Thinking about having an Intimate Wedding?? When I was little, I never dreamed of what my wedding would be like. I don’t know why. I guess I never had that princess wedding fairytale dream. And as I got older, I knew what I didn’t want – a big wedding. I don’t like being the center of attention, so having 150+ people all looking at me didn’t sound like my idea of a good time.

My husband and I travel a lot. Aruba sort of became our special place (you can read all about our love for Aruba HERE!). When the time came, it seemed only fitting to get married there!

Why We Had an Intimate Destination Wedding

We had an Intimate Destination Wedding because we loved Aruba, wanted to get married on the beach, and wanted to keep things low-key. Most importantly, we wanted to truly enjoy our wedding and our guests and not have to spend the whole day trying to split our time with everyone. Also, since we paid for mostly everything ourselves, we didn’t want to spend a ton of $$.

What We Did

We found a unique location that we loved as soon as we saw it – Aruba’s private Renaissance Island.

Only immediate family and our closet friends were invited to our wedding. We knew that many wouldn’t be able to make the trip. We ended up with 30 people at our wedding and it was perfect! Although we do regret not having a few key family members in attendance, there wasn’t much we could do at the time to change it (and we had to be ok with that).

We spent $$ on the things we felt were important – travel expenses (ours, not our guests), the venue, open bar, and a photographer. I had my bouquet made out of real touch silk flowers in advance and brought it with me and our wedding venue took care of everything else!

What I Would Have Changed

If I could go back and change things, I really wouldn’t change much except for maybe simplifying things even more.

I probably wouldn’t of had a bridal party – and not just because we lost touch with some of them, but because it just would have made things easier.

Back in 2009, light weight wedding dresses that were fitting for a beach ceremony weren’t as easily available as they are now. My dress was heavy. And I was HOT! Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED my dress, but I would probably choose something different if I were to do it all again.

Hiring a professional makeup artist! I did my makeup myself and I’m definitely NOT a makeup artist!

I’d nix the “At-Home” party. It was more work and another added expense. Our wedding in Aruba was perfect as it was.

That’s about it! I hear a lot of wedding couples say after their wedding that they wished they never had a big wedding. I can honestly say I’d do my wedding all over again in a heartbeat! The best way I can describe it was “magical.” Quality time was spent with each other and our guests. We danced, ate good food, drank, and truly enjoyed ourselves! THAT is what your wedding is all about – a celebration of your relationship!

Here’s that validation you may be needing! It’s OK to plan and have an intimate wedding! A destination wedding even! And I’d love to help. Contact me HERE or email alison@alisonmariephotography.com.