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. Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate? Our USA guests could book their stay through Romance Travel Group. Once they had our wedding website link, it was easy to navigate. The team at Romance Travel Group provided helpful updates along the booking process for our guests and most importantly, it took one thing off of my plate for my wedding planning. Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. We scheduled a time beforehand to meet in the wedding department. Thalia, our coordinator, reviewed all of the details related to our rehearsal walk through, rehearsal dinner and wedding to make sure everything was accurate and we were within our budget. She even had margaritas waiting for us when we arrived! Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival? A few of our guests had been to an all inclusive resort before, but everyone told us they had a great time. They were really impressed with the staff and the service. They seemed to know that our wedding was that weekend and even remembered our guests names. 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? We ordered a knock off Wally bag off of Amazon and it held my wedding dress, my veil and my husband’s attire. We were fortunate to fly business class and the flight attendant offered to let us hang it in their closet when we boarded. It would have fit easily in the overhead compartment though! What was the best part of having a destination wedding? Hands down, the ability to spend an entire weekend with our friends and family. We had sufficient quality time with each guest and it was a surreal experience to have all of those people in one room. It’s unlike anything you could experience at a traditional wedding in the states and made the actual wedding day much more relaxing. What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience? It’s so hard to pick one thing, but I would have to say exchanging our personal vows and hearing the kind words from family/friends in their speeches. The amount of love that I felt in those moments will be forever implanted in my heart. I can’t wait to get our raw footage from the videographer to watch those moments on repeat. In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you? They made sure that our guests were up to date with payments and travel plans. Guests have tons of questions regarding destination weddings and it felt good to triage that part of the planning with Heather and Shelli. I get easily overwhelmed with that kind of thing, and I’m so thankful I didn’t have to coordinate that for guests. They also arranged the booking of my wedding with the resort and secured me the date/time that I had wanted!
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. What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this? My parents are not in the best of health so I was hoping they stayed well enough to travel. My father ended up not coming, letting me know the day before we left. Even though he didn’t make it, it was still a perfect day in every other way. Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you. We did not have bridal parties. We agreed that my brother (my only sibling) would hold the rings & walk my mom down the aisle. Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. Jeannette was very accommodating, even after we arrived later than we had anticipated. She allowed time for us to get settled and picked up as soon as we were ready (we arrived 2 days prior to the wedding). She worked around our pre-planned activities and was thorough in explaining options & events for the day. Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival? Everyone loved the resort. We had a few guests that have difficulty walking, and the resort was able to switch to closer rooms to ensure their stay was enjoyable. Those that were weary of the price tag but booked anyway or have never been to an all-inclusive resort said Secrets Papagayo was “totally worth it”. The resort is beautiful, the staff were friendly & helpful. 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? We carried on, and we were both able to put ours in a regular travel garment bag. The resort steamed our apparel & returned it day of while we were at breakfast! 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? We had our reception on the beach with the beautiful black sand (saxophonist), followed by cocktail hour in the garden (violinist & guitarist), and dinner reception one tier up in the same garden area (we provided playlist & used their speakers). During the beginning of cocktail hour (our preferred choice) is when we did most pictures with the group & subgroups, then ourselves. Once the sun was setting, the photographers brought us back to the beach for amazing photos. Location and the reduced guest list. Having a destination wedding was less stressful (compared to those we know that had traditional home weddings), and really extended the excitement of the event. What was the best part of having a destination wedding? Experiencing a new location & spending time with so many close family and friends, which is a once in a lifetime happening! Being able to honeymoon close to the wedding. And, of course, the memories. And pictures. What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience? Jen - The entire day was perfect! Dave - The entire wedding day. In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you? Working with guests & answering their travel questions. What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process? We both wish we stayed longer at Secrets. We stayed at Secrets Papagayo Wednesday-Monday (wedding was Friday) and we should have enjoyed the resort for longer before relocating, by at least 2 days. Advice: Do what you want because you cannot please everyone. This is your event. Don’t over plan the trip. Everyone enjoyed the time spent at the resort. What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding? How flawlessly everything went, in another country whose primary language is not English. Language was not a barrier at all, as most people involved from the area spoke English quite well. Romance Travel Group & Secrets Papagayo did it all, and we loved it! Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding? Absolutely! Working with Romance Travel Group made it so easy and stress free. The steps and timeline are laid out for you, with provide reminders in advance of deadlines/milestones. Is there anything Romance Travel Group could have done to make the experience even better? The only thing I can think of is booking airfare for guests. However, I understand the many challenges of doing this (preferred airlines, miles, departure locations, etc.). So really, nothing.
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! Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. It was very helpful for locking in the details of the wedding and getting an idea of how the whole day would go. It took about 1.5 hours. Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival? Yes, everyone said that the resort was beautiful and the food was amazing. 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? It was easy to travel with. I bought a $20 bag off amazon and brought it on the plane as my carry on. What was the best part of having a destination wedding? I loved that it was basically a 6-day long party with our friends and family. We did not feel pressured to go around and talk to every person at the wedding itself because we had already gotten so much time with them. I loved that it was non-traditional and we definitely loved the cost (compared to traditional weddings)! Also, we had everyone download the PhotoCircle app and I would highly recommend it for anyone doing a destination wedding! People uploaded photos throughout the whole trip and it was so much fun seeing all of them. It also made it super easy to download the ones we wanted to save. What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience? Our wedding reception was absolutely perfect. It took place on the beach so we all danced barefoot. It actually rained a little during the reception but it was such a casual environment that no one was bothered by it! Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding? Absolutely. They were the easiest and most reliable part of the process. Congratulations to you, Jessica and Mark! Best wishes always!
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.
Gorgeous Beach: El Dorado Maroma
Delicious Food: Atelier
Daytime Activities: Unico
Stunning Venue: Secrets Moxche
Relaxation: Hyatt Zilara Riviera Maya
Late Night Energy: Breathless Soul
New and Modern: Le Blanc Los Cabos
Charming and Authentic: El Dorado Royale
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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