Cook Islands Wedding by Bookletia

Wedding

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Welcome to

COOK ISLANDS

Kia Orana Congratulations! You are looking in the best possible place for your dream wedding by considering the idyllic Cook Islands. Midway between Sydney and Hawaii, this exquisite archipelago of 15 islands is scattered over a vast swathe of ocean in the heart of the Polynesian triangle. Get there on a direct flight to Rarotonga from Auckland (about 4 hours), Sydney (about 6.5 hours) or Los Angeles (about 9.5 hours). The Cook Islands are utterly romantic - think gorgeous white sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise lagoons and soaring

Weddings

emerald peaks. But what makes the Cook Islands a superior island wedding destination for discerning couples is its modern way of life and amazingly warm and hospitable people – who just love a wedding! No matter whether you are declaring young love, renewing your vows or bringing children from a previous marriage to celebrate a new beginning. We hope this magazine provides all the inspiration and knowhow you’ll need to plan your perfect day. We provide ideas on marrying with a touch of Cook Islands’ tradition, in elegant

refinement or simply eloping to your own private island in What’s your wedding style? Page 10. Turn to page 26 to read up on what the main island of Rarotonga offers the entire wedding party to see and do, and how easy it is to have a Cook Islands legal destination wedding. You will find how to source whatever expertise you will need and be sure to turn to page 30 for all there is to know about Aitutaki. Read on and you’ll soon be planning the happiest day of your life. The Cook Islands Tourism ‘love and happiness’ team

Pacific Resort, Aitutaki 4

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CONTENTS Weddings

04 Welcome

16 Wedding style

28 Destination Aitutaki

An introduction

Elopement

All you need to know

08 Your Day

18 Wedding style

30 Grooms Guide

Tips for your big day

First Class

Here you go guys... get it sorted

10 Wedding style

20 The Guide

32 Real Wedding

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your style?

Our top ten reasons for an island wedding

An Aitutaki bride

12 Wedding Style

22 What & Where

33 Ina & the shark

Traditional

Guide to food, accommodation & entertainment

Romantic Cook Islands legend

14 Wedding style

26 Destination Raro

The young ones

All you need to know

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YOUR DAY

IT’S YOUR BIG DAY, MAKE IT ONE NEVER TO FORGET! HERE ARE SOME FUN & EASY WAYS TO HELP MAKE YOUR DAY ONE YOU’LL CHERISH FOREVER.

taki Pacific Resort Aitu

Cultural Dancers

Getting around Welcome!

Air Rarotonga operates scenic flights over the island of Rarotonga daily and the airline offers a number of tours to the sister islands including the very popular Aitutaki Day Tour, Aitutaki and Atiu Combo and the Northern Atolls Adventure. Such a great way to discover as many of our beautiful Islands as possible. www.airraro.com © Rarotongan Beach Resort & Spa

In the Cook Islands a flower necklace is called an ei (pronounced as lay). A beautiful way to have your guests welcomed on arrival to your wedding or reception.

Have a fear of endless speeches and a boring wedding reception? Then a Cook Islands cultural dance show is just what you need to liven things up! Everyone knows that Cook Islanders are the entertainers of the Pacific so you can be sure if it’s nightlife you and your partner are after – your feet will find the call of the island band irresistible. Here dancing is second nature and what better way for newlyweds to celebrate than swinging to a drumbeat - bodies entwined? Based on the legends that relate stories of love, desire, hurt and passion the swaying hip movements and entrancing arm actions of performing dancers are the essence of the Cook Island’s cultural heritage.

Top that! Bring the Island vibe to your wedding. We love these cute wooden cake topper’s which you can customise to look just like you! peanutbutterbandit.etsy.com

Making it legal

Dance off

You need to apply for your licence in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands at least 3 days prior to the marriage. You will need your passport and birth certificate when filing the Notice of Intended Marriage at the Registrar’s Office in Avarua, Rarotonga. For further details visit www.cookislands.travel - Oh and you have to be 21 years of age, otherwise written approval by your parents is required. Cook Island marriages are legally binding worldwide.

Snappy Give your guests hours of fun with a photo booth. The essential ingredients are a BYO props bag! www.islandbooth.com

Tree of life In the Islands the coconut is known as the ‘Tree of life’ for the many different ways it sustains life. Couples can plant a baby coconut palm, or uto, to seal their vows. It’s said the health of the growing tree mirrors that of your relationship.

Hair & makeup

Flowers

Whether you are looking for a romantic updo or want to replicate a red carpet or runway look, the Cook Islands has experienced stylists to help you enjoy beautiful hassle free hair and makeup. TIP bring pictures of the look you are trying to achieve and also your own lipstick so you will have it on hand for touch-ups. Hair by www.pacificbride.com

Bouquets, buttonholes, wristbands and everything you need at www.islandcraft.com

COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS

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IN THE COOK ISLANDS COUPLES CAN MARRY BAREFOOT ON THE BEACH, IN A VILLAGE CHURCH, IN THE JUNGLE, ON A YACHT... OR HOW ABOUT ON A PRIVATE SANDSPIT ACCESSIBLE ONLY BY BOAT? WHATEVER YOUR STYLE, THE COOK ISLANDS CATERS FOR IT. READ ON FOR A SAMPLE...

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Feature - What’s your wedding style

TRADITIONAL

HAVING AN ISLAND WEDDING DOESN’T MEAN RENOUNCING TRADITION. THE COOKS HAS A STRONG CHRISTIAN TRADITION, FOR THOSE SEEKING CHURCH SERVICES. OR PERHAPS TRADITIONAL TO YOU MEANS BORROWING FROM LOCAL CUSTOM. Many couples marrying in the Cook Islands like to include some local touches in their ceremony and this is easy to arrange. This might be as simple, yet sensuous as wearing a garland of delightful local flowers, an ei, around your necks. Or as elaborate as a traditional ‘eco-wedding’ where the bride and grooms’ costumes are made from ceremonial rauti leaves and the wedding banquet is cooked in an earth oven, called an umu, and

COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS

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served on woven palm-frond plates. On the islands reputed to have the best entertainers in the Pacific – make the most of their talents and let them serenade you with strumming strings and songs. Watch a specially choreographed wedding dance performed against a breathtaking orange sunset. Why not walk down the aisle of a whitewashed stone church to a melodic choir of Polynesian voices? You can be rowed with your loved

one in your own vaka, a traditional canoe, towards a flower filled bower on a sandy spit. Or wed on the beach under a canopy of jasmine and frangipani. Serve your guests a succulent feast of fish straight from the sea, produce picked fresh from the garden or a perfectly roasted piglet on a spit. Then dance the night away under a starry, starry sky to the seductive rhythms of the islands’ sensational drummers and phenomenal dancers.

Feature - What’s your wedding style

THE YOUNG ONES

IF KEEPING THINGS RELAXED, CAREFREE AND PERSONALISED IS MORE YOUR STYLE, THE COOK ISLANDS’ EASY GOING VIBE WILL DELIGHT YOU. Write your own vows and choose a place that best expresses your personality to exchange them. There are endless amazing locations to select from… barefoot on the beach standing hand-in-hand within a heart made of shells; sprinkled by the mist of a waterfall; or pledge your love high on a jungly mountain - overlooking the reef encircled lagoon far below. Say ‘I do’ with Polynesian wedding bands carved with motifs for love, happiness or loyalty, or have one of

the islands’ fabulous black pearls fashioned into your own unique engagement ring. Looking for something that will capture your hearts and those of the locals? Escape to a secret motu (island) on a cruise across the lagoon with flower petals scattered across a deck festooned with palm fronds – where you take your vows. Alight onto a remote sandy shore to an island umu with a Cook Islands band greeting you and your friends and family.

How about arranging a party on the beach – complete with fire jugglers and dance lessons for all to learn the trademark Cook Islands moves. Have a tropical wedding dress designed by one of the talented local designers and invite your guests to dress in their best beachwear. And who needs a limo when you can ride off into the sunset on a scooter plated ‘just married’. You could even lead your guests on a scooter procession to your reception.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga – Rarotonga

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Feature - What’s your wedding style

ELOPEMENT

FOR SOME THE PEACE AND SECLUSION OF TAKING THEIR VOWS ON A TINY DESERT ISLAND WITH ONLY THE BIRDS AS WITNESS IS THE WEDDING THEY SEEK. If personal, romantic and no fuss is your style – visit the registry office (or we can arrange for the registrar to come to you after hours) then take your own speedboat to zip away to a solitary island armed with chilled champagne and a celebratory picnic feast. Honeymoon Island in the Aitutaki Lagoon is a favourite escape. Scooter to a private beach or sail to a private dock. Swim in secluded

COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS

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bliss amongst brilliantly coloured fish, trek to secret spots where you and your sweetie can take a champagne picnic. Then hold hands and watch the sunset – startling in its shades of crimson and gold as it sinks beyond the lagoon. Choose an intimate restaurant to celebrate, or go barefoot and chic for a candlelit dinner on your balcony or table for two on the water’s

edge. Recline in a beautiful flower filled Bedouin-tent billowing in the breeze while you sip champagne and indulge in a specially selected menu a deux. We do though suggest you might arrange a photographer to capture your special day – just in case you want to share it with loved ones later!

Feature - What’s your wedding style

FIRST CLASS

JUST BECAUSE YOU’RE HEADING TO A SOUTH PACIFIC ISLAND TO MARRY, DOESN’T MEAN FORSAKING THE REFINEMENTS OF A MARRIAGE AT HOME FOR COUPLES CHOOSING THE COOK ISLANDS. This modern Polynesian nation has a high standard of living and many sophisticated venues delivering the highest of wedding standards as professionally as anywhere. Weddings are a specialty of the Cooks and there is an abundance of wedding planners, celebrants, stylists, photographers, hairdressers and makeup artists well versed in keeping even the most discerning of brides and grooms from all corners of the world happy.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

To look your best for the big day or to unwind after all the attention you can indulge in spa treatments at leading hotels around Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Have your reception in elegant luxury hotels with breathtaking lagoon views or in style on the sands seated along the shoreline at long tables set with candles and fragrant jasmine. Heighten the drama by dining under the stars as flickering light from flame torches dances on

your silverware. Exchange vows beside the infinity pool of an intimate luxury resort, high on a mountain overlooking the mesmerising lagoon below, or walk up the aisle of a traditional limestone church. And for the ultimate in exclusivity, entertain your wedding guests at one of several very luxuriously appointed private villas found in enviable beachside locales, complete with your own private chef and musicians.

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

LEGALLY BONDED

Edgewater Resort – Rarotonga

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

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Weddings in the Cooks are legally binding and simple to orchestrate. However you choose to marry, your Application for a Marriage Licence must be made in person to the Registrar of Marriages in the Cook Islands. Application for this licence cannot be made outside the Cook Islands. You need to apply a minimum of three days ahead of the wedding, though this can be waived by paying an additional urgent processing fee. Your passport and birth certificates are required documents.

THE GUIDE

Top 10 Reasons to have a Destination Wedding in the Cooks

THE COOK ISLANDS SPECIALISES IN WEDDINGS. SO IT’S EASY TO FIND A WEDDING PLANNER, CELEBRANT, FLORIST, HAIR AND MAKEUP ARTIST, ACCOMMODATION AND VENUE TO SUIT YOUR STYLE, TASTE AND BUDGET. WE HAVE EVEN DESIGNED SOME GORGEOUS WEDDING INVITATIONS AND COMMENT CARDS/THANK YOU NOTES THAT ARE FREE TO DOWNLOAD AT www.cookislands.travel

Wedding Planners

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Polynesian Moments

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RESORTS & HOTELS

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22415 24415 Charlee

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www.crownbeach.com

weddings@crownbeach.co

a Bryson 23953 23951 Mariann

Crown Beach Resort

website

contact

www.littlepolynesian.com www.manuia.co.ck

littlepoly@beach.co.ck

Peyroux 24280 21585 Jeannine

Little Polynesian Resort Vikki Henderson otel 22461 22464 Manuia Beach Boutique H

rooms@manuia.co.ck

03. Over 50 café’s, restaurants and even open air bars and a vibrant nightlife – everything from seaside fish & chips to fine dining, Polynesian style

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Little Polynesian Resort

06. Warm, friendly locals and a rich, modern Polynesian culture

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Kia Manuia

02. Endless adventures by day, both on the land and in the water to keep you and your wedding party entertained

Leave it all to us… WEDDING CO-ORDINATORS

01. One big resort, all in one island – easy access to get around Rarotonga island by scooter, the island bus service, or rent a convertible

05. Accommodation to suit every style, taste and budget - even rent your own island resort. From a boutique wedding to a full scale affair, we can cater to all size wedding parties

04. Myriad choices for wedding locales – every event is special and customised just for you and your vision, nothing is cookie-cutter here. We’ll tailor-make your special day, we’re flexible and we want you to be indulged and delighted with your wedding in every way

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Design We have designed two gorgeous wedding invitations with matching comments cards for your friends to give their shout outs or you can use these thank you cards. We have even designed matching envelopes! Download free at www.cookislands.travel 20

See www.cookislands.travel to download the free comprehensive Weddings and Honeymoons magazine and get a list of our favourite wedding planners, locations and more.

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08 09. Completely safe, and excellent value for money with the NZ$ being Cook Islands currency

08. Aitutaki, arguably the most beautiful lagoon in the world also boasting the Cooks very own overwater bungalows

07. Direct flights from Auckland, Sydney and Los Angeles

10. Year-round glorious weather and warm sparkling lagoons

WHAT TO DO

EVERY DAY IN THE COOK ISLANDS PRESENTS SCORES OF ROMANTIC POSSIBILITIES. WHETHER YOU ARE LOOKING FOR LANGUID DAYS OR AN ACTION PACKED ITINERARY, WE HAVE IT COVERED. WHAT’S YOUR STYLE?

Te Manava Luxury Villas, Rarotonga

Adventures together Have a go at scuba diving in the incredibly clear lagoons and see giant turtles, colourful fish and diverse corals. Diving here is sheltered, gentle and affordable and you’ll soon be heading beyond the reef to deeper and even more spectacular waters. Try the fast growing sport of kite surfing, which is massive in the Cooks. See how in sync the two of you really are by trying paddle boarding together at Muri Lagoon. Hire a scooter or convertible to

Te Vakaroa Villas Raratonga

WHAT& WHERE WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT AND ACCOMMODATION, THE COOK ISLANDS HAS YOU COVERED. OVER THE NEXT FEW PAGES WE GIVE YOU A BRIEF RUN DOWN OF THINGS TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED, PLACES TO SATISFY YOUR APPETITE, AND WHERE TO LAY YOUR HEAD.

COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS

explore the inland roads, find secluded waterfalls, fragrant forest trails or amazing snorkelling spots you’ll have all to yourselves. Island hop for your own blue lagoon adventure on Aitutaki or to the 32 secluded beaches, caves and caverns of Atiu. Both islands about a 45 minute flight from Rarotonga. Or, if that all sounds like too much hard work, just snuggle up in a hammock slung between two palm trees. Just the two of you.

Punanga Nui Markets

Coco Putt

Diversions for the bride

…and groom

• Indulge in a spa treatment or massage • Zumba class • Canoe or snorkel the lagoons • Shop at Island Living or the Punanga Nui Markets • A latte and scrumptious cake at Beachcomber Gallery • Horse riding

• Round of golf, putt putt or bowls • Sailing, deep sea fishing, diving • Rock climbing, quad biking, cross-island hike • Book those romantic dinners (and bachelor party) • Mountain biking

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WHERE TO EAT THE COOK ISLANDS IS HOME TO SOME OF THE FINEST CUISINE ON THE PLANET.

You will be delighted by the dining experience in the Cooks. Everything is available - from the best burgers you have ever had in your life at Gourmet Burgers, to the local favourite of ika mata by the seaside at Trader Jack’s to fine dining with a Polynesian twist at Tamarind House. A highlight of your visit will be a Polynesian cultural tour, dinner and performance. We always eat at the Punanga Nui Markets on a Saturday, so much variety, and the smell of organic coffee from Atiu just kick starts your morning. And everybody, locals and tourists alike, come to the markets, so it’s a real social occasion. You can’t go wrong wherever you choose to dine. Half the fun is scooting around the island and

stopping where the day takes you! And there’s a restaurant bus at night time, and don’t forget the nightlife tour to get you around to all the hotspots.

Visit www.cookislands.travel to download the free comprehensive Weddings and Honeymoons planner and get a list of our favourite restaurants.

WHERE TO STAY WHEN IT COMES TO WHERE YOU’LL REST YOUR HEAD AT NIGHT, THE COOKS IS ALL ABOUT SERVICE AND GENUINELY WARM HOSPITALITY.

You really are spoilt for choice in the Cook Islands. We like to say Rarotonga is one big resort, all on one island, so it really doesn’t matter where you stay, because it’s so easy to get around (it takes 45 minutes to drive around the whole island, so you can’t get lost either). Aitutaki is considered the most beautiful lagoon in the world, and here you’ll base yourself at your resort and spend time in the beautiful lagoon. Most visitors stay from 2-7 nights, although day trips can easily be arranged too. Accommodation on both Rarotonga and Aitutaki ranges from the ultimate in five star indulgence to full service resorts, affordable holiday homes on the beach, private villas

Aitutaki Escape Aitutaki

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa Raratonga

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

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complete with jacuzzi’s and private chefs to a multiplicity of mid range and budget places in between. More intrepid travellers shouldn’t miss combining Aitutaki with a visit to the quite different coral island of Atiu, or further afield to the islands of Mitiaro or Mangaia.

Te Manava Luxury Villas & Spa Raratonga

Visit www.cookislands.travel for more info on all the islands and accommodation options we have to offer.

Te Vakaroa Villas Rarotonga

Destination

The island of Rarotonga is the vibrant hub of the Cook Islands. It is spectacular looking, dominated by a once mighty volcanic pyramid, jagged peaks and razorback ridges carpeted in lush green vegetation that fall into a turquoise lagoon. Most of the 15,000 resident Cook Islanders live on Rarotonga making this the ‘big smoke’, though you won’t find any traffic lights or any buildings higher than a coconut tree. Only 32 kilometres in circumference, it takes less than an hour to drive, scooter or bus right around - you’ll feel like you are in one big resort! Avarua is the main town where a range of shops and galleries and the unmissable Saturday morning Punanga Nui Market purvey quality artworks, highly regarded Cook Islands’ black pearls, and brightly

Little Polynesian Resort Rarotonga

coloured clothing and homewares, including the Cooks’ unique ‘tivaevae’ or embroidered quilts. The South Pacific’s best and freshest food is served in more than 50 inexpensive café’s and restaurants found right around the island, many in glorious waterfront locations. Locally grown tropical fruits and vegetables and plentiful seafood abound. There are endless ways for the whole wedding party to explore Rarotonga’s exhilarating environment. Laze, swim or snorkel on some of the world’s best beaches like Arorangi, Titikaveka or Muri, enjoying the whitest of sand and bluest of water, which rarely drops below 25˚C year round. There are no nasty stingers in the water at any time of year either. Climb 400 metres to Rarotonga’s highest point, The Needle, before

descending to Wigmore’s Waterfall for a swim on the cross-island trek (best undertaken with professional guide Pa). Check out the fun and relaxed nightlife scene, with outdoor nightclubs, open air bars and even a special nightlife bus taking you to all the favourite spots around the island. Experience the Cooks’ invigorating drumming and dancing at cultural shows or island nights or join a dance lesson at your resort or the cultural centre in town. Tour the craggy interior on a 4WD tour, complete with humorous commentary or a quad bike tour. See www.cookislands.travel for more info on all the islands and accommodation options.

Pacific Resort Rarotonga 26

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Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Destination

AITUTAKI HEARD OF THIS PLACE? IT’S NOT SURPRISING WHEN AITUTAKI’S SPECTACULAR TRIANGULAR LAGOON IS OFTEN RATED AS THE MOST BEAUTIFUL IN THE WORLD. Aitutaki Lagoon Resort & Spa

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

After Rarotonga, Aitutaki is the second most visited island in the Cook Islands. Just a 45 minute flight north of Rarotonga, many visitors make sure they see this amazingly beautiful island on at least a day trip. Air Rarotonga offers a One Day Excursion from Rarotonga that includes transfers, airfares, a lagoon cruise, snorkelling and lunch. Secluded and romantic, it has compelling allure for honeymooners, many of whom choose this haven for the duration of their stay. You can look forward to languid,

leisurely days simply revelling in each other’s company and the jawdropping surroundings. Work on your suntan lazing under a coconut palm, relax with a massage at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort’s Spa or ask for directions to the secret garden. Sip champagne in the sophisticated Pacific Resort or cocktails before a swim at the lovely Tamanu Beach Resort. Share a delicious meal of mud crab at Tupuna’s famed restaurant or a delightful brunch at Koru Café. There are countless ways to explore

the crystal clear, warm turquoise waters and 20 uninhabited islands, called motu, which fringe the lagoon. How about kayaking to a fine white sandy beach that you can have all to yourselves? Or hiring your own boat and setting a course for Honeymoon Island or to One Foot Island where visitors can get their passport stamped at the world’s smallest post office. Several tour operators cruise daily to these and other sand islets and to favourite snorkelling spots abundant with colourful fish,

COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS

turtles and coral clusters. Check out the kiteboarders zooming across acres of sandy shallows on the South East trade winds then get a lesson and have a go yourself. Going fly fishing for the mighty bonefish is another popular and memorable lagoon pursuit. And just beyond the reef Aitutaki offers outstanding and readily accessible scuba diving for beginners to experts and fantastic deep sea fishing. Learn the history and culture

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of the warm and gentle Aitutaki people on day tours or hire a scooter or bicycles to explore at your own pace, meeting the locals at church or the market. The main island, dwarfed by the vast lagoon, offers gorgeous places to stay for all budgets, including the Cook Islands’ only overwater bungalows, and many boutique properties catering exceptionally well for honeymooners. For more splendid isolation you can even stay out in the lagoon on otherwise uninhabited Akaiami

Island, once the refuelling spot for the TEAL flying boats on the legendary Coral Route across the Pacific. How romantic.

Visit www.cookislands.travel to download the free comprehensive Weddings and Honeymoons planner and get a list of our favourite wedding planners, locations and more.

GROOMS GUIDE WHAT ROLE DOES THE GROOM PLAY IN ALL THIS? OUR GROOMS GUIDE WILL GIVE YOUR MAN THE HEADS UP ON WHAT TO DO AND WHAT TO TAKE CHARGE OF…AFTER ALL NOT EVERYONE HAS A GROOMZILLA!

Groom’s responsibilities:

Best man’s responsibilities:

• • •

• • • • • • •

Organise the honeymoon Pay for the engagement and wedding ring/s Arrange wedding cars/transport for the entire wedding party Choose gifts for the best man, groomsmen and ushers Pay the celebrant or make a church donation Make a speech at the reception Choose the music for the first dance Organise music and MC for the reception A special touch would be to have flowers or a gift sent to your Bride before the wedding starts Bring the marriage licence to the wedding ceremony

Groomsmen’s responsibilities: • • • •

Assist in planning and financing the Bucks Night Arrive one hour prior to ceremony and hand out Order of Service cards Help with seating and greeting guests The groom’s parent’s responsibility is usually to pay for the alcohol at the wedding reception. However, these days many groom’s parents will match the contribution of the bride’s parents

• • • • • • •

Organise the buck’s night Help dress the groom Keep the wedding ring safe in the lead-up to the ceremony Act as official witness if required Make a speech at the reception Get the Groom to the wedding at least one hour prior Make the first toast at the wedding reception and read congratulations telegrams Transport the bride and groom to their hotel after the reception Return all hire suits after the wedding Make sure you don’t get the groom drunk before the ceremony!

Going Troppo Night Life Tour operates every Friday night, they only take a maximum 35 pax so best to book in early. They will pick you up from your hotel between 7-8pm and have you home by 3am. Bookings can be made through bookings@rarotours.co.ck

COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS

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A LOVE STORY Ina & The Snake

A ROMANTIC COOK ISLANDS’ LEGEND IS COMMEMMORATED ON THE COUNTRY’S THREE DOLLAR NOTE. HERE IS THE TALE OF LOVESICK MAIDEN INA AND HER DISTANT LOVE TINIRAU AND THE SHARK THAT TAKES HER TO HIM.

HER STORY Some people spend years planning their wedding. CITC’s Australian PR Manager Gaynor Stanley is not one of those people. We thought the impulsive romantics among you might like her story. April 13 – Chris and I excitedly prepare to fly next day to Rarotonga, our first visit together since our very first holiday as a couple 25 years, four countries, two kids and one dog ago. “Maybe we should get married while we’re there? If we can get a celebrant and a dress, let’s do it!” April 14 – All day training course doesn’t leave alot of time for dress hunting. Arrive bridal store 40 minutes before closing. “Are you getting married soon?” “Um, maybe next week. If you have a dress that fits.” The first gown I try is meant to be. Check emails and all go with the celebrant. We’re getting married! Chris frantically irons best white shirt. Leave for airport at 6.30pm. With children. And our birth certificates. April 16 – The lovely Ani at the Pacific Resort Rarotonga takes charge, in the nicest possible way. She makes sure our documents pass muster and arranges for the licence to catch us up at the sublime Pacific Resort Aitutaki, 32

where we’ve long been planning a child-free sojourn (thanks Aunty Kim!). April 19 – Hello Aitutaki and Misepa, my friend from Cook Islands Tourism. “Would you like to come to a wedding tomorrow afternoon? Be great if you could be our witness.” Then we head straight out on the spectacular lagoon for an amazing day snorkelling with Teking’s Cruises. Late afternoon we arrive back at the Pacific, where the delightful Tekura finesses the final touches for tomorrow’s ceremony. The champagne starts to flow as we watch the sunset from our hammock then head out to feast on mud crab at the legendary Tupuna’s Restaurant. April 20 – Shrug off slight hangover with a delicious breakfast, mesmerised by the infinity pool and glistening turquoise lagoon beyond. Everything is so calm. Oops, never got round to buying rings on Raro did we? Scooter round island looking for rings but only score black pearl cufflinks.

Chris reirons his shirt, not so much frantically as concentratedly this time. I don my mother’s pearl earrings, a new brooch – gift from the dress designer – and borrow Tekura’s hairclip to secure a rogue gardenia. Something blue? That dazzling lagoon. Red and purple petals scatter the pristine sands to where Chris awaits within a heart of red hibiscus. Minister Pumati Pumati guides us with trademark Cook Islands gentle humour through beautiful vows. We plant a coconut tree following Cook Islands tradition (see page 9). Then sink into a bed of cushions within a Bedouin-style tent to feast on sushi and sashimi, decadent desserts and, naturally, more champagne as the lagoon shimmers ever so gently to the tune of a setting sun and distant ukulele. And then we fly back to Rarotonga to let the world know ‘we eloped’. PS: April 20-something – buy Polynesian wedding band and black pearl and diamond ring. COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS

Ina was an attractive young woman, with long braided hair: she wore beautiful white shells on her arms and a rich breast ornament around her neck. Ina was from the land of Nukutere and was hopelessly in love with Tinarau, the god of the ocean and lord of all fishes. Tinarau lived far away on a floating island and one day, after a disagreement with her family, Ina decided to go in search of her loved one. She went to the sea and encouraged some fish to help her swim, but the fish were too small to bear her weight and so they left her gasping in the breakers on the reef. Eventually a friendly shark appeared and to her great delight agreed to carry Ina on his back. She quickly gathered

two coconuts to take on the journey. Halfway through her dangerous quest Ina become thirsty, so the helpful shark raised his dorsal fin on which Ina pierced the eye of one of the coconuts and refreshed herself. Further on she again asked the shark for help and he raised his head, upon which she cracked the second hard coconut shell. Smarting from the blow he dived to the depths of the ocean, leaving Ina to float as best she could. From that day there has been a marked protuberance on the sharks head which is now called ‘Ina’s Bump’. Fearing she would drown, she called on her unbridled love for Tinarau. Her plea was answered by Tekea the Great, the king of all sharks, who rose

from the bottom of the sea to rescue the tenacious and beautiful girl and transport her to Tinarau’s Island. Eventually the brave girl was delivered from the perils of the sea as they reached the sacred isle. She soon found a house in which she beat a great wooden drum to attract her lover, but when Tinarau entered the coy girl hid herself. Tinarau, unable to find who had beaten the drum, left the house, but Ina - fearing she would lose so noble a man - again beat the drum. When Tinarau came back and discovered the beautiful, blushing girl who had endured so much to be by his side, his heart swelled with love and admiration for Ina. He asked her to be his bride and they became man and wife.

COOK ISLANDS

Northern Group

COOK ISLANDS Southern Group

Be inspired… We hope this planner inspires you to learn more about a wedding or honeymoon in the Cook Islands. Please visit us online for resort options, package deals, amazing real weddings, photo galleries, and our favourite reasons why we know you’ll love the Cook Islands. Visit www.cookislands.travel and look for these brochure covers.

Wedding

Honeymoon For more information contact Cook Islands Tourism or your local travel professional: Cook Islands Tourism Corporation Shop 38, Niecon Plaza 17-19 Victoria Avenue Broadbeach, QLD 4218 PO Box 99, Broadbeach, QLD 4218 Ph: + 61 7 55 045 488 Fax: + 61 7 55 045 732 Email: info@cookislandstourism.travel Produced by The Package Agency, designed by Ian Ferguson at The Package Agency, words by Gaynor Stanley at PEPR Publicity and Michal McKay. Photography by Craig Owen, Kieren Scott and David Kirkland.

COOK ISLANDS WEDDINGS