What do you get when you mix a destination wedding with fireworks, 180º ocean views, vintage cars, 4 live bands, and fire dancers? The most epic Bali wedding ever!
There were so many intentional details that brought out the feeling of Bali at Denise + Patrick’s wedding. From the branded coconuts, to the traditional musicians, tropical jungle venue, the ceremony over water, hats and fan favors, boho vibes, and local flavors, everything screamed Bali.
I was so grateful for the opportunity to capture their day. They generously flew me out from the US to their favorite vacation spot: Bali, Indonesia! They made me feel so at home right away, and they treated me like family. I got to enjoy dinner and a pool beach party with them and their guests the days surrounding their wedding.
The couple met in Canada, where they currently live. They’re foodies and world travelers. They’re both nurses and Patrick also has his own barber shop (as you can tell by his awesome hair for the wedding). They’re truly some of the most kindhearted and generous folks I’ve ever met. They are Filipino, so naturally after their wedding, they planned on going to the Philippines for their honeymoon! After all, we are already on this side of the world!
Their ceremony was straight out of Crazy Rich Asians — just the boho version!!! The elongated outdoor/indoor aisle over an elegant pool made me feel like we were in the movie! Of course, overlooking the ocean. Violinists and sweet vows made everything so special. Their ceremony concluded with a flower petal toss exit before everyone hopped in vintage Moke cars towards the reception venue. I rode my motorcycle over to the reception — when I pulled up, I couldn’t believe that they managed to get 2 flawless venues right next to each other. Best of both worlds by having two venues! When they arrived, guests were greeted by branded whole coconuts, boho hats, and an open bar. Denise really thought of everything!
In the afternoon, guests enjoyed a cocktail party where they could lounge, eat local fare (divine btw), drink, and listen to a super talented live band. The singer was from Australia and flew in for their wedding! Once night was falling and the candles were lit, dinner began with scrumptious fish, chicken, and steak with all the best side dishes. One thing I learned about Bali: the food is out of this world.
They had the prettiest tablescapes I’ve ever seen. Instead of doing multiple tables, they opted for just one grand banquet table for their intimate day. It featured hanging boho florals, gold cutlery, ornate glassware, arch menus, rattan chairs, romantic candles, and a neutral color palette.
During dinner, they surprised their guests with a fire dancer show!!! The 5 fire dancers brought Indonesian culture to life with their striking fire twirling, dance, and of course, eating and spitting fire like a dragon!
If you thought that couldn’t be topped, just wait ;D.
The reception really tied everything together and was epic moment after epic moment. When dinner, tear-jerking speeches, and cake cutting concluded, we were ushered onto their dance floor cabana. It started pouring rain, as is the nature of tropical places like Indonesia. But the warm rain didn’t stop everyone from having a great time. Denise + Patrick’s first dance occurred under a stunning neon sign with the words “til never ends,” which is an inside romantic phrase for them.
At the end of their first dance, a firework show began, blowing us all away (scroll down to see the pictures!!!)! Everyone ooh’d and ahh’d as a dramatic finale commenced. The live band continued playing party music while everyone danced. Guests grabbed the mic and put their own spin onto some classic songs. And as if it couldn’t get any better, another surprise by the bride and groom: a water drum show!
Flashing lights and water sprayed off the drum line by the new band. They cranked up the energy even higher and the everyone was going crazy. They band handed the drumsticks to the bride and groom so they could play along to the music. Everyone was dancing and the couple was having the time of their lives. Then, water drum show concluded with… you guessed it — more fireworks!!!
Dancing went into the night as the stars shone brilliantly overhead. Perks of being on an island with hardly any light pollution! It’s safe to say this wedding was one I’ll remember for the rest of my life! I’m dying to go back to Bali now! Who’s down ?!
Associate Shot for @taylerashleyphotography
