Destination wedding at Secrets Riviera Cancun – an Honest Review from Derek and Barb

Destination Wedding Details

The Couple

Derek and Barb met through an online dating website, striking up a close rapport and officially becoming a couple while on a local beer and wine crawl in November 2016. After a few years of softball games together Derek proposed to Barb during the opening ceremonies of the 2018 Softball World Series, with help from USA Softball Olympic center fielder Hailey McClenney. Before the tournament kicked off, a softball was flown in on a medic helicopter and delivered to the couple on the pitcher’s mound, where Derek then knelt on a knee and asked for Barb’s hand in marriage.

The Planning

Shortly after getting engaged, Derek and Barb ignited their destination wedding research, setting their sights on Mexico and the Caribbean. Desiring a more laid back, tranquil location for their festivities, the couple centered the search on the foliage and beach region of Riviera Maya. With the help of their Destify agent, Chelsea, they discovered the secluded oceanfront gem Secrets Riviera Cancun.

Derek and Barb agreed that the process before connecting with Chelsea was slightly hectic; a process that even sent Barb to a wedding bridal expo in Dallas. The couple was exceptionally impressed with Chelsea’s streamlined services, noting her calming presence and attention to detail when it came to accommodating their requirements and necessities. Barb said, “It was going to be my first trip out of the country and in turn also it being my wedding which made it all that more stressful.” But with Chelsea’s assistance and consistent resort brainstorms she successfully guided her and Derek through the process.

The Wedding

Staying at the resort for 8 days and 7 nights, Derek and Barb were able to leverage the resort’s world-class restaurants, instantly elevating their collective destination wedding experience. Before the day of their ceremony, the couple hosted an intimate rehearsal dinner at Himitsu, a delectable pan-Asian eatery with stunning views of the Caribbean. Throughout the week, Derek and Barb immersed themselves in a collection of off-site tropical excursions. From snorkeling in crystal clear waters to touring the North Shore, the couple fell in love with Riviera Maya and continued to witness their dream destination wedding turn into a reality.

The couple tied the knot under a white arbor in the resort’s Garden venue while taking in a magical rain sprinkle filled backdrop. After the ceremony, Derek and Barb continued taking wedding photos while the wedding party and guests enjoyed a cocktail hour filled with an abundance of food and inviting mariachi band tunes. As the sun set, the wedding party enjoyed a gorgeous reception in the grand garden with a 5-course meal and a breathtakingly beautiful wedding cake.

Citing the resort’s impeccable service and inviting demeanor, Barb excitedly praised the on-site wedding department’s stellar performance. Perhaps a minute, yet meaningful gesture, the couple reflected on a defining moment from their wedding week, “Even though it was overcast, the sun illuminated a collection of sparse rain droplets that made the entire ceremony quite enchanting.”

Looking Back

Barb maintained her love for destination weddings and her extraordinary experience when she offered the 2 following pieces of advice for newly engaged couples:

💖 Cost of Wedding Package? Did you add any upgrades?

💖 How did Destify help you choose the perfect destination and resort for your wedding?

💖 What was your favorite wedding moment with your spouse?

💖 Looking back, what would you say to couples considering a destination wedding with Destify?

💖 How was your ceremony, and did you have a reception? Where was your reception?

💖 What did you love most about getting married at your resort?

💖 How did the amenities at your resort make your wedding week special?

💖 What features of your resort made your ceremony or reception memorable?

💖 How did you feel about planning a destination wedding at first, and in what ways did our team help simplify the process and bring your vision to life?

💖 Where did you purchase your wedding dress or attire from?

Date

Saturday October 12, 2019

Venue

Wedding Package

Ultimate Wedding Package

Cost

$3299

Wedding experience and advice

What was your favorite experience at the wedding?

How was the experience for your guests, and what did they enjoy most about the wedding and destination?

Do you have any advice for future couples?

When you arrive and they tell you ‘Welcome Home’ and when you leave they tell you they can’t wait for you to ‘Come Home Again. One, it’s a lot cheaper than the states and 2. The memories are unique and you can customize it yourself without all of the expense.

Learn more about Secrets Riviera Cancun, and start on Your Path to

secretsRCaerial-product

Riviera Maya Weddings

Secrets Riviera Cancun

Perfect for couples who like a mix of romance and fun! Secrets Riviera Cancun is more laid back with a focus on romance. All guests have access to the active and fun Breathless Riviera Cancun right next door, featuring…
Secrets Riviera Cancun: Read more
  • venue iconVenues: 10
  • adults only iconAdults-Only
  • car icon20 Minutes
Package Costs: $1,499$12,049

Get Started on Your Dream Wedding

Prev button
Next button

Close button

Wedding Date Availability