My husband and I were married in Aruba on March 25th. After 13 weeks of waiting for our wedding documentation, we made the decision to go to the local courthouse today so we will have a piece of paper allowing me to officially change my name. We tried explaining to the judge today why we were already wearing our rings.

We are saddened and disappointed that it has come to this. When we returned from Aruba, people would ask us about the wedding and we'd say "It was perfect. We wouldn't have changed a thing." I must have said that a couple of dozen times. We were thrilled with all aspects of the event. But now this has tarnished that experience a bit. Sharing his name is a basic part of us coming together as a family and something I have looked forward to doing for a long time. I know it isn't what makes us a family, but it helps. It has been frustrating that I've been unable to do that because I don't have a piece of paper.

While I was relieved to see on this board that it wasn't just us having this problem, I felt sad for everyone experiencing these difficulties. And yes, I have followed up regularly with my coordinator, as well as my contact from our hotel. I have been told that it is a backlog on the government's part. But the fact remains that the wedding industry, as well as the tourism that comes with that, is a large part of the country's economy and helps to support that government.

Please - I'm not here to bash Aruba. We absolutely loved it and are excited to go back. I would be fine waiting this long for the documents if that was the expectation up front. But I was told 4-6 weeks, which seems to be the standard turnaround time under normal conditions. No one could have anticipated this. It is just sad that it has happened and has been so poorly communicated to those of us waiting patiently.

Lorrie
**LOVED my 1st trip to Aruba & can't wait to go back**

i am sorry too
your wedding in aruba took excessive planning, $$$$, and was exciting and fair tale like.
whoever was in charge of your paperwork/documentation undoubtedly made a huge mistake..

there is no excuse other than bureaucratic mess ups.

i am sorry that you had to remarry. gosh that sounds weird.

taking the flip side..............and putting some kick into it.............
you will certainly have a story to tell your kids why you have 2 anniversaries.
you will have 2 anniversaries, therefore more gifts?

again, i amm not making fun of the situation...just trying to make lemonade.

if paul and i were in your shoes, we'd be disappointed (BULL), frustrated and incredibly ugly aboout it.

you sound at least polite and not as stressed and mad as i woukld be

my sympathies for the hassle
my congratulations on your wedding (s)

remember 2 anniversaries, 2 gifts
and keep plugging away with the person that is delaying the documentation. he/she owes you 2 big time.

if aruba wants to keep up there as the #1 wedding destination, they have got to get their act together and do it right.

again, sorry for the troubles
andrea

Lorrie,so sorry to hear of the problems your having with your license.I'm going to Aruba in October and if you need someone to pick it up for you I would be more than happy to.Just remember two anniversary's two gifts..

I'm sorry to hear you had such a hard time getting your marriage certificate. I also wanted to let others know that this isn't always the case. We were married in Aruba on May 20, 2008 and had our translated marriage certificate in our hand on May 23, 2008. I give all the credit to Indira Maduro of Aruba Fairy Tales. She was our coordinator. She made sure the marriage certificate was translated and had the apostille certification all in time for us to take it home. I had no problem changing my name in the U.S. I have changed my name with social security, motor vehicle , my bank and haven't had a problem. I was a little worried about getting the marriage certificate before we returned home, but Indira assured us that she usually gets them back within 4-5 days. She was completely right. We had ours in three days. I just wanted to let anyone who is considering getting married in Aruba not to be discouraged. I think if you deal with an experienced coordinator you won't have a problem.

My apologies on behalf of the those that are at fault.

Bryan Morris

Aruba's Premier Wedding Photographer

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts.

We are past being mad about it. The funny thing is - we were actually married in Aruba twice. The date we chose for the beach ceremony was Friday March 21st - Good Friday. Since the town hall was closed that day, we had to go on Tuesday March 25th for that piece. So this Friday was wedding #3!!! I told him that neither of us could make the argument that we never intended to get married!

Lorrie
**LOVED my 1st trip to Aruba & can't wait to go back**

Hi Lorrie,

Does this mean attempting to get the translated certificate from Aruba useless?
If it makes sense tracking it down, I'll do it. Whomever your wedding planner may have been, City Hall should still have copies of your documents.

Regards,

Bryan Morris

Aruba's Premier Wedding Photographer

The most recent update I received (from last week) was:

Now he [Mr. Christiaans] promised me that he was going to have the messenger "sit" at the judicial office on Friday to wait till he can get the "real" person to speak to and hopefully come back to him with all the March, April and May certificates that we did not receive yet .. Again I apologize .. It's got nothing to do with you but from what I understand ALL the weddings from all coordinators from the last 3 months have been experiencing this delay ..

Lorrie
**LOVED my 1st trip to Aruba & can't wait to go back**

Hi Lorrie,

Can you PM me your names and the exact date of your wedding?
As soon as I have this info I'll go and see Mr Christiaans himself.

Please send this to me ASAP

Bryan Morris

Aruba's Premier Wedding Photographer

Bryan, What a nice gesture. You are so nice to offer to get Lorrie her marriage certificate. While I don't know the bride, I want to thank you for your thoughtful offer. This members, is what aruba is all about.

Cindyo

Girls at the Maid of the Mist- Toronto
Boat ride to Rennaissance Island
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