​Wondering what the difference is between these experts, and who you really need and why? You’re not alone. Keep reading to learn who you need on your side as you plan your destination wedding in Mexico and the Caribbean.

Wedding Coordinator

A wedding coordinator is a resort employee responsible for creating and managing all aspects of the wedding events taking place at the resort. There is no cost for the services provided by wedding coordinators. Your wedding coordinator will help you schedule venues, entertainment and vendors. They will often make suggestions and recommendations based on your needs and requirements.  Resorts sometimes have a planning team located in the US or Canada that work with couples to lay out the wedding day vision and timeline. One to two months before the wedding, the planning team then hands off the wedding file to the on-site wedding team to fine tune and execute all of the details for the wedding day. Resort wedding coordinators know their properties well and can be a huge source of information and help for couples, especially since most couples do not get to see the resort or venues before arriving. 

Wedding Planner

A wedding planner is an independent professional hired to organize your wedding, create the aesthetics and atmosphere for your day, and manage all vendors. A planner usually works with the resort wedding coordinator on your behalf. They are a liaison between the couple and the resort. Wedding planners can cost thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of your wedding. They provide a lot of one-on-one consultation, attention to detail and specialize in bringing your exact vision to life. They are usually very resourceful and work with your best interests in mind at all times because they are hired to do just that. 

Destination Wedding Travel Agent

Let’s face it. For many, images of the old school travel agency of My Big Fat Greek Wedding come to mind when the words “travel agent” are tossed around. For years, agents have tried to break away from this dated title and instead use labels such as travel advisor, architect, engineer and designer. But at the end of the day, all are true. With today’s online technology, just about anyone can book a trip. But planning a destination wedding thousands of miles from home in a foreign country for 20-200 guests is way, WAY more complicated than just booking a trip. An experienced destination wedding travel agent is worth her weight in gold when it comes to keeping you organized, guests informed and everything moving seamlessly and smoothly. Your agent should:

• Show you specific resorts that fit your wants, needs and budget and help you choose the best option
• Ensure your wedding date is secured and connect you with the wedding team at the resort
• Confirm group rates, group amenities and manage your room block and deadlines
• Provide guests with details, answers and pre and during travel assistance
• Be your go-to, liaison and confidant every step of the way

Finding and hiring a destination wedding travel agent should be the first step in your planning process.

Before diving into resort options, choosing a wedding date or even picking a destination, do yourself a huge favor and spend some time talking to a few potential destination wedding travel agents. As with any professional, you may need to pay a deposit or a retainer to secure their services. You may even be asked to pay for their advice and expertise. Would you expect anything less from an expert?

So what about the wedding coordinator and planner?

You definitely will want the assistance of the resort’s wedding coordinator. She knows the ins and outs of the resort itself and is able to bring your wedding vision into reality. We suggest finding several inspiration photos (Pinterest is great for this!) to share with her, along with your budget. She will help you create the vibe you’re going for and offer suggestions and tips along the way.

For most destination weddings, hiring an outside wedding planner is not necessary. Since destination weddings tend to be smaller celebrations, your travel expert and wedding coordinator should be able to handle everything for you. However, if you are planning a large or lavish wedding with a lot of details and events to manage, or if you lovingly refer to yourself as a busy-body or a worry-wart, a wedding planner is a good investment. Your peace of mind is priceless. As the saying goes, it sometimes takes a village!

The expert wedding travel agents at Romance Travel Group do one thing and we do it well… we plan destination weddings! After over 25 years, our expertise, connections, processes and experience are unrivalled. We are consistently named “best” and “top” agency in the wedding and travel industry. One peek at the hundreds of 5-star reviews is proof of the attention and care that goes into each wedding we take on. We know it is a big step, but we promise that your nerves will turn to excitement after just one call with our team. What are you waiting for? Sign up to talk to one of our wedding experts today. ​

Couples love us! (and we love them!)
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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
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​Do yourself a favor, reach out to Romance Travel Group, you will not regret it!”  Camille & Jacob, Azul Beach Negril

Are you dreaming of a wedding that's not just a ceremony but an unforgettable adventure? If yes, you're in the right place! At Romance Travel Group, we specialize in crafting dreamy destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean. Today, we're diving into a hot trend that's perfect for many creative couples: passport-style wedding invitations.
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Why A Destination Wedding?
Destination weddings break the mold of traditional ceremonies, offering you and your guests an experience filled with love, adventure, and unforgettable memories. They're not just about saying "I do"; they're about experiencing a new destination, cultures, and creating a celebration that's as unique as your love story.

Here and There Weddings: Your Go-To for Dreamy Invites
We've seen a lot of invitation designs, but Here and There Weddings takes the (wedding) cake for creating the most stunning passport-style invitations. They understand that your wedding is a reflection of your journey together, and they offer endless customization options to make your invitations truly yours. Whether it's incorporating elements of your destination's culture or tailoring every page to tell your story, Here and There Weddings does it all with style and sophistication.

Creating Your Passport Invites
Thinking of going the passport route? Here are a few tips:

• Personalize: Include details like your love story, travel tips, and a sneak peek of the wedding events.
• Theme it up: Match your invitation's design with your wedding location. Tropical for the Caribbean, vibrant for Mexico—you get the gist.
• Information is key: Make sure to include all the essential travel details to help your guests plan their trip smoothly.

Your wedding is a journey, and every journey starts with a passport. Passport-style wedding invitations are your guests' first step into the adventure that awaits. With Here and There Weddings, you're guaranteed invitations that not only announce your big day but also encapsulate the essence of your love story and the excitement of the destination.

What’s the #1 question couples ask you?
 
Honestly, it is a tie between two questions…
 
Q1: How many hours/pictures will you photograph and how many will we get back?
 
A1: I take pictures the day before by the pool and before the groom’s dinner & the entire wedding day. I give back between 500-700 edited images in the gallery and the couple have all the printing rights. 
 
Q2: How much time do we need for pictures?
 
A2: To figure out your timeline, we work backwards from your ceremony time. 
 
Generally, it has been the most efficient to time things in 30 minute increments. It builds in good buffers in case a few  things take longer than expected. I take pride in adjusting and making things work out on the fly. Every resort and day is different, so I try to utilize parts of the resort that are shaded during group pictures. I look for places that are beautiful but will also keep everyone semi cool and fresh for the ceremony. Again, it’s a go with the flow decision making process but I always have options ready to go and make the most of every situation. 
 
The timeline below is where the main wedding photos start if you want all the good stuff! I usually show up or go back and forth from the girls’ room to the guys’ room and get a few getting ready candids of each.
 
12:30: Bride Detail shots / Getting in Dress
1:30: First Look
2:00: Bride / Bridesmaids
2:30: Groom / Groomsmen
3:00: Entire Wedding Party
3:30: Family 
4:00: Chill Cool Down
4:30: Ceremony
5:00: Group Picture of Everyone by Beach/Ceremony site.
 
5:15: Usually the best lighting by the beach also less wind. I prioritize a few more group wedding party photos and then send everyone off to enjoy the cocktail hour with the other guests.
 
6:00: Just the Bride and Groom. Best sunset glow and a fun time to be alone with the couple at the beach. It’s fun showing up to the cocktail hour with them and snapping candids with the newly married couple and all of the guests before the dinner.
 
If a bride really loves pictures and likes a strict timeline, I suggest starting all of this an hour before what’s above! So instead of chill time 30 minutes before, allow an hour of chill time. Occasionally resorts run behind and if you’re a planner and want to stay on track without being stressed, start earlier. That way if you’ll have more time before the ceremony where you can hangout, have a cocktail with your friends and be super relaxed! It’s also generally very warm so a longer cool down before you walk down the aisle is always amazing. You can touch up your hair and makeup too. 
 
Q3: When do you fly in and depart?
 
A3: I fly in two days before the wedding and leave the day after. In my package I charge $2,600 + 3 nights stay. The flight is already factored into the $2,600, along with the two days of shooting and edited images. The reason I charge separately for the 3 nights stay is because each resort has different pricing. I like to fly in two days before the wedding to ensure I’m there the day before to scout out the resort, plan where to take the best photos and assess lighting. I’m taking photos from the minute I show up and until I leave to return home. 
 
Q4: Where are the best places to take pictures?
 
A4: Circling back to the above question, typically during the day the beach and ocean are windy and very sunny areas. These spots are best during twilight and sunset! Carve out an hour after your ceremony to use the beach and the pictures are always stunning! During the day after getting ready I like using the shadier parts of the resort where the flowers are lush and landscaping is generally pristine. These are perfect areas to keep us cool and avoiding squinting. 
 
Q5: Do you see any trends with destination weddings happening?
 
A5: Oh yes!
  
- Boho Aesthetic 
- Lighter Blush Neutral Tones
- Hairstyles: Low fishtails brides, beachy wavy hair
- Groom/Groomsmen Linen suits
- Fun pool wear / funny suits / matching
 
Q6: What are your top 3 pieces of advice about choosing to have a destination wedding?
 
A6: First, do what you want as a couple and stand your ground. Family can get really get weird about their opinions right away and that can be sad and discouraging. Talk about your plan together first, be excited about what you really want and let comments slide if people need to express their “not so nice” opinions. Remember that this is your wedding and keep what you both love as your #1 priority when deciding things. 
 
Next, use communication apps! Whats App is amazing. Make different chat groups for your guests in addition to one big chat group for the entire guest list. This is fun so everyone can meet up during the day either at the same pool or bar. It’s a great tool to see if anyone wants to make a dinner reservation or meet up anywhere at night if something fun is going on. Make another chat for the wedding day. I like being in chat groups with the Bride/ Bridesmaids - Grooms / Groomsmen / & entire Wedding Party / Family. This way we can communicate where to be for pictures and if anything is running behind. Make these chat groups before you fly out. It’s also a nice communication tool for anyone flying alone. You can meet people at the airport or possibly know if they are on your shuttle to the resort.
 
Lastly, kind of a loaded answer in general about the resort. When you’re picking a resort think about the size of the resort. Are you ok with a big resort? Do you like the idea of everyone being closer together? Do you like nightlife and entertainment. These were big factors when we chose our spot. We wanted fun entertainment and atmosphere at night and liked the idea of the resort not being super massive so we could gather together easier. Your travel agent will be a huge help with all this!
 
Q7: Are there things couples can do to help make the most of their time with their photographer?
 
A7: Talk and plan as much as you can before getting to the resort! Once you arrive at the resort you will be busy! You’ll be checking in with your wedding coordinator, finding your way around and greeting your guests for a day or two. The last thing you want to worry about is your photographer. Trust that when I arrive my first mission is to check out the resort and plan where pictures will be taking place. The day before I will have the details ready for you and a plan sent to the wedding chat groups.
 
Q8: Do you have a signature shot or pose?
 
A8: I have my go-to candid shots that I love doing with my couples and wedding party! Right away I like to be a jokester and joyful. I love keeping things exciting and try not to do any “posey” stuff right away. If you get people laughing and genuinely having fun, it’s easier to keep the morale of the group going. Spirits are usually up especially for the guys if you can incorporate some drinks, cigars, cheers and fun stuff like that. Transitioning into the more typical poses towards the end is a breeze if things start out fun and not so ordinary. If a bride has a veil I love being creative with that. A destination wedding is unlike any other. People are honestly having such a fun time it’s hard not to love every minute of it. The mood of the wedding party is typically cheery and the best kind of relaxed, at least with all of the awesome people I’ve met so far. 
 
Q9: What is the best time of day for a ceremony? 

A9: I would say an hour or hour and a half before sunset. We need good natural lighting!
 
Q10: Why do you love shooting destination weddings?

A10: I love traveling, the outdoors, and variety. I feel most creative in new spaces and environments. It’s the most refreshing burst of creativity walking into a resort and thinking “how can I show off this beauty”. I want to capture the candid moments from everyone engulfed in it. I love meeting new people and can call a handful of them my friends after each wedding. When the couple looks at their wedding album, I want them to instantly remember how fun it was and let the flood of emotions bring them back to one of the best vacations ever.

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!

We’ve gotten to know some pretty talented wedding photographers over the years. So, now it’s your turn! Keep reading to explore some of our favorites – we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Currently residing in the Twin Cities, Andrea Dobbs and her husband love the great outdoors and hanging out at the lake with her family. Her love for photography started when she was just a kid and began to take off in college when she took her first film class. Her joy was to capture people in their raw element and discovering their most genuine emotions. She began developing a freelance business centered around photographing commercial and residential properties, which later developed into the wedding photography business she has today. Andrea thrives on those “go-with-the-flow-moments” and enjoys working closely with the bride and groom throughout the entire wedding process. She also prides herself for hand-editing each and every one of her photos to ensure the best quality possible. Interested in checking her out? Then, click here to find out more! 

​As a self-proclaimed Northerner and Southerner, Jenna Ryan grew up in the Midwest and spent a majority of her life there. Balancing both roles as ‘Mom’ and photographer, Jenna finds herself traveling often, with her camera not far from her side. With a large appreciation for art and design, she got her start in the business back in college, where she began posting photos from her photography class assignments on social media. Jenna began doing weddings for friends, which soon became a full-time photography business. She describes her photography style as a “natural space for couples to have some fun together” and loves the light and airy style of photos. Think Jenna could be your girl? Then, click here to learn more about her today! 

​Now in Central Florida, Paige Nicole is a true Disney and beach-lover and is happy to call Florida her home. Having been involved in each and every stage of the wedding photography business, Paige has acquired a deep understanding for the industry and has proven herself an excellent resource for couples. After graduating college, Paige began working at a local wedding chapel coordinating and second shooting for her father. When the time came for doing weddings on her own, she dove right in. Paige considers herself a “documentary style wedding photographer that loves bold colors,” as well as a capturer of natural interactions as they come. She also works closely with the couple well before the wedding, so they feel completely relaxed the day of their event. “Because I work with the wedding planners on your day, I also work to keep you on track to make sure you get the most out of your day.” Want to learn more about Paige? Then, click here to get the scoop!

Born in Cape Cod, Katie considers the beach her “second home.” With nearly 10 years of photography experience, she has developed a photography style that evokes fun, authentic, and honest emotions from her couples. Starting off photographing friends and taking headshots, Pietrowski landed an internship her senior in college with a phenomenal photographer. She learned the ins and outs of shooting and editing weddings and started her own business shortly after graduating. Today, Katie focuses on documenting the entire wedding day from behind-the-scenes and watching everything unravel as it naturally would –from the emotional first look to group photos with grandma and grandpa. “I think clients would say I am outgoing, funny, reliable & creative. Fortunately, a lot of my couples end up becoming friends of my fiancé and me due to how much fun we have working together!” Want to meet Katie? Then, click here to get in touch!

We hope you consider checking out one of these talented photographers to capture your special day! For more information on the destination wedding planning process, feel free to reach out at [email protected] today!