A woman with long, wavy brown hair smiling at the camera. She has gold glitter and white and pink painted designs around her eye, resembling a floral pattern, with her eye partially closed. She is wearing layered gold necklaces, one with a circular pendent and another with a round, dark green stone. She is dressed in a white top with a hint of orange patterned fabric on the shoulder, and the background features a modern interior with neutral-colored walls and a marble column.

My Notes

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Real Weddings

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Mexico’s Best-Kept Secrets.

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My Notes 〰️ Real Weddings 〰️ Mexico’s Best-Kept Secrets. 〰️

Hi, I’m Jen — welcome to my Journal.

I’m a destination wedding planner, and for the past 17+ years I’ve been creating weddings and events all over Mexico From Cancun and Riviera Maya to Puerto Vallarta and Cabo. Along the way, I’ve picked up more than a thing or two worth sharing.

For a long time, social media was my main way of communicating, but that format only scratches the surface. There’s so much nuance, context, and behind-the-scenes of the wedding industry, insight that simply doesn’t fit into a caption.

This Journal is my space to share it all — real weddings, travel, honest advice, and the thinking that happens between the lines. I invite you to come with me as I slowly build this Journal and step into my life as a destination wedding planner… and occasionally, my personal world too.

Let the alchemy begin.

Work With Me

Jen Kasten 2/25/26 Jen Kasten 2/25/26

Why choosing a local photographer changes everything

When planning a destination wedding in Mexico, one decision can dramatically impact your experience: hiring a local photographer. This week, local photographer Neilyn Valero of Soul Wedding Photography shares her perspective on why understanding the light, rhythm, and logistics of places like Tulum and the Riviera Maya truly changes everything.

Jen Kasten 2/20/26 Jen Kasten 2/20/26

Let’s Talk Photographers

The Vendor Plug-In begins with one of the most important decisions you’ll make after setting your date: your photographer. This new mini-series inside The Journal explores why vendor choices aren’t random — they’re intentional integrations that shape your entire wedding experience. From timing to style to personality fit, here’s how I guide couples through one of the most meaningful investments of their destination wedding in Mexico.