For Jody and Darcy, their love story began with a chance meeting on a night out with friends. Thanks to a mutual connection between their groups, they struck up a conversation, exchanged numbers by the end of the evening, and met for dinner a week later. From that point on, they were inseparable.
The proposal was a complete surprise. During a dinner date on the 17th—a date Darcy loved to celebrate each month—he nervously handed Jody a card shortly after they sat down at their favourite restaurant. Inside was a simple question: “Will you marry me?” Alongside it was a pair of earrings, thoughtfully chosen because Darcy wanted Jody to pick her own engagement ring. Shocked but overjoyed, Jody happily said yes.
We catch up with Bride Jody on planning their wedding in Fiji:
The Planning
We chose Fiji for our elopement because we wanted to marry somewhere truly beautiful, and it also held special meaning for us as Darcy was born there. After researching a number of options, we fell in love with Koro Sun Resort. It offered everything we were looking for, and the stunning photographs of both the resort and previous weddings completely won us over. The team was also incredibly accommodating, helping us create a wedding package that suited us perfectly.
As we knew from the beginning that we wanted to elope, our planning started with plenty of online research, including many hours spent browsing Bula Bride. Once we had chosen our venue, the rest came together surprisingly easily. Since it was just the two of us, there wasn’t a great deal to organise. We arranged our wedding attire in Australia, while the wonderful Mela at Koro Sun took care of everything else, including all the paperwork, making the process completely stress-free.
Our inspiration came from a simple search for elopement ideas, but once we discovered Koro Sun, the venue really spoke for itself. The exceptional service and support we received throughout the planning process only reinforced that we had made the right choice. Bula Bride was also an invaluable resource, helping guide us and connect us with some truly amazing suppliers.
Getting Ready
The morning of our wedding was made special thanks to the wonderful Felicia who did my hair and make up, who was organised for us by Mela at Koro Sun Resort.
When it came to my dress, I hadn’t planned on wearing a traditional wedding gown at all. I was originally looking for something lighter and more casual, but fate had other ideas. While accompanying my sister to make a final decision on her own wedding dress, I unexpectedly found mine. Because Darcy and I were keeping our wedding a secret, I had to return to the bridal boutique another day to try it on properly. The moment I did, I knew it was the one. I also never imagined wearing a veil, but once we decided on a Fiji wedding, it felt like the perfect finishing touch.
My favourite part of the entire outfit, however, was my shoes—royal blue peep-toe Badgley Mischka heels that I ordered from the USA. They were my “something blue” and a detail I absolutely loved.
The Ceremony
Our ceremony took place in the rainforest at Koro Sun Resort, and it was truly magical. A local minister married us beneath the trees, surrounded by the most amazing flowers and the natural beauty of Fiji. We wanted a simple ceremony that embraced our surroundings, and that’s exactly what we got.
The wonderful team at Koro Sun organised everything for us, from the beautiful floral arch that we were married beneath to the private candlelit dinner we enjoyed after the ceremony. The flowers were put together by a talented florist at the resort who had an incredible eye for detail. I absolutely loved my bouquet and was so sad to leave it behind when we flew back to Australia.
As our wedding was just for the two of us, the ceremony felt incredibly personal. Before the wedding, we spent time writing our own vows. When we spoke them to each other, they came straight from the heart and held special meaning for both of us. Sharing those words in such a beautiful setting made the moment even more unforgettable.
After our ceremony we went on a private boat tour. It was just the two of us and the skipper. It rained while we were out but it was absolutely stunning! At the end of our private candlelit dinner, we had a celebratory drink at the resort bar.
The Photography
We found our photographer, Anais Chaine Photography, through Bula Bride and were immediately drawn to how natural her photographs felt. She responded quickly to our enquiries and was able to put together a package that perfectly suited both our needs and our budget.
When it came to our wedding photos, we wanted them to feel relaxed and authentic while also capturing the incredible beauty of Fiji. As we were staying at Koro Sun Resort, we were lucky enough to have photographs taken both in the rainforest and on the beach, showcasing the best of both worlds. Anais was so accommodating throughout the day and never felt intrusive—we hardly knew she was there while we were getting ready or during the ceremony. Afterward, her suggestions for locations and poses were absolutely spot-on, and we were thrilled with the results.
We absolutely love our photographs. Anais captured not only the stunning landscapes of Fiji but also our personalities and the emotions of the day. Every time we look through our wedding album, we’re transported straight back to that amazing time in Fiji and reminded of just how special our wedding was.
The Holiday
We spent two wonderful weeks in Fiji for our wedding and honeymoon. Rather than travelling around, we flew directly to Savusavu and stayed at Koro Sun Resort for the duration of our trip. It was the perfect place to relax, celebrate, and soak up everything Fiji has to offer. Looking back, one of the biggest highlights of our wedding was simply being able to get married in Fiji. It’s such a beautiful country, and we absolutely fell in love with Savusavu and its relaxed charm.
Advice for Future Brides
My biggest practical tip would be to pack a portable steamer—it came in incredibly handy for our wedding outfits! I’d also recommend doing plenty of research before you travel and booking key suppliers such as your hair and makeup artist and photographer well in advance. If you’re planning a destination wedding, don’t forget to plan for the holiday as well as the wedding. Fiji offers so many amazing experiences and beautiful places to explore, so make sure you schedule some fun activities after the big day. It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate, unwind, and make even more special memories together.
