Epic private beach elopement in French Polynesia

Adventurous couple Christy and CaSandra got engaged in Maui and then eloped on a private beach in Moorea, French Polynesia.

In an idyllic way start to the wedding day, the couple was picked up by a boat from their beachside villa and driven to the private island. The only guest was CaSandra’s 25-year-old-daughter. Later, they enjoyed a reception with family and friends in Atlanta, Georgia.

What advice would you give to engaged LGBTQ+ couples?

Enjoy every moment when you’re planning your wedding! The time goes by so fast and it’s such a fun and exciting time. Sort of like waiting to have a baby! Also, make sure that your vendors, especially your wedding planner, have experience working with same-sex couples. You want someone to help you through the process and who is comfortable asking the right questions to ensure your wedding is perfect.

What advice do you have for vendors and venues working with LGBTQ+ couples?

Don’t be weird. We spoke to a couple of vendors in the Atlanta area when planning our reception and they just seemed awkward or maybe they were hesitant to accommodate us. Gay and lesbian couples are no different than our straight couples and there is no need to be weird or awkward if you truly want our business. The only thing that perhaps makes us a tad bit different is whether or not we are out to our families and wedding planning could be a very sensitive, emotional time. However, treat us like any other couple planning their wedding. After all, love is love. And so is money 🙂

What challenges did you face as an LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding?

None really. We had a lot of paperwork to fill out to have a legal wedding in French Polynesia, but no more than a heterosexual couple. I think the most difficult was planning what to wear!

Did you encounter any pleasant surprises as an LGBTQ+ couple planning your wedding?

No, although at one point a few people in a boat came close to the shore and watched a part of our ceremony. We were a little nervous because we weren’t sure if they were going to say or yell anything. Thankfully, they applauded and congratulated us so it was perfect!