Nearly two decades after a modest civil ceremony, one husband finally gave his wife the destination wedding of her dreams at the luxurious Nova Resort in the Maldives.
From Rainy Registry Office to Tropical Paradise
Colin Ainscough and his wife originally married on a typically wet November day nineteen years ago. Their registry office ceremony was followed by no formal sit-down meal or romantic honeymoon, a situation dictated by their finances at the time. While happy to be surrounded by loved ones, Colin harboured a lingering feeling of having let his wife down, and the pair often discussed how they would celebrate if they ever renewed their vows.
That long-held dream became a reality when they booked a vow renewal close to their anniversary at the Nova Resort on the island of Vakarufalhi in the Maldives, a dream destination for both. The journey itself was an epic undertaking, involving a succession of cars, planes, buses, a seaplane, and finally a boat before they arrived in the 30-degree heat—a stark contrast to their drizzly first wedding day.
A Perfect Build-Up to the Ceremony
After settling into their stunning aqua villa and enjoying a sumptuous dinner at the resort's Flames Grill House, the couple awoke on the day of the ceremony filled with nervous excitement. Their preparation was deliberately calm, starting with a leisurely breakfast at Soul Kitchen.
This was followed by a relaxing one-hour couples massage at the Eskape Spa, where the scent of oils and the sound of the ocean helped them unwind completely. Sitting together afterwards in robes, sipping ginger tea and gazing at the Indian Ocean, they felt utterly at peace and certain they had made the right choice.
Nova Maldives: Wedding Package Essentials
For couples inspired by this story, Nova Maldives offers structured wedding packages. The standard options range from $1,700 to $2,900, with the flexibility to create custom packages. Additional services include photography from $375, plus hair, make-up, and attire hire, with full details available on the resort's website.
An Unforgettable Ceremony on the Beach
Dressed in their wedding attire, the couple proceeded to the beach for the ceremony. Led by drummers and flower girls, they were greeted by a white floral altar with the sea lapping the shore. After being handed traditional coconut drinks, they stood facing each other as the ceremony began.
"At that moment I lost all sense of my surroundings," Colin recalled. The central ritual involved mixing sand from two containers—one holding each of their rings—into a single shared vessel, a powerful symbol of their 19 years together. Following the exchange of vows and rings, they celebrated with Champagne and a two-tier wedding cake.
A professional photographer from SNAP! Photo Studio captured the moment as they walked hand-in-hand along the beach, showered with red rose petals. The day concluded with a romantic dinner back at Soul Kitchen and a final, touching surprise: their villa had been decorated with intricate towel swans, rose petals, and coconut leaves.
Reflecting on the experience, Colin stated that renewing their vows in the Maldives was one of the best decisions they had ever made. The island left a permanent mark on their hearts, with both pledging to return soon. Their story proves it's never too late to celebrate love in the most spectacular fashion.
