Cyclone damage hasn’t stopped weddings

SAIPAN – The devastation that Typhoon Soudelor left in its wake after hitting Saipan on August 2 has not prevented Japanese couples from travelling there for their weddings, wedding photography sessions and honeymoons.

Isako Ortega, branch manager for Watabe Wedding Saipan, said the number of clients dipped drastically right after Soudelor because of the cancelled and reduced flights from Japan, but the market has picked up again.

Ortega said some clients didn’t know about the typhoon and were surprised to see Saipan’s devastated condition, but this only made them interested in helping the island recover.

“They felt that they should help by, for example, telling the rest of the world that Saipan is still beautiful and is an ideal place for weddings, honeymoons and photo sessions.”

Ortega said their clients usually hold photo sessions on the beaches of the hotels or the island of Managaha.

Watabi Weddings Saipan has been serving Japanese clients for wedding venues, ceremonies and photo and video needs since 1994.

“Despite the typhoon, we are still happy to continue serving our wedding clients, and we hope that those clients will continue to spread the word that Saipan is still a beautiful place and is on the road to recovery,” Ortega said.

Watabe Wedding Saipan hosts an average of 10 or more weddings a month.