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August Destination Wedding at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino

May 10, 2024

bride and groom at sunset on beach at summertime tropical island destination wedding at Aruba Marriott Resort and Stellaris Casino

Where to begin with Kayla and Andrew’s August Destination Wedding at the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino?! We photographed Kayla’s sister’s wedding a few years back, and when she asked about us photographing her tropical Summer island wedding in Aruba with a sailboat ceremony – it was a no brainer.

Schedule of Events

We arrived several days early to get acquainted with the Aruba Marriott and logistics. We had actually been to Aruba the previous year for a simultaneous birthday trip and shoot exchange with our videographer buddies. So the island was familiar to us! With a sailboat ceremony planned for the day of the wedding, we knew we’d be short on time for portraits. After getting to know the island the previous year, we just knew we’d have to go back to the Arashi Dunes for sunset portraits on a separate day with the couple!

Steve and I got the lay of the land and the general flow of how the resort operates. By the time Kayla and Andrew landed, we were fully ready with our plans! We took them out to the dunes on a gorgeous night (is there ever NOT a gorgeous golden hour in Aruba?!). It was a relaxing time for just the two of them to have some portraits alone without all the wedding stresses. Located just near the California Lighthouse, the terrain is simply different on this side of the island. Less beach, and more dunes and cacti. It almost looks like the Midwest of the US – or even another planet!

We then attended the welcome party in the lobby bar of the resort and got to catch up with some old faces and meet some new ones!

Next up was the rehearsal dinner, an intimate evening string-lit dinner on the sandy beach. The night before the wedding, close friends & family gathered for drinks, good food and some heartfelt speeches overlooking the ocean while watching the sunset.

Finally, on the day of the wedding we took some preliminary getting ready photos at the resort then we joined the guests as we departed from Pelican Pier to set sail for Kayla and Andrew’s ceremony. The couple did make things official privately at their courthouse ceremony in Jersey City the prior Spring. But this was finally the exchange of vows in front of more family and friends they’d been waiting for.

Vibe of the Wedding Day

“Tropical, as we are in Aruba! Its obviously going to be hot, so our guests are all in linens and maxi dresses, nothing black tie or too formal. The florals will be dark green leafy vibes and bright pinks and oranges. The same florals will be on the boat and at the resort. Ceremony and Cocktail will be held on a sailboat along Palm Beach & Eagle Beach. There will be an open bar and light hors d’oeuvres. The reception will be held [back at the resort] around a private pool. ” – Kayla

The following day after the wedding, we hung out with guests by the resort pool and in the ocean as we all recapped the day and shared personal stories. There’s nothing quite like getting to hang out with our couples and their friends & family in a setting like a destination wedding. It’s an experience unlike anything else. Congratulations again to Kayla and Andrew!!

Now scroll to see the photos!!!