When my sister first got engaged she told me that they wanted to do a destination wedding. My thoughts at first were a little uneasy! Image 100 people you know on vacation together, flying with a wedding gown, tuxes, all your wedding items, favors, meeting vendors through the Internet and unsure of how it will all turn out all seemed a little too overwhelming to me.
I had a traditional wedding, I got married in a church had 300 guests at a country club in New Rochelle. So when I think of weddings I relate it to mine, so it was hard to relate to my sister's when she said she wanted to do this. We all went along not sure what the outcome would be...there were date changes and vendor changes that gave my sister second thoughts about what she wanted to do!
When she finally booked it and finalized a date we all were pretty excited about it. It was something new, and different. At first it was hard to help her plan, pick menus, flowers etc...when we could not envision the hall, food, island.
But with that all said it was a really cool, easy, unique, amazing experience. Forty family members and friends all stayed at the same resort, we partied every day, we gathered together on a private island to witness two people who we all love dearly exchange vows to love and honor one another on a white beach, with the ocean two feet from us. Best of all my husband, daughter and I were all in the wedding, our close family and dearest friends were all there, and I finally got a chance to see Aruba!
The wedding was amazing. We took a private boat to a private island. They exchanged their vows while flamingos were walking around the beach. I loved how you could hear the ocean in the back ground. Their pictures look like they came out of a magazine. We danced in the white sand, surrounded by palm trees and we all; bride, groom, wedding party and guests ended the night dancing in the ocean, with their tuxes, gowns and all under the stars.
So for all of you out there who are engaged or are thinking of getting married keep all options open and best of all do what works best for you! My sister and I both had equally amazing weddings but completely different from one another. I am proud of her for taking the initiative to do what made her happy, it was an amazing and unforgettable experience for all of us!
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| Aruba September 25, 2010 |
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| Jess & Pete |
