Real Wedding: Jennifer & David at Secrets Papagayo

​Wedding Date: March 1, 2024 ~ Resort: Secrets Papagayo ~ Photographer/Videographer: Dream Art ~ Bridal Gown: Eva's International

Why did you choose Romance Travel Group?
Of the 3 companies we had initial conversations with, Abby from Romance Travel was the most knowledgeable and informative. She gave great suggestions and considerations to help us decide on a location.
 
What led you to choose a destination wedding?
We travel a lot and love it!
 
How did you select the resort? What were the deciding factors?
We often travel to the Caribbean and wanted something a little different. Each of us chose 3 locations, we each eliminated one, and then we provided the info for the last group to Abby. She helped us narrow down the list by answering our questions. Ultimately, Costa Rica was somewhere neither of us have been before and offered the most variety for us extending our stay and relocating. Adults only was a must since we have no children. A smaller guest list and a want for new experiences were also considerations.
 
Were there any objections from your wedding guests about your decision to have a destination wedding? If so, how did you handle overcome those?
Dave has immediate family with young children and several family members from my family do as well, so there were quite a few people that expressed their wish for a family friendly location. Dave’s family (including his parents, three sisters, spouses, and kids) rented an Air BnB close by. It would have been great for them to stay at the resort with us, but this was the next best option so that everyone could come. The spouses stayed back and watched the kiddos for the wedding day, participating in excursions throughout the stay so they could be part of the group.
 
What were some of your biggest fears about having a destination wedding?
Having it in a country we never visited before & having to rely on reviews and videos on Social Media for the resort. Weather (because of location).
 
How did you come to decide on your wedding date? Is there meaning behind it?
We wanted the end of February but it was booked so we extended into the next Friday (for ease of guest travel) there was availability.
 
Did you invite guests in a unique way, like a themed save the date or announcement party?
No, we relied on Romance Travel to get the word out.
 
Describe what it was like working with the wedding coordinator at the resort? What went well? Any challenges?
Jeanette Vallejos was our wedding coordinator at Secrets Papagayo and she was fabulous! She walked us through everything, answered all of our questions in a timely manner, gave recommendations when asked, helped with guest queries/accommodations, and really made the process stress free.
 
Tell us about your wedding attire – How did you find it? Who went shopping with you? How do you feel wearing your wedding attire?
I purchased my dress at my second bridal shop. The first bridal appointment was to accommodate my now mother-in-law from out of town. I wanted her to be involved so I made sure to make an appointment when she was in town. My mother and one of my best friends were also there. One of my cousins was disappointed they didn’t get to dress shop with me, so I made a last minute appointment at Eva’s International during a trunk show for a designer that had a few dress styles I liked. I ended with a different designer, Kitty Chen, buying her Alyssa dress. I do not care much about designers, but I fell for this dress that was not at all the flowy beach dress that I had imagined. Dave ordered his suit custom online.
 
Describe the booking process for your guests. Did they find that to be easy to navigate?
Communication was done through Shannon at Romance Travel Group. Guests seemed pleased with the service from Romance Travel Group.
 

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What were some of your biggest fears or things you worried about as your wedding date drew near? How did you get through this?
My parents are not in the best of health so I was hoping they stayed well enough to travel. My father ended up not coming, letting me know the day before we left. Even though he didn’t make it, it was still a perfect day in every other way.
 
Tell us about how you chose your bridal party and asked them to stand up with you.
We did not have bridal parties. We agreed that my brother (my only sibling) would hold the rings & walk my mom down the aisle.
 
Describe the meeting you had with the onsite wedding team when you arrived at the resort.
Jeannette was very accommodating, even after we arrived later than we had anticipated. She allowed time for us to get settled and picked up as soon as we were ready (we arrived 2 days prior to the wedding). She worked around our pre-planned activities and was thorough in explaining options & events for the day.
 
Were your guests wowed by the resort and the all-inclusive concept? What was their reaction upon arrival?
Everyone loved the resort. We had a few guests that have difficulty walking, and the resort was able to switch to closer rooms to ensure their stay was enjoyable. Those that were weary of the price tag but booked anyway or have never been to an all-inclusive resort said Secrets Papagayo was “totally worth it”. The resort is beautiful, the staff were friendly & helpful.
 
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?
We carried on, and we were both able to put ours in a regular travel garment bag. The resort steamed our apparel & returned it day of while we were at breakfast!
 
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 had our reception on the beach with the beautiful black sand (saxophonist), followed by cocktail hour in the garden (violinist & guitarist), and dinner reception one tier up in the same garden area (we provided playlist & used their speakers). During the beginning of cocktail hour (our preferred choice) is when we did most pictures with the group & subgroups, then ourselves. Once the sun was setting, the photographers brought us back to the beach for amazing photos. Location and the reduced guest list. Having a destination wedding was less stressful (compared to those we know that had traditional home weddings), and really extended the excitement of the event.

What was the best part of having a destination wedding?
Experiencing a new location & spending time with so many close family and friends, which is a once in a lifetime happening! Being able to honeymoon close to the wedding. And, of course, the memories. And pictures.
 
What is your most favorite memory of your wedding experience?
Jen - The entire day was perfect! Dave - The entire wedding day.
 
In what ways did Romance Travel Group make the planning less stressful for you?
Working with guests & answering their travel questions.
 
What would you do differently? What advice would you give to couples just starting the planning process? 
We both wish we stayed longer at Secrets. We stayed at Secrets Papagayo Wednesday-Monday (wedding was Friday) and we should have enjoyed the resort for longer before relocating, by at least 2 days. Advice: Do what you want because you cannot please everyone. This is your event. Don’t over plan the trip. Everyone enjoyed the time spent at the resort.
 
What surprised you the most about having a destination wedding?
How flawlessly everything went, in another country whose primary language is not English. Language was not a barrier at all, as most people involved from the area spoke English quite well. Romance Travel Group & Secrets Papagayo did it all, and we loved it!
 
Would you recommend Romance Travel Group to other couples who are considering a destination wedding?
Absolutely! Working with Romance Travel Group made it so easy and stress free. The steps and timeline are laid out for you, with provide reminders in advance of deadlines/milestones.
 
Is there anything Romance Travel Group could have done to make the experience even better?
The only thing I can think of is booking airfare for guests. However, I understand the many challenges of doing this (preferred airlines, miles, departure locations, etc.). So really, nothing.