Elopement | Hannah & Andreas | Barefoot Manta Island
Hannah & Andreas met 10 years ago after Andreas returned from a year abroad in Australia. They realised that they had been living in the same small village almost their entire lives. Andreas proposed on Hannah’s favorite beach on La Gomera, a destination she has been returning to since she was little.
After traveling a lot over the last few years across all continents, they wanted to travel to the South Pacific. When choosing the country to marry in, it was important to them that the marriage could be legally recognized at home in Germany.
We catch up with Bride Hannah on planning their elopement in Fiji:
Venue: Barefoot Manta Island Number of guests: none Where did you and your guests travel from: Germany
We chose Barefoot Manta Island Resort because it looked amazing to us in the pictures and seemed to suit or travel style best. Unlike the classic wedding resorts, weddings on this island are rather rare. We wanted a wedding in a beautiful setting and just the two of us. The resort also had to fit our travel style as backpackers. We don’t like staying in expensive 5-star resorts with pools and too much luxury. What is most important to us is a closeness to nature, lonely beaches and an authentic experience.
We did a lot of research online, including on Bula Bride. We also contacted the Ministry of Justice in Fiji, the registry office in Germany and the resort. We didn’t have a wedding planner, so we had to take care of the paperwork ourselves. The Bula Bride website was very helpful at the very beginning of the planning to get an overview of what was possible and thus narrow down what exactly we wanted. The FAQ pages with information on legal requirements, for example, were very helpful in the further process.
While in the usual wedding resorts a wedding coordinator takes care of everything, at Barefoot Manta we had to take care of the paperwork ourselves. This was possible thanks to the internet and contact with the various offices in Germany and Fiji. However, I would recommend that any bride-to-be plan ahead for the process for a few months. There isn’t too much to do, but answers from all authorities only come in Fiji time, which is why it can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking. But it is doable!
Getting ready
We like it simple and wanted to stay natural and ourselves. I did my hair and make-up myself, using the most necessary tools that I had in my backpack for the day. We practiced the hairstyle at home so my husband was able to help me with a few steps. We brought my dress with us from Germany. We packed well and made sure it was waterproof in our backpacks. We wanted light clothing that fits the location; to support this natural light beach look, we went without shoes and enjoyed the feeling of the sand under our feet.
Bouquet, boutonniere and decorations were organized by the resort. So it was a surprise package for us, but it 100% met our expectations. We picked the flower for the bridal hairstyle on the island that day itself.
Apart from the location, we didn’t know what to expect beforehand. We only met the celebrant shortly before the wedding and didn’t discuss anything else. So everything happened in the normal, casual Fiji style and we didn’t feel like we were working off a script.
The Ceremony
The wedding took place at the beach of Barefoot Manta Island Resort. There wasn’t a big set up because we wanted it to be simple. The resort staff chose a beautiful piece of beach and decorated it beautifully. We wanted it simple. Like just the two of us in paradise.
We started the morning with the drums announcing the presence of manta rays on the island. So our nervousness was distracted by the spontaneous and unique snorkeling with manta rays. And hey – who else starts their wedding day with a manta ray?
We felt in great hands throughout the day with the staff, who were enthusiastic with us. The ceremony was exactly as we wanted and accompanied by a great guitar player. Our bridesmaid and best man, also employees, were happy and celebrated with us. In the breathtaking location it was simply fantastic and much better than we could have dreamed of.
Photography
Anais Chaine was our photographer. We found her on Google and loved the pictures on her website and Instagram. After we made contact, our opinion was confirmed. Even before the big day, communication was excellent and she responded to all of our ideas and wishes. During the photo shoot she did a great job giving us tips and instructions. She motivated us to behave naturally and conjured up so many beautiful images that didn’t seem staged – which was very important to us. So much natural laughter and we didn’t feel uncomfortable for a second.
Anais had so many great ideas for pictures! In general, Anais was very nice and we laughed a lot with her and had a great time. The finished pictures arrived super quickly and we are more than happy with each one.
The most important thing for us was that the photos were authentic and did not appear staged. Lots of laughter and great landscapes.
We love the pictures. They show the day and our feelings, the good mood, so authentically. Anais also managed to enhance the already wonderful landscape even more.
The Reception
Since there were only two of us, there was no reception. In the evening the Barefoot Manta team surprised us with a decorated table and dinner in a private location on the beach.
After dinner we sat at the beach, had a beer and enjoyed the beautiful island.
Our highlights
Our highlight was the Barefoot Manta Resort and the staff there. Barefoot Manta exceeded all of our expectations in all aspects. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. All buildings, accommodations and paths are so beautifully integrated into nature without disturbing it. The beach where we got married was incredibly beautiful and it felt like we were alone on the island. The employees were extremely friendly. We felt directly integrated into the family. Since weddings are rare here, the staff also shared our excitement. The location was set up incredibly beautifully. Everyone gave so much to make our day wonderful.
array(91) {
["_edit_lock"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(12) "1725310045:4"
}
["_edit_last"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "4"
}
["flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "1"
}
["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc5633069"
}
["flexible_content_1_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1027) "We chose Barefoot Manta Island Resort because it looked amazing to us in the pictures and seemed to suit or travel style best. Unlike the classic wedding resorts, weddings on this island are rather rare. We wanted a wedding in a beautiful setting and just the two of us. The resort also had to fit our travel style as backpackers. We don't like staying in expensive 5-star resorts with pools and too much luxury. What is most important to us is a closeness to nature, lonely beaches and an authentic experience.
We did a lot of research online, including on Bula Bride. We also contacted the Ministry of Justice in Fiji, the registry office in Germany and the resort. We didn't have a wedding planner, so we had to take care of the paperwork ourselves. The Bula Bride website was very helpful at the very beginning of the planning to get an overview of what was possible and thus narrow down what exactly we wanted. The FAQ pages with information on legal requirements, for example, were very helpful in the further process."
}
["_flexible_content_1_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bda93306b"
}
["flexible_content_2_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "3"
}
["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc5633069"
}
["flexible_content_3_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(498) "While in the usual wedding resorts a wedding coordinator takes care of everything, at Barefoot Manta we had to take care of the paperwork ourselves. This was possible thanks to the internet and contact with the various offices in Germany and Fiji. However, I would recommend that any bride-to-be plan ahead for the process for a few months. There isn't too much to do, but answers from all authorities only come in Fiji time, which is why it can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking. But it is doable!"
}
["_flexible_content_3_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bda93306b"
}
["flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "4"
}
["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc5633069"
}
["flexible_content_5_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1031) "
Getting ready
We like it simple and wanted to stay natural and ourselves. I did my hair and make-up myself, using the most necessary tools that I had in my backpack for the day. We practiced the hairstyle at home so my husband was able to help me with a few steps. We brought my dress with us from Germany. We packed well and made sure it was waterproof in our backpacks. We wanted light clothing that fits the location; to support this natural light beach look, we went without shoes and enjoyed the feeling of the sand under our feet.
Bouquet, boutonniere and decorations were organized by the resort. So it was a surprise package for us, but it 100% met our expectations. We picked the flower for the bridal hairstyle on the island that day itself.
Apart from the location, we didn't know what to expect beforehand. We only met the celebrant shortly before the wedding and didn't discuss anything else. So everything happened in the normal, casual Fiji style and we didn't feel like we were working off a script."
}
["_flexible_content_5_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bda93306b"
}
["flexible_content_6_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "6"
}
["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc5633069"
}
["flexible_content_7_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(891) "
The Ceremony
The wedding took place at the beach of Barefoot Manta Island Resort. There wasn't a big set up because we wanted it to be simple. The resort staff chose a beautiful piece of beach and decorated it beautifully. We wanted it simple. Like just the two of us in paradise.
We started the morning with the drums announcing the presence of manta rays on the island. So our nervousness was distracted by the spontaneous and unique snorkeling with manta rays. And hey - who else starts their wedding day with a manta ray?
We felt in great hands throughout the day with the staff, who were enthusiastic with us. The ceremony was exactly as we wanted and accompanied by a great guitar player. Our bridesmaid and best man, also employees, were happy and celebrated with us. In the breathtaking location it was simply fantastic and much better than we could have dreamed of."
}
["_flexible_content_7_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bda93306b"
}
["flexible_content_8_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "4"
}
["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc5633069"
}
["flexible_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(347) "a:14:{i:0;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:1;s:7:"content";i:2;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:3;s:7:"content";i:4;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:5;s:7:"content";i:6;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:7;s:7:"content";i:8;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:9;s:7:"content";i:10;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:11;s:7:"content";i:12;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:13;s:7:"content";}"
}
["_flexible_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bbeb33068"
}
["select_vendor"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "1"
}
["_select_vendor"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5966138e6f820"
}
["addvertise"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "1"
}
["_addvertise"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5b8df0724eb32"
}
["_yoast_wpseo_primary_category"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(2) "10"
}
["_yoast_wpseo_content_score"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(2) "90"
}
["_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "1"
}
["select_vendor_0_select_vendor_category"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(2) "11"
}
["_select_vendor_0_select_vendor_category"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5966139c6f821"
}
["select_vendor_0_select_vendor_post"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(22) "a:1:{i:0;s:5:"17097";}"
}
["_select_vendor_0_select_vendor_post"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_596613ce6f822"
}
["addvertise_0_upload_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27814"
}
["_addvertise_0_upload_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5b8df08d4eb33"
}
["addvertise_0_ad_link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(67) "https://bulabride.com/fiji-wedding-photographers/anais-photography/"
}
["_addvertise_0_ad_link"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5b8df0af4eb34"
}
["_thumbnail_id"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27723"
}
["flexible_content_0_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27843"
}
["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_2_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27730"
}
["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_2_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27739"
}
["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27740"
}
["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27845"
}
["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27731"
}
["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27726"
}
["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27727"
}
["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27728"
}
["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27733"
}
["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27734"
}
["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27737"
}
["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27735"
}
["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27736"
}
["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27738"
}
["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_9_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1089) "
Photography
Anais Chaine was our photographer. We found her on Google and loved the pictures on her website and Instagram. After we made contact, our opinion was confirmed. Even before the big day, communication was excellent and she responded to all of our ideas and wishes. During the photo shoot she did a great job giving us tips and instructions. She motivated us to behave naturally and conjured up so many beautiful images that didn't seem staged - which was very important to us. So much natural laughter and we didn't feel uncomfortable for a second.
Anais had so many great ideas for pictures! In general, Anais was very nice and we laughed a lot with her and had a great time. The finished pictures arrived super quickly and we are more than happy with each one.
The most important thing for us was that the photos were authentic and did not appear staged. Lots of laughter and great landscapes.
We love the pictures. They show the day and our feelings, the good mood, so authentically. Anais also managed to enhance the already wonderful landscape even more."
}
["_flexible_content_9_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bda93306b"
}
["flexible_content_10_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27723"
}
["_flexible_content_10_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_10_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27724"
}
["_flexible_content_10_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_10_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "2"
}
["_flexible_content_10_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc5633069"
}
["flexible_content_11_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(284) "
The Reception
Since there were only two of us, there was no reception. In the evening the Barefoot Manta team surprised us with a decorated table and dinner in a private location on the beach.
After dinner we sat at the beach, had a beer and enjoyed the beautiful island."
}
["_flexible_content_11_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bda93306b"
}
["flexible_content_12_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27725"
}
["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_12_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(1) "1"
}
["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc5633069"
}
["flexible_content_13_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(677) "
Our highlights
Our highlight was the Barefoot Manta Resort and the staff there. Barefoot Manta exceeded all of our expectations in all aspects. It is one of the most beautiful places we have ever been. All buildings, accommodations and paths are so beautifully integrated into nature without disturbing it. The beach where we got married was incredibly beautiful and it felt like we were alone on the island. The employees were extremely friendly. We felt directly integrated into the family. Since weddings are rare here, the staff also shared our excitement. The location was set up incredibly beautifully. Everyone gave so much to make our day wonderful.
"
}
["_flexible_content_13_add_content"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bda93306b"
}
["flexible_content_2_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27732"
}
["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27742"
}
["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(5) "27846"
}
["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a"
}
["_wp_old_date"]=>
array(1) {
[0]=>
string(10) "2020-09-02"
}
}
×
Leave your details to go into the draw to win a $500 Sofitel Republik Night Club voucher
