Posts Tagged ‘Mainland’
We were lucky enough to be in Fiji for Fiona & Ian’s wedding at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, it is always such a pleasure to share the day with our brides and grooms. The ceremony was held in the stunning Paradise Chapel on the waterfront at the Sheraton followed by the reception at the fabulous Flying Fish Restaurant on the Sheraton Beachfront.
Photos by Rusila from Leezett Photography
“Thanks so much for helping us organise the wedding Chelsea!!! Couldn’t have done it without you and your tireless work. Not to mention your prompt and fix it attitude. It was a perfect day for us both and you still managed to help us with all the minor details right to the very end. We appreciate every little bit.”
Ian.
Jenna & Aaron were married at the gorgeous Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa. The ceremony was held on the lawn area in front of their ground floor pool Villa and guests were served with canapés and sparking wine by the poolside.
The reception was then held in the Maravu Restaurant where guest were served a delicious three course alternate menu followed by a decadent chocolate mud, white chocolate mud and red velvet wedding cake designed by the Hilton. Jenna and Aaron first dance was to the Benny Benassi remix.
These beautiful images are by Nadi Bay Photography.
“Our wedding was truly amazing and it was all thanks to Chelsea, who made sure that every little detail was taken care of and that everything went smoothly on the day. I wouldn’t hesitate for a second in suggesting Chelsea to anyone getting married in Fiji, she was an absolute life saver and it meant that we could enjoy our time over there knowing that everything was taken care of. Chelsea, thank you!”
Thanks again for all your help!
Regards
Jenna
Lyndsay & Kyle were married at the Outrigger Fiji Beach resort. Lindsay has summed up her day in her own words and what can I say… word of mouth is the best recommendation.
OMG! What a stunning place to be, everything was beautiful right down to selection of towels and linen. I can’t imagine a better backdrop for our special day (03/07/2015). We were married in the amazingly gorgeous Chapel on the hill with our 27 guests as witnesses. I can’t even begin to describe how breath taking the view was. Our reception was held at the Vahavu (adults only pool area). Again, completely taken aback at how beautiful this space was. (For those that are still planning and have guests with kids, don’t stress, we had 6 kids in our group aged between 1 1/2 – 10 years and not one of them even noticed the pool area let alone went anywhere near it). Asmeen was our resort based wedding co-ordination and was super organised. I was instantly calmed by her knowledge and reassurance that everything was going to be perfect and let me assure you, it was…. While we are still on the matter of the Outrigger I do need to make a special mention to 2 very beautiful staff members that made every member of our group feel special. We met King George and Vanessa our first day in Fiji and will always remember them both for their amazing service, skills and all round awesome personalities…. Well done guys!
Hair and Make-Up – Totoka
If I had to some these guys up in one word it would be FABULOUS. I can’t even begin to describe how amazing we all looked and felt after they got ahold of us. This transformation included a friend of mine, the MOB, MOG, 2x Bridesmaids, myself and my very adorable niece and my own little princess. Absolutely nothing was an issue for this wonderful duo and I would highly recommend them in a heart beat….
Reception Set-Up – Party and Event Hire Fiji…..
Well I asked and I received…… Everything was perfect. Our reception was as mentioned above at the Vahavu and for all those who have seen this beautiful venue imagine the roof draped with loads of fairy lights and white lanterns followed by long rectangle tables covered in hessian table runners, fern and leaf lengths, loads of tea light candles and pineapples….. It was magical! We also had a kids table set up with bright pink pineapples, coloured cushions, white ottomans and lolly jars… They loved it.. We made our own kids activity packs containing a personalised pencil case and colouring in books to entertain the kids while us adults got on with the “boring formalities”, safe to say they enjoyed their own sanctuary until it was time to carve up the dance floor with there moves…
Photography – Leezett Photography
OMG! I had the pleasure of a brief meet with Leezett a few days before our big day and she greeted me with open arms and huge smile, instantly I was comfortable with her. Our big day arrived and whilst we were pressed for time she not once made me our any of our party feel like we needed to move. We chose Leezett’s company for so many reasons, I had researched so many Fiji based photographers and had always wanted a duo to capture our day (1 to focus on the bride and groom and 1 to focus on those sneaky moments that people think no one see’s) and boy did we receive some excellent service. Both myself and the groom are very uncomfortable in front of a camera but what Leezett was able to capture is anything short of a miracle. You can only imagine how draining it is from having to constantly strike a pose or a huge pearly white smile and this was very clear to Leezett, she would pull us aside and show us exactly what she was capturing to give us the extra boost we needed to get through the shoot… The only frustrating thing there is with this subject is having to be patient while they work their magic and not having your photos right away…. I simply can’t wait for that message from Leezett saying our photos are ready….. Again, I would recommend in a heart beat!
Extra shout out – Chelsea Jayne Wedding Planners (Sydney based)
Well we all know how frustrating it is waiting for an email back when the other end is on “Fiji Time”. I for one am a very impatient person and like to know the answers to my questions straight away, hence why we decided to hire a planner. From the initial contact with Chelsea she made me feel so special (which is what every bride wants to be feeling). We had so many emails, phone calls and text messages back and forth within the first few days of our hiring her and I could finally feel like things were being put in place and could let out that breath I had been holding for months. What an amazing woman she truly is to manage so many different weddings and still make you feel like your her only client. Chelsea worked out what we were wanting and took over from there. Nothing was too big or too small for her to work on and I was completely god smacked at how it all came together….. For all those brides finding it a little too overwhelming please take the time to contact Chelsea, she will make you melt from the first contact…..
Happy Wedding Planning to all of you!
Lyndsay
Xxx
They travelled all the way from the country to say I-do on the tropical Island of Fiji. Sarah & Richard’s wedding was held at the Sheraton Fiji Resort & Westin Denarau which is our most popular resorts chosen by our brides and grooms. The Sheraton & Westin have several areas for ceremonies and receptions and has lots of different accommodation options, and the food and services is always fabulous.
Their wedding was held in the stunning Paradise Chapel which is located right on the point of the Sheraton beachfront, Fiji put on the perfect day for them. Hair & Makeup Perfectionist did a fabulous job on Sarah, her hair looked absolutely beautiful and how cute is that pineapple clutch!
Their reception was held in the Westin Bure which is located right on the ocean front next to the main restaurant, it’s such a beautiful spot with the open sides and that amazing Fijian thatched roof. Grace Creations did burlap tables runners & chairs ties with tropical flowers and pineapple as the centerpieces and they decorated the roof with fairy lights and paper lanterns.
We hope you enjoy these beautiful photos by Zoom Fiji of their special day.
Sarah & Richard spent their honeymoon in New York.
“Bula Chelsea!! Everything went to plan. It was everything we wanted and more. Thanks again for all your help. Sarah & Richard
In early May I attended the Fijian Tourism Expo (FTE) and got to meet with lots of wonderful suppliers. Over the next few weeks I will be featuring a few of these suppliers on the blog and today l’d like to introduce the newly opened Flavours of Fiji Cooking School.
Since opening a year ago, Flavours of Fiji Cooking School has become hugely popular with holiday makers who are taught the art of cooking traditional Fijian cuisine. Classes feature a selection of Fijian Feasts, Indian Thali and Tropical Sweets.
Classes include a Food Culture Presentation, cooking lesson, lunch, refreshments and take home receipes.
Located on Denarau Island, Flavours of Fiji would be a great place to start a Hens Party and the school can organise the perfect package for your group!
To find out more have a look at their website http://www.flavoursoffiji.com
The first big decision you will make for your wedding (apart from choosing your wedding planner, of course) is your venue. When getting married in Fiji you have either the mainland resorts (Denarau or the Coral Coast are the most popular) or the Islands (the Mamanuca Islands are the favourites) to choose from.
There is a lot to consider when deciding on which location will best suit not only you but your guests as well. You will need to think about the logistics of having up to 50-100 guests on average, and how your decisions will affect their ability to attend. My clients often make the mistake of thinking many of their invitees won’t attend, yet around 90% are overwhelmed by the number of positive RSVP’s they receive. Everyone wants to go to a wedding in Fiji!
First, you need to consider the time it will take for guests to travel to your destination and the costs involved. Traditionally getting to an island will take longer and cost more. Also, depending on the time of your guests’ flight arrival, they may even need to stay on the mainland overnight, prior to transferring to an island. Ferry transfers are an additional cost to flights, and can add another AUD$140 (approx.) return, and can take around 2 hours each way, depending on the distance of the island from the mainland, and ferry schedules. If considering an island destination, you need to consider the requirements and limitations of your guests. Elderly guests and people with small children may have concerns with the remoteness of an island. The Islands are generally more expensive than the mainland, as everything requires additional transport, increasing costs for most items, which is reflected in the quoted rates.
A major drawcard for having your wedding on an island are the beautiful white beaches, crystal clear water and marine life. The islands are truly amazing and offer such a different experience to the mainland. Some islands are available for exclusive hire for your wedding – how amazing would that be! Island time is also very relaxing, children are so well catered for, and most islands have a meal package so guests need not reach for their wallet all the time. There’s nothing like getting away from everything to relax in such a beautiful environment.
The mainland as a wedding destination has its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s easy to get to with no additional costs (apart from a Taxi fare from the airport). If you want 5 star luxury with all the modern conveniences then the mainland is for you. There are lots of different levels of accommodation available so that all your guests will be catered for, whether they be single, young couples or parents with young children. There are also a large number of dining out options on the mainland to suit everyone’s taste and budget.
I often hear feedback from my brides that the mainland is certainly more Westernised, and that the real “Fiji” feel is more abundant on the islands, where traditional culture is strongly maintained.
I love both locations as wedding venues. Your decision which to go for really depends on what you are envisaging, your budget, and the number/requirements of guests you are inviting.
At the end of the day you also have to remember it is your day, so go with what your heart tells you.
