In this episode of Passports and Promises, Shalene reunites with Michael Morimoto and David Geist to discuss their 98-guest destination wedding at Secrets Moxché in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. What started as wedding planning overwhelm with destinations ranging from Greece to the Dominican Republic became a masterclass in detail-oriented planning, thanks to the couples' spreadsheet savvy and creative problem-solving. David and Michael upgraded to Impression Moxché for their accommodations and chose the Sky Deck venue at Moxché, a decision that proved perfect when a cyclone hit their wedding weekend.

Michael and David share the real talk about hidden fees that caught them off guard, why they hired an outside photographer instead of simply using the resort's team, and how transparent pricing earlier in the process would have changed their experience. They also reveal why keeping their entire celebration on the enclosed Sky Deck (instead of moving to the pool deck as originally planned) turned out to be the best decision they never knew they were making. Couples planning large destination weddings will appreciate the practical advice on guest list management, the adults-only resort decision, and why starting to plan 14 months ahead made all the difference.

Listen to the full Passports and Promises episode for more details on managing large destination wedding groups and navigating resort planning processes. Reach out to Latitude Concierge Travels to start planning your own next travel destination and wedding celebration.

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Michael Morimoto - Instagram, LinkedIn

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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Sandals Resort

Website - https://www.sandals.com/
Sandals Jamaica: https://www.sandals.com/south-coast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandalsresorts/
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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.

#passportsandpromisespodcast #latitudeconciergetravels #latitudeapproved #destinationwedding #destinationweddings #dreamresorts #worldofhyatt #dreamsonyx #dominicanrepublic #weddingvenue #destinationweddingplanning #caribbeanwedding #stonegazebo #weddingsuccess #butlerservice #weddingcoordination #weddingplanning #traveladvisor #flawlessweddings #weddingmemories #celebration #LoveStory #perfectvenue #weddingdecor #familycelebration #travelexperiences #weddinginsights #kidfriendlyresorts

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Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd
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Dream Onyx Resort & Spa
Website - https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dreamsonyx/

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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Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/

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In this episode of Passports & Promises, Shalene and travel expert Lia Vincent dive into the unpredictable world of destination weddings and group travel. Talking about unique client requests like finding a lost umbrella in Mexico to managing tricky family dynamics and rooming challenges, they share unforgettable stories that reveal the real behind-the-scenes of planning paradise celebrations. In this episode, listeners will hear about common travel mishaps, last-minute changes, and the surprising ways couples and guests navigate the chaos of booking resorts and handling guest lists. Discover insights on enforcing group rules, handling drama, and keeping everyone happy on large trips. If managing travel groups or destination weddings sounds overwhelming, this episode offers laughs and lessons to make the process smoother. Tune in for travel tips, entertaining tales, and real-life advice from two insiders with years of experience.

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Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/

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YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast/

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Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd

Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/

Follow Lia Vincent:

Instagram: @lia.vincent — https://www.instagram.com/lia.vincent/

LinkedIn: Lia Vincent — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-vincent

Website: https://www.vincentvacations.com/agents/liavincent

Every destination wedding planner knows the nightmare: scattered WhatsApp groups, missed announcements, and guests left waiting when plans change. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Chanell Facey shares how her 2015 destination wedding disaster led to the creation of Grouped, an app designed to fix the chaos of group travel and wedding communication. As both co-founder of Grouped and a destination wedding specialist, Chanell explains how the platform helps planners and couples manage large guest lists, coordinate real-time itinerary updates, and send emergency alerts without relying on messy group chats. She shares experiences from coordinating a 96-person family trip in St. Martin to managing smaller wedding groups, showing how technology fills the gaps even in the most organized destination packages. The conversation also explores how planners and travel concierge services are using digital tools to streamline communication, ensuring guests stay informed and engaged throughout the event.

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Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/

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Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd

Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/

Follow Chanell Facey:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanellfacey/

Planning the perfect destination wedding just got real for this Toronto couple. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Fabiola and Wilfred share their wedding planning guide to navigating an all inclusive destination wedding at one of the best destination wedding locations in Jamaica. Their Couples Resort experience reveals the hidden costs that wedding planning checklists never mention, including a shocking $3000 weather contingency decision for 'Tents,' that blindsided their wedding planning budget. This destination wedding planning nightmare turned into a valuable lessons about affordable destination weddings and managing last minute guest cancelations. They discuss why choosing adult-only destination wedding venues made sense for their lifestyle, the benefits of destination wedding packages with automatic payments, and their biggest wedding coordination mistake that had them scrambling the day before. Fabiola and Wilfred's wedding offers practical insights to couples researching destination wedding locations or wondering how a wedding coordinator manages weather forecasts threatening outdoor ceremonies. Their story proves that even the most organized destination weddings face unexpected challenges, but proper planning and flexibility can still create the perfect celebration.

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Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd

Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/

Planning a destination wedding but don't know where to start? Travel agent Shalene teams up with destination wedding specialist Michelle Vuong to break down the biggest mistakes couples make when planning celebrations abroad. From choosing the wrong time of year that could double your costs to managing guests who disappear last minute, this episode reveals the insider secrets that could save you thousands. Michelle shares why February weddings are budget killers, how hurricane season affects only half the destinations you think it does, and why teachers on your guest list will completely change your planning timeline. Plus, discover the three different booking methods that can make or break your group's success and why some couples should absolutely skip destination weddings altogether. If you are torn between a courthouse ceremony or a Caribbean celebration, this episode gives you the roadmap to make the right choice for your wedding and your wallet.

Connect with Shalene:

Podcast:

Website - passportsandpromisespodcast.com

Instagram - @passportsandpromisespodcast

YouTube - @passportsandpromisespodcast

Shalene:

Website - latitudeconciergetravels.com

LinkedIn - @shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp

Instagram - @latitude_concierge_travels

Connect with Michelle Vuong:

LinkedIn - @michelle-vuong

Instagram - @michelle_travelconcierge

Bio - futureleadersintravel.com/michelle-v