Kristina & Paul – Marriott Momi Bay wedding
Kristina & Paul met in 2013, when Kristina worked at a Café in Sydney and Paul worked as a Landscaper on a job close to her work. He came in to get coffee for his work mates the first day and kept coming back. Turns out Paul did not even like coffee at that stage and kept coming back to see her until he had the courage to ask Kristina out.
They were always talking about a destination wedding. Firstly, because Kristina’s family lives overseas so they thought it would be fair for both sides to have to travel. And secondly, they wanted a small wedding only and found with a destination wedding it would be easier to only invite the closest friends and family without upsetting others.
Kristina has worked in travel for quite some time before their wedding day and they have always loved Fiji so it was a given to have it in a beautiful resort along the Coral Coast. They had their heart set on the Marriott and did not even consider another location.
We catch up with Bride Kristina on what lead her to book a destination wedding in Fiji:
BRIDE & GROOM: Kristina & Paul
THE DATE: 12.09.2022
THE LOCATION: Marriott Resort, Momi Bay
THE NUMBER OF GUESTS: 28
“Planning a wedding is one thing, planning a wedding overseas is a whole different level. Everything had to be researched, hair and make-up, photographer, stylist, audio, how it works in a different country, rules and regulations around certain things, what can I bring with me on the plane, and so much more. Being hit with Covid and the uncertainty did not make things any easier for us.
At the time of planning and organising I worked as a Travel Agent so luckily I had a great understanding on what is involved and needed and I did book the trip for the whole wedding party.
We were liaising with the wedding coordinator provided by the hotel. Everything was done between her and myself. I mainly planned and organised it myself and she pulled everything together on the day.
We used Bula Bride originally to find a certain vendor. We had already locked in the Photographer, but I was unhappy with the suggestion for hair and make-up given by the hotel. So I googled and landed on Bula Bride which lead me to Totoka Hair and Make-up! The best thing that could have happened to me.”
GETTING READY:
Paul and I spend the night apart from each other. One of my bridesmaids stayed with me on the night. The other one picked us up in the morning. We threw our matching robes on and went to breakfast & started the day off with some Mimosa’s in our personalized cups. After breakfast, we went back to my room and slowly started to get things ready.
Paul had to leave breakfast as we showed up a bit earlier than planned and we weren’t allowed to see each other. After he left, he went back to the room and met up with his groomsman and his 2 boys (my step kids) and got ready there.
Once we arrived back at the room the beautiful Rani and Amele showed up to get us started on hair and make-up. We had some music playing to get us in the mood and shortly after the team from Zoom Fiji arrived also.
Hair and Makeup was done by Totoka Hair and Makeup. Rani was absolutely amazing and I would recommend her to anyone.
My dress was from Zavana Couture. The Bridesmaids dresses were from Showpo and they also received gifts which included robes, personalized cup and slippers.
The groom & the guys wore chinos that were from JD and button up shirts from Gibbson, we paid for their outfits which included pants, shoes belts and shirts.
Paul and I exchanged some gift boxes whilst we got ready which included a card with some last words before we got married. Paul also received perfume and personalized socks whereas I received perfume and jewelry (earrings and necklace to wear on the day).
THE CEREMONY:
Location: North Point, Marriott Momi Bay
I worked with the hotel on the decor of the set up at the ceremony. The hotel did all the decorations organized by myself in very nude colors. Most of our signs and guest gifts were from Label Me Crazy. The hotel organized the flowers for us.
We chose to only do the normal vows to take pressure off (mainly because I get so emotional and probably would not have found the right words), we did write a letter to each other when we exchange to gift boxes with our personalized vows to read just between the two of us. And poor Rani had to touch up the make up after from the tears!
We did not have style as such. It was important to us to showcase our love and the beautiful location, and all the goods Fiji has to offer, in a small circle of our nearest and dearest.
GETTING PHOTOS:
We chose Zoom Fiji for our photography. They were so lovely when I first contacted them, and I felt an instant connection. After looking at their stunning photos and videos we knew we had to ask them to capture our special day. Allen was the photographer that stayed with me.
I wanted shots that capture and show case the love Paul and I have for each other, the beautiful and happy moments of the day and of course the beautiful landscape and location
Zoom Fiji also did our videography as we chose their photo and video package.
We absolutely love our photos. We couldn’t have ask for anything more.
THE RECEPTION:
Location: North Point, Marriott Resort Momi Bay
As for the set-up decor at the reception I chose the same color/themes as the set up at our ceremony and this was done between Fiji Wedding Atelier, the hotel and myself.
For our cocktail hour, we went off to get photos done and left friends and family to their own devices. Most of them went for a swim as it was super-hot and other were happy to watch the stunning sunset and hang out at North Point.
We had an international buffet set up which was AMAZING! The hotel provided the cake and we only provided the cake topper. We chose the red velvet cake base and the top layer was a vanilla cake.
We had Beni from Microhire as DJ which was guided by our celebrant/MC which music and songs to put on and it was amazing.
YOUR ADVICE FOR BRIDES PLANNING A FIJI WEDDING:
Everyone that is planning an overseas wedding, please just go with the flow. You cannot control everything that is happening. Trust your gut in choosing the right vendors. What is right for others might not be right for you. Do your research and just enjoy the whole experience.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY:
The anticipation of the ceremony and the getting ready was definitely something I have never experienced before. So much excitement for that one 30 second moment where you walk down the aisle and your eyes lock for the first time seeing each other. Something so magical I will definitely never forget.
And all the support from our amazing people that made this day happen. Thank you so much I will be forever grateful.
Check out Kristina & Paul’s amazing Fiji wedding video: Wedding Video on Vimeo
Who Did They Use
-
Fiji Wedding Photographers
Zoom Fiji
Read More -
Hair & Make Up
Totoka Hair & Beauty
Read More -
Wedding Venues
Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay
Read More