Jeff & I had a surprise in store for our guests, no one, not even our parents knew our secret!  For our first dance, Jeff and I did a choreographed foxtrot to Harry Connick Jr.'s "It Had to be You"!      
     We had secretly taken lessons at Rigsby Jig Dance Studio.  We took a total of five lessons, which started 2 months prior to our wedding day.  It was our little date night and it's something that we'll remember we did together, so not only was it pure entertainment for our guests but it was quality QT for the fiance and I!  And not to mention an unforgettable first dance as husband and wife! 

     Because the Sirrocco Lounge had a max of 50, we needed to get the most from our dance floor.  We couldn't have pulled this off without Patrick's help.  Ok I lied there was another person who knew, Patrick knew about our dance only cause he was trying to help us out.  We wanted as much dance floor space that the area could allow, not only for our first dance, but because I knew we had a group full of dancers!  So with Patrick's help, he tweaked the floor plan and our dance was executed perfectly!

     I can say now that the one regret I do have is not having a videographer, purely for this reason!  The darling husband and I opted not to have one thinking that we would never watch the video, but I wish I could see how we did during our first dance.  From what our guests have told us, it was great, but I guess we'll never know! 
     My father in law did get a partial video of it, but then scanned the room for people's reactions (all good by the way), but we didn't get a complete video.  Hopefully our photographers got great shots of our dance number!

     I remember my mom shouting, "That's my daughter!"  She was so proud of us, she'd like to believe that I got this talent from her!  Thanks mom for passing down the genes.

     We are so glad that we planned our first dance!  It'll be something we'll both never forget!  All the memories from our wedding night come rushing to my mind when I hear "It Had to be You!"  And sometimes I still try to get the husband to do it with me in our living room!  Truly unforgettable moments!

     Do you and your hubby-to-be plan on doing a choreographed dance or a traditional slow dance?

     After our heartfelt wedding ceremony, it was time for the guests to mix and mingle.  What better way to showcase Aruba's beaches & sunset than to host our cocktail hour on the beach (same area of our ceremony)!  So while the sun was setting, our friends & family enjoyed drinks, hor dourves, and the sounds of a caribbean steel pan player! 

     Jeff and I had the privilege of having a site visit last year while planning our wedding and we had the opportunity to have a food and cake tasting.  We preselected our cocktail hour hor dourvers and they were delicious!  We chose the chicken satay, shrimp with mango relish served on a spoon, chilled beef tenderloin on foccaccia, & conch fritters.  Though Jeff and I tried the appetizers during our site visit, we didn't get to enjoy them during the actual cocktail hour, but I know everyone else did. 

     During cocktail hour the hubby & I were having our own wedding shoot and so did everyone else!  Here are some of my girls, aren't they beautiful with their colorful dresses and sun kissed tans!? 

     I'm glad that the bamboo arch had more use than us just using it!  We chose a simple bamboo arch without any floral decor, we didn't want to take away from the already beautiful scenery and besides being simple is just our style.

     You might be wondering where all the fellas are in the photos.  Where else but at the bar, right?!  All our guests enjoyed a fully stocked open bar.  From what I heard our bartenders weren't being greedy with the alcohol either!  So everyone was having fun and feeling nice!

     So while our family & friends were getting the party started, this is what the newlyweds were doing.  Here's a sneak preview of some of the shots our photographers took!  They really have an artistic eye and I can't wait to see the outcome of the pictures! 

     So our guests got to enjoy each others company while I enjoyed the alone time with my new hubby (and the photographers).  Did you enjoy your cocktail hour with your guests or did you have one on one time with your husband?

     I've been asked to post pictures of our cake, so I'll skip all the other stuff right now and fill that request (anything to help a fellow bride)!  Below is the inspirational picture of our cake that Jeff & I showed our wedding coordinator during our site visit last year. 
     Because I've heard horror stories of cake replicas at destination weddings my expectations for our cake wasn't very high.  Stepping into our reception, I was a little scared to see the cake table.  I was thinking I was going to see a hot mess!  I feel bad for even saying it cause I know you should have more faith in your cake baker, but when you haven't seen previous photos of their work, you just think the worst I guess. 

                                                     SOURCE

     The Westin's cake baker proved me wrong!  When I saw the cake table, I was in awe.  The cake looked beautiful and it was beyond my expectations!  The detail work was amazing, though this picture doesn't show it as well, it was gorgeous in person. 

     Here's a closer look.  The fondant was imprinted with a floral design (it's kind of hard to see in this photo, but believe me it was gorgeous) and then garnished with real seashells.  The flavors we chose were chocolate cake with dulce de leche (bottom tier), chocolate cake with vanilla custard (middle tier), & chocolate cake with chocolate custard (top tier). 
     The hubby and I had a cake tasting during the site visit and I remember it being very delicious, but to be honest, I didn't eat cake at our wedding (besides the traditional cake cutting & feeding moment).  I know, you're like "WHAT?" but I was having too much fun at our reception and there was no time for eating cake or even the macadamia pie that was served after dinner!  But I did hear from some of our guests that the cake was really yummy! 

     So after the reception was all said and done, the top layer of our cake was delivered to our room.  I didn't realize that the waitstaff saved it for us to enjoy together, what a sweet gesture!  Again, we still didn't eat it!  Jeff was so determined to get this home in one piece to devour on our 1 year anniversary!  Sometimes he can be more sentimental than me (one of my favorite traits), so I agreed just as long as he was the one carrying it! 
     The cake made it home safely and is now wrapped in tons of plastic and foil wrap in our freezer!  The thought of eating cake a year old doesn't sound appetizing, but I guess I can do it for the sake of tradition! 

     In the end, we were both very pleased with the work that was done and it got me wondering why I was even worried in the first place!  Just makes you think that we should all have a little faith and if it doesn't work out the way we hoped for, just let it go-no biggie, minor detail for the BIG DAY!
     Were you surprised with your cake outcome?  In a good way or bad? 

     Another anticipating moment occurred last night, when my BFF called me last night frantic!  When I finally answered her call, she yells, "What took you so long to answer the phone!?" 

My response, "I'm watching a movie with the boo!  What's wrong?"

"Your wedding photos are posted on Scott Hayne's blog!  The link just got posted to your Facebook!"

Of course my reaction was pure excitement with lots of screaming!  So I quickly paused the movie and got on the Hayne's website!  I then got off the phone with the BFF so I can enjoy the moment with the hubby!      OMG...I got teary eyed looking at the photos and reliving the moment all over again!  I'm so in love with the pictures and just so impressed with how our BIG DAY was captured!  Our amazing photographers, Hayne Photographers, always leave me speechless!  I can't describe in words how these pictures make me feel and can you imagine this is just a sample!!  I can't wait to see the rest of the photo gallery, I know that I'll probably gush into tears and maybe even cry a river!
     See what I mean!  This picture below was taken when I received Jeff's wedding gift and letter!  He wrote me the most amazing letter and just talking about it gets me choked up!  I love that man with all my heart and I'm utterly happy he will be mine forever!

     This is one of my favorite pictures!  I love how they caught my love crying as my parents walk me down the white sandy aisle! 

The beautiful scenery of Aruba will never let you down!  This was taken while the sun was setting behind us!  Not only was the sunset gorgeous, but so was our wedding party!

Our wedding day has just been the most memorable part of my life thus far and seeing the rest of the photos will just make my heart jump for joy!  Check out the blog to see more amazing wedding photos!
                               Wedding Day in Aruba 

If you haven't already, check out our Trash the Dress session too!
                                    Trash the Dress

Enjoy the pictures and let me know which one leaves you speechless!

     The sky was the prettiest blue, the breeze just right, and the day couldn't have been more perfect for our eventful WEDDING DAY!  The Lord works in mysterious ways, considering the unexpected rain & lightening we endured the day before during our Trash the Dress session!  He also tested us when there was a power outage on the whole island!  Yes, that's right, the power went out as my bridesmaids & I are waiting for the elevator to meet everyone beachside.  I was almost tempted to take 15 flights of stairs to meet my hubby to be because nothing was going to stop me that day!  Luckily, the Westin's generator kicked into high gear.  And with all the excitement, the power outage didn't phase any of us, not even me, and for a bride to not be stressed about that, says a lot, maybe it's the whole Aruba mentality of "One Happy Island!"  Well lets just say, that motto worked for me the whole time we were there.
      Now down to business, we had our ceremony on the Westin's beach property, keep in mind, this is a public beach and there were a couple on-lookers, but we didn't mind the attention!  I have to say, I love that the Westin is the first hotel on the high rise side because the beach is usually less crowded (partly due to not having a neighbor hotel), which was an advantage for our ceremony.  I noticed with the other hotels on the high rise side, their beach properties seemed cramped and busy. 
     For those brides that hear its windier at the Westin, don't believe it.  I'm sure it depends on the season (it was really windy in August during our site visit), but it was perfect for our wedding day!  I wore a veil and had my hair down during the ceremony and the wind wasn't an issue for me at all.
     Here are some pictures of the ceremony setup as well as cocktail hour setup.  The bar was located where the palapas are and the steel pan player we had for the ceremony was under the tree!  

     Because our ceremony was on the beach, I thought it would be cute if I added a simple DIY project just to let our guests know how relaxed our ceremony is, so sit back, kick your shoes off and enjoy!

     All our guests met in the lower lobby of the hotel and were escorted to the ceremony by Patrick.  The steel pan player kept the guests entertained while they patiently wait for my arrival! 

     Though we arrived fashionably late (only like 10 minutes...it's the elevators fault), I made it down the white sandy aisle to meet my Mr. Right!  You might see a smile in this picture, but I was trying to hold back my tears as I saw my groom waiting for me, him already in tears!

     Our officiant, Greg Leyder, did an outstanding job!  He was so nice and his humor and sincerity was just our style!  Afterwards, several guests commented on how lovely our ceremony was because of his beautiful words and prayers.

     To make it all "official" (not really, just for keepsake purposes) we signed our marriage certificate along with our witnesses (our Matron of Honor & Best Man).  

     TIME TO CELEBRATE!!  Cocktail hour and ceremony to follow...stay tuned!

     I found out today from a co-worker that our wedding is featured on an Arubian website, visitaruba.com, how exciting is that!?  Out of all the weddings that were taken place on the picturesque island, they chose to feature ours!  I had no idea they were going to do this so thanks to my friend who was just surfing the net for her next vacation spot. 

     See on the right side under Latest Aruba News... Jeff & I are that Virginia couple!  Eekkss, we're famous, well not really but we're very flattered!  So check out the site to read a little wedding excerpt and see a couple of our wedding pictures!
                                       OUR ARUBA WEDDING
     Oh yeah and they featured our Welcome Dinner at Aqua Grill as well!  Aruba LOVES us just as much as we love them!     
                                       OUR WELCOME DINNER
     Did you come across any good surprises after your wedding?

     I'm a MRS!!!  It truly was a wonderful weekend, full of family and love!  It started Thursday evening when our parents came into town, staying up late chit chatting about our excitement!  Our ceremony was very small, 13 people in attendance (our parents, my sissy and niece, Gigi-Zoe's other grandmother, our Godparents, my BFF & her hubby, and our marriage mentors showed up too! 

Father Dan did an amazing job!  He got me crying during our homily, he's so good!  After the homily, Jeff & I said our vows, Jeff started crying then it got me crying, then soon after, EVERYONE was crying!  The words are so powerful that it just touches your heart!  We made a promise to each other that we will uphold for MANY YEARS TO COME!!

Father Dan pronounced us husband and wife, and here was our FIRST KISS as newlyweds!

                     Introducing MR. & MRS. MADRIDEJOS!!

Thanks Father Dan for everything!  You made this an unforgettable day!!  Here we are with our marriage license...we're legal now!

                              It's a beautiful day to get married!

Check out our new bling!!  I have to be honest, I'm not wearing my new bling yet, cause I don't want it to get scratched for the real ring photo shoot in ARUBA!

Sometimes being traditional isn't so bad!  Jeff actually carried me through the threshold of OUR HOME!  Doesn't our face say HAPPY all over it!

So now that part one of our wedding celebration is done, we can't wait for part two!!  Sharing it with ALL our friends and family in ARUBA, 2 weeks left and counting!

Did you have small ceremony before having your BIG DAY with everyone else?