Nearly two decades after a modest civil ceremony on a rainy British day, one husband finally fulfilled a long-held promise to his wife with a breathtaking vow renewal in the Maldives.
From Rainy Britain to Tropical Paradise
Colin Ainscough and his wife originally tied the knot at a registry office in November 2006. While a happy occasion surrounded by loved ones, the day lacked the romantic trappings of a dream wedding, with no formal meal or honeymoon getaway. Colin confessed to always feeling he had let his wife down, and the pair often spoke of one day renewing their vows in a more idyllic setting.
That dream became a reality close to their 19th anniversary, with a trip to the Nova Resort on Vakarufalhi island in the Maldives. The journey from the UK was an epic undertaking involving cars, planes, buses, a seaplane, and finally a boat, landing them in 30-degree heat – a stark contrast to their original drizzly wedding day.
A Day of Nerves, Relaxation and Celebration
The day before the ceremony was spent settling into their stunning aqua villa and enjoying a sumptuous dinner at the resort's Flames Grill House. On the morning of the renewal, a blend of nerves and excitement was soothed by a leisurely breakfast at Soul Kitchen and a one-hour couples massage at the Eskape Spa.
"The scent of the oils, the sound of the ocean and the chance to finally let the journey melt out of our bodies reset us completely," Colin recounted. Afterwards, sipping ginger tea in robes while gazing at the Indian Ocean, they knew the moment was perfect.
Nova Maldives Wedding Essentials
For couples inspired by their story, Nova Maldives offers structured wedding packages:
- Wedding packages range from $1,700 to $2,900 (approximately £1,300 to £2,200).
- Photography packages are available from $375.
- The resort provides hair, make-up, and attire hire services.
- The wedding team can also create fully customised packages.
A Ceremony of Sand, Vows and Rose Petals
Led by drummers and flower girls to a floral altar on the beach, the ceremony began with a traditional coconut drink. In a poignant ritual, the couple mixed sand from two containers—each holding one of their rings—into a single vessel, symbolising their 19 years together.
"Everything faded except the warmth of the sun, the sound of the vows and my wife’s smile," Colin wrote. After exchanging vows and rings, they celebrated with Champagne and a two-tier wedding cake. A photoshoot with SNAP! Photo Studio captured the moment as rose petals showered down around them.
The surprises continued into the evening. Returning to their villa after dinner, they found it decorated with towel swans, rose petals and coconut leaves – a touching detail that capped off an extraordinary day.
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 an indelible mark on their hearts, with plans to return soon. For any couple contemplating a destination vow renewal or wedding, the story proves it's never too late to celebrate love in paradise.
