Client Blog: Our dream wedding in Mauritius - Chloe and Michael

From our very first chat, I knew how much this wedding meant to Chloe and Michael. It was such a privilege to be part of their journey - through the highs, the hurdles and the most magical day in Mauritius they’d always dreamed of. Here is their wonderful story...

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While most girls dream of a big white wedding, I’d always imagined something different - something smaller, more intimate, and by the sea. After watching my auntie’s wedding video set on a beach in Mauritius, I knew that was what I wanted one day. I’d never seen anything so beautiful.

Fast forward to 2021: Michael proposed in the most romantic way, on a windy evening in Mykonos. We started exploring all kinds of options across the UK and Europe, but the prices were shocking, even after friends had warned us. After our engagement party, it hit me: I didn’t want a big UK wedding. I’d barely seen Michael that night - it felt like a party for everyone else. That sealed it. I wanted to run away with my soulmate and say ‘I do’ on a white-sand beach, just like my auntie had.

She told me again how getting married in Mauritius was the best decision she’d ever made - and that was all I needed to hear. We started researching Indian Ocean destinations and quickly fell in love with Mauritius. When I came across Claire’s profile on the Luxury Dream Holidays website, I had a good feeling. I called her straight away.

From that first phone call, I knew Claire was the one to help us make it happen. She was warm, bubbly, honest and knowledgeable – the kind of person who instantly puts you at ease. She didn’t sugar-coat anything and made us feel our plans were in safe hands. It felt like I’d known her forever.

Planning

We had video calls to explore different islands and resorts. We talked through everything - styles, locations, experiences and eventually settled on Mauritius. I explained how important it was to create a private, intimate celebration. I also wanted the trip to be really special for our guests, who were making such a big effort to be there. It wasn’t just about the wedding day - I wanted the whole experience to feel magical.

What I envisioned:

• A private welcome catamaran cruise

• Girls’ and boys’ dinners the night before

• The wedding itself

• A post-wedding Mr & Mrs brunch

It was more elaborate than most destination weddings Claire had planned, but she completely got it. She encouraged us to stay true to our dream, gently reminding me that what makes Mauritius so magical isn’t just the setting, it’s the people - and the emotion that comes with it.

When I saw photos of a wedding at the Shangri-La Le Touessrok, I was instantly in love - even though I thought it would be out of budget. But Claire didn’t hesitate. “Leave it with me,” she said. And she came back with options - some required compromises, others felt just right.

We booked it.

In May 2022, we sent out Save the Dates to 40 guests, including Claire’s details so she could help everyone find the right accommodation.

I was hopeful most people would come, but Claire had already gently warned me: “Not everyone you expect will be there. You have to be ready for that.” She was right. Some avoided the topic completely, others were upset about invitations, and friends we’d expected to be there didn’t even reply. And then… the news that Shangri-La might be closing for a refurbishment during our dates.

It could have been the end of our dream. But we stuck with it. Claire held our hands through it all - reassuring us, helping us refocus, and reminding us what this was all about: me and Michael, starting our lives together.

She wasn’t just our travel agent - she became a planner, a counsellor, a friend. She truly cared. She listened when I was upset, calmed me down when I was overwhelmed, and when I couldn’t face it anymore, she stepped in and made things happen. Her relationship with the resort meant I never had to chase a thing.

Mauritius

Mark Twain said, “Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; and heaven was copied after Mauritius.” He wasn’t wrong.

It’s the most stunning place I’ve ever seen. The beaches, the ocean, the mountains… it’s all breathtaking. But it’s the people who really make it. They’re warm, kind, and always smiling – the sort of people who make you feel at home, even when you’re thousands of miles away.

The hotels went above and beyond, and the service was exceptional. Six months on, we still talk about Mauritius all the time. It will always be our Island of Dreams.

Any regrets?

Not one. It was the wedding of our dreams, and I wouldn’t change a single thing. Was it always easy? No. Was it worth it? A hundred times yes. I just wish we could do it all over again.

Advice for other couples

1. Don’t share your plans too widely at first – just speak to your partner, Claire, and the people who truly matter.

2. Not everyone will come. And that’s OK.

3. If there’s any drama, call Claire.

4. Destination weddings can be tough – but don’t give up. The memories are worth it.

5. Focus on the positives and tune out other people’s opinions.

6. Trust the process. It’ll be worth it.

7. At the end of the day, it’s about the two of you. That’s what matters.

8. Soak it all in – the day goes by in a flash.

9. Take a moment together to pause and reflect.

10. Don’t compromise. Do it your way.

11. Book with Claire and her team – they’re the support squad you never knew you needed.

Thank yous

To Prithee and the team at Shangri-La Le Touessrok – thank you for making us feel like family.

To Joel and the photography team – thank you for going above and beyond to capture our memories so beautifully.

And to Claire - there aren’t words big enough to thank you. You gave us more than a wedding. You gave us an experience we’ll never forget. I feel so lucky to have found you.

Chloe & Michael xx