AnnCam2011

I think the solid color is key. Might need to suggest he choose something without a loud print

Having a hard time with this as well. My mom bought my dad a tropical print shirt which I am horrified to see. My fiance is wearing a tan suit, no tie. My dad thinks if he wears the shirt my mom got him, he will "look like a dork". Should I have him wear tan pants and white shirt? Does he need a jacket?

I was in contact with a salon but havent set up my appt yet. Still need to figure out the timing of the day yet. I am going to get a manicure here at home before I head down. Decided to go with the new "shellac" nail color which is supposed to last 14 days and will skip a pedi and just do my own toes. Trying not to get too stressed out - it's only one day, some things will go wrong, and it's only 30 people (all of whom love us, so they will be supportive, no matter what!).

Getting down to the wire and I havent really done anything (other than get my dress/veil) to prepare for the wedding. I am working on some stuff this weekend - making some votive candle holders, finding vases for centerpieces and might buy some chair sashes. Other than that, I am sort of putting all my faith into the coordinator at the hotel! Getting rings this weekend, my fiance needs to pick up his suit. MIL working on welcome bags. What else needs to be done? Hmm...

I am getting married at the Renaissance in 7 WEEKS from today *giddy* I contacted a stylist who was recommended to me from the Ren wedding coordinator, but still need to book the appt. We are bringing our own photographer and are skipping the videographer. We have a group of 30 coming along and am pretty excited to get out of the miserable COLD and SNOW!

Oooh I loved Costa Verde - and wouldn't hesitate going back there either! The resort was lovely, service outstanding, pools were nice and quiet, condos were perfect. We drove ourselves from San Jose to Quepos area and it took a while. The roads arent that great (not that bad) but there was one part of our journey that took us across a small 1 lane bridge that was basically 2x4's. A little freaky. It was worth the adventure, and perhaps the bridge is fixed now! The beach was a little ways down the road from the hotel, so if you want a "beach day" I would recommend driving down and paying the few bucks to park. We walked it one day, while the walk there wasn't that bad, the walk back UP hill was tiring and HOT - plus we didnt pack any water like fools and were so tired when we got back. The Manuel Antonio nature preserve was a great place to explore one day and we had fun hiking around and checking out the beaches there. We did a canopy tour one afternoon that the resort helped set us up on. Some tours only had 5 platforms and the one we went on had maybe 20? I'll look to see if I can find the name of the tour company. Hmm, what else? Went deep sea fishing one day - didnt catch any fish but came across a huge pod of dolphins which was amazing. We found some awesome restaurants when we were there as well. The restaurant that they used part of an old plane was good (think it's on the Costa Verde website). The whole inside of the plane was a bar/dancefloor. Very cool. Also ate at a great place called Chelsea's (?) We were there in March and had great weather. Not sure how it is in July but March it was plenty hot and sticky. Not sure if that will change your mind on location at all but something to consider. You may also want to see when the rainy season begins since, afterall, most of Costa Rica is in a rainforest It is a perfect chill spot though. We drank a lot of beers, played a lot of cards and had a great time!

What part of Costa Rica is it? We were in Manuel Antonio/Quepos about 8 years ago - WONDERFUL vacation! Stayed at the Costa Verde hotel and had an amazing time. We looked into CR for the wedding but decided it would be a little too much of an "adventure" vacation for some (considering what we went thru to get to our hotel from the airport in San Juan). I am a little jealous you are headed there for your wedding We choose Aruba this upcoming March, and have about 25 people booked so far!
 

Originally Posted by smille50 

Well first of all congratulations!!!  My fiance and I are getting married in Costa Rica at the Flamingo Beach Resort and Spa in February 2011. They have an awesome wedding planner that has been great.  Just an idea!  

30 more minutes : home with my fiance!

Hi Marisa -

I am getting married on March 7 at the Renaissance Resort. Can't wait! Now that the snow in flying in MN I am even more excited about the trip than a few months ago.

You are correct, this thread has been REALLY quiet lately, which I think is strange. Are people not going to Aruba?!

Happy planning!

Ann

Location found! Date set!

Renaissance Aruba Resort - March 7 - yippee!!

Mmack -

Yes! We will have some children at the wedding, ages 6 and 2 for sure, could be more kids but I am not sure yet. Can't wait to spend the week with my soon-to-be niece and nephew! I have been with my fiance for 11 years, so a DW was the way to go. Got the 2nd batch of invites in the mail today - who would have guesses it is Veteran's Day (thus, no mail!). We have 60 invites out to 120+ people and are hoping for a max of 40. It could get out of hand, but so far the important ones are booked (us, siblings, parents, closest friends). I am finally sleeping at night! Hopefully we are able to get some comp nights for the number of rooms we will have!

We haven't done anything about photographer - is it strange not to have one? My brother in law has a great digital camera and it pretty talented taking candids of his kids. Maybe will just get some good ones of us and the reception after. I am about as easy going as they come with this wedding stuff. I see some things and think "really? people do this?" HA!

How are your plans going???

The Renaissance has an all inclusive option as well as the "European plan" (not all inclusive). This is one reason we chose this spot. My finace didn't want all inclusive, but I thought it would be nice to have if guests would be more comfortable with having it. It's nice that each guest can choose what they want to do and isn't forcing something on those who may not prefer it. We just got our confirmation of our date from the Renaissance, and invites go out on Monday!

Renaissance wedding = BOOKED!

I sent in my deposit last week for the Renaissance for a March 2011 wedding - still waiting to get confirmation before we go ahead and book our flights and send invites. I would like to connect with other Ren brides, however it seems the Aruba Chat Thread is SUPER quiet these days! If you're out there, let me know!!

Best,

Ann

I just saw on Oriental Trading Company online they carry star fish in a variety of sizes for pretty cheap. Might be purchasing some as table decorations!

Did you pick your location? We are planning on the Renaissance for our wedding - just need to get the deposit sent in but are waiting to hear back from the WC on one more number. Eee!
 

Originally Posted by angel3379 

Thanks everyone!!!  From what I've read so far, this website is extremely helpful!  I changed my wedding date from Sept to June 24th, 2011.  We're are looking at 3 different places - Renaissance, Westin, and Radisson.  I'm leaning towards the Renaissance since it has the private island.  I'd love to talk to other brides who have gotten married here.  I'm planning on about 100 guests and from what I've seen so far, the prices seem kind of high. I'm going to visit the resorts in October, but I'm getting nervous that I need to book my date before my visit.  Any thoughts? 

Sam2011 - how did your visit go? We are super-close to booking the Renaissance for next March. Just need one more number then we can send in our deposit.

A great time: dinner out with the girls

Hi Jenn!

I did hear back from the Ren. I was caught in a communication-love-triangle with the Ren and my TA which was not making anything any easier. I ended up calling there 3 weeks ago to be sure the date we wanted was still open, then emailed my info. Didnt hear back for 2 weeks, then I called this Monday. I talked to Juney the WC directly and resent the email. He said they had been having IT issues, but he was able to provide me with an estimate about a half hour later. I realize now I need to buy a calling card the next time I call down there, since on TMobile it was about $10 for 5 min call!

We just have to figure out a few more details and I am hoping to send in our deposit no later than next Monday. I am so anxious/excited/nervous to be taking this step. It's been kind of like an out-of-body experience for me since I have been waiting for this for so long. My fiance and I have been together for 11 years and just got engaged at the end of May. Crazy that in about 5 months we will (finally!) be married! Whew.

My friend is a wedding photographer and has traveled all over the world - Germany, Peru, Italy, all over the US. He did a wedding at the Ren in '05 and said it is absolutely the best place for a DW. After hearing this from a very dear friend who has all this experience, we made our decision to go with the Ren.

Good luck with planning. Stay in touch - it would be nice to have another Ren bride to talk to - bounce ideas off of and compare notes! I try to check in here at least once a day, so I should be around. :-)

Best,
AC
 

Originally Posted by arubabeachbride 

Hi,

I've started planning our Nov 2011 wedding for the Renaissance and was hoping to connect with some brides who are also getting or who have gotten married there. We are just starting the process of getting pricing from our travel agent.

 

AnnCam2011 did you hear back from the Ren yet? Are you booking your wedding with the resort before telling your guests or at the same time? You must be getting so excited.

 

Thanks,

Jenn

 

I believe it is by PL. I tried on a few other dresses that were pretty, but didnt really feel like a wedding dress. Even though we are getting married on a beach, I still wanted something that felt like a true wedding dress.

My dress: (ps I love how flighty the model looks!)

My dress is ivory. I really liked the top with just a little beading, and that it laces up the back. It has a small train, which I am going to have (and wear) bustled. I want to find a simple veil - I assume ivory would be best??

Ahh - that's right. Sorry, I saw that in an earlier post - whoopsie I am waiting for confirmation from the Renaissance for our wedding next March. Sitting on pins-and-needles waiting for them to get back to me so we can get the ball rolling with invites and other plans. Tentative wedding date is 5 mos from TODAY so I am anxious about getting things settled!

I may be using some of these reception/dance songs to add to my work out playlist! Thanks!

Hat0112: are you getting married at the Renaissance??

Oooh good idea! She would be a good one to put in charge of little items for OOT bags. Hmm.... *wheels turning*