Jenna and Jarrod’s story began in June 2017 at a nightclub in Broadbeach, where a simple introduction led to a dance, a kiss, and a first date the very next day. Jenna left that date so smitten she immediately called a friend to rave about the incredible guy she’d just met.
In June 2024, Jarrod proposed during a trip to New Zealand. After a helicopter ride to the top of Franz Josef Glacier, he got down on one knee amid the snow and striking blue ice—an unforgettable moment against an extraordinary backdrop.
As passionate travellers, they chose Fiji for its tropical beauty, rich culture, and relaxed luxury. With neither having visited before, it felt like the perfect once-in-a-lifetime destination to explore and celebrate with their closest loved ones.
The Planning
We chose Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort for its beautiful beachfront setting, supportive wedding team, and the chance to create the perfect holiday-wedding hybrid. It felt like the ideal place to celebrate our big day.
Because we were planning a destination wedding, finding reliable information was really important. I spent countless hours on Bula Bride, which quickly became my go-to resource. From real wedding stories to vendor recommendations and planning tips, it helped guide us through every stage. Bula Bride played such a big part in shaping our day that I felt inspired to share our own story to help future brides just as much.
The Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort provided both a wedding planner and a dedicated on-site coordinator, which made the entire experience smooth and stress-free. Having previously worked as a travel agent, I handled all of our travel logistics myself, so the resort team’s support with the wedding details was the perfect balance.
Getting Ready
For hair and makeup, I chose Totoka Hair & Beauty. The salon is conveniently located at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Rani did my makeup and Zlata styled my hair, and both were absolutely incredible. I had a trial with them two days before the wedding, which I highly recommend, as it gave us a chance to make a few small tweaks ahead of the big day. On the morning of the wedding, they came to our Beachfront Bure and looked after me and three of our guests. The whole experience felt so relaxed and enjoyable, setting the perfect tone for the day ahead.
I wanted an elegant, traditional look for our wedding, and the Cosmo dress by Stella York from White Lily Couture in Brisbane was the perfect choice. For the reception, I changed into the Meshki Dorota Satin Halter Mini Dress. Jarrod’s suit was from M.J. Bale, which was perfectly tailored for the occasion.
For accessories, I chose the Huntleigh Pearl Earrings in silver from JT Luxe, classic and understated, adding just the right touch of elegance. My shoes were the Fae heels by Alias Mae. The comfortable low heel made them perfect for the whole day, from beach photos to dancing at the reception.
The Ceremony
Before the ceremony, we shared a private first look just outside our Beachfront Bure, where we exchanged our personal vows—an intimate, heartfelt moment just for the two of us. During the ceremony itself, we recited traditional vows in front of our family and friends. Our sisters took on the special roles of ring bearers and witnesses, and we gifted them engraved necklaces reading “Always by my side” as a meaningful keepsake. Afterward, we celebrated with a cake cutting and a toast alongside our guests.
We were married at the Bure Ni Loloma Chapel at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort. Its intimate, secluded setting and stunning views made it the perfect place to say “I do.” The resort handled all of the ceremony décor, including a beautiful floral archway that we later had moved from the chapel to the reception area to keep the theme consistent throughout the day.
The Outrigger team created all the floral arrangements, bouquets, and buttonholes, and we simply asked that they follow our white and purple palette. They brought our vision to life beautifully, adding the perfect touch to our celebration.
The Photography
We chose Rusila from New Light Photography because her natural light and candid style instantly stood out to us. We were looking for photos that felt candid, natural, and light-filled—something that would capture the joy and intimacy of our small celebration while showcasing the beautiful Fijian scenery. We didn’t use a videographer, but our photos alone exceeded every expectation. They feel timeless and perfectly capture the spirit of our day, and we absolutely love them.
The Reception
We held our reception on the Reef Lawn at the Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort, chosen for its privacy and stunning ocean views. The resort set up the tables, archway, and lighting, while we added personal touches like a custom neon surname sign, a “LOVE” sign, and simple table florals. We also created signature cocktails named after our three cats—Nova, Remi, and Mojo—which the staff happily played along with.
Guests enjoyed a cocktail hour before moving into dinner, where we chose the intimate wedding menu with a deluxe beverage upgrade. The food was delicious, and the staff were wonderfully attentive. Our wedding cake, made by the resort, was a simple chocolate mud cake with buttercream and a personalised purple “Mr & Mrs Marinucci” topper. We served it with ice cream, which was a crowd favourite.
For entertainment, we had Semi from Mongoose Entertainment performing live, along with a surprise Meke Dance and Fire Show arranged by the resort. The dancers got everyone up and joining in—from conga lines to the Macarena—which created such a fun, lively atmosphere. We ended the night simply, taking time to soak in the magic of the day.
The Holiday
We made the most of our time in Fiji with activities! At the resort, we enjoyed a relaxing private Sip & Paint session, perfect for unwinding and getting creative. For some family fun, we visited Kula Wild Adventure Park, where we fed turtles and had the unique experience of holding a snake and an iguana, plus tried zip lining and a thrilling waterslide. The girls indulged at Bebe Spa, while the boys had a blast at the Outrigger’s golf driving range, complete with matching Okanui floral shirts for a fun touch.
One of the highlights was the Captain Cook Sunset Dinner Cruise, which we gifted to our guests as a special thank you. Cruising along the water at sunset made for an unforgettable evening. We also booked a private four-hour charter with Hydro Sports at Shangri-La, where we went snorkeling, fishing, and were even lucky enough to see dolphins swimming alongside the boat. Finally, the Off-Road Cave Safari was a true adventure: we had an ATV all to ourselves, guided by amazing locals Sadam, Moses, and Zac, whose knowledge and friendly company made the experience even more special.
Overall highlights
Being able to turn our wedding into a shared holiday with our closest family and friends was the ultimate highlight. We all discovered Fiji together, celebrated our love, and made lifelong memories. From the stunning chapel views to the laughter-filled excursions, every moment was truly special.
Advice to other couples:
As someone who works in financial advice, I approached the wedding with a planner’s mindset. Setting clear priorities, budgeting thoughtfully, and tracking our spending made it possible to create something beautiful and financially sustainable.
My advice: plan with intention, communicate openly, and don’t be afraid to simplify. Your wedding is a celebration, not a stressor and Fiji offers everything you need for a meaningful, magical day
