We Got Married at Shangri-La Fiji — and the Kids Chose the Venue

Why the Kids Chose Shangri-La

We were trying to decide between three resorts for our destination wedding in Fiji. Steve and I had stayed at the InterContinental before and loved it. Marriott Momi Bay was on our radar. But our kids — all five of them — had one answer: Shangri-La. They'd been there before and were completely obsessed. So we did what felt right for a blended family wedding: we let them choose. The moment we agreed, the excitement in our house was electric. That's exactly the energy you want going into a wedding.

The whole family on the lawn at Shangri-La Yanuca Island. Photo: Ocean Studio Fiji.

The Multi-Day Celebration We Designed

We didn't want a single day — we wanted a shared transformation. Guests arrived at their own pace on Saturday, easing into the magic of Fiji. Sunday kicked off with a sunrise team run, followed by a welcome evening of drinks and a pink-or-blue-themed Italian dinner. Monday was the wedding day itself — optional morning yoga, an afternoon ceremony at the chapel, and a barefoot, white-themed reception. We wrapped up with a joyful Recovery Day on Tuesday: poolside hangs, mini putt, pickleball, a Greatest Showman theme, and a final dinner of Asian fusion. Four days. One family. Unforgettable.

Guests were asked to wear white — the result was breathtaking. Photo: Ocean Studio Fiji.

The Ceremony: A Celtic Knot and Five Children

The ceremony was held in the Shangri-La chapel — intimate, beautiful, and perfectly suited to a family wedding. The most meaningful moment was the Celtic knot ritual, led by Sarah's parents. Each of our five children contributed a ribbon that was tied together around our joined hands, symbolising the weaving of our blended family. There wasn't a dry eye in the room. Our celebrant (5/5 — I wish I could remember his name!) created a ceremony that felt deeply personal and completely us. We also had singers in the chapel, which added the most beautiful atmosphere.

Left: The Celtic knot ritual — each child tied a ribbon around our joined hands. Right: Steve's face during the vows said everything. Photos: Ocean Studio Fiji.

Signing the register with all five kids around us. This is what a family wedding looks like. Photo: Ocean Studio Fiji.

The Reception: The Bougiest Buffet You've Ever Seen

The reception was held in the Events Centre — and it rained on our wedding day, which turned out to be a blessing. Being inside meant fairy lights everywhere, a dance floor that got absolutely destroyed, and kids who wanted to stay out later than the adults. The food was extraordinary: a seafood tower with prawns and oysters, live carving stations, salads, and variety for every guest. Our guests kept saying it was the bougiest buffet they'd ever experienced. The only thing I'd do differently? The drinks package. We paid on consumption, and some guests had packages — next time, I'm making sure there's more champagne for everyone.

The kids had the time of their lives. Some wanted to stay out longer than us. Photo: Ocean Studio Fiji.

The Dress, the Crown, and the Pink Moment

I looked everywhere for a pink wedding dress. My first wedding I spent a fortune on a gown — this time I wanted something that felt like me, not a tradition. I found it online, and it was SO fun to wear pink when every single guest was in white. The contrast was perfect. My crown was a sea shell and crystal piece I'd been following on Etsy for years — from Chelsea's Flower Crowns. The girls all chose their own outfits. My bridesmaids wore white. The kids were in their element.

Sarah and her girls with the most beautiful tropical bouquets. The florist was recommended by the resort — and delivered beyond expectations. Photo: Ocean Studio Fiji.

The Vendors: Why We Trusted the Resort

I produce events myself, so I can be fussy. But for this wedding, I made a deliberate decision to trust the Shangri-La team's recommendations entirely — florist, hair and makeup, music, everything. And it was the best decision I made. The flowers made me so happy. The hair and makeup team were awesome. The music — chapel singers, a live band, then a DJ — was all 5/5. The Shangri-La staff made the whole experience easy and stress-free. For a destination wedding, that peace of mind is everything.

The Vendor Dream Team

Our Verdict: Would We Do It All Again?

Yes. Absolutely, unequivocally yes. The Shangri-La Yanuca Island is one of the most beautiful family resorts in the world, and as a wedding venue it exceeded every expectation. The staff are extraordinary. The facilities are world-class. The food is genuinely exceptional. And the feeling of being surrounded by the people you love most, on a Fijian island, with your children tying ribbons around your hands — there is nothing in the world like it. The kids were right. They're always right.