This is one of those weddings that completely warms your heart. It’s a beautiful story, an amazing setting and a gorgeous bride and groom celebrating their love with their closest friends and family in Fiji. In other words, it’s the kind of day that fills your day with soooo much love and soooo much joy, you seriously consider sending thank you notes. See it all captured by Malia Johnson right here.
From the Bride… I am so excited to be able to share with you pictures with you of our Fijian Fantasy wedding. It was such an amazing day, especially when I didn’t think I had the bride gene before this all started. I think the fact that it was a destination wedding with only 40 of our closest friends and family and that we were all on holiday made the day even more special.
After losing my dad just before my 7th birthday, I grew up always picturing my Mum walk me down the aisle. She had truly been my best friend so when I lost her a few months after my 18th birthday, I stopped dreaming of a big white wedding. So when Pieter proposed I did not begin the planning with the same vigour as many other brides because I thought the day would actually highlight all of my family that would be missing. I pictured the day as being more about Pieter’s family and grew worried about it having that special feel.
When I raised that idea of a destination wedding Pieter agreed it would be good as it would mean that only those people that mean the most to us would actually be there. We feel in love with the seaside chapel at the Shangri la Fijian Resort and spa. When 40 guests confirmed they were coming to Fiji not only for the wedding but a week long holiday we were over the moon.
On the day, my older brother walked me down the aisle. The first tears sprung in my eyes when he said “you know Mum would be so proud.” I had to stop his pep talk in the car as it was making my heart race. I held the picture of my mum that hung from my bouquet as I walked down the aisle and knew she was there in spirit.
As I saw Pieter, the sadness went and I knew that the rest of the day would be filled with smiles as we were surrounded by so many friends and family that travelled so far to witness us get married.
We had such an amazing time with nature putting on a show with the sun shining without it being too hot, whilst the locals including the staff all embraced as to make us feel special.
We were arrived to the reception, we were in for an amazing suprise. My sister-in-law had arrange a dessert table which was stunning and tasty. To think she had tranported all of those extra touches in hers (and her children’s) suitcase. It provided a stunning talking piece and the personalised touch I thought would be hard to achieve with a destination wedding.
Photography: Lia & Stu | Photographers | Invitations: Petrella Studios | Bride's Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Calligraphy: Written By Hand | Venue: Shangri La Fijian Resort And Spa | "Here Comes The Bride" Signage: Larkspur & Linen | Bridal Shop: Brides of Sydney | Bride's Dress: Allure Bridal | Bridesmaid Dress: Kim's Couterier | Desserts: Taste Fiji | Signs, Menus & Place Cards: Paper Couture | Styling (Dessert Table & Welcome Area: Chic Style Events | Table Centerpieces: Grace Creations