Category: Photography Story

Jennifer & Adam

Posted on by Sigmar Sommer

Jennifer & Adam

Jennifer & Adam

For Jennifer, it was his kind, hazel eyes. For Adam, it was her infectious laughter and smile. But that romantic click didn’t happen right away. Jennifer and Adam first met in band class in high school when  Jennifer was a freshman flutist and Adam a sophomore saxophonist. It wasn’t until two years later, when one of Jennifer’s friends had a crush on Adam, that Jennifer developed a crush on his as well (those hazel eyes!) and eventually mustered up the courage to ask him out. Fifteen years later, the two sealed the deal on the beautiful shores of Palm Beach at the Aruba Marriott Resort, surrounded by over 100 family members and friends, and our Aruba Wedding team had the immense pleasure of capturing all the special moments of their destination wedding in Aruba as their wedding photographer and videographer. Adam attributed the large number of guests to Jennifer’s ability to so easily attract people to her, given her fun-loving, charismatic nature, which we witnessed firsthand. But Adam undersold his own part in bringing so many people together to celebrate their wedding in Aruba. His hotel room was indeed filled with good vibes and positive energy as our wedding photographer shot all the guys getting ready for the beach ceremony.

Speaking of the beach ceremony…it was the bohemian beach wedding of Jennifer’s dreams, with a wooden octagon arch decorated with white flowers and wispy pastel pampas grass, set in the sand against the azure Caribbean Sea backdrop. The understated wedding colors, slate blue and gray, kept to the natural, bohemian vibe, with just a few fun touches thrown in, like the groomsmen handing out beers to the guests left and right as they walked down the aisle.

We especially loved the speech given by Adam’s little brother and best man, Matt, who shared that during Adam’s college days, he would come home during summer breaks and play video games late into the night in the attic with him. But every night at 11 pm sharp, Adam would pause the game to call Jennifer to talk to her and wish her sweet dreams. (Yeah, he’s a keeper!)

Jennifer and Adam’s “semi-nude” cake also kept to the bohemian theme, and we captured some great shots of Jennifer playfully smearing some icing on Adam’s nose in the wedding video. But the moment that really took the cake was when Jennifer stopped halfway through the father-daughter dance with her dad to invite her sister, Michelle, to finish the dance with her dad since Michelle didn’t have the chance to dance with her dad at her own wedding. Tears were flowing during this heartfelt moment—our own team even got a bit teary-eyed.

Based on the laughter and love we witnessed at their beautiful destination beach wedding in Aruba, as you can see yourself in their wedding video, we’d venture to guess that Jennifer and Adam have a long, loving future ahead of them. We feel honored to have been part of their incredibly special day to provide them with a wedding video they can cherish forever. Congratulations, Silbermans!

Agata & James

Posted on by Sigmar Sommer

Agata & James

Agata & James

On August 21, 2017, James pulled up to Sandbar Island in Lake Norman in a boat with his friends, hoping to be in a special place to experience the expected solar eclipse, dubbed the “Great American Eclipse.” They arrived just as another boat was pulling up, and that’s when James laid his eyes on Agata for the first time. For James, Agata stole his attention and eclipsed everything else that day. Five years later, on June 25, 2022, the couple officially tied the knot on Aruba at the Hilton Aruba Caribbean Resort & Casino among a small group of loved ones, all eager to celebrate the couple’s love and devotion to one another. Our team was honored to be there to capture this very special part of their love story.

With Agata originally from Poland, the majority of her family was absent, except her mother and sister. Both mom and sis helped Agata get ready for the big day in the quiet, intimate setting of their hotel room. The understated wedding preparations reflected Agata’s demure nature, and also gave her the perfect chance to take a peaceful moment, which we captured on camera, to read out loud the beautiful letter that James wrote her. Likewise, the groom’s preparations were equally quite private and intimate. James lovingly helped the couple’s son, William, to get ready for the ceremony. He also received a letter and gifts from Agata, which he took the time to enjoy during an emotional moment.

The Hilton’s clean elegance and classic beauty were the perfect match for this lovely, modest couple. The wooden gazebo arch, featuring a crystal chandelier, gorgeous flowers, and flowing gauze, backed by the azure waters of the Caribbean Sea, served as the perfect backdrop to the couple’s “I dos.” And what a gorgeous sunset! It started off a classic orange and yellow that eventually bled into pink and purple—the perfect backdrop for amazing wedding photos!

The couple chose a reception right on the beach at the Hilton, with the tables surrounding the dance floor. After heartfelt speeches given by family and friends, and the cutting of the stunning wedding cake, the couple and all their guests tore up that dance floor!

Our team clicked so well with Agata and James, which undoubtedly led to really exceptional footage. The couple also chose really nice music from our library, resulting in unique videos that we know they will enjoy for the rest of their new life together. Congratulations, Agata and James!

Minu & Phillip

Posted on by Sigmar Sommer

Minu & Phillip

Minu & Phillip

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.

Caleb & Kelly

Posted on by Sigmar Sommer

Caleb & Kelly

Caleb & Kelly

The Contact

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!

Melissa & Travis

Posted on by Sigmar Sommer

Melissa & Travis

Melissa & Travis

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.

We wish you joy and fulfillment forever.

Erica & Matt

Posted on by Sigmar Sommer

Erica & Matt

Erica & Matt

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.

Angie & Billy

Posted on by Sigmar Sommer

Angie & Billy

Angie & Billy

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.