Archive for October, 2010

A Simple Wedding at Magens

Wednesday, October 27th, 2010

Laticia & Walter after the ceremony.

Congratulations to Laticia and Walter from Memphis TN, now Irving TX. They recently made their eternal commitment on Magens Beach on an absolutely perfect day.  I Love Magens.  It has long been one of my favorite beaches on St. Thomas. It’s a great place for swimming, kayaking, and simply relaxing in the sun.  It is also a great place for a wedding whether it be grand with aisle, arch, chairs and a crowd or intimate and personal with just minister, photographer, and the random passer by as a witness.

This was a simple ceremony without cake or champagne, which was perfect, because for L & W, it was all about the Love and, of course, great pictures to share and keep forever.

Before the ceremony, I smiled when Walter mentioned this was the first time he’d ever been to a beach.  Well Walter, the fantastic Magens, the fabulous Laticia, and Marriage?  You certainly made it an unforgettable first time.  Thanks for letting me be a part of it.

All Photos © Ej 2010. Minister Rev. Jeffrey Neevel St. Thomas Reformed Church.  Wedding planning by Weddings the Island Way!

A calm Magens Bay with Outer Brass in the background
A beautiful couple reflected in the wet sand: a signature shot of mine!
An intimate ceremony with the Rev. Jeffrey Neevel

"It is Love!"

"Beautiful!"

"Congratulations Walter & Laticia!"

Aruba & Orange Flamingoes

Friday, October 8th, 2010

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel to Aruba to shoot a wedding.  Unfortunately, it was a really brief trip as I flew down on a Friday and left Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m.  Early Saturday, before the wedding, I did get a chance to explore a bit and take a few photos.

The bride and groom booked me in the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Orajenstad (really nice hotel room with terrific rates, by the way) so it was easy to get around Aruba’s renowned shopping district.  The hotel was not attached to any beach, however, like most of the resorts on the West shore which are 20-30 minutes from town.   Instead, the hotel has it’s own private island and a ferry / shuttle for their guests.   Rennaissance Island has 2  beautiful beaches, Iguana Beach and Flamingo Beach, and swimmers are protected from rough waters by man-made jetties.  And yes, there are Orange Flamingoes on Flamingo Beach.  Enjoy the photos!

It was a fun trip but way too short.  I can’t wait to go back with my wife which brings up a travel tip.  When looking on-line for tickets, about a month or so ahead of time, we found $35.00 one-way tickets on Spirit Air from Fort Lauderdale to Aruba.  That’s right: thirty five dollars each way.  The only caveat is that they only fly to and from Aruba on Saturdays. Which, oh my gosh, means you have to stay a whole week….. or two.  Enjoy the cheap flight and Have Fun!

-Ej

The Rennaissance Hotel Aruba

The Hotel Shuttle arrives at Renaissance Island every 20 minutes.

Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island Aruba. Great snorkeling along the jetty!

Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island Aruba

Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island Aruba

The Orange Flamingoes on Flamingo Beach Renaissance Island Aruba

An Orange Flamingo on Flamingo Beach Renaissance Island Aruba

Orange Flamingoes on Flamingo Beach Renaissance Island Aruba