​Wedding Date: May 18, 2024 ~ Resort: Dreams Riviera Cancun ~ Photographer:  Marina Pochepkina  ~ Videographer: Frame Wedding Film ~ Bridal Gown: Alice In Ivory, Jane Hill Bridal ~ Tux Salon: The Black Tux

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
My husband is originally from Belgium and I am from the USA. We knew we would have some guests traveling internationally anyway, so it seemed to level the playing field. We also liked the idea of having extended time with our guests and allowing them to make a vacation out of it. Most weddings in the USA only allow for 4-6 hours of celebration, but here we had 4-6 days!
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
When looking up reviews, Dreams Riviera Cancun had incredible ratings and seemed to be a very popular wedding resort due to the excellent service. When I saw the Lobby Staircase, the Oceana Rooftop and the Beach Deck, I fell in love with the wedding venues. The size seemed to allow for spacious grounds, but was small enough to easily find and spend time with wedding guests.
 
What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
I was mostly worried that some of our favorite people wouldn’t be able to make the trip. But overall I think we had an incredible turnout! I was also worried that the resort might misinterpret my vision and the end product wouldn’t be what I expected. However, they completely brought my vision to life! I couldn’t have been happier.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
My mother and I did a site visit about 8 months before the wedding that allowed us to do a food tasting, tour, a flower trial and discuss decor/entertainment options. I was then contacted by the wedding coordinator about 3 months before the wedding to go through the budget planner and details. After that, we discussed questions via email and had a meeting our first day at the resort to finalize choices. The only hiccup was that our wedding coordinator left the resort, but we ended up working with the woman I met during my site visit and she was amazing. I’m pretty low maintenance, so I was never concerned with the communication.
 
Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your wedding attire?
I got my dress at Alice in Ivory in Chicago where I live. I had been to maybe 10 stores and tried on well over 80 dresses. But when I put this one on I knew it was the one. I felt so confident in it and I never felt more beautiful in my life! The designer is Jane Hill and the quality of her dresses are incredible. 

​Wedding Date: March 1, 2024 ~ Resort: Secrets Papagayo ~ Photographer/Videographer: Dream Art ~ Bridal Gown: Eva's International

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
Of the 3 companies we had initial conversations with, Abby from Romance Travel was the most knowledgeable and informative. She gave great suggestions and considerations to help us decide on a location.
 
What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We travel a lot and love it!
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We often travel to the Caribbean and wanted something a little different. Each of us chose 3 locations, we each eliminated one, and then we provided the info for the last group to Abby. She helped us narrow down the list by answering our questions. Ultimately, Costa Rica was somewhere neither of us have been before and offered the most variety for us extending our stay and relocating. Adults only was a must since we have no children. A smaller guest list and a want for new experiences were also considerations.
 
Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?
Dave has immediate family with young children and several family members from my family do as well, so there were quite a few people that expressed their wish for a family friendly location. Dave’s family (including his parents, three sisters, spouses, and kids) rented an Air BnB close by. It would have been great for them to stay at the resort with us, but this was the next best option so that everyone could come. The spouses stayed back and watched the kiddos for the wedding day, participating in excursions throughout the stay so they could be part of the group.
 
What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
Having it in a country we never visited before & having to rely on reviews and videos on Social Media for the resort. Weather (because of location).
 
How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
We wanted the end of February but it was booked so we extended into the next Friday (for ease of guest travel) there was availability.
 
Did you invite guests in a unique way, like a themed save the date or announcement party?
No, we relied on Romance Travel to get the word out.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Jeanette Vallejos was our wedding coordinator at Secrets Papagayo and she was fabulous! She walked us through everything, answered all of our questions in a timely manner, gave recommendations when asked, helped with guest queries/accommodations, and really made the process stress free.
 
Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your wedding attire?
I purchased my dress at my second bridal shop. The first bridal appointment was to accommodate my now mother-in-law from out of town. I wanted her to be involved so I made sure to make an appointment when she was in town. My mother and one of my best friends were also there. One of my cousins was disappointed they didn’t get to dress shop with me, so I made a last minute appointment at Eva’s International during a trunk show for a designer that had a few dress styles I liked. I ended with a different designer, Kitty Chen, buying her Alyssa dress. I do not care much about designers, but I fell for this dress that was not at all the flowy beach dress that I had imagined. Dave ordered his suit custom online.
 
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
Communication was done through Shannon at Romance Travel Group. Guests seemed pleased with the service from Romance Travel Group.
 

Wedding Date: April 26, 2024 ~ Resort: El Dorado Maroma ~ Photographer/Videographer: Bridal Moments ~ Bridal Gown: The Wedding Shoppe ~ Tux Salon: Brighton Tux Shop

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group? 
They had very good reviews and were very personable from the start.

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We attended a destination wedding in Mexico a year prior to getting engaged. It was so much fun and we actually got to spend time with the bride and groom. After the fact, the bride mentioned how little they actually spent on the wedding and at that point we were sold.

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We wanted something beautiful and without children. El Dorado had amazing reviews.

Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Working with the coordinator virtually (not the on-site coordinator) was not great. She was very slow to respond to emails. The time difference and language barrier made things challenging as well. On the other hand, our on-site coordinator was amazing. And I can't complain about the process too much because the wedding ultimately turned out perfectly.

Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your wedding attire?
I got my wedding dress from The Wedding Shoppe in Berkley, MI. My husband got his tux from Brighton Tux Shop. I was nervous about being overdressed and being too hot but it ended up working out just fine. It was definitely hot out but it was windy which helped. We were pretty comfortable by the evening. I did bring a short "party dress" that I changed into around 9pm which was great for photos.

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
Yes, there were no issues. Our travel agents were amazing!

​We get it! Choosing a destination wedding resort is overwhelming! There are so many options, and they all look great on Instagram. Have you started a list yet? Maybe a spreadsheet? Are they all starting to look and sound the same? We thought so. 

​We’re here to help! The experts at Romance Travel Group have been traveling to Mexico and planning destinations weddings for over 25 years. To say we  know the resorts in an understatement. Let’s dive in and uncover the best adults-only resorts that promise to transform your special day into a blissful, unforgettable celebration. Whether you're picturing a stunning beach ceremony, a lively late-night party, or a tranquil escape, we've meticulously selected our favorite resorts that excel in every category. Let's explore these romantic paradises that not only meet but exceed expectations, ensuring your destination wedding is nothing short of spectacular.

Choosing any of these resorts means not just planning a wedding, but crafting an experience that embodies your dreams and exceeds your expectations. At Romance Travel Group, we look forward to guiding you toward the perfect resort that aligns seamlessly with your vision for a spectacular destination wedding. 

"I wouldn't have been able to have the wedding of my dreams on my budget without their help!”  Katelynn & Nick, Unico Riviera Maya

"They absolutely handled everything perfectly to make our lives easier.”  Savannah & Tye, Royalton Punta Cana

"​Do yourself a favor, reach out to Romance Travel Group, you will not regret it!”  Camille & Jacob, Azul Beach Negril
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