Melissa, a Graphic Designer who specialises in branding for local creative businesses, and Cain a former chemistry teacher and newly minted Fire Fighter recently tied the know in Bali and we are all kinds of excited to share their special day with you. Highlights include those perfect Shona Joy bridesmaids dresses and, of course, all the pretty pictures by one of our fave West Australian wedding photographers, Natasja Kremers. We’ll let Mel and Cain talk you through the rest…
THE VENUE There were no questions. We knew it was going to be Bali. It’s special to both of us, as I’m half Indonesian and it’s the island in which we got engaged. In regards to choosing Arnalaya, it was the fifth Beach Villa we saw online, and we were in love,.. so we emailed, and the dates were available, so we just booked it for our accommodation and event!. We didn’t see it with our own eyes until we checked in with the Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, we were all stoked!
THE VIBE Ultimately, we wanted a casual night with our nearest & dearest, with never-ending Indonesian food, an insane Drinks Menu (hello Open Bar!), Coconuts, Jasmine, Indonesian Entertainment, fantastic Music and Dancing!
A SPOT OF DIY I designed all the stationery items – Save The Dates, Invitations, Menus, Signage (checking in a Seating Chart that’s over 1.5m in height resulted in some looks at the airport)! It was important to us that we had both English and Indonesian on everything to be inclusive of everyone in our lives. The Drinks Menus for the tables were just incredible. I had designed and printed them, and Leah Dent from Studio Bomba, foiled two bits of glass and then welded them together so that the Drinks Menus appeared as though they were floating. Jane & Adam from Future Shelter (the store out the front of our studio), cut blocks of blackish woods for us to hold them upright.
THE DRESS I wanted a dress made but I sat on it for too long. I was at a shoot to promote the Art Source Buildings in Fremantle and Maevana was dropping off the gown she had designed for it… we got talking, and she asked about the dress and I mentioned I would have loved for her to make it as I’ve admired her talent, but thought I had run out of time. She said ‘Time is nothing!, I can do it!’ and that was that! So in 8 weeks, we designed and Mae sewed. I wanted silk and for the material to speak for itself. I’m a Form Follows Function Graphic Designer, and we were also mindful of the weather in Bali. Mae is a delight, she’s so enthusiastic – it’s infectious!. Despite the tight deadline, I never felt stressed about the gown, she knows how to put a bride (and Mother of the Bride!) at ease.
A WORD OF ADVICE You Do You Babes. Don’t sweat the little things, and it’s hard, but don’t end up down the rabbit hole on what the event should be like according to Social Media.
STANDOUT VENDORS Natasja Kremers, who I share a studio with, to Cain and I, there was no one else. But, it was important to us that she be a guest as well as our Photographer!. We’re so fortunate! She photographed all three of our weddings. haha!.
CONTRIBUTING VENDORS Photographer Natasja Kremers Event planner, Stylist & Florals Hitch’d Bali Stationery & Signage Melissa Soraya Ceremony & Reception Arnalaya Beach House Catering Bali Catering Co. Cake Butter Bali Hire Items Bali Event Hire Entertainment Silaen Music Rings Rohan Jewellery THE BRIDE Bridal Gown Maevana Veil Alexandra Grecco Robes Sleeping With The Enemy (bride), Jasmine & Will (bridesmaids) Shoes Alexandra Birman Hair & Makeup Brittany Mason Makeup Bridesmaid Dresses Shona Joy Bridesmaid Shoes Zomp THE GROOM Suit Country Road Shoes Florsheim Belt Status Anxiety Watch Daniel Wellington
