This Couple Had A Lush Jungle Destination Wedding In Bali, Indonesia
In a picturesque setting surrounded by lush greenery and ancient bamboo trees in the heart of Ubud, Bali, Kat and Ben’s love story was celebrated in a grand wedding ceremony. This dynamic duo, whose romance began on the serene shores of Gili Meno, shared their special day with 80 cherished guests from around the world. The stunning Alila resort in Ubud served as the backdrop for their destination wedding, which took place on July 22nd, 2022.
A testament to the beauty of love and nature, this unforgettable celebration was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Proposal
As Kat’s fingers wrapped around the vintage sapphire halo ring, she felt a deep connection to her family’s history. This precious gem, passed down through generations, held secrets of past love stories and whispered tales of enduring commitment.
When Ben proposed to her with this very same ring – the same one his uncle had used to propose to his own beloved decades ago – Kat knew that their love was not just a fleeting moment, but a timeless tradition that would continue to flourish for years to come.
The Brides’ Wedding Gown
When Kat, a visionary fashion designer, approached the topic of her wedding attire, she pondered the perfect blend of style and elegance. As someone who takes pride in crafting bespoke ensembles for others – including pre-ceremony robes for her bridesmaids and an elegant silk deux-piece for the officiant – Kat decided to take on the challenge of creating her own dream wedding gown.
Joining forces with Vicky Chatzis from Vasiliki Couture, Kat embarked on a creative journey, sourcing rare deadstock French lace and Italian tulle to bring her vision to life. The result was a breathtaking, long-sleeved masterpiece paired with a delicate mantilla veil, exuding simplicity and refinement. But Kat’s style didn’t stop there – she also stunned in a chainmail dress courtesy of Paco Rabanne at the afterparty, showcasing her impeccable taste and flair for creativity.
The Venue
From the start, Kat and Ben were determined to hold their destination wedding in Bali. Having lived on the island for 10 years, they had forged deep connections with its enchanting culture. With loved ones scattered across the globe – Ben from the UK and Kat from Australia – the idea of bringing everyone together in a place they both cherished was impossible to resist.
After weeks of exploring Bali’s various venues, they stumbled upon Alila in Ubud, an eco-hotel nestled amidst lush jungle.
This picturesque setting became the perfect canvas for their dream wedding. The hotel’s eco-friendly ambiance and accommodating staff allowed them to seamlessly transform different spaces for various events – including their ceremony, cocktail party, reception dinner, and after-party – creating a unique and unforgettable experience for their guests.
The Wedding Styling Inspiration
In the heart of Ubud, Alila’s unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Balinese architecture served as the perfect inspiration for Kat and Ben’s jungle-themed celebration. Surrounded by lush greenery, the venue was transformed into a tropical oasis that set the tone for their special day. A symbolic nod to their shared experiences in Bali and India, marigolds – a ceremonial flower common to both cultures – took center stage, representing the couple’s rich history together.
All The Details Of Kat And Ben’s Bali Wedding
Amidst a serene backdrop of towering bamboo trees, adorned with vibrant marigolds and white peacock flowers, Martha’s Florist Bali masterfully wove together artistry and nature to create an enchanting atmosphere. A poignant tribute to departed family members stood as a reminder of the enduring power of love. The intimate table of photographs and reserved seats served as a touching reminder of the loved ones who could not be present.
The couple’s desire for authenticity was palpable, and they went to great lengths to make their ceremony truly reflective of their personalities. They crafted their own vows and ceremony, with their dear friend Izabela officiating. This personal touch imbued the ceremony with genuine emotion, making it an intimate and heartwarming affair. As a testament to their global connections, friends and family traveled from far-flung corners of the world to join in the celebrations.
In the days leading up to the wedding, these guests formed new bonds, forging lasting friendships that added warmth and depth to the festivities.
The Wedding Vendors
We’re thrilled to introduce you to an incredible team of vendors who made our featured Bali wedding a truly unforgettable celebration. Led by photographer @maeganbrownmoments and videographer @jillianmchughphoto, the couple’s special day took place at the stunning @alilaubud. The florist @martha_florist_bali_ brought the venue to life with her breathtaking arrangements, while the bride’s dress @vasilikicouture and groom’s suit @jcrewmens added a touch of elegance.
Hair and makeup artist @becwilsontheartof ensured the couple looked their absolute best throughout the day, and the delicious cake @butter_bali was the perfect treat to cap off the celebrations. For more inspiration on planning your dream Bali wedding, be sure to check out our latest blog post: 27 BALI WEDDING VENUES YOU NEED TO SEE IN 2023!
And if you’re interested in learning more about destination weddings in Fiji, we invite you to read our digital magazine, Get Wedded in Fiji 2023, which is now available for free download.