Liz and Jeff's Destination Wedding on Flamingo Beach, Renaissance Island, Aruba

Liz and Jeff first hired us for an engagement session on Block Island. By the end of that afternoon they had told us their plan for a wedding in Aruba, and we knew we had to be part of it. Then we found out they were getting married on August 11, our own anniversary. How do you say no to celebrating that on a Caribbean island doing what you love?

We spent the week with their friends at the pool, the beach, the bar, the booze bus and countless dinners. The wedding itself happened on Flamingo Beach on Renaissance Island, opened with a round of shots, featured a surprise officiant, and ended with the two of them jumping into the pool in full wedding attire.

About Renaissance Island and Flamingo Beach

Renaissance Island is a private island of about 40 acres, a few hundred yards off Aruba's harbor in Oranjestad. Guests reach it by water taxi from the Renaissance Aruba resort, now called Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort. It feels miles from anywhere, with secluded coves and tropical gardens.

The island has two beaches. Flamingo Beach is the adults only side and is famous for its resident pink flamingos. Iguana Beach is the family friendly side. Couples can hold the ceremony on the sand, keep the reception on the island, and give guests a photo nobody else at home will have: their wedding party surrounded by flamingos.

What it is like to photograph a destination wedding in Aruba

Plan around the light, not the heat

Aruba in August is hot and sunny, exactly as Liz said. Midday sun is hard on faces, so we schedule portraits early or late and use shade, reflectors and off camera light when the timeline puts us in full sun.

Say yes to the adventure

Liz described our approach as "anything goes." On the island that meant climbing rocky shoreline for the right angle and, yes, encouraging a jump into the pool in a wedding gown. Destination couples usually want photos that feel like the trip, and that takes a little nerve.

Get to know the guests before the wedding

A destination wedding is a week, not a day. By the time Liz and Jeff walked down the aisle, we knew every friend group, which is why the reception photos feel like a party among old friends.

Liz and Jeff's wedding, in their words

When was your wedding, and why that date?

August 11, for the convenience of our friends.

What was the weather like?

Hot and sunny! Exactly what you'd expect in Aruba!

Where did you have your ceremony?

The ceremony took place at Flamingo Beach on the Renaissance Aruba's privately owned island.

What do you remember most about the ceremony?

I remember almost everything about the ceremony. The highlights were surprising our guests with our Justice of the Peace and good friend, Steve Darby. Steve, Jeff and I had discussed the possibility of Steve performing the ceremony the year before the wedding over drinks, but wanted to keep it a surprise. When it appeared that no one was going to be marrying us that day, Steve stood up for the job, and the looks on people's faces were priceless! Steve did such a wonderful job pulling in elements that were very "us," like little jokes, having us write our own vows, and even starting the ceremony off right with a toast. He did the most amazing job and we wouldn't have changed a thing.

I also remember thinking Jeff would be the one to break down during the vows, but it was actually I who shed the tears. My MVP and maid of honor, Carolyn McCutchan, was right there with the handkerchief in hand!

What was the funniest moment?

The looks on people's faces when Steve stood up to perform the ceremony! One of the groomsmen looked like he was about to tackle him to the floor to "save the wedding."

How did you make the reception your own?

Our wedding coordinator, Gabriela Garcia, was amazing! She surprised us with the light up "LOVE" sign, because she knew I liked "sparkly" things. We wanted a dance party all night long, so DJ Tino kept everyone moving with a mix of 90s and 2000s pop and hip hop.

What is your most vivid memory of the day?

At one point during the reception, we took a step back to take in the scene. All of our friends from different groups were on the dance floor, arms around each other, singing to each other, and having what looked like the time of their lives with people they had known forever. Seeing how much fun people were having and the friendships that were being created because of us was the most vivid and rewarding memory we have.

What part of the day would you do all over again?

We agree that the reception was the most fun part of the night. Everyone danced to the throwback playlist we put together and kept the dance floor packed the entire night, champagne bottles were sprayed, and everyone acted as though they were all the best of friends who had known each other for years (which wasn't entirely the case). There was so much love felt at that reception and it's a feeling I'll never forget!

Any regrets?

The only regret I have is that the cupcake table wasn't closer to everyone. Those were AMAZING gourmet cupcakes and I think most people missed out on them. I also regret eating most of the ones that were left after the wedding.

What was the most memorable part of your photography experience with Veils and Cufflinks?

What we love about Jerome and Jen is their "anything goes" mentality. Based on the work we saw in our initial meeting with Jerome, we knew we were in good hands and could trust his suggestions. Whatever we were told to do or wherever we were told to go (no matter how high or how rocky), we knew we had to do it to get the shot Jerome was envisioning. Everyone at the wedding loved having the Bragas around because they have a great way of fitting into the crowd and making people feel comfortable (and providing a ton of laughs). Booking them was one of the best decisions we made throughout the entire wedding planning process!

What was your favorite photo?

Jumping into the pool in our wedding attire!

Any advice for couples planning their wedding?

If you have the ability to do a destination wedding, DO IT. It's a beautiful vacation with your friends and family for several days, not just one day. In a lot of cases, it's less expensive than a local wedding, as well. It's definitely worth the look!

Planning a destination wedding in Aruba? Five tips from Liz, Jeff and us

Bring your photographer from home. We had already met Liz and Jeff on Block Island, so on the island there was zero warm up. Ask your resort about the rules for outside vendors early.
Start the ceremony with a toast. It set the tone for the whole night. Talk with your officiant about a moment that sounds like the two of you.
Keep the dessert table in the action. Liz's one regret was cupcakes stuck out of sight. Put food where the guests are.
Plan the welcome events. The days before the wedding are when friend groups merge, and they are full of great candid photos.
Pack a second outfit for the pool jump. Or do not. Liz and Jeff's favorite photo came from going all in.

Liz and Jeff's Aruba wedding vendors

Ceremony: Flamingo Beach, Renaissance Island, Aruba
Resort: Renaissance Aruba (now Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort), Oranjestad
Wedding coordinator: Gabriela Garcia
Officiant: Steve Darby, Justice of the Peace and friend of the couple
Photography: Veils and Cufflinks (Jerome and Jen)
Hair and makeup: Amanda Pepin
Gown: Mariella's Creations
Groom and groomsmen: Seccombe's Men's Shop
DJ: DJ Tino
Rings: Adiamor (bride) and Michael's (groom)
Engagement session: Block Island, Rhode Island, by Veils and Cufflinks

Aruba destination wedding FAQ

Where is Flamingo Beach in Aruba?

Flamingo Beach is on Renaissance Island, a private island of about 40 acres just off the harbor in Oranjestad. It is reached by water taxi from the Renaissance resort.

Can you get married on Flamingo Beach?

Yes. Liz and Jeff held their ceremony on Flamingo Beach, and many couples use the island for both ceremony and reception.

Are there really flamingos on Renaissance Island?

Yes. Flamingo Beach is home to a small group of resident pink flamingos, which is a big part of the island's appeal for wedding photos.

What is the weather like for an August wedding in Aruba?

Expect hot and sunny. Liz and Jeff got exactly that on August 11. Plan portraits for early morning or the hour before sunset.

Do you photograph destination weddings?

Yes. We are based in Connecticut and travel for destination weddings in the Caribbean and beyond. See our Royalton Punta Cana destination wedding and our Block Island engagement session.