I’m really glad to see another shout out to DJ Randolph! I was so frustrated trying to hire a DJ since I couldn’t find reviews of Aruba’s DJs or videos of them playing. Luckily I had gotten to know another bride, our “Jingle96″. She had met Mark and Randolph when they went for their site visit and she had total confidence in them. She was so right and I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one saying that! And Yay for Bully – he did a great job for us too.

On the downside, I’m so sorry to hear of the experiences with Knipoog and Moomba. I had been thinking “if I were to do it again”, that I might go to Knipoog for hair and make-up. Now, I have no idea what I would do. Its seems hair and make-up either goes really good or really bad. I can’t recommend strongly enough – get a trial at home and take lots of pictures! And if hair and make-up is important to you, have a trial in Aruba too. It’s too bad to hear that one of my biggest disappointments was also one of hers. Another bride I talk to said she ruled them out as they could not provide her with any photos of work they had done.

And hey – Aruban hair stylists and make-up artists – brides are desperate to see someone with an online portfolio of their work! Show us what you can do – give us some confidence! And guess what? I happen to be a web developer if you need someone to build the site for you. =) Is there a bride out there that doesn’t agree this is long over due? (We could use some florist portfolios too!) Sorry to digress.

We had actually considered Moomba for our welcome party. They also told us they would want to seat us at picnic tables in the ‘garden area’. It was one of the things that turned us off. I’m so glad we chose La Vista. If you are going to work with Moomba, be sure to have all your communications / confirmations printed out. It’s a shame that this couple had to offer to go and get those emails before their arrangements were honored. And it sounds like the person making the arrangements was not on site at the time of the function. I would probably insist on talking to the manager that will be on duty at that time before committing to their location.

Luckily the wedding and reception were amazing! That’s what counts, right? And they had Reverend Gibson as their officiant. Of his service she says, “We used Rev. Gibson as the officiant and he was really great. Very funny and personable to us and the guests. I also loved his ceremony he performed. We got to pick that ahead of time but it was very beautiful. Very meaningful and moving.”