The words Bali wedding’ typically evoke visions of turquoise waters, sunshine and clear blue skies. However, for Maddy and Matt, the great Mother Nature had something different in mind. £The day went totally and unexpectedly awry when an unusual monsoonal downpour meant our sunset drinks’ became a huddle under the poolside cabana. The intimate huddle allowed everyone to mingle and get merry very quickly, and by the time we sat down to dinner amongst the frangipani trees, our guests had all become wonderful friends, and no one quite noticed that the tablecloths were wet!
Despite the rain bucketing down, the incredible Beck Rocchi had no trouble capturing the optimistic atmosphere amongst the crew of party-goers. £Our photographs went from being on the beach at dusk to under the cover next to the house. Little did we know at the time (and really we should have trusted), that Beck can make magic out of anything! She captured the energy and spirit of all our guests who were having a great time, no matter the weather, explains Maddy, adding that fate played a huge role in the search for her wedding gown.
£Finding my dress felt like a total serendipitous moment. I’m not one for the big, traditional bridal look and was assuming I’d probably purchase a fashion dress. But at the insistence of one of my best friends, I booked an appointment at the only bridal boutique that I liked the look of: The Bridal Atelier. I tried on two Rue De Seine dresses, leaving my favourite till last, and when I walked out in it, my friend started to tear up and I knew it was the one! A quick Facetime to my sister and a phone call to my mum and it was done, says the bride, who adds that picking just one favourite detail from the day is pretty much impossible.
£For us, it was more about the special feeling of having all of our beautiful family and friends there, and in the end we were just so happy that everyone had an amazing time, the pair tells us, agreeing that the speeches were undeniably the most memorable aspect of the day.
£Matt’s especially, as he put away his speech cues and spoke from the heart. It was a beautiful and genuine speech that made everyone laugh a lot, and at one point I looked around and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!
Maddy and Matt’s destination wedding was originally featured in our third annual Real Wedding Special, on sale now and stocked in newsagents nationally. Search for your nearest stockist via suburb or postcode here or shop online with Mag Nation or via the HM online store here.
CREDITS Photographer Beck Rocchi // Event planner Lisa Smith at Isla and Smith Bespoke Weddings // Florist Martha Florist // Stationery Papers Ribbons Calligraphy // Printer Paperlust // Ceremony and Reception Venue Arnalaya Beach House, Bali // Catering Dijon Catering // Decorative Elements Helene Millot Furnishings // Furniture Hire Bali Event Hire // Lighting and Sound Virtuoso Productions // Entertainment DJ Wayne Wonder // Brides Wedding Band Baby Anything // Grooms Wedding Band Robert Alan Fine Jewellers // Bridal Gown Designer Rue De Seine // Bridal Boutique The Bridal Atelier // Shoes Aquazurra // Earrings PetiteGrand // Hair LittleLeeyah // Bridesmaid Dresses Self-Portrait // Suit Farage // Shirt Brent Wilson // Shoes H by Hudson.