The Beautiful Dress

I have to admit I had never seen a truly amazing dress up close. There are so many beautiful dresses around, and Fiji weddings tend to be more casual anyway, I think; and I guess back when I was wedding dress shopping all those years ago it was in a small town where dresses were made to order rather than there being a lot you could see up close. I read bridal magazines of course, but you know I expect those to look amazing, after all they're being worn by models... 

No one had seen Rebecca's dress, and when I asked if I could take some photos of it it was still hanging in its big bag. Everyone gathered around in Bec's room as it was unzipped, family and close girl friends and as it slid out I thought it was possibly one of the most amazing things I had ever seen. It was soft, silky and the most beautiful subtle colour, with sparkling crystals picking up the form... but the best was yet to come.... 

But I get ahead of myself. Nathan and Rebecca, an extremely likeable self assured young couple, were getting married at the Shangri-La Fijian, a resort I really like, and not just because of its beautiful location surrounded by lagoon and beach on the Coral Coast south of Nadi (this is the view from the bride's room, stunning huh? and the lagoon side is different again).

 

The wedding was attended by a large group of close and obviously loving family and friends, and was an amazing day. Rebecca owns a hairdressing business and I'll state here that I'd like to shoot hairdresser's weddings from now on! The hair and makeup were just beautiful to shoot, and the details were stunning....

 

While the Bride and her best girls worked flat out doing the gorgeous hair and makeup, over where the groom and his party were getting ready there was lots going on too. Apart from the quiet moments both parties were sharing as they prepared, there were also celebrations of Greek tradition over at Nathan's room that were fascinating (to a girl from Dunedin) and a very worthy photo subject on their own. But I won't share those in detail here.... this post is sort of about the whole wedding, but mostly about the dress....

 

So to the best part: the dress. The reason this dress is extra amazing is because it is the sort of the dress that doesn't look its best on a hanger or even on a model, even though it still looks pretty incredible on either of those.... it.... needs.... a body! Almost no one could wear this dress like Rebecca did and I hope she proudly shows it to her daughters and/or grand daughters one day; to really come alive this dress needs perfect arms and upper body, and curves: a combination that almost nobody and certainly no models can provide. It looked amazing.... and so the magic began...

As we walked down the stairs the dress lit the muted surrounds...

 

It shimmered in the middle of the Shangri-La chapel...

 

Amongst all the friends and family it was the centre of attention...(can't help it, love the movement in this image)...

 

It caught the late afternoon and evening light...

 

 
 

at times it looked nostalgic like a scene from a classic movie...

  

and it moved, swirled and flowed as they danced... 

  

So that Nathan only had eyes for his wife....

 

I have many other favourites from this fantastic day, and I'll probably put up another post of other quirky faves. But in the meantime there's more with the "sneak peek" for everyone on facebook: so I'll end with saying thanks Rebecca, Nathan, friends and family for including me in your fantastic day! Oh and of course where was the dress from? Arushi Bridal of course; if you're thinking of indulging in the dress of your dreams for your big day I now have a definite opinion: go for it!! 
 

Comments

[danielle ohlson]

As always we love your work!! dan

[Rebecca]

Meg, you inspire me. Your pictures get better every time I see a new post. BEAUTIFUL!!

[Rebcca Koletti]

Meg, Meg, Meg... You are AMAZING!!
Your work just brought tears to my eyes.
Yes my DRESS was Beautiful & so was our Wedding, & the Shangri la Hotel Fiji, But Meg, your photography is just PERFECT!!!
And for me to say something is perfect, it truely is!
Thank you again so very much for being our photographer on our Wedding day, we appreciate your skills immensely :)
PS: Let us know when you're in Sydney so we can catch up, take you out for a drink. xoxox
Kind Regards,
Nathan & Rebecca Koletti.

[Sarah]

What a beautiful dress, stunning bride and gorgeous images! So nice to see a post from you. :)

[Natalie adams]

Hi Meg
what gorgeous photo's, I am getting married in Fiji this December.I am very interested in finding out what packages you do and what dates you have available.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Natalie

[Kaysie Laffan]

Hi Meg,
Your photo's are amazing my fiance and I are getting married at Malolo Island next year, i am very interested in getting in touch with you to discuss any packages and prices.
Look forward to hearing from you!
Kaysie

[Sherman Unkefer]

Wow! fabulous gown,that was perfect for the bride whose really want her day happy and she looks a beautiful for every one

[Eva Reever]

Hi Meg,

Your wedding dress looks fabulous! It looks good on you and it accentuates your beautiful curves. The photos are great as well. I just got married last week to my gorgeous husband. But before we got married, we've searched for a lot of pretty wedding venues (Louisville, KY area). Great thing we've find one that suits best on our budget. We also hired a wedding DJ (Louisville, KY) that will turn up the wedding feel as he plays great music during the ceremony. And like your wedding, mine was
as close to perfection, too!

[indian wedding photographers]

beautiful work Dan!