We recently sat down with Shelli Nornes, founder, owner, and CEO of Romance Travel Group, for a behind-the-scenes look at the heart and hustle behind her award-winning destination wedding travel business. From humble beginnings to industry leadership, Shelli shares the story of how she built a company that helps couples create unforgettable wedding experiences in paradise.
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Here’s what she had to say:

1. Tell us about your business.

Romance Travel Group has truly been a labor of love and growth. I started the company over 26 years ago under the name Shelli’s Travel, and in those early years, I planned just about everything…cruises, business trips, family vacations. Over time, I realized I was most passionate about the trips people were genuinely excited about, the kind of experiences that bring people together. That led me to rename the business Shelli’s Vacation Travel, shifting my focus toward leisure travel.

But everything goes back to my own destination wedding in 1998. I fell completely in love with the process - from planning to the experience itself - and I knew this was the direction I wanted to take the business. I made the decision to focus solely on destination weddings, and with that came the final rebrand to Romance Travel Group.
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The new name reflected something bigger than just a service, it was a reflection of a new identity and a growing team. It wasn’t just “Shelli” anymore. I began building a core team of incredible women who share the same heart for this work that I do. And what’s really special is that every person on our team has a personal connection to me:

• Heather was my very first hire, and before that, she was a longtime client of mine.
• Jodi came to us through a mutual friend from church who knew we’d be a great fit.
• Abby was working at a tour operator I used to book groups with. I trained her on best practices for managing group travel long before she ever joined our team.
• Shannon attended one of our destination weddings as a guest and was referred to us by her best friend, who just so happened to be the bride.

These aren’t just random hires. These are women I was meant to work with - people who became part of this journey because of meaningful, personal connections. We value our work family tremendously, and it shows in the way we care for each other and for our clients. We’re in this together, and that makes all the difference in the world. You’ll hear us call ourselves “The Dream Team” or “Party of Five”.

Today, Romance Travel Group exclusively plans destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. Our niche is narrow by design, and that laser focus is exactly why we excel. We’ve created a process that makes planning simple and stress-free, and we take care of our couples as if they were our own family.

We’re not trying to be everything to everyone. We’re here to be the very best at one thing - creating unforgettable destination weddings. And honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

2. How did you decide you wanted to be a travel agent?

It all started after our own destination wedding. I had always loved travel. My family took trips often growing up, and I spent time traveling through Europe in college. But planning our wedding, and creating that experience with my husband, sparked something deeper. I realized I wanted to help other couples do the same.
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At the time, I was a new stay-at-home mom looking for something to focus on to keep me sharp and give me something to call my own. What started as a small side hustle quickly grew into something much more, and eventually became Romance Travel Group as it is today.

​3. What made you want to get into the wedding industry?

I know firsthand how important it is to have trustworthy, experienced professionals by your side, especially when planning a wedding far from home. I remember how much I leaned on the people helping me, and I wanted to be that person for others.
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Helping couples through such a special moment in their lives is incredibly fulfilling. I take every wedding personally. Our goal is always for couples to look back years later and say, “We wouldn’t change a thing.” That’s what I say about my wedding. That’s the kind of impact I want to have.

4. What do you love most about working in the wedding travel industry?

I love being that calm, steady presence for my couples during what can be a very emotional and overwhelming time. I like to think of myself as the favorite aunt… someone you can count on, who’s genuinely excited for you and will guide you through the whole process with patience and care.

It’s rewarding to be part of their joy, to help ease their stress, and to watch their dreams unfold. There’s nothing better than knowing I played a role in creating lifelong memories.

5. What is something you wish you knew when starting your business?

I wish I had known just how deeply I’d fall in love with it! This business has become part of who I am. I live and breathe it every day, not because I have to, but because I want to.

Of course, I carve out time for rest and personal life, but my clients and their weddings are never far from my mind. That passion has been the driving force behind everything we’ve built.

6. What would you like your clients to know about you and your business?
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We care deeply about the experience we create. From the moment a couple reaches out, we’re thinking about every detail; how to make the process easier, more joyful, and completely personalized.

Romance Travel Group is truly a family business. Our team is like family, and when a couple chooses us, we welcome them in, too. We are genuinely excited about their wedding and committed to walking alongside them every step of the way. We take each wedding to heart.

7. If you could get married at any resort you work with, which one would it be?

That’s such a hard question! I’ve been lucky to visit so many beautiful resorts, and each has something special to offer. Even though I love the beach, I’m actually mountain, snow and wildlife kind of girl at heart. 😊

But for a wedding, I’d choose a resort in Mexico. I adore the culture, the people, and the food. It would need to be adults-only, with amazing service and incredible cuisine. Personally, I’m drawn to resorts that feel authentic and grounded in the local vibe… something earthy and natural, rather than super modern and flashy. That’s just my style.

Honestly, choosing just one would be so hard. I know too much! I’ve seen what goes on behind the scenes, I know which teams are amazing, and I understand the little differences that make each resort special. So yeah... narrowing it down to one? That might be my hardest wedding decision ever. 😂

8. Was there a moment when you knew your business was really going to succeed?

I’ve never had a single "this is it!" moment, but I’ve always believed in what we’re doing. When you love your work and you’re surrounded by the right people, success has a way of following.

We’ve grown steadily by doing the right thing, treating people well, and putting our hearts into it. That approach has never steered us wrong.

9. What’s one challenge that shaped you as a leader?

Learning to embrace risk was a big one. I’ve always been willing to try something new if I saw the potential, but I’ve learned how to balance that with experience and perspective.

As a leader, having a history of smart, calculated risks - and the ability to say, “I’ve been here before, we’ll figure this out” - gives your team confidence. That’s something I’ve worked hard to cultivate.

10. Was there a time you almost gave up? What kept you going?

No, I’ve never truly considered giving up. Sure, there have been tough seasons. 2020 comes to mind. But what kept me going was the strength of our team and the purpose behind our work.

We lifted each other up and came through stronger, wiser, and more connected than ever. Those challenges shaped us in all the best ways, and our business is better today because of them.

Final Thoughts

Shelli’s journey is proof that passion, focus, and people-first values are the key to building something meaningful. From its early days as Shelli’s Travel to becoming Romance Travel Group, her business has evolved into a trusted leader in destination weddings, known for heart, excellence, and a team that treats every client like family.
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Want to learn more about planning your destination wedding with Shelli and her team? Get in touch here and start your journey to “I do” in paradise.

Romance Travel Group, a premier travel agency specializing in destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean, was celebrated with multiple prestigious awards at the recent 2024 Playa Resorts Spotlight Awards held at the Hyatt Ziva Cancun.

The annual conference, dedicated to recognizing top-performing agents and agencies within the Playa Resorts network, brought together industry leaders, resort managers, wedding teams, and sales executives for a week of networking, collaboration, and celebration of achievements.

Romance Travel Group emerged as a standout among its peers, clinching multiple awards that underscored its excellence and dedication to providing unparalleled service and experiences for destination wedding couples.

Among the accolades received by Romance Travel Group were:

• Top Producer for Mexico: Recognizing the agency's outstanding contribution to driving bookings and revenue for Playa Resorts in the Mexican region.
• Top Wedding Agent: Highlighting Romance Travel Group's expertise and success in curating unforgettable wedding experiences for couples at Playa Resorts' properties.
• Top Agent Midwest: Commending the agency's exceptional performance and leadership in the Midwest market, showcasing its ability to connect clients with dream destinations and seamless travel experiences.

​The crowning achievement of the evening was the presentation of the Ambassador Award to Romance Travel Group. This esteemed accolade, bestowed by the Playa Resorts team, is reserved for individuals who exemplify partnership, innovation, leadership, and friendship.

In her acceptance speech, Shelli Nornes, the owner of Romance Travel Group, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, "It is a tremendous honor to receive the 2024 Ambassador Award on behalf of the team at Romance Travel Group. We have found a true partnership with Playa Resorts. We love their properties. We love the wedding experiences they create for our couples. It is so important to know that Playa values and supports what we do as much as we value and support them. It is truly a win-win for us and our destination wedding couples."

The awards received by Romance Travel Group serve as a testament to the agency's unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction. Through its continued partnership with Playa Resorts, Romance Travel Group looks forward to creating countless magical moments and unforgettable experiences for destination wedding couples in the years to come.

For more information about Romance Travel Group and its services, visit www.RomanceTravelGroup.com.

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We chose Romance Travel Group because we truly felt that Shelli and Heather had the expertise and experience that would be needed to make our destination wedding fun and successful. We had really no experience with planning an event like this on our own, so they put us at ease and we are so thrilled we went with them!

What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We chose a destination wedding because we had attended one in Mexico a little over a year before and had the time of our lives. All of the hanging out by the pool and beach gave their friends and families so much time to bond and make memories and we wanted the same for our guests when it was our turn.

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We selected our resort in particular because it was a newer build and we had stayed at a different location of the Dreams resort chain in the past. We never actually saw our venue until we got there for the wedding weekend, so it was somewhat of a gamble, but we trusted that the service and food would be great just like we had seen at the other Dreams location. Lastly, we found that the prices they were offering for our guests’ nightly stays were reasonable for all that was included, and the resort threw in some extras for things like rehearsal dinner and additional rooms when a certain amount of people booked.

​We Live and Breathe Travel
As travel agents, we live and breathe travel all day long. We book several travel experiences for people every day. We give you our opinions and recommendations based on our first-hand travel experiences because we’ve been through it, we've been there. We help you save time, money and stress – sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?  
 
We’re Wedding Specialists
While travel agents are fully-qualified to plan all your travel-related matters, it’s always smart to work with someone who specializes in what you’re looking for. Planning a destination wedding takes an extensive amount of research and planning – something only a true wedding travel expert could help you with.
 
We’ll Do all The Heavy Lifting
Don’t want to research a resort? No problem, we’ll do it for you. Not sure how to coordinate all your guests? We’ll handle it. As for the ceremony and décor? We’ve got the hookup on speed dial. The point is, hiring a destination wedding specialist benefits you in more ways than one – including doing all the heavy lifting for you.
 
We Can Customize
One of the greatest things about a destination wedding is that no two weddings are the same! In fact, we’re able to customize pretty much anything your heart desires to align with your  budget and preferences. So that rooftop wedding you’ve been dreaming about? Yeah, we can make it happen!
 
We’ll Work with You
From the initial resort recommendations, to your guest accommodations, transfer services, and wedding day – we’ll be there for you every step of the way. Remember, we’re not a call center – we’re  real people that are just as excited to plan your wedding as you are!
 
Looking for a destination wedding specialist? Then, you’re in luck! Romance Travel Group helps thousands of couples plan the ultimate destination wedding each year. To get started, simply click here to connect with us today! 

So… the one thing that will solve all your destination wedding woes, you ask? Why, it’s enlisting help from us – the destination wedding pros! Not sure why you should use a pro? Keep reading to find out!
 
One on One Attention
We have planned hundreds of destination weddings for couples all over the United States and are recognized not just as travel agents, but travel advisors. We advocate for you, guide you and overall have your back and make sure you’re taken care of. In fact, we help you with everything from the booking process and travel arrangements, all the way to taking care of your guests and any issues that arise along the way. We also personalize our services to every couple – every wedding is unique.
 
On-Location Experience
As destination wedding specialists, we are on location at the resorts we recommend several times each year to ensure our couples get the best experience possible. Because of this, have connections with some of the top tourism companies in the world – which means you’ll get the best pricing, emergency support, and value-added amenities you can’t just find online.
 
We Are Wedding Experts
While travel agents are fully-qualified to plan all your travel-related matters, it’s always smart to work with someone who specializes in what you’re looking for. Would you rather have a family practitioner or a cardiologist to do open heart surgery? Cardiologist, of course! Don’t leave your wedding to just any travel agent. Planning a destination wedding takes an extensive amount of knowledge and planning, something only a true romance travel expert can help you with. We’ll help you with finding the perfect destination, venue, and travel arrangements, and even hook you up with the onsite wedding planner to help you with all the other details!
 
Feeling relieved yet? Awesome, now let’s get started! Simply click here to fill out an inquiry form and a destination wedding specialist will be in touch with you shortly. We look forward to making your wedding dreams come true!

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!

Shelli Nornes started Romance Travel Group after planning her own destination wedding in 1998. We had the opportunity to sit with Shelli and talk about travel and destination weddings and listened as she shared some very valuable advice.
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​Please give a brief description of yourself and your business for the readers to know about you and what your agency has to offer.
 
Travel is my passion!! I am president and CEO of Romance Travel Group, an award-winning travel company offering expert travel and destination wedding planning services to brides, grooms and guests.  Our clients have the distinct advantage of our hands-on expertise. We're out there experiencing the resorts we recommend several times each year. We're travel agents... we travel! Planning weddings never feels like “work” to us. Several of our agents were also destination brides, so we understand all aspects of the planning process from start to finish. 

What type of destination weddings do you specialize in?
 
We specialize in Mexico and Caribbean destination weddings. Over the years we’ve learned that the all-inclusive resorts offer the best value to our clients. Whether a couples’ destination wedding dream is sweet and simplistic or stylish and sophisticated, there is a resort out there that is just perfect for them, and our goal is to find it. We’ve planned weddings for 2, and weddings for 200. Every wedding, no matter the size of the guest list, deserves special attention.
 
Why do you think having a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean is the best decision to make for couples planning their wedding?
 
These days, loved ones are often scattered throughout the country, staying connected by technology. Chances are, when you announce your wedding plans and begin making your guest list, you will notice a great number of family and friends who are going to have to travel for your wedding already. Why not have your guests come together at a fabulous  resort where meals and drinks are all included, where you will be catered to, and your time can be spent with those you love. We hear over and over again, “Thank you! The time our loved ones spent together at our destination wedding is something we will cherish forever!”
 
Destination weddings are

1. Less expensive – the typical destination wedding easily costs under $10,000 for air, room, meals and drinks for 7 nights, plus the wedding ceremony and dinner reception for approximately 40-50 guests.
2. Less drama – everyone can relax and enjoy themselves with no pressure.
3. Less work – you make the basic decisions and let the wedding coordinators orchestrate it all for you. Enjoy a morning at the spa while the resort handles all of the details.
4. More time – imagine a fun, 3-day event with your loved ones. Your wedding doesn’t have to go by in the blink of an eye. Cherish the time and make lots of memories. Your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come.
5. More intimate – you actually know every guest at your destination wedding. There are no long receiving lines greeting guests you’ve never met before.
6. More beautiful – white sand beaches, clear blue water, swaying palm trees, glowing sunsets. Destination weddings are a feast for the senses.
7. More enjoyable – no stress! Just show up, enjoy the vibe and have fun. 

 
Are most couples happy they chose to have a destination wedding once they have experienced it?
 
We have never had anyone say “I wish we wouldn’t have done that.” In fact, we hear the opposite from guests who have done a traditional wedding of their own. They tell us “if we could do it all over again….THIS is what we’d do!” The experience couples share with guests and the memories that are made last a lifetime.  Many destination wedding groups begin traveling together year after year because they had such a great first experience. They want to go back again and again. That says a lot! One bride recently wrote to us and said “This whole experience was so great! A lot of my friends are considering having destination weddings now and have thanked me for opening up the doors to this idea.”
 
What is one important tip for couples planning a destination wedding?
 
The most important decision couples will make about their destination wedding is which travel agent to hire. Anyone can book a trip. Anyone can get you a deal. But this isn’t just a spring break trip you’re planning. You need to partner with a destination wedding travel specialist who can share her experience and expertise with you from the beginning.  A destination wedding travel specialist is someone who has worked with more than a dozen couples already, who travels to the destinations she recommends, who personally knows the wedding team and management at the resorts, who understands the residency laws of each country and can guide you on locations, dates and budget logistics. A typical travel agent’s attention gets watered down by clients booking cruises, safaris, Disney, and escorted tours to Europe. A destination wedding travel specialist gives her full attention to weddings.  It is a very focused specialty that you must have on your side. Your destination wedding travel specialist will be your best friend during the planning process.
 
Why should couples go through you to plan their destination wedding?
 
We have a team of true destination wedding travel specialists. We are industry recognized leaders in the art of destination wedding travel planning. After 20 years of wedding travel planning, we have dozens of awards and accolades on our shelf, and thousands of very happy brides, grooms and guests who have put their trust in us. Our team has a true passion for this industry. Seeing our couples and guests having the time of their lives is extremely rewarding.  
 
Anything else you want to say to brides?
 
It’s ok to call us and say “I have no idea where to start!” If you are dreaming of a destination wedding, but have no idea how to get is started, let’s talk it through. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it can all come together and how smoothly everything can be planned. Don’t let the details scare you away. If you’re entire guest list can’t make it, that’s ok, too. Your wedding day is for YOU. It should be exactly how you want to start the rest of your lives together. ​

Planning a destination wedding? Then no doubt you are looking for the best destination wedding travel agent to help you through the process. They are, after all, the ones with all the experience and who will be your best friend throughout the process. Here are 6 important questions to ask when you are interviewing your potential destination wedding travel agent:

What is your experience with destination weddings?
This is the first question you should ask a potential destination wedding travel agent. As a bride and groom, it’ll put your mind at ease knowing your go-to person has years of experience in the field.
 
Have you been to the destinations and resorts I’m interested in?
Everyone always likes a recommendation, so be sure you ask the wedding travel agent you’re interviewing if they’ve been to the resorts you have your eye on. That way, they can provide additional insight on things like service, food, entertainment, wedding décor, venues, key staff, and more.
 
How do you work with guests and keep everything organized?
Fair question! The sound of transporting 60+ people from point A to point B can sound very daunting, but to a highly trained travel expert, it’s just another day. Be sure to ask them for examples of how they’ve managed group bookings for rooms, transfers, group excursions, etc.
 
What kind of fees do you charge for your services?
Because every wedding has a budget! Be sure to ask your potential wedding travel agent how much it is to utilize their services. You’ll be surprised! Services can run from $0 on up to $5000 or more. Be sure to ask!
 
Do you have a team of assistants to help, or is it just you?
It’s always great to know if your destination wedding travel agent has an assistant or second point of contact in case they’ve fallen ill, are traveling, etc. That way you can rest easy knowing your questions and concerns will be responded to in a timely manner!
 
What are the next steps in this process?
Once you’ve gotten a good feeling about your potential wedding travel agent, the last thing you’ll want to know are next steps. The right candidate will have a straightforward game plan for you ahead, so no guessing games along the way!
 
Interested in chatting with us about our destination wedding planning services? We’ll be able to answer these questions for you and then some! Simply click here to get started. We look forward to chatting with you soon! 

Melissa & James were married at Hard Rock Vallarta! ~ Photo credits go to Nick Vaquerano @NickVaquerano on Instagram ~ ​Wedding Gown from Chantilly Place in Chelmsford, MA ~ Travel coordination provided by Romance Travel Group

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
To be perfectly honest, we had no idea where to start when we started planning this. I googled “destination wedding planners” and came up to another wedding planner. I started off by saying I knew NOTHING about this but this is what I had in mind. They were super condescending and after that first call, to this moment almost two years later, still never received their quote. I didn’t need to though, I knew I didn’t want to hear back from them. Romance Travel Group was a website I had stumbled on while looking for resorts so I looked into my history to find them. That’s when I reached out and scheduled a call with Shelli. Again, I told her I knew absolutely nothing about wedding planning or destination planning and she said “that’s okay! Tell me what you want to know.” I knew then that I’d be working with her through this process.
 
Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?
Yeah, definitely. No one really *said* anything about it directly, just dealt with more “it’s so expensive” remarks. Shelli set up our website super early (August 2018 to be exact) and so when guests came to our engagement party (we invited the same people we were going to invite to our wedding) we had this whole set up talking about where to go to book. One of the biggest things I guess I didn’t realize was such a big deal until like yesterday when I went to book my cousin’s wedding was that Romance Travel Group offers you the ability to pay the wedding off slowly. From the date of our engagement party to the final payment due date, there was exactly 12 months. That was plenty of time for people to make payments. So we let everyone know that they could book online, pay a small deposit and then make monthly payments. For our loved ones that still couldn’t swing it, we just told them we totally understand and would miss them there. At the end of the day, it’s our special day and we were doing it our own special way.

​Why did you choose Romance Travel Group? Romance Travel Group was recommended to me by a friend who also had a great experience.  Having a team local to MN was super helpful as well! 

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors? My (now) husband and I always knew we wanted a destination wedding so picking the resort was the hard part!  We asked Shelli for recommendations of places she or her team stayed at…as we picked our resort sight unseen!  Crazy, I know.  Our deciding factors were being a middle-of-the-road price point for our guests, family friendly and a good location. We read a TON of reviews.  The Riu Palace Cabo hit all of those notes after lots of back and forth.

What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding? Some of my biggest fears relate to the earlier question…when you plan a destination wedding you HAVE to accept from the get-go that not everyone is going to make it.  We talked to those we knew we needed there first (my grandparents, the Maids of Honor, Best Men, immediate family etc…) and once they were on board, we went full steam ahead!  There were of course a few people important to us that couldn’t make it and we knew early on we had to be good with that.  If you don’t visit your resort first (like us) there was a huge nervous factor of what if we hate it…but we still went with it.  I also brought my own stylist.  I was TOO nervous to put my hair/makeup in the hands of someone I have never met.  I also have very difficult hair and don’t wear a ton of makeup so I needed to make sure my hair/makeup and I would be on the same page on one of the best days of my life! 

​With over 25% of weddings now taking place away from home, destination weddings have evolved into a cost-effective, meaningful and unique way for couples to share their wedding experience with their guests. Planning a wedding from a thousand miles away can still feel a bit daunting at first, but it is impossible to ignore the gorgeous beach wedding photos on Pinterest and Instagram, right? If you feel the little spark of hope in your heart as you scroll through destination wedding ideas, don’t ignore it! Don’t be afraid of it! Planning a destination wedding has come a long way and is now actually easier to plan - and MUCH cheaper - than a wedding at home. Here are a few questions you may be asking yourself:

1. How will I ever decide on a location and resort?
This is often the most difficult part of planning a destination wedding. Our best advice here is to find a travel agent that specializes in planning destination weddings. Anyone can book a trip. But planning a destination wedding for 20, 40 or 100 guests takes a completely different set of skills. Need a recommendation? Reach out to one of the award-winning agents at Romance Travel Group. Destination weddings are our passion!
 
2. What will my guests think?
Most of your guests will be thrilled at the idea of a vacation with you! Some will be concerned about cost or safety. Your agent will communicate with your guests, answering all their questions and making sure they know everything they need for their trip. Trust us… your guests will RAVE about your wedding. Many destination wedding groups start traveling together every year because they had such a great time at the wedding. They will have a great time, and they will thank you for nudging them outside of their comfort zone a bit.

3. How much will all this cost?
Legit question! We often say that the couple can expect to pay under $10,000 for the trip, ceremony and reception. This can vary, of course, but it is a good estimate. Your guests can expect to pay about $1100 for a 3 night/4 day all-inclusive experience in Mexico or the Caribbean.
 
4. How can I be sure my wedding will be what I want?
Most resorts have wedding departments with a team of coordinators on-site that will execute your vision. You can send them photos, Pinterest boards, spreadsheets, etc, and they will recreate the wedding of your dreams. Just about anything you see at local weddings can also be done in destination.
 
5. Who is going to help with all the travel plans?
Remember that destination wedding travel expert we mentioned? She will work with each guest to create the trip that works best for them. Some guests will make a week-long vacation out of their trip, while others will only be able to sneak away from 3 nights. No problem! Your agent will handle all the details so you don’t have to.
 
6. How will I know what needs to be done?
Your travel expert and the resort’s wedding coordinator will ensure everything has been considered and your big day is executed perfectly. Together, they’ll help you through all the steps and decisions that need to happen. You’ll be amazed at how seamlessly everything comes together.
 
Did we answer some of the questions you no-doubt have about planning a destination wedding? We hope so! We know how overwhelming it can seem at first, but once you find your travel expert, everything will fall into place quickly. You can do this!! Need an expert to help? Call Shelli today!

1.  We Are Not "Agents"
As the travel industry has evolved, so has its professionals. Gone are the days of the "travel agent." These are the days when hands-on experience and real expertise matter most. Travel professionals don’t take orders, nor do they work at a call center where your inquiry is just a number. Professional travel advisors require collaboration, provide one-on-one attention, and possess travel industry knowledge you won't find anywhere else.
 
2.  We Live and Breathe Travel
Not sure what it’s like in Thailand? We do. Don’t know what to do if your flight is cancelled? Been there. Curious how much a destination wedding costs? We have the answer. As travel professionals, we live and breathe travel all day long. We book amazing travel experiences for our clients every single day. We give you our opinions and recommendations based on our first-hand travel experiences because we’ve either been there, or know someone who has. We help you save time, money and stress. We advise.
 
3.  We Are Specialists
While travel professionals are fully-qualified to plan all your travel-related matters, it’s always smart to work with someone who truly specializes in what you’re looking for. For example, if you’re interested in planning a destination wedding, don’t seek help from a travel pro who specializes in Disney travel (unless of course, you want Mickey to attend your wedding)! Planning a destination wedding takes an extensive amount of research and planning – something only a true romance travel expert can help you with. There are millions of destinations out there to explore. We're sure you'll find travel advisor specializing in each one. Do your homework and we guarantee you’ll find your travel “bestie” in no time!

We hope this article has shed some light on how a professional can take your travel experience to the next level. Looking for a destination wedding specialist? If so, you’ve already got yourself a perfect match! Romance Travel Group helps hundreds of couples plan the ultimate destination wedding each year. To get started, simply click here to connect with us today! 

What type of destination weddings do you specialize in?
 
I specialize in Mexico and Caribbean destination weddings. Over the years I’ve learned that the all-inclusive resorts offer the best value to my clients. Whether a couples’ destination wedding dream is sweet and simplistic or stylish and sophisticated, there is a resort out there that is just perfect for them, and my goal is to find it. I’ve planned weddings for 2, and weddings for 200. Every wedding, no matter the size of the guest list, deserves special attention.
 
Why do you think having a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean is the best decision to make for couples planning their wedding?
 
These days, loved ones are often scattered throughout the country, staying connected by technology. Chances are, when you announce your wedding plans and begin making your guest list, you will notice a great number of family and friends who are going to have to travel for your wedding already. Why not have your guests come together at a fabulous  resort where meals and drinks are all included, where you will be catered to, and your time can be spent with those you love. I hear over and over again, “Thank you! The time our loved ones spent together at our destination wedding is something we will cherish forever!”
 
Destination weddings are

1. Less expensive – the typical destination wedding easily costs under $10,000 for air, room, meals and drinks for 7 nights, plus the wedding ceremony and dinner reception for approximately 40 guests.
2. Less drama – everyone can relax and enjoy themselves with no pressure.
3. Less work – you make the basic decisions and let the wedding coordinators orchestrate it all for you. Enjoy a morning at the spa while the resort handles all of the details.
4. More time – imagine a fun, 3-day event with your loved ones. Your wedding doesn’t have to go by in the blink of an eye. Cherish the time and make lots of memories. Your guests will be talking about your wedding for years to come.
5. More intimate – you actually know every guest at your destination wedding. There are no long receiving lines greeting guests you’ve never met before.
6. More beautiful – white sand beaches, clear blue water, swaying palm trees, glowing sunsets. Destination weddings are a feast for the senses.
7. More enjoyable – no stress! Just show up, enjoy the vibe and have fun. 

 
Are most couples happy they chose to have a destination wedding once they have experienced it?
 
I have never had anyone say “I wish we wouldn’t have done that.” In fact, I hear the opposite from guests who have done a traditional wedding of their own. They tell me “if we could do it all over again….THIS is what we’d do!” The experience couples share with guests and the memories that are made last a lifetime.  Many destination wedding groups begin traveling together year after year because they had such a great first experience. They want to go back again and again. That says a lot! One bride recently wrote to me and said “This whole experience was so great! A lot of my friends are considering having destination weddings now and have thanked me for opening up the doors to this idea.”
 
What is one important tip for couples planning a destination wedding?
 
The most important decision couples will make about their destination wedding is which travel agent to hire. Anyone can book a trip. Anyone can get you a deal. But this isn’t just a spring break trip you’re planning. You need to partner with a destination wedding travel specialist who can share her experience and expertise with you from the beginning.  A destination wedding travel specialist is someone who has worked with more than a dozen couples already, who travels to the destinations she recommends, who personally knows the wedding team and management at the resorts, who understands the residency laws of each country and can guide you on locations, dates and budget logistics. A travel agent’s attention gets watered down by clients booking cruises, safaris, and escorted tours to Europe. A destination wedding travel specialist gives her full attention to weddings.  It is a very focused specialty that you must have on your side. Your destination wedding travel specialist will be your best friend during the planning process.
 
Why should couples go through you to plan their destination wedding?
 
Well, I AM a true destination wedding travel specialist. I am an industry recognized leader in the art of destination wedding travel planning. I have over 20 years of wedding travel experience, dozens of awards and accolades on my shelf, and thousands of very happy brides, grooms and guests who have put their trust in me. I have a true passion for this industry. The favorite part of my job is seeing wedding photos pop up on Facebook and fill my inbox sometimes within hours of a ceremony. Seeing my couples and guests having the time of their lives is extremely rewarding.  
 
Anything else you want to say to brides?
 
It’s ok to call me and say “I have no idea where to start!” If you are dreaming of a destination wedding, but have no idea how to get is started, let’s talk it through. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it can all come together and how smoothly everything can be planned. Don’t let the details scare you away. If you’re entire guest list can’t make it, that’s ok, too. Your wedding day is for YOU. It should be exactly how you want to start the rest of your lives together. 

​Shelli can be reached at 507-237-6133 or [email protected].