When envisioning their holiday Michael weren’t initially familiar with the Cook Islands — but they were smitten with the South Pacific. “We have always loved the Polynesian culture and have been to Samoa, Fiji and Hawaii,” says Rachel. “We love everything about it and thought: What better place to be married than in paradise?”
A Google search was all it took for the couple to become enchanted by ‘the Cooks’ and its easy connections to their base in New South Wales, Australia. And the perfect setting for their Lush Tropical-themed wedding? The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium. Sitting pretty on the powder-soft shores of Aroa Beach, the resort hit the brief with its dreamy vistas, luminous lagoon waters and fabulous facilities.
It also offered the perfect, stress-free package, including beachfront accommodation for the happy couple and discounted accommodation for friends and family. Most of the 28 guests stayed at The Rarotongan’s adults-only sister resort, Sanctuary Rarotonga – On the Beach with the rest enjoying the family-friendly vibe at The Rarotongan. “Having two styles of resort next door to one another was perfect,” notes Rachel.
Guest experience was high on the priority list, with the couple creating a wedding website to help keep everyone in the planning loop. They also welcomed guests with a personal letter and gift in all the rooms so “everyone knew how valued they were for coming over”. No doubt guests loved the experience as a few have already booked to go back next year!
When it came to the main event, the couple worked closely with their wedding planner to bring a vibrant tropical vision to life. Ever the organised bride, Rachel also brought a few lightweight table decorations from home (sourced online and stashed in wedding party suitcases), adding a dash of personal style. The romantic, sun-kissed ceremony on Aroa Beach was followed by pre- dinner drinks on the Lagoon Deck and a memorable reception at Treetops Verandah Room. The newlyweds and their crew enjoyed a lavish barbeque buffet and fully embraced the island spirit.
As well as leading by example on the dance floor, this pair of music lovers created a crowd-pleasing playlist (featuring everyone from Frank Sinatra and Etta James to Sabrina Carpenter and Jason Mraz) by inviting guests to RSVP with their favourite songs. Love that! Rachel walked down the aisle to Can’t Help Falling in Love (Kinna Grannis), Michael Bublé’s Everything underscored the first dance, and the delicious Naked Coconut Cake was cut to L.O.V.E (Nat King Cole).
Reflecting on their holiday wedding experience, Rachel highlights the quality time spent with loved ones. “Everyone is relaxed and there is a calmer vibe,” she says. “Having a wedding locally, you’re lucky to see your guests for a moment. For us, an island destination wedding was about the whole experience.” This included a host of pre- and post-wedding activities and adventures, including chasing waterfalls, swimming with turtles, and even attending local church services. “We all enjoyed the water (AMAZING!!)” says Rachel. “We went to numerous cafes, bars, restaurants, and culture nights. Some guests went on the party bus and to the Muri night markets and Saturday morning market (we went three Saturdays in a row!).”
And the bride’s advice for pulling off a dreamy South Pacific wedding? “Plan well in advance for yourselves and guests to help with budgeting (and definitely take advantage of The Rarotongan’s sales and deals)” she says. “Have a wedding planner and keep the communication on-going. Make use of the gorgeous flowers of South Pacific — colour looks amazing against the stunning colours of the island. And arrive at least a week in advance to relax, take care of official wedding business, and get to know the island so you can then give guests as much of your time as possible.”
The newlyweds stayed on to honeymoon in paradise, starting with two nights at The Rarotongan’s other adults-only sister resort, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort — set on ‘the world’s most beautiful lagoon’ Aitutaki. “It’s such a relaxing island where everyone is so friendly,” says Rachel. “Aitutaki sunsets would have to be the most stunning in the world … and the water, again, just WOW!” And though they’re now settled back in Australia, Rachel admits the couple are “still dreaming of the beautiful Cook Islands and its people. We will be back.”
DREAM TEAM:
WEDDING DATE: 7 November 2024 // PHOTOGRAPHY: Island Photo // LOCATION: The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium // HONEYMOON: Aitutaki (including Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort)
