Real Wedding: Debra & Matthew at Live Aqua Cancun

​Wedding Date: February 28, 2025 ~ Resort: Live Aqua Cancun ~ Photographer/Videographer: Mike Cantarell ~ Bridal Salon: Wedding Shoppe, St. Paul, MN

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?

A friend from worked referred me after attending a wedding that was set up by Romance Travel Group.

What led you to choose a destination wedding?

Second marriage, we love the ocean and vacationing, incorporated both into our special day.

How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?

After an amazing slide presentation by Abby our agent, we chose Live Aqua Cancun.

Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?

The majority of my friends were really excited!  There were some friends that could not make it secondary to cost and other obligations but in the end we just wanted our children present, everyone else was a bonus in our eyes. 

What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?

Not being able to talk with vendors personally and actually see the venue, however with our package we were given 2 days free at the resort if we wanted to go there beforehand.  

How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?

There really is not a meaning, we wanted to get away from winter and chose that date.  

Did you invite guests in a unique way, like a themed save the date or announcement party?

Romance Travel Group sent out a very adorable invite. 

 Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges? 

I absolutely loved Christy! She was amazing. It really helped when I got the WhatsApp app and used that for communication. Christy and I had 2 facetime calls that were so detailed with the wedding events of the day, I really felt confident that the day was going to be perfect!

Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your wedding attire?

Wedding Shoppe in St Paul.  Went with my daughter (my maid of honor), son’s girlfriend, and good friend of mine.  

Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?

Yes, feedback from my friends was that Heather was amazing and quick to respond and be so helpful with every question. 

What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?

I think my main concern was that we wanted everyone to enjoy the resort we chose and also spending enough time with our guests.  This more a bride than groom worry though.  Matt calmed me by saying "if people can not have fun in Mexico that is on them".  We really also tried to enforce this was our guests' vacation also and for them to do everything that made them happy.  

Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you. 

My maid of honor was my daughter, bridesmaid was a good friend.  Our best man was Matt's son and groomsmen was my son.  Ring bearer was one of my best friends (like a brother to me). My son gave me away. 

Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort. 

We were greeted by resort staff as soon as we arrived!  They brought us upstairs to get us checked into our room and provided us with food and drinks.  They were amazing!

Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?

Guests absolutely loved the resort!  Many remarked they loved the size (not too big) and how beautiful the ocean was.  

How easy/difficult was it to travel with your wedding attire? Did you carry-it on, where did you store it? Did you get a lot of comments at the airport? 

Our wedding attire was placed in the captains closet, everyone was so nice and excited for us!

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?

We were married on the beach by an officiant they offered at the resort.  We still will need to get married in the USA but consider our wedding the day we got married in Mexico.  We did a cocktail hour and followed it with the most amazing wedding meal we have ever experienced.  Our reception was surrounding a pool overlooking the ocean.  It was a magical venue. 

What was the best part of having a destination wedding?

Our wedding was one day but we felt like a bride and groom for an entire week surrounded by our family and friends.  There was also something so magical about being married on a beach surrounded by our family and friends.  We also had the bonus audience watch from the infinity pool above.  It added something unique and special to our wedding.  They cheered like they were part of our wedding guests. 

What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?

I really cannot nail down one memory, the  whole experience is the best memory.  

In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you? 

They sent out the invites, helped me pick the perfect venue for us, they took care of all of the travel needs for us and our guests, they answered all my guests questions, they even called when I arrived in Cancun to make sure everything was going well.  

What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?

Right from the start I would emphasize that guests needed to go through Romance Travel Group to attend the wedding.  That was explained by RTG but I still had multiple guests attempt to book through different avenues. 

What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding? 

How effortless it was.  How beautiful it was.  How it exceeded every expectation.  And how amazing our wedding dinner was. 

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

100%!

Is there anything Romance Travel Group could have done to make the experience even better?

They are top notch!   Keep doing what you are doing!

Thank you, Debbie & Matt! Best wishes to you always!!

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