It was a fantastic wedding, just as we dreamed.

Jakob and Marlene
Let’s Elope, June 2009

Hi Sjani

We would once again like to thank you for your friendship, caring and professional organizing of our wedding on the 14th June. We were ecstatic with the way things turned out. We wanted something intimate, romantic and casual. Our expectations were met in every way!  Mtoni is a special place and the most beautiful setting for our special day.

Once again, thank you so much!

Danie and Pheann
Let’s Elope, June 2009

Dear Sjani,

Married life is still perfect and so was our wedding and the celebration at Mtoni:)

From the moment we left the harbor in Zanzibar in your bus with the Zanzibarian musicians up to the time we left Mtoni, it was all like a dream come true. We will never forget how well you treated us all and how everybody in your staff put all their effort in to making this a stay to remember. The celebration on the beach was amazing with extraordinary good food and drinks. The wedding cake was fabulous and together with the whole setting, with candles, the music and a bonfire on the beach, it is hard to describe to someone who wasn’t there and experienced it.

We know for sure, that we will be back to celebrate an anniversary, but we don’t know which year. Thanks to you Sjani and your staff who made this to a celebration we look back on and remember with a smile. 

Ronny and Mari-Anne
Beach Wedding, June 2009

Perfect in every way!

Mark and Carron
Sandbank – Dhow - Mtoni Marine Wedding, February 2009

We couldn’t have dreamed a more magical wedding! In fact we are still reeling from the fantasy of our Zanzibari wedding. It is still hard to believe it was our wedding. It was our dream come true and we shared it with the most important people in our lives.

After taking into consideration all my questions and my “wish list” of what I wanted my wedding to be like, I was introduced to local Wedding Planner, Sjani Müggenburg, and handed the planning of the big event over to her. I think it is safe to say that, even though initially only on e-mail, Sjani and I hit it off straight away. I felt right at home with Sjani planning my wedding even before we spoke on the phone and when she met us at the airport it was like catching up with an old friend.

I can’t begin to tell you what a wonderful welcome Sjani and the other staff at Mtoni Marine gave us on our arrival in Zanzibar and Sjani continued to be brilliantly helpful, far beyond that which was expected of her in capacity of our Wedding Planner. She was still helping us out after the wedding was done and dusted when we had a bad experience with our honeymoon destination. Sjani and her team definitely took the stress of a wedding day away from me as the bride and I was able to relax – as much as it is possible for any bride to relax in the lead up to and on her wedding day. I could not have had my dream wedding without Sjani and her team’s dedication and hard work.

Paul and Cindi-Jade
Tailor Made Wedding: Kwale Islande – Dhows – Fumba, February 2009

Every couple dream of the perfect wedding – the bride's unbelievably beautiful dress, and the perfect setting to drift through an unforgettable day. However we wanted much more.                 

On top of our list of essentials was a tropical beach setting for the religious ceremony we demanded. With the help of the internet, and to the disbelief of our friends, we found the perfect beach on the spice island of Zanzibar. The beach at Mtoni nestles in the shadow of the romantic and very photogenic ruins of one of the last rulers of Zanzibar - Sheik Said the Great. The palace was also the birthplace of his daughter Princess Salme who in the 1800s scandalised Zanzibar society by eloping with a German businessman. The ruins not only provided a wonderful backdrop for wedding photos but the Romeo and Juliet-like story provided a wonderfully romantic touch.

So, with the help of wedding organiser Sjani of “Weddings on Zanzibar” our dreams came true.  The whole wedding party and a few special friends were accommodated at Mtoni Marine from where, accompanied by musicians, the flower girl, bridesmaids and a deliriously happy bride crossed the sand to a rustic palm thatched beach chapel.  Under Sjani's watchful eye, special touches emerged one after another including:

• the coconut husk provided for the young pageboy to carry the rings;
• the exquisite candle-lit table settings for the wedding feast at sunset with the wavelets almost at the feet of guests;
• the candles set in the sand to mark out the dining area (and later the dance floor)
• the wedding cake – a melt-in-your mouth confection made from a secret Mtoni Marine recipe;
• the rose petals strewn by the flower girl and later the daybed – transported over the sands for a very drowsy flower girl;
• the excellent support given to the groom and his party.
• the tasteful bride's, bridesmaids and mother of the bride  bouquets and the peace of always knowing that everything was under the control of a professional. 
  

Dear Sjani

What an amazing and beautiful experience we had, thank you so much for all your hard work and efforts to make our wedding day so perfect and special. From the day we arrived till the day we left we were taken so well cared of, everything we wanted and needed was catered for, and your staff always went the extra mile. I think back to the wedding day, there is absolutely nothing we would have changed, all the small details and experience as a whole was perfect. From Father Charles who was fabulous and his ceremony so special, to the drummers who came and did the fertility dance, to the musicians who played for us as I did my walk down the beach and then joined us for our photo's.  As for the wedding cake, wow, when that cake entered my mouth I could just die, it was really divine. The meal that we had chosen was superb, and mouth watering and all our guests had said how they really enjoyed it.

Married life is great, and we are just beginning the rest of our lives together, and we look forward to all the experiences and memories that lie ahead of us. We will never forget what an amazing time we had in Zanzibar and how beautiful our wedding day
was, thank you so much for making it all happen. 

Kind Regards

Mark and Suzy
Beach Wedding, February 2009

Dear Sjani!!

We would like to thank you for everything you have done for us! Our wedding was a very romantic, beautiful ceremony just like in our dreams... You have done more than we would have imagined, and helped us out many times! From the very beginning you were a great help and a wonderful organizer!! You gave us the best wedding present we could have ever wished for, our perfect wedding!!!
 
Thank you so much again, and we wish you the best for the future!
 
Derek and Anita
Beach Wedding, January 2009

Posted On Tripadvisor By Derek & Anita

We've seen many posts on here regarding Zanzibar weddings, and having just returned from having our own wedding, I'd like to add my comments. First of all, and not to be too overdramatic, but I would DEFINITELY consider Mtoni Marine for your wedding venue and organization. Let me give you some examples of what was offered to us, which was certainly out of their (Sjani's) remit:

• We touched down in DAR en route to a safari (our wedding was 10 days after). We didn't want to drag the wedding dress/etc with us on safari, so Sjani, the wedding coordinator for Mtoni, organized a pilot to meet us in DAR, and take the dress back to her upon arrival in Zanzibar. Needless to say we were a bit nervous about this, but 2 hours later we received a text that she was in receipt of the items. VERY helpful to us!! Again, outside of everything that was asked/expected of them.
• We were given reserved, prime seating for the sunsets on the beach, every night, and koodos has to go to Nick, the bar manager.
• All staff, the 3 days we were there, knew of the wedding and always greeted us with smiles and congratulated on upcoming nuptials.
• The wedding itself was extremely romantic and ran smoothly. We opted to change the standard wedding package a bit which forced others to work a few extra hours. All parties did with no complaint.
• I'm sure I'm missing something here, but if you would like a fantastic wedding, one that you can ensure will meet the highest of expectations, please give Sjani at Mtoni Marine a call. Also visit zanzibarweddings.com, I think is her site. I've never posted a review on the Internet, which shows how impressed we were with our experience there

Jambo Sjani and Mtoni family!

Hope all is well with you? From both of us, thank you once again for the wonderful time we had at Mtoni as well as our stunning wedding! It was more than we could have ever dreamt off.

Everybody just loves the photographs, the dvd and cannot stop talking about the good job Matilde did with my hair.
The little tree you have used at our ceremony for our rings has a special place in our home. Weddings by Design where I hired my dress from wants us to enter the Bride of the year competition (would first need a double brandy or Dala Dala cocktail to get the guts for that one!!)

Thank you to each and every one who helped in making our special day MORE THAN SPECIAL, we fell in love with Zanzibar and will definitely come and visit again. Please send our regards to all we have met at Mtoni and we would anytime recommend our friends to go there!

Konstant and Tanya
Beach Wedding, December 2008

"Sjani, we would like to thank you for everything. The whole wedding was very well organized and we felt everyone was happy with us on our wedding day...you, Natalie, the reception guys, the whole restaurant staff and the chambermaids. Our wedding at the beach was an unforgettable experience which we will never forget. We can’t think of any other place that could have been better for our wedding. We enjoyed the support of you and Natalie, the great food and wine, the funny character of Father Charles and the photo session with Annelie. Thumbs up, Sjani, and congratulations to everyone who decides to choose "Weddings on Zanzibar" - you won’t regret it!"

Take care, best wishes,

Maren and Daniel   
Beach Wedding, October 2008

Hi Sjani,

Sorry we missed you before we left - we were busy making the most of our time left!!
Thanks again for all your wonderful help - you really were a star and made everything perfect and the photos prove it!
All the best for your new baby boy and the future.

Thank you, thank you!!

Ghita and Gareth
Beach Wedding, March 2008

"We absolutely loved our own wedding. And our guests loved it too. Many said it was the best wedding they ever attended. One guest remarked that by starting married life with such a bang, we were certainly putting the bar high for daily life afterwards"

Joachim and Muyobu
Mtoni Palace Ruins – Dhows – Mtoni Marine Wedding, July 2008

Hi Sjani,

Sorry we missed you before we left - we were busy making the most of our time left!!
Thanks again for all your wonderful help - you really were a star and made everything perfect and the photos prove it!
All the best for your new baby boy and the future.

Thank you, thank you!!

Ghita and Gareth
Beach Wedding, March 2008

Dear Sjani,

THANK YOU FOR THE MEMORIES...

We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for an ABSOLUTE DREAM WEDDING (Sunset Cruise Package).  We had many unforeseen obstacles, but I personally think that just made our day so much more special. 

On our Wedding Day we had monsoon rains. No problem for the coordinator & staff, it was suggested we shift our wedding day to the following day, we were assured that the ceremony on the Dhow would be a magical experience. You were on top of every detail and made me feel very relaxed about the entire event.  The following day we woke up to the most perfect day. The sun was shining, birds were singing, skies were blue & the ocean turquoise. Everything looked just perfect.

The lady arrived for my relaxing pedicure and the beautician for my hair & face.  I felt like a Princess... Finally the time arrived when all the guests boarded the beautifully decorated Dala Dala. They were accompanied by Swahili musicians and were driven to the centre of town. Sjani, my Dad & I followed.  We arrived at the Tembo Hotel where the guests were waiting for me on the beach. My dad & I walked across the soft sands towards the Dhow, a beautiful wooden boat full of character and decorated with flowers and ribbons. 

We set sail and the ceremony was conducted with The House of Wonders and the absolute beauty of Zanzibar in the background  - MY MAGIC ISLAND.   Father Charles proceeded with a very personal and heart warming ceremony just for us. 

After the ceremony it was fun time on the Dhow. We danced and enjoyed wine and snacks. The sails were hoisted and we set off for Mtoni Marine. Luckily there was no concern sea sickness as the ocean was as dead calm. 

As the sun set the ocean changed from turquoise to bright yellows and oranges. The Swahili Musicians brought a special magic with their music. As darkness covered the skies we sailed to Mtoni Marine where the beach was decorated with palm frond arches and was lit up with fires & lanterns. We were welcomed onto the beach by Ngoma drummers and dancers, quite spectacular.  A beautiful candlelit dinner table was set on the beach where we enjoyed a delicious meal, good wine and lovely music in the background.

It was an unforgettable, magical and needless to say a very romantic experience which we will never forget. If had to choose between a large wedding with lots of guests and small one on a magnificent Island then there is no choice... the Island wins by far.

Thank you once again Sjani and Waldemar for your fantastic enthusiasm, planning and effort in making it such a special day for all of us. Please also thank all the staff at Mtoni Marine.

Best wishes,

Sharon

Peter & Sharon
Dhow Wedding , October 2007

Hi Sjani,

We must thank you for going the extra mile to make our wedding an unforgettable experience. You really pulled out all the stops to make it a very special day and made Sharon feel like the most important lady of the day.

It was just amazing how you managed to organise everything so efficiently at the change of the weather and have the hairdresser, make-up, flowers, food, boat, dala dala, photographer, musicians etc all organised  to have the perfect wedding the next day. I must thank you as it was beyond expectations and for Sharon and me it was a dream come true.

All in all an enchanting experience and one we would like to return to so hope you can oblige!!! Good luck and every success in the future.

Regards,
Peter

PS. The cake was really good.

Peter & Sharon
Dhow Wedding , October 2007

I would like to thank you for the wonderful experience we had with Sharon & Peter’s Renewal and all the effort you went to in planning the ceremony and changing the day due to bad weather.  It was all truly amazing and we left with fantastic memories that will last forever.


Rose – Mother of Bride

Peter & Sharon
Dhow Wedding , October 2007

Our wedding at Mtoni Marine was an unforgettable experience.  The staff went out of their way to make us feel at home and comfortable, the service are excellent, the surrounding lush gardens are amazing, make you feel you are in paradise.  The wedding ceremony with the sunset behind us on the ocean was very romantic and the food exquisite!  Thank you to Renee and Sjani for everything you have done to make our wedding day the most amazing day anyone can dream of, everything was truly perfect.

Jonathan & Amanda
Beach Wedding, September 2007

We're still reliving the experience and I haven't lost the smile on my face. All the people who went have been raving and almost everyone I spoke to has said it was the best wedding they have ever been to.

I keep saying it but thank you thank you thank you!

Jason & Kerian
Mbweni-Dhow-Mtoni Wedding, September 2007