Why They Chose a Multi-Day Island Elopement in Fiji

Marissa and Giacomo wanted an intimate experience without the stress of a wedding so they could focus entirely on each other, but that was only the beginning. They envisioned a wedding all about adventure, romance, and embracing the raw beauty of nature.

In their own words: “We’re envisioning a ‘Tarzan and Jane’ vibe—elegant yet untamed, where the lush jungle meets the pristine beach. We want our wedding to feel like a hidden paradise, as if we’ve stumbled upon a secluded oasis where time slows down, and all that matters is love and the breathtaking surroundings.”

Fiji was a match made in heaven for their vision. A secluded group of islands with rich culture and breathtaking nature: white sand beaches and swaying palms as the sun sparkles across the ocean, mountain islands lining the horizon with hidden jungles and flowing waterfalls – a lifetime of beauty to explore and almost no one else around.

We’re so honored to say that this photo from Marissa & Giacomo’s elopement won the Best of the Best Destination Wedding Photo Contest from Junebug Weddings!

Day One: Drone Boat Photos and Private Island Paradise

Sailing to Matangi Island

We met Marissa and Giacomo to pick up their marriage license, then immediately hopped on a boat to sail across the ocean to Matangi Island Resort. The boat ride threw us right into the adventure – soaring over the waves, they held each other close and enjoyed stunning views of mountain islands covered in jungle and turquoise waters shimmering like gemstones. Getting a bird’s-eye view with the drone was breathtaking! Micah piloted it from inside the boat and had to climb on the roof to catch it since the boat was constantly drifting!

First Look and Ceremony

They got ready separately in their ocean view bungalow tucked into the jungle before sharing an emotional first look in a secluded cove. The waves gently lapped and palm trees swayed as they breathed in the reality of where they were and what they were about to do.

Their ceremony was steeped in traditions and culture. Their Christian faith mixed with rich Fijian traditions meant Marissa was guarded by warriors as she walked to the ceremony, and a Fijian gospel choir sang hymns throughout. It was nothing short of a tropical fairytale.

Sunset on the Beach

After the ceremony they relaxed together in a hammock, taking the first moments of their marriage to slowly let the reality of the beauty around them sink in. Then they frolicked up and down the beach, dancing and laughing one moment, gazing out at the view the next. Bathed in the sunset with tropical paradise surrounding them – they looked more beautiful and overflowing with magic than ever before.

Day Two: Waterfall Adventures: The Full Fiji Experience

Hiking Through the Jungle

On day two, Marissa and Giacomo immersed themselves in the jungle. Giacomo is a huge bird watcher and wildlife enthusiast, and Marissa shares his passion, so Fiji was an absolute playground for them. Every few steps on the hike to Tavoro Falls, they stopped to photograph a bird, catch a lizard, or admire a tropical flower they’d never seen before.

Swimming at the Waterfall

They hiked through the jungle to a secluded waterfall where they swam before putting on their wedding clothes and returning to the main massive waterfall. They jumped right into the water, splashed around, held each other close – imagine swimming in a waterfall on your wedding day!

We captured two different angles of them jumping off the rocks hand in hand – straight into the adventure. We had so much fun getting creative and artistic with them, which resulted in hands down the best photos of the day because we were all just co-creating together.

Dancing in the Tropical Rain

The tropical rain began to move in, but Marissa and Giacomo were here for it! Their last stop was one last beach – windswept and rainy, and absolutely gorgeous. They embraced every bit of romance movie energy, creating some of the most beautiful moments, holding each other as they splashed through the ocean. Marissa and Giacomo spent their elopement exactly how they wanted to – elegant yet untamed, adventurous yet intimate, completely theirs.

How We Helped Plan Their Multi-Day Fiji Elopement

Planning & Timeline

When we first talked about their elopement, Marissa and Giacomo had already chosen their private island ceremony spot at Matangi Island Resort, so we scouted tons of locations on the nearby main island. Going to each location in person beforehand so we could get a full lay of the land.

We created a comprehensive timeline to include not just driving time but also boat rides between islands, hikes to different waterfalls, and outfit changes. We always make sure every detail is covered so couple’s like Marissa and Giacomo can focus entirely on the experience.

The Overall Elopement Vision

That “Tarzan and Jane” vibe, the desire for organic and adventurous moments, the willingness to embrace both sunshine and rain – they knew what they wanted and they leaned all the way in. When you’re that clear on your vision and you work with your photographers to create space for co-creating magic, the results are absolutely stunning.

This elopement was amazing. The kind of adventure that reminds us why we love what we do – helping couples create once-in-a-lifetime experiences in some of the most beautiful places on earth.

Thinking about eloping? Let’s make it 100% YOU.

Photos From Their Amazing Elopement: