Friday, July 20, 2012

Destination Wedding Aruba: A Dream Beach Location

Words by Courtney Kellar

Words by Courtney Cox

Alex and Lisa had only one major “must-have” when it came to their destination wedding location: a beach. Everything else beyond that was simply a bonus. “I have always wanted a small wedding on the beach,” says the bride. “Simply put, the beach is my happy place. The sound of the water, the warmth of the sun, the feel of the sand on your feet, the colors of the sky, sea and surf – it just doesn’t get any better than that.”

The couple’s strategy was quite ingenious in deciding what beach would be the beach. “We did some research and asked a bunch of people about the best beach they’d ever been to,” says Lisa. “We heard the best things about Aruba, so we chose that island. I knew I wanted to have both the ceremony and reception in the sand, have a little bit of privacy, be able to stay in the same place for the honeymoon and be in touch with someone at the venue since we’d be planning from afar.”

Thankfully, the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort met all of these requirements. Once their location was chosen, the couple was happy to be hands-off. The bride, a self-professed “indecisive perfectionist,” was happy to leave the major planning to Bucuti’s wedding planner, Nashette Wouters. “Compared to a traditional wedding, I think planning our destination wedding was easier and less stressful,” recalls the bride. “We didn’t have to worry about visiting a bunch of venues, trying to meet with different caterers and all the other steps along the way. Once we selected the Bucuti as our location, most of the decisions as far as vendors, were already made for us. We got to focus on the details of the specifics for the beach set-up, menu and so on.”

The only other thing the couple was adamant about, aside from their beach setting, was that Concept Photography be the ones to cover their wedding. “They shot a friend’s wedding and that was it,” says the couple. “We didn’t waste time looking at anyone else. We offered up three dates, only one of which Jason and Sara still had available, so we booked them…everything else had to go with that date. If you know what you want, book it!”

It seems as if everything fell into place for Alex and Lisa. Hopefully the same will happen for you in planning your destination wedding. The couple has some final words of advice to help you achieve the wedding of your dreams, “Don’t compromise on the things which mean the most to you, just look around until you find the right fit. Also, take advantage of the help offered to you. Smile, laugh and always remember how you felt during those few special hours.”

Vendors:
Photographer: Concept Photography
Wedding Planner: Nashette Wouters
Ceremony/Reception Site: Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort
Florist: Shar’s Flowershop
Gown Designer: Bari Jay
Groom’s Clothing Designer: J. Crew
Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Clothing Designer: David’s Bridal/J. Crew