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Andrew & Donna’s Raja Ampat Wedding Tale at Papua Diving Resorts
Find the beautiful story they shared with us about their dream wedding experience in Papua Diving Resorts Raja Ampat.
- December 1, 2023
Find the beautiful story they shared with us about their dream wedding experience in Papua Diving Resorts Raja Ampat.
Recently, we had the immense honor and pride of being a part of a truly significant day in Andrew and Donna's life. They chose our resort as the venue for their dream wedding in the breathtaking landscapes of Raja Ampat. Below, you'll find the beautiful story they shared with us about their dream wedding experience.
My partner Andrew and I began planning our dream wedding 12 months before our big day. Planning was a bit tricky, as shortly after our engagement, we embarked on our sailing journey from Fremantle in Western Australia to the very top of the WA coast and then to Indonesia – most often with little internet or phone access.
Andrew and I both agreed our ‘’dream wedding’’ would focus on just the two of us, with minimal fuss in an incredible and wild location. Given we were sailing to Indonesia, we thought why not tie the knot somewhere amazing, like Raja Ampat? We looked online at options and from the start found Papua Diving Resorts ticked so many boxes. The online response from staff was prompt and informative, images of Sorido Bay Resort were stunning and nothing we asked for (from imported food products for our wedding dinner and making a special cake), was too hard! The only issue was where to leave our sailing yacht (our floating home), as it was too deep to anchor and leave the boat safely unattended, due to strong winds and currents. Then the resort management agreed to install a mooring for us in time for our wedding.
Once in Raja Ampat, we decided to visit Papua Diving Resorts and meet the team. With fingers crossed, as we had already booked and paid our deposit, we arrived to find the resort even more stunning than first impressions from the website. The traditional Papuan-style construction was beautiful but unpretentious, with private chalets right on the water’s edge, against a backdrop of lush jungle. Baby sharks, many other fish, and bright coral peeked from beneath the long wooden jetty entrance to Sorido Bay Resort.
The staff were incredibly friendly and listened attentively as we discussed our wedding plans. We had a choice of several locations - at the resort, a nearby island, or a tiny sandspit in the middle of the ocean that disappeared rapidly once the tide came up – perfect for us! Within a couple of days, we were sent several special wedding dinner menu options, images of mouth-watering wedding cakes, pictures of bridal flowers, and details about entertainment for the ceremony and reception.
After a few emails and phone calls our plans were finalised. A couple of days prior to the wedding day we arrived at the resort with Andrew’s sister and her husband, who had flown in from Australia, and another couple who are great friends, so we had a wedding party of six.
Our wedding day was even more amazing than we had imagined. The resort staff ensured we were all looked after from the moment we began getting ready – a special lunch delivered to our rooms with chilled champagne, massage therapists making sure my two bridesmaids and I were pampered, cold beers for the boys, and anything else we wanted.
The rain cleared just in time for our ceremony to begin on a patch of powdery white sand with a palm-frond archway, literally in the middle of the ocean. Local Papuan man, James, played guitar and sang local love songs, as I walked towards Andrew, my soon-to-be “suami” (husband), holding a beautiful bouquet of bright yellow flowers provided by the local village adjacent to the resort. It felt like a dream.
Then, as the tide rose and the sand disappeared, we were whisked back to the resort and greeted by loudly cheering staff.
Our group of six enjoyed champagne and scrumptious canapes in a private seating area on the jetty, while James and his band provided an intimate party atmosphere.
Dinner showcased the resort’s talented kitchen team with a meal unrivaled by anything we had experienced in Indonesia – under the stars, at a beautifully set table complete with white linen, flowers, and candles. We sang and danced to local Papuan music. It was a celebration of love and friendship in an extraordinary wild setting and the day was even more perfect than Andrew and I had ever imagined.
Papua Diving Resorts can also organize important moments in your life. Delve deeper into Papua's diverse and enchanting underwater landscapes, discovering exclusive locations and hidden gems perfect for exchanging vows. Uncover the possibilities and uniqueness Raja Ampat holds for your special day.