Destination Weddings

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Hey there!

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I’m Shelli Nornes

I have a passion for travel and exploring the world. And oh yeah, I love weddings!

I am so excited to be working with you! We have a journey ahead of us, and there is one thing I want you to know more than anything else… I’ve got this! My expertise, work ethic, dedication and travel industry connections allow me to provide an elevated wedding experience for my couples. There may be some bumps in the road, but I promise to always go above and beyond to make your wedding day perfect. I am here for YOU. I will always have time to listen to you, cheer for you, calm you and laugh with you. It is an honor and a privilege to be on this journey with you.

Together, we will leave no detail unturned. I will make myself available to your guests and be their go-to for questions and answers. There is no need for you to be caught up in the middle. I will make sure the resort’s wedding team is responding to you and caring for you as I do. I will handle the tough situations and challenges and do my best to shelter you from these minor annoyances in hopes of making your wedding experience even more enjoyable. I often work silently behind the scenes, ensuring your wedding day is something you will smile about every day for the rest of your life.

What makes me different

It is no secret that there are tons of options when it comes to destination weddings. If you Google the words, you’ll get literally over 300 million search results. All the destinations look beautiful. All the resorts look amazing. If you get on the Facebook bride groups, every bride thinks the venue she chose is the best for everyone else. But wait! Not all wedding groups are alike! This is where my true value really shines. I am not one to brag, but this is the only chance I get to make a big impression, and of course I have to take it! There is a reason why you are choosing me.

I have been voted “Best of Weddings” by The Knot and “Couples’ Choice” by Wedding Wire consistently since 2010. I’ve been named “Top Agent” by many of my hotel partners, including Karisma Resorts and Hard Rock Resorts. I’ve won awards for my website, been quoted in countless travel magazines and speak at travel agent conventions and universities. Why? Because I love what I do and it truly is my passion. My days do not feel like work, and that is such a huge blessing.

The most important edge I have is my hands-on experience of the resorts my couples want. I consider myself lucky to get to go stay at all of them, making sure they are suitable for a wedding group. Tough job, right? I know, I know, someone has to do it! The personal connections I make while on site and being able to touch, taste and see everything for myself helps ensure I am recommending the best destinations and resorts for my clients. Use me for this. Rely on my experiences to make the most our of yours.

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Love from my incredible clients

A few testimonials from real clientswho have allowed me to be a part ofthe most important day of their life.

I would not be all that I am without my amazing clients. Many of the couples I work with end up keeping in touch long after the wedding day and become my close friends, and I am incredibly grateful I know I’ve talked a lot in this magazine about who I am and what I do, but now it’s time to let others do some of the telling!

Working with so many wonderful, amazing people with beautiful love stories to tell has been one of the biggest gifts of my life. It has brought meaning to my work in a way I didn’t dream possible. Here are just a few testimonials from real clients who have allowed me to be a part of the most important day of their life.

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5 tips for a fun & relaxed wedding experience

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Let’s talk through five tips to help ensure a fun and relaxed planning experience

As your wedding specialist, I am more than qualified to handle the big stuff. What wears a couple down the most, though, can be the small stuff. I know your wedding will be amazing. But I also know that you may feel a lot of pressure during the planning process.

I’m all about guiding my couples through the complicated / stressful / crazy process of planning the biggest, most important day of your life. No biggie, right? Wrong. So, let’s talk through five tips to help ensure a fun, relaxed and stress-free planning process.

Animate On Scroll.

Go With The Flow

Go with the flow and trust that it will all come together beautifully. You chose me for a reason. I will be your advocate, your go-to expert and your friend through the entire process. I will introduce you to the resort’s wedding coordinator who will personally plan all the details with you. Together, these we make it all happen. Sure, there will be bumps in the road, but in the end, it all comes together beautifully. You’ll need to trust us.

planning timeline

Not Everyone Will Make it

Typically, only 30-40% of your invited guests will travel for your wedding. Some couples chose a destination wedding just for this reason! Maybe you have huge families and don’t want a 300-guest wedding. If you prefer something a little more intimate and a lot more fun, this is a bonus for you! However, there will be some loved ones that just can’t make it work for a variety of reasons… work schedules, money, kids, passport issues, etc. Remember that your wedding will be perfect no matter who is there, even if it is just the two of you.

guest list

Don’t Sweat the small stuff

Ah, yes, things happen. What if it rains? Or the flowers are a shade off? Or a guy in a Speedo is gawking from his beach chair 50 yards away? Little things happen at EVERY wedding. If your beach venue has to be moved to the ballroom because of weather, will the show still go on? Of course it will! Resorts always have a back-up location ready just in case, and they will make sure all is taken care of. What is important to remember here is…. you’re getting MARRIED! Does it matter “where” as long as you have the “who?”

DETAILS

Lean on us

Very few couples have the opportunity to visit their wedding resort before they arrive for the wedding. This is why you have me. I know the properties and wedding teams by name. Lean on our expertise and recommendations and you can’t go wrong. We want the best for you. Join some Facebook Bride groups and see actual photos of what other brides are doing. Live vicariously through them until it is your turn. Be sure to drop my name whenever you can! It is the best compliment you can give me!

facebook groups

Ignore the nay sayers

If you are a people-pleaser, this can be tough. But, just know that not everyone is going to love what you’ve chosen. But you know what? That’s ok! This is YOUR wedding day and you get to choose. I will have your back and assure guests that they are in for a great time. Once everyone arrives and starts to relax and enjoy, they’ll be so happy to be there with you. Until then, just smile and say “Oh, we will have such a great time!!”

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Let’s get started!

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I am so excited to be working with you!

It is always so great to connect with my clients and share my passion for travel and excitement for their destination wedding. I know you still feel some apprehension, and that’s ok. I also know that you are in very capable hands and you have my commitment to giving you an incredible experience.

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