virginbush in the Press - Elegant Bride

Elegant Bride: Africa, Winter 2002

A Kenyan bush wedding. A black-tie Cape Town affair. This continent's untamed land intoxicates visitors.

The Making of a Bush Bride

A destination wedding in the wilds of Africa promises to be an exotic adventure. But is it right for you? We asked Lisa Rolls, one of only two registered American female guides in Kenya, to navigate the wedding-planning terrain. Rolls is also co-founder of Virgin Bush Safaris (www.virginbush.com), a boutique travel company specializing in stylish custom tours in Kenya.

Elegant Bride : WHAT IS THE IDEAL WEDDING CLIENT?

Rolls : Anyone with a sense of romance. If you desire to do something exceptionally different, and have an appreciation of untouched frontiers, it's for you. Logistically, don't expect to be a bride that's too "hands-on" in the planning. Control freaks probably won't qualify.

Elegant Bride : WHAT'S THE COST?

Rolls : Your financial means are an important consideration. (Yet, we've heard of people who spend upwards of $50,000 on a wedding. If that's the case, this will be a frugal choice.) Most destinations will [start at] $500 a day per person.

Elegant Bride : IS THIS A LEGAL CEREMONY?

Rolls : We recommend a civil service in the U.S. before your spiritual ceremony here. Otherwise, couples need to apply in person for a Kenyan marriage permit. That can take two to three weeks to secure prior to the wedding. [We are currently investigating how to handle these requirements for the bride and groom without them applying in person.]

Elegant Bride : HOW MANY GUESTS CAN I INVITE?

Rolls : Luxury, intimate lodges can accommodate about 20 people. We can arrange a deluxe tented camp for up to 50 guests.

Elegant Bride : HOW FAR IN ADVANCE DO I PLAN?

Rolls : The high season in Kenya is between June and August (when the game migration is at its peak). Plan a full year ahead [if you'd like to come during the migration] to ensure space. [Otherwise, we can usually organize something with as short a notice as three months.]

Elegant Bride : CAN YOU SUGGEST DESTINATIONS?

Rolls : From permanent lodge destinations to ethereal tented camps in remote areas to Arabian coastal houses, anything is possible. For example, rent a coastal home in Lamu, on the Indian Ocean. Owned by Princess Caroline of Monaco, it accommodates 12 guests [but can handle a wedding reception of up to 75]. Or go the "English Patient" way, with a white canvas tent from authentic safaris of yesteryear. A mobile tented unit can settle anywhere, like the grasslands of the Maasai Mara Reserve.

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