I am a destination wedding planner with a story rooted in modest beginnings, but driven by big dreams and the power of one magical trip. That first journey changed everything for me, transforming travel from a distant idea into a lifelong calling. As the founder of DWD Travel, I know how a single moment can turn a dream into a mission. I help couples create beautiful weddings in places that feel like home away from home, blending effortless planning with unforgettable experiences.

Hi, I’m Dana, Destination Wedding Planner and founder of DWD Travel. I know what it’s like to dream big and start with uncertainty, and I’m here to help you turn your wedding vision into an unforgettable getaway. From picking the perfect resort to making travel easy for every guest, I’ll guide you through every step so you can enjoy the moments that matter most.

Want to see how I helped other couples bring their love stories to life? Browse my real wedding portfolio, follow along on Instagram, or get in touch to start planning your own beautiful escape.

How I Became a Destination Wedding Planner After a Late Start in Travel

I didn’t grow up traveling. For most of my early life, trips to places like Paris, Rome, or the Mexican Riviera felt completely out of reach, something reserved for other people with more time, more money, or a different lifestyle. I loved the idea of travel, but for a long time, it stayed a dream.

Meanwhile, I was also the kid who watched The Parent Trap and The Wedding Planner on repeat and absolutely fell in love with weddings and wedding gowns. I wanted to be a wedding dress designer when I grew up (and yes, I still have some of the sketches!).

Everything shifted the day I mentioned to my husband that I wished I could go to New York City. I wasn’t even expecting much of a response, but he looked at me and said, without hesitation, “So just go.” That simple encouragement was the nudge I didn’t know I needed.

I booked the trip, invited my mom, and before I knew it, we were walking the streets of Manhattan. That experience lit a spark in me. Travel started to feel not just possible, but personal. I began building a list of places I wanted to see and set a goal to visit 30 destinations before turning 30. When I hit that milestone, I started a new one: 40 before 40.

From that first trip onward, travel became part of who I was. It opened up the world, and with it, a new way to dream.

See how full-service destination wedding planning makes your dream day stress-free from start to finish. Read about it here.

Why Becoming a Destination Wedding Planner Felt Like the Perfect Fit

As I traveled more, I started thinking about how powerful these experiences were, how they brought people together, created lasting memories, and made life feel bigger and more meaningful. I realized I wanted to be part of that for others.

When I learned about destination wedding planning, it all clicked. It combined everything I loved: love stories and the magic of travel. It gave me a way to help couples create not just an incredible wedding day, but an unforgettable journey leading up to it.

Building DWD Travel From the Ground Up

Becoming a destination wedding planner and launching DWD Travel took grit, heart, and more coffee than I care to admit. As with most small business owners, I didn’t start with a business plan or a big team. I started with curiosity and a passion for helping people celebrate love in beautiful places.

In 2015, I launched DWD Travel with a focus on cruises and all-inclusive vacations. Back then, I was just thrilled to help people experience the joy of travel (and sneak in a few adventures myself).

Then in 2018, something magical happened: I booked my first destination wedding. That moment changed everything. I realized how much I loved helping couples not just travel, but tie the knot in stunning, meaningful settings.

By 2022, I began dabbling in the planning side—not just booking the travel, but getting hands-on with the wedding vision itself. I started guiding couples through everything from choosing the right resort to pampering their guests, and yes, even calming the nerves when something unexpected popped up.

Each step came with lessons:

• Keeping calm when a venue needed to shift
• Listening to couples on a deeper level, because emotions always run higher when love is involved
• Learning that luxury lives in the thoughtful details, not just the price tag

Now, I’m proudly focused on destination weddings in Mexico and the Caribbean. From barefoot ceremonies on the beach to glamorous celebrations under the stars, each wedding I plan is deeply personal, creatively curated, and rooted in joy.

Planning to say ‘I do’ in Mexico? Here’s everything you need to know to make it happen.

What “Bougie on a Budget” Means to Me

I became known for helping couples create five-star weddings without five-star costs. That is what being “bougie on a budget” means to me. It is not about skimping, but about being strategic and smart with your money, so you can feel just as good about your budget as you do about your backdrop.

Being bougie on a budget means:

• Investing in what matters most and reallocating elsewhere. If your heart is set on a beachfront ceremony at sunset, let’s prioritize that, and look for ways to streamline décor, choose a package with built-in perks, or skip the unnecessary extras that don’t bring you joy.
• Choosing resorts that include perks you actually want. Some resorts offer complimentary private events, room upgrades, or even extra nights based on your guest count. I help you find the properties that over-deliver on value without sacrificing quality.
• Timing bookings to unlock better pricing. The earlier we start, the more options you’ll have, not just with dates but with pricing tiers. I also know when resorts run promos, when flights dip, and how to negotiate upgrades that feel luxe but cost less.

Being bougie on a budget means making smart, intentional choices that still feel luxurious. Like choosing a weekday wedding to save big or swapping a full rehearsal dinner for a chic welcome toast. It’s about celebrating beautifully without the financial stress. You can have champagne by the ocean, vows in the breeze, and head home with both your heart and your wallet happy.

Learn how to budget for a destination wedding without losing the magic. Read these tips.

Why I Get It—and Why I Care

Because I grew up without travel, I understand how nerve-wracking planning a wedding abroad can feel. I have asked the same questions you might be asking now: what if it rains, what if guests get nervous about passports, what if it doesn’t feel like us?

When I work with couples, I meet them where they are. I listen to concerns and offer clarity. I take complicated timelines and make them feel simple. I guide you through every moment so you can enjoy the joy of saying yes to the journey, not just the wedding day.

Planning a big wedding getaway? Check out the best destination wedding resorts for large groups in this guide: Read the blog

Every Love Story Deserves a Beautiful Getaway

In my eyes, a wedding isn’t just a celebration, it is the beginning of a new adventure. Saying yes while surrounded by the places (and people) you love or have always wanted to visit adds another layer of meaning to your commitment. Years from now you won’t think back just to your vows, you’ll remember dancing under palm fronds, late‑night stories by the pool, sunrise toasts with people who came from across the world to celebrate your love.

Travel changed my life. Being a destination wedding planner allows me to pay that gift forward. That’s why I do it.

Work With a Destination Wedding Planner Who Truly Gets It

When you work with me, I bring personalized resort recommendations that reflect what matters most to you. I guide you through smart budgeting strategies so you can celebrate fully and still feel confident about what you’ve spent. And perhaps most importantly, I offer the peace of mind that comes from working with someone who understands just how meaningful this moment is, and who knows how to make it truly magical.

You can start with my 3-minute wedding quiz. It’s designed to match you with a Mexico destination that best fits your style, aesthetic, and wedding vibe. From there, we’ll explore resort options, bring your vision to life, and create moments you’ll remember for a lifetime.

I’m rooting for your love, your adventure, and every dream you have about the day you say “I do.” Let’s make it unforgettable, together. Reach out today and let’s start planning the destination wedding you’ve been dreaming of.