Viti Levu, Fiji Islands Indian Wedding by Jashan Photography

When Maharani Natasha started planning her destination Indian wedding, she knew she was up for the challenge. However, there was one element that was entirely sure of the moment she was proposed to. Her Indian wedding lengha. Scouring through Pinterest, she finally decided on a design and enlisted Kavita from RE Mumbai and miraculously was able to convey the bride’s vision without stepping foot out of the country. What resulted is a stunning traditional yet modern red and gold lengha. I especially loved the tapestry pattern on the hem of the flowing skirt. The bride was beautified by Stanley of Fiji Bridal Professional Hair & Makeup and this makeup artist did not skip a beat. The bride was an outright stunner. The venue took place beach side at the Intercontinental Resort & Spa Fiji and the outdoor venue just dazzled with pizazz from the works of Paradise Bride Weddings & Events Fiji. Swimming in the gallery are a treasure cove of images that just need to be doted on. Hats off to Jashan Photography for their stellar work in the photography business! The details of the wedding are coming from the bride herself and she has more to dish down below! 

What was the most enjoyable part of the planning process, and why?

In all honestly planning an overseas wedding in Fiji was as exciting as it was a headache at times. Fiji time meant everything moved slower and getting responses took longer. With 4AM Skype calls due to the time difference it was a long year of planning but each time we managed to lock something in and the day we arrived at the resort and caught up face to face with our decorators and hotel staff and I felt at ease knowing they would make our vision come to life.

What did your guests particularly love about your Wedding?

Everything! It was a holiday through and through for every single person. As none of our family were involved in the planning process everyone was able to relax sit back and enjoy. Our entire wedding was unplugged as we wanted people to interact, our friends to meet our family and for everyone to engage with what was going on around them. Many of our friends had never been to a Hindu wedding before let alone Fiji so it was an experience for them all.

Was there a really special moment in your wedding that constantly replays in your mind?

At our wedding reception when we opened up the dance floor my grandfather got up took off his jacket and started circling it above his head and started dancing with my grandmother. As they are both in their 80s and had just made a journey halfway across the world and weren't sure how they would handle it with their health to see them get up and enjoy themselves so much meant the world to me. To see my family come together after 26 years and to be up together having fun every night till late was exactly what we wanted from our wedding - and we made it happen.

For events other than your ceremony, please tell us as much as you would like about the decor, style, dances, and all the special details.

As Fiji is naturally so beautiful we tried to host all our events outdoors so people could admire the view and take in the amazing surrounds. With this in mind we wanted all the décor to simple but elegant so it was a subtle enhancement of the surroundings. We wanted our guests to be involved actively in as many events as we could. We designed and printed booklets for each event describing what was happening every step. We hosted our Pithi & Sadhak together so all our friends and family were together all of the time. With a beautiful water feature background with Frangipani trees we got all our guests involved in Pithi and all our friends had a go at smothering us! The only dance we organised was our own First Dance at the Reception which was hosted by a friend who does stand up comedy so everyone was in tears of laughter most of the night.

Do you have any words of wisdom for Brides-To-Be?

Have fun whilst planning as hard as it can be and try and savour every moment. Even with a 4 day wedding it goes so quickly. Enjoy the small moments with your family and your husband every chance you get - these are some of the best memories you will have.

One last stop for the rocking reception! See you in a Fiji minute!