Crafting Love Stories: Bringing Magic to Destination Weddings by Diana Sciarrillo

For the past 18 years, I have poured my heart into planning weddings that are not just beautiful events, but deeply personal celebrations of love, culture, and connection. Weddings, to me, aren’t just about perfect details or grand venues—they’re about creating moments that will be cherished forever, moments that reflect who each couple truly is.

Being named one of the top 20 destination wedding planners by “Destination Weddings and Magazine Abroad” for four years in a row is something I never take for granted. My work has been featured in “Brides.com”, “Junebugweddings.com”, and “Destination Wedding Magazine”, but honestly, the biggest reward for me is seeing the joy and emotion on the faces of my clients and their families when everything comes together just as they dreamed.

Creating the magic of a destination wedding starts from the moment I meet a couple. I spend time listening—not just to what they say they want, but to who they are, their personalities, their love story. Every couple is different, and it’s those personal details that help me shape an experience that’s truly theirs. I want to know about the little things that matter to them—how they met, what they value, what makes them laugh. This connection is what allows me to guide them toward a destination that reflects not just their style, but their hearts.

Once I understand who they are, I dive into the logistics—finding that perfect destination and venue. I don’t believe in giving couples generic choices; I believe in finding a place that feels like it was meant for them. Whether it’s the historic charm of Antigua in Guatemala or the vibrant energy of a modern venue in Mexico, where I am now expanding to, I work to create an environment that amplifies their story. It's not just about beauty; it's about creating a space where their love feels right at home.

However, planning doesn’t end with picking a venue. The real work is behind the scenes, making every element of their wedding feel effortless and unique. I love blending creativity with tradition, finding ways to infuse the couple’s personality into every detail. I remember a wedding where we lit hundreds of candles for a heartfelt ceremony in memory of the bride’s father. The atmosphere was filled with love, light, and remembrance—those are the moments that make a wedding unforgettable.

Another couple wanted to honor their two distinct cultural backgrounds, and I made it my mission to incorporate both traditions meaningfully, from local crafts to unique food experiences. Seeing guests from different backgrounds come together and experience something new is incredibly rewarding, and it's that fusion of cultures that often brings the most beautiful and memorable moments to life.

Creativity is at the heart of what I do, but I also know that none of it matters if things don’t go smoothly. Every wedding is an intricate puzzle of logistics, timing, and detail. From managing vendors to ensuring the décor is perfect, I work tirelessly to make sure that the only thing my clients need to focus on is enjoying their day.

One of my favorite weddings took place at Lake Atitlan and was a  beautiful yet challenging event. With guests arriving from all over the world, it was crucial to ensure everything flowed smoothly. From personalized welcome gifts to private venue tours for VIP guests, I aimed to make every moment feel special. It’s about taking care of every detail—big or small—so that the couple and their guests feel truly seen, valued, and taken care of.

For me, it’s personal. Every wedding I plan feels like a part of my own story, and I put my heart into making sure it’s an experience my couples will remember forever. Whether it's a grand event or an intimate ceremony, my goal is always the same: to create something that feels magical, personal, and deeply meaningful.

My career has taken me across the beautiful landscapes of Guatemala, where I’ve planned countless weddings that showcase its rich culture and history. Now, as I expand my work into Mexico, and parts of Europe, I’m excited to offer even more destination options that carry the same level of personal care and luxury that my clients deserve.

Looking back over the last 18 years, I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of so many love stories. My goal has always been to craft magical weddings that reflect the uniqueness of each couple, and I believe that passion and dedication are what set me apart. I don’t just plan weddings; I create experiences that are unforgettable and full of heart.

I am honored to be considered for the Destination Wedding Planner category in the Ed Cotton Awards. I look forward to continuing my journey, making sure that every couple I work with has a wedding that truly reflects the beauty of their love.

With warmest regards, 

Diana Sciarrillo 

I Do, Guatemala, by Diana Sciarrillo 

[email protected]

50257782271

@idoguatemala