Ben & Rachel chose to marry in Fiji as part of a holiday they had previously booked. They didn’t want the hassle of the big wedding and so choosing to elope was the perfect addition to their holiday.
BRIDE & GROOM: Ben and Rachel
THE DATE: 06/06/2023
THE LOCATION: The Pearl South Pacific
THE NUMBER OF GUESTS: None
We have been wanting to share a wedding at the Sofitel Fiji for a while as we are a big fan of this picture-perfect Denarau location. However we couldn’t quite find one recently that ticked all the boxes, until we came across the wedding of Grace and Jack, captured perfectly by Leezett Photography/Productions. In fact there are so many gorgeous photos that we couldn’t fit all of them into this blog! However we will have plenty of additional inspiration for you across on our social media pages, so stay tuned!
We catch up with bride Grace on what went in to planning her special day:
BRIDES & GROOM: Grace & Jack
THE DATE: 6th October 2018
THE LOCATION: Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa
THE NUMBER OF GUESTS: 62
We met at a mutual friends 21st Birthday in Adelaide and have been inseparable ever since. We wanted our wedding to not only be about us, but about our children, family and close friends so we chose a destination wedding. We love to travel and after hearing about Fiji from our friends and family we knew it was the perfect place to have our wedding.
We asked friends for location advice, followed Instagram pages, website forums and did lots of internet research. Once you know what you’re looking for, it was easy to find the perfect location and the suppliers we wanted to use. After finding the location and the suppliers we knew we had to have it, it was only a matter of getting in contact with them. The resort and the suppliers were very helpful and able to answer all of our questions.
Bula Bride is also an amazing forum with lots of really good information. We did a lot of research through this website and especially loved reading about the real Fiji weddings.
I do have a soft spot for Outrigger weddings. Can you blame me? That’s where I got married, so every time I see a couple Sealing and celebrating there love there, it takes me back to my day…almost 4 years ago.
Dan & Tarlia decided on a Destination Fiji Wedding as they wanted to combine the wedding with a holiday with our friends and family.
“We decided on a destination wedding because the idea of getting married in paradise and having a holiday with all our friends and family at the same time seemed like the best plan ever!”
Tarlia shares with us the details of their day. Australian photographer Van Middleton was there to capture it all.
The Location
We decided on the outrigger after much debate because it had an amazing package for the price and was a large resort that could cater for everyone. We also liked that there were other cheaper accommodation options nearby. I had never stayed at the outrigger but all the reviews were great and Leanne assured me that I would not be disappointed.
Hair & Makeup
Hair and Makup Perfectionist did hair and make up for, my bridesmaids, my Mum and I. Ash and his team were phenomenal. I was blown away and so were all of my bridesmaids. I would highly recommend these guys they were so friendly and on time as well.
The Dress
My dress my purchased from Luv Bridal on the Gold Coast. I initially had a completely different dress and then had major dress regret and ended up going with this one as it was much more suited to me and a Fiji wedding. Best choice I ever made as my dress was perfect and I couldn’t have been happier.
The Ceremony
This was held at the chapel. Initially, I wanted it on the reef lawn but a couple of months out I changed my mind because I was worried about my guests being comfortable and was worried they would get too hot out in the sun waiting for me to arrive. When I went up for the rehearsal, when I arrived I was blown away. It was so amazing and so much better than the photos. They just do not do it justice. I also loved that you got to ride up on a buggy it was a really cool touch.
We had Dan’s Grandfather officiate the ceremony and we wrote our own vows. This was a beautiful personal touch to the ceremony and I would highly recommend it.
The Photography
We used Van from Van Middleton photography. I had seen his work here in Australia and was blown away there was not one photo I didn’t like so I knew I wanted him before we even got engaged. He was phenomenal and his photos are works of art. I am over the moon he listened to all my crazy requests and we had a ball for three hours exploring the coral coast and finding awesome locations to get photos that we will treasure for a lifetime. My husband hates photos and Van made him feel so comfortable. Half the time we forgot he was even there. He is worth every cent and I would highly recommend him to any other bride.
The Highlight
I honestly couldn’t pick one single thing. Everything about the wedding was amazing. The outrigger was beautiful and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. I was just over the moon to be marrying the love of my life in front of my closest family and friends in paradise.
The Advice
Try to not stress about the communication. They are on Fiji time and eventually all of your questions will be answered. Even if you have questions you are unsure of at your pre-wedding meeting you will be able to clarify everything. They are on to everything and they run through every last detail with you then. Enjoy every second because it goes so fast and really try not to sweat the small stuff because at the end of the day if the flowers aren’t exactly what you wanted or the decorations are a little different to what you planned it doesn’t change the fact that you are marrying your soul mate and that it will be the best day ever!