED STATES - EAST & SOUTH
From New York / NYC Area (JFK/EWR) → SDQ
Nonstop options via Delta, JetBlue, United, Arajet
From Washington Dulles (IAD) → SDQ
From Washington Reagan (DCA) → SDQ
From Baltimore (BWI) → SDQ
From Atlanta (ATL) → SDQ
Nonstop options via Delta
From Miami (MIA) → SDQ
Nonstop options via American and Arajet
From Fort Lauderdale (FLL) → SDQ
Nonstop options via JetBlue & Spirit
FLIGHT ROUTES
UNITED STATES - CENTRAL & WEST
From Chicago (ORD/MDW) → SDQ
From Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) → SDQ
From Houston (IAH/HOU) → SDQ
From Los Angeles (LAX) → SDQ
From San Francisco (SFO) → SDQ
FLIGHT ROUTES
INTERNATIONAL
From Lagos (LOS) → SDQ
From Abuja (ABV) → SDQ
From London (LHR) → SDQ
From Toronto (YYZ) → SDQ
From Montreal (YUL) → SDQ
From Sydney (SYD) → SDQ (via LAX or DFW)
TRAVELING FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE?
Use our custom flight search below to explore routes to Santo Domingo (SDQ)
LOCAL TRANSPORT
PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Las Terrenas is approximately a two-hour drive from Santo Domingo (SDQ). For an easy arrival, our planning team has provided a trusted transportation contact for private airport transfers.
Santo Domingo (SDQ) → Las Terrenas
1-2 guests: $140 one way
3-6 guests: $160 one way
To arrange a private transfer directly:
Vladimir
+1 (809) 232-3249
SHARED GROUP SHUTTLES
Traveling around the same time as other wedding guests? Larger vehicles are also available, including:
Minibus · Up to 10 guests
Minibus · Up to 14 guests
Bus · Up to 28 guests
We’ll use everyone’s travel details to identify opportunities for shared transportation between SDQ and Las Terrenas.
If you’re interested in joining a group shuttle, let us know through the Travel RSVP. Once flight schedules begin to come together, we’ll share available options and pricing.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAS TERRENAS
We’ve selected a few stays in Las Terrenas to make choosing where to stay a little easier. From boutique hotels to beachfront resorts and private villas, there’s something for different travel styles and budgets.
We recommend staying in Playa Cosón or Playa Bonita for convenient access to our wedding celebrations.
Approximate price categories and driving times to the wedding venue are provided below to help you compare options. Rates and availability may vary.
GROUP ACCOMMODATION RATES
We’ve reached out to Sublime Samaná, Viva V Samaná, and Donoma to explore special group rates for our wedding weekend.
If you’re considering staying at any of these properties, please let us know which one interests you. This will help us gauge interest and explore the best available rates for our guests.
Group rates are not yet confirmed, and expressing interest does not commit you to a reservation. We’ll share additional details as they become available.
Viva V Samaná by Wyndham
Playa Cosón, Las Terrenas
Located right along the same beach strip as the wedding venue.
3-5min drive | 15-20min walk
Rates starting at $280/night
An adults-only beachfront resort with an all-inclusive stay, ideal for guests who prefer to have dining, drinks, and resort amenities all in one place.
Sublime Samaná Hotel & Residences
Playa Cosón, Las Terrenas
Located immediately next door to Viva V Samana on the very same stretch of Cosón Beach
3-5min drive | 15-20min walk
Rates starting at $350/night
Set along Cosón Beach, Sublime offers spacious suites and multi-bedroom residences surrounded by tropical gardens; an ideal option for couples, families, or friends who want a quieter resort experience.
Kaia Lodge
Playa Cosón, Las Terrenas
Sits slightly further down the coast toward the west
7-10 min drive | 25-30 min walk
Rates starting at $160/night
A relaxed stay near Playa Cosón offering a more approachable option for guests who prefer something simple and comfortable.
Villas at Los Nómadas
Playa Cosón, Las Terrenas
Located on the western curve of the bay
6-8min drive | 20-25 min walk
Rates starting at $280 - $1,200+/night (Varies by villa size)
Traveling with family or friends? Los Nómadas offers private villas in Playa Cosón, giving groups the option to stay together with more space and the comforts of home.
Mosquito Boutique Hotel
Playa Bonita, Las Terrenas
15-18 min drive
Rates starting at $140/night
A stylish beachfront stay on Playa Bonita, perfect for guests who prefer a smaller, more intimate hotel with easy access to the beach and dining.
PRIVATE VILLAS
Playa Cosón & Playa Bonita
Rates starting at $280 - $1,200+/night (Varies by villa size)
For families and groups traveling together, Las Terrenas offers beautiful private villas with shared living spaces, pools, and room to settle in for the weekend.
For convenient access to the venue, we recommend focusing your
search on Playa Cosón or Playa Bonita.
If you are looking for an escape that feels completely private, peaceful, and untouched, Cosón is your spot. It features kilometers of wide, golden sand beaches lined with endless rows of coconut palms.
• The Vibe: Peaceful, expansive, and relaxing. It is ideal for morning beach strolls, reading by the pool, and watching incredible sunsets.
• Dining & Activity: Very quiet with only a few scattered boutique restaurants. Most guests here opt to relax at their villa or have a private chef.
• Distance to the Wedding Venue (La Cassona): You are right down the street! If you stay in a Cosón villa (like those in Los Nómadas or along Camino Cosón), you are just a 2 to 8-minute drive or a beautiful walk down the sand from the wedding festivities.
🏄 Playa Bonita: Lively, Walkable & Social
If you prefer a vacation where you can easily step out of your villa and walk to everything, you will love Playa Bonita. Named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it features a charming, pedestrian-only paved boardwalk running right along the sand.
• The Vibe: Active, social, and effortlessly walkable.
• Dining & Activity: You can walk down the promenade to find great beachfront restaurants, surf schools, boutique beach clubs, and spots for a late-night cocktail or live music.
• Distance to the Wedding Venue (La Cassona): Just over the hill! Villas on Playa Bonita (near the Mosquito Boutique Hotel) are about a 12 to 15-minute drive away. Alternatively, if you want a scenic shortcut, you can actually walk directly across the coastline path connecting the two bays in about 30 minutes.
Donoma Las Terrenas Resort & Villas, Autograph Collection
Playa Ballenas, Las Terrenas
20-22 min drive
Rates starting at $250/night
A brand-new, ultra-luxury option located a bit further from the venue but close to town.
PASSPORT, VISA & TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
PASSPORTS & VISAS
• Passport Validity: Please ensure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your travel dates. Entry requirements may change, so we recommend confirming current requirements before booking.
• US, UK, Canadian & EU Passport Holders: No tourist visa required for stays up to 30 days. A $10 USD tourist card fee is built directly into your airline ticket.
• Nigerian Passport Holders: Visa-free entry applies if you hold a valid, unexpired visa or permanent residency permit from the US, Canada, UK, or Schengen area.
• Guests Requiring a Dominican Visa: If you do not hold a passport or valid visa from an exempt region, you must apply for a Dominican Republic Tourist Visa prior to travel. You can submit your application via the link below
MANDATORY DR E-TICKET (CUSTOMS & IMMIGRATION)
Every traveler (or family unit up to 7 people) must complete the free digital entry and exit form prior to airport check-in.
• Official Government Link: Complete your form for free at eticket.migracion.gob.do. (Linked below)
• QR Code: Submitting the form generates a QR code. Have this code saved on your phone; airlines will inspect it before boarding.
HEALTH & TRAVEL WELLNESS
• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccine certificates or entry health checks are required for the Dominican Republic.
• Mosquito & Malaria Precautions: Mosquito protection is recommended throughout the Dominican Republic. Because our recommended arrival airport is in Santo Domingo, where malaria transmission has been reported in certain areas, guests may wish to discuss their individual itinerary with a physician or travel clinic before departure. Routine malaria medication is not generally recommended for Samaná itself. Pack an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it consistently, particularly during evening outdoor activities.
• Sun Protection: Bring broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen (and SPF lip balm). Buying quality sunscreen at local hotel shops in Las Terrenas can be very expensive. If you plan on swimming or snorkeling in the ocean, reef-safe sunscreen helps protect local ocean life.
• Hydration & Bottled Water: We recommend using sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth throughout your stay.
EXPLORING LAS TERRENAS
From pristine white-sand beaches and vibrant local dining at Pueblo de los Pescadores to scenic ATV trails and coffee farm excursions, we are handpicking our absolute favorite local experiences for our wedding weekend.
A curated Las Terrenas guide, dining recommendations, and group excursion details will be released in Winter 2026.
CHECK BACK WINTER 2026 FOR OUR CURATED DESTINATION GUIDE
CASH REGISTRY
OUR NEXT CHAPTER: HONEYMOON & HOME
Having you celebrate with us in the Dominican Republic is truly the greatest gift we could ask for. Your journey to join us in paradise means the world to us.
If you wish to honor us with a gift, we’ve created a cash registry. Your contributions will help us create unforgettable memories on our honeymoon and settle into our home together in Miami.
With all our love and gratitude,
Oma & IK
