This New Hampshire couple had a sun-kissed weddingmoon at a resort that kept the party going for their two-week stay.
-AS SEEN IN BRIDAL GUIDE MAGAZINE-
"We always knew we wanted a destination wedding," says Nicole Bradford of her happily-ever-after daydreams. And she, along with her groom, Michael Bradford discovered their social media perfect setting after visiting the Caribbean island of Aruba with family. "It only took that one trip for us to determine beautiful Aruba, and the Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino specifically, was where our big day would be," she explains. In addition to consistently sunny skies — "certainly makes for beautiful wedding photos!"—Nicole and Michael chose Aruba thanks to its vacation-ready vibes and overall safety. Say the couple, who spent two weeks on the island: "It was an unforgettable event."
Nicole, her groom and their guests spent a lot of their down time at the main pool, which is large, picture-perfect and has lots of seating. "You could find us and our guests throughout the trip enjoying the weather and the swim up bar," she says.
"We hosted a welcome party in the adult pool area. The team at the Marriott completely transformed it into a beautiful venue for our family and friends; a number of our guests ended up in the pool!
On the Go
Exploring the island was top on the couple’s to-do list. They, along with many of their guests, got their hearts pumping on ATV excursions, tubing adventures and Jet Ski rides. A number of the activities were accessible from the hotel beach, notes Nicole, so friends could join as they pleased. The Jolly Pirate and Catamaran adventure was memorable thanks to gorgeous ocean vantage points, snorkeling, and flipping into the water from a rope swing, she says. "We had so many laughs!"
Pro Planning
A deciding factor for Nicole was that all her guests could stay at the same resort where the ceremony and reception were held. The couple also took full advantage of the on-site planning services. "The wedding coordinator, Duska, was absolutely essential in planning our wedding day," says Nicole. "We were very fortunate to be able to plan the events (welcome night and ceremony/reception) almost completely virtually. Duska listened to our vision for the wedding day and brought it to life for us! She managed all the behind the scenes items, which allowed us to fully enjoy our wedding day without any stress," she adds.
The Way Back
Before there were cars on Aruba, there were donkeys. And when the autos arrived, the former main mode of transport was left to wander the island. Decades later, and a near annihilation of the population thanks to crashes with their replacements, the Donkey Sanctuary was launched as a permanent home for the wayward animals. A visit to the untouristed organization is free; a donation gets alone time to pet, groom, hug one of the 130+ animals, and there is feed for sale, which is another fun activity. A comprehensive visitor center has educational videos, souvenirs and human food.
The flashy casinos of Aruba are a major draw for visitors. The gaming floor at Stellaris, with its rows of glittering slot machines, nearly 30 tables of poker, blackjack and more, is open 24 hours.
Legally Wed
The resort's wedding planner can facilitate the paperwork for a civil ceremony. Couples must present valid passports and apostilled birth certifi cates, and if applicable apostilled divorce decree or death certificate. A certificate of no impediment for bride and groom AKA a "negative statement of marriage," must also be apostilled, and no more than six months old. All must be sent to the Office of Civil Registry a month prior to the ceremony.
Travel Notes
In the Southern edge of the Caribbean Sea, where the tradewinds continuously kiss their glittering white sand shores that touch crystalline waters, stand the A, B, C Islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao), which are revered in large part for their location outside the hurricane belt. Celebrated for a calendar of endlessly sun-kissed days, never-ending miles of beaches, elevated resorts and glittering casinos, Aruba is the chain’s most welcoming. Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino offers all that and 141 superb accommodations all set on the edge of the aptly named Palm Beach. Check into this pretty property for a sun-drenched, action-packed sojourn. The outpost’s series of pools include the main one (a favorite gathering spot for Nicole, Michael and their guests) with its pool bar and cabanas and a serene, palm-lined adults only oasis. On the stunning beach there are all manner of watersports, yoga and HIIT classes along with yoga, Pilates, dance and other fitness sessions. Eateries are just as dynamic with options including toes-in-the-sand casual that’s best to view the sunset and the award-winning steaks at Ruth’s Chris (room rates start at $549 a night).
Wedding Details
- Venue: Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino
- Catering: Aruba Marriott Stellaris
- Wedding Planner: Duska Dirksz
- Photography: Steven de Cuba
- Bride's Gown: Enzoani
- Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka
- Makeup: Taryn Harrington from TLC glam beauty
- Hair: Sarah Kate Bradford
