Becoming a Certified Casa de Campo Wedding Planner: My FAM Trip Experience
- Damaris Rivera
- Jul 11
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 12
I still remember the excitement of receiving the invitation to participate in an exclusive FAM Trip at Casa de Campo.
After more than a decade of planning weddings and creating meaningful experiences for couples in Puerto Rico, this opportunity represented something very special: the chance to experience one of the Caribbean’s most iconic destinations through the eyes of both a wedding planner and a guest.
I arrived ready to learn—not only about the resort’s beautiful wedding venues, but also about its service, accommodations, culinary experiences, operations, and the people behind every celebration.
Because truly understanding a destination requires more than seeing it. You have to experience it.
What Is a FAM Trip?
A Familiarization Trip, commonly known as a FAM Trip, is an immersive experience created for wedding and travel professionals to gain firsthand knowledge of a destination. During the trip, I stayed at the resort, explored wedding venues and accommodations, experienced the cuisine, and connected directly with the Casa de Campo team.
The value was not simply in seeing beautiful spaces. It was in understanding how the different elements of the resort come together to shape a complete destination wedding experience.
What Becoming a Certified Casa de Campo Wedding Planner Means
Becoming a Certified Casa de Campo Wedding Planner means more to me than receiving a title. It represents firsthand knowledge, meaningful relationships with the resort team, and a deeper understanding of the decisions my couples will navigate throughout the planning process.
My role is not simply to present beautiful options. It is to listen, understand what matters most, and guide each couple toward choices that reflect their vision, priorities, and the experience they want to create.
Day One: A Warm Welcome
The short flight from Puerto Rico made
Casa de Campo feel closer than I had imagined. From the moment I arrived, the experience felt thoughtful and welcoming. The team met us at the airport, and the personalized check-in at Premier Club immediately set the tone.
After settling in, I enjoyed lunch at La Caña—a fresh shrimp salad and a glass of Prosecco—before preparing for our Welcome Dinner.
At the Premier Club lobby, I met Theresa Calcos and the wonderful group of women selected to share this experience.
I will admit, I felt a little nervous at first. But within minutes, introductions became conversations, and genuine connections began to form.
Luxury was not only found in the surroundings. It was reflected in the way people made you feel.
An Evening at La Casita
Our evening continued at La Casita, overlooking the Marina.
We were welcomed with an Aperol Spritz and a beautifully prepared private table.
The setting felt elegant yet relaxed—
the kind of atmosphere that invites guests to stay,
connect, and enjoy the moment. As a wedding planner,
I could immediately imagine a welcome dinner where guests reconnect after traveling, or an intimate rehearsal dinner that begins the wedding weekend with warmth and intention.
Closing
I arrived ready to discover a destination. By the end of the first day, I already understood that Casa de Campo was much more than a collection of beautiful venues. It was an experience shaped by service, connection, hospitality, and the people behind every detail.
And the journey was only beginning.
Planning a Wedding at Casa de Campo?
Every meaningful destination wedding begins with understanding your vision, your priorities, and the experience you want to create for the people you love.
As a Certified Casa de Campo Wedding Planner, I would be honored to guide you through the journey and create a celebration that feels personal, intentional, and authentically yours.
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