Our Aruba Wedding

One thing I have found really helpful is to join wedding websites that have great photo galleries. Many will let you create a free account. Then when you are browsing photo galleries and see photos you love, add it to ‘your photos’. I had nights where I would spend hours looking at photos, flowers, hair, jewelry, etc. After a while it all blurs together. Then I would go back a week or two later and look just at ‘my photos’. Photos that I remember ‘liking’ were suddenly photos I loved! That’s where my flower inspiration photos came from. My ProjectWedding saved photos. (Here are over 1600 beach wedding photos.) While ProjectWedding has been my favorite I also love StyleMePretty, and I’ve used theKnot. I’m sure there are tons of sites that offer this, in particular, bridal magazine websites.

When we went to Aruba in May, we happened to visit the Marriott on an evening when a wedding reception was going on. It was a small party of maybe 15-20 people. When we were there we saw them on the patio eating dinner. It was a beautiful night and everyone seemed to be having a nice time, however we found ourselves really distracted by the lighting. On the patio is one long table and above them shines down these spotlights! They seemed so harsh, so severe, and we knew that we absolutely do not want floodlights glaring down on us. At that moment we did not let it bother us too much. This was a small party and for all we know the couple had a modest budget to work with, so we thought maybe they chose the most affordable lighting option.

We decided early on that some more sophisticated lighting is ‘a must’. We’d like a mood, an ambiance created with the help of lighting. One of our favorite sources of inspiration is the photo shown here that shows lighting shining up through branches and casting the shadows of shapes on the top of the tent. And in our other inspiration photos you’ll see a common theme – soft indirect lighting – lighting that is ‘designed’. Another photo shows candlelight in lanterns which were the inspiration for the lanterns we purchased (and the inspiration for the ‘lounge’ area we want) and in another photo we’re intrigued by the lighting under the tables (we know we can’t have open candles on top).

Well yesterday we had a conference call with the Marriott’s wedding planner, Marriott’s lighting guy and the independent wedding planner. We were expecting some more sophisticated lighting options and were just trying to prepare ourselves for what it would cost.

So what are our options? Flood lights and tiki torches. That’s about it. They said the could do the ‘under the table’ with a yellowish light but there would be a cord running out to a plug which no one is sure is a good idea. At least they can help with the tiki torches. Tiki torches definitely help give the ‘island’ feel. I was envisioning tiki torches defining a path to the reception / dinner area, as well as helping to create a perimeter around our space. While we know we can’t have privacy with the location we’ve chosen, I feel like delineating the space with the torches will help it feel a little more like its ours. I explained this and didn’t really get a response. I can’t tell if they’re just not sure what I’m talking about or if they think its a bad idea. They did suggest adding some tiki torches to the cocktail hour though, which I think is a great idea – something I hadn’t thought of.

So now what? There is another vendor we can try to get a quote from, though he may not be available at this late date. He does do some pretty sophisticated event planning. He’s actually someone I had talked to months ago. He sent me a Power Point that had some really good photos in it. (Here is another vendor that doesn’t have a website at this time – at least not one I can find). Now the questions – is he available? What might it cost? Can we hire them direct or through the independent planner.

Marriott said they could arrange a call with the event planner. We asked though, could we make those arrangements through the independent planner? We were told, they would both be using the same company who is going to charge them the same. BUT – the big catch — the Marriott will add their 19% service charge (and 3% tax). Again – we’re still really really bothered by Marriott putting that charge on everything. I’ve mentioned before – Westin and Hyatt add a service charge to food and beverage only. However Marriott adds it to the entire bill – services they provide AND services they hire through third parties. So it was quite an awkward moment – Marriott is running the call, the independent planner is also in the room with them, and we are saying we’ve had enough of this service charge. Its not that we’re going to spend any less money, but money not spent on service charges is money that could be spent on more food and beverage. We’re not expecting to save money but get more for our money. We know its not the wedding planner’s fault – that its just a corporate policy that she can’t do anything about. I’m sure she gets tired of people nagging about that charge but it is significant.

Really, a decision about the bridal bouquet is small compared to the decision about the centerpieces. I’ve been looking and looking (and looking) for inspiration and not seeing anything that’s quite right. I have found a few photos that I love though, and have finally identified a little bit of what I do and don’t want. What I do want? A little modern and a little drama.

For a while I’ve been loving submerged orchids. (Westin hotels often have awesome submerged arrangements in their lobbies.)  I worry about them being ‘too modern’ though, especially when combined with the modern polished nickel lanterns we have. I’m afraid all that glass and metal will create a look that’s too severe… cold.

Another look I love is the long troughs of flowers – you know, long and skinny and low, overflowing with flowers. (Early on I decided I wanted two long tables instead of rounds.) A “Colin Cowie” type of look. Often the ‘troughs’ are wood or covered with luxurious fabrics. But, I know that kind of drama is totally out of my league.

Most importantely, what I think I realized I don’t want is that look where they make 10 identical centerpieces, nicely, neatly, evenly spaced down the tables. I want something that looks ‘designed’ – eclectic and modern, and modern but soft. So, between yesterday and today I spent an embarrassing number of hours on Project Wedding, but have finally found my inspiration!

My fiance and I both love the picture of the white flowers. While I still want to use our colors, (bright orange and pink), there are some elements in this photo that I LOVE. One, we have the modern element with the submerged flower in the back. This could be my submerged orchids. Then to the left, we have a more traditional arrangement with a big fluffy flower (is it a peony?) – I’m thinking maybe this could be fluffy spider mums / spider gerberas. (I don’t like the traditional gerberas I see in many set-ups because they remind me of those that I buy in the grocery store for $5 – very pretty but I want something a little ‘more special’ for the wedding. But I think the spider gerberas are so pretty — here is a really great photo of a pink one). Surprisingly, one of my favorite elements is the callas in the foreground. I really didn’t want calla lillies (bad memory association for me), but in that unexpected presentation, laid on their side, I suddenly love them! And then to the right is a vase with a single floating flower. How pretty! Only thing is I think it may be a gardenia and I’ve read gardenias are not a good idea on your dinner tables — I read its not a good idea to have anything with a really strong smell which gardenias definitely have.

I have a couple of other photos here that I like also like a lot. Looking at the three together is when I was finally able to identify what drew me to them! Each arrangement (for the most part) features a single type of flower versus just mixing them all up in bouquets. Attention has been given to really show off each type of flower. I also like the different sized vases, creating an eclectic and fun presentation. An element I really like in the pink and pink/green photos is the single orchids in a tiny square vase. And I like the look of vases lined with banana leaves.

So — does this stand a chance of fitting anywhere near my budget? I’m afraid for the quote (which I’ll hopefully get soon). None of the arrangements are terribly large – they’re all pretty modest. While there are definitely some expensive flowers, hopefully they can be balanced by more affordable flowers. And there are definitely a lot of vases, but most a small to medium. I have a dollar figure in my head which I think we could be comfortable with. Somehow I expect my ‘wish list’ will exceed that by about 40%. Back now to the waiting game but at least I finally have a vision. How close I get remains to be seen.

Something tells me I’m already asking for a lot of trouble on this one. Just a couple of weeks to go and I do not have flowers chosen. I may have mentioned that about 5-6 weeks ago I asked my planner for a list of available flowers – maybe their “Top 15″. I also asked for a list of ‘absolutely not available’ flowers. Well it took 3 weeks but I got my list and I can’t say it made things any easier so I’ve been focusing on other things… The list isn’t bad, its just that some of the flowers I had fallen in love with are on the ‘not available’ list.

Flowers I’m told ARE Available include:

• Roses
• Dendrodiums orchids
• Cymbidium orchids
• Plum gingers ( red+pink )
• Spider mums (gerbera daisies)
• Calla lily regular + mini’s
• Lilies asiatic and oriental lilies, stargazers, casa blanca are asiatic
• Hydrangeas
• Sun Flowers
• Freesias
• Anthuriums
• Astromelias

Flowers NOT Available:

• Cattleya orchids
• Dahlias
• Peonies
• Dianthus
• Tulips

On the ‘not available’ list, a couple are kind of obvious – tulips and peonies. They’re too frail for the heat. One of my planners told me she saw a wedding where a bride insisted on peonies that just didn’t work. They didn’t open… And tulips were one of the first flowers I asked for… I’ve grown up loving them because I’m Dutch, and you’d think a Dutch island would have them, right? Maybe not one on the equator.

Two that surprised me a little though, were the Cattleya Orchids and the Dahlias. October is a big month for Dahlias and from what I’ve read they’re pretty hearty so I figured they’d travel well. I love the fact that they can really make a statement – they’re bold and come in really bright colors. But I’m not going to push them into trying to get a flower they don’t have experience with.

My biggest disappointment though, is that the Cattleya Orchids I had fallen in love with aren’t available. I love those big fluffy dramatic orchids (shown in magenta and white). I had expected them to be available since I seem to remember reading that they grow in Central and South America. But – one good think, the pink cone ginger in another bouquet picture I sent her IS available (the lighter pink). So now I need to decide – am I drawn to that bouquet because its different, or do I really love it?

I just want to share with you another set of links to some STUNNING photos taken in Aruba. Please know I have not met or hired this photographer – that this is just a link another bride shared with me. These are pictures of “Khoi and Kristine” taken by Scott Hayne Photography. (Again – this is a photographer from the states. If you have seen online examples of photos like this taken by someone in Aruba, please share!) Here’s the pre-wedding shots at the ruins, some photos from their Bucuti wedding, and the slideshow (WOW!) Congratulations to “K&K” and thanks for sharing your beautiful and inspiring photos.

Thank you so much to the wonderful bride that resent the ‘Ruins’ photo link I love so much. These photos are so gorgeous! The album of “Joel & Katrin” is featured in the SOTA Dzine / SOTA Weddings portfolio. Here is the album: “Aruba Wedding Photos” Here are two entries from their blog: one and two. Unfortunately, these brilliant young edgy photographers are not located in Aruba – they live here in the USA. I have not yet found an online Aruban portfolio in this sort of style. If you do know of an Aruban photographer that showcases photos like this, please let us know! Congratulations to this beautiful couple and thank you for sharing your stunning photos.

These days my FAV site is weddingbee.com. They have the best forum where you can get answers to questions and support! The only thing is there are tons of super crafty girls on here that are starting to make me feel totally inadequate because I’m just not (crafty that is). But they’ve inspired me to take on two DIY projects: 1) I want to make my own welcome bag hang tags and favor labels; 2) Wedding CDs for each guest.

What am I going to do exactly? I have no idea. I did buy some brightly colored paper and ribbon to use for hang tags but wasn’t able to find oval or round stickers so I need to look around online. Just stepping into the scrap-booking section of the craft store is overwhelming to me — there’s stuff for die-cutting, embossing, sticker embellishments, ribbon, colored papers, stamping supplies…

For the CDs I found some paper / cardboard CD sleeves in plain white. Not sure how I’ll decorate the front but its nice that there is a sleeve for the CD and a little pocket for a note, song list, etc… We want to make our guests a CD with music from the weekend since we know much of the music will be new to many. It will have an assortment of bhangra, reggaetone, Caribbean, latin…

I’m a little tempted to get DIY Wedding Favors from JeanM. Before I ordered my invites I had thought about their DIY Wedding Invitations . (Of course they also have Monique Lhuillier Invitations – sigh…)

Bryan Morris of Bryan Morris Photography has posted some gorgeous Aruba City Hall photos on his blog. These are these best pictures I have found so far. They really show hall’s charm. And, in my opinion, Bryan is one of the best photographers Aruba has to offer.

Here is a write-up and photos of a beautiful ‘real wedding’ on Renaissance Island in Aruba. Though we decided Ren Island wasn’t for us, this posting shows just how beautiful it can be. I can totally identify with this bride who describes Aruba lacking in vendor options. In particular, before reading her write-up I can tell her photographer was not from Aruba. They even went to the extent of bringing their own priest with them. Since Aruba works hard to promote itself as a wedding destination, you would expect more options. While they do have some wonderful people, the wedding industry does not seem nearly as well developed at places like Cabo and Hawaii.

Since Aruba has a reputation for being expensive I had a feeling I would be able to find all the glam and latest / greatest wedding decor available but instead often find myself feeling like they are about 10 years behind. Still, patience and creativity will pay off. And of course so will a substantial budget — I’d be willing to bet this couple’s budget was a bit higher than most. We created a budget based on initial proposals from the hotels and have exceeded it by more than 50%.

After making little progress on flowers I turned my attention to cake, which I thought would be easy. I emailed the Marriott’s wedding planner to see what they can and can’t do. One important thing is that if the reception is outdoors the cake needs to be fondant – no buttercreme or regular frosting because it will melt in the heat. She emailed me a few pictures of cakes they’ve done and it looks like their fondant work is really nice – very smooth. Available cake flavors are: chocolate, vanilla, lemon, coconut, strawberry, raspberry, pineapple, marble and carrot cake. Available fillings are pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, vanilla and chocolate. She says they can do square or round and colored fondant is an option too. I also like the fact that each tier can be a different flavor combination without additional charges.

For these destination weddings I think the most popular is simple cakes with fresh flowers or seashells. I personally don’t care for the seashell idea. Just seems a little cliché whereas I want something somewhat modern. Of course I am toying with the idea of a crystal monogram cake topper (last initial only) which could be a total cliché soon if it isn’t already. I like the idea of framing the topper as a keepsake but can’t decide if it will be really cool or really tacky. I am looking for ways to have my little bit of glam…

Most of the pictures she sent me were of simple cakes but a couple were more elaborate. I was relieved because when we were talking about the welcome party she was unsure they would be able to do a good job of creating henna design cookies. I started thinking if a simple paisley design cookie might be tricky, how technical can the cake be? Well after seeing the photos I’m confident of sending her pics of a couple of cakes I am inspired by… The two shown here are our favorites so far. The orchid cake is modern and classy and could definitely be one I love if I can afford to have the submerged orchid centerpieces I’m eyeing. And though my fiancé vetoed the idea of a carrot cake tier, I was surprised that he likes the contemporary striped cake to the left. I’m thinking maybe orange stripes and pink flowers? I’m having trouble figuring out what is in the green detail and how its done — is it piping? shapes cut out of fondant? painting?