The Blog

Bettina and Joe came all the way from Germany to get married in Fiji at Koro Sun in Savusavu! We did a pre wedding photo session at a waterfall near Savusavu, which is also on my blog here. They wanted their wedding to be an adventure and a small affair so only Bettina’s sister and her husband came along. The warm Fijian hospitality filled everyones hearts. A choir sang for the ceremony, which was very moving, afterward; the experience of a kava ceremony. The Koro Sun staff also took great care that their reception was impeccable.

Why did you choose Koro Sun? How was your experience with the resort? 

We chose Koro Sun for two reasons. First the idea was really intriguing getting married at the edge of a rainforest. We love forests with the big trees, the exotic flowers and all the magic they contain.

Secondly, before booking we read that the people of Vanua Levu should be even more friendly than of the other parts of Fiji. So there was no need for more to decide on Koro Sun. The decision was perfect – all the staff members are amazing, truly friendly,  remembering every name of their guests and helping in every way the can. And of course the whole venue is just stunning with the waterside bures, the rain forest, the beautiful garden and the bars and restaurants.

Any tips to give for future brides about getting married in Fiji?  

Going to Fiji to get married is anything else than normal. Best is to just relax. Let things evolve and enjoy the expected and the unexpected to the fullest. Everything will work out just perfectly.

How did you enjoy the day?

We woke up to a beautiful sunrise, then had a great breakfast. We relaxed at the beach bar or watching the colourful fish from our terrace. Seta; our wedding coordinator form Koro Sun made the last arrangements and brought the flowers. From lunch on we were getting a little nervous and exited at the same time expecting the ceremony to come. We began getting ready, Joe together with his best man. My sister came over to help me with hair, makeup and the dress. At 4pm everyone but me had to leave for the rain forest. Anais came to make some getting-ready pictures. Then a van brought the both of us to a bridge where the worriers were already waiting. They made gentle jokes to calm my nerves. Then came the moment when the worriers brought me to the ceremony. I just got goosebumps seeing my sister and her husband, Joe, the choir and all other helpers in this beautiful setting walking in to Metallica’s ‘Nothing else matters’. The ceremony began with a nice poem, Seta had chosen for us. Getting to the wows we both had a hard time swallowing our tears as this was the most touching moment. The end of the ceremony was marked by the choir singing beautiful Fijian songs.

As we left the rain forest for the beach bar, the kava ceremony and dinner it felt like emerging to a completely different world.  The sunset was just right for some more pictures before the dinner was served. The beach bar was reserved just for the four of us where a beautiful table was arranged with an amazing view of the sea. We enjoyed a tasty dinner and wedding cake with some delicious red wine. This remarkable day ended with a last drink together with some staff members at the main bar. It was a beautiful, exotic, romantic, amazing, joyful and quiet day all at the same time… just perfect.

Where did your flowers came from? 

The flowers came from Koro Sun itself. Seta had them made by a staff member.

What did you think about the kava ceremony? 

With the kava ceremony we integrated Fijian culture to our wedding. It was beautifully held, and we shared the kava with the worriers who came over after the official ceremony was finished and everybody else who was around. We had some good laughs and shared some memories what made  this experience feel like toasting with family – warm and at home.

What about hair and make-up?

Hair and make-up was made by my creative sister Petra after showing her some 20’s style ideas on the internet.

Where was your dress from? Your shoes? And Joes’s gown? The rings?

Betty : The dress was designed and made by the talented Nicole from Vogue Lugano (Switzerland) as are the shoes made in Italy on her request and design. For the sandy underground in the rain forest I chose transparent high-heels.
Joe : The gown and hat was from Barrett Lugano, the pants from La Perla, the shirt and cuff links from Vogue Lugano and the bow tie from a small German store called Stadtholz.
The rings have been made by the 75 year old Mr. Thomas Lahl himself owner of the atelier Lahl Konzept in Ulm/Germany.
How was your experience with the photographer 😉 ? Working with Anais is amazing. She is very professional knowing exactly what she wants but at the same time so creative that you just get exited posing for more pictures.

Anything you would like to add? 

This was one of the most exiting and enjoyable experiences we have made so far. Thanks to all the persons who worked and smiled and made it a great day from Seta our very supportive wedding coordinator, Anais the beautiful photographer and all the lovely staff members. To my sister and brother in law, who accompanied us emotionally and physically all the way. A big thank you goes to Joe (the new hubby) for letting me live these crazy ideas. Fiji with all it’s beautiful souls is worth every effort and every single mile of the long journey from Germany.

You can see Bettina and Joe’s underwater and waterfall photo session here.