Author:
Shelli Nornes
CEO/Owner
Publish Date: January 23, 2025
Last Modified: May 27, 2025
Wedding Date: September 23, 2023 ~ Resort: Hyatt Ziva Cancun ~ Photographer: Ana Lozano ~ Videographer: Great Events ~ Bridal Gown: Bride's by Young ~ Tux Salon: Robbie & Co.
Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
We chose Romance Travel Group because they had great reviews as well as connections to resorts in Mexico. After speaking with Shelli on the phone we felt relieved that we had a company that could navigate setting up our room block and take one major task off of our plate. Shelli was personable and very easy to communicate with.
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
Romance Travel Group provided us a selection of resorts along with a pros and cons list for each. We knew we wanted a beach ceremony and so we looked to see which resort had the best beach. We wanted a resort with friendly staff and that had something for people of all ages to do. We also wanted a resort that had an adults only section since we wanted to stay there for our honeymoon and this resort had an adults only tower. After reading reviews, watching YouTube videos and looking in destination Facebook groups we decided to go with the Hyatt Ziva 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?
Thankfully we had no objections. Everyone was so excited that more people than we expected booked for our wedding. All of guest saw this as an opportunity for a vacation.
What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
My biggest fear was the resort not looking as it did in the pictures and videos. This resort lives up to the pictures and videos. Also having to put a 100% trust into the vendors you choose and hope that they see your vision as you do. Our photographer was also phenomenal and exceeded our expectations.
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Our wedding coordinator from the resort was very pleasant to work with. She sent us a master planner with four main categories and that’s what we used to plan the wedding. The planner was helpful and very simple to use. She was friendly and closer towards our wedding date she started a WhatsApp chat with us in case we had any last minute questions.
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
The booking process with the Romance Travel Group on the website they created for us was fantastic. It was so simple to use and easy to make payments. None of our guest had issues booking. Also the fact that transportation was included was a bonus. No one had anything to worry about.
Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you.
Our wedding party included 5 bridesmaid and 6 groomsmen. We had a brunch in our house and invited all of them over. We gave each of them a box with their name on it and we included T-shirt’s, sunglasses, champagne flutes for the bridesmaids and beer mugs for the groomsmen. Everyone in the wedding party are people who we consider family and have always supported our relationship. We wanted people who we knew deep down had nothing but well wishes for this new chapter in our lives.
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
Onsite meeting went great with our wedding coordinator. We were able to give her all the things we brought for the wedding. She reassured us that everything will be setup properly.
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
We were WOWED by the resort and all the staff. As all of our guest checked-in they could not believe how amazing the resort was. On the day we had majority of our guest check in the resort setup a semi private checkin for the guest as well as a 5 minute massage. Guest enjoyed all the restaurants and the additional activities you could pay for like swimming with the dolphins, jet skis and water tubing. They had something for everyone to do. Everyone told us we did a great job booking the resort because it had everything.
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?
Yes, we had a traditional wedding. Ceremony and cocktail hour was on the beach. Let me tell you the beach at this resort is unbelievably beautiful. Truly made my dream a reality. Reception including the dancing was in the ballroom due the rain. The ballroom was nice since we originally planned for the rooftop not much to say besides the forecast had a different plan for us. I would not be able to get that beach with blue water and white sand in New York.
What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
The resort and all the amenities for our guests. Our beach ceremony blew me away and the rain held up until after cocktail hour. Thinking back on it makes it feel like a dream.
In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
They definitely did. Once I picked a resort, they worked on the room block and transpiration. They took a huge task off of our plate.
What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process?
I would not do anything different. I would inquire more about the back up plan if it rains. On our wedding day there was rain in the forecast and having to make the decision to move the wedding inside was stressful. Main reason was not being able to reach my partner because the service was spotty and we were taking our Getting Ready photos. The second reason was we never saw the inside ballroom and did not know how everything would come together. My suggestion to couples is to ask to see the ballroom or inside venue they would offer you so you have an idea of the venue space just in case.
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
For sure. What they did for us is unbelievable. They were always available via email or phone if anything was needed. I could not have found this resort without them or the pros and cons list. They guidance they provided is one I am extremely grateful for. Thank you again!!
You're very welcome, Jennifer & Cesar! Wishing you a lifetime of love and happiness!