Marc & Melina live in Victoria, British Columbia in Canada.
How Did They Find Themselves Planning A Moorea Legal Wedding + Celebratory Beach Ceremony In Tahiti?
Well, Marc is a member of the Royal Canadian Navy, and in the summer of 2016 as he was away at RIMPAC (just outside of Hawaii) for about two months, he asked Melina where she most wanted to visit in the world for a vacation and she said, “Tahiti”.
Marc planned their engagement during his sail, and on his return home he booked a weekend getaway up Victoria Island in Ucluelet. He had an engagement ring crafted in Ottawa and even asked for Melina’s mum’s blessing. He took Melina on a hike and she remembers that her legs were sore after the massage she had in the morning, and she was tired, but Marc was determined to get to the perfect spot by the ocean and finally stopped to rest at a lighthouse… he got down on one knee and told Melina that he wanted to spend to rest of his life with her, to which she immediately replied “Okay!”
… the ring wasn’t even out yet so he pulled out the ring, and asked her to marry him. It was a sapphire ring, and not a diamond. Edwardian style, her favorite. He remembered. He remembered that she loved the blue and the white and that ring was absolutely breathtaking.
So of course she said “Yes!” again, and for a while her feet stopped hurting!
So here they were a year later, getting married (Moorea legal wedding + beach ceremony) with two of their friends as their witnesses!
Marc & Melina wanted to get married legally, and to also have a celebratory ceremony on the beach in Moorea. They wanted the ceremony to be simple, nothing elaborate – just something on the beach with their friends without a long commute to another venue. They were hoping for a semi-private or private part of a beach at their resort, and leaning toward a more Western-style ceremony.
On the day, we met with Melina & Marc at their bungalow to get Melina’s hair & make-up done, before we drove to the City Hall for their legal marriage ceremony (read more on how you can get legally married in Moorea here). The legal part is rather quick and really just consists of the reading of some articles from the French Civil Code, and the signing of the registry.
Back to their resort, Melina & Marc got changed into new outfits for their beach ceremony. Marc, their two friends and I headed for the beach to set up flower petals in the sand, and to get ready for their personal ceremony.
Back to their resort, Melina & Marc got changed into new outfits for their beach ceremony. Marc, their two friends and I headed for the beach to set up flower petals in the sand, and to get ready for their personal ceremony.
Melina walked down the aisle toward Marc, who discovered her dress for the first time, and I was honored to officiate a bespoke ceremony for these two legends.
The resort was busy but we were fortunate to have a part of the beach just for the five of us, and for a moment it felt like there was no one else in the world!
Marc, who writes the most beautiful love letters Melina says, had written a poem for Melina, much to her surprise…
After shooting some more photos at sunset, Melina, Marc and their two friends enjoyed some French wine on the beach, as well as a 4-course fine-dining dinner with butler service, and more wine!
Thank you Melina & Marc for trusting us with your special day, and wish you the best for the future.
• Legal Wedding Planner + Officiant in Moorea: Nelly at wedOtahiti
• Photographer: Marc Gerard Photography Tahiti
• Hair & make-up: Maryline
