Instead of wedding favors, we chose to treat our guests to a sailing / snorkeling excursion aboard Mi Dushi. This was one of the best decisions we made! You can read the full review on the blog: http://www.ourarubawedding.com/2009/12/01/review-sailing-excursion-with-mi-dushi/
Mark Benson and DJ Randolph of Cool Pro DJs did a fantastic job of making US look like we knew how to throw a party! They did a great job of mixing in the eclectic music selections we wanted. The only downsides were that our last name was pronounced wrong when we were introduced and we had to hire them in full hour increments. (If we wanted 4.5 hours we had to pay for 5.) Still, I would totally recommend them. If I were to do it again I wouldn't even consider hiring anyone else. Read full review on the blog: http://www.ourarubawedding.com/2009/11/06/review-cool-pro-djs-mark-benson-and-dj-randolph/
Mark Benson also owns the lighting company and did a fantastic job. Lighting was pricey and wasn't a priority for me other than the fact that I wanted more sophisticated 'uplighting' rather than the floodlights Marriott provides. My husband insisted on going the extra mile with the lighting and I am SO GLAD he did. It really set the mood for our event. Read full review on the blog: http://www.ourarubawedding.com/2009/11/06/review-elite-productions-entertainment/
My biggest disappointment was the Mandara Spa. I had a disastrous hair trial the day after I got there, followed by a make up trial the next day that didn't go much better. Luckily the day of the wedding my hair turned out great! But, the make-up wasn't great - my photographer encouraged me to wipe much of it off and redo it myself. Read full review on the blog: http://www.ourarubawedding.com/2009/11/05/review-mandara-spa-bridal-hair-and-make-up/
We had a Welcome Party at the Marriott's La Vista Restaurant which got our weekend off to a fantastic start! They did a wonderful job and the food was awesome. Read full review on the blog: http://www.ourarubawedding.com/2009/11/05/review-aruba-marriotts-la-vista-restaurant-welcome-party/
I LOVED LOVED LOVED my wedding dress. Romona Keveza Collection RK829. It has the most amazing structure. I worried it would be too hot and our day turned out to be 90º and no wind. Still, I don't remember being uncomfortable even for a second (though I did have a slinky reception dress I changed into later). Here is a picture of me wearing it: http://www.ourarubawedding.com/2009/11/03/its-official-married-in-aruba/