mimi & raimundo

Mimi Phan & Raimundo Campbell { 29 SEPTEMBER }

MARRIOTT RESORT, MOMI BAY, FIJI

MARRY ME | "Rai’s wedding proposal came unexpectedly. We were on a getaway in Hawaii to celebrate my birthday, when he dropped down on one knee and asked me to marry him. As partners, we challenge each other and have helped each other grow. We bring out the best in each other and love one another deeply.”

DESTINATION FIJI | Mimi and Raimundo are based in Sydney. “We both adore travelling so we wanted to have a destination wedding. With just our closest friends and family in attendance we had a small wedding with 49 guests. We stayed at the resort leading up to and following the wedding day. We wanted our guests to enjoy themselves as much as possible and have their own mini holiday!”

“Most of the wedding planning and execution was done by the Marriott resort, the organisers helped ensure that everything ran smoothly and we were able to enjoy our time with our guests. We flew our photographer and videographer over from Sydney for the event as we found it difficult to research local photographers but the staff at the resort were incredibly friendly and helpful. We half expected the wedding to run on 'island time' but everything ran on schedule and we were thrilled with the day."

OUR ISLAND FAMILY | “When scouting for locations, we instantly fell in love with the newly built Marriott Resort Momi Bay south of Nadi, Fiji. We were drawn to the laid-back atmosphere and the friendly staff who made us feel like family. The entire place was covered in large white frangipanis and bright red hibiscus flowers. They were the quintessential, ‘I’m-on-an-island-resort’ hair accessory of choice for both the locals and guests alike!”

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION | Mimi and her bridesmaids spent the morning of the wedding getting ready in one of the resort’s over water bungalows. A funny but also horrifying moment came in the morning when Mimi accidentally popped a bottle of Champagne all over her maid of honour! “The cork and half the bottle ended up on her after just having her makeup done!”

The ceremony was then held in an open area surrounded by beautiful palm trees on the North Point of the resort, overlooking the ocean. The couple’s guests were welcomed by a local guitarist and ukulele duo while drinks were served. “We kept the ceremony very short as we wanted the focus to be on the fun and festivities. Golf buggies were available to cart people around but many chose to walk to and from the ceremony and reception on foot as the weather was so beautiful and the scenery so inviting.”

The reception was held at the resort’s Fish Bar restaurant. “The whole area including the infinity pool and spa was ours exclusively for the night. The restaurant was covered in thousands of fairy lights and there was an open kitchen where we could watch the food being prepared in front of our eyes.”

As the sun set, guests witnessed the traditional torch lightening ceremony which occurs at sundown each night. “Two large fire pits on either side of the infinity pool were bursting with flames and the breeze from the ocean blew through the open restaurant and kept us all nice and cool. It was the perfect backdrop for creating a magical reception. We experienced some traditional Fijian fire dancing and welcomed the cool sand beneath our feet for the dance floor.”

ISLAND DREAM | Mimi wore a Leah Da Gloria gown. “I chose it because I like the lace detail, it was a flattering fit and I love the way the dramatic train falls in our photographs.” Rai wore a Giorgio Armani suit and Mimi’s bridesmaids looks gorgeous in their matching blush pink dresses.

TROPICAL STYLE | The styling was in keeping with the island surrounds. The decor was simple with white orchids and ferns. The wedding arbour was made from white chiffon and decorated with hints of red flowers. It made for a sweet focal spot for the ceremony.

SWIM ON BY | One of the most memorable moments at the reception was when a group of Mimi and Raimundo’s guests ended up jumping in fully clothed into the infinity pool! “The staff had already anticipated this and provided towels for everyone to use, they had a very relaxed, ‘Do anything at your own risk’ kind of attitude which we liked!”