Morning starts with an outrigger canoe ride which leads the couple to the motu where the Traditional Polynesian Wedding takes place.
Once on the motu, the couple can put on the white pareo that we give them. Warriors come to meet them, and carry them within their arms to meet the priest for the beginning of the ceremony. Songs, music and dances performed by the group punctuate the entire ceremony.
Duration of the ceremony: 30 minutes.
Then, husband and wife are taken to another motu with the outrigger canoe for the Polynesian feast. The feast is prepared by two cooks in a traditional earth oven made with volcanic rocks and covered by banana leaves.
The couple watches the opening of the oven, and listens to the explanations of the guide. The table is set in the lagoon, with an umbrella to protect guests from the sun. On the menu: suckling pig, chicken with local spinach, manioc, plantain bananas, bread fruit, raw fish salad with coconut milk, and finally a traditional dessert made with bananas and vanilla, as well as fresh tropical fruits.
It is possible to replace the Polynesian feast by a BBQ: fish, chicken, spiny lobster (subject to availability), polynesian vegetables, raw fish salad with coconut milk, tropical fruits.
The lunch comes with a good bottle of Moët and Chandon champagne, or red/white wine depending on the guests’ preference.
The couple chooses how they want to spend the afternoon. Maohi Nui usually suggests a circle island lagoon tour of Bora Bora (see complete description in section "Lagoon Tour") with one snorkeling stop in a coral garden, another stop for visiting the sting rays in shallow water, and finally the observation of black tip reef sharks outside the lagoon. Snorkeling equipment is provided.
However, the couple can also choose to stay at the motu, and enjoy a walk to the coral reef, swim, relax, or take a basket weaving lesson, as well as traditional dance or pareo tying… The guide is pleased to satisfy the wishes of the guests.
Included: Polynesian lunch, one bottle of champagne or wine, drinks for the entire day (water, soft drinks, juices, beer), two white pareos, two flower leis and crowns, one certificate made on a tapa.
Optional: professional photos. For information: www.iaoranapictures.com