Flamingo Beach with my Forever Person

Kristen Hord and Nicholas Conte from Coral Springs, Florida held their wedding on Aruba's Renaissance Private Island on the popular Flamingo Beach last June of 2016. Kristen and Nicholas go way back as the couple actually first met each other in elementary school!
Their love story was definitely meant to be, wouldn't you say so?

Choosing Aruba as Destination Wedding Venue

Kristen has a special connection to the island as she used to live in Aruba when she was 11 and 12 years old. During the couple's trip to the One happy island back in 2015, they decided to spend the day together at Renaissance Island and both agreed right then and there on their destination wedding venue...

"When we saw the flamingos and found out that we could have the entire island to ourselves for our ceremony and reception, we knew this would be the perfect venue for our wedding," shares Kristen.

Her Wedding Dress

Kristen's dress was made by Anna Maier-Ulla Maia. The bride radiates elegance in her ivory gown adorned with gorgeous lace detailing and her hair curled in soft waves covered by a sheer and flowy veil. Her beautiful statement hair accesory of crystal flowers completes the simply romantic look.

 "I chose the dress because the soft lace detail reminded me of the ocean's waves. It was light enough to wear all night long without feeling hot or that I need to change into something else. The Aruban breeze definitely helped keep me cool while dancing at our reception!," the bride recalls.

Since Kristen used to live on the island it was very important to her to include memories of her time while living there, so the couple was fortunate enough to have Kristen's middle school teacher officiate their beach ceremony!

 Unique & Personal Touches

Special details included flamingo touches such as the wedding cake topper, napkin rings (made by the bride), groom and groomsmen's socks, and the colors chosen for the wedding (blush pink).

Another personal touch incorporated into the couple's wedding day, was the groom's boutonniere which included a photo of his sister who passed away 6 years ago. This was a special way to honor the memory of Nicholas' sister and to share the day with her.

 Final Notes from the Bride...

"I would like to thank all of our family, friends, and our amazing photographer Alan for making the trip to Aruba to celebrate our special day with us. It made us feel extremely loved and supported as Nicholas and I began our journey in life together".

The Details

• Number of Guests: 35
• Ceremony location: Flamingo Beach Renaissance Island
• Reception location: Iguana Beach Renaissance Island
• Officiate: Mr. John Wardlaw
• Flowers: Shar's Flowers
• Décor: Renaissance Island
• Photographer: Alan Phillip Photography
• Videographer: Ingmar Maduro
• Wedding Cake: Emmy's Cakes
• Wedding Planner: Angela Hagedoorn
• Hair: Danielle van der pool (Cuozzo Studio for Hair)
• Makeup: Marta Collell
• DJ and lights: DJ Tino
• Ceremony music: Nel Scholten (Steel Pans)
  
  

Best wishes to Kristen & Nicholas in their new chapter as husband and wife!
What was your favorite part in today's beautiful real wedding story?
Let us know in the comments section below :)