We had one of the best vacations ever!!! The water is gorgeous blue, the sand was a pinkish white and the weather could not have been better. Lopesan in the Dominican Republic was beautiful, the service was impeccable and we could not get over how clean it was. It exceeded all expectations. Thank you for all your help. Sara you went over and beyond to make sure everything was perfect and that is what it was.
Photography - Demian Gibbs
I’ll start off by saying that photography was always the most important part of my wedding and I knew I needed the best of the best. Even back in December when we visited, my husband asked if I wanted to do a make up or hair trial, I said no, I want a photographer trial 🤣. At the end of the day when all the planning is over and you’ve danced the night away, pictures are all you will be left with. Believe me when I say this is not something you want to cheap out on!
We did an engagement shoot with Demian back in December and knew right then and there we needed to have him for our wedding! Him and his wife have an amazing ability to make anyone feel comfortable in front of the camera and are beyond professional and creative in their work. We did an adventure shoot before the wedding with them and our videographer and WOW do they know what they are doing! It was so much fun and while I didn’t get to see all the pictures yet, the few I saw are absolutely breathtaking. Mary Ann (Demian wife and partner ) was incredible, she had a vision for the shoot and I could see the creative wheels turning in her head during the shoot. 1000% recommend ! We can’t wait to go back to Aruba and hire them again for family shoots or really just to see them because they were so awesome!
Videographer - Little Island Stories
While I think the video attached speaks for itself, I’ll still leave a review because Sebastian was absolutely AMAZING! We came across Sebastian through our photographer Demian and let me tell you, these two work together like an absolute dream team! We got to know Sebastian in the months and weeks leading up to the wedding, he really took the time to get to know us as a couple and what’s important for us to be to captured. Similar to photography, video is not something we wanted to cheap out on, again it’s all we have left once the wedding is over and I’ll be honest, I’ve probably watched our teaser over 100000 times in the last week. pure perfection! Sebastian joined us on the adventure shoot, a group excursion and then the wedding. We wanted him to capture all the fun we had that week and not just wedding and we’re so happy with the outcome! We choose Sebastian because of his creativity, we didn’t want the typical mushy wedding video everyone has, we wanted something that was more us and having only viewed the teaser so far, I will say he 1000% nailed it.
Make up and Hair - Marta Collell
After stalking this group for weeks I knew right away I needed to have Marta as my make up artist. She was one of the 1st vendors I booked and I’m so happy I did (she gets booked out pretty far in advance). I did a trial with her a few days before the wedding and while I loved the look, it came out even more perfect the day of! As someone who doesn’t wear a lot of make up on an everyday basis I wanted a soft look but still bridal and she absolutely killed it! I felt like an actual princess.
Hair - I had Marta’s team do my hair. I did the hair trial a few days before the wedding as well. For the trial I did an updo ( everyone kept telling me I had to do an updo because of the heat and humidity) and while it came out beautiful it just wasn’t me. I decided the day before the wedding I wanted side swept hair (that way it’s still down). I was very nervous not having done this style in the trial and risking it for the wedding. What if I hated it? But it came out perfect! Exactly what I wanted! And yes the curls fell (it was an extremely hot day) but even fallen my hair still looked great.
Music - all booked though Rika and the Marriott
Ceremony - violinist, this gave the perfect romantic touch walking down the aisle. I honestly don’t remember much of it but heard so many great things from our guest! I walked down to “can’t help falling in love with you” and the bridal party walked down to “La Vie En Rose”. We booked the violinist for a full hour so she played music as gust arrived to the ceremony and took their seats as well.
Cocktail hour- saxophonist, again I don’t remember much of this and only walked by cocktail hour, but my guest said it was beautiful.
Reception- DJ Tino
Tino was great! We gave him a play and do not play list and told him to feel out the crowd. I don’t think anyone sat in their seat for the entire reception and after party! He killed it!
Excursion- Jolly Pirates
We rented out Jolly Pirates for our group, we had about 55 people come on the boat and it was WAY more fun than I expected! it was a great way to kick off the weekend and for everyone to get to know each other. Everyone was drinking and had a blast! Even our parents jumped off the rope swing 🙈
We brought some of our own liquor as we wanted a few very specific drinks, but other than that everything was included and perfect! The crew was amazing and the food delicious 😋
Rehearsal dinner - Azzurro
We picked Azzurro because it’s one of favorite restaurants when we go to Aruba and wanted to share with all our family and friends. We invited the whole wedding to the rehearsal dinner not just the wedding party and it was perfect! We were seated for sunset and had a whole section of the restaurant just for our party.
Day of food for bridal party- Picnics by Aimy
So happy we found this vendor! We got several boards for the bridal and grooms suite with homemade sangria. Everything was delicious and just the right amount to keep us satisfied before the big day!
Dress - Maggie Sottero
Bridal shop - Park Avenue Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses - Azazie
Groomsmen - Indochino
All in all the wedding week was PERFECTION!
Reception- We did the pool bar area for some privacy (additional fee) It was excellent. We had 30 guests so 5 tables of 6, everything was gorgeous.
Food- We had no diet restrictions so we did a sit-down dinner and verified with everyone ahead of time that steak would be the option, and our guests were fine with that. No additional fee for sit down private dinner if everyone orders the same thing. (Caesar salad, steak with veggie and potato, cake) I personally am an Italian from Long Island NY and food is my life, but it was great, no complaints from anyone!
Drinks- Bartenders were great except for when one bartender told me to have some water and I laughed at him.
Music/Photo- To the right of the tables was a dancefloor area and our DJ (on site) did an amazing job. We basically put together a list of must plays and he stuck to it. I can also send you that if you would like to peruse/ take. Used the on-site photo as well, no video. They were fine, but I would maybe do more research on outside companies. Also, maybe I just don’t photograph well lol.
Wedding Coordinator-was awesome. Keep in mind that communication throughout is via email, so if you are a control freak like me, this may be the time you learn to let that shit go! We opted for no additional flower archways or centerpieces bc expensive, but our wedding coordinators literally stole them from the wedding the previous evening, so we got our archway and centerpieces for free! P.S if you got married at the RIU on August 18th, thanks a bunch!
Hair/ Makeup- Hair done at the spa on site and boy did she deliver. She was a beautiful Dominican girl who listened to exactly what I wanted. Long waves with little braids throughout. However, kind of wish I listened to her when she said it is very windy maybe do an up do. I would recommend hair up, but I don’t love my hair up so if you opt for a down hairstyle, just know that the wind/ heat is a thing. Also did my makeup myself because I am alright at it (competition dancer my whole life), it came out great because I had a nice tan. Also, I got a full set of lash extensions prior so no stress on the lashes.
Dress/ How to fly with the dress – My dress was medium sized, I double garment bagged it, and put in the overhead bin. Jetblue. I had a steamer with me but didn’t even use because it was fine.
Guest list- Overall experience is hard to beat in paradise but I will say this. PLEASE be overly picky on who you invite as you are quite literally stuck on an island with these people and unlimited booze for the duration of your stay. This is your special time with your spouse, do not feel any sort of way if you choose not to include someone for your own mental wellbeing!
~Christina Evensen~ Aruba Destination Bride
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Sara Grimm
Independent Destination Wedding Travel Agent
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Sara Grimm
Destination Wedding Travel Agent
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Hi, I'm Sara! I am a full-service travel agent specializing in destination weddings and travel for families, groups, and honeymooners. Working for Vincent Vacations a top performing agency, we have relationships with hotels and travel partners all around the world, which means when you book a trip with me; you'll receive VIP treatment, the lowest prices available, and a worry-free vacation to enjo... Read More >>>
An expert luxury advisor with five star luxury travel packages. With a luxury travel company, Island Inclusive Resorts.
