PASSPORTS and PROMISES

About PASSPORTS and PROMISES

Join award-winning destination wedding specialist Shalene as she takes you behind the scenes of dreamy destination weddings and luxury travel experiences. Through real conversations and #LatitudeLessons from over two decades of expertise, Passports and Promises is a unique blend of emotion, humorous stories, and practical travel advice. As North America's trusted voice, Shalene features destination wedding planning tips, discusses popular and emerging destinations and the local culture, coveted wedding locations, and shares present and past client experiences/advice. With special episodes featuring Shalene's travel-savvy kids and their adventures abroad, Passports and Promises provides a well-rounded, honest, and engaging podcast designed to inspire couples deciding on destination weddings as well as those with a travel bug across Canada and the US.

Publisher

Shalene Dudley

Category

society & culture · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

19 May 2025

Latest episode

13 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

14 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   13 Feb 2026

   Vows, Cake and Cannonballs! Inside Their Moon Palace Wedding

   Big family, long relationship, tight budget, and way too many opinions. Joshua and Abena were staring down the kind of guest list that turns a wedding into a full-time job. Instead, they chose a destination wedding at Moon Palace Cancun and used location, logistics, and a little psychology as a “polite filter” that kept the peace and kept their day small enough to enjoy. In this episode of Passports & Promises, host Shalene talks with the couple about how they went from considering a traditional hometown wedding to realizing Mexico solved most of their problems in one move. They share how a resort wedding let them invite everyone who expected an invitation without ending up with a 400-person ballroom, what it was like to manage a huge African family’s expectations, and why the guests who really wanted to be there found a way. Joshua and Abena also unpack the less glamorous parts of the process, including planner communication that went quiet at the worst possible time and wedding photos that felt disappointing at first and slowly turned into favorites years later. Listen to the full Passports and Promises episode to hear about Joshua's honeymoon cake consumption, why Abena's mom understood the destination wedding strategy immediately, and what it's like rediscovering your wedding photos five years later with completely fresh eyes. Ready to plan your own celebration without the drama? Reach out to Latitude Concierge Travels to start a conversation about what's actually possible. Follow Passports & Promises!! Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast Follow Shalene!! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@latitude.concierg Moon Palace Cancun Website: https://www.moonpalacecancun.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonpalacecancun/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MoonPalaceCancun/

2. 

   5 Feb 2026

   How to Plan a Group Trip Without Losing Friends

   Most group trips end with at least three people never speaking again. Marcy has planned four of them, and everyone's still friends. On this episode of Passports and Promises, host Shalene sits down with one of her very first clients to figure out how she pulled that off. Marcy organized her sorority's 25th line anniversary trip to Costa Rica using an actual democratic poll, navigated Paris with her family for the first time, and still gets asked by her kids about that fruit punch at Dreams Dominicus nearly a decade later. She breaks down the committee approach that kept everyone happy, how she handled last-minute itinerary changes when her group was having too much fun at the pool to leave, and why the Black Paris cultural tour became the highlight of her European adventure. Marcy reveals the surprising winner of her destination poll (spoiler: not the cheapest option) and why all-inclusive resorts eliminate the financial surprises that ruin group dynamics. If you're coordinating a milestone reunion, planning multi-generational family travel, or trying to get a group of friends to agree on literally anything, this conversation offers practical frameworks that turn potential disaster into trips people actually remember fondly. Follow Passports & Promises!! Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast Follow Shalene!! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@latitude.concierg Marcy Website: https://www.ourhealthinfocus.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourhealthinfocus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marcy.d.fitzgerald Dreams Dominicus Website: https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/dreams/dominican-republic/dominicus-la-romana Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dreamsdominicus/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DreamsDominicusLaRomana/ Secrets Papagayo Website: https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/en/resorts-hotels/secrets/costa-rica/papagayo-costa-rica/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SecretsPapagayo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/secretspapagayo/

3. 

   5 Jan 2026

   The Resort That Made Us Stop Looking - How Secrets Moxché Became Our Wedding “Yes”

   In this episode of Passports and Promises, Shalene reunites with Michael Morimoto and David Geist to discuss their 98-guest destination wedding at Secrets Moxché in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. What started as wedding planning overwhelm with destinations ranging from Greece to the Dominican Republic became a masterclass in detail-oriented planning, thanks to the couples' spreadsheet savvy and creative problem-solving. David and Michael upgraded to Impression Moxché for their accommodations and chose the Sky Deck venue at Moxché, a decision that proved perfect when a cyclone hit their wedding weekend. Michael and David share the real talk about hidden fees that caught them off guard, why they hired an outside photographer instead of simply using the resort's team, and how transparent pricing earlier in the process would have changed their experience. They also reveal why keeping their entire celebration on the enclosed Sky Deck (instead of moving to the pool deck as originally planned) turned out to be the best decision they never knew they were making. Couples planning large destination weddings will appreciate the practical advice on guest list management, the adults-only resort decision, and why starting to plan 14 months ahead made all the difference. Listen to the full Passports and Promises episode for more details on managing large destination wedding groups and navigating resort planning processes. Reach out to Latitude Concierge Travels to start planning your own next travel destination and wedding celebration. Follow, Like and Subscribe !! Shalene - LinkedIn Passports & Promises - Website, Instagram, YouTube Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd - Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Tiktok Secrets Moxché - Instagram,Website, Facebook Impression by Secrets Moxché - Instagram, Facebook, Website Dreamcatcher Film - Instagram, Website, Facebook David Rangel Photography - Instagram, Website, Facebook David Adler Geist - Facebook, Instagram Michael Morimoto - Instagram, LinkedIn

4. 

   3 Dec 2025

   Sunshine and Storms at Sandals South Coast: Inside an Unforgettable Jamaica Wedding

   What started as a sun-drenched ceremony in the over-the-water chapel turned into an unforgettable indoor celebration when tropical rains sent the entire group sprinting for cover. With 26 rooms full of educators finally traveling after pandemic lockdowns, the energy was electric, and even the resort staff called them "one of the most fun groups we've had in weeks." In this episode of Passports and Promises, host Shalene Dudley sits down with longtime friend Paul to relive his August 2022 wedding at Sandals South Coast Jamaica. Paul shares how a last-minute $750 chapel upgrade became the best decision of the trip, why flexible booking dates helped more guests attend, and the one thing he wishes they'd done differently with their wedding photos. The conversation also touches on the recent devastation of Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed the very chapel where Paul and Jenny exchanged vows. Couples considering a Caribbean destination wedding will walk away with real insights on group dynamics, resort inclusions, and why sometimes the unplanned moments make the best memories. Follow Passports & Promises!! Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast Follow Shalene!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@latitude.concierg Sandals Resort Website - https://www.sandals.com/ Sandals Jamaica: https://www.sandals.com/south-coast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandalsresorts/ Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/sandalsresorts/ X - https://x.com/sandalsresorts/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@sandalsresorts

5. 

   28 Oct 2025

   “Dreams" Do Come True: A Flawless Dominican Republic Destination Wedding Story

   Not all destination wedding stories involve chaos and disaster. Sometimes, careful planning, the right venue, and experienced coordination create celebrations that couples remember fondly years later. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Kimberly shares her 2018 Dreams Onyx wedding story that proves destination weddings can be both cost-effective and flawless. Referred by her hairstylist , Kim worked with Shalene to narrow down options across multiple Caribbean islands before finding the perfect Dominican Republic resort with the stone gazebo that captured her vision. Her husband, Chad, was actively involved in planning, helping with decor decisions and seating arrangements. Seven years later, with zero regrets, Kim recently attended a poorly-coordinated destination wedding at a resort in Grenada that made her even more grateful for her Dreams Onyx experience. She shares insights about butler service that went beyond expectations, special accommodations for her ill father, celebrating her daughter's birthday during the trip, and why choosing the right resort and working with an experienced travel advisor matters tremendously. This episode offers valuable perspective for couples planning Dominican Republic destination weddings, demonstrating what proper venue selection and experienced coordination can achieve when everything comes together beautifully. #passportsandpromisespodcast #latitudeconciergetravels #latitudeapproved #destinationwedding #destinationweddings #dreamresorts #worldofhyatt #dreamsonyx #dominicanrepublic #weddingvenue #destinationweddingplanning #caribbeanwedding #stonegazebo #weddingsuccess #butlerservice #weddingcoordination #weddingplanning #traveladvisor #flawlessweddings #weddingmemories #celebration #LoveStory #perfectvenue #weddingdecor #familycelebration #travelexperiences #weddinginsights #kidfriendlyresorts Follow Passports & Promises!! Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast Follow Shalene!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@latitude.concierg Dream Onyx Resort & Spa Website - https://www.hyattinclusivecollection.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dreamsonyx/ Stylist: https://www.instagram.com/hairbyglenna/

6. 

   30 Sept 2025

   A Dozen Disasters and a Dress: Unfortunate Events, Fortunate Love

   Some destination weddings have minor hiccups. Lindsey DaSilva's 2018 Costa Rica celebration had twelve major disasters that would make most couples cancel everything. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Lindsey shares her legendary Dreams Las Mareas wedding story with the humor and perspective that got her through it all. Her mother-in-law got violently sick during the transfer, turning a 90-minute journey into a three-hour ordeal. The spa gave her bright orange eye-shadow instead of natural makeup, requiring her to wash her face and start over. The wedding bar only served the two juices she's allergic to, her dress suddenly didn't fit after being steamed, and her best man had an allergic reaction during his speech. The disasters continued with a DJ who completely ignored their playlist, a wedding video with no audio, and yes, a raccoon attack on Aunt Wendy. Yet seven years later, Lindsey and Mike are happily married with two kids, proving that wedding day catastrophes don't predict relationship success. Her story offers valuable insights for couples planning Costa Rica destination weddings, the importance of experienced coordinators, and why sometimes the worst weddings make the strongest marriages. This episode is essential listening for anyone who needs perspective on what really matters when celebrating love abroad. Follow Passports & Promises!! Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast Follow Shalene!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Follow Lindsey DaSilva: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzy_s_/ Two for Two Photography: Website: https://www.twofortwophotography.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twofortwophotography/

7. 

   29 Aug 2025

   Passport to Chaos: Wild Client Requests & Wedding Drama Abroad

   In this episode of Passports & Promises, Shalene and travel expert Lia Vincent dive into the unpredictable world of destination weddings and group travel. Talking about unique client requests like finding a lost umbrella in Mexico to managing tricky family dynamics and rooming challenges, they share unforgettable stories that reveal the real behind-the-scenes of planning paradise celebrations. In this episode, listeners will hear about common travel mishaps, last-minute changes, and the surprising ways couples and guests navigate the chaos of booking resorts and handling guest lists. Discover insights on enforcing group rules, handling drama, and keeping everyone happy on large trips. If managing travel groups or destination weddings sounds overwhelming, this episode offers laughs and lessons to make the process smoother. Tune in for travel tips, entertaining tales, and real-life advice from two insiders with years of experience. Follow Passports & Promises: Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast/ Follow Shalene: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Follow Lia Vincent: Instagram: @lia.vincent — https://www.instagram.com/lia.vincent/ LinkedIn: Lia Vincent — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lia-vincent Website: https://www.vincentvacations.com/agents/liavincent TikTok - VincentVacations

8. 

   23 Jul 2025

   Grouped - The One App to Rule Them All

   Every destination wedding planner knows the nightmare: scattered WhatsApp groups, missed announcements, and guests left waiting when plans change. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Chanell Facey shares how her 2015 destination wedding disaster led to the creation of Grouped, an app designed to fix the chaos of group travel and wedding communication. As both co-founder of Grouped and a destination wedding specialist, Chanell explains how the platform helps planners and couples manage large guest lists, coordinate real-time itinerary updates, and send emergency alerts without relying on messy group chats. She shares experiences from coordinating a 96-person family trip in St. Martin to managing smaller wedding groups, showing how technology fills the gaps even in the most organized destination packages. The conversation also explores how planners and travel concierge services are using digital tools to streamline communication, ensuring guests stay informed and engaged throughout the event. Follow Passports & Promises: Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast/ Follow Shalene: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Follow Chanell Facey: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanellfacey/ Website - https://thegroupedapp.com/

9. 

   23 Jul 2025

   How to Avoid Wedding Disaster with the Planning App to Rule Them All

   Every destination wedding planner knows the nightmare: scattered WhatsApp groups, missed announcements, and guests left waiting when plans change. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Chanell Facey shares how her 2015 destination wedding disaster led to the creation of Grouped, an app designed to fix the chaos of group travel and wedding communication. As both co-founder of Grouped and a destination wedding specialist, Chanell explains how the platform helps planners and couples manage large guest lists, coordinate real-time itinerary updates, and send emergency alerts without relying on messy group chats. She shares experiences from coordinating a 96-person family trip in St. Martin to managing smaller wedding groups, showing how technology fills the gaps even in the most organized destination packages. The conversation also explores how planners and travel concierge services are using digital tools to streamline communication, ensuring guests stay informed and engaged throughout the event. Follow Passports & Promises: Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast/ Follow Shalene: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/ Follow Chanell Facey: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanellfacey/ Website - https://thegroupedapp.com/

10. 

    10 Jul 2025

    Island "I Do's" - Inside an All-Inclusive Jamaican Wedding

    Planning the perfect destination wedding just got real for this Toronto couple. In this episode of Passports & Promises with Shalene, Fabiola and Wilfred share their wedding planning guide to navigating an all inclusive destination wedding at one of the best destination wedding locations in Jamaica. Their Couples Resort experience reveals the hidden costs that wedding planning checklists never mention, including a shocking $3000 weather contingency decision for 'Tents,' that blindsided their wedding planning budget. This destination wedding planning nightmare turned into a valuable lessons about affordable destination weddings and managing last minute guest cancelations. They discuss why choosing adult-only destination wedding venues made sense for their lifestyle, the benefits of destination wedding packages with automatic payments, and their biggest wedding coordination mistake that had them scrambling the day before. Fabiola and Wilfred's wedding offers practical insights to couples researching destination wedding locations or wondering how a wedding coordinator manages weather forecasts threatening outdoor ceremonies. Their story proves that even the most organized destination weddings face unexpected challenges, but proper planning and flexibility can still create the perfect celebration. Follow Passports & Promises!! Website - https://passportsandpromisespodcast.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/passportsandpromisespodcast/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@passportsandpromisespodcast/ Follow Shalene!! LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shalene-dudley-cta-wpicc-dws-pmp%C2%AE-49ab37b/ Latitude Concierge Travels Ltd Website - https://www.latitudeconciergetravels.com/what-we-do-bedford LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/latitude-concierge-travels-ltd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/latitude_concierge_travels/

11. 

    26 Jun 2025

    Your Wedding Concierge's Guide to Avoiding Expensive Mistakes

    Destination wedding specialist Michelle Vuong informs host Shalene Dudley about common costly errors couples commit when planning weddings abroad, including timing and guest management, in this interview.

12. 

    11 Jun 2025

    From Dream to Drama: What Really Happened After My Client Won a Free Wedding

    Yola recounts her experience winning a free destination wedding package, revealing the challenges of managing guests, choosing resorts, and navigating unexpected travel disasters, offering insights into group travel and destination weddings in an interview with Shalene.

13. 

    19 May 2025

    Resort Adventures and Froyo Obsessions: Kids Review Beaches Turks & Caicos with Shalene

    Young travelers Jordan and Jacob review Beaches Turks & Caicos, sharing their resort experiences, favorite water slides, and honest opinions on different resort sections in this interview episode.

14. 

    19 May 2025

    Passports & PROMISES - Trailer

    Host Shalene showcases the podcast's focus on destination weddings, luxury travel, and practical advice drawn from two decades of experience, offering inspiration for couples and travel enthusiasts.

Who has been a guest on PASSPORTS and PROMISES

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Michelle Vuong
• Yola
• Jordan
• Jacob

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 13 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

26

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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