Dad really did know best

April 18th, 2017

When Raquel Alphonse and Ted Drougas decided to tie the knot, the bride-to-be knew she wanted a destination wedding.  “My dad’s favorite ‘paradise’ was always Aruba," shares the bride.  Sadly, Raquel’s father passed away two years ago, but choosing Aruba as the locale for her nuptials was a special way to honor his memory and share this day with him...

Aruba Destination Wedding | Beach Brides

Raquel and Ted arrived four days prior to the wedding.  It was the first time they had stepped foot on the island where they would celebrate one of the most important days of their lives.

Aruba Destination Wedding | Aruba Beach Brides

“It was beyond postcards…and not only is the island beautiful—
everyone 
is
 just so friendly and welcoming."
Raquel

Aruba Destination Wedding | Aruba Beach Brides

 Like most of our destination brides, Raquel did the majority of the planning long distance from her home in Boston.

“I chose Aruba Weddings 
For You as my planner because they were initially recommended by a friend who had used them,” informs Raquel.  “The entire team was phenomenal…they made the whole planning experience just wonderful, she adds. 

Aruba Destination Wedding | Aruba Beach Brides  
Raquel wanted a very romantic beach setting.  She chose a mermaid-style wedding dress with layers of pleated white tulle, and kept her color scheme simple and tasteful with touches of blush and gold. 

She brought some of the special touches and décor items herself, including the Chinese lanterns that adorned the reception. 

Aruba Destination Wedding | Beach Brides

Aruba Destination Wedding | Beach Brides

Aruba Destination Wedding | Aruba Beach Brides

THE MENU: 

Guests enjoyed a lavish Caribbean buffet that comprised a variety of salads including Caesar salad with focaccia croutons, tri-color coleslaw, and tomato and cucumbers with fresh dill.  Pan-fried coconut grouper, New York sirloins fresh off the grill, jerk chicken, and barbecue pork loin gave guests a variety of main course options, served with Caribbean rice pilaf and corn-on-the-cob. 

For dessert, in addition to the wedding cake, a dessert buffet was offered with sweet delights like carrot cake, apple pie with Chantilly cream, brownies, and cheesecake.

Aruba Destination Wedding | Aruba Beach Brides

THE WEDDING DETAILS

 Let us know how you liked Raquel & Ted's Aruba Beach Wedding
in our comments section below! :)

What our brides are saying

Aruba was not only our first vacation as a couple, but a place we both visited as children…additionally, both his parents and mine went to Aruba on their honeymoon…its been a meaningful place in our lives and seemed the perfect choice.
Sabrina
New York