WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIALIST?

When I was married 25 years ago I loved every aspect of planning my own wedding and after being a bridesmaid at least 8 times it started to become a hobby and all my friends relied on me to be their personal wedding coordinator. So when the opportunity as a travel counselor, came up for me to specialize in Destination Weddings it was second nature.

About 10 years ago I had a couple come to me wanting to book a honeymoon, but mentioned how expensive it was to get married here at home and still have money for their vacation afterwards. Destination weddings were just starting to make their mark in the travel industry. I suggested we combine the two and that was the beginning, I have been planning Weddingmoons ever since.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?

My favorite part of planning a destination wedding is getting to know the bride and groom and then all of their extended family and friends. Their guests can live all over the world and I enjoy bringing them all together for the bride and groom's special day. I love coming up with ideas for the wedding and seeing them through. It is rewarding when you see that you have taken some of the stress from the wedding couple.

WHICH DESTINATION IS YOUR FAVOURITE AND WHY?

I can't really say that I have a favorite wedding destination each one is unique in what it has to offer. It is the wedding couple's day and if they have a place they have always dreamed of then it is my job to do my best to make sure that their dream comes true.

WHAT'S YOUR PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY ON LOVE?

Love is the ultimate gift in life and it shouldn't be taken for granted. I always remember a quote I once read, “Love is everything it's cracked up to be. It really is worth fighting for, risking everything for, and the trouble is, if you don't risk everything, you risk even more” (Erica Jong)

DO YOU HAVE A QUICK TIP FOR US?

I always tell my bride and grooms that once they have picked their date and destination, they should invite who they would like to come to the wedding, but don't stress out on who actually attends. It is their day and as long as they and the most important people in their lives are there that is all that matters. Everyone they invite will have an opinion but theirs is the only one that counts.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLANNING DESTINATION WEDDINGS?

I have been planning wedding now for about 10 years.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIALIST?

I have had a lot of wedding groups in the last couple years and seemed like a great fit for me! I love the interaction with the Bride and Groom. 

wHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?

I love to spend people's money wisely, I especially enjoy the interaction and excitement of the Bride and Groom! 

which destination is your favourite & why?

My favourite destination for weddings is Mexico, but my favourite destination for me is anywhere in Europe.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIALIST?

I booked the Sensatori Azul this January for 120 passengers from all over Canada and the US. It was a great challenge but so rewarding to be able to bring everyone together for such a great celebration. The special thanks and appreciation for all my hard work was so rewarding! They actually brought me a video of their wedding so I could also enjoy the celebration! You get so wrapped up in their Joy!!

Colleen Scott

collleen.scott@kemptravel.ca

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLANNING DESTINATION WEDDINGS?

I have been planning destination weddings for over 6 years now.  Each one more incredible than the last!

 

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME A DESTINATION WEDDING SPECIALIST?

There's nothing more beautiful then the celebration of love.  Two people uniting their lives 'till death do they part'....who doesn't love weddings?  And I'm so blessed to be part of the process and to ensure all of the bride and groom's wedding dreams come true.

 

WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE JOB?

Building lasting relationships with my clients.  Each bride is unique and so are their traditions.  Just because you're getting married away does not mean you can't incorporate your cultural or religious traditions into your ceremony and reception.  It's important to get to know the couple well so that you know just what will make them happy.  It's their day and whatever they want, I want to make happen!

 

WHICH DESTINATION IS YOUR FAVOURITE AND WHY?

Jamaica is the ultimate wedding destination.  It's an easy process to obtain marriage licenses, it's an English speaking island so you don't need to worry about translating any documents and couples need only arrive 24 hours prior to their ceremony.  Jamaica offers the finest and most diverse range of hotels in the Caribbean with the best hospitality to be found anywhere in the world.  Beyond a doubt, travel to Jamaica and you will find 'One Love' every time.

 

DO YOU HAVE A WEDDING STORY YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH US?

One of the most memorable weddings I ever helped plan was for just the bride and groom.  They had come to me looking at resort options for their honeymoon.  They were getting married locally and invitations had already been sent out.  Now many brides can attest to the stress of trying to please all of your family and friends on your big day, so it was no surprise to me when the bride broke out in tears right in front of me.  She was having a hard time even considering a honeymoon as she felt she would never make it to her big day.  The couple later left with some great resort recommendations for their honeymoon and in slightly better spirits.  The very next day a beaming bride came back and said that they were going to go ahead and book into the new Secrets Wild Orchid, Adults Only property in Montego Bay, Jamaica but she needed some extra help....

She had cancelled her local wedding venue and decided that since they were unable to accommodate all of their guests needs that they were opting for an intimate wedding for just the two of them (and the witnesses that the resort provided).  We spent that day and the next confirming every detail of their dream wedding.  It was a huge weight that had been lifted off their shoulders.  The loss of deposit money meant nothing to them, they saved themselves a lot of further headaches. 

They did however hire a spectacular videographer to capture every moment of their special day and later when they returned, they just threw a party and played the video for all of their family and friends.  The only thing this couple needed was the love and desire to spend each day of the rest of their lives together.

 

DO YOU HAVE A QUICK TIP FOR US?

There are always some does and don'ts whenever you choose to marry, and a destination wedding is no different - but here are some simple common sense ones:

DON'T spend hours and hours in the sun in clothes that have straps if your dress is strapless!  Same rule applies to your bridesmaids!

DO Keep your hairstyle simple; remember the heat makes hair behave differently to home!  If you have time, try out your chosen style a day or two before to make sure it stays looking good and doesn't droop in the heat!

DON'T insist your man wears a dark suit, tie and proper shoes if you are getting married on the beach!  If you are looking for a casual beach wedding, make sure your clothing and shoes suit the occasion.  High heels don't move that easily in soft white powder sand.

DO advise your guests to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration when you arrive on the island.  If you perspire - most people do in the Caribbean - keep face make up to a minimum and carry a discreet hankie!

DON'T become too overwhelmed hosting your guests for their entire trip duration.  Select a resort that offers plenty of activities and excursions to suit any traveler, giving the lovebirds time to enjoy each other's company.  Remember, "The Couple That Plays Together, Stays Together!"

Finally, DO remember this day is for the two of you and should be just as you want it to be.  So if you hotel or wedding planner doesn't seem to be able to offer what you would like, don't be afraid to shop around and find someone who can and will.  Most of all, enjoy your day and make the most of your visit to paradise.