If you’ve ever dreamed of saying “I do” on a sunlit beach in the Caribbean, renewing your vows beneath the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, or finally planning that group trip your friend group has been talking about for years — you’ve come to the right place.
I’m Shawndra Long, a Certified Wedding Planner, LGBTQ+ Romance Travel Specialist, and the founder of Illusionz Travel, LLC and Illusionz Destination Weddings, based in Hampton Roads, Virginia. I also run Dominga Trendz, a curated jewelry and accessories brand for women who love to express themselves. But today, let’s talk about travel — and more specifically, why I started this business and what makes my approach different.
Why I Started Illusionz Travel
Travel has always been more than just booking flights and hotels to me. It’s about creating experiences that mark the most meaningful moments in life — a honeymoon that sets the tone for a marriage, a destination wedding that brings your closest people together in a beautiful place, a milestone birthday celebrated somewhere extraordinary.
When I launched Illusionz Travel, LLC, I had one mission: to be the kind of travel advisor I always wished existed. Someone who actually listens, sweats the details, and treats every trip like it matters — because it does.
Today, I partner with couples, families, and travelers across Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina to plan seamless, stress-free adventures to destinations like the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Japan, and beyond.
Destination Wedding Planning — My Specialty
Destination weddings are my passion. There is something truly magical about a couple choosing to celebrate their love in a place that takes your breath away — and I have the expertise and industry connections to make that happen without the overwhelm.
Through Illusionz Destination Weddings, I work with couples to plan every detail, from selecting the perfect resort and negotiating room blocks, to coordinating with on-site vendors and ensuring your guests have an unforgettable experience from the moment they land.
I’m a proud member of the Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association (DWHSA) — a credential that reflects my specialized training and commitment to excellence in this niche.
LGBTQ+ Couples Are Always Welcome Here
As a certified LGBTQ+ Romance Travel Specialist and member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA), I am deeply committed to creating a safe, affirming, and celebratory experience for every couple, regardless of who they love. Love is love, and every love story deserves an extraordinary backdrop.
Japan Travel Specialization — A Destination Like No Other
In 2026, I added one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations to my portfolio: Japan.
After completing the How To Book Japan Masterclass, I built out dedicated planning resources to help clients navigate one of the most complex and rewarding travel destinations on the planet. Japan is not a trip you want to wing — and it’s not a destination every travel advisor truly knows.
Here’s what I can help you plan:
- Tokyo — navigating the electric energy of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and beyond
- Kyoto — ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and the iconic Fushimi Inari shrine
- Cherry blossom season timing — knowing exactly when and where to go for peak bloom
- Ryokan selection — finding the perfect traditional inn for an authentic Japanese experience
- JR Pass and rail itinerary planning — building a seamless route across the country
- Rural and off-the-beaten-path experiences — for travelers who want more than the highlights
Whether you’re honeymooning in Japan, planning a solo adventure, or organizing a group cultural journey, I bring the same hands-on, detail-driven approach that I apply to every destination in my portfolio.
Japan is now a signature destination at Illusionz Travel — and I would love to help you experience it.
A Professional Foundation Built on 25+ Years of Expertise
What sets me apart from many travel advisors isn’t just my love of travel — it’s the professional foundation I bring to everything I do.
I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accountancy from California State University, Northridge, and currently serve as a VP Lead Quality Engineer at City National Bank, where I bring over 25 years of technology and business expertise. I hold a SAFe 6.0 Certified Product Owner / Product Manager (POPM) certification and am actively pursuing my Microsoft Product Manager with AI certification.
What does that mean for you as a client? It means when I plan your trip, I approach it with the same rigor, attention to detail, and systems thinking that I bring to large-scale technology projects. Nothing falls through the cracks.
Credentials & Accreditations
- Certified Wedding Planner
- LGBTQ+ Romance Travel Specialist
- DWHSA Member — Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Specialists Association
- IGLTA Member — International LGBTQ+ Travel Association
- BBB Accredited Business
- Affiliated with Travel Planners International
Let’s Plan Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in Punta Cana, a honeymoon through Japan, a group trip to Europe, or a romance getaway in Mexico — I’m here to make it happen.
📞 (804) 767-0862
✉️ info@illusionzdestinationweddings.com
🌎www.illusionzdestinationweddings.com
Shawndra Long is the founder of Illusionz Travel, LLC and Illusionz Destination Weddings, based in Hampton Roads, Virginia. She specializes in destination weddings, LGBTQ+ romance travel, and immersive journeys to Japan, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, and beyond.