About me

Guided by a love for travel and the romance of weddings, I am moved by the chance to help you create an experience that is truly unforgettable.

10 of the 16 years I have been immersed in the travel industry have been dedicated to destination weddings; you could say that I have perfected the I-Dos (and don’ts) of executing the most picture-perfect experiences.

In 2002, I took my first leap in turning a lifelong passion for travel into a career when I became a Dean’s List graduate from the Travel Counseling program at SAIT. My dedication and passion for the wedding and travel industry is evidenced by my continued education, which includes numerous accreditations and certifications. I stay current by immersing myself in hands-on destination learning, attending industry conferences and regularly visiting hotels, resorts and venues.

Above all else, I want you to know that I am your advocate, alleviating stress and implementing exceptional details to fulfill your vision. When we work together we work as a team, and I am there beside you every step of the way, ensuring a seamless, memorable experience.

When I’m not traveling, I find fulfillment in time spent with my loving family - my husband, our 2 adorable girls and our precious Chiweenie pup. Another passion of mine is giving back to the Calgary community. I am a proud volunteer for Give A Mile, a not-for-profit that crowdfunds flights for people to visit terminally ill friends & family. These compassion flights are made possible via donations of travel points - to learn more, or to donate, please click to learn more.

Elizabeth Buchanan

Q&A with Elizabeth

What was the very first experience with travel that inspired your career path?

Honestly, it was no one experience in particular. I was incredibly fortunate when I was young to travel extensively with my family, so my love of travel grew naturally. One day, I was reading through the programs at SAIT, trying to decide what to do with my life (as teens do lol), and saw the Travel Counselling program. It had never occurred to me that I could do this as a career before, and after that realization, it made perfect sense for me. I could never imagine doing anything else.

What is one thing you would never travel without?

There’s actually two! The first is travel insurance; I have seen first-hand the perils of travelling unprotected and have even had to use my coverage from time to time. It is a MUST. The second is a charging pack. I take a LOT of photos and videos when I travel, it’s part of the job. My biggest nightmare would be for my device to die and missing out on footage!

Is travel education important to you, and do you hold any travel accreditations and certifications?

Over the course of my career, I have continued to learn as much as I can about my industry and the ongoing trends. I have a number of accreditations and certifications including:

• Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) 

• Certified Destination Wedding Coordinator (DWC)

• Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA) member

• South Asian Wedding Specialist

• Destination Specialist Certifications

Hands-on, in destination learning is a integral part of my continuing education. I regularly travel to attend conferences as well as inspections of hotels, resorts, and private venues, which allows me to offer first-hand opinions and experience to you.

What destination or venue is your secret weapon for couples?

This isn’t really a secret, but to this day, one of the most often requested destinations for Canadian couples is the Riviera Maya, and with good reason. It is easily accessible from pretty much anywhere in Canada, offers a wide variety of accommodations, and is such a richly diverse destination that offers incredible and new experiences to guests, even the ones who have been there before! And for your wedding day, it offers an incredibly wide variety of venues, backdrops, local vendors and companies for all of your needs; you can be sure to have the wedding of your dreams here, no matter what your vision. Insider tip (or secret weapon): don’t be afraid to look at off-resort venues and vendors in this spectacular destination.

What paramount advice do you always offer your couples-to-be?

DON’T sweat the small stuff, or the big stuff for that matter. Unexpected things are probably going to happen but remember that you have an expert in your corner to help, and that most setbacks are not usually as bad as they initially seem. Take a deep breath, and a step back from the situation.  Remember that this journey is about more than just one day of your lives - it’s about the beginning of your new lives together as a couple.