​Wedding Date: April 27, 2023 ~ Resort: Dreams Natura ~ Photographer: Cineluk (Hector Yupit) ~ Videographer: Cineluk (Luis Paredes) ~ Bridal Salon: The Wedding Shoppe ~ Tux Salon: Express/Lululemon ~ Beauty:  Sara Tamargo Makeup and Hair

​Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We chose Romance Travel Group because while searching for destination wedding travel agents, we came across them and they had ALL good reviews. When we were going through the reviews, so many people mentioned how they made their wedding planning so much less stressful and that they handled all the guests’ travel arrangements, which was exactly what we were looking for. During our first phone call, Shelli was very informative, supportive, and accommodating to our wants and needs. On top of that, we were told that we would get our money back as soon as we arrived at our wedding destination. All of these things just made our decision to book with Romance Travel Group much easier.

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We chose to do a destination wedding because we looked at wedding venues around the city we live in, and we could not fathom how much JUST the venue itself cost. We wanted to spend our money on something that we absolutely loved and we couldn’t find that around us. We always thought it would be cool to get married on the beach near the ocean but we didn’t think we would actually do it. After doing some research about destination weddings, we were sold on the fact that the resort pretty much does everything for you. The beach and ocean are obviously beautiful and that being apart of our venue made us feel at ease that we were going to love it even without seeing it before hand.

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We chose Dreams Natura Resort and Spa because we loved the infinity pool glass platform for the wedding ceremony and we didn’t see that any other resorts had this. We thought it was so unique as the ocean was still in the background, so it was absolutely perfect. Some of the deciding factors of choosing this resort was that they had 7 different restaurant options, it was family friendly, it was within our price budget, and it was only about 15 minutes away from the airport. 

Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress?
I went wedding dress shopping with my mom and two sisters. We went to three different wedding stores. The wedding dress I found was not what I expected myself to wear, in fact it was the opposite. I initially wanted a flowy beachy dress with straps. Once I tried on these types of dresses, I realized I did not like the straps as they dug into my shoulders (I have broad shoulders), and I didn’t like how plain the dresses were. So, I decided to try on strapless dresses that had more detail and sparkles. I ended up with one of the most sparkly dresses that The Wedding Shoppe had. The sparkles made me feel like a princess and I knew that once the Mexican sun would hit the sparkles on the dress, that it was going to look even more beautiful. 

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
The booking process for our guests was SO easy. We didn’t get asked one question about the booking process and none of our guests complained about anything being confusing or difficult. If our guests had any questions, they went straight to our travel agent. We started a Facebook group with our wedding guests to keep them updated about payment deadlines and travel information. 

What were some of the biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Some of our biggest fears and worries we had as our wedding date drew near were not knowing what everything was going to look like, how the food was going to taste, and how we were going to pack all our wedding stuff. There was a slight communication barrier between us and our wedding coordinator, so we weren’t 100% sure if she understood everything correctly. One thing that helped us tremendously was the Dreams Natura Resort & Spa Weddings Facebook group. Brides who just got married at the resort post their review about their wedding day and anyone could ask questions. It was nice to see pictures of decorations, flowers, food, and the resort. We felt way more at ease knowing that other wedding couples had the same concerns as us and their advice was to trust the process as the wedding coordinators know what they are doing and will make your wedding day special. So, we trusted the process, and everything turned out perfectly. As far as packing our wedding stuff, we put all of our important wedding day attire and décor in our carry-ons as we did not want to risk our checked bags getting lost with our wedding stuff. It was a little difficult to sort what needed to be in our carry-ons as the bags are obviously smaller so we had to pick and choose what was most important to us.

Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
The meeting we had with our wedding coordinator was definitely needed. We had some questions that we felt were easier to ask and discuss in person rather than over email. We wanted to make sure our budget excel sheet was correct before paying as we felt there were a lot of hidden fees. She not only talked to us about our wedding day, but she also wanted to make sure we and our guests were well taken care of and had no issues. We told her that there were a few hiccups with our guests’ rooms, and she called a few people right away to help figure out those issues. She also wanted to accommodate those inconveniences, so she upgraded our reception lights at no additional cost. 
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Our guests absolutely loved the resort. In fact, a lot of guests had never been to an all-inclusive resort before, so they were excited to experience it. The staff at the resort was wonderful and everyone was so friendly. There was never a wait at any of the restaurants, even when we would go in a large group. 

How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding dress? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport?
I did not get a foldable garment bag for my wedding dress as I read mixed reviews about it. Obviously, the handles of the foldable garment bags are a convenience, but some said that folding their dress made it way more wrinkly. So, I decided to just carry my dress in the wedding dress bag it came in. It was awkward to carry around but it was only for a little bit, so I did not mind. We had many people come up to us and say congratulations which was really sweet. Once we got on the plane, I hung it in the closet. On the way back, I shoved my dress in my carry-on as it didn't matter if it got more wrinkly at that point.

What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
The best part of having a destination wedding was getting to make a vacation out of it with friends and family. It was like a weeklong wedding party which was so fun. We didn’t know if family and friends were going to go off and do their own thing or if we were going to stay together as a group for most of the trip. We ended up staying together as a group and it was a blast. We had so much fun that there is talk about having a big family reunion vacation in the future. We also loved that no one in our family had to help set up decorations or make sure everything was going smoothly, they just had to show up and have fun. 

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
Romance Travel Group did everything to make our planning less stressful. They were like the middle-man between us and the resort. I have heard from other brides that it is nearly impossible to get ahold of the resort and book your wedding without having a travel agent. Romance Travel Group answered any and all questions that our guests had (I don’t think we had one guest ask us a question), they made the transportation process seamless, and they sent emails reminding our guests about final payments and everything they should know about traveling to Mexico. As soon as we landed in Mexico, Shelli called us to make sure our flight was good and that getting through customs went smoothly. Any issues that arose with transportation or the resort, they were on it right away. We would have been completely lost and so stressed out if we didn’t have Romance Travel Group.

Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
Absolutely! We have already recommended a wedding couple to Romance Travel Group (who have already started their destination wedding planning. We highly recommend Romance Travel Group!

​Congratulations Megan & Justin! It was great to meet you in Mexico!  Best wishes to you always!

​Choosing the color palette for your destination wedding is possibly the first official wedding decision you’ll make. Not only does it set the tone for the entire event, but it also helps tie together various elements from your invites to your wedding party attire, decor, and even your cake. In 2023, we're seeing some exciting color trends for destination weddings, ranging from shades of pink to earthy browns, richer jewel tones, classic greens, and elegant whites. Let's dive into each of these color trends in detail.

​The Pink Spectrum
 
This year, any shade of pink is making a strong showing, from the palest whispers of blush to the bold and vibrant hues of deepest fuchsia. Pale pink exudes romance and softness. It's perfect for everything from your bridesmaids' dresses to floral arrangements and table linens. On the other end of the spectrum, deepest fuchsia brings vibrancy and energy, perfect for accent pieces, floral centerpieces, or even a show-stopping wedding cake. When pairing pink with other colors, consider the mood you want to set. For instance, pale pink pairs beautifully with greens for a garden-like feel, while fuchsia pops wonderfully against whites and creams.

​Earthy Browns
 
We're going back to nature in 2023 with the trend of earthy browns. Think of colors reminiscent of woodland scenes, accented with touches of gleaming copper metallics and smooth, creamy hues. Earthy browns are a superb choice for the ever-so-popular rustic or boho-chic weddings, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Copper and gold metallics provide a touch of glamour and sophistication, while cream brings in a softness that beautifully complements these colors. These tones are excellent for venue decoration, attire, invitations, and more. And when you’re ready to combine these earthy tones, remember that they pair wonderfully with rich greens and pops of white.

​Richer Jewel Tones
 
If you’re looking for something bold and vibrant, 2023 is all about jewel tones, but not as you know them. This year, the trend leans towards darker and deeper tones, think of sapphire blue or emerald green, garnet red, or royal purple. These colors are dramatic, romantic, and regal, perfect for a destination wedding with a luxurious theme. You can incorporate them into your wedding through attire, table settings, lighting, and flower choices. When coordinating with other colors, consider contrasting these jewel tones with metallics for a touch of glamour, or pairing them with shades of white to balance their intensity.

​Always Classic Greens
 
Green is a color that never goes out of style, and in 2023, it remains a classic choice for weddings. Whether it's actual greenery or rich fabrics, the options are endless. Actual greenery can play a significant role in your decor - think leafy table runners, cascading bouquets, or a dramatic arch at the ceremony site. In contrast, rich fabric greens are great for everything from bridesmaid dresses to tablecloths. For color combinations, greens work wonderfully with whites for a clean, crisp look, or pair them with earthy browns for a natural, rustic, boho feel.

​Elegant Shades of White
 
Last but not least, let's talk about the timeless elegance of shades of white. No matter the year or the trend, white remains a classic choice for weddings. From the purest snow-white to rich cream and everything in between, there's a shade for every taste and every venue. These shades of white can be used in virtually every element of your wedding, from attire to flowers, table settings, and stationery. When it comes to pairing white with other colors, remember that it provides a beautiful canvas that highlights any other color, whether it's a soft pink, a vibrant jewel tone, or a natural earthy brown.

​In conclusion, 2023 is proving to be a vibrant and dynamic year for destination wedding colors. From the romantic shades of pink to earthy browns, richer jewel tones, classic greens, and elegant whites, there's a palette to suit every couple's taste. As you plan your wedding, remember that the choice of colors is a personal decision that should reflect your personalities and style. Don't be afraid to experiment and most importantly, have fun with it!

​Thinking of a destination wedding? Let the experts at Romance Travel Group be your guide through the whole process. We will help you find the perfect destination and resort, and make sure all the details are covered. We're travel experts. We're wedding planners. We are who you need to ensure everything goes smoothly. Our services are free (you're welcome!) Sign up to chat with us today!
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It is no secret that destination weddings are continuing to increase in popularity. In fact, nearly 25% of all marriages in the United States begin with a destination wedding. Why is that? Well, they provide a unique blend of intimate ceremony and fun vacation, allowing couples to celebrate with their loved ones in a meaningful and memorable way. They often provide package deals that include the venue, food, drink and entertainment, making it a financially savvy option for a lot of couples. And, honestly, who has the time and patience these days to plan all the details a traditional wedding demands? Many couples take the “I just want to show up and get married!” approach.
 
While many couples know they want to have a destination wedding, the part they struggle with is “where.” We know couples want a destination that is easy to get to and offers a great experience, but it also has to be affordable for guests. Let’s take a look at some of our favorite, yet affordable, locations that provide an idyllic backdrop for your wedding ceremony.

CANCUN
Cancun, a city known for its beautiful resorts and vibrant culture, is a popular choice. Its plethora of resort options accommodate a range of budgets and its ample flight availability makes it easily accessible. Additionally, the warm Mexican hospitality enhances the overall experience for the couple and their guests.

PUNTA CANA
Punta Cana is another noteworthy location. Renowned for its picturesque beaches and sprawling resorts, it is often more budget-friendly compared to other destination wedding locations. The reduced cost does not compromise the quality of experience, making Punta Cana a compelling choice for an affordable destination wedding.
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JAMAICA
Jamaica, with its distinct culture, diverse cuisine, rhythmical music, and pristine beaches, offers a unique wedding experience. The laid back atmosphere and authentic culinary experiences can make a wedding here an unforgettable event.
 
When you have a longer guest list, it's essential to select a resort that caters to larger groups. Some resorts offer extra amenities for large groups, providing additional benefits for your wedding. To maximize cost savings, consider traveling off-season, which also ensures a less crowded resort.
 
A destination weddings is a great option for couples seeking an affordable, unique, and stress-free wedding experience. With careful planning and the right choice of location, a destination wedding can offer a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and memorable moments. For personalized assistance, resort recommendations and guidance through every step in planning your dream destination wedding, please do not hesitate to contact us. Destination weddings are our specialty. We’re here to help!

​Dreaming of the perfect blend of sand, surf, and soul-stirring vows? Come along with us on a virtual journey as we unveil the magic of boho chic beach weddings in the tropical paradises of Mexico and the Caribbean. It's about to get beautifully beachy!

The Boho Chic Aesthetic: A Barefoot Dance of Nature and Elegance
Boho chic isn't just a style; it's a spirit. It's about feeling the wind in your hair, the sand beneath your feet, and love in every breath. Marry that with the iridescent azure waters of Mexico and the Caribbean, and you've got yourself a barefoot yet elegant affair that's as breathtaking as your love story.

Barefoot in Paradise: Top Boho Chic Beach Wedding Locations
Ready to tie the knot in a beachy wonderland? Mexico and the Caribbean are dotted with sublime seaside locales that make us swoon. From the serene sands of the Dominican Republic, to the vibrant shores of Jamaica, to the cultural hospitality of Mexico, each destination is rich with unique features and ambiance. Beach bliss, here we come!

Seashells and Sunsets: Boho Chic Beach Wedding Decor and Styling
Creating the boho beach wedding of your dreams means blending nature's own decor with your unique style. Imagine driftwood arches, macrame details, muted tropical flowers, twinkling fairy lights, and vintage lanterns among dozens of swaying palm trees. Indulge in decor that breathes life into your beachy boho vision, with a sprinkle of real-life inspiration straight from Mexico and the Caribbean.

Breezy Elegance: Boho Chic Beach Wedding Attire
From flowy white dresses to barefoot sandals to crisp, cool linens and a flower in your hair, nothing beats the casual elegance of the perfect boho beach wedding attire.

Culture Splash: Incorporating Local Traditions
What's a destination wedding without a little cultural deep-dive? From vibrant Mexican mariachi bands to spirited Caribbean steel drum performances, you’ll find plenty of exciting ways to spice up your celebration with local flair.

Attention to Details: Planning Your Dream Beach Wedding
Planning a destination wedding requires the knowledge and experience of an expert. That’s where the team at Romance Travel Group comes into play. Lean on us as we guide you through the logistics of planning a destination wedding, covering everything from local legalities to choosing vendors, accommodations, and transportation. With us by your side, planning your beach wedding can be as smooth as Caribbean sand! From dreamy beach locales to boho chic style, your beach wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean will be an unforgettable adventure. Remember, it's all about celebrating your love story in a way that's uniquely you.
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Ready to start planning your dream boho chic beach wedding? Sign up for your free planning call. We’ll go over all the details and answer all your questions. You’ll be so happy you did!

Wedding Date: May 5, 2023 ~ Resort: Breathless Riviera Cancun ~ Photographer: Ambar + Alejandro Photography ~ Bridal Gown: BHLDN ~ Tux Salon: Black Tux ~ Beauty: Backstage Hair & Makeup

​How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
Selecting a resort initially felt daunting. There are SO many in the Cancun area. RTG was a huge help, even on ultra specific things like “which resorts have a brown wooden gazebo by the ocean?” We ultimately chose our resort for its reputation for being lively, its on-site club open until 1am, and the aesthetics of the wedding venues available (including our gazebo!)

Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?
We definitely had some nerves and even a touch of guilt about having a destination wedding. It felt like a big ask of our family and friends to take 3-4 days off of work and invest in the trip. The reality couldn't have been more different, though. We got more RSVPs than we expected and most of our friends and family were enthusiastic about the much needed vacation. We chose an adults only resort, so there were naturally some objections from our immediate family about kids not being present. We heard everyone out on this, but also helped them understand how the logistics of having kids presented detracted from the quality time that we were hoping to have with them as adults. We also made sure all of the grandmas and grandpas that stepped up to babysit felt special and appreciated!

How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
Since Rick and his family are Mexican, part of the reason we chose a destination wedding in Mexico was for the opportunity to celebrate the food and culture. We figured we might as well go all-in and have it on Cinco de Mayo! Even though it’s a very Americanized holiday, it made for a fun theme and gave us an anniversary that will always be easy to remember.

Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
We were initially surprised that the planning process with the on-site coordinator didn’t start until 3-4 months before the wedding. In retrospect, however, we now realize that these resorts host tons of weddings and have it down to a science. They can bring any vision to life in just a few weeks and months. We would advise other destination wedding couples to just trust the process and avoid being antsy when you’re 4+ months out and want to get started (we know the feeling.) Once we kicked off the process, our coordinator was always very responsive and we worked out all the details in a large planning document. It worked really well to keep everything organized and trackable in writing.

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
RTG set up a unique booking page for us with all of the info that our guests needed to book travel. Our travel agent, Heather, helped with payment reminders, travel info, and questions throughout the process. RTG did a great job giving our guests a smooth booking process, but we found it helpful to also be proactive with our guests alongside RTG by sending our own text messages and emails to our guests reinforcing deadlines and FAQ. There is no such thing as too many reminders! :)

What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Having a destination wedding is a total trust fall. We were naturally anxious to be placing so much trust in our resort and our coordinator without meeting the vendors that they sourced on our behalf, seeing our florals ahead of time, meeting our DJ/MC, etc. It was helpful to keep reminding ourselves that we were getting married in paradise and that everyone would be in vacation mode and full of tequila. Nothing can go that wrong in that kind of magical setting, right?  Sure enough, it was a total dream. Trust your coordinator and the process :)
 
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
Leading up to the wedding, we worked with our coordinator in a detailed planning document that reached 30 pages! It gave us peace of mind that everything was in writing and so well organized. During our one hour on-site meeting, we went through the document and timeline together item by item to make sure we were on the same page. Everything was so well planned before that meeting, there were really no surprises. We also brought all of the items that we transported to the resort ourselves like cake topper, guest book, etc. to that meeting in a suitcase and handed them off to our coordinator.

Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Yes! It was especially fun to hear the reactions from our guests that had never done an all-inclusive, or at least one as nice as Breathless. One of our guests told us that they felt like there was a resort employee handing them a glass of champagne at all times from the moment they stepped on the property, which made us laugh. It really was true though - our guests were offered drinks in the shuttle to the resort, at check-in, at the start of each of our private events, and the moment we walked out from our wedding ceremony. You truly want for nothing at an all-inclusive and it was so fun to watch our guests feel pampered, surprised and delighted the whole weekend.

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?
The fun part of a destination wedding is that it lasts multiple days. We hosted a private welcome dinner on the beach the day everyone arrived (included in our Beyond Memorable wedding package) that felt like a whole other wedding on its own. Then the day of the wedding we hosted our ceremony, a cocktail hour, and a 4-hour reception. We used a separate venue on the resort property for each event which allowed us to create different vibes throughout the day from beachy and casual cocktails to an elegant rooftop reception.

What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
Guests just behave differently at destination weddings. They are in vacation mode and their inhibitions are totally down. We felt like the energy level at our reception was off the charts, and there are so many little moments that encapsulate that. One was when our crowd engagement package from Drums in Paradise arrived, giving our guests the opportunity to bang on “water drums,” which are exactly what they sound like - drums that are full of water that shoots everywhere when you bang on them. People were drenched and cracking up and smiling ear to ear. One guest walked up to me and told me that it was “therapy.” The moments when we got to see our guests really let loose were absolutely our favorite.

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
RTG added value from the very beginning in helping us avoid overwhelm when choosing a resort. They can answer any question you have about resort selection down to the tiniest detail. We feel like we ended up at our perfect match of a resort with their help. They also took the stress off our plate related to travel entirely - we knew with confidence that when guests came to us with questions or needs we could redirect them to our RTG agent and they would be in great hands.

What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
We really don’t have regrets about the process. The final outcome was beyond our wildest dreams and will live on as one of the best weekends ever. Any changes I would make are minor - one suggestion is that I forgot until I got down there how useful tumblers are at all-inclusives. We put a coozie in our welcome bags, but I wish I had gifted tumblers instead so that guests could use them at the swim up bars vs. the standard  little plastic cups. Our only other regret was not investing in a videographer. I realize in retrospect that destination weddings tend to be a bit more lively / experiential than traditional ones. Our photos also capture that, but video would have been worth a thousand words. Luckily much was captured via phones :)

Congratulations, Cheryl & Rick!! Wishing you the best always!

​Are you ready to start planning your own destination wedding?