A Stunning Real Wedding at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Why have one wedding when you can celebrate twice!? This couple kept the memorable moments flowing with a traditional Indian ‘I do’ in New Zealand then a second celebration in Cook Islands (aka paradise) with 43 of their favourite people.

This stunning beach wedding was a dream come true for Sheenal and Nilesh, who first became seduced by the screensaver scenery of Aroa Beach and The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium. “It looked stunning in photos,” says Sheenal. “I always wanted a beach wedding and this seemed like the perfect beach.” Looking at these photos, we can’t help but agree!

After hosting a fabulous traditional Indian wedding in New Zealand (photo above), the couple rode that just-married high all the way to Rarotonga. Arriving in this island idyll, any jitters about planning from afar were washed away by the dreamy vistas and the expertise of their resort wedding team. “The biggest challenge was trying to visualise spaces without actually having been there,” says Sheenal.

“Our wedding planners Litia and Liz ran us through everything as soon as we landed and put my mind to rest.”

With the Aroa Lagoon shimmering behind them, the couple pledged their vows to the delight of teary-eyed friends and family. A beautiful moment they will cherish for a lifetime. They marked the occasion by planting a baby coconut palm before floating away to a fun photocall — then surprising guests (all enjoying cocktail hour on the deck), with their cake cutting! We hear the tropical tiers of Pina Colada and Orange/Mango were delicious.

Hosted at the resort’s Treetops Verandah Room, the reception dinner was made even more memorable by a special menu item. “Everything on the menu was fantastic!” says Sheenal of the Island BBQ Buffet buffet which included New Zealand lamb, herbed garlic prawns, pumpkin and island spinach lasagne, and Bombe Alaska. “The resort even managed to include the tuna the boys caught the day before on their big-game fishing trip, which was also Nilesh’s stag do.”

Party time kicked off with Sheenal and Nilesh taking their first twirl as Mr & Mrs to Perfect (Ed Sheeran) before the dance floor lit up to a playlist that included more than one Bollywood classic. Another highlight? The thrilling fire dance show on the beach!

With everyone still buzzing from the experience, the bride reflects on hosting a wedding that delivered so much more. “The fact that my extended family and friends could enjoy a holiday as well as attend our wedding was the best,” she says.

“We managed to get out and do stuff together which was fantastic as not everyone is always available for get-togethers at home. All our guests were amazed at the level of planning and how every little detail was thought out to make the experience as personalised as possible. To other couples, I would say: go for it! It’s fantastic when you can gather your nearest and dearest without any distractions and just spend quality time with them.”

The newlyweds did carve out a little just-us time though, slipping away to the adults-only Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort for their honeymoon. “We had a beautiful Overwater Bungalow and private jetty where we could launch our kayaks and paddle boards,” says Sheenal. “We enjoyed stunning sunsets — and the lagoon fish just seemed to hang out under our bungalow, so we didn’t even need to get into the water for snorkelling!”

DREAM TEAM
Date: 12-07.2024 // Ceremony location: Aroa Beach at The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium // Reception location: Treetops Verandah Room at The Rarotongan // Wedding planners: Litia & Liz at The Rarotongan // Gown: Bridal Brilliance // Honeymoon: Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort Adults Only