Rowan & Shelby – Fiji Marriott Momi Bay

Rowan and Shelby met in October 2016 online. They chatted for at least a month before deciding to meet. After a few false starts (he likes to say that she stood him up – she didn’t!) and re scheduling they met for a drink in their hometown of Hobart, Tasmania and ended up talking for 4 hours. Shelby even called her best friend on the way home and told her her she was already in love and wanted to marry him! Since then they’ve been inseparable.

We catch up with bride Shelby to find out the details of her Fiji wedding:

BRIDES NAME & GROOMS NAME: Shelby and Rowan
THE DATE: November 9th 2019
THE LOCATION: Fiji Marriott Resort, Momi Bay.
THE NUMBER OF GUESTS: 13

We went to Fiji and stayed at the Marriott Momi Bay in December 2017 and fell in love with the place and the people. I had been to Fiji previously but for Rowan it was his first time. We knew as soon as we got engaged there was no question about where we wanted to get married.

We made contact with the hotel directly to start organising our wedding. We were taken care of by Inoke and Sala who answered all of our questions and went out of their way to make suggestions to help organise the day.

We booked all of our accommodation through MyFiji – My Travel Centre. We were unable to book a group rate at the hotel as we had such a small wedding and found great value through the packages that MyFiji offered. I used the Bula Bride website for research into photographers and hair & makeup. I really enjoyed reading about other brides experiences and I also found it really helpful when organising our documentation for our special license to wed.

Photography: Cheer Photography

GETTING READY:

We had breakfast together and then separated to get ready. The day was certainly eventful after torrential rain, an earthquake & followed by perfect sun for our ceremony!

I had the amazing girls from Totoka Hair & Makeup come to do my hair and make up. Everything was exactly how I pictured it. My dress was from Island brides in Hobart, Tasmania. The groom wore a mixed outfit from existing items from his wardrobe.

THE CEREMONY:

Location: The Point, Fiji Marriott Momi Bay

The staff at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay provided and set up the décor at the ceremony. The colours/themes we chose was a neutral white theme. Sala from Momi Bay organised the flowers from a local vendor for the ceremony as well as my bouquet and Rowan’s button hole.

We had a traditional Christian ceremony and minister. Her name was Tala and she was amazing. So kind. This was organised by Sala at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay.

GETTING PHOTOS:

Our photographer was Michelle from Cheer Photography. A friend had also married in Fiji many years ago and recommended Michelle. We did some research and read some reviews and saw her work. We were very impressed and after spending the day with her we were blown away. She made us feel so relaxed and it was fun. We didn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable.

We were blown away with the quality of the photos. They captured the moments perfectly and make me smile so much when looking back at them.

THE RECEPTION:

Location: The Fish Bar restaurant at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay

The staff at Fiji Marriott Momi Bay provided and set up the décor at the reception. We had a drinks package – beer, wine & soft drinks. Guests purchased their own cocktails if they chose. We had access to the full fish bar menu as it was such a small wedding. We had our own semi private area on the sand behind the bar with full access to the sunset.

At the end of the reception we all walked back to our individual bures together ending the night with hugs and kisses. When Rowan and I went back to our room the staff had run us a bath filled with bubbles and flowers. It was the perfect way to relax.

We spent the next 7 days with family and our best friends mostly swimming and eating until we left for home.

ADVICE FOR BRIDES PLANNING A FIJI WEDDING:

Make sure you have all of the documents you need and understand what is required for the special license. I am so glad I had done my research via the Bula Bride website and from the co-ordinator at our hotel.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY:

Finally being able to refer to Rowan as my husband!

Who Did They Use
IN THE KNOW

Who Did They Use?

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Wedding Venues

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

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Hair & Make Up

Totoka Hair & Beauty

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Fiji Wedding Photographers

Cheer Wedding Photography

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