1. Real Weddings

A Casual Beach Destination Wedding at Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino in Oranjestad, Aruba

Rachael Lanman (28 and a program consultant) and Bryan Knops (30 and a banking consultant) first met as neighbors in Chicago and became engaged on Chr

Rachael Lanman (28 and a program consultant) and Bryan Knops (30 and a banking consultant) first met as neighbors in Chicago and became engaged on Christmas Eve after six years of dating. The couple spent their next year planning a bohemian beach destination wedding accented with neutral hues. “After vacationing in Aruba in December 2014, we knew we found something special. We both felt the magic of the island and couldn't wait to have our family and friends experience it with us!” says Rachael. Inspired by the natural setting, the couple let it serve as the main decor. Rachael and Bryan exchanged personal vows under a white fabric-draped bamboo wedding arch decorated with ivy, white hydrangea, orange and pink roses as well as orange stargazer lilies as a close friend presided over the service. After their custom ceremony, all went to the Renaissance Aruba Resort and Casino for an outdoor palm tree-line reception and cocktail hour. Rachael and Bryan decorated the space with white fabric-covered tables, white chairs, candles and low floral centerpieces that include white hydrangea, white, pink and yellow roses, lilac stargazer lilies, baby’s breath and eucalyptus. The reception ended on the dancefloor as the couple and their 65 guests enjoyed a night of dancing to a custom playlist. “The dance party inspired a spontaneous limbo, with a little touch of music festival silliness - glow sticks!” says Rachael.

Rachael complemented her ivory drop waist Yolan Cris wedding gown with a bouquet of orange and lilac stargazer lilies, orange roses, eucalyptus, white orchids and orange calla lilies.
Curled Down Hairstyle and Sapphire Engagement Ring
Embroidered White Wedding Shoes on Blue Carpet
Beachfront Aruba Destination Wedding Ceremony
"We let the island itself inspire us," says Rachael. They were wed under an ivy, orange, pink and white rose and white hydrangea accented wedding arch.
Rachael walked down the aisle in an ivory lace Yolan Cris wedding dress with a tiered skirt and dropped waist. She paired the look with an elegant headband, simple jewelry and white flats.
For a personal touch, the couple shared their own vows and had a close friend preside over their custom ceremony.
Rachael and Bryan’s First Kiss
“We knew long ago that we were destination wedding kind of people!” says Rachael. “We don't like to be tied down with logistics or minor details so the idea of a wedding, cocktail hour, dinner, and dance party on the beach was ideal for us.”
“We wanted everyone to be as cool and comfortable as possible,” says Rachael. The couple’s groomsmen wore white shirts and khaki pants, which complemented the bridesmaids’ lace detailed neutral dresses. All were barefoot for the beach ceremony.
Bryan stood out from his groomsmen with a blue shirt and white ranunculus boutonniere.
Rachael and Bryan’s Beach Reception
Each round white linen-covered table was met with a display of candles and low floral centerpieces composed of white hydrangea, white, pink and yellow roses, lilac stargazer lilies, baby’s breath and eucalyptus in clear glass vases.
As music lovers, Rachael and Bryan picked each song for their ceremony, reception and cocktail hour. The night was filled with dancing and included an impromptu game of limbo.