array(142) { ["_edit_lock"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(12) "1707512630:4" } ["_edit_last"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["flexible_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(390) "a:15:{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:18:"multiple_image_add";i:10;s:7:"content";i:11;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:12;s:18:"multiple_image_add";i:13;s:7:"content";i:14;s:18:"multiple_image_add";}" } ["_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(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" } ["_yoast_wpseo_wordproof_timestamp"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(0) "" } ["_thumbnail_id"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27167" } ["flexible_content_0_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27131" } ["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_0_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27130" } ["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_0_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27132" } ["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "3" } ["_flexible_content_0_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_1_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(765) "We wanted a relaxing experience and beach wedding. We also thought a destination wedding would be amazing to have a trip away with our family and closest friends. We chose Denarau to make it easy and accessible for our guests, as it had multiple accommodation options. We had a few older guests that we didn't want to have to take connections to get to other islands. Deciding on a location was the first step, unfortunately our options were a little limited as we wanted to do it on the same day that we got engaged, so it took a few straight out of the equation as they didn't have availability. Then lots of googling!! Bula Bride was very helpful for this once I found it. It was nice to see who a reputable company/organization was to deal with.  " } ["_flexible_content_1_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_2_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27134" } ["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_2_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27133" } ["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_2_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27135" } ["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_2_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27136" } ["_flexible_content_2_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["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(848) "

GETTING READY

Our hair and make up was done by Totoka Hair & Make Up Fiji. I liked the fact that the owner was a New Zealander and then I saw they were listed on Bula Bride as well. When looking at other weddings, they seemed to be used a lot. I also loved that they did the trial and spray tan in our hotel room, so I didn't need to travel. They were very good, I definitely recommend them. I got my dress from a shop called Evolution, it's actually part of their bridesmaid collection. I wanted a simple dress and even though I did look at traditional ones, this one stole my heart from first sight, and I couldn't get it out of my head. I was very happy with my choice. Bridesmaids dresses were from Forever New. Groom and groomsman where from yd.  " } ["_flexible_content_3_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27137" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27138" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27139" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27140" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27142" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27143" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater_6_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27144" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater_6_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "7" } ["_flexible_content_4_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_5_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(978) "

THE CEREMONY

The ceremony was just outside from our room on the grass at the Hilton Resort. We choose it as it was private and also the location we were originally going to use was not going to work due to a clash with another event happening at the resort. The Hilton provided the set up for the ceremony, we added a few things, welcome board etc. which we brought with us from New Zealand. We just wanted a natural colour scheme and relaxed vibe for our wedding decor. I got the flowers for our bouquets and buttonholes from Florabunda in New Zealand, as I wanted to keep to our natural looking theme. She was amazing and we now have them displayed at home to remind us of our special day. She also did the flowers for our reception as well. We had a very relaxed ceremony. We wrote our own wedding vows. At the conclusion of the ceremony my Husband tied a 'Mangalsutra' or auspicious string around my neck as a nod to his Indian (Hindu) heritage.  " } ["_flexible_content_5_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27145" } ["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27146" } ["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27147" } ["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27150" } ["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_6_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27151" } ["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_6_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "5" } ["_flexible_content_6_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_7_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(371) "

PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY

We used Yoshi from Ocean Studio Fiji. We choose him as we loved his style of taking photos. We were very happy with him and would definitely recommend. We were after a very relaxed vibe. I also wanted lots of prewedding pictures. We love our photos; Yoshi captured our day perfectly and there was no stress to it at all!  " } ["_flexible_content_7_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27152" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27153" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27155" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27157" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27158" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_8_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27160" } ["_flexible_content_8_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["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_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27161" } ["_flexible_content_9_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_9_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27162" } ["_flexible_content_9_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_9_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27163" } ["_flexible_content_9_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_9_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27164" } ["_flexible_content_9_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_9_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "4" } ["_flexible_content_9_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_10_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1915) "

THE RECEPTION

The reception was also on the lawn just over from our Ceremony site. We used this location, as the one we were meant to use wasn't going to work due to another event happening in close proximity. We provided all the table decorations etc and were lucky enough that a couple of our amazing guests were able to set up/oversee the placing of these. This was due to a lack of communication about what our wedding package included and did make it more stressful for us. I would highly recommend having an actual meeting with the hotel or venue where your ceremony and wedding are taking place to confirm what is and isn't included. By the time we realized, we weren't able to find someone to do theming for our reception. We did however use a DJ company for fairy lights and they were amazing!! They really enhanced the look and feel of our reception, we highly recommend this. We stuck to a more natural theme at the reception as well. We had Fijian fire dancers, who put on a wonderful display adding to the excitement of the night. We had drinks and canapes after our ceremony for the guests while we were doing our photos. We decided to go for a buffet option in the end, but upgraded to the seafood one. Same with the beverages, we upgraded to the better package. The Hotel organized the wedding cake. As per our upgrade we received a two-tier cake, I asked for a naked look and I took over all the decorations for it. DJ Works Fiji did all our music etc. They also provided us with the fairy lights as mentioned above. They were amazing and would definitely recommend. For MC we used my husband's sister to keep it personal. We also had Fijian fire dancers, but not sure who they were as they were arranged via the hotel. After the wedding, a group of friends had one of the penthouses, so we continued the party up there till the early hours with a few friends.  " } ["_flexible_content_10_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_11_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27165" } ["_flexible_content_11_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_11_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27166" } ["_flexible_content_11_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_11_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27167" } ["_flexible_content_11_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_11_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "3" } ["_flexible_content_11_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_12_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27168" } ["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_12_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27169" } ["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater_1_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_12_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27170" } ["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater_2_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_12_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27171" } ["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater_3_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_12_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27172" } ["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater_4_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_12_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27173" } ["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater_5_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_12_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "6" } ["_flexible_content_12_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["flexible_content_13_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(913) "

OUR TIME IN FIJI

We stayed in Fiji for 9 nights and arrived 5 days before the wedding. We definitely needed the extra time there beforehand and it was pretty much all wedding organizing before the day. With a jampacked few days at the end to fit some fun things in. We did a sailing trip with South Sea Sailing. The Mamanuca Island Sailing Experience, which was a great end to our trip.

MY REFLECTIONS

Though it was stressful to plan, which all weddings are, I think doing it overseas did make it that little bit harder, with communication etc. Even with all that stress though, we ended up having the BEST DAY and the fact that we were over there with our family and friends made it extra special.

HOT TIP FOR BRIDES-TO-BE

Do your research!!!  And make sure from early on you are on the same page about what you need to organize yourself, so you have plenty of time to do so!!" } ["_flexible_content_13_add_content"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bda93306b" } ["flexible_content_14_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27148" } ["_flexible_content_14_image_repeater_0_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc9a3306a" } ["flexible_content_14_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(1) "1" } ["_flexible_content_14_image_repeater"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5943bc5633069" } ["select_vendor_0_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(2) "11" } ["_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:"17114";}" } ["_select_vendor_0_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_596613ce6f822" } ["select_vendor_1_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(3) "211" } ["_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:"18994";}" } ["_select_vendor_1_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_596613ce6f822" } ["select_vendor_2_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(3) "214" } ["_select_vendor_2_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5966139c6f821" } ["select_vendor_2_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(22) "a:1:{i:0;s:5:"17110";}" } ["_select_vendor_2_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_596613ce6f822" } ["select_vendor_3_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(3) "214" } ["_select_vendor_3_select_vendor_category"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5966139c6f821" } ["select_vendor_3_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(22) "a:1:{i:0;s:5:"25410";}" } ["_select_vendor_3_select_vendor_post"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_596613ce6f822" } ["addvertise_0_upload_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(5) "27086" } ["_addvertise_0_upload_add_image"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5b8df08d4eb33" } ["addvertise_0_ad_link"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(50) "https://bulabride.com/entertainment/dj-works-fiji/" } ["_addvertise_0_ad_link"]=> array(1) { [0]=> string(19) "field_5b8df0af4eb34" } ["_wp_old_date"]=> array(2) { [0]=> string(10) "2019-01-28" [1]=> string(10) "2023-01-28" } }