Wedding Date: July 5, 2025 ~ Resort: Royalton Chic Cancun ~ Photographer: Romanza ~ Bridal Salon: Martellen's Bridal in Lemont, IL
Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We found RTG on Google and the reviews spoke for themselves!
What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We wanted a small intimate wedding where we both knew EVERYONE coming.
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
Abby narrowed down to some resorts for us, and we wanted a luxury feeling with adults only and fun party vibes!
Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you overcome those?
There were a few folks who were not thrilled but we put no pressure on people. We understood destination weddings are expensive and take vacation time, it was a zero pressure situation. "We'd LOVE for you to attend but totally understand if it is not feasible for you."
What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
My husband had no reservations, but I am very type A and organized...I was fearful it would be chaotic with all the details and travel information. Boy was I surprised at how easy it was with the help of Romance Travel Group and how helpful Royalton was!
How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
We chose it because the 4th of July was a Friday, allowing people to have to take one less vacation day. Also, 4th of July is our favorite holiday!
Did you invite guests in a unique way, like a themed save the date or announcement party?
No, just normal invites.
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
The Royalton corporate representative Tikva was EXCELLENT! She was so informative, quick to respond and helped with suggestions. When we finally worked directly with the hotel, communication was a bit slower but in the end everything was answered and moved according to plan.
Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How did you feel wearing your wedding attire?
My wedding dress was found after MULTIPLE stops with my bridesmaids, but I ultimately landed at Martellen's, a small bridal shop in local Lemont, IL. Just like they say, "you know when you know" I put it on and there was NO question. She was lacey, glittery, and I felt BEAUTIFUL! As for my husband, he wanted a simple linen suit and blue shirts. He found them quickly on Amazon and ordered to check them out. Once he had it on we knew it was a perfect fit.
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
All of our guests were very happy with the process. We received multiple compliments for Abby & Shannon. My father is a TERRIBLE traveler and even he was excited by all the travel documents and vital information he received from them.
What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Sadly....world conflict did make us nervous as multiple big world events were occurring just weeks before we left. Knowing we had zero control over the world’s issues we just avoided watching too much and worrying ourselves.
Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you.
We have a tight friend group on both sides so we just asked since they figured they’d be standing in! LOL!
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
Long, but good. Some cocktails and highly informative.
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Yes, however a lot of guests didn't do their research on how it all works and we had to answer a lot of questions even with us sending out tons of information prior to arrival, and making our website very informative.
How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding attire? Did you carry it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport?
VERY easy, we bought a Wallybag for my dress and put his suit in it as well. We were not asked anything by flight attendants or airport staff when boarding or going to the gate. We did ask the flight attendant to place the bag in the closet for us, and were sure to give them a bag of Lindt Chocolates & Starbucks gift cards for them being so kind and accommodating.
Tell us about your wedding – did you have a traditional wedding with a cocktail hour, dinner reception and dance? What was different about a destination wedding compared to a wedding at home?
Our ceremony was on the beach and my brother as our officiant and as he is a "showman", he wrote an entire parody song which he sang to open our ceremony. It was hilarious and we laughed so hard. Our wedding was meant to be FUN! Fun for us, and fun for our guests. That was what we wanted and exactly what we got. We did do some traditional aspects but also added a spin to some other things. In lieu of a "flower girl" as we were at an "adults only" resort we had a "tequila man" who entered by going down the aisle handing out tequila shots from his "party" fanny pack. We also had all our bridal party enter dancing to "Monaco" by Bad Bunny. Our ceremony exit was under all the bridal parties arms holding up tequila shots. The reception had a bride/groom dance, mother/son dance, and father/daughter dance, we skipped the garter and bouquet tosses. I did however, dedicate and give my mother my bouquet during the reception. We completely curated our reception playlist which was a MASSIVE hit. Also, in lieu of "bridal party" gifts we rented a yacht for a day for our bridal party & their plus 1's to sail to Isla Mujeres. We wanted a celebration and to enjoy every moment with our closest friends & family and to not make it a very serious celebration. AND we played volleyball! It’s how we met, it’s part of our daily life, it HAD to make an appearance!
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
A fun vacation/celebration with all our closest people! We loved every moment.
What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
Our wedding day was perfect and so much fun. I wouldn't change anything. Our memories of that day will be forever. If I had to narrow it down, the hotel/staff and how beautiful it looked was perfection.
In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
All the shout outs to Abby & Shannon! I never felt lost or confused or worried they were on top of everything. Even when we were having issues with communication with the hotel they were ON TOP OF IT. Not only were they insanely helpful to us, they were fantastic with our guests. We appreciated the call check ins, email correspondence, and rapid question answering. Abby even called when we got in to our airport transfer to the hotel to make sure we were good....I mean....that is full service!!
What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
USE ROMANCE TRAVEL GROUP! I would have been totally lost without them. Even choosing a venue was overwhelming with how many hotel options there are and they helped in every way possible.
What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding?
Cost. It was far more cost efficient than we expected.
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
100% I wouldn't recommend doing it on your own, and would completely recommend them. It was the best experience we could have asked for.
Is there anything Romance Travel Group could have done to make the experience even better?
Not a thing. They were amazing!
Congratulations, Daina and Adam! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!