Seaside serenity
Jessica Dunn and sam Tutty married at Muri Beach Club hotel, Rarotonga, on saturday, October 19, 2013
Set on the shores of Rarotonga’s Muri Beach, Jessica and Sam said ‘I do’ against a backdrop of sand and sun.
Our love story Sam and I met at a bar in 2008, hitting it off immediately. After four years together, Sam planned to propose on our upcoming trip to Thailand. However, after returning early from a work trip and deciding he couldn’t wait, he scattered red rose petals across the lounge and waited for me to get home. He popped the question while I still had shopping bags in hand. location, location, location I had always dreamt of island vows, and we loved the idea of combining the occasion with a holiday with our loved ones. Rarotonga’s relaxed vibe and breathtaking natural beauty meant it encompassed everything we wanted our wedding to be – carefree and beautiful. Meet and greet We were lucky that 60 people were able to travel to Rarotonga for our wedding. To make sure they felt appreciated, we organised events throughout the week, such as meeting up at the pub to watch an All Blacks versus Australia rugby match – it was a great way for guests to get acquainted before the big day. scene setters We let Muri Beach Club Hotel’s twinkling lagoon-side setting speak for itself, saying ‘I do’ on the sand beneath a chiffon-covered bamboo archway. The hotel’s modern yet elegant interior made for a classy reception – we decorated the room with minimalistic white linens, candles and blooms. My dream dress My ivory gown’s fitted lace bodice and floaty chiffon skirt fitted me perfectly, with Anita from Vinka Design creating the gown especially for me. I paired it with a full-length veil, also by Vinka. Sprinkled with diamantés and made from the same lace as my dress, it shimmered as I walked down the aisle and acted as an elegant finish to my beach-friendly look. island fare Being unable to sample the menu before we got to Rarotonga, food was one aspect of the day we were concerned about. We needn’t have been – guests devoured dishes such as manuka smoked chicken salad and panfried mahi mahi before digging into a dessert of carrot and chocolate cupcakes. Boy talk The boys embraced our wedding’s beachy vibe, wearing lightweight white shirts and grey trousers from Tarocash and finishing the smart-casual look with a pair of black Havaianas. My advice for brides to be Embrace the helping hands offered by family and friends – it will ease the pressure on you and your loved ones will feel important and included.