Our Wedding @ Renaissance Island - Oct '09

[Keys2009]

We were just married this past October on the private island of the Aruba Renaissance Resort and Casino, known as Renaissance Island, and wanted to share our wonderful experience with others in hopes to help their wedding planning.

The Wedding Planner: Juney Jones - he was very professional, organized, and easy to work with. During those stressful days leading into the wedding, Juney and the staff were also very accommodating, patient, and overall just did a fantastic job the day of our wedding. Would recommend the Aruba Renaissance and Juney in a heartbeat.
Tip: I used a powerpoint with lots of pictures to help keep us on the same page and so I could share images with Juney that resembled what I envisioned.

Photographer: Summer Gibbs - the photographer was VERY important to me, so I looked for a US photographer with lots of experience with destination weddings. I recently received my proofs and what can I say, Summer is FABULOUS! She's very talented and a pleasure to work with. summergibbs.com
Tip: choose a photographer that you "vibe" with. It'll be a long day and you want to be comfortable around him/her. It'll show.

Overall Pros:
- We had a long weekend with friends and fam. Most arrived a few days earlier and left a couple days after, so it was more than a one day affair.
- Simpler by default in a good way. The place is beautiful. You'll only need small touches to make it more personal.
- Total cost. Those that really want to be there will be there.
- The feeling and freedom of having a reception on an island.. dancing around on sand.. PRICELESS... (We live in NYC. It was liberating!)

Overall Cons:
- It's an island. Not everything is readily available.
- Less control. Can't swing by and approve details prior.
- Shipping to Aruba is expensive. We took one extra suitcase of wedding-related items.
- Flights to Aruba are not cheap and there are not many direct flights.

Any regrets? NONE. It was the wedding of our dreams, saying our vows on the beach with the sun setting in the background. Thanks again to Juney and Summer for being part of our special day and lending their talents to make it all happen.

[Andrea J.]

glad that it was a great experience and that all worked out well.

were there any mosquitos on renaissance island during your wedding/recception?

welcome to the forum

[cindyo]

Thanks for the outstanding wedding report...I envision my two teen daughters getting married exactly there...I bet it was beautiful .
Congrats, post pictures if you can...cindy

[beth173]

That is fantastic and congrats! We are getting married there in may! Is there anything you would have done differently?? How many people were there?? What kind of music did you have? Thanks!!

[Sheree10]

Congrats to you and hubby! I'm another Renaissance bride from NYC and I'm so excited. I'm happy to hear that your wedding turned out the way you planned. Thanks for providing your feedback and suggestions.

[Jarubian]

Welcome to the Forum, and congratulation on your wedding. Glad to here Renaissance did a wonderful job for your wedding, that is a resort near and dear to my heart always.

[Keys2009]

Thanks everyone for your well wishes. To answer some of the questions:
1) Anything I would have done differently? Probably just relax more and enjoy the moment, but that is what everyone tells you and so hard to achieve as a bride. Def give yourself enough time before the wedding. We got there on Wednesday and our wedding was Saturday, and it just enough time I feel.
2) We had 28 guests total and it turned out to be like a long weekend with friends and family since most guests arrived Thursday and left between Sun and Tues. We were constantly surrounded by about 16+ people and it was just a blast. If you expect the same, set up dinners in advance to make it easier for everyone. #s can always be adjusted later.
3) There are mosquitos at sundown on the island, but the wedding planner had repellant handy, so I just recommend to make sure everyone puts it on before the sun sets. The mosquitoes go away again once the sun sets. Twilight is the problem.
4) For the music, we gave the DJ a list of songs in advance so he had guidance as to what we liked. I def recommend that since everyone's taste is so different.

[beth173]

Great advice!! Do you have any pics to share??

[Bella Vista]

Hi there - brand new to the forum but getting married on Renaissance Island in Oct 2010 and loved to hear the feedback on your recent wedding. Congratulations.

What time would everyone recommend having a ceremony to get off the island before the bugs get too bad? After speaking with a few people on my recent visit to the island, they indicated the bugs can be real bad in Oct, especially if it's been rainy (which I gather this Oct was not). We are shooting for a quick half hour ceremony from 5:30-6:00 and then leaving quickly afterward for reception.

Generally speaking, how is the weather in October? I typically visit in Dec and know that AM showers can be common but usually are short lived.

Any good recommendations for a location for rehearsal dinner? Likely will be about 25 people or so. Would Pinchos ever give us the whole restaurant or anything like that? Ideally we're looking for something on the water, but with private space. Also have given thought to the upstairs area at Fishbones, and the little "island" at Old Man and the Sea, but i think the area at Old Man may be too small. Alternatively, I know Ruths Chris has small private rooms. Any recommendations for other good restaurants that would be able to offer similar private space?

Sorry for all the questions...thanks so much for any input you all might be able to provide!

[Andrea J.]

welcome to the forum
the weather in october will be hot and chances are the breezes will be lighter than what you feel in december.
never apologize for questions. your questions are why this forum exists.

a nice rehearsal dinner spot might be Passions on the beach at Amsterdam Manor
or
the outdoor garden area at Tulip
or
Matthews at Casa Del Mar?

good luck and keep posting
andrea