The SL Enquirer: Robin Moonkill

The earliest recorded evidence of a wedding was discovered about 2350 BC in Mesopotamia. At the time, society needed more stable arrangements so the father of the bride and the groom or his father arranged marriages. Cave peeps must have decided to get more civilized to keep track of relatives and stop all the inbreeding. Today Weddings are a big celebration of Love shared between willing participants, (with the exception of some countries customary practices) by family and friends with a more traditional approach with wedding dresses and tuxes to bridesmaids and groomsmen. Cake cutting, bouquet tossing and the occasional drunken family drama to end the evening so the bride and groom can scoot off to their Honeymoon for some relief.

In Second life much of the same modern day traditions are still practiced but in a virtual atmosphere where sky’s the limit with the couple's imagination for their perfect fairy tale wedding. Costa Bella Weddings is one of if not the top all inclusive Wedding planning venues in Second Life that caters to the loving couple every step of the way.

The SL Enquirer met up with Mrs. Moonkill to learn more about what Costa Bella Weddings has to offer to couples looking to tie the knot in their own unique way.

Interview with Mrs. Moonkill

Lanai: Mrs. Moonkill, Thank you for meeting with me to talk about Costa bella Weddings. I know wedding planning can be tedious and must keep you pretty busy, especially as we approach wedding season! Where are you from and how did you discover Second life?

Mrs. Moonkill: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me, I appreciate it! Wedding planning does indeed keep me busy, but it's always exciting to connect with couples and help them feel special for their dream day. I'm originally from New York. My older sister introduced me to Second Life from seeing it on a TV news show. She came over and downloaded it for me as soon as she heard about it. It's been a fascinating journey exploring the virtual world and its creative possibilities ever since!

Lanai: I can totally relate, I was hooked the moment I got here many moons ago. You’ve been in Second life since 2010, I’m sure you have seen a lot here! What inspired you to get into Wedding planning?

Mrs. Moonkill: Yes, indeed! What inspired me to get into wedding planning was a combination of factors, but one significant moment was when my husband expressed his desire for the perfect place to renew our vows and own our own wedding venue. That initial spark of wanting to create a special space for our own celebration blossomed into a passion for curating unforgettable experiences for couples. It's been incredibly rewarding to see our wedding place expand and grow into a business, fueled by our shared love for creating magical moments for others.

Furthermore, it has also served as a good luck charm for us, as we're still happily together after 14 years, cherishing each other's company every step of the way.

Lanai: Congratulations on finding your true love and also catering to others who have found theirs! Not only do you plan weddings to meet your clients needs but you also offer photography and a birthing center. I would say that is an all around package for couples. Can you tell our readers about Costa Bella Weddings and the packages you offer?

Mrs. Moonkill: Absolutely! At Costa Bella Weddings, we pride ourselves on offering a comprehensive range of services to ensure that every couple's special day is nothing short of magical. In addition to our meticulous wedding planning services tailored to meet our clients'

unique needs, our packages include:

-An officiant to conduct your ceremony with grace and professionalism.

-A skilled photographer to capture every precious moment of your big day.

-A professional DJ to curate the perfect soundtrack for both the ceremony and two-three hours of reception festivities.

-Personal wedding planner assistance to guide you through every step of the planning process.

-The venue of your choice, providing a stunning backdrop for your wedding festivities.

-Traditional wedding elements such as the Garter & bouquet toss, Cake cutting, and first dance.

-Access to the Bridal & Groom suite for moments of relaxation and preparation.

-Your choice of professionally made invitations to set the tone for your celebration.

-A beautifully crafted wedding certificate to commemorate your union.

When it comes to affordability, we've got you covered with four comprehensive pricing packages, ranging from 7k L$ to 19k L$, ensuring that there's an option to suit every budget and preference. Whether it's a small-scale event, or a grand celebration, Costa Bella Weddings

is here to turn your dreams into reality.

Furthermore, to add an extra touch of enchantment to your post-wedding celebrations, we have three honeymoon sims available, providing a serene and romantic escape for newlyweds and offering the ideal setting for an unforgettable experience.

But that's not all! We understand that the journey doesn't end at 'I do.' That's why we offer a state-of-the-art birthing center, designed to provide comfort and support for expecting parents as they embark on the beautiful journey of parenthood.

Lanai: I have to say, you certainly cover all the bases and make it easier for couples to celebrate their love not only with a wedding but also expanding their families in Second Life. Can you walk me through the process from when couples contact you to help them with their dream wedding?

Mrs. Moonkill: Of Course! At Costa Bella Weddings, we Strive to make the journey from initial contact to dream wedding seamless and enjoyable as possible for our couples. From the moment you reach out to us, whether it's on social media, direct message or in-world, A member of our dedicated staff will promptly get in touch with you to offer assistance and schedule a tour asap of our five stunning venues and three enchanting honeymoon/vacation sims.

Once you've selected the perfect package for your needs, you'll find detailed note cards inside containing all the information you need to fill out. Additionally, our wedding planner will reach out to you personally to address any questions or concerns you may have or even help you find the appropriate attire and to assist you in scheduling a rehearsal date for your special day. During the rehearsal, our entire staff will be present to ensure that every detail is perfect and that your wedding day runs smoothly from start to finish. Your happiness and satisfaction are our top priorities every step of the way.

Lanai: I love your attention to detail with this process. I know it takes a full staff to ensure a wedding goes smoothly from start to finish. Who else assists in the process with you? (photographer, dj, ect)

Mrs. Moonkill: Yes, indeed! Ensuring a wedding runs smoothly requires a coordinated effort from a dedicated team. Our wedding planner plays a pivotal role in making couples feel extra special by orchestrating every aspect of the ceremony. From organizing the bridal party's procession

down the aisle to coordinating animations during the ceremony, our planner ensures that everything flows seamlessly. They also guide everyone to the reception area and oversee important moments such as the couple's cake cutting, garter removal and tossing, bouquet toss and first dance, ensuring that each element of the celebration is executed

flawlessly.

Our DJ is another essential member of our team, responsible for setting the perfect atmosphere with timely and appropriate music cues. Imagine the bride walking down the aisle without music—it's the DJ's expertise that ensures such moments are accompanied by the perfect soundtrack.

Of course, our photographer captures those precious moments, immortalizing the joy and love shared throughout the day.

At last, our security/receptionist ensures that the privacy of the event is respected while warmly welcoming guests and potential clients. They play a vital role in guiding visitors to different venues if they wish to explore further.

Together, our team collaborates to create unforgettable experiences for our couples and their guests, ensuring that every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

Lanai: You are making me want to get married now! I should probably start by finding the man of my dreams first! Lol jk. What are your most memorable moments during the weddings you hosted?

Mrs. Moonkill: One of the most rewarding aspects of hosting weddings at Costa Bella Weddings is witnessing the joy and happiness of our couples and their guests. Every wedding is unique and special, but there are certainly moments that stand out in my memory.

One of my most memorable moments is seeing the sheer delight on the faces of newlyweds as they exchange vows in our picturesque venues. It's truly heartwarming to witness such profound love and commitment.

Another memorable moment is when I receive feedback from couples and guests about their experience. Recently, I was touched to receive a link to a Facebook post image of a couple enjoying their honeymoon, accompanied by a lovely comment expressing their appreciation for the exceptional service provided by our staff. Knowing that we've contributed to creating unforgettable memories for our couples fills me with immense pride and joy.

Also, seeing our dedicated staff in action, ensuring that every detail is attended to with care and professionalism, makes my day every day. Their commitment to excellence is truly commendable, and it's a privilege to work alongside such a talented team.

Overall, it's the combination of heartfelt moments, positive feedback, and the dedication of our staff that makes each wedding at Costa Bella Weddings truly memorable and special.

Lanai: With the beautiful memories you help couples create, it must be so fulfilling being able to experience it with each wedding you host. On the flip side, I’m sure you had a bridezilla or two. How do you handle those situations?

Mrs. Moonkill: Hmm, while the majority of our wedding experiences are filled with joy and excitement, we understand that planning such a significant event can sometimes be stressful, leading to moments of tension or anxiety. In such situations, we approach with a lot of

patience and understanding.

Our priority is to ensure that every couple feels supported and heard throughout the planning process, even during moments of high stress. We strive to maintain open communication channels, allowing couples to

express their concerns and preferences freely.

When faced with challenging situations or 'bridezilla moments', our team remains calm and composed, seeking solutions collaboratively with the couple. We believe in addressing issues proactively and finding mutually beneficial resolutions.

Ultimately, our goal is to transform moments of stress into opportunities for growth and understanding. By approaching challenges with patience, empathy, and a commitment to excellence, we aim to turn every wedding experience into a positive and memorable one for our couples.

Lanai: You do it with such care and grace. Do you have a website or a Flickr page showcasing Past Weddings and some photos?

Mrs. Moonkill: Our Facebook page highlights previous weddings, where joyful couples share their special moments with us, a sight that always brings us happiness.

Our website features galleries of past weddings and detailed information about our services and packages.

These both allow couples to browse through our portfolio and get inspired and excited for their own special day. Feel free to visit our website( https://cbwsls.wixsite.com/costa-bella-weddings ) and facebook ( https://www.facebook.com/CostaBellaWeddings/ ) to explore our work and

see the magic of Costa Bella Weddings!

Lanai: Thank you for sharing those links with our readers. What group can couples join to stay up to date with your services?

Mrs. Moonkill: To stay updated with our services and offerings, couples can join our official Costa Bella Weddings Discord group (https://discord.gg/h2mzabNx ). This ensures that you receive timely updates on new packages, venue options, special promotions, and upcoming

events. It's the perfect way to stay connected and informed about everything happening at Costa Bella Weddings. We look forward to welcoming you to our community!

Lanai: You and your staff have done a fantastic job. Continue to nurture and celebrate Love in Second life. I wish you and Costa Bella Weddings the very best and many great years of services for couples in Second Life. Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Mrs. Moonkill: I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to everyone reading this for their interest and support. At Costa Bella Weddings, we are passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for our couples, and it's our privilege to be a part of such significant

moments in their lives. Whether you're considering us for your wedding or simply interested in learning more about our services such as our honeymoon/vacation sims or even just renting a venue for a private party, we're here to answer any questions and help turn your dreams into

reality. Thank you for considering us as your partner in creating magical memories that will last a lifetime.