Wedding coordinator interview!

Hello wedding world! Today I am excited to have a special guest from the beautiful beaches of Mexico - Rafaela Lantigua. Rafaela is the Wedding Department Manager for Lomas Travel and for all of the Karisma weddings. She is THE beach wedding guru and a wonderful asset to the Weddings by Legacy Travel team.


Rafaela and me at the GIVC ceremony at the El Dorado Royale.

Hello Rafaela and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today!
MY PLEASURE AND THANK YOU TERRAH FOR THE OPPORTUNITY…

So how long have you been helping plan dream weddings for the Karisma resorts?
WITH LOMAS FOR THE PAST 4 YEARS AND OVER TWO THOUSAND WEDDINGS LATER….HAHA

What is your favorite part about your job?
SEEING THE FACE OF THE BRIDE AS SHE WALKS TOWARDS HER FUTURE HUSBAND AND HER NEW LIFE.

What are some of the most fun/memorable weddings you’ve planned?
WELL TERRAH, THERE HAS BEEN SO MANY…AS EACH ONE HAS ITS OWN SPECIAL TOUCH…KEEPING IN MIND THAT OUR JOB IS TO MAKE THEIR DREAM A REALITY. THERE WAS A WEDDING TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR THAT WAS UNIQUE. THE BRIDE WAS OF MEXICAN DECENT AND WANTED HER WEDDING TO FALL ON THE DAY OF THE DEAD. IT WAS HELD AT THE BEAUTIFUL EL DORADO MAROMA. SHE REQUESTED THAT THE CHURCH AND RECEPTION WAS ALL IN THE DAY OF THE DEAD THEME. THE COLORS, THE DECORATIONS, EVERYTHING WAS JUST BEAUTIFUL! THE ORANGE COLORS AND SKULLS MADE IT VERY AUTHENTIC MEXICAN. EVEN THE CAKE WAS A SKULL! IT WAS VERY IMPRESSIVE, UNIQUE AND BEAUTIFUL.


How do you feel about wedding favors? Have there been any impressive or creative ones that made you stop and admire?
I LOVE WEDDING FAVORS!!! ESPECIALLY THE ONES THAT THE BRIDE OR HER FAMILY HAD HANDCRAFTED…THOSE ARE ALWAYS SPECIAL….THE ONES THAT IMPRESS ME THE MOST ARE THE ONES THAT ARE HANDMADE OR OUT OF RECYCLED MATERIAL, BEACH BAGS, NOTEBOOKS WITH DRY FLOWERS TO MENTION A FEW.

Being in a tight economy right now, would you suggest an area to cut costs or downsize?

DEFINITELY VOTIVES AND CANDLES ON THE BEACH…DUE TO THE WIND AND COST.

Is there anything new and exciting going on with Karisma weddings?
WE ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING NEW AND INNOVATIVE GOING ON AT OUR HOTELS…FROM THE BRAND NEW SPA AT EL DORADO ROYALE CASITAS, A NEW SWING BAR AT AZUL SENSATORI, A PRIVATE GARDEN LOCATION AT EL DORADO SEASIDE SUITES…AND MORE! JUST ASK US AT TIME OF BOOKING.

If you were to give some tips or advice to a soon to be bride, what would it be?
PLAN EARLY SO YOU CAN HAVE OPTIONS ON CEREMONY TIMES AND LOCATIONS.



A big thank you to Rafaela for all of her comments. :)

If you are interested in having that stress-free, picture perfect destination wedding, feel free to call me at 972-517-9130 or toll-free! 1-866-329-7157. I'm here for you as well as some of the best coordinators out there like Rafaela. It's what we do best! :)


Fabulously yours,

New amenities for Legacy Travel brides!

My Christopher and I just returned from the El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya of Mexico. I truly feel blessed to be part of such an amazing team like the GIVC (Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultants). We were invited down for the GIVCs award ceremony and it was much more than we expected! The food, entertainment, beach parties, fireworks, casita suite we stayed in, the weather, activities and most important - the people. :) It was nothing short of amazing.

We zip lined in the jungle and even rode on snuggly camels! Yes, camels are in Mexico now and they will be coming up in the world you just wait and see. :P During our stay we were also able to visit the adventurous Selvatica! If you haven't been yet, we strongly suggest it!

Karisma resorts now have a certification for qualifying travel agents to be a Gourmet Inclusive Wedding Consultant. I was quite surpised when they announced my name along with a handful of other agents who were rewarded with this new certification. :)

I am excited to announce all new Karisma wedding groups will receive one choice of the following:

1. Welcome Cocktail Reception

* signature drink

*Beer, wine, soda

*gourmet bites:

- Caprese Bruchetta

- Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Roulade

- Ratatouille vol au vent

- Roast Beef on Mustard Brioche

* Maximum of 50 people, $10 per person after 50

2. a $350 Caribe Photo Credit!

* http://www.caribephoto.com/

3. Bridal Package

* Spa Manicure for Bride

* Spa Pedicure for Bride

* Manicure for one member of Bridal Party

* Pedicure for one member of Bridal Party

*Bride's Rehearsal Hair Style

* Hair Treament for Bride on wedding

* Hair styling for Bride on wedding day

Legacy Travel was honored to receive awards of recognition at the GIVC ceremony during our last night there. All in all, we are happy to be back home and the experience just inspired me to have an even more prosperous year in 2010!



We received a nice, warm welcome to the El Dorado Royale.







We had a carnival right on one of my most favorite spots, Maroma Beach! We won Monopoly money to cash in for authentic Mexican toys.





The El Dorado Royale now have a camel tour along with their traditional horseback tour. Everyone who tried this walked away with a new love and passion for camels. ♥



The ceremony was beautiful and the entertainment was absolutely amazing.



Rafaela, the Karisma wedding director, was there as well! It is always lovely being able to spend time with this destination wedding guru. Stay tuned for an enticing interview with Ms Rafaela!







We miss it there already. ♥


Wishing you all a wonderful 2010!