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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
PLAN YOUR WEDDING WITH THE DREAM TEAM