We have ourselves a real-life Grey’s Anatomy going on here, people!
The Destination Wedding Edition, that is.
Meet Phillip, a dashing young doctor who had started a new job in a hospital in New Jersey. One day he received a call to run up to the ICU to assist a patient. While running in, he saw nurses working to keep a patient alive… one of the nurses in particular. So in control, hardworking..but hey, there was work to be done, right?! Luckily, the patient survived, and Phillip went his merry way, but he kept thinking about one nurse.
Phillip continued being called up to the ICU to save lives together with that particular nurse. Once, after assisting with a code, Phillip finally looked at the nurse and asked, ” Do you like pizza?” Minu, the nurse, had noticed Phillip from the beginning and was happy to accept the invitation.
Fast forward to February 27, 2021. After being together for a while and being engaged for well over a year, Phillip & Minu finally said their vows at The Ritz-Carlton Aruba for their destination wedding. You see, Aruba, much like the rest of the world, had this thing going on called the Corona pandemic, and many weddings were postponed, as was Phillip & Minu’s wedding. So we were really excited to finally capture their long-awaited wedding through photography and videography.
While Christopher explained a “love at first sight” scenario (“the first time I saw her across the room, with her side braid, she stole my heart”), the love that he and Katelyn have for one another is based on true friendship. Katelyn made this very clear when she so beautifully shared that she is marrying the love of her life, her best friend, her partner, and everything that makes her a better person. She added, “You have been my favorite part of every day, and I can’t wait to have more of those with you.”
As photographers and videographers, we strive to capture weddings in a way that truly reflects the unique relationship that exists between couples. For Katelyn and Christopher’s wedding, we knew that we needed to make sure to capture and showcase the deep, down-to-earth connection that these two lovely people—these best friends—share as they tied the knot in front of their friends and family on May 28 at the Divi Resorts, under the guiding hand of Divi’s premier wedding planner, Aruba Weddings for You!. Both Katelyn and Christopher are also very close to their families, which we also aimed to highlight.
The festivities began as both the groom and bride got ready with the wedding party in their respective rooms. The couple chose beautiful pistachio green and khaki as their wedding colors, which perfectly complemented the couple’s easy, laid-back vibe. The guys threw back a few beers wrapped in personalized beer cozies while the ladies had some fun of their own with some bubbly as they primped.
Dad’s first look was incredibly special. Katelyn had a beautiful gift for her dad—a handkerchief printed with words of love and appreciation for the “first man she ever loved.” We felt truly honored to witness and capture such an important moment between father and daughter.
The day could not have been more gorgeous, with the sun reflecting off the pure white sands of Sandpiper Beach. The couple exchanged their vows under a breathtaking wedding arch filled with white flowers, lush greenery, and wispy heather. A unity sand ceremony followed, representing the couple’s new union and their mutual vow to embark upon a new life together, no matter the challenges they would face.
We love that the couple chose to hold their reception right on the same beach where they just got married. We also loved the specially rehearsed first dances of the night, which took place under the gorgeous twinkling lights strung over the sand dance floor. Most of all, we were incredibly impressed by the sincere sentiments shared during the speeches given by the bride’s sister and the groom’s brother. It’s been a long time since we heard such an emotional, heartfelt speech given by the best man, and our first thought was, “This marriage is definitely going to work!”
We were truly honored to work with such a great couple with inspiring energy. We established a really amazing chemistry with both the couple and the wedding party, and that’s truly one of the most important keys in capturing incredible footage. Thank you, Katelyn and Christopher, for allowing us to be part of such an amazing day and for reminding us that love based on friendship is perhaps one of the best kinds of love there is.
Kelly and Caleb’s ceremony was first scheduled for September 2020, but due to security restrictions related to the pandemic, it was postponed exactly one year to September 2021. This allowed us to get to know each other better through constant communication, not only with them, but also with the wedding planners from Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort.
After learning that Kelly is a correspondent at Fox Business Network and a former Miss Massachusetts USA along with her many academic achievements, we knew she would make a beautiful bride and would plan an event in style. Likewise, we have Caleb, who works for the NBA as a Strategic Initiatives Lead in Global Strategy & Innovation, also backed by a big load of academic and athletic achievements. So this confirmed a few things: they are intelligent, good-looking, and determined; they know what they want and they are going to go for it all-in.
Indeed, the couple easily and in detail conveyed their wishes and expectations for the day of the event and for the photos that they wanted to get of their destination wedding on the beautiful Caribbean island of Aruba. Once everything was discussed, it only remained to meet in person and hope for the best…
Pre-Meeting (a few days before the wedding day)
Of course due to the pandemic, every situation was more fragile, and as if it were not enough, the wedding planners had to be present for the meeting by video call due to a threat of possible contagion, so the situation was more challenging than usual.
However, when this couple entered the door—in sports clothes, a little sweaty, hydrating themselves, and snacking on nutritional bars—we saw how committed they are to themselves and their healthy routine. We immediately felt admiration for them, and this admiration can be really inspiring when taking photos.
The meeting was a success—meeting in person allowed us to clarify every small detail. We realized the logistical challenge that that day required, so everyone’s collaboration and commitment was key to achieving our goals, like moving from one building to another and even from one island to another in a short period of time. Everything pointed to a new adventure full of excitement and love.
Wedding Day
The big day arrived and both wedding coordinators tested negative on their Covid tests; they were full of energy taking care of every detail with a big smile as they always do.
The photos began around 2 pm in the room where Caleb was dressing with his groomsmen. Sports on the TV, beers and drinks at the tables, a group full of energy where jokes and anecdotes were united with laughter. Meanwhile, in the girls’ room, loud music, makeup, and champagne were the norm. We easily detected the glee in the bridesmaids’ eyes and voices as makeup artist Marta Collell finished the details of Kelly’s makeup.
Following the the room shots was the first look. Caleb and Kelly’s father were waiting for us at the Renaissance Ocean Suites, but they still didn’t know the exact point where the first look was going to take place. We went to find them and placed them at one of Aruba’s greenest, most beautiful parks, Wilhelmina Park, and captured that perfect moment when Caleb saw Kelly for the first time in her dress.
And then there was the boat ride to the ceremony destination. The temperature was high, the waves crashed against the boat, and the colors of the day were popping with each passing minute. We arrived at Renaissance Island in style!
These guys thought of everything: one of their best friends was in charge of officiating the ceremony, and the flamingos mingled with friends and family as guests of honor (and of course they starred in occasional photobombing). The couple even had special cocktails with their names and their dogs’ names. As expected, the first dance showed the perfect synchronicity between the two lovers. Every detail spoke of Kelly and Caleb, and every smile showed the love they share with each of their loved ones.
Thank you for allowing us to share such a special day with you. We wish you the best, Kelly and Caleb!
Ladies!! Are you tired of waiting on your man to pop the question? Well, this was not really the case of Leticia and Paulo. The first three times Paulo proposed to Leticia, she was just not ready yet. When she finally was ready, she was scared Paulo had given up. Leticia, an assertive go-getter from Brazil, saw an advertisement from Aruba offering the chance to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Aruba for women ready to propose to their boyfriends, and she took it as a sign.
It must have felt like destiny calling when she was informed that she had won the trip. Experienced back-packers, Paulo and Leticia always look for new destinations and things to see. A surprise trip did not seem strange to Paulo, so the happy campers got on the airplane and went on their next adventure.
Being experienced wedding photographers and videographers, having captured many proposals, we got to take the couple out on a tour around the island and capture “whatever” would happen. Paulo and Leticia always try to find new experiences on a budget, and to Paulo, participating in a video/photo shoot didn’t raise any suspicion.
When we arrived at our first location, a secluded beach on the north coast of Aruba, it was H-hour for Leticia. She walked up to Paulo with the rings in hand, asked him if he would marry her, and Paulo took his sweet loving time to register what happened. Once he fully comprehended what Leticia was asking him—that she wanted to spend the rest of her life with him, breaking all convention and proposing to him—he couldn’t hide the emotions!!
It is more than acceptable for a man to shed a little tear of joy at moments like this, right ladies?
The Aruba Tourism Authority, the organizer of this all, wanted to stimulate women to propose to their partners, breaking with all conventions and encouraging women to take control of their lives. That is why we love this particular story. We don’t see this nearly enough. Most stories of proposals and engagements in Aruba are of men proposing to their girlfriends/partners. We are sure more women are out there, ready to take control and just pop the question. It is more than acceptable in this day and age, and we support it fully!
Side note…have you guys seen those rings? With a map of the world engraved on them?!?! Are you kidding me?? How fitting is that for a couple that love traveling, always on the hunt for their next adventure? Well, Paulo & Leticia, we wish you all the best as you embark on the biggest adventure of all!
Their love story began when Ralph used to wait outside Brooke’s math class during high school to sneak a kiss between classes. In the next 10 or so years, the love of these high school sweethearts matured and evolved into a truly beautiful relationship, and our team was honored to capture the day, June 23, when they officially committed themselves to each other in marriage.
These Long Island, NY, natives, both of Italian background, invited their families and friends to share their special day with them at Divi Sandpiper in gorgeous Aruba, with everything painstakingly planned and coordinated by the amazing team of Aruba Weddings For You.
From behind our cameras, we could sense how important family is to both Brooke and Ralph, and also how intertwined their respective families are, given the longevity of Brooke and Ralph’s relationship. We captured a beautiful moment when Ralph’s mom was reading a letter from Brooke that stated, “I’ve been your girl since 16,” as well as the moving words, “Today a wife, tomorrow a bride, forever your daughter.” It was moments like these that perfectly illustrated the strong love between the bride and groom’s families, with the couple’s own love at the core. Ralph and Brooke’s letters to one another shed more light on their love story as well as where their story goes next. They are both excited to start a family together, and in their words, “It starts today.”
The couple added special touches to their wedding that we featured in their wedding video, including the unity sand ceremony, as well as a moving memorial butterfly release in honor of Ralph’s late father. The Divi Sandpiper, as always, created the perfect setting for the wedding ceremony on the beach, followed by a beachside reception. After some really great speeches given by family and friends, the newlywed couple and all their guests tore it up on the dance floor.
Brooke and Ralph additionally chose to book our photography and videography island tour, whereby we took them to gorgeous island landmarks for even more amazing opportunities to build their story through photos and video. We took them to the quaint Civil Town House in downtown Oranjestad, as well as a few special spots highlighting Aruba’s beautiful and unique nature. We were really happy with how these shots turned out, as we were able to truly leverage Brooke and Ralph’s playful personalities against perfect backdrops.
Cheers to Brooke, Ralph, and their families, as well as the new family they will soon start together!
When you’re in the business of wedding photography and videography, you come across a lot of photographs and videos capturing all sorts of weddings, from simple yet elegant beachside ceremonies to extravagant ballroom affairs. You would think that the particular color scheme of the wedding or the ceremony décor or the choice of poses or even the weather would play a major role in determining the quality of wedding photos and videos, but you would be wrong. So what matters the most? The positive energy of the couple as well as their wedding guests…hands down.
Case in point…the Drobbins. We recently had the true pleasure of working with Travis and Elaine Drobbin from Hoboken, New Jersey, who chose beautiful Aruba for their destination wedding. From the moment we met them, our team clicked with this lovely couple. They exuded a warm, relaxed, down-to-earth energy that drew us in and made us feel equally relaxed and comfortable. This positive chemistry created space for mutual respect and trust, which is the backbone of any successful collaboration.
Not only were Travis and Elaine incredibly welcoming of our team, but so were their friends and family. We weren’t just documenting their celebration – we were PART of their celebration, allowing us to capture all those intimate, raw moments that often only close family and friends get to witness.
The fact that Travis and Elaine were so relaxed also ensured that they looked completely natural in the photographs and video. For them, their wedding wasn’t about creating the perfect moment, but rather about LIVING in the moment, which translated so beautifully in photo and film. It was this “living in the moment” attitude that had them all jumping in the pool by the end of the night!
Ultimately, the level of comfort and trust established between the wedding couple and our team is one of the most important factors determining how “successful” wedding photos turn out. Positive vibes almost always equate to fabulous photos and videos, no doubt about it. After all, this trust that we hope to establish on every shoot gives us the freedom to be creative.
During all the years we have spent as destination wedding photographers and videographers in Aruba, we have yet to experience rain during the ceremony. With over 300 days of sunshine recorded annually, located outside of the hurricane belt, and enjoying steady trade winds, Aruba is a sure bet for nice weather on your wedding day. This doesn’t mean it doesn’t rain in Aruba at all. On October 1, 2020, after that whole Covid lock-down, postponing the wedding, and postponing again, Alexi, Todd, and loved ones finally made the trip to Aruba for their destination wedding.
Expecting clear skies and sunshine, Alexi was not in a good mood when she woke up to see dark skies over our lovely island. The tone was set for the day. Stressed because of the weather, people were arriving late. You can only imagine. When we entered Todd’s room to take the preparation shots, you could see the worry in his eyes. What would Alexi be going through!? He was a caring man; he checked if there was a “bad weather option” for the ceremony. Here in Aruba, although we have never experienced a destination wedding ceremony indoors, almost all hotels do have the option to move indoors in case of bad weather.
After looking at the weather radar and speaking with people, Todd and Alexi took the risk to continue their destination wedding ceremony on the beach.
We then met up with Alexi for her part of the wedding preparation photography, and boy, she was worried. At this point, I told her that we had never had rain during the ceremony, and there is something about the Aruban climate so that it doesn’t rain around sunset. It is hard to explain, but I have never seen it occur.
At that moment, as if it was meant to be, the sun peeked through from behind the clouds. At this point, Alexi relaxed, and we could get some great wedding preparation photography done here. Doesn’t she look stunning in these wedding portraits?
Finally, when we headed down to the ceremony, the skies cleared a bit further. Things started moving smoothly. During her vows, Alexi told Todd that the hair-dresser that morning said to her that rain on your wedding day is a blessing because a wet knot is hard to untie; therefore, if you tie the knot on a rainy day, your marriage is hard to unravel.
Days after the big day, we met up with the happy couple once more to take a few bridal portraits in the Aruban countryside in a short “trash-the-dress” photo shoot. They looked like they could stand whatever comes their way, ready to face a lifetime together.
The wedding photography looks fantastic, and once again, we chalked up another dry ceremony, cementing the fact that in the years of experience we have as destination wedding photographers and videographers, we have never had rain during the ceremony.
Nature is a fickle beast, though, so please don’t hold it against us when you plan you plan your destination wedding in Aruba, and you have a slight drizzle during the ceremony…wink wink.
By the end of the crazy 2020 we got a request to do a wedding. Still overwhelm by everything that was happening and catching up with all safety measures, without knowing what was going to be for upcoming 2021, we decided to embark on a new destination wedding adventure.
Susan was our first contact, being the mother of the bride she really wanted to be on top of every detail. Our conversations where so easy and warm that it was clear for us the success that this event was going to be; The daughter Melissa, was determined not to postpone, the long-awaited date of her ceremony on one of the most beautiful beaches in Aruba. Meanwhile Travis was giving his entire support to his upcoming wife and of course to our wedding team.
After a couple of phone calls and a few emails we where all set, WE HAVE A DATE! May will be the month and the 7th the day.
Fast forward to May 2021 after vaccination and testing negative, we got to meet in person in Aruba Weddings For You office. That day was key to review every detail and understand how Melissa & Travis wanted their wedding pictures done. The cosy feeling and the chemistry between then let us know that the images where going to be amazing.
May 7th, 2021 Wedding Day – Partly cloudy, hoping for the best…
4:30pm
We started with photos at the room where Travis was getting dressed. The room was filled with joy, everybody was helping each other and at the same time making fun of themself. We where having so much fun that we didn’t realize about the time almost missing Melissa’s prep.
5:00pm
We got To Melissa’s room; music is playing, champaign bottles are being pop and the hectic feeling it’s all over. All the ladies are helping Melissa with jewelry, last hair and make up details. Between clicks and words we blended as part of the family and suddenly we where all dancing and laughing celebrating life and love while capturing unique images.
5:50pm
We are all set to go to the Sandpiper Beach at Divi Tamarijn. Both families show concern about the cloudy weather and how this is going to affect the Wedding photos and the most important, the sunset.
6:00pm
Ceremony starts, they even brought a cut out of their dog to be able to have all the love ones present in their unique destination wedding and yes, the sky it is full of scattered clouds but not cloudy, this translated into vibrant and unique sunset colors, like always happens here in the One happy island.
After the sunset pictures what is left aside is to share with your love ones and partying until the body endures.
Thank you guys for letting us tell your story and capture your wedding photos.
Erica and Matt’s ‘how we met’ story will renew your faith in the persistence of love. Matt first laid eyes on Erica when he visited a bar in New York she worked at years ago. After convincing his friends to return to the bar with him several times so he could see her, Matt finally worked up the courage to get her number. Matt’s high hopes were dashed when his texts to Erica were being ignored. Matt decided to visit Erica one last time at the bar to explain that he would stop messaging her, which is when they both discovered that something had gone amiss — Erica had not been receiving the text messages at all! Apparently, Matt had accidentally been sending the messages to another Erica on his phone! On that unexpected note, the couple started dating. Eventually, they moved in together. Eight years later they tied the knot … in Aruba!
A destination wedding is incredibly special, but Erica and Matt took it to the next level by saying their ‘I dos’ at Renaissance Island. A destination within a destination. The lush, 40-acre retreat is just a few hundred yards off of Aruba’s harbor — reachable by boat shuttle from the water launch at the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino. These few hundred yards away can feel like miles away from civilization, with secluded coves and tropical garden retreats dotting this private island. Wedding ceremonies take place on a private beach, closed off to other island guests. When it is time for the reception and all other guests have left the island, the couple and all their friends and family have the entire island all to themselves (except for the resident flamingos of course). It’s the perfect location for a truly magical wedding!
Weddings on the private island do come with some challenges from time to time. The boat ride to the island makes photography a bit trickier. On top of that, couples that get married on Renaissance Island are usually also guests of the Renaissance Hotel. For Erica and Matt this was not the case, they stayed at the RIU Palace, which posed an interesting logistical challenge. However, it wasn’t anything our team couldn’t handle with sound planning and timely execution.
Of course, nighttime receptions can be challenging due to the lack of light which makes it difficult for cameras to focus. However, Renaissance Island offers ample, cozy lighting after the sun goes down. Not to mention that our team is experienced in taking professional photos in a variety of light situations. It’s this seasoned experience that enabled us to beautifully capture the radiating smiles of both Erica and Matt as they danced their wedding night away under the stars. We feel truly honored to have captured the wedding of their dreams.
The reason to say get married in Aruba is different for each individual person. Sentimental value, the weather, picture perfect scenery etc. But, at the end of the day, what ever makes you decide to have your Destination Wedding in Aruba, You sure want to enjoy it right ? This goes for every part of the wedding, and let me tell you, Your Wedding Photographer is an important part of this ^_^
We totally understand that the bride and groom can often be quite stressed during the course of their wedding. Is the Wedding Photographer here yet? Is the food any good? Did we order enough liquor? Did the band arrive yet? Has one of the bridesmaids already run off with a groomsman? But Angie and Billy? Cool the Aruban trade winds.
On may 5th, 2017 it was time for them to say their “I do’s” and they could not think of a better place than the Barcelo Aruba Resort.
In the Pre-meetings to discuss the ins&outs of their Wedding Photography we did thoroughly discuss with them how the timeline influences the vibe of the day, They really wanted to have great wedding photographs without sacrificing too much time they’s otherwise spend with the friends & family. And that is what they got.
Angie & Billy where introduced to each other by friends. For Billy, it was love at first sight. He asked her out for a cup of coffee, and there was never any turning back from there. After only 4 months, he bought the ring—he’s a man who knows what he wants! But the Universe butted in and declared, “Not so fast!” Billy’s position as a Navy logistics officer required him to pick up and move from the West Coast to the East Coast, and the two lovebirds spent a while doing the whole long-distance relationship thing. Finally, Angie got a job on the East Coast, bringing an end to the long distance….and making it real. After sitting on that ring for 20 months, Billy finally proposed on a hot summer night. Billy started telling Angie about how much he loved her, but accustomed to the emotional outpourings of her sensitive Navy man, Angie didn’t expect a thing…that is, until he popped the question! Two long-awaited years later, they made their union official at the destination wedding of their dreams on the beautiful island of Aruba.
During the preparations of the bride&groom, it was clear… These people are here to enjoy their time with friends and family. No hussle and bussle, just smooth sailing and having fun. It helps when you look naturally beautiful or handsome ^_^ Everyone was smiling, making jokes having fun…non as much as Billy though. His personality really gets a crowd going. There is just no way you can’t have fun with this guy around.
Angie’s personality matches billy. I do have the feeling though that she balances things out with her organisation and slightly calmer demeanour. When we arrived in the room to capture the wedding photography of her preparations, everything and everyone was prepared and ready to shoot. No wonder everything went of without a hits !!
This is something that reflects in the wedding photographs too. You can see the happy faces, crazy poses, love and picture perfect backdrop that makes people dream of a destination wedding in Aruba.
