Real wedding – Mel & Deren, Denarau Island FIJI

For Mel and Deren, setting their stunning celebrations in the exquisite tropics of Fiji informed their styling choices to perfection. The serene turquoise waters and soft golden sands are reflected in their palette, underpinned by coastal elegance and nautical chic.

With Wanderlust at the styling and planning helm and a trusted team of talented suppliers realising the vision, this is a day unfolding with effortless grace, and real, authentic feels.

A breathtaking beachside ceremony kicks off the celebrations, with the party continuing in an epic clean-span marquee. Touches of gold accent the white-on-white palette with hints of seafoam blue to transition the oceanic effect throughout each element of the festivities.

Scroll on to see the party unfold through the lens of Quint Photography.

The meeting.

We met eight years ago through mutual friends while out on a night out. It was a casual introduction that turned into a meaningful connection over time.

The one.

I knew he was the one when he showed incredible support and care for me and my family during a tough period. His kindness and understanding made it clear that he was someone I could rely on.

The proposal.

He proposed on a winter day during a trip to Marysville. We took a walk near a waterfall in the evening, and that’s when he asked me to marry him. It was a romantic moment in a beautiful setting that I’ll always cherish.

Planning process.

Planning our wedding was made effortless thanks to the expertise of our dedicated planner, Laura, and the support of Kaliova from Sheraton. They understood our vision for a coastal-inspired celebration and executed it flawlessly, ensuring every detail, from venue arrangements to decor choices, reflected our style and preferences.

Style inspiration.

Our wedding style was a blend of coastal charm and royal elegance. Inspired by the serene beauty of the beach, we chose a palette of blue, white, and gold. These colours echoed the tranquil ocean hues while adding a touch of regal sophistication. Against the backdrop of our seaside venue, we incorporated subtle nautical elements and soft, romantic lighting to create an intimate and enchanting atmosphere. It was a day that reflected our love story with grace and timeless allure.

For inspiration, I found all aspects—real weddings, styled shoots, and articles on specific suppliers— extremely valuable. Real weddings inspired me with unique ideas and personal touches. Styled shoots offered curated aesthetics and trends, sparking creative ideas. Articles on suppliers guided me towards trusted professionals. Additionally, connecting via Facebook groups allowed me to ask questions and gain insights from a supportive community of fellow brides and grooms.

The ceremony.

Our ceremony was held on the beach, a choice inspired by my love for nature and the romantic atmosphere it provided. The setting was not only breathtaking but also deeply meaningful as we were surrounded only by our closest family and friends. Experiencing that intimate moment with our loved ones against the backdrop of the ocean was truly magical and unforgettable.

The outfits.

My dress was a custom design that fulfilled a dream I had envisioned. It featured a long train and was crafted to resemble a cloud, blending seamlessly with the natural environment while maintaining a unique and intricate design. The top half had a shell-inspired appearance adorned with subtle sparkles, adding a touch of elegance and reflecting my outgoing personality. The lower part incorporated delicate floral patterns with layers of tulle, creating a feminine and graceful silhouette that perfectly matched my personal style.

Favourite moments.

Every moment of the day was my favorite. From beginning to end, I cherished every experience with my significant other and our loved ones. It was a stress-free day filled with joy and love, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Meaning of marriage.

Marriage, to me, is about sharing every day with your best friend by your side. It means sharing all the highs and lows of life together, making memories, and building a future side by side. It’s about laughter, support, and knowing that you’re unconditionally loved just as you are.

Wedding soundtrack.

Ceremony: Violin version of the Lion King, Can You Feel the Love Tonight

First dance: For My Hand by Ed Sheeran

Funny stories (or near disasters).

Deren having so much fun his pants ripped on the dance floor (luckily, the hotel room was upstairs).

Words of wisdom.

Not to stress about the little things. For example, our DJ started playing our first dance song for dad and daughter dance, so we just laughed it off and waited for him to start again; really, the most important thing is your love and if you are calm, that dictates the energy and atmosphere for the rest of the day!

Something different we did was stay together in the same room the night before the wedding, which we both loved as we felt relaxed waking up together and sharing that excitement in the morning, and then that calmness continued throughout the day as we were not nervous or stressed at all just excited and ready to be husband and wife!

Love an elevated beach wedding? Grace and Jayden’s stunning Palm Beach soiree has been one of our audience’s all-time faves – with THAT dress that simply epitomises fresh modern style and chic coastal vibes.

MEL & DEREN’S VENDORS

Ceremony & reception venue: Sheraton Resort Denarau Island, Fiji

Photography: Quint

Videography: Zoom Fiji

Styling & planning: Wanderlust Creative

Florist: The Wedding Atelier Fiji

Hair & make up: Keely Artistry

Entertainment: Dj Micks

Décor: Fiji_weddings