array(97) { ["_edit_lock"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(12) "1723515804:4" } ["_edit_last"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["flexible_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(328) "a:13:{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";i:12;s:18:"multiple_image_add";}" } ["_flexible_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bbeb33068" } ["select_vendor"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "3" } ["_select_vendor"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5966138e6f820" } ["addvertise"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "1" } ["_addvertise"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5b8df0724eb32" } ["_yoast_wpseo_primary_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(2) "10" } ["_yoast_wpseo_content_score"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(2) "90" } ["_yoast_wpseo_estimated-reading-time-minutes"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "1" } ["flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "2" } ["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_1_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(896) "I have always wanted a destination wedding and my partner's family is from there. Also doesn't hurt how beautiful the scenery is! We chose Shangri-La Yanuca Island because it had the most beautiful white chapel situated right on the reef. To get organised, I was a spreadsheet QUEEN! I did lots of research online and compared resorts analysing their cost, package inclusions, photos, reviews etc which helped me make an informed decision (which can be difficult and sometimes scary from another country without being able to see it in person). I looked at a lot of beach wedding images on Pinterest, Google, articles on Bula Bride, instagram pictures etc and created a document with elements/ideas I liked that I wanted to replicate. Also having a patient mum and fiance to discuss those ideas with you for months is a big plus!" } ["_flexible_content_1_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_2_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "3" } ["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_3_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(290) "

Getting ready

Balance Fiji Hair Salon did my hair perfectly, it was exactly what I wanted. I did my own makeup and made sure I used a lot of setting spray because Fiji can get HOT! I bought my dress online, it was inexpensive, simple and minimalist which is very much my style." } ["_flexible_content_3_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "3" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_5_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1063) "

The Ceremony

We had our ceremony at the Shangri-La Chapel. It is honestly the most beautiful location. I always wanted to be married in a chapel, plus it offered rain protection and air-conditioning so I had the comfort of knowing we were covered no matter the weather. It is also super private and away from other guests which helped make it much more intimate. The resort provided the decor and were very accommodating of our wishes and also set up the extra decorations we brought. The overall theme and style of our wedding was simple, elegant, and somewhere in between beach casual and formal was our goal. We had Fijian choir singers at the beginning of our ceremony which multiple people told me was so beautiful and brought on a few tears! The resort provided the bouquet, boutonniere and flower arch. We decided we wanted something a little different so we brought our own table runners, coral and candles for the table setting instead of the flowers which were offered in the package. They happily set this up for us too which was great." } ["_flexible_content_5_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_6_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_7_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(762) "

The Photography Session

We chose Nadi Bay Photography and they were great. I put together a spreadsheet analysis and they had the best coverage, price and quality that fit our needs. I also sent them a run sheet of what types of photos we wanted which they followed to a tee. My husband and I are also quite shy but the photographer was really nice which helped us feel less awkward about having a camera on us for hours. We got a lot of family shots outside the gorgeous chapel and couple shots down on the beach. I was really happy with how the photos turned out and glad we got to go to different locations to showcase how beautiful the resort/Fiji is. Our friend took videos for us too which turned out so great and helped us keep the cost down." } ["_flexible_content_7_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "6" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_9_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1284) "

The Reception

We were originally going to have our reception on the beach but were so taken by how private and gorgeous the chapel was when we arrived, we decided to move it there instead. So glad we made this choice as it made the event feel so special and we were able to party without being disturbed/disturbing others! My lovely family helped me carry a hell of a lot of decorations from Australia which was great. Allowed me to really personalise the event and have it look exactly how I envisaged - which it did! This was set up by the resort in addition to the tables, fairy lights and dance floor. One of our favourite moments of the night were the traditional Fijian dancers. They danced with us and all the guests which was a surprise and did a fire show which really got the energy going! They also did this amazing fire wheel which we got pictures in front of. So amazing would highly recommend! We had a cocktail hour, international buffet, 2-hour spirits and 5-hour drinks package. The resort organised our wedding cake. It was vanilla and looked exactly like the picture I sent with a coconut and palm leaf on it. After the reception, everyone was having so much fun and wanted to keep on partying so we kicked on to the Marlin Bar at the Shangri-La." } ["_flexible_content_9_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_10_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "2" } ["_flexible_content_10_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_11_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(717) "

Other activities

In the same week, we also attended my sister-in-law's beautiful wedding in Denarau! Between that and our own wedding we didn't have a lot of time for anything else but we did all go to the Malamala Beach Club. The bus trip was a challenge for those of us who were hungover (which was nearly all of us) but once we were there, we were so glad we went. Was such a beautiful island, went snorkeling, paddle boarding and kayaking and did a lot of relaxing by the pool!

Advice for couples planning their wedding

Do all your research and planning early so you can relax and enjoy by the time the day comes around." } ["_flexible_content_11_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["select_vendor_0_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(3) "214" } ["_select_vendor_0_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5966139c6f821" } ["select_vendor_0_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(22) "a:1:{i:0;s:5:"22417";}" } ["_select_vendor_0_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_596613ce6f822" } ["select_vendor_1_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(2) "11" } ["_select_vendor_1_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5966139c6f821" } ["select_vendor_1_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(22) "a:1:{i:0;s:5:"21774";}" } ["_select_vendor_1_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_596613ce6f822" } ["select_vendor_2_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> 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