Pacific Rim Weddings, July 2001

Marlo and Jim had been together for several years before Jim proposed. A busy lifestyle included exotic travel and demanding work schedules, but marriage was not on the immediate horizon—or so she thought. Jim surprised Marlo one evening, “He proposed to me on New Year's Eve 1999 on the beach in New Jersey. We took two glasses, a bottle of champagne and two wish bottles. We both made a wish and then at the stroke of midnight Jim proposed. My ring was attached to one of the seashells we collected on a previous vacation together.” Jim’s proposal was romantic, sensitive, and perfectly timed. They set a date for their marriage to allow ample time to plan the wedding of their dreams.

As consummate travelers, Marlo and Jim both wanted to go somewhere they had never been. Marlo says, “I had seen the movie The Blue Lagoon and thought that Fiji was absolutely beautiful. It was on our list of places to visit.” The warm weather and incredible beaches held the allure and exotic setting they were seeking. Marlo learned that the Fijians share their ceremonial customs with visitors who marry there, and she loved the idea of something so different.

After searching at length on the Internet, the couple located FijiReservations.com Travel in Hawaii, and agent Steve Hahn was willing and eager to assist them in creating a wedding event to remember. “I must say, I have never worked with a travel agency that has been this exceptionally kind, generous and enthusiastic about its travelers,” says Marlo. Steve recommended Vatulele (pronounced “va-too-lay-lay") Island Resort as the perfect “wedding-moon” getaway. The design of the resort is extraordinary. Eighteen colorful villas or bures (pronounced ‘boo-rays’) are tucked away in a tropical jungle just far enough apart to enjoy privacy, fronted by a stretch of sandy beach at the ocean’s edge. Only travelers who are serious about escaping the hectic pace of a high-tech world should consider Vatulele. Visitors won’t be distracted by phones, televisions or the usual daily pressures. Vatulele is a one-of-a-kind oasis of pure relaxation, a place to indulge in a carefree existence with the luxuries of fine food and wine at your service. The room tariffs include everything you need during your stay, including all meals, wine, champagne (Veuve Cliquot, no less), and nearly all the activities. Marlo and Jim spent many conversations with Steve as he patiently set about making the arrangements for their dream wedding.

Once they arrived at the main airport in Nadi, Marlo and Jim had a few hours before they boarded the small seaplane that would take them to their final destination, Vatulele. The adventure began in the brief forty-five minute flight. The low altitude of the seaplane offered a first glimpse of the island paradise—white coral reefs surrounded by turquoise waters as far as the eye could see. For the first time it struck them just how secluded Fiji really is! The seaplane made a thrilling landing right on the water and taxied to a sandy beach. They were warmly greeted by the native people with clapping, singing, and friendly smiles. Marlo and Jim watched as returning visitors tearfully boarded the plane to leave, and couldn’t help but wonder if they would feel the same. A glass of champagne and a nice cool towel chased the thought away as escorts whisked them off to their private villa to begin what would certainly be the trip of a lifetime.

The dining was one of the highlights of the trip. The food was beautifully prepared, and guests have the choice of dining privately or with the other guests at the resort. Marlo and Jim shared intimate sunset dinners under the waterfront gazebo, and the wine cellar offered a cool reprieve for a more casual lunch or dinner on their own. Marlo particularly enjoyed the communal dining at Vatulele. She recalls, “…the big long table and the new friends were such a wonderful part of meal time. We made many new friends from all over the world…” "On the day before our wedding," Marlo adds, "Steve, the agent that assisted us in planning our time at Vatulele, showed up to attend our wedding. We were astounded!" The staff is very much a part of the unique Vatulele experience. It is their mission to ensure you enjoy your stay to the utmost. In listening to Marlo and Jim’s story, it almost seemed like they had been invited to a private home in paradise, where staff members were actually friends genuinely enthusiastic about sharing their hidden haven and all its treasures. The resort seems designed for social interaction among guests and workers, alike. This is one of the reasons they plan the wedding ceremony toward the end of a couple’s stay. All of the other guests are invited to attend, and staff members actually participate in the ceremony. Towards the end of the week Marlo and Jim had a chance to get to know everyone. They both agreed this was one reason why the ceremony was so very meaningful.

In contrast to the social aspects of the island, many of the activities and excursions were meant for intimacy. A champagne picnic to the deserted island of Nooki Nooki allowed for time alone on a deserted beach. The crystal clear water is ideal for snorkeling…or not. Marlo and Jim also explored the limestone caves, where pools of the island’s sacred red prawns gather. A kayak trip through the coral grotto revealed colorful bird life. And one of their favorite memories is a trip into the village where the local ladies sat on mats selling handmade goods, and villagers were busy pounding the tapa cloth for which the island is famous. It gave them a rare glimpse of island culture they will never forget.

By the time their wedding day arrived, the couple felt completely at ease, immersed in the customs of Fiji. They woke early to the calls of the jungle birds in anticipation of the day. In fact, the entire resort (both guests and staff) was buzzing with excitement! “Our day was planned out for us according to our wishes from breakfast until the moment I walked down the aisle. The resort leaves no stone unturned. I felt like a Queen for the day." exclaims Marlo. The Vatulele staff went to work early, with everyone participating in arranging the flowers, preparing the dinner, and setting up for the event. When the time came, Marlo was taken down to the end of the beach where she boarded a small boat laden with tropical flowers and palm fronds. Fijians dressed as authentic warriors, maneuvered the boat through the shallow waters with tall wooden poles to a beach where Jim was waiting. When their eyes met it was magic. Their new found friends watched as they exchanged vows under an arch of flowers on the beach. The ceremony was followed by the sweet serenade of the Fijian Choir, and continued with a special dinner celebration. The bride and groom were honored with a kava ceremony in which the elders offered prayers of blessing in their native tongue. The kava is prepared from a spicy root and given first to the bride and groom, then the guests. The meke, a graceful, melodic dance, followed the kava ceremony. Fijians dressed in ti leaves and black face paint performed a traditional dance with spears. The native islanders inspired everyone to participate in the dancing that unforgettable evening. It was a night that left no one doubting—Fiji is truly an island paradise beyond compare.

Melissa McCoy is a 27 year resident of Hawaii and avid traveler to the Fiji Islands. Find out more at www.melissamccoy.com

If you would like to contact Melissa for assistance with your Romantic Fiji Weddingmoon or Honeymoon, please click here

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