We now have a menu for the Welcome Party we will have at the Marriott’s La Vista Restaurant. The manager has been a HUGE help. She worked with her catering staff to try to customize the menu to include some Indian appetizers since we will feature Mehndi and bhangra music. In the end, only one of the Indian inspired selections remains on the menu but I’m thinking the food looks pretty good!

• Curried pumpkin seed crusted shrimp with papaya relish
• Seared beef medallions with pineapple relish and red thai curry
• Tandoori Chicken Kabobs
• Spinach Puffs
• Fruit & Cheese Montage & a Tropical Fruit Display with Yogurt Honey Dip
• Tamarind Margaritas
• Non-Alcoholic Mango Margaritas

They are letting us use the bar / lounge area of the restaurant. The party will be a sort of meet and greet where guests will have a chance to say hello to us and get to know each other. La Vista is kind enough to let us play our own music as background music and will be making some special arrangements for our henna artist to work – in particular, they will provide extra lighting for her. We will also be meeting with the manager when we arrive in Aruba so she can tell us about some decorating ideas she has. Also, while we will only be paying for items on the list above, guests will be able to order whatever food and drinks they want off the regular La Vista menu. Took away some of the pressure of trying to please everyone.

Just today, our “Henna Hand” personalized chocolate bars arrived! Our henna artist is going to look into bringing some bangles and bindis we didn’t get around to ordering. And best of all, my fiancé’s family brought me a lehenga from Bombay and its beautiful! I know they put a lot of work into finding it for me and can’t wait to wear it.