With Kava in hand

8/11/2017

You know those TV shows and movies and dreams you have that depict a perfect little island in the middle of the Pacific with the clearest waters, gorgeous sunsets, insane surf, and beautiful people? That's Tavarua. No seriously, it is. Or, at least it was for the week I went to celebrate Julia and Dylan's marriage.

waking up to views of the sun rising over the mainland

The sunsets were insane. The sunrises...even more beautiful. The food was yummy, the huts were homey, and the company was exquisite.

That's Tavarua

...and that's Cloud Break (photo credit: Shawna Korgan)

Martina, focused

So in love

I spent a lot of time on boats: watching surfing, taking photographs of surfing, dreaming of surfing. But I also got to swim around a bit: snorkel and explore the reefs. Tommy and I paddle boarded around the island of Tavarua in the wind one day. The water was ridiculously clear, and the sea-life was vibrant. Very near the hotel beach were giant clams of iridescent color. I have no idea where those GoPro photos went (from underwater adventures), but I'm sure they couldn't portray the beauty anyway. So much beauty!

both Tommy and I were focused on water

party wave! (Stacey and Maile)

another party wave! (Tommy and Dougy)

out at Cloudbreak

Grant Korgan, absolutely crushing Cloudbreak on his Kayak

Stace-dawg, out hunting the perfect wave

...and finding it!

....and slaying it!

okay but for real, this wave looks so so fun (Cloudbreak)

I'm pretty sure that was Carissa Moore.... (badass surfer chick)

Tavarua boat out at Cloudbreak during sunset

Never have I been in the presence of so many diversely talented athletes (some disguised as normal people) at once as I was on Tavarua that week. Everywhere I looked there was someone surfing huge waves, back-flipping into the pool, paddle boarding on a rubber ducky, chasing after a beautifully speedy child, butt hanging out and looking gorgeous. I guess I should have expected it from the group of Julia's closest friends.

Stace-dawg getting her wedding on

Lauren Ross probably doesn't have many photos out there of herself, because she herself is a super talented photographer...check out her website: http://www.laurenandabby.com/

Sunrise color reflections on the water

sunset colors

Cloudbreak surfer (unknown)

sunrise silhouettes

awaiting a set

the shores of Tavarua

...and there was the wedding. It could not have been a more beautifully perfect yet easy-going celebration. The music was literally chosen at the last minute. But it turned out to be a dream wedding, of which I was so thankful to be a part.

the ring

the kiss (well, one of many)

the happy couple

Even the weather was perfect. Seriously -- I don't know how we got so lucky....

And the resort of Tavarua was insane! The photo above is of the boatmen's dock and the beach bar in the sunrise. Below are photos taken around the resort....

the pool deck

a bure (hut) -- the one I lived in for the week, with 3 others

the restaurant decked out (hah!) in wedding attire

restaurant deck from the beach below

Tavarua boats from the shore during sunrise

bar area

Tavarua from the water

I have so many more photos to share... I'll cut the words off here. But I'm pretty sure that week-long island vacation we had in Tavarua will not be beat. I'm both saddened and appreciative of that, but I mostly just can't wait to return and live in that dream world again :)