Andy and Oriana were together for six and a half years before the groom popped the question at the couple’s home in Sydney. With the Harbour Bridge behind them on their Potts Point balcony and the bride-to-be still in her pyjamas, Oriana said “yes”.
When the couple began looking at wedding venues, they knew they wanted to find place that matched the same tropical energy as the bride’s home country, Venezuela. They looked into international destinations such as Mallorca, Spain, but after visiting InterContinental Hayman Island Resort on a friend’s recommendation, they knew straight away their decision was made.
“We spent a week on the Island and were blown away by the beauty and the quality of the service we received. And we loved how easy it was to get there from Sydney.”
With 65 close family members and friends in tow, Oriana and Andy enjoyed a weekend-long celebration at the resort in the spring of 2022.
Their first night on island, they hosted an intimate 30 person dinner for family and the bridal party at Amici, where guests raved that the Mediterranean inspired cuisine and attentive service was amazing.
The day of the wedding, the Oriana and her bridal party prepared in an ocean-facing suite while Andy and his groomsmen relaxed in a Lagoon ocean-view room. The ceremony itself took place in the midst of Formal Gardens’ lush rainforest foliage, where the bride and groom stood under an arch of white and green florals.
In terms of the décor for the event, the couple embraced the natural beauty of the island and kept styling to a minimum.
“We wanted to let the natural setting to speak for itself. Most importantly we wanted to put an experience in which all our guest will remember.”
After the “I dos” and a champagne toast, guests migrated to Hayman Beachfront where they enjoyed roaming canapés and drinks during a spectacular golden hour and sunset. As the sky darkened, everyone took their seats at two banquet-style tables, set aglow by strings of festoon lighting overhead. After dining on three courses of fresh seafood and wagyu beef, Oriana and Andy ceremoniously cut into their three-tiered raspberry, coconut and lemon cake, prepared by the island’s pastry chef. Guests mingled and danced on the beach before heading into the Arkhurst Ballroom for the official after-party.
The next day, Andy and Oriana hosted a laid-back recovery party at Bam Bam pool.
“We booked the gardens and we had non-stop canapés and cocktails. The party extended well beyond the initial finishing time and everyone ended up in the pool with piña coladas and rose until the evening.”
For other brides and grooms looking to celebrate their nuptials at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, Oriana had a few words of advice.
“Visit the island beforehand if possible. Get to know your wedding coordinator, they will become your best friend! We worked closely with Jordyn, one of the Hayman Island’s event directors. There is no need to overdo the flowers or decoration, the resort grounds and magnificent. And invite the people that mean the most to you – you’ll be with them all weekend, so there’s no escape!”
After a spectacular weekend-long experience with their closest friends and family, Oriana and Andy are returning to Hayman Island to celebrate their first anniversary later this year
If you’re interested in saying “I do” at InterContinental Hayman Island Resort, learn more here or send an enquiry to our on-island events team.
Venue: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort
Planner: InterContinental Hayman Island Resort Weddings Team
Florals: Sofi & Flora
Photographer: Michael French
Celebrant: Deanna Kent
DJ & Music: Kieran Howard, James Mack (Rush Entertainment)
