*The official Aruba Brides CHAT thread*

[McLecker]

Hi Aruba brides - my travel agent has suggested Occidental Grand Aruba as the resort for our wedding (november 2012). We are from Vancouver, BC so it will be a long haul to get there. Did anyone else look at Occidental in their venue search? We need it to be family friendly since we have friends bringing kids. Any feedback or suggestions on the Occidental that you can share would be greatly appreciated!!

[Kathie]

Hi ladies. I got married at the Westin Aruba in October. I never did a review - just haven't had the time. Jennifer Croes-Veeris (Jennive) did my hair and makeup and she was awesome. We did the trial the night before for the rehearsal dinner. After she finished I looked and the mirror and was amazed. I'm an older bride so I was a little worried about make-up. I looked great and the makeup she used was so natural, I didn't even feel like I had makeup on. My hair was great too. Definitely use her, she's a wonderful person too! Tell her Kathie said hi! 

[AshleyBrooke]

We are looking to get married in October 2012 and are seriously considering the Divi.  I would love to hear more about your experience in having your wedding there.

 

Thank you!

[kfady529]

Congrats!! What divi? I am getting married at the divi Phoenix beginning of April I will def be posting a review afterward. Happy planning.
 

Originally Posted by AshleyBrooke 

We are looking to get married in October 2012 and are seriously considering the Divi.  I would love to hear more about your experience in having your wedding there.

 

Thank you!

 

[AshleyBrooke]

We are looking at the Divi Aruba.  I've been there a bunch with my family, but never seen any weddings.  How are you finding the planning going?  Are you doing a band or DJ? are you getting married on the beach? are you doing the all-inclusive?  how many guests do you have?  (sorry...i'm just getting started, so i have so many questions!!!)  Let me know, thank you!!

 

Originally Posted by kfady529 

Congrats!! What divi? I am getting married at the divi Phoenix beginning of April I will def be posting a review afterward. Happy planning.
 

 

 

[debrose59]

Hello all! I was just recently engaged and we're planning a wedding in Aruba for Jan. 2013.  We are almost definitely going to book the Westin based on the guest rates that they quoted us.  Any reviews of the Westin? Suggestions for a beach bbq (in lieu of a rehearsal dinner) for the day before the wedding?

[traceysteve]

Love, love, love the Westin!! Darienne was amazing, she took care of everything. If you have any questions, PM me. Have fun, excellent choice!!

 

Originally Posted by debrose59 

Hello all! I was just recently engaged and we're planning a wedding in Aruba for Jan. 2013.  We are almost definitely going to book the Westin based on the guest rates that they quoted us.  Any reviews of the Westin? Suggestions for a beach bbq (in lieu of a rehearsal dinner) for the day before the wedding?

 

[kfady529]

This is very late but wanted to do a review on our Aruba wedding:

 

First and for most Aruba is amazing it was definitely the right choose. We used Aruba weddings by Bonny and had the wedding at the Divi Phoenix.

 

The Divi Phoenix was great clean, friendly, safe, and it is kind of all alone at the end of the beach so you never had to fight for a spot on the beach. The service at the restaurants were a little slow but it was ok.  The Divi Phoenix did an amazing job at the wedding they were definitely not slow that night they were right ion top of everyone at the wedding (in a good way) getting drink orders and what ever else. They were very professional and I didn't have to worry about a thing. The food was absolutely amazing,

 

Aruba weddings by Bonny. 

She truly did an amazing job she and her team work hard to make the day what you want it. They were out on the beach early making sure the area was clean and set up just right. My favorite part was the isle in the sand, I saw many other wedding while I was there and didn't see that once.  The hardest part is being so far away making all these decision and it was nice to see that all the pictures and conversations we had and shared really were conveyed the day of the wedding.

 

Tino was the DJ he was great, so much fun we didn't stop dancing the entire night. Only thing is he didn't play that many slow songs and when he did it was 4 in a row then all fast, but we didn't care we just kept dancing.

 

Winklaar Photography did the pictures  he did an amazing job, one suggestion I have is defiantly know what pictures you want before you go. I hate getting my picture taken so I didn't put any thought in to it and just wanted him to do what ever. He did an amazing job and knew great pictures to take but I definitely have seen some after the wedding of other brides and grooms and wish I did a little more research.

 

If you have any questions feel free to PM me. 

[jniccolai]

kflady - how many people were at your wedding?  thanks

Jenn

[agramigna]

Has anyone used Jason Margarita for photography? Booked him for my wedding at the Radisson in October.  They include hair and makeup with the package, wondering if anyone has used them also??  I'm a little worried about what type of makeup products they use.  Thanks!