Destination Weddings are about memories.  The wedding couple will have theirs, and the guests will have theirs.  Since its a more intimate occasion, and usually in an incredible location, there are many things that couples and guests tell me that they remember.

What are the usual things that people remember after a DW? (in no particular order):

1.  Water.  You see it in all the photos, the water at many destinations makes for an incredible backdrop - the colors are incredible.

2.  Surroundings.  Again, most destinations have something interesting around the destination wedding package location.  It may be as simple as just a gorgeous beach, or tropical canopies, etc.

3.  The wedding officiant.  Most couples choose to use an officiant at the destination that is included in their destination wedding package, which I HIGHLY recommend.  They bring a great local "flair" to everything and really make it special.  Most of them are extremely personable and really love what they do, which comes out in their ceremonies.

Take a look at the video below, from a recent wedding in Cozumel that we did (congrats Sarah and Kevin!)  Think about what I mentioned above...you'll see it all...something really unique in the background when they walk in, something about the water that you hear throughout the ceremony, and the humor and warmth from the officiant. 

Thank you to Ed, one of our Senior Destination Wedding Specialists, for this review of the Azul Sensatori in Riviera Maya, Mexico

The resort is located approx 20 miles south of Cancun Airport and approx 35 miles north of  Playa del Carmen.  This is a smaller resort and Family-Friendly.   For Destination Wedding packages there is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were well-designed with beautiful backdrops for the couple, sitting on white sands.  However, the Sky Wedding option is the seller here.  It was difficult to get to the top (elevator stops a flight of stairs prior), but....well worth the effort.

All suites had indoor Jacuzzis, and were quite large with terrace or balcony.  

They have a Mojito Lounge that produces bombshell products!

I would consider this Family-style Resort to be Mid-Range.   They have a partnership with FisherPrice toys and unique baby amenities.  It also has an adults-only restaurant and very lavish Spa. 

The Staff attending us were attentive and worked to show us their best side.  The gardens and beach areas were clean and well-kept.  

Thanks for Myrtis, one of our great Senior DW Specialists, for her review of this great Karisma resort.

This resort was my favorite!  Apporx 60 miles south of  Cancun Airport.  The resort can host from 1 - 5 weddings per day, to give extra personal attention.  There is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were great.  One had a pier and one had an outdoor kitchen where you could have the Reception, as well.

Standard rooms were quite spacious, with indoor Jacuzzi.   The 3 Honeymoon Suites were luxurious, as well, with Ocean Front views. 

The food and service were outstanding!  The top quality meal included in the FAM were unmistakenly great!   We were treated like "royalty" all the way around.

I would consider this Adults-Only Resort to be Mid-Range for the most part.  However, their Presidential Villa would lean toward Upper End pricing.   This resort can work for mid-size wedding groups.

This resort is "special" to me because of its location---closer to Tulum than Cancun.  It has the best beach, is Adults-Only and smaller in scale than the Royale, making it just a tad more intimate (less walking, too).

Thanks to Myrtis, one of our great Senior Destination Wedding Specialist, for her review of this great resort from her recent visit.

The resort was pretty awesome!  Apporx 25 miles from Cancun Airport, 5 miles from Puerto Morales, and approx 15 miles from Playa del Carmen and about approx $25 for cab-ride .  The resort can host from 1 - 5 weddings per day, to give extra personal attention and can accommodate Catholic weddings in their beachfront chapel.  There is a requirement of 3 days arrival prior to wedding date and the day of arrival does not count.

The Beach wedding locations were great, well-designed with beautiful backdrops for the couple.  The water was pristine and rose-petals adorning the pathways were great additions.

Standard rooms were quite spacious, with indoor Jacuzzi, and much nicer than other resorts by comparison.  The Honeymoon Room was luxurious, as well, with private access to the beach areas.  The Casita Suites had the "aguas de amor" roofless showers (it's fun to shower looking up at the stars!), making it quite romantic.

The food and service were outstanding!  I tried a hot dog from one of the "fast-food" areas and was truly impressed with the flavors!  It was prepared nicely, stuffed with cheddar cheese and wrapped in bacon!   Heart-attack on a bun, right?!!    Breakfast----ah what can I say.....the coconut pancakes were to die for!   Really big chunks of coconut!   Of course, the top quality meals included were unmistakenly great!   AND..........we can't forget the Cake Tasting!!!  Chef Christophe was awesome and very proud (well-deserved) of his wares.   We were treated like "royalty" all the way around.

I would consider this Resort to be Mid-Range (the standard villas) to Upper End (the Casitas).   This resort can work for large wedding groups, adults-only, as they have space for up to 600 guests banquet style.  

I was impressed by the Beach Butlers in the Casita area!  Very nice touch!   We were the very first group to experience a "mock wedding" held in the Chapel.............WOW!!!   What an experience!!!   LOVED IT!

Every chance I got, I "interviewed" guests I met along the way.  One bride I met at a poolside bar was getting married in 2 hours!!!  She and hubby and most of their guests were still lounging in the pool.   I asked her how she could do that and she replied that "Why worry?  Everything is being handled by the Wedding Coordinator and it is going to be PERFECT!!!"    I heard later that their party lasted well into the night!!!

Just when we thought Newlywed Melissa was done...she gave us another great tour of her second room at The Royal.  Don't worry Melissa - nobody likes to leave!  And there are always anniversary trips!

Congrats again to Melissa and Peter!  They were kind enough to give us a tour of their honeymoon at The Royal Cancun.

Congratulations to Melissa and Peter who were married last month in Mexico!  Melissa shows us around the El Dorado Seaside Suites in the video below.

Destination Wedding packages to Mexico are becoming more and more popular, and you can see why with beautiful resorts like this.  Next month DestinationWeddings.com will be sending our specialists down to tour the area and look for the more perfect spots for our couples to tie the knot.  I'll be sure to get some more great photos and video for everyone!

-Quentin

Destination Wedding Specialist Jennifer Wayland tells us why she loves putting together Destination Wedding Packages to Beaches Turks and Caicos

A place where kids can be kids and parents enjoy a vacation of their own, Beaches Turks & Caicos is a Caribbean fantasy, only 15 minutes from the Providenciales Airport. The Caribbean Village is spotted with pastel-colored bungalows, the French Village is lined with cafes and restaurants, and the spectacular new Italian Village is grand and warm all at the same time.

More on Beachs Turks & Caicos...

There are 8 pools in all: fantasy pools with swim-up bars, zero-depth entry for the little ones, waterslides, and an adults-only whirlpool almost big enough for laps.  Then there's the biggest pool of all - the Caribbean Sea on the shores of Grace Bay, voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler as the "best of all island beaches worldwide."

I witnessed at least 3 destination weddings a day at this romantic ultra-inclusive resort! The wedding and reception options are, in my opinion, second to none. The expansive white powdery sand beach has very private areas perfect for weddings and private receptions. My favorite spots, however, are for 2-20 guests in the oceanfront gazebos and elegant oceanfront decks with modern Pottery Barn type furniture made exclusively for Sandals Resorts.

The kids programs at Beaches Turks & Caicos are broken down for infants, ages 2-4 years and ages 5-7 years. There are also extensive Teens & Tweens activities scheduled throughout each day including a Teens & Tweens "only" Boat Cruise. Adults and kids enjoy frequent visits and performances from the Sesame Street Characters.

The XBOX Game Room features unlimited gaming with all of the latest XBOX games. Beaches is a testing center for XBOX, so you can be one of the first to ever play many of these XBOX games.

Included watersports are scuba diving, waterskiing, ocean trampolines, snorkeling, windsurfing, Hobie Cats, kayaks, paddle boats, including instruction and equipment! Included land sports are tennis (free group lessons), volleyball, basketball, golf, croquet, and a vast selection of board games and other games.

There is a state-of-the art fitness center, and The Red Lane Spa facilities offer complimentary saunas, steam baths, and therapeutic hot & cold plunge pools. You will enjoy up to 16 dining venues including casual, gourment, adults-only restaurants, late night buffet, and snacks available 24 hours a day.

Nightly entertainment includes karaoke, movies, dance/nightclubs for teens and adults. I was one of the first visitors to the new Italian Village, which is scheduled to open in January 2009. The new wave simulator pool, lazy river and water slides, however will be completed in March. The new disco has a glass floor and is built over the lazy river. Teens will enjoy these facilities during the day; only adults will enjoy the glass-floor disco at night. Many with spectacular ocean views, each family suite at the new Italian Village can accommodate minimum 5 people.

Destination Wedding Specialist Elizabeth "Cookie" Randall tells us why she loves putting together Destination Wedding Packages at the Iberostar Tucan resort in Riviera Maya, Mexico

Reasons why I love this resort.

1) They will only do 1 wedding per day.

2) The wedding coordinator is extraordinary. She corresponds with the bride as often and whenever she wants to email. I have often gotten responses from her within a few hours of emailing. She goes above and beyond to make every wedding she does a dream for the bride and groom.

3) The rooms here are reasonably priced.

4) This is a family friendly resort.

5) The food is good and there are 4 specialty restaurants.

6) If you have 50+ guests you receive one of the specialty restaurants for a private wedding reception dinner.

7) The cost for additional guests above the basic wedding package is very reasonable.

8) You can do a cocktail reception on the beach with music and magical lighting.

9) You may schedule a rehearsal dinner at no cost for all guests staying at the resort.

10) I get many families and couples that reschedule their vacations just to stay at this resort.

11) They offer both beach and jungle settings for their weddings.

Congrats to Moray and David who were married this month in the Riviera Maya Mexico!  Moray took some time to tell us about her thoughts of the Aventura Spa Palace resort (thanks for the photos Moray!)

1.  The resort is GORGEOUS!!  The rooms, spa, pools, and beaches are really top notch.  All of our thirty six guests are still raving about it.

2.  The staff is amazing...every single person we encountered was warm, friendly, and professional.

3.  The weddings department is incredible, and the weddings seem to run like clockwork (ours really surpassed any of my expectations).

4.  The food at all of the restaurants is fantastic--not at all what you'd expect from an all-inclusive resort.

5.  It is truly an "all-inclusive" resort---24 hour room service, bottles of wine, etc. are free of charge, and they are even running a current special with unlimited free phone calls to the US and Mexico from the rooms.  This was awesome for us, as we were able to easily keep in touch with friends and family the week before the wedding.  It was so nice not to have to worry about any restrictions or hidden charges while we were there.