One of the perks of being in the "cast" of a promotional video (or attending a press trip) is getting to see/tour the best a resort has to offer.

We were filming in the Presidential Suite at the Barcelo Karmina Palace (Manzanillo) for half a day - which meant we got to put our feet up and take in the stunning views.

Funny story: I actually spent about an hour of that time snoozing in one of the bedrooms off the main room - apparently the makeup did not agree with my face and I had an allergic reaction.

I've spent the last eight days traveling through Mexico, visiting the Barcelo properties in Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo. 

I was hoping to get the blog up and running so I could have taken you along with me, but it turned out to be a blessing - I can't remember a more jam-packed trip. 

So let's play catch up: Not only was I there to wander and write, I was an actor in a promotional video the hotels are producing.

Talk about an experience: I got married twice. 

I wrote in a recent piece for Wake and Wander that I thought it was ironic - a wandering, restless travel writer standing in the ultimate position of commitment and stability - and I don't know any other way to put it. 

I've always been rather indifferent about the idea of marriage, a "we'll see what happens" type of mentality.

The experience of pretending didn't exactly put me in a rush to tie the knot for real, although it did bring a smile to my face and an appreciation for how special the day can be when it's all for you - what a celebration of your happiest moment can feel like. 

Check out the photos as they capture the moments rather well. 

Did you have a destination wedding? Email me your photos ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) and let's see how they compare!

Barcelo Puerto Vallarta:

Barcelo Karmina Palace Deluxe in Manzanillo: