Weddings by Legacy Travel

Kerry & Kevin get married at the Azul Beach

2012-01-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

The bride & groom: Kerry & Kevin

The photographer: Juan Navarro

Travel Agent: Terrah

"Azul Beach was AWESOME!!! The hotel was beautiful."

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?

We had planned on doing a destination wedding for many reasons. I have always wanted to get married on the beach and to do this in MA where we live, the cost and work that would have to go into it, wouldn’t have been worth it. We also love the idea of going on vacation with our closest friends and family. The final reason to do a destination wedding was the cost. It was much cheaper to go away and we got to celebrate with friends and family for 4-5 days rather than just one afternoon!

What made you decide on the destination/resort/venue?

The biggest reasons we chose Azul Beach Hotel was because of the reviews. Everyone had such good things to say about Karisma properties it felt like a no brainer to us. Once we decided on Karisma, Azul Beach was a shoo in because of the intimate size and the beautiful beach.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?

Getting all of our stuff down there for the wedding itself. Other than that, reading the reviews and dealing with the vendors via email made it a lot easier than all of the other brides I know.

What was the highlight of the experience and what was the biggest surprise?

The highlight of the experience has to be the service. From the minute we arrived, everyone that worked there knew we were getting married there and went out of their way to accommodate us from reserving beach beds for our group the whole week to taking the liberty to bring us snacks on the beach for us, even when we didn’t ask. It was amazing. The biggest surprise has to be how really beautiful the whole resort was. Every detail was just amazing. We loved the lunches on the beach and the Azul Swim up suites were incredible!

How well was the resort and your On site Wedding Coordinator to work with?

My off site coordinator Lizzie was fantastic and Celina was great to work with on site. She had each detail of the wedding day completed perfectly. The set up and flow of the entire event went perfectly.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?

Do what you want for the day. It’s your day and you should have it how you like it, not how Grammy wants it.

Was there anything that you would change looking back?

I wouldn’t have changed a thing. It was perfect.

To see more pictures click HERE.

Thank you for sharing your special day with us Kerry! <3

Chad & Holly get married at the Dreams La Romana

2011-09-30T17:06:00.000-07:00

Bride & Groom: Holly & Chad

Resort: The Dreams La Romana

Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

Photographer: Resort Photographer

Bride Interview!

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
Our friends and family are scattered across the country and we figured if everyone has to make a trip for the wedding – why don’t we make it a vacation for all. Terrah worked with my sister-in-law a few years back on her destination wedding in Cancun and we had such a good time then, that we figured we would do the same for our wedding.

What made you decide on the destination, venue?
We wanted to go somewhere we had never been before that had beautiful beaches. We had heard from several friends what a beautiful place Punta Cana was so with the advice of Terrah, we chose that location.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Our biggest concern going in was the photography. We didn’t want the extra expense of flying down a photographer but were crossing our fingers that the pictures would turn out good. Once we got to the location and saw examples of what they could do, all of our apprehensions were laid to rest. The resort photographer was very professional and creative and we couldn’t be more pleased with the photos.

What was the highlight of the experience and what was the biggest surprise?
The highlight would definitely have to be the resort staff. The staff was engaging and made us feel like family. Nothing was out of the question. The biggest surprise for us was the cost of the wedding and reception. We were instructed not to pay in full until we made final preparations at the resort. After making all of the major decisions, we came in well under our budget and were still able to have everything we wanted.

How well was the resort and your Wedding Coordinator to work with?
Our wedding coordinator, Yanna, was 100% professional and went to great lengths to meet our requests. We felt at ease with her and she went above and beyond our requests to make sure that our wedding and reception were exactly as we requested.

What is your advice to future brides?
Relax. They will take very good care of you. Enjoy your vacation – the coordinators and staff won’t let you stray too far from the schedule.

Was there anything that you would change looking back?
Not a single thing….

Is there anything that you would suggest that your Travel Agent do differently to help future brides?
Terrah was great and was easy to get in touch with. She made sure that we were all aware of what to expect and what to bring. Apple vacations took great care of us and we enjoyed some great discounts on spa treatments. I can’t think of one detail that Terrah hadn’t already anticipated in advance.

Thank you Holly for letting me be part of your special day. Much love to you and Chad! xxoo

Leanne & Kevin - wedding at The Majestic Elegance

2011-09-17T11:17:00.000-07:00

Bride & Groom: Leanne & Kevin

Resort: The Majestic Elegance
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Photographer: Lynda Berry Photography
Travel Agent: Terrah

"Looking back, having our wedding there was the best decision we've ever made." - Leanne

Amber & Billy tie the knot at THE ROYAL Cancun

2011-09-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Bride & Groom: Amber & Billy

Resort: THE Royal Cancun

Date: Friday, May 13th of 2011

Photographer: Resort Photogrpaher
Travel Agent: Nicki

Bride Interview!

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?I love the beach and I really wanted to get married with my feet in the sand and the gorgeous blue water in the background! It was also an easy way to plan a wedding without all of the hassle and cost - My husband and I both wanted something small and laid back.

What made you decide on the destination, venue?
We wanted a place that all of our guests could afford (and love), and we wanted all-inclusive. We went with THE Royal in Cancun because my husband had stayed at the one in Playa del Carmen and loved it. Cancun was nice, but looking back on it I wish we had stayed at the one in Playa. The wedding packages offered at either resort gave you the most for your money. They were a little flexible as well with the flowers and cake.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Picking out every detail of your wedding from a brochure. I was a little nervous, but my flowers came out BEAUTIFUL!!

What was the highlight of the experience and what was the biggest surprise?
I REALLY wanted the swim-up room (which we booked for 7 days) but we received a nice surprise when we got there - we received a free upgrade to the Royal Presidential Suite! It was fun to watch them set up my wedding while I was getting ready!

How well was the resort and your Wedding Coordinator to work with?

Most of my correspondence before the wedding (via email) was with a lady that was different from the coordinator I worked with when I got there. However, both ladies were awesome and easy to work with. They answered all of my questions and tried to cater to any need I had. My coordinator the day of the wedding was on top of everything!

What is your advice to future brides?
Most definitely go with a travel agent - Nicki handled everything I didn't know how, or have time to handle. My mom's passport didn't match her drivers license - Nicki was at work late the day before we were supposed to leave to make sure this was fixed and my mom could be on the flight with the rest of us! Don't be afraid to ask for EXACTLY what you want with the wedding coordinator. Sometimes they will deviate from what is in the brochure.

Was there anything that you would change looking back?
I don't really think I would change anything except going to Playa instead of Cancun. Cancun was a little too commercialized for us. I would also probably splurge a little and hire a different photographer than the resort offered. And I most definitely wouldn't stress so much - there were a couple of little things that didn't come out right, but I realized nobody noticed but me, and we were on the beach, so who cares?! :-)

Is there anything that you would suggest that your Travel Agent do differently to help future brides?
I can't think of a single thing!

Joanna & Phillip wed at the El Dorado Royale!

2011-09-11T14:01:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Joanna & Phillip

The photographer: resort photographer

The resort: El Dorado Royale

Travel Agent: Terrah

Terrah,

We want to thank you so much for sending us to El Dorado Royale. It was absolutely amazing! They did more than I could have asked for our wedding... truly was a dream come true. Attached are some pictures from the photographer.

Thank you again for making our trip a success. We really did appreciate it.

Much love, Mr. and Mrs. Morris

Amber & David get married at Riu Palace Cabo!

2011-08-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Amber & David

The photographer: the resort photographer

The resort: Riu Palace Cabo

Travel Agent: Nicki

How did you choose your resort for your wedding?

We knew we wanted to go somewhere in Mexico but did not want to do the typical trips that most everyone has taken at some point in their lives such as Cancun, Playa del Carmen, etc. so we chose to go to Cabo. It is a desert environment which I love but it also has the beautiful ocean and the famous arches. We chose the Riu Palace hotel because of the location and because it was all-inclusive for our guests so that they did not have to spend any extra money once they got there unless they chose to do so. The resort is only a 5 minute cab ride to the marina where most of the excursions are located, you can see the big arches from the resort, and it is pretty relaxed but very nice staff. We had a couple of kids in the group and while there were not a LOT of other kids, it was still very kid friendly.

Would you recommend it for other couples getting married?

I would, depending on the wedding coordinator. It seems they switch coordinators pretty frequently. The initial one we met was not impressive but then they hired someone new and she knew exactly what she was doing. One thing that is odd about the resort is their "king" bed is often 2 double beds pushed together so you must request that it is one king size bed. Mosquitoes are also an issue due to the humidity. If you stay at the Palace you also have access to the sister hotel Santa Fe and all of their restaurants, pools, and other amenities. If you go with their top package it includes a couples massage which was great, manicure and pedicure for the bride and they will also do your hair for the wedding. I was very skeptical but they did a great job on my hair.

How was the staff? Photographer?

The hotel staff was very nice and for the most part easy to understand. At the Riu you must use their photographers but they did a great job. We loved our pictures, but I would recommend going with the 4 hour package because the time went by so fast that I felt like I would have liked them to stay longer.

How was the food at your resort?

The all-inclusive buffet was fairly good, there is not a concern with drinking the water they serve you - it is all purified or bottled. The specialty restaurants are good, but they fill up so fast so book early.

If you could have changed anything what would it have been?

I would booked the photographer and videographer for a longer period of time and would have researched more restaurants prior to going down there so that if you want to do a rehearsal dinner or just a group dinner together you have some great choices lined up.

Did you do any excursions outside of the resort?

Yes, we went snorkeling and didn't see many fish, but there was a tropical storm so that may have been a factor due to the choppy waves. On the snorkeling trip they had fishing poles on the boat so my husband was able to reel in a Mahi Mahi which made his day. We also did a sunset dinner cruise which I highly recommend - great food, great view at sunset, and they will take pictures for you if you like. Other family members enjoyed the parasailing, but the pirate ship for kids was disappointing - the food was bad and not that entertaining. There are a lot of great little restaurants around the marina. One place we ate at was named Solomon's Landing I believe and it was very reasonably priced and we had great tuna ceviche and great drinks for under $12. On the other extreme we had the best meal of our lives at Edith's but we paid a lot more to eat there.

What was the biggest surprise?

How smooth everything flowed - from the hair-do, to taking pictures prior to the ceremony to the reception to the beach pictures. Just don't get ready in a room that is far away from the ceremony site... that is a LONG walk in the heat especially in a wedding dress. Use LOTS of hairspray and keep applying - the humidity will make it go flat in no time.

Do you have a favorite memory from your Wedding-Moon stay?

We switched resorts to get away from everyone and we just enjoyed the short time alone at the Sheraton. Our balcony had a great view so one night after the dinner cruise we sat on the balcony and drank a bottle of champagne that the hotel provided as a honeymoon gift. The waves are a little calmer at this resort so we were able to get closer to the water and enjoy the sea life there. We saw crabs, snails, etc. The food was great there, but it was not all-inclusive.

Thanks,

Amber

Crystal & Steven tie the knot at Couples Swept Away!

2011-07-18T10:37:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Crystal & Steven

The photographer: Ceon, the resort photographer

The resort: Couples Swept Away

Travel Agent: Terrah

"Oh my gosh we loved it soo so much! It was wonderful... it was so much more than we expected. We are already planning to go back."

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We had both already had a big wedding before and we felt that our first weddings seemed more for our guests than ourselves, so we decided to make this wedding more for us.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
It was one of the suggestions provided by Terrah. We wanted to go somewhere tropical, and somewhere a bit more exotic than just Mexico. But, we didn't want to go somewhere that would break our wallets, so we chose Jamaica. We chose our resort - Couples, Swept Away, by doing a lot of research on the different suggested resorts/locations and reading reviews provided by other travelers/couples.

Who was your photographer?
The photographer was Ceon from Couples, Swept Away.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
It's just scary because you really don't know what you'll be getting or if you'll really get what you see in the picture. But, we really did get what we wanted and what we saw in the pictures, which was an absolute relief. I'd say the hardest part was picking which location to have the ceremony at. Also, we didn't send out announcements until about 1 month before we were leaving so we didn't have a lot of guests that were able to make it. We should've planned sooner, haha.

What was the highlight of the experience?
How it all turned out and that it took very little effort on my end. They literally made it so simple for me, without leaving me out of decisions.

Biggest surprise?
The "cocktail party" reception. The only attendees were me, my husband, and his parents - just the 4 of us. We really didn't know what to expect for the cocktail party, but we definitely didn't expect them to still go all out for just the 4 of us. They brought out additional greenery, a cocktail table for drinks, a table for the cake, our own personal bartender and bar set up, and they even sectioned off an area of the beach for us!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her? Send out your announcements at least 3 months in advance if you really want guests to be able to make it. Also, just do your own research and read reviews on different websites to get a feel for the resort. However, don't always completely rely on those reviews (some people that leave reviews on those websites are the type of people that just can't be pleased). Lastly, I know you want your "dream dress", but I would strongly suggest not getting a big dress. I had originally gotten a dress that was tight on top and pretty fluffy on the bottom, then changed my mind to a more simple, flowy, beachy dress and I am SOOO glad I did. I don't think I would've survived with that big dress. Simpler was definitely better.

Thanks!!

Crystal

Charletta & Roosevelt tie the knot at the Excellence Punta Cana!

2011-07-13T21:47:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Charletta & Roosevelt

The photographer: Miguel, the resort photographer

The resort: Excellence Punta Cana

Travel Agent: Terrah

"Everything was wonderful. It was absolutely beautiful. It rained on my wedding day but they 'say' it's suppose to be good luck. So we had to go with Plan B - had a beautiful marble stairwell to a beautiful conference room. It was very, very pretty. Everything worked out beautifully.

The cake was 3 layers .... the BEST cake I've had in a LONG time. Very moist and delicious. My flowers were beautiful. The best bouquet I could get!

The photographer Miguel - he is absolutely won-der-ful . The 300 + pictures turned out wonderful and he signs a paper giving you all rights to the pictures so we can go home and make as many copies as we'd like.

The room was great! And the French Restaurant was - oh my God - the favorite. Oh girl... it was fabulous, fabulous!

The show in the evenings ... cirque du soleil ... acrobats... merengue show .. each night a different show ... beach parties on Thursdays!

It was just a wonderful trip.

Some advice for future brides: bring all wedding stuff in the carry on bag (dress, shoes, music)... just in case.

Have the wedding shop press the dress before you go instead of having the resort do it. They should offer that service."

Karin & Cory get married at Beaches Negril!

2011-07-13T21:17:00.001-07:00

The bride & groom: Karin & Cory

The Photographer: Resort photographer

Resort: Beaches Negril

Travel Agent: Terrah

"Everything was great! The food was great, the people were very nice. We loved the resort and the kids had a BLAST! There was perfect gazebo right on the beach. We did have a great time. =) Thank you for everything."

Caitlyn & Sterling married at the Gran Porto Real Resort!

2011-07-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Caitlyn & Sterling

The photographer: Laura Parker of Fairy Tale Photography

The Resort: Gran Porto Real

Travel Agent: Nicki

Chantell & Darrick get married at the Marival Resort!

2011-07-13T20:26:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Chantell & Darrick

The photographer: Friend

The Resort: The Marival

Travel Agent: Nicki

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
The cost and the fact that it was less stressful.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
Travel Agent recommendation… And what a great recommendation it was!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
Our wedding guest took the pictures, we did not have a videographer

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
There wasn't any difficulty. Our wedding coordinator at the resort was awesome

What was the highlight of the experience?
Our wedding… Just saying "I Do" and making a memorable moment

Biggest surprise?
Our room… It was absolutely gorgeous. Better than what we expected

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Go for it! You'll love it, you'll have a lot of fun and you will talk about it for a long time.

Trisha & Derrick get married at Iberostar!

2011-07-13T20:07:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Trisha & Derrick

The photographer: O'Neal, the resort photographer

Travel Agent: Marty

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
It was the advice of our travel agent, Marty, that made us decide the resort. Plus we read reviews and the fact that Iberostar only hosts one wedding a day. That was nice to know that my wedding day would be the only one they were focusing on.

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
My photographer was O'Neal and he worked for the Photo Shop which had a facility within the Iberostar resort. The same company did our video as well. Completely satisfied with both. The video couldn't have turned out better. Having a few issues with it playing on my computer once getting home, but requested for a replacement.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
I guess the biggest difficulty is not having a lot of control over the logistics of the wedding ceremony until you get to your destination. I felt much more at ease after meeting with the wedding coordinator the day before and ironing out all of the details. I found it a bit difficult trying to communicate via email prior to the wedding. But everything turned out fantastic.

What was the highlight of the experience?
My wedding day =) It literally couldn't have turned out any better.

Biggest surprise?
I'm not sure what the biggest would be. Very surprised at how good my hair turned out, had it done at the resort salon. Very impressed with the minister who did a fantastic job! And that we got to do a first dance on the beach! And maybe how good the wedding video turned out.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Just to stay relaxed, plan ahead and take it all in ... because the moment is over before you know it.

I also attached some pictures in case you wanted to see. There are obviously a TON of them, but just sent my favorites. Thank you for the recommendation on the resort and all your help with the planning. My wedding was perfect and was truly the happiest day of my life. Thank you for your part in that!

- Trisha & Derrick

Celina & Arturo renew their vows at the Dreams Tulum

2011-03-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

The bride & groom: Celina & Arturo

The photographer: Ben Q. Photography

The resort: Dreams Tulum

Travel Agent: Terrah

I've had the privelage of knowing Celina for a couple of years now. It started in 2009 when she was hired as the photographer to shoot Tifani and Russ' wedding at the Dreams Tulum. Celina and Arturo enjoyed the resort so much that they decided to have their 10 year vow renewal ceremony there this year and I am so glad they did! What a beautiful way to celebrate your love for one another.

To see more pictures be sure and check out Ben's blog.

Much love!

Fabulous and FREE weddings at the Iberostar Grand Resorts!

2011-03-02T20:00:00.000-08:00

Oh my, I can barely contain my excitement!!! The Iberostar Grand Collection have announced that they are currently offering their amazing weddings for FREEEE!!!!

This is a 5 star luxury all-inclusive hotel chain that stole my heart and respect when they opened their first resort in 2006.

They have since built two more making a total of three:

* The Iberostar Grand Paraíso located in the Riviera Maya of Mexico

* The Iberostar Grand Hotel Bávaro in the Dominican Republic

* The Iberostar Grand Hotel Rose Hall in Jamaica

The free wedding package includes:

Minister Fees
Flowers for bride & groom
Wedding cake
Champagne toast
10% off spa services
Complimentary room for the groom the night before the wedding
FREE room upgrade for the wedding couple

In the years that I have been helping plan destination weddings I can honestly say the wedding team at the Iberostar Grands have proven to be the best of the best. They are friendly, eager to help and create AMAZING weddings. Another key element to know is that they only do ONE wedding a day so you can have the peace of mind that you will be treated like royalty.

If you are getting engaged to get married feel free to call me to check availability and to get the best weddingmoon package available for you and your guests.

Much love,

Outrigger Reef on the Beach in Waikiki is ideal for Weddings and Vow Renewals

2011-01-09T18:15:00.000-08:00

There are certain hotels that are close to my heart and the Outrigger Reef on the Beach is one of them. It is located on a beautiful beach right in the heart of Waikiki on the island of Oahu. In 2008 this resort completed a bona fide renovation that had people in the travel industry and Hawaii-goers talking. They did an amazing job and it is like a new, fresh hotel. The rooms are chic and modern that include wi-fi internet. The staff and service are superb while the dining & entertainment are fantastic as well.

A fabulous thing about Outrigger is their fabulous vow renewal and wedding packages.

Their complimentary vow renewal ceremony includes a priest, traditional Hawaiian music and a ceremonial certificate which features a Hawaiian floral lei symbolizing an endless circle of love.

To read more details on their vow renewal and wedding packages click HERE.

There are endless options for dining just walking distance from the hotel but the Outrigger Reef on the Beach provides the wonderful Kani Ka Pila Grille. It's a poolside restaurant by day and
a crackalackin entertainment spot by night offering some of Hawaii's best musicians. Blogger's spellchecker doesn't recognize crackalackin as a word but it most definitely is.

If you are intrigued about having a vow renewal ceremony or a destination wedding but just don't know where to begin, feel free to give us a call. We can get you in touch with the best wedding team and help make sure you get the best vacation possible!

Much love,

Kristy & Cory, a blissful wedding at the Azul Sensatori

2010-11-22T13:44:00.000-08:00

The bride and groom: Kristy & Cory
The photographer: Ambyr Porter Photography
The resort: Azul Sensatori
Travel agent: Nicki

"Everything was beautiful! The Lomas people were so sweet and so nice. The hotel was so caring and so nice. Everything was awesome!"

To see more amazing pictures from the wedding click HERE to go over to Ambyr Porter's Photography Blog.

Tisha & Chris ~ Wedding at THE ROYAL Playa

2010-11-08T11:36:00.000-08:00

Shannon & Aaron ~ Wedding at THE ROYAL Playa de Carmen

2010-11-08T10:58:00.001-08:00

The bride and groom: Shannon & Aaron

The photographer: Wendy Wezensky

The resort: THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen

Travel agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?

We wanted an easy to plan wedding but also a wedding that would be unforgettable for our guests. We knew that all the specific details that come with a traditional wedding weren't as important to us as the vacation we'd get to share with our friends and family. Destination weddings are great in that you can make it as personal as you'd like or you can have an already planned "check list" type of wedding. We were somewhere in between where we did want certain things personalized for our taste but most things we just wanted to be taken care of when we arrived. It was the best decision we could have ever made for ourselves and also our guests had the best time.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?

Our travel agent, Terrah, listened to our needs for our wedding and our guests and she gave us a few ideas of resorts in the area we chose. In the end after researching our options we chose The Royal in Playa del Carmen. We chose this resort because we liked the idea of having an adults only resort and a kid friendly resort right next door to each other. Since they were sister properties the guest from The Royal could go next door and visit the kid friendly Gran Porto. This worked best for us since we did have families with kids at the wedding and on our vacation. So we were able to split our time between the two resorts and spend equal amounts of time with all guests of our wedding.

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?

My photographer was my cousin, Wendy Wezensky. I am lucky enough to have a very talented photographer as a cousin so it worked out well that she was already invited to our wedding! She and her family stayed at the Gran Porto but she was able to take all of the professional photographs for the wedding and also for the Trash the Dress. We did not have a professional videographer but we did have a good friend record the wedding with our camcorder.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?

I think the biggest difficulty in planning our destination wedding was the communication between us and the wedding coordinators. I believe this is due to the fact that the wedding coordinators at The Royal are so absolutely busy with weddings going on daily at the resort. Since we wanted our wedding as care free as possible the lack of prompt communication was not a huge problem for us. I knew that once we were there everything would work out just fine given this resorts track record in magnificent weddings. And everything did work out perfectly! I wouldn't have changed a thing about the wedding or the experience. My new husband and I came out unscathed by wedding stress! Just how we like it!

What was the highlight of the experience?

The highlight for me had to be our family and friends that made it to our wedding. We had 40 guests come with us to watch us get married and party with us at our beach reception. When we were at home planning for our wedding we'd surf the internet and see so many pictures of strangers weddings at The Royal. Each and every one of the photos we saw were beautiful, but none of the photos were pictures of OUR guests at those weddings. It was all just strangers at a gorgeous wedding. What made it the absolute best for us was stopping to look around and see our family members and friends faces in the chairs at our ceremony and reception. We see our family and friends on a regular basis here at home but it was so magical to look around and realize that all of those faces traveled such a long way to see us get married and share our wedding and our weekend with us. It was a trip of a life time to have people from all aspects of our lives come together and vacation with us. Without our destination wedding I don't think that ever would have happened.

Biggest surprise?

The biggest surprise had to be how perfect everything turned out. With a destination wedding you pretty much assume that something, some hiccup, will happen to not make it perfect. The resort was so beautiful and the wedding department at The Royal is the best. They really strive to make sure everything is perfect and just the way you want it. The whole weekend, including the wedding, was so perfect it was almost surreal. During the trip and even once it was all over I just kept thinking it was all a dream. A vacation and wedding can't be that perfect and be real. But apparently it can be because I have photographic evidence!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?

I would tell anyone planning a destination wedding to not be stressed out about it. That is why people choose to have a destination wedding right? At least that's why we chose one. Besides the fact that we wanted it to be in a paradise location, we didn't want the added stress of the tiny details that no one remembers later anyway. We weren't to consumed with the flowers, the linens, dinnerware, ribbons, bows, and all the typical things that some will stress about. We wanted to just worry about having fun and getting all of our friends and family there to share our day. We tried to keep it as laid back as possible and remember the reason we were there was to get married. The main focus was a man and a woman who wanted to share their life together and everything outside of that was just small potatoes. If any bride getting married anywhere will keep that one fact in mind I guarantee the whole experience will be less stressful and will be a happier memory to look back on.

Awwe, Shannon I am so incredibly happy how everything turned out! It was truly wonderful working with you and your guests. ♥ !

Free, customizable invitation sets

2010-10-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

The talented folks over at Invy's has made an easy to use design software where you can create your very own invitation set. Not only do they do wedding invitations but Valentines, Holiday and Shower invitations as well.

To start designing your very own click HERE!

Angela & Hawk, wedding at the Azul Sensatori

2010-10-03T15:35:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom: Angela & Hawk
The resort: Azul Sensatori
The photographer: Caribe Photo, Resort photographer
Travel agent: Terrah Rominger

"It was BEAUTIFUL. Everything was really nice. The waves were crashing in at the perfect moments. The resort is really clean and nice. The food was GREAT. I was impressed with hair and makeup, they even had MAC makeup. The day of the wedding the coordinators were ON IT. Veronica and Miguel did a very good job making sure the wedding was beautiful." ~ Angela

Angela, it was such a treat to work with you and get to know you this last year! I hope to help with anniversary vacations and perhaps, dare I say it... FAMILY trips in the future.

Claudia with Dreams Cancun ~ A wedding coordinator interview!

2010-08-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

Hello wedding world!
Today I am thrilled to have a special guest from the beautiful beaches of Mexico, Claudia Cantillo. Claudia is the Wedding Coordinator at the Dreams Cancun. She is definitely a master at what she does and is a wonderful asset to the Weddings by Legacy Travel team.

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~ Wedding coordinator interview ~

Hello Claudia and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today!

It is a great pleasure to be part of this and thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences with all the excited brides !!

Okay, so first question ~ how long have you been helping plan dream-come-true weddings for the Dreams resorts?

I started with AM Resorts 6 years ago, I think I have planned about 1,000 weddings, more or less.

WOW, a thousand? Haha! I bet you have seen it all! What is your favorite part about your job?

As most of the girls…I think my favorite part is when the couple is just right there at the Ceremony at the gazebo overlooking the water, holding both hands, exchanging vows, a wonderful couple happy, connected, so much love around and you even feel it, it is a special moment…Isn’t it romantic????

Awwwe, full of romance certainly. With the gazebo at the resort it is inevitable. What are some of the most fun/memorable weddings you’ve planned?

I remember a lovely bride singing to her future husband while she was walking to get married to him, all their family guests & friends were crying even me & the minister, it was so emotional !!!

I have seen & experienced a lot of funny moments too I graciously remember a wedding on the beach. It was a very hot summer and at the end of the ceremony at the photo session everybody from the wedding party jumped into the ocean…….they wanted me to do the same but I was still working!! I wish I could have!!

But the funniest was when I fell down just in front of a garden reception, more than 50 people around and just in front of the Mariachi playing a happy Mexican song…it was sooo embarrassing for me !!!

Oh no! Haha! I'm sure it just lightened the mood. ;-) How do you feel about wedding favors? Have there been any impressive or creative ones that made you stop and admire?

Yes of course! I always have the opportunity to see all of them, a lot of great ideas and unique details, when I see them I always think about all of the time and dedication a bride puts into personalizing and creating their own ideas, it gives a special touch to the wedding and it is a token of their appreciation to all of their friends and family attending their wedding.

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

Take in consideration that most of the Destination Weddings have slow season months and they can find very special deals with airfare, hotel, etc.

Make sure to think of all additional items you want for the wedding. Sometimes there are useless things you probably will not need and will help you save some money, also consider items you can do yourself (DIY).

Is there anything new and exciting going on with Dreams Cancun weddings?

We have a new renovated gazebo !!

Yes, I know! It looks so much more modern, simple and beautiful. Okay, last question ~ If you were to give some tips or advice to a soon to be bride, what would it be?

Dreams Cancun Gazebo is a unique location for your wedding.

Choose the place perfect for you, close your eyes and imagine you and the man you love at the perfect spot…and go for it !! Wedding Coordinators are always willing to help you plan last minute things, do not get stressed, remember the only and most important thing is you.

Well said. Thank you again Claudia. :-)

If you are interested in having your wedding vacation held at the Dreams Cancun feel free to call us at 972-517-9130 or toll-free! 1-866-329-7157. We are here to help you find the precise location for you and your guests then between us arranging the travel arrangements and the resort's wedding team your special day is sure to be as blissful as possible. We are here for you as well as some of the best coordinators in the world like Claudia. It's what we do best!

Stacy and Michael ~ wedding at the Dreams Tulum

2010-08-26T17:18:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom: Stacy & Michael
The resort: Dreams Tulum
The photographer: Resort photographer
Travel agent: Terrah Rominger

"The vacation was great the resort was great, the wedding planner was great! The wedding was stress free, they did a great job with the flowers, cake and getting the outfits ready! They really listen and do exactly what you want! The photographer was great! The best part was the chapel! Thank you for all your help! It was perfect! - Stacy"

"The resort/staff was a ten plus!!! It was all perfect - we thoroughly loved every minute/drink/food of it!!!! I would recommend that facility to anyone - it is a beautiful place and the staff were fun, happy, accommodating and such a joy to be with. I will forward Stacy's wedding pictures so you can see just how gorgeous it was...thanks again! - Christy (mother of the bride)"

Stacy and Michael recently tied the knot at the beautiful Dreams Tulum. This resort has 'picture perfect' written all of over it. The buildings, flowers, chapel, the decor, palm trees and the BEACH are all so beautiful. The food and staff are the icing on the cake. ;) Love this resort.

When Stacy contacted me for help with her destination wedding I immediately knew I was going to enjoy working with her and her guests. She was so sweet and bubbly! And I was right. Her and her guests are all happy-go-lucky southerners who enjoy a good time with good company which always makes for a good wedding vacation. ;-) Her mom, Christy, was also a joy to work with and would often cause me to get that song stuck in my head "Stacy's mom has got it goin' on ♪♫ ..." haha! Thanks a LOT Christy!

Overall, it ended up being a success and I look forward to helping you all with any future travel needs!

Much love from Legacy,

Audra & Greg ~ wedding at the Couples Swept Away

2010-08-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom: Audra & Greg
The resort: Couples Swept Away
The photographer: Family member
Travel agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
convenience, no stress, cost efficient

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
Recommended by co-worker

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
David Jones, my cousin(photos) and Stacy and Lloyd Tyson (photos and videotaping)

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
finding a location, everything else was easy once I chose the destination

What was the highlight of the experience?
The scenery, the workers at the resort

Biggest surprise?
How the males of color were looked over several times to serve others people

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Concentrate on finding a location first and get that booked then there are really no worries unless you want more. I did not go into this with any expectations and I had a wonderful time.

Audra, you look so incredibly beautiful and it was a true honor to be part of your special day. Thank you for sharing. ♥

Devine & Donald ~ Wedding at Couples Swept Away

2010-08-19T20:00:00.001-07:00

The bride and groom: Devine and Donald
The photographer: Resort photographer
The resort: Couples Swept Away
Travel agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?

We wanted our wedding to be different, very special and intimate.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?

We took Terrah's advice on the resort, and it was perfect!!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?

We chose the resort photographer and videographer.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?

Nothing!!

What was the highlight of the experience?

Having our close family and friends at our wedding, and that our parents really got to enjoy themselves!!

Biggest surprise?

Our wedding reception..I didn't expect it to be so beautiful!!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?

I would suggest that they have there wedding at a Couples Resort. The resort is WONDERFUL and the staff is the best that I have ever experienced. They will make sure that your day is special and one to remember!!

It was a true pleasure working with you and your guests Devine!

Much love from Legacy,

Free Download !

2010-08-04T19:47:00.000-07:00

The Wedding Chicks and MaeMae Paperie have combined forces again on a new customized monogram design for the more glamorous and sophisticated bride. Click HERE to start making your very own!

2 Cost efficient ways to make your big day extra special

2010-07-25T16:47:00.000-07:00

Over at Ruffledblog.com they have some cutesy Alphabet Bounting available for printing. They are in beautiful, colorful patterns and best of all ~ they are FREE!
Click HERE to be taken to them now.

Another easy, fun thing that always causes me to stop and admire is when the bride and groom have strings (or twine) of pictures displayed of them with their loved ones. Pictures from their childhood is always a nice treat as well. ♥ You could use ribbon and a nicer form of clip if your wedding is more formal. Also going off of that idea, are picture trees like THIS one.

Photo courtesy of Levi Photography

Much love from Legacy,

Meghan and Jason! Wedding at the Azul Sensatori

2010-07-24T20:21:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom: Meghan & Jason
The photographer: Caribe Photo (Resort photographer)
The resort: Azul Sensatori
Travel agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We wanted a beach and Mexico was the most affordable. It helped us to cut down the cost of the wedding as well because we had a smaller wedding.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
Advice of the travel agent, Terrah Rominger. I liked that they had adults only and kids sections as well as an English speaking wedding coordinator in the states.

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
Caribe photography. They were great and we enjoyed having both prints and photo albums to take home with us. I wish we would have done a video though.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Not seeing the resort first. In retrospect I wish we would have gone out there first to make sure it was right but it turned out wonderfully. It just made it more stressful not knowing for sure if it was going to be what we wanted until we got there.

What was the highlight of the experience?
Jumping in the pool in our clothes after the reception! I’ve had tons of comments it was the best wedding people had been to. Irais, the on site coordinator made it so effortless and took the worry out of everything the day of the wedding. We had 31 guests, so it was a nice intimate group with lots of great energy!

Biggest surprise?
That the wedding staff was so easy to work with, especially everyone at the resort. They had some great ideas about some things we should add when we got there and were able to make it as low stress as a wedding could be!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Look at lots of pictures and have an idea of what you want. If you’re not sure, ask. The wedding team does tons of these and has lots of great ideas. Make sure you pick a resort that does lots of weddings and comes recommended. Check theKnot.com for blogs, etc. Take into account that it may limit who attends or you may have to do some creative problem solving to get the people that are important to you down there.

Emily & Brent ~ Wedding at The Gran Porto Real

2010-07-19T10:20:00.001-07:00

The bride and groom: Emily & Brent
The photographer: Jennifer Graham and resort photographer
The resort: Gran Porto Real Resort
Travel agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
I have always wanted a beach wedding!

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We knew we wanted an all inclusive resort. The Gran Porto Real seemed to fit every ones budget. We also like the option to use the Royal.

Who was your photographer?
Resort photographer and my best friend Jenny!

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Letting go and trusting that the resort coordinator would take care of everything....they are the experts!

What was the highlight of the experience?
Rooms were great and we loved the all inclusive aspect of not having to think or worry about were to eat!

Biggest surprise?
Our wonderful room and special treats we had left for us every night.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Be flexible and go with the flow! You will have a great time no matter what may happen :) Definitely move resorts if you want anytype of honeymoon! You will run into your guests everywhere. Also, plan a group outing ahead of time, try to budget this into your trip.

Kendra & Cody ~ Wedding at The El Dorado Royale

2010-07-06T22:12:00.001-07:00

The bride and groom: Kendra & Cody
The photographer: Jackie G. Photography
The resort: The El Dorado Royale

Travel agent: Marty Boehlke

~ Bride & Groom Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
Cody: I am from Texas and Kendra is from NC. Since we both have family in different states we decided to have a destination wedding because we did not want to make any of the family members mad because we had the wedding in either Texas or NC.
Kendra: We both always dreamed of having a destination wedding but didn't think that we would be able to. The more we researched venues, we realized that some of our family would have to travel regardless of where we get married. As we got closer to creating our budget we realized we would be able to do our destination wedding.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
Cody: We went to the El Dorado last May and we loved the place. So since we wanted to have a Destination wedding, we thought since we have been to the El Dorado and loved it, why not get married there.
Kendra: We were looking at Mexico because it is a rather easy trip from Texas and one of the least expensive places to fly to. We also liked the idea of going somewhere we had been and were familiar with so there wouldn't be any surprises. We visited the El Dorado Royale the year before with a group of friends and had an amazing time. The food was incredible, the service was top notch and we were completely satisfied with our first experience. We also wanted all inclusive and adult only, so it was an easy choice.

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
Cody: Jackie G. and she was amazing. I would recommend her to anyone doing a destination wedding.
Kendra: We chose to bring our own photographer and she was AMAZING. She knew us and our style and did an incredible job... contact information is on her website ... http://www.jackiegphotography.blogspot.com

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Cody: I did not have one. Ask my wife because she did all the planning but I think everything went seamlessly.
Kendra: I took care of most of the details with small projects for the ceremony but had an offsite coordinator that would email details back and forth. It was relatively easy considering my mom was my florist and we were pretty specific with what we wanted. People don't realize that these large resorts do multiple weddings a day so they are great and details and making sure everything is right... you have to be somewhat flexible since you won't be meeting face to face or seeing everything before hand but it was great.

What was the highlight of the experience?
Cody: On the wedding day the weather was not that great. Overcast and looked like rain was approaching. At 1.00pm all the clouds disappeared and there was not a cloud in the sky and at the time of the wedding the weather was perfect.
Kendra: The service and attention of the staff and coordinators were amazing. Everyone was so attentive to the fact that we were getting married and really made it their priority to treat us that way.

Biggest surprise?
Kendra: The over the top staff at the resort who went above the call of duty to make sure that your experience was the best it could be.
Cody: My watch and “other” present Kendra gave me. (and the fact that we got to hang out with Angel who was one of our bartenders last year)

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Kendra: Enjoy the ride, be flexible and relax... it was the most un-stressful wedding process ever.. and totally worth every minute and penny! Also don't go over the top with all the tiny details, it will be gorgeous regardless... look at the location how can it not be.

Carley & Sam ~ Wedding at THE ROYAL Playa

2010-07-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom: Carley & Sam

The photographer: Joel and Laura Photography

The resort: THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide to have a destination wedding?
When I was in high school my family and I were in Mexico while Stephen King's daughter was getting married on the beach where we stayed (Iberostar Grand Paraiso Lindo). It was absolutely gorgeous and from that day on I knew that I would be married in tropical Mexico!

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We got married at The Royal Playa Del Carmen. I decided on that venue because it was close to town and would give my guests more to do while they were there!

Who was your photographer and videographer?
Joel and Laura Photography www.joelandlaura.com They are out of Dallas and did and AMAZING job! Super creative, nice, and very professional! I used the videographer the resort hired and he did a great job. I even lost the DVD at my reception back here in Dallas and he sent me another one!

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
I really can't name one specific thing that was really difficult. Honestly, the whole thing was just a little more work and preparation than a normal wedding We had a huge reception in Dallas this week at Hotel Zaza and I have spent almost as much time planning it as I did the destination wedding.

What was the highlight of the experience?
Well there were really two highlights of the trip. We had a private reception on the beach with a dance floor, music, food, cake etc. and it was absolutely amazing. There was a gorgeous sunset in the background and it was so much fun! The second was the day after the wedding. Some of our guests (about 15 of us) went to Selvatica Canopy Tour together! It was a lot of fun! Great memories!

Biggest Surprise?
Everything went perfect. I know, sounds hard to believe, but my wedding planner, Michel, at the resort was absolutely amazing and took care of everything!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Make sure you have a LOT of time to plan and really think EVERYTHING through. I spent a year planning and I think that is why it went so perfectly. You really cannot halfway do a destination wedding, and you must start planning early!!

Moon Dance Villas ~ Wedding Location

2010-06-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

I often find myself suggesting to brides to gain some ideas and inspiration by browsing the internet and wedding blogs for what they would like for their special day to look and feel like. One of my all-time favorites to visit is Style Me Pretty. Their site seems to never fail at inspiring with some phenomenal wedding ideas and photographs. This weekend they are featuring a wedding at the amazing Moon Dance Villas.

Moon Dance Villas may just be the finest rental accommodations in all of Negril, Jamaica. It is located on the famous 7 mile-beach in Negril and offers six world-class beach front homes that are sufficient with privacy, elegance, comfort, pleasure and remarkable service. Each villa is fully staffed and equipped to satisfy every need and comfort: chef, bartender,housekeeper, concierge service, 24-hour security, private beach front, water sports and beach activities, pool, Jacuzzi, TV, VCR, computer with Internet access, fax, direct telephone, indoor/outdoor stereos, and airport transfer from Montego Bay – all included.

Be sure and check out more of this fantabulous wedding HERE.

Much love from Legacy,

Wedding Planner & Design ~ Crystal Adair-Benning by Distinct Occasions, Photographer ~ Andrew Norton

Lauren & Travis ~ Wedding at the Couples Swept Away!

2010-06-08T17:09:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom: Lauren and Travis
The resort: Couples Swept Away
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?

A destination wedding was an easy choice for our wedding because it was very cost-effective for us to pay for since the wedding and honeymoon were at the same location. The location which we chose also had a wonderful wedding/honeymoon package which we took full advantage of.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?

We chose the Couples Swept Away resort because the wedding/honeymoon package which was perfect for us was at no extra cost. And the few upgrades that we wanted were at a very reasonable price.

Who was your photographer?

The photographer we used was one they had on site and he was great.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?

I did not have one single difficult thing to plan at all. Everything was taken care of for me and taken care of well. I did not have to worry about one thing which was just the way I wanted it.

What was the highlight of the experience?

My biggest highlight was that everything went so well for the wedding at such a small cost and no stress. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

Biggest surprise?

How beautiful the scenery was.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?

Make sure to pack your tanning lotion because you are in for a wonderful sunny treat!

Megan and Daniel ~ Wedding at the Riu Palace Mexico!

2010-06-07T10:20:00.000-07:00

The bride and groom: Megan & Daniel
The photographers: Calypso Foto
The resort: Riu Palace Mexico
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?

We wanted to keep it small and intimate and really wanted to celebrate getting married. What better than a 4-5 day celebration/vacation with family and friends!

What made you decide on the resort/venue?

I had heard from a friend that the Riviera Maya was a beautiful spot in Mexico to visit. Out of all the options given to us, we ultimately chose the RIU Palace Mexico because the grounds are absolutely gorgeous and felt it would be the perfect place for our outdoor wedding.

Who was your photographer?

Our photographer Calypso Foto was in-house by the RIU and absolutely wonderful to work with! The one thing I was very worried about was the photography but she met every expectation we had. The photos turned out wonderfully and they printed our wedding album and cd before we left Mexico!

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?

The biggest difficulty is trusting that everything will turn out the way you envisioned. Weddings are all about the details and when you plan it away you have to realize that you may not get exactly what you want. Most resorts already have pre-determined options that you select from. This for me was a life saver because I am extremely detail oriented and felt planning a local wedding would be overwhelming. In the end, you have to trust the wedding coordinator and know that everything will turn out beautifully!

What was the highlight of the experience?

Aside from our wedding day, the highlight of our experience was the day before the wedding when the majority of guests had arrived. All 20 of our guests stayed at the same hotel and just being able to all spend time together at the beach, relaxing and having fun in the sun is something we will remember forever. Also, the staff at RIU Palace Mexico was top notch; they were so friendly and accommodating and made our stay at the RIU one to remember.

Biggest surprise?

The biggest surprise was how easy the whole experience was! I wanted a stress free wedding planning and definitely got it! We were also surprised to hear how much our guests enjoyed it as well. We knew everyone would have a fun time but to hear them say that they want to plan another vacation next year with the same group was such a delight!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?

I would tell her the advice I received from a friend - to go through a travel agency. Having Terrah and Legacy Travel made the whole trip planning process so effortless for us and our guests. She was also there to answer any questions I had about anything! Thank you Terrah for helping make our day perfect!

A wedding coordinator interview! The Grand Velas

2010-05-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

To see our recent hotel review on the beautiful Grand Velas, click here.

Hello Flor and thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to be with us today!

So how long have you been helping plan dream weddings for the Grand Velas?
I've been working in the hotel industry for almost 10 years, but for Grand Velas just a couple of months and I love it.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Being able to perform the bridal ideas and feelings, it can sometimes make me feel like an artist.

What are some of the most fun/memorable weddings you’ve planned?
Each wedding has a special flavor, but I will never forget one by the beach where each table was set up under a white tent surrounded by curtains made with bright seashells, the ocean was so blue that day that even though during the day the set up was so bright and delightful just standing there.

How do you feel about wedding favors?
I love favors they express the fun side of the newlyweds

Being in a tight economy right now, would you suggest an area to cut costs or downsize? Choosing an All inclusive hotel like ours will help you to reduce your food and beverage budget into the minimum and never cut cost for your bouquet. There will always be an option to make it as you planned.

Is there anything new and exciting going on with Grand Velas weddings?
We are in the process to offer new packages , also for vow renewal and some theme parties

If you were to give some tips or advice to a soon to be bride, what would it be?
If you do not have an specific idea already in your mind , get into Internet wedding pages or blogs and I am sure that you will find many ideas , to combine the styles , colors and shapes that you like share them with you wedding coordinator to make them happen.

Again, thank you so much Flor. You're a pleasure to work with.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any additional information

All by best,

Flor Guzman

If you would like a charming beachfront wedding at this luxury all-inclusive resort, give us a call to make it happen. Feel free to look over some of the wedding packages they offer HERE.

Nicki and I with Olimpia and Flor

Happy planning,

A new favorite resort ~ The Marival Residences & World Spa

2010-05-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

There is a new resort in Riviera Nayarit that has stolen my heart! The Marival Residences & World Spa has thought through every detail to create the ultimate all-inclusive resort and I am beyond excited to share with you their amazing wedding promotion!

Right now they are offering FREE weddings! No minimum number of bookings required.

Free wedding package inclusions:

* Fruit basket in your room upon arrival
* Upgrade to a One Bedroom Ocean View for the bride & groom (subject to availability)
* Mandatory medical exams
* Judge fees and wedding certificate
* Decorated location
* Tropical wedding toast with Margaritas & Martinis
* Bride’s bouquet and Groom’s boutonniere
* Three course dinner for the wedding group in one of our specialty restaurants (for registered guests)
* Wedding cake for all invited guests
* Bottle of champagne in room on wedding night
* 30 minute massage for the bride & groom
* Breakfast in bed

* Wedding extras/add ons available with surcharge.

The resort is just 15 - 20 minutes from the Puerto Vallarta airport and those who have the privilege of staying at the Marival Residences also have full access to it's sister property, the Marival Resort ans Suites.

Before going into the details of the new Residences, it is important to know what all you get at the original Marival Resort. Both resorts have lush, tropical grounds that simply stunning. Guests staying at the Residences have convenient shuttles that are constantly running to and from the original resort. The beach there is long, wide and amazing. Guests staying at the Residences have a private beach club area where you can enjoy beach butler service while soaking up some rays. The Marival Resort also has some fun, active pools that include swim-up bars and a über cool waterpark for the smaller ones.

The Marival Resort and Suites has a different themed party (a.k.a. fiesta) every night. The bright, colorful frills everywhere really made it lively and festive.

Another fun thing to keep in mind is that over at the Marival Resort they have a disco where you can dance the night away.

Okay, so now on to the fabulous Marival Residences & World Spa!

Every single 'Residence' is a penthouse with state-of-the-art design and 24 hour room service. Yes, 24 hours. The Residences range from 1 to 4 bedroom accommodations. They even have washer and dryers in each Residence! Each Residence have large balconies facing the Pacific Ocean with tropical flowers and patio furniture. Each room have flat-screen TVs and the master bedrooms have iPod docking stations. The penthouse rooms alone are enough reason to stay in the Residence section.

The Food and beverages. The head chef came to this hotel from the Four Seasons Los Angeles and we are thankful he did! Each meal was impeccable. The service goes beyond expectations which really does leave a lasting impression. While they may only have 3 restaurants, don't forget you have full access to the Marival next door which has 4, making a total of 7 restaurants. The Sky Bar is on the top floor and not only does it have amazing views of the Pacific but they serve up some mean drinks as well!

Our first night there

Kampai!

Cheesecake Lollipops

Enjoying the sunset from the Sky bar

The Spa. The Marival Residences has one of the only World Spas in the country offering 9 different treatments from all over the world along with a cutting-edge salon. I could of stayed in the spa for the entire stay honestly.

Full-service salon

Italy-themed treatment room

Kids need lovin' too. While the resort seemed to be very grown-up, they definitely kept the kiddos in mind when making their 5 star all-inclusive concept complete. They have FREE nanny services (maximum 8 hours/5-night minimum stay required) along with an adorable kids club that offer things like arts & crafts, a game room and just an entire little paradise for them to explore in.

Heck, I could have fun in this kids' club!

For the gamers...

Outdoor play area

Okay, it's time to announce my favorite part. Are you ready? Drum roll please... How would you feel about .... UNLIMITED excursions INCLUDED??? Years after a destination wedding the thing that sticks in everyone's memory is usually a group outing that everyone experiences together. They have things like sunset sailing and the dolphin encounter. How about sea lions? Go horseback riding. Zip line through a jungle!
Marival Residences have teamed up with Trafic Tours and are able to offer their guests unlimited select tours. Click HERE to see which ones they are currently offering. If you think about it, each one of those tours is generally $100 or more so if you did one per day that can really add up. The pick up for the tours is just a $5 cab ride away.

If you are considering a destination wedding, feel free to call us. We LOVE what we do and can't wait to help!

The resort is still rather new so be sure and take advantage of their current ideal low pricing.

Lots of love,

Va Va Voom! It's the Grand Velas!

2010-05-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

Hola wedding world! Nicki and I have recently returned from the beautiful Puerto Vallarta! We were able to meet some wonderful people, eat gourmet food, inspect some amazing resorts and we had some adventure thrown in there too. The first resort that we would like to share with you is the ever-so-fabulous Grand Velas. Their wedding packages along with their wedding team goes over and beyond to satisfy even the pickiest of brides.

The Grand Velas All Suites and Spa Resort in Nuevo Vallarta has been a hotel that I've been dying to see since I started in the travel industry in 2005. As you can imagine, I was giddy as a little school girl when we were taking in all of it's beauty when Nicki and I recently had the chance to visit there. It was even more beautiful than I had imagined. As soon as you walk up, you enter into a spacious and beautiful open-air lobby with spectacular views of the Pacific ocean. You immediately notice that there has been careful consideration into every inch of detail throughout the resort. They greet you with a smile, cold towel with a sinus-clearing scent and a champagne glass filled with the daily specialty drink. Instead of tacky, plastic wristbands you will get to wear a cute, keepsake bracelet.

The pools were just as impressive. The infinity pools appeared to flow gracefully right into pacific ocean. A trick to the eye that made me do a double take. The lounge chairs are beautifully designed with beach towels carefully rolled up on each one. The pool side service was friendly and prompt. Next, we walked down to the beach which made us stop for a few moments. In those moments we simply tried to take it all in. Something about the sound of the waves coming in surrounded by impeccable design and service just made it all come together. I then realized why this resort had won so many awards.

As we were walking up to check out their rooms, we couldn't help but to notice a structure that stole the spotlight. It was obvious that this is where they hold some magnificent weddings and gatherings. Even if you had the ceremony on the beach, wouldn't this be a perfect reception spot?? With the ocean in the background?

We will go over the weddings a little bit later. Now on to the rooms!

Every single suite was decorated in neutral tones that had pops of tropical-influenced color here and there. The most memorable part for me was that every suite had private, oceanfront balconies decorated with bold, beautiful flowers in the shades of fuchsia.

As we walked through to each restaurant we kept pointing out gorgeous details that would catch our eye such as Koi Fish Ponds and the spacious, lush hallways.

The resort has 4 Signature Restaurants that each have their own unique style and music. Lucca, the Italian has a piano player while Piaf, the French restaurant has a violin player. Please note that Piaf's is for 12 years old and older only.

Next up, that award-winning spa!
As soon as you walk in you smell the aroma and your stress can't help but to melt away. Haha! Corny I know but oh, so true. The Grand Velas is a member of the Leading Spas of the World and they offer every treatment imaginable. The even offer daily meditation, yoga, and Pilates classes.

AAA, Conde Nast Traveler, Leading Hotels of the World and more, have honored Grand Velas Resorts for its all-inclusive luxury, superior service, spa facilities, amazing gourmet dining, and state-of-the-art resort facilities.

The Grand Velas definitely did not disappoint and we can not wait to visit again.

Until next time,

Free Wedding Templates

2010-03-26T22:33:00.000-07:00

Our friends over at e.m. papers have some fantabulous, vintage-style wedding papers available for download. Those who are on a budget may love this free wedding kit that includes templates for: a wedding invitation, a save the date card, a response card, a wedding program, a menu, place cards/escort cards, table numbers, a seating list and a thank you card.

Click HERE to grab 'em!

Below are some more free wedding templates that I have come across:

http://designbetty.com/card/template_wedding_invitation_announcement

http://www.wedding-invitation-ideas.com/beach-wedding-invitations.html

http://www.formal-invitations.com/template.html

and one of my favorites:

http://www.downloadandprint.com/page/2/

Much love from Legacy Travel,

Tifani and Russ ~ Wedding at the Dreams Tulum

2010-03-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

The bride and groom: Tifani and Russell

The photographers: Celina Gomez from Captivating Simplicity and her co-shooter for the weekend, Tanya Perez from Perez Photography.

The resort: Dreams Tulum

Tifani and Russell were truly a sweet and genuine couple to work with so I was beyond excited to hear they all had a wonderful time. Then when the ever-so-fabulous photog, Celina Gomez, shared the pictures with me I was even more in awe. Isn't the Dreams Tulum a picture-perfect location?? I'll never forget the first time I visited the Dreams Tulum... the colors, the food, the people, the authenticity and most of all ~ that enormous, beautiful beach!

A big THANK YOU to Tifani and Celina for sharing the special day with us.

Catholic Chapel now at the Real Resorts!

2010-02-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Real Resorts has opened Cancun’s only consecrated Roman Catholic resort chapel on the grounds of the 477-suite Gran Caribe Real Cancun. The chapel is available for weddings, First Communions and other religious services. The all-glass, beachfront Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Chapel was dedicated in April.

“There’s no other resort in Cancun with a Catholic chapel consecrated by the [local] bishop,” said Monica Roberts, Real’s corporate director of operations. “It’s also unique in that we can offer marriages on Sundays, when priests usually are not available.”

The chapel is available to couples staying at the family-oriented Gran Caribe Real Cancun and the adjacent, adults-only THE ROYAL Cancun.

“We offer a range of choices, from the most simple weddings to the most luxurious ceremony,” said Graciela Ochoa, groups and conventions director.

Real’s nine wedding packages are the Free Wedding, Romance Wedding, Classic Wedding, Classic Catholic Wedding, Royal Catholic Wedding, Mayan Experience, Eternal Romance Wedding, Luxury Wedding and Ultimate Luxury Wedding.

A common complaint that travel agents who specialize in destination weddings receive from Brides is the communication barrier with the wedding coordinator(s). Real resorts has listened and now offers a destination wedding office right here in the United States to help plan up to the day of! They even have a toll-free number so you won't have to purchase an international calling plan to do your wedding preparation.

Real Resorts and Legacy Travel have become a very strong team. We work together on making destination weddings as picture-perfect and hassle-free as possible for our wedding couples.

If you are interested in having a destination wedding and have not done so already, feel free to sign up to receive some in-depth information including our Wedding Guide and Checklist by clicking HERE.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Wishing you all the very best Valentine's Day!

Wedding coordinator interview!

2010-01-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-01-02T18:45:00.000-08:00

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!

Elisha & Jason ~ The El Dorado Royale

2009-11-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Bride and Groom: Elisha and Jason
Resort/ Venue: The El Dorado Royale
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We knew we wanted a small intimate wedding with just close family and friends and we wanted it to be memorable. We absolutely love the beautiful Mexican beaches and knew that Mexico was where we would share our vows.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We actually stopped at the El Dorado Royale last year during our shuttle ride from the Cancun airport. It was absolutely beautiful and once we returned home, we learned that several friends and co-workers had stayed there and all highly recommended the resort!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
My uncle was our photographer, he loves to take pictures and captured our weddings memories for us!

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
The biggest difficulty in planning our destination wedding was not being able to see everything in person such as flowers, table decor, food ect. However, Valeria helped me envision how everything should look once it was all put together by emailing me pictures. Everything looked beautiful the day of the wedding!

What was the highlight of the experience?
The highlight of our experience was all of the detail and extra TLC that the resort staff showed us and our guests. All of our guests recieved vouchers for massages and candle light dinners! The staff made all of our wedding festivities awesome and treated everyone like royalty! Everyone kept saying that this was the most beautiful place and that our wedding was definitely going to be the most memorable.

Biggest surprise?
The biggest surprise for us was our room up-grades! Terrah and her crew surprised us with the most beautiful room upgrade for our honeymoon! The room was beautiful and the personal service we received while there was fabulous!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
If my best friend were planning a destination wedding my advice to her would be to ask as many questions as she needed and request pictures. Also, if she was planning on taking favors and welcome bags such as we did to ship them to the resort rather than pack them with you, especially if your traveling in Mexico. I was chosen for the random search while going thru customs and ended up having to pay tax on the favors and welcome bags that I had packed because they were considered samples.

Alicia & Shawn ~ THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen

2009-10-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

Bride and Groom: Alicia and Shawn
Resort/ Venue: THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We wanted something different. Something beautiful. Something memorable.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
The Royal Playa was absolutely beautiful and stunning. There were many restaurants and amenities offered. They had a great wedding package, and the wedding coordinators were the most amazing I had ever spoken to!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
We used the photographer and the videographer that the hotel uses, and they were amazing! They got the prettiest shots, and made us the best wedding video!

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
The most difficult part was just making sure that everyone had their travel documents (Passports, E-Docs).

What was the highlight of the experience?
The highlight of the experience would have to be the staff. The wedding coordinators, and the whole staff was so friendly and really made everything enjoyable!

Biggest surprise?
It rained every day we were in Mexico, and even the morning of the wedding... it was supposed to be a beachfront wedding, .. within 45 minutes of the service, the clouds cleared! The sun came out, and a rainbow appeared! It was beautiful!!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Definitely to go to Legacy Travel! Having someone tell you about the great destinations and the hotels was the best decision. We wouldnt have had any idea if the weddings were beautiful, if the coordinators were any good? Or if our experience would be anything less than perfect! But ... it was perfect!

The Azul Beach Hotel

2009-10-07T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hello wedding world!

I recently returned from a trip where I visited the beautiful Riviera Maya of Mexico. The Riviera Maya is definitely one of my most favorite destinations to travel to. A couple of reasons why: the white powdery sand, blue waters, friendly people, history and endless activities to try.
While there I had the privilege of experiencing the following resorts along with hanging out with their fab wedding teams:

* THE ROYAL in Playa del Carmen
* The El Dorado Maroma
* The Azul Beach Hotel

Each of these 5 star all-inclusive resorts are completely gorgeous and unique in their own ways. If the Riviera Maya interests you, give us a call so we can help you decide which would be perfect for you and your guests.

Before I go, I leave you with one of the videos I shot with Caribe Photo while there:

Happy planning!

Catherine & Seth ~ Couples Swept Away

2009-08-17T09:43:00.000-07:00

Bride and Groom: Catherine & Seth
Resort/ Venue: Couples Swept Away
Photographer: AquaSun

Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
The lack of stress is what made us opt for a destination wedding instead of a BIG traditional wedding, which is what we were originally planning until it became too overwhelming.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We actually had never heard of Couples Swept Away Resort in Jamaica. When we contacted Terrah with Legacy Travel, she highly recommended the resort to us. So that's what we went with, and we're very glad we did!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
The photographer and videographer both contracted out of the resort. The name of the company was Aquasun. They did an awesome job in capturing our very special day!

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Honestly, I can't think of any difficulties that we ran into while planning our destination wedding. It all came out perfect!

What was the highlight of the experience?
I think the highlight of the experience was getting married on the beach at sunset! It was a breathtaking scene!

Biggest surprise?
Our biggest surprise on wedding day was the weather! Right after our wedding ceremony and while we were taking pictures, it started pouring down rain. We had to wait under a hut for only about 30 minutes, and then we were able to resume our pictures. The rainstorm actually made a great backdrop in our wedding pictures because it made a beautiful display of the sun breaking through on the water and beach.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Just do it! You won't regret it! You will have the most relaxing wedding day! I highly recommend getting married in PARADISE!

Amanda & Rickie ~ THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen

2009-08-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Bride and Groom: Amanda and Rickie
Resort/ Venue: THE ROYAL Playa del Carmen
Photographer: Kyla Jenkinson
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We both love the beach, and loved the idea of a stress-free planning process that would be a relaxing experience. Once we started pricing traditional church and hotel ballroom receptions, it made the decision to have a destination wedding that much easier. Plus, we loved the idea of a weekend-long celebration with family and friends!

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We had visited The Royal in Playa a year before, and loved everything about it. While we were there on vacation, we saw 2 other weddings take place. At the time, we joked about coming back the next year to tie the knot. Who knew we would actually return 1 year later to do just that?!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
We used our own photographer, who flew down with us to shoot the entire weekend. We were extremely pleased with the results, because of her creativity and some of the great shots she captured. The resort did have their own photography staff, however, and their work was also impressive. We opted not to have a wedding video, and may regret it on down the line.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
The only difficulty was accepting the fact that not all of our family and friends could be there for the wedding. We knew this would be the downside to a destination wedding, so to make up for it, we had a post-wedding reception at home a month later. This allowed family members and other friends to celebrate with us.

What was the highlight of the experience?
I (the bride) was surprised at how calm I was the day of the wedding, even leading up to the ceremony itself. I even hung out at the pool with the girls that morning, and had a casual, relaxing morning before getting ready for the late afternoon ceremony. The wedding coordinator came up to the room and met us, and was very organized about the whole event, so that was very reassuring.

Biggest surprise?
So many of my friends commented about their wedding days being stressful, their ceremony being a "blur", and their reception being overwhelming. Often times, these friends would say "If I have it to do over again, I'd definitely go the destination wedding route."

We were surprised to find that our wedding was none of the horror stories of "traditional weddings"! It was a relaxing weekend with friends, and great memories that we'll have forever.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Don't feel obligated to book several events for your guests throughout the weekend. Remember that this is a weekend getaway for them, too. We love The Royal because it's a small resort and everyone could easily congregate at the pool, lobby bar, etc. We opted not to plan a nightly schedule of events and times, but instead let everyone enjoy the weekend.

Plan your destination wedding at least 4-5 months in advance, to give your guests plenty of time to save up for their trips and take off from work.

Put together a goodie getaway bag for your guests to send out to them a few weeks before the trip. We sent a beach back to each couple with a note from us, a CD with Mexico-themed music, Flip Flops, fun stuff, etc. It was a big hit and got everyone in the mood for the trip!

Don't buy a traditional wedding dress with all of the layers and corsets. It's so hot and humid at the beach, that you'll be miserable all day. Grooms, opt out of the Tux look. The linen shirt and flip flops were the most comfortable for us!

Finally, don't get stressed about details! The wedding coordinators at the resorts are professionals, and often times coordinate several weddings every week. Flowers, food, and all the little details they can take care of ... so don't stress about the details!

Kristina and Ian ~ THE ROYAL Cancun

2009-08-04T18:31:00.000-07:00

Bride and Groom: Kristina and Ian
Resort/ Venue: THE ROYAL Cancun
Date: May 2nd of 2009
Photographer: Funever Photos
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We both love the beach and wanted to be near it for our special day.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We had no idea what to expect from the resort. We were nervous because we've stayed at some not-so-nice resorts in Cancun before. Terrah made the recommendation and promised we would not be disappointed- and she was right. The resort was amazing!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
We didn't have a videographer, but we did hire Funever Photos and our photographer was Arturo. He was so nice and worth every penny. He had great ideas for poses and our wedding album is really nice.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Trusting that everything will be taken care of when you get there. As a bride, you want everything to be perfect and most of the time you're going off of pictures to choose how you want everything set up.

What was the highlight of the experience?
It's hard to narrow it down to one but I'd have to say the highlight of the experience for me was the dinner we had at the resort after the wedding. The food was great and the restaurant gave us a private room. We all had blast just talking about the weekend.

Biggest surprise?
I think we were most surprised with how beautiful the gazebo was and how close it came to the beach. It created the perfect venue for our wedding day.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Consider a small guest list. It's easier to keep up with everyone when they're staying at the same resort as you and it's less stress for the bride. Half of our guest list canceled their trip two days before our wedding because of the swine flu scare but it ended up working out for the best. The weekend flew by stress-free and we were able to spend quality time with all of our friends and family that attended.

This is a classic picture. LOVE it! haha!

Dawn and Robert ~ Wedding at the Excellence Punta Cana

2009-08-03T20:27:00.000-07:00

Bride and Groom: Dawn and Robert
Resort/ Venue: The Excellence Punta Cana
Date: March 25th of 2009
Photographer: Photo Souvenir
Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

What made you decide on having a destination wedding?
We knew we wanted a tropical wedding and we wanted our special day to be as stress-free as possible.

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
It was really just a process of elimination. We wanted to experience a new place together, and we're both pretty well traveled, so we ended up choosing the Dominican Republic. We provided the travel agent, Terrah, with a few things we thought were important to us as a couple, and the resort we ultimately chose was one of a few Terrrah suggested based on the criterion we provided her with. Terrah was a huge asset! Absolutely no regrets! Great choice!

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
Both photos and video were provided in-house by Photo Souvenir. The entire staff was great!

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Nothing. Perhaps just managing to take off work during the dates we wanted. :)

What was the highlight of the experience?
The entire wedding day. As the bride, EVERYTHING was taken care of for me - from breakfast in bed, champagne, hair, makeup, getting dressed - you name it, it was taken care of - and with great class! From the groom's perspective, he was also a bit pampered. The resort offered a complimentary groom's suite the night before the wedding. He had a wake up call, all his clothes were pressed, and he was updated every minute until the horse drawn carriage delivered me to the isle.

Biggest surprise?
Just how extremely stress-free the entire event was - trust me, this is a HUGE statement coming from someone who stresses over just about anything. EVERYTHING went off without a hitch - even including the brief rain showers both right before and right after the ceremony. The biggest surprise to me, the bride, was that it truly was the happiest day of my entire life - no worries whatsoever! I just smiled!

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her?
Don't take anyone with you! Share your intimate moment with friends and family once you get home via the reception(s). We had two receptions in the U.S. after we returned. We showed the wedding video at the beginning of each and wore the same clothes (i.e., gown, etc.) for about the first hour. This created an opportunity for proper wedding photos. We also did the bouquet/garter toss at each reception and the traditional "cut the cake" ritual. I got to wear my gown (and have my hair and makeup done) THREE times - who gets to do that?! Basically, we had three weddings. I know it may sound a little unorthodox; however, our friends and family members all expressed how they felt they were still truly a part of our special day! As a bonus, we ended up making great friends at the resort and had about 16 people attend our ceremony and reception in the Dominican Republic. As a result, we now have extended "family" in both Canada and the UK! We have all kept in touch and about half intend on returning to the resort next year for our anniversary. :)

Anne and Kevin ~ Wedding at the Dreams Cancun

2009-08-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

Bride and Groom: Anne and Kevin

Resort/ Venue: The Dreams Cancun Resort & Spa

Date: July 10th of 2009

Photographer: Juan with Juanphotos.com

Travel Agent: Terrah Rominger

~ Bride Interview ~

"I want to start by saying thank you for all your help with making my dreams come true with my destination wedding. When I first came into your office I was so stressed I did not know what I was doing or how I was going to do it. By the time I left I had a place, date, and time. I had a contact to the wedding coordinator to start the plans. I was so relieved and excited. You followed me through the whole process – you were patient with me and all my family and friends as we tried to work out all of the travel arrangements for everyone. As many times as I called you and emailed you – you never made me feel like I was ever bothering you.

The website you set up for us was awesome with a link to the hotel brochure for everyone to see. The Hotel was awesome, the staff was excellent, the wedding coordinator was absolutely wonderful, the photographer was awesome and the food was great! It could not have been more beautiful and perfect!"

Thank you so much for your kind words Anne! It was truly an honor to be part of your special day. Okay, first question, what made you decide on having a destination wedding?
Kevin has been married before and I have not. We decided to do something different. I have always dreamed of a ocean side wedding and this was perfect and absolutely beautiful!

What made you decide on the resort/venue?
We had visited Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa once before and loved it. Terrah gave us many options with hotels but decided Dreams Cancun was it.

Who was your photographer, and if you had one, your videographer?
Juan w/ juanphotos.com was our photographer. He was great. He met with us a few days before the wedding to talk about what kind of pictures we wanted. On the day of the wedding he made sure we did not feel rushed and was patient with everyone. He and his staff started taking pictures before everyone started the seating and did not stop until he felt like he had captured everything. His staff handled the Video as well and it was awesome. They made sure to put the music we requested to be played while people were seating before the ceremony on the video.

What was the biggest difficulty in planning your destination wedding?
Deciding on the place!

What was the highlight of the experience?
The Wedding of Course – I was so nervous – I was actually a mess – it was perfect – thanks to Terrah and Legacy Travel, Claudia, Juan, and the whole staff of Dreams Cancun Resort and Spa!

Biggest surprise?
Working with Claudia, the Wedding coordinator on all the specifics – She was great . We were a little apprehensive on making wedding plans with someone so far away. Claudia made those fears go away quickly. We emailed back and forth and talked on the phone during the whole planning process. With her no question was a dumb question. She met with me on several occasions when I got to Mexico to make sure everything was going as planned and made sure all my last minute changes were accommodated. She was awesome – she made sure.
I did not have to worry about anything. I was very surprised on how easy she made this for us.

If your best friend were planning a destination wedding what would your advice be to her? Plan ahead – the Earlier the better and Call Terrah with Legacy Travel – she will make everything happen.

Contact Us

2009-07-09T20:20:00.000-07:00

We are located at 2929 Custer Road Suite 305 in Plano Texas.

We serve brides and grooms all over the country.

Contact us by telephone:
972-517-9130 or toll-free 866-329-7157

Or Email: Weddings@LegacyTravel.com

Our normal office hours are from 9am until 6pm Monday through Friday.

'Aloha!' ~ 'Hola!' ~ 'ia ora na!' ~ 'Hello!'

2009-07-09T19:06:00.001-07:00

Hello and welcome to the Weddings by Legacy Travel blog! My name is Terrah Rominger and I am excited to start sharing some wonderful wedding stories and pictures with you! This blog/site is designed for all of the brides out there who are curious about having a destination wedding. Hopefully, by teaming up with the right people we can answer questions and provide some insight on the endless possibilities out there for that dream wedding.

Signing out for now,

Resources

2009-06-12T17:56:00.000-07:00

Wedding attire:
Haband: Great resource for groomsmen shirts.

Stardust Celebrations

Photographers in the Cancun/ Riviera Maya area:
Sweet Caribbean Photo

Caribe Photo

Juan Photos

Elizabeth Media Photography

Del Sol Photography

Cecelia Dumas Photography

Claudia Photo

Photographers to fly down with you:SixFourteen Photography
Celina Gomez Photography

Ambry Porter Photography

Simply Bloom Photography

Videographers to fly down with you:
Still Motion Video
Aqua Vivus Productions

Wedding gifts and favors:

Navy and Lavender

The Stationary Studio

Save the Dates and Invitations:

Stardust Celebrations

The Stationary Studio

Fresh Impressions

Simply Personal

DJs:
DJ Doremixx

Our Wedding Specialists

2009-06-12T17:49:00.000-07:00

Meet Terrah Rominger, Marty Boehlke and Nicki Squittieri, our Destination Wedding Specialists. They are experts in helping brides achieve their dreams on their special day.

They have traveled to the most adored destination wedding resorts and know the wedding coordinators personally.

Marty, Terrah and Nicki listen to the needs and wants of each couple and have the knowledge required to match them to the perfect destination, resort or venue.

Terrah is a travelin' savvy mama of 2 boys and wife to her hunky husband. Her and her family share a passion to see and explore the world.
She had hopes to be a travel consultant as young as the age of 11. Now she travels 3-6 times a year to check out hotels and destinations... the good, the bad and the ugly to help others get the best wedding vacations possible. She also enjoys photography and hybrid scrapbooking. While Terrah is well versed in several destinations, she specializes in Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

Marty Boehlke has been with Legacy Travel since January 1997. He started out in their Turtle Creek location in Dallas as a corporate agent. He had to learn fast and became very efficient.

But Marty wanted to do more than just be an order taker. So, in February 2000, he made the transition to leisure travel and moved to the Plano office. Marty has been consulting with people about their vacations since and has become very knowledgeable in several destinations, resorts and specialty travel. He has built excellent relationships with his clients over the years and continues to strive for perfection. One of many things you can count on is his opinion, and he will give it to you. Not only is Marty opinionated, but also honest, loyal and willing to advocate for his clients. Marty wants to make sure that his clients have the best vacation they could ever imagine
and the best customer service possible.

Nicki Squittieri is the newest member of the Legacy Travel team and we are excited and proud to have her on the bus. Nicki developed a passion for traveling very early on in life. Nicki has been all over the map- Both of her parents were in the army and she grew up accustomed to moving around. She was born in Georgia and has lived in Southern California, New York, and everywhere in between. She loves discovering hidden treasures both at home and abroad.