What started as a sun-drenched ceremony in the over-the-water chapel turned into an unforgettable indoor celebration when tropical rains sent the entire group sprinting for cover. With 26 rooms full of educators finally traveling after pandemic lockdowns, the energy was electric, and even the resort staff called them "one of the most fun groups we've had in weeks." In this episode of Passports and Promises, host Shalene Dudley sits down with longtime friend Paul to relive his August 2022 wedding at Sandals South Coast Jamaica.

Paul shares how a last-minute $750 chapel upgrade became the best decision of the trip, why flexible booking dates helped more guests attend, and the one thing he wishes they'd done differently with their wedding photos. The conversation also touches on the recent devastation of Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed the very chapel where Paul and Jenny exchanged vows. Couples considering a Caribbean destination wedding will walk away with real insights on group dynamics, resort inclusions, and why sometimes the unplanned moments make the best memories.

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Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd
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Sandals Resort

Website - https://www.sandals.com/
Sandals Jamaica: https://www.sandals.com/south-coast/
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Not all destination wedding stories involve chaos and disaster. Sometimes, careful planning, the right venue, and experienced coordination create celebrations that couples remember fondly years later. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Kimberly shares her 2018 Dreams Onyx wedding story that proves destination weddings can be both cost-effective and flawless. Referred by her hairstylist , Kim worked with Shalene to narrow down options across multiple Caribbean islands before finding the perfect Dominican Republic resort with the stone gazebo that captured her vision. Her husband, Chad, was actively involved in planning, helping with decor decisions and seating arrangements.

Seven years later, with zero regrets, Kim recently attended a poorly-coordinated destination wedding at a resort in Grenada that made her even more grateful for her Dreams Onyx experience. She shares insights about butler service that went beyond expectations, special accommodations for her ill father, celebrating her daughter's birthday during the trip, and why choosing the right resort and working with an experienced travel advisor matters tremendously. This episode offers valuable perspective for couples planning Dominican Republic destination weddings, demonstrating what proper venue selection and experienced coordination can achieve when everything comes together beautifully.

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Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd
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Dream Onyx Resort & Spa
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Some destination weddings have minor hiccups. Lindsey DaSilva's 2018 Costa Rica celebration had twelve major disasters that would make most couples cancel everything. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Lindsey shares her legendary Dreams Las Mareas wedding story with the humor and perspective that got her through it all. Her mother-in-law got violently sick during the transfer, turning a 90-minute journey into a three-hour ordeal. The spa gave her bright orange eye-shadow instead of natural makeup, requiring her to wash her face and start over. The wedding bar only served the two juices she's allergic to, her dress suddenly didn't fit after being steamed, and her best man had an allergic reaction during his speech.

The disasters continued with a DJ who completely ignored their playlist, a wedding video with no audio, and yes, a raccoon attack on Aunt Wendy. Yet seven years later, Lindsey and Mike are happily married with two kids, proving that wedding day catastrophes don't predict relationship success. Her story offers valuable insights for couples planning Costa Rica destination weddings, the importance of experienced coordinators, and why sometimes the worst weddings make the strongest marriages. This episode is essential listening for anyone who needs perspective on what really matters when celebrating love abroad.

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Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd
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