array(115) { ["_edit_lock"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(12) "1670122884:4" } ["_edit_last"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["_yoast_wpseo_content_score"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(2) "30" } ["_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "3" } ["_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(0) "" } ["flexible_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(297) "a:12:{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";}" } ["_flexible_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bbeb33068" } ["select_vendor"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["_select_vendor"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5966138e6f820" } ["addvertise"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(0) "" } ["_addvertise"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5b8df0724eb32" } ["_yoast_wpseo_primary_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(2) "10" } ["flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_1_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1169) "

GETTING READY:

My morning started with breakfast delivered to the room where the bridal party, mum, sisters and I all got hair and makeup done. We had a few bottles of Verve & Moet we had brought from Australia flowing to get the party started. Mana Island resort and Spa included 2 x room service breakfast so we used ours here so we would not bump into each other before the wedding. Alex had a very relaxing morning and got ready with his best man and family. All our family then went into Alex’s room and danced to some traditional Macedonian music. Hair & Make Up was done by Hair & Makeup Perfectionist Fiji. Ash and team were incredible, such beautiful, fun vibes which was perfect for any bride who may get a little stressed the morning before the big day. Communicating with the team was always good for a super quick response. I loved my whole look and thought that my bridesmaids and my family all looked perfect. My dress was from: Steven Khalil The Bridesmaids dresses were from: Tania Olsen The Groom & the guys wore: Bell & Barnett" } ["_flexible_content_1_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_2_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_3_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(683) "

THE CEREMONY:

Location: Sunset Beach, Mana Island The Wedding & Events Atelier Fiji (formally known as Grace Creations) provided set-up and decor. We choose a beach wedding with teal and white. I was really after some white roses and could not get them sourced locally in Fiji due to the season. I got artificial ones made up by Staging Wedding on Facebook and sent from Adelaide to Melbourne and brought them over to Fiji when we flew. We wrote our own vows. We than both read them to my sister Elise individually who could not attend the wedding to make sure they were similar in length and of a similar style.  " } ["_flexible_content_3_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "5" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_5_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1057) "

GETTING PHOTOS:

Our photographer was Ocean Studios Fiji. We chose Yoshi as he came highly recommend from another bride from Bula Bride that had the exact look I was looking for in photography. I wanted beautiful shots with the blue ocean in the background. They were all so perfect. I felt Yoshi captured each moment perfectly. I choose  Zoom Fiji for videography and they were so incredible. I chose them because they are the number one videography company in Fiji. Damien and team really went all out to make sure everything was running smoothly and find every solution for issues that arise even when it had nothing to do with the videography. I honestly can’t thank them enough, my video is so perfect, and the quality is amazing. I am so obsessed with all the photography and videography. I would highly recommend both Ocean studios and Zoom Fiji, I would not skip on either. The day really does fly past and being able to relive our special day brought tears to both our eyes. It was honestly magical.  " } ["_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(1447) "

THE RECEPTION:

We chose Teal, Gold and white with all the fairy lights for the reception. The Wedding & Events Atelier Fiji (formally known as Grace Creations). Did our fairy lights and centrepiece table décor. I bought brass cutler from Australia and had my Nonna Rina make my teal napkins. When choosing the venue for our reception the menu was extremely important as we are foodies. I discussed menu options with all venues well before making any decisions. Mana Island resort and Spa delivered on the perfect set menu. Our cake was made by Mana Island resort and Spa, it looked beautiful. It was the perfect teal colour and it had some flowers around it. I brought the cake topper from Australia as requested by the resort. The guests said the cake was nice. We had a 5-piece band with MC, Polynesian dancers and fire dancers by Future Sound Entertainment. They were incredible! I highly recommend them. I found them from a Facebook video and fell in love with Matereti’s voice. I cannot recommend them enough; they delivered the best music and entertainment. The fire show was a highlight and I love the photos we got with the fire dances in the background. We ended the reception with a few traditional dances where guests picked up Alex and his dad on their shoulders and danced. The bridal party and guests jumped in the pool fully clothed.  " } ["_flexible_content_7_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "8" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_9_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1362) "

Pre & Post wedding activities

Pre Wedding,  we organised a welcome drinks at Mana Island resort and Spa the night we had all arrived.  We had 5 canapés per person and an open bar tab for a few hours. Post Wedding we hired a catamaran with Coral Cats to come and take us around the islands and snorkel and we also stopped off at Musket Cove for Lunch.

YOUR ADVICE FOR BRIDES PLANNING A FIJI WEDDING:

1. Relax: There is honestly so much planning that goes into a wedding something WILL go wrong. Just have the best time and try not to let it upset you. There were so many hiccups on our day and things that didn’t go to plan, we just let it go and really enjoyed the moment.
2. Make sure if you get married on an island you keep in mind to budget for all the cost of the videographer/photographer/band members/fire dancers/ hair and make-up artists/decor’s travel to and from the mainland and accommodation if they are working after the last ferry off the island.
3. If possible, do a hair/make up trial while actually in Fiji. I had done one in Australia but didn’t think of what the humidity would do to my hair.

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