Exciting Events on Horizon

 I love Mexico. I have been a big fan of Mexico since attending Love Mexico in May of 2010. Sure, I had been to Mexico on my own vacations and booked clients there before then, but I really got to learn a lot about Mexico and meet some key people at the various Love Mexico events that I have attended since then. I have planned many different destination weddings in Riviera Maya and Cancun, as well as group trips to Los Cabos. I have personally been to Mexico more than a dozen times since October 2010.

Debi & John's wedding 7/30/11 at Gran Caribe Real (Photo by Cassandra Mooney)

The most recent wedding I created was at Gran Caribe Real in Cancun. It was AMAZING. I've got to give a "shout out" to my counterpart at Gran Caribe Real, Diana Rodriguez. If you happen to get married at The Royal Cancun or Gran Caribe Real (and you don't use my services), make sure you request Diana. The food was fantastic, the DJ was amazing, the bride was beautiful, the groom was handsome, and everything went off without a hitch. It was a magical wedding, and I can't wait to work with Real Resorts again to make someone else's dreams come true. (By the way, I am SO sorry for not blogging sooner.)

Photo Montage by Cassandra Mooney, Blue Sky Photography

The main reason why I like Mexico as a destination for weddings is because of the value that both couples and guests can get there. While Mexico has a bad reputation in the USA for being dangerous, people must realize that not going to Cancun because of violence in Tijuana is like not going to Disney World because of violence in New York. People, you're not having your wedding at a taco stand on the border. And bridal couples would NEVER put their guests in danger. Be rational and open your minds to having (or attending) a destination wedding in Mexico.

John, the groom - 7/30/11 (Photos by Cassandra Mooney)

Because there is such a stigma attached to Mexico, I came up with an idea to help tourism to the country, as well as enlighten and educate people about destination weddings in Mexico. What is it? My lips are sealed. I'll give you a hint, though... It is going to occur on 12/12/12. And it's going to be BIG. But, that's all I'm going to say for now...

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!

Playa del Carmen FAM Trip: The Joy of Networking

So, here I am in fantastic Playa del Carmen, Mexico. I am visiting Condo Hotels Playa del Carmen for a familiarization trip (FAM) with the Association for Wedding Professionals International. Donna, a woman I recently hired, and I were invited to come down to check out the resort. I am also teaching three different seminars to the other wedding planners that are in attendance.

At dinner tonight at La Sirena restaurant, after my Be a COSTAR seminar, I was able to get to know a couple of the women in attendance, several of whom will be taking the AFWPI Destination Wedding Specialist Certification Course tomorrow. Among these women were Jules Rupae (an energetic and bubbly wedding planner from Oregon), Taia Younis (a savvy and outgoing wedding planner from New York) and Lisa Barr (a writer, totally not related to Roseanne). The three of them totally saved me during dinner, since I'm allergic to shrimp and was absolutely terrified to eat any of the seafood that was served. Unfortunately, we were at a seafood restaurant.

Don't get me wrong-- the food looked fantastic. I've just been having allergy issues lately, and didn't want to have to break out the epi-pen. I showed the girls how to use it, just in case... The three ladies seemed to love the food, and Donna really enjoyed what she tried. I did have a crostini with steak and carmelized onions on it, which was FABULOUS, but that was about it. Fortunately, Donna and I found a little sidewalk cafe where we wolfed down some authentic Mexican food. It was fantastic.

Tomorrow, I am teaching two seminars. I truly hope that I have some time to at least enjoy the sun and take some photos. We will see...

Candice Cain is the owner of the Candy Cain Travel Co. She is a Certified Sandals Specialist and a Destination Wedding Expert. Please feel free to email her for help with your destination wedding!