By Dorothy | SunLover Travel DFW | Mexico & Caribbean Destination Wedding Travel Specialist So you’re engaged, you’re dreaming about a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean, and you already know a traditional ballroom wedding isn’t for you. Maybe you’re picturing turquoise water, white sand, a beautiful all-inclusive resort, and the people you love most gathered together to celebrate. If that sounds like you, a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean might be exactly what you’re looking for. But once you start researching, it can feel overwhelming. There are hundreds of resorts, different wedding packages, room block requirements, guest travel questions, and countless beautiful destinations to choose from. That’s where I come in. I specialize in destination weddings at all-inclusive resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean. I help couples find the right resort for their wedding vision, budget, and guests, and I handle the travel side so you don’t have to become the travel agent for your entire wedding group. First, before we start looking at resorts, there are a few things I want you and your partner to think about 1. Do You Have a Dream Destination? Maybe you already know you want Mexico. Or maybe you’re dreaming about Jamaica, Punta Cana, or another Caribbean destination. Whether you choose a destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean, every destination and resort is different. Flight options, pricing, resort styles, wedding venues, and the overall experience can vary significantly. You might be considering: Cancun or Riviera Maya Playa Mujeres Playa del Carmen Puerto Vallarta Los Cabos Jamaica Punta Cana St. Lucia Aruba Or another destination in Mexico or the Caribbean And here’s the good news: you do not have to know exactly where you want to get married before we talk. That’s part of what I help with. I’ve personally visited more than 100 resorts in Mexico, and I continue to tour resorts so I can give my couples insight that goes beyond what you see on a resort website. Tell me what you love, what you don’t want, your budget, and what matters most to you. I’ll help narrow down the destinations and resorts that make sense for your wedding. 2. When Do You Want to Get Married? Your wedding date can also affect resort availability, pricing, weather, airfare, and which wedding venues are available. Before we start searching, think about: What year do you want to get married? Do you have a specific month in mind? Are you flexible with your wedding date? Are there holidays or family events we need to consider? How much time will your guests need to plan and save? How Far in Advance Should You Book a Destination Wedding? I recommend starting the planning process about 12 to 18 months before your desired wedding date whenever possible. Starting early gives you more options when it comes to resorts, wedding dates, room blocks, and wedding venues. If you already have your heart set on a particular resort or wedding date, I recommend starting the conversation even earlier. 3. How Many Guests Are You Inviting? Next, your guest count is one of the biggest factors when choosing a destination wedding resort. You don’t need an exact RSVP list yet. A general estimate is enough to get started. Are you thinking about an intimate celebration with 20 guests? A group of 50? Or maybe 100 or more? Your group size can affect which resorts and wedding packages make the most sense. We also need to think about who is traveling with you. Will children be attending? Do you have older family members? Will some of your guests be traveling internationally for the first time? Are most of your guests traveling from the same area? These details help me recommend resorts that work for your entire group, not just the two of you. 4. What Is Your Destination Wedding Budget? Let’s talk about the budget early. Your destination wedding budget isn’t just the cost of the wedding package. There are several pieces to consider when planning an all-inclusive destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean. Your overall budget may include: Your resort stay Wedding package Reception upgrades Photography Wedding extras Airfare Airport transportation Guest accommodations Excursions and activities Honeymoon plans You don’t have to know exactly what everything will cost before we talk. That’s part of my job. I help you understand what different resorts offer at different price points so we can find an option that fits your vision and your budget. 5. What Does Your Dream Wedding Look Like? Now for the fun part. Close your eyes and picture your wedding day. Do you see yourself saying “I do” barefoot on the beach with the ocean behind you? Maybe you’re imagining a lush garden surrounded by tropical flowers. Perhaps you want an elegant terrace overlooking the water or a romantic sunset ceremony followed by dinner and dancing under the stars. In fact, there are so many possibilities when it comes to destination wedding venues. Start saving the pictures that make you say, “That’s what I want.” Save them from Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok, wedding websites, or resort websites. Send them to me. Sometimes a bride can’t quite explain her vision, but when I see the photos she has saved, I can immediately start narrowing down the right resorts and wedding venues. 6. What About Your Guests? This is one of the biggest reasons I recommend working with a destination wedding travel specialist. Your wedding may be one day, but your guests are taking an entire vacation to be there with you. And they are going to have questions. What room should I book? When is my payment due? What airport do I fly into? Do I need a passport? How do I get from the airport to the resort? Can I bring my children? What happens if my flight changes? If you have a large wedding group, those questions can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where I come in. One
Hotel Xcaret Sunset Wedding Package: Is It the Right Fit For You?
By Dorothy Johnson /SunLover Travel DFW/ Mexico & Caribbean Wedding Travel Specialist Hotel Xcaret’s Sunset Wedding Package: Is it The Right Fit for You? If Hotel Xcaret has been sitting on your wedding vision board, I want to walk you through a promotion I’ve been getting a lot of questions about lately: the Sunset wedding package. At $3,950 USD, it’s one of the most generous all-inclusive offers I’ve seen come out of Xcaret in a while, and I think it’s worth breaking down properly before you get too far into planning. I’ll be honest with you the way I always am: this package isn’t for every couple. It comes with real requirements, and if you don’t meet them, the math changes fast. So let’s talk through exactly what’s included, who it works for, and what to watch out for. What Makes This One of the Best Hotel Xcaret Wedding Packages Right Now The Sunset package is a promotional wedding package available at both Hotel Xcaret México =, priced at $3,950 USD. It’s built for couples who can bring a solid-sized guest group and commit to a room block at the resort. In exchange, you get a full wedding day: ceremony, cocktail hour, reception, coordination, and more, largely handled by Xcaret’s in-house team. You just show up and say I do. That’s genuinely the idea here. What’s Included Ceremony Symbolic ceremony with a minister Ceremony venue with a special gazebo, set by the hotel Table and chair setup Audio and microphone Cocktail Hour Standard cocktail setup with a 1-hour open bar Friday and Saturday weddings also include passed hors d’oeuvres (4 pieces per person) Reception Reception venue with standard dinner setup Three-course plated dinner 3-hour open bar Beyond the Ceremony A dedicated wedding coordinator to handle the details Bridal bouquet and groom’s boutonniere Bouquets and boutonnieres for up to 4 members of your wedding party Amenity delivered on the wedding night Romantic breakfast the next morning A personalized gift for the two of you Pressing and preparation of your wedding day attire (2 pieces max) A 2-hour photo session with Xtudio Xcaret, scheduled before or after the wedding That’s a genuinely full day for $3,950, and it’s the kind of value I look for before I recommend a promotion to my couples. Who Actually Qualifies This is where I ask you to slow down and read carefully, because the eligibility rules are firm. Guest count. You’ll need a minimum of 50 guests if you’re marrying Sunday through Thursday, or 60 guests for a Friday or Saturday wedding, and that count includes the two of you. Room block. Sunday–Thursday weddings require a minimum of 25 rooms booked for 3 nights. Friday and Saturday weddings require 30 rooms for 3 nights. Every single one of those rooms needs to be at Hotel Xcaret México or Hotel Xcaret Arte, and all of it has to be booked under the same contract. Everyone stays on property. All of your guests need to be inside that room block. No booking around it, no staying elsewhere to save a few dollars. Reservations made outside the contracted block, or through another channel entirely, get penalized. Eligible months. This promotion is valid for weddings taking place in 2026 & 2027. Months that qualify are January, June, July, August, September, October, and December. In-house vendors only. Anything outside the package gets quoted separately and has to come from Xcaret’s own vendor list. Is This the Right Package for You? If you’re picturing an intimate wedding of 20 people, this isn’t your package, and that’s okay. There are other ways I can get you into Xcaret that fit a smaller guest list. But if you already know you’re bringing a bigger crowd, if a Riviera Maya wedding with five-diamond accommodations and unlimited park access for your guests sounds like your people, and if you’re getting married in one of those eligible 2026 & 2027 months, this is genuinely one of the strongest values I’ve seen this property offer. I only take on two couples a month, on purpose, so that I can sit with the numbers like this for each one of you and tell you honestly whether a promotion like Sunset Pakcage actually pencils out for your guest list, or whether your money is better spent elsewhere. That’s the whole point of working with me instead of going straight to the resort. Ready to see if Xcaret is calling your name? Reach out and let’s get you one step closer to saying “I do” on that gazebo.
Destination Wedding Trends: What Couples Are Actually Doing Differently
If you got engaged in the last year, destination wedding trends 2027 have probably been living rent-free in your head ever since — and this post is for you I’m Dorothy, founder of SunLover Travel DFW and a Hyatt Top 100 Travel Agent. I work exclusively with couples planning destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean. I only work with two couples a month. Your wedding is a big deal to me, and I want to actually have the time to make it feel that way. Here’s what I’m actually seeing with destination wedding trends this year. Not predictions, not guesses. Real shifts happening with real couples. The Wedding Day Is Becoming the Wedding Week This is the biggest change I’ve seen in the last two years and it’s not slowing down. Couples are arriving three, four, sometimes five days before the ceremony. Bachelor and bachelorette parties are happening at the resort before the wedding instead of a separate trip somewhere else. Welcome dinners, beach bonfires, catamaran excursions, spa mornings, farewell brunches. The ceremony is still the centerpiece but it’s surrounded by a full experience that gives everyone a reason to arrive early and stay late. Your guests traveled to Mexico or the Caribbean for you. Couples are leaning into that and building something they’ll all talk about for years Guest Experience Is the Priority, Not the Aesthetic I still see couples fall in love with a resort because of Instagram. And sometimes that resort is the right fit. But what I’m seeing shift is where the energy goes once they book. Couples are asking different questions now. Which resort is easiest for first-time international travelers? What room categories give guests the best value? How do we make this accessible for the people who really want to come but are watching their budget? The couples I work with want their guests taken care of. That’s what’s driving decisions more than anything else right now. Smaller Guest Lists. Bigger Moments More couples are choosing 40 to 80 guests intentionally. Not because they have to, but because they want to. Fewer people means more time with everyone who showed up. It means a more intimate ceremony. It means the reception actually feels like a celebration with the people you love most instead of a production you’re managing. I’ve had couples tell me it was the best decision they made. The ones who went smaller almost always say that. Private Matters More Than Ever Shared spaces at all-inclusive resorts have always been part of the deal. But couples in 2027 are willing to pay for privacy in a way I didn’t see as much before. Private cocktail hours. Private beach receptions. Buying out a catamaran for the day. Rooftop dinners that aren’t open to the rest of the resort. The ask I hear most often now is some version of: we don’t want our wedding to feel like it’s happening next to a stranger’s vacation. It’s a reasonable ask. And the resorts I recommend have options to make it happen. Early Planning Is No Longer Optional I’ve always told couples working with a destination wedding travel agent to start 12 to 18 months out. What’s changed is how many couples are learning this the hard way. The best venues book fast. The Sky Rooftop Gazebo at Secrets Moxché is a perfect example. Once couples see it, they want it, and availability goes quickly. Room blocks at popular resorts during peak season fill up. Flight prices move. Starting early isn’t just about locking in a date. It’s about giving your guests the best possible rates, the best room options, and enough runway to actually plan a trip around your Caribbean destination wedding or Mexico wedding. The couples who start early have a smoother experience across the board. Every time. What No Destination Wedding Trend 2027 Will Ever Change The reason people choose destination weddings in the first place. You just show up and say I do. Your guests get a vacation. Everyone leaves closer than they arrived. And you have memories from a place that actually meant something, not a ballroom you walked into once and never thought about again. That part isn’t a trend. That’s why this keeps growing. If you’re in the early stages of planning and want to talk through resort options, timing, or what the destination wedding guest travel process actually looks like, I’d love to connect. Dorothy | SunLover Travel DFW Mexico & Caribbean Wedding Travel Specialist | Hyatt Top 100 Travel Agent
Secrets Moxché Wedding: A Guide to This Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Resort
Expert Travel Specialist Tells All If you’re considering a Secrets Moxché wedding in Playa del Carmen, this guide is for you. This adults-only luxury all-inclusive resort in the heart of the Riviera Maya has become one of the most sought-after destination wedding resorts in Mexico for good reason. I’m Dorothy, founder of SunLover Travel DFW and a Hyatt Top 100 Travel Agent. I work exclusively with couples planning destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean, and Secrets Moxché is one of my favorites to talk about.From the incredible wedding venues to the all-inclusive experience your guests get to enjoy, there is a lot to love about getting married here. But choosing a destination wedding resort is about more than finding a beautiful backdrop. It needs to work for your vision, your guest list, and the experience you want everyone to have. If you’re considering a Secrets Moxché Playa del Carmen wedding, here’s everything couples ask me before they decide. @destinationweddingmexico The walk you’ll remember for the rest of your life. #secretsmoxche #skyterrace #destinationwedding #bridesoftiktok #playadelcarmen ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono – moshimo sound design Why Choose Secrets Moxché for a Playa del Carmen Wedding? Secrets Moxché is one of the most visually striking all-inclusive resorts in Riviera Maya. The design blends modern architecture with the natural beauty of the Mexican Caribbean. Think cenote-inspired pools, stone pathways, lush tropical greenery, and thoughtfully designed spaces woven throughout the property. It also feels more private than some comparable resorts, so couples can genuinely exhale and be present. No chaos, just the people you love most celebrating together in one of the most beautiful places. For couples comparing locations for their Playa del Carmen wedding, Secrets Moxché also gives you something especially important: options. You aren’t limited to one ceremony backdrop or one type of celebration. There are multiple wedding venues throughout the property, an adults-only all-inclusive experience for your guests, and easy access to everything Playa del Carmen has to offer. Secrets Moxché Wedding Venue Locations This is where Secrets Moxché weddings really shine. With multiple wedding venues to choose from, there is a setting for different aesthetics, group sizes, and wedding-day visions. Sky Rooftop Wedding Gazebo The Sky Rooftop Wedding Gazebo is my personal favorite. You get incredible views stretching out toward the Caribbean, and there is something about standing that high above Playa del Carmen, looking out at the horizon with the person you love. It is the kind of moment couples carry with them forever.The rooftop is also one of the most requested wedding locations at Secrets Moxché, so if this is the venue you have your heart set on, I recommend starting the planning process early. Beach Wedding Venue If you have always pictured getting married with the Caribbean behind you, the beach is hard to beat. It gives you that classic Mexico destination wedding experience with the ocean, sand, and tropical setting all around you. It’s also a beautiful option for couples planning a larger celebration. Cenote Area One of the things that makes Secrets Moxché different from many other resorts is its cenote-inspired design. The Cenote Area gives couples a setting that feels much more connected to the resort’s natural aesthetic. If you love the idea of getting married somewhere that feels distinctly Riviera Maya without necessarily having a traditional beach ceremony, this is one to consider. Pool Terrace and Other Outdoor Spaces Secrets Moxché also offers additional outdoor spaces, including the Pool Terrace and Mystique Area, giving you even more flexibility when planning your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. Having several spaces to choose from can also help your wedding events feel different throughout the celebration rather than spending the entire day in one location. Indoor Wedding Options There are indoor options available as well, including ballroom space. Even if you are dreaming about an outdoor wedding, having indoor options is something I always want couples to think about when planning a destination wedding. Weather is one of the few parts of your wedding we can’t control, so knowing what your backup options look like matters. What Should Couples Know about Secrets Moxché Wedding Packages When couples start researching Playa del Carmen wedding packages, it’s easy to focus on the package price first. But I always encourage my couples to look at the full picture. Secrets Moxché offers wedding package options that can be customized based on the type of celebration you’re planning, your guest count, and the experience you want to create. Depending on the package, different wedding-related services and amenities may be included. The important thing to remember is that your wedding package and your guests’ resort stays are not necessarily the same thing. That’s where working with someone who specializes in destination weddings becomes especially helpful. I can help you look at the wedding experience alongside the room block, guest travel costs, resort options, and logistics so you understand what the overall experience will look like before making a decision. Wedding package inclusions, promotions, and pricing can also change, so I always recommend reviewing the current options rather than relying on an old package or price you found online. What Is Included in a Playa del Carmen All-Inclusive Wedding? This is one of the biggest points of confusion I see when couples first start planning. A Playa del Carmen all-inclusive wedding doesn’t necessarily mean every part of the wedding itself is automatically included in the cost of your stay. The all-inclusive portion generally refers to the resort experience your guests receive during their stay. At Secrets Moxché, that means they can enjoy dining options, drinks, resort amenities, and other inclusions without constantly pulling out their wallets. Your wedding celebration has its own package, selections, and potential upgrades. This is why it’s important to look beyond the words “all-inclusive” when comparing resorts. Two resorts may both be all-inclusive but offer very different wedding experiences, packages, venue options, and overall value for your group. Is Secrets Moxché a Good Fit
Why I Only Work With 2 Couples A Month— And What That Means To You
By Dorothy Johnson SunLover Travel DFW · Destination Wedding Travel Specialist When couples first hear that I limit my business to just two weddings a month, the most common reaction is: “Wait — why would you turn away business?” It’s a fair question. And the honest answer says everything about how I work — and whether I’m the right person to help you plan your destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean. Most Travel Agents Are Stretched Thin The destination wedding travel world is full of agents who manage dozens of couples at once. Agents take inquiries, recommend resorts, set up room blocks — and then agents leave couples to figure out the rest on their own. Nobody answers guest questions for days. Agents miss rooming list deadlines. Nobody catches it when the resort quietly changes a room category. I know this because couples come to me after those experiences. They booked with someone else first, something slipped through, and now they are stressed — sometimes months before their wedding. “Two couples a month means I know your love story — because I actually take the time to get to know you as a couple.” What a Destination Wedding Travel Specialist Actually Does For You When I take on your wedding, I am not handing you a portal and wishing you luck. I am in it with you — from the first conversation about which resort actually fits your vibe, to answering your Aunt Linda’s questions about room upgrades, to managing your room block as your guest list shifts and changes. Why Knowing These Resorts Personally Changes Everything I have personally visited the resorts I recommend in Mexico and the Caribbean. Because I have been there, I can tell you which resorts have the best ocean views and the most beautiful beach settings. I can tell you which wedding coordinator is amazing and which one needs a little more follow-up from me. Here’s What That Looks Like In Practice Because I have built real relationships with these resorts over the years, I can walk you through the true pros and cons of every wedding package — straight from the source. Your messages never pile up unanswered. You always hear back from me, not an assistant. I notice when something looks off with your room block before you do. On your wedding day, you are not a file number. You are the whole point. The Difference You Will Feel From Day One I do not take on every couple that comes my way. If I already have two weddings in your month, I will be upfront about that, and we can talk about whether a different timeline works — or I can point you toward someone I trust. But if the timing lines up, you gain a destination wedding travel specialist who stands fully in your corner, from first inquiry to final toast. No overwhelm. No dropped balls. Just you, your people, and a wedding in paradise that unfolds exactly the way you imagined. That is the trade I made when I decided to build this business the boutique way. And I would make the same choice all over again. READY TO GET STARTED? If your destination wedding in Mexico or the Caribbean is on the horizon, now is the time to reach out. Let’s have a real conversation about your vision, your resort, and whether we’re the right fit for each other. Book your complimentary consultation with me today.
Secluded Honeymoon Destinations in the Caribbean
Planning a wedding can be quite the task, but so is choosing your honeymoon destination. There are thousands of destinations around the world that will be perfect for your honeymoon. So, the task of narrowing all of your options down can be daunting. Even if you already know you want to honeymoon in the Caribbean. After all, there are more than seven hundred islands, islets, cays, and reefs within the Caribbean. A few of those islands are quite popular amongst the honeymoon crowds, as well as families and friends wanting to enjoy the beautiful Caribbean weather. But there are a few secluded honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean that offer everything you want as you start your new life together as a married couple. Today, I am sharing my favorite secluded honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean with you. Antigua Antigua is one of the Leeward Islands within the Caribbean. This tropical paradise is one of the best places to enjoy an all-inclusive secluded honeymoon. Especially if a lot of your time is spent relaxing on the beach, since there are more than three hundred beaches in Antigua. Of course, you may also want to spend your days sailing around the island and indulging in some of the best seafood you will ever taste. The Hammock Cove Resort is one of my favorite honeymoon resorts in Antigua. Your accommodations will be a private villa with an expansive outdoor space and private plunge pool. Your mornings and evenings can be spent outside, as you gaze out towards the Caribbean. Grenada You will never feel rushed when you honeymoon on the island of Grenada. This island has managed to prevent mass tourism, which means you can enjoy the unspoiled landscape throughout your visit. Grenada is known as the Spice Island, since it is one of the largest spice exporters of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. If you love to cook as a couple, you may want to check out how the spices are produced here. Long walks through the lush gardens and acres of tropical fruit are possible at De la Grenade Industries. And you won’t want to skip a visit to the River Antoine Rum Distillery. This is one of the oldest rum distilleries in the world. You will love trying their rum and will want to bring some back home with you. Turks and Caicos It may surprise you that Turks and Caicos is on this list of secluded honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean. Despite the popularity of these islands, you won’t find yourselves amongst a lot of people during your visit. As you are planning your honeymoon in Turks and Caicos, you will find there are plenty of five-star resorts to choose from. I can help you find the perfect one for your special vacation. I recommend spending a day sailing around Little Ambergris Cay or Fort George Cay. A sunset cruise is another option if you want to keep the romance going late into the evening. Private horseback rides on the beach and jet ski tours of West Harbour Bluff will allow you to have an adventure or two during your honeymoon. You may even want to escape to one of the secluded cays during your honeymoon. Pine Cay, Water Cay, and Half Moon Cay are all excellent choices. Anguilla Spending time on a secluded beach is quite possible when you choose to honeymoon in Anguilla. This gorgeous island has more than thirty beaches filled with soft white sand. Since this is one of the smaller Caribbean Islands, you can easily spend a day beach hopping to find your favorite beach. The water is always warm in Anguilla, so venture out to see marine life while snorkeling or scuba diving. Or spend time on a boat, as you relax with a drink in one hand and your spouse’s hand in the other. At night, take a long walk on the beach, as the moon and stars shine overhead. Enjoy a candlelit dinner or order room service if you don’t feel like going to a restaurant. The options are truly endless when you are honeymooning in paradise. St. Vincent and the Grenadines You may want to add St. Vincent and the Grenadines to your secluded honeymoon destination in the Caribbean list and visit now before this area grows in popularity. Especially since one of the newest Sandals Resorts just opened here. Thankfully, this destination has more than thirty islands, so you should be able to find the solitude you are searching for on one of them. This is an excellent place to go snorkeling, diving, and sailing. You can even make memories as you swim with the turtles or explore a deserted island. The Exumas in the Bahamas The Exumas in the Bahamas are actually two islands, Great Exuma and Little Exuma, connected with a bridge. You will find plenty of adventurous activities to do as a couple on these two islands. A couple of the unique activities include swimming with pigs, feeding iguanas, and swimming with the sharks. Don’t worry, you won’t need to be adventurous during your entire honeymoon. There will still be time for candlelit dinners, long walks along the beach, and simply relaxing in your luxurious suite. These are some of my favorite secluded honeymoon destinations in the Caribbean. These islands won’t be as crowded as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Aruba, so you can really relax and enjoy each other’s company. Schedule a complimentary consultation with me to discuss which one of the secluded honeymoon destinations will be perfect for celebrating your new life together. We can work together to create the honeymoon of your dreams without the crowds.