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Wedding at the Seychelles
February 12 – 22, 2007
Five years after I left the US for Austria where I met and fell in love with my (now) wife, we decided to get married. A long-time wish of ours was to take a relaxing beach vacation on a tropical island. So we decided to combine this wish with the most important day of our lives and to have our wedding at the Seychelles.
As we began our research into which island and hotel to choose and exactly how one goes about planning a wedding at the Seychelles, a friend recommended that we contact Blue Ocean Travel. We began planning in October for our wedding in February. The team at Blue Ocean Travel, and Kidd Lavigne in particular, was extremely helpful and patient as we looked at various hotel options, packages, flights, etc. They were able to answer all of our questions, calm our nerves, and find a package that suited us. In the end, we chose to book the Wedding and Honeymoon Package at the Cerf Island Resort.
The following months and weeks flew by and the next thing we knew, we were boarding the plane for the Seychelles. Upon arrival at the Airport in Mahé, we were met by the warm sea breeze and the beautiful flora, as well as Matthew from Blue Ocean Travel. Matthew made sure that we had all of the necessary information about our stay in the Seychelles and he checked in with us throughout our time there to make sure everything was as we desired.
We caught the boat for the 10 minute ride to Cerf Island. As we pulled up to the dock, Joanna, the assistant hotel manager, and several staff members were waiting to greet us. A few seconds later, we were relaxing on the veranda overlooking the crystal blue ocean sipping freshly squeezed fruit cocktails as the hotel staff made us feel welcome.
Things just kept getting better as we were escorted to our bungalow, which was a short walk up the stairs through the palms and blooming flowers. The bungalow itself was amazing. Freshly cut flowers provided decoration throughout the elegant room. The main room, finished and furnished in dark wood in a tropical style, was plenty large and quite comfortable. A spacious deck with lounge chairs looked through the lush forest and the secluded outdoor shower and bath area gave the accommodations a special flair. The cleanliness of the room and attention to detail (such as fresh flowers everyday) were evident for the duration of our stay and showed that the staff of the hotel, which only has about 14 bungalows in all, strives to provide a personal experience for their guests.
The following morning, we met again with Matthew and Joanna to discuss the details of the wedding. We were still rather nervous but their experience and sense of calm, as well as the warm see breeze and tropical surroundings, helped to put our minds and bodies at ease. Matthew and Joanna, who would also serve as our Best Man and Maid of Honor, talked through all of the details with us and helped us to put the final touches together for a wedding day that would be just right for us. We even met with the hotel chef to discuss the menu for our wedding dinner, which, like the food throughout our stay, was spectacular.
Our wedding could not have been more perfect. The beach was decorated with palms and coconuts. The occasional passing clouds cleared at exactly the right moment allowing the late afternoon sun to cast a warm glow on the proceedings and everything we had imagined, dreamed, and hoped in the previous months had come true. After the ceremony, champagne, cake, and pictures, we went on a sunset cruise. By the time we returned the beach had been rearranged to accommodate our private beach dinner. With the waves lapping on the shore, a bonfire burning brightly in the sand, a wonderful meal of fresh fruit and fresh fish, little sand crabs skittering harmlessly to and fro, and my new bride, the most beautiful woman in the world, I was in heaven.
With the wedding behind us, we still had several days to enjoy and explore our surroundings without any worries in the world. We took advantage of everything that the Cerf Island Resort has to offer. In addition to the beach and snorkeling, we used the sea kayaks to paddle around the island and we used the pedal boat to take a day trip ‘honeymoon’ to the neighboring Moyenne Island, where we met Brendan Grimshaw, its lone inhabitant and his 100 giant tortoises. Brendan is a very interesting and amicable character who welcomed us warmly to his island and told us some interesting stories as we sat on his veranda. Making the trip to Moyenne Island for a visit with Brendan and his tortoises is highly recommended.
As newlyweds, we were also entitled to the Cerf Island Resort’s “pick of the hat”, which allowed us to draw a prize each day. These included a private tour around Mahé Island, a cook course with the chef, private use of the hotel spa, and additional extras. We also made a day trip to Praslin and La Digue Islands where we explored the beautiful beaches and the amazing plant life of the Vallée de Mai.
After ten amazing and unforgettable days, Matthew met us at the airport to make sure that we had a smooth check-in and departure. We boarded the plane home with reluctance and also with satisfaction. Our wedding in paradise was more than we could have ever imagined, thanks in large part to the great service of Blue Ocean Travel throughout the entire adventure. If we could do the whole thing again, we would in a heartbeat and would not change a thing.
David & Michaela
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