A Pink Paradise Wedding in Fiji

Hands up who’s in need of some sun and warmth on your bones? Personally, I passionately dislike the cold and I’m hoping that Kate Moss endorses a brand of chic balaclavas so that I feel totally justified in donning one with stylish confidence! The only person I’ve found to be loving this weather is fellow Love My Dress writer Jo, who, as a native Aussie is obviously still enjoying the novelty of a British winter!! In the absence of a teleporter to transport us all to the Caribbean for the weekend, I’m incredibly happy to whisk us away this afternoon to the sunnier climes of Fiji in the South Pacific.

In a change to our mostly British weddings, we’re heading on over to the other side of the world this afternoon for the wedding of Australian couple Gemma and Kain, who chose to marry on 21 September on Mana Island in Fiji.  The islands were their first and favourite overseas holiday destination and they now declare that it was the perfect place to wed.   Gemma told us that she adore Fiji’s native flower, ‘ginger’ and used it’s colour to inspire the styling for her beautiful wedding day.

Photography Copyright (c) 2015, Cookoo Design and Photography

“Kain and I met through mutual friends at a music festival. We were together for about 3 and a half years when Kain proposed and we married one year later.”

The couple also used Vanessa of Cookoo Design and Photography to design their wedding stationery…

I absolutely adore the soft, pastel colours and floral patterns of these cotton robes made for the girls by Singing Slowly on Etsy.

I absolutely adore the tropical flowers used in the bouquets and decorations. The vibrant pink, and distinctive shape, of Gemma’s flowers pop so beautifully against her white gown.

Her maids looked oh so pretty in pink Miss Anne strapless dresses, Forever New earrings and Colette bracelets. The little flower girl wore a tulle dress from Ollies Place and her cute page boy companion’s outfit was from Pumpkin Patch.

“Our photographer was Vanessa Cook from Cookoo Design and Photography. Vanessa was absolutely amazing. She captured so many wonderful memories and each and every picture told part of our story. Her editorial style of photography is simply beautiful. Vanessa is an Australia-based photographer who travelled to Fiji especially for our wedding and she is travelling to the UK in June/July 2015 to shoot weddings there too.”

While the couple didn’t use a wedding planner to assist with their overseas arrangements they found the support of personal travel agent Deahann very useful as she helped to co-ordinate many aspects of the wedding.

All the ladies were assisted in their beauty preparations by the team at Wedding Hair Make-up Perfectionist and I’m sure you’d all agree that they all look flippin’ gorgeous!

Gemma wore a beautiful lace, beaded gown bought from Queensland’s Penny Lane Bridal as she loved the delicate detailing and simply the way it felt when she put it on. (Did you get that feeling when buying your dress or are you still searching in hope of finding it? Have a read of this great article about buying ‘the one.’) She stylishly accessorised with a simple veil, crystal headpiece and Swarovski earrings.

“There were so many wonderful moments make the whole day such a memorable experience. Personally, my favourite part was seeing Kain waiting at the end of the aisle. My dad shook his hand, joined our hands together and then Kain kissed my hand.”

“I was walked down the aisle by my dad to an instrumental version of ‘I can’t help falling in love.’ We also had a choir sing throughout our ceremony.

Kain and I wrote our own vows, ‘I promise to love you more than I did the day before’,  was one of our favourite parts.”

This stunning reception setting was styled by Grace Creations who are experienced in assisting couples with all aspects of creating their dream wedding in Fiji.

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The couple took to the floor for their first dance to Labrinth & Emeli Sandé’s ‘Beneath Your Beautiful.’

Words of wedded wisdom

“I think it is important to not expect perfection. There are so many details that go into one day and planning a destination wedding can be challenging.  I remember stressing about ‘what if this happens or that happens?’ I had to take a step back and think about what was really important to me and Kain.

It is easy to get caught up in planning and forget what the day is really about. Having this focus really helps to put things into perspective and makes it the enjoyable experience it should be.

On reflection too, it was so hot in Fiji that maybe I should have bought a chance of dress for the reception.”

I would very much like to wish Gemma and Kain much love and best wishes for a very happy life together and thank Vanessa of Cookoo Design and Photography for choosing to share their wedding with us.

How many of you are planning a destination wedding? Why have you decided to marry abroad? (If any of you need any experienced, additional guests, I’m always happy to oblige 😉

Much tropical love

Katie x

 

Photographer – Cookoo Design and Photography
Location – Mana Island
Dress – Penny Lane Bridal
Bridesmaids – Miss Anne
Flower Girl – Ollies Place
Page Boy – Pumpkin Patch
Cake – Fiji Cakes
Stationery – Cookoo Design and Photography
Hair & make-up – Wedding Hair Make-up Perfectionist
Favours – Paperboat Press
Floral robes – Singing Slowly
Reception Styling – Grace Creations