Couple:  Kelly & Nick
​Wedding Date: August 29, 2020
Resort:  Unico Riviera Maya
Photographer:  Jessica Gattone Photography
​Travel Agency:  Romance Travel Group

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
Romance Travel Group was referred to us from a friend who had a wonderful experience attending her brother's wedding in Mexico planned by RTG, then they utilized RTG for their own wedding which we were lucky enough to attend in the Dominican Republic. It was clear after hearing about their experience that RTG would be the right fit for us as we planned our wedding in Mexico!

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We loved the intimate setting that the beach provides for weddings, limited decorations are needed when you have such a beautiful backdrop. We are both lovers of nature and the outdoors and couldn't think of a better place. We also have family that lives all over the U.S. so travel was going to be a part of our guest's plans regardless of where our wedding was held.

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
When looking at resorts we knew we wanted our ceremony on the beach so we searched for a beautiful beach, which is not hard to find in Mexico! Then we knew we wanted an adult-only resort with a unique feel. We looked at several chain style resorts but wanted something one of a kind with wonderful food and expansive pools, this led us to UNICO 20 87!

Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Our on-site wedding coordinator Diana was absolutely amazing! She was kind, courteous, and compassionate. She offered suggestions to make our day perfect!

Tell us about your wedding dress – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your dress?
Searching for a wedding dress was harder than I expected. I am a very indecisive person and ended up going to 9 different bridal stores before finding my dress at Bridal Aisle Boutique in Osseo, Minnesota! My sister and maid of honor were with me! Once I put the dress on, I knew!

What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
Planning a destination wedding is one thing, having COVID get in the way was a whole different playing field! Our guests were checking in all the time wondering if we were still able to travel to Mexico and wondering if our wedding was still on as planned. Thankfully everything worked out in the end and we did not have to change our date, location, or details but COVID definitely added some stress to the wedding process!

Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
We met with Diana the day after we arrived at the resort. She was organized and walked us through everything we needed to know. We still had some decisions to make about music and she was patient with us through the process. She went through all of our details to ensure her notes were accurate then she took us on a tour and showed us exactly where everything would take place.

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?
Traveling with my dress was a piece of cake. I ordered a trifold garment bag from Amazon that fit both my dress and my husband's suit and we carried it on the plane with us. Flying Delta airlines made it easy as they were only booking 60% capacity on their flights due to COVID so we were able to lay the bag flat in the overhead bin, but they did give me the option to hang it up in first-class too. We wore the stereotypical bride and groom shirts around the airport and heard a lot of congratulations as we walked through. The flight crew on Delta also congratulated us multiple times!

What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
We loved that it gave our family and closest friends a chance to get to know one another while we spent our week in paradise. It was an overall perfect opportunity for the people we love and care about the most to talk, laugh, and relax together.

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
We loved that our guests had the option to ask us questions or if they felt more comfortable they were able to reach out to RTG. It gave them away to ask questions and be reassured without having to "bug" us. Romance Travel Group also made us feel more comfortable about planning a wedding at a resort we had not been to since we did not tour UNICO prior to arriving for our wedding, it was new for us but spoken highly of by RTG which was reassuring.

Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
ABSOLUTELY!

Congratulations, Kelly & Nick!!! 

How do destination wedding vendors work?
 
Typically, your destination wedding resort will provide you with all the vendors you’ll need. However, this isn’t set in stone! If you have a preferred wedding vendor back at home that you’d like to bring in for the big day, it’s totally doable!
 
Is there a vendor cost?
 
As long as the vendor you’re bringing in is staying at the resort for three nights, you will not have to pay extra to use them. However, if you hire a vendor that is local to the resort and they are not on the resort’s vendor list, be prepared to pay hefty “outside vendor fees” that can range anywhere from $500 to $2000 each!
 
What types of vendors do couples bring in?
 
While this can vary, most couples bring in a  hair stylist, make-up artist, photographer, videographer, or DJ (minus all the equipment!)
 
How should I plan my outside vendor’s travel arrangements?
 
Typically, the bride and groom will cover all travel expenses for their outside vendors. But be sure to ask them if they will negotiate travel costs for their services. Consider asking "if we cover your travel expenses, will you take all the photos of our destination wedding?" 
 
How will my vendors plan for the big day?
Not to worry! Your onsite wedding coordinator will make sure your outside vendors are connected with her team and appropriate staff, so they know exactly what to expect.
 
Have additional questions for us? Then, click here to get in touch with a destination wedding specialist, today!

But first – what are the big three?
These gorgeous destinations are hands-down our favorite places to tie the knot! And here’s why:

Mexico: Affordable, accessible, and SO. MANY. RESORTS. Mexico is our most popular place to send couples for many reasons, but the value-added luxury is at the top of the list. Think gourmet dining experiences, authentic details, incredible hospitality and lavish suites.
 
Jamaica: If you’re looking for that laid-back, no worries vibe, Jamaica is where its at. Couples say “I do” here for the world-renowned beaches, adventurous excursions, and exotic property settings.
 
The Dominican Republic: The island's charming historical quality and friendly people will lure you in for a wedding in the Dominican Republic! Couples will need to have their legal documents translated into Spanish here, but that doesn’t stop anyone!
 
There’s more to love!

In addition to each of these destinations’ unique characteristics, all of them offer the same great perks! Here’s a few examples:
 
Easy flights: All of these destinations are easily accessible from major U.S. airport hubs, and have international airports that are close to the resorts.
All-inclusive: There are plenty of fantastic all-inclusive options at all of these destinations, making your wedding budget that much more manageable for you and your guests!
Value: Mexico isn’t the only destination with value! In fact, the DR and Jamaica have a wide-variety of luxurious hotel options at a price you can handle.
 
Do you see yourself tying the knot at one of the big 3’s? If so, fill out this form to let us know and we’ll send you more info!

Let's face it. Who spends 8 hours a day, 5 days a week planning weddings? WE DO! Who gets to travel to all the resorts to test them out, making sure they are up to our standards for a wedding? US! Who knows the resort brands and can easily compare packages, promos and inclusions? RIGHT HERE!

So let us ask you... why wouldn't you want a destination wedding travel agent on your side? Don't skip this essential first step to planning your wedding. Stop typing "destination wedding" into the search box, and instead, type Romance Travel Group!

The Offer
Thinking about a destination wedding? Worried about the cost? Well, fear not! We’ve got a very special offer with your name on it! For a limited time, the bride and groom will enjoy FREE round-trip flights to their destination wedding.
 
Destination Options
The lucky couple will receive complimentary airfare to either Mexico or the Caribbean for their destination wedding.
 
Resort Options
When you book your destination wedding with Romance Travel Group, we'll fly you to your wedding... FOR FREE! Participating resorts include Karisma, Hard Rock, Unico and Royalton resorts.
 
Booking Process
To claim this exclusive offer, visit our destination wedding page for info on next steps, real wedding stories, and more. Then, fill out the form with some of your basic information, and a destination wedding  specialist will reach out to you right away. We look forward to helping you plan your special day in paradise!

How It Works
To qualify, the group must reach a minimum of 80 rooms nights. For example, 20 rooms staying 4 nights equals 80 room nights. All rooms must be booked with Romance Travel Group.  Valid only for new wedding groups at Karisma, Palace, Hard Rock, Unico and Royalton resorts for weddings taking place through 2021. 
 
Additional Info
Hurry! This destination wedding offer doesn’t come along often. Receive FREE round-trip flights to your wedding when you book with Romance Travel Group by September 30, 2020. Simply click here to get started!