High schoolmates We met on the first day of maths class in high school. Rei was one of the new students. We were both in relationships and didn’t have many classes together. Even when we did, we were never seated close to one another. Little did we know that a year later, we would both be single and become the best of friends. Then, we shared the same group of friends during the last year of high school, and although we were polar opposites of each other (he’s the logical one and I’m the over-emotional one), something just clicked. He finally proposed after we’d been together for seven years.
Bali high We tied the knot in a Balinese Catholic church in Denpasar. After the solemnisation, we went back to Como Shambala in Ubud for the tea ceremony. According to the couple’s wedding planner Joy Proctor, Melissa and Rei wanted the design to be inspired by the culture and natural beauty of Ubud, which is why they chose a colour palette of cream, green, brown, and silver. At the end of the evening, their guests were given intricately carved floral candles, which they hoped would remind them to keep the light of love alight forever.
This wedding was first featured in Her World Brides June 2016.
See also: Bali resorts with beautiful wedding venues, 6 things to look out for when planning your wedding in Bali, and things to note when getting married in Bali.
Guests showered the newly-weds with fresh white petals.
Welcome gifts for all their guests came in carved aluminium Balinese boxes. See 12 useful wedding favours your guests will appreciate.
When your dress is as beautiful as Melissa’s, close-ups are a must. See 26 modern lace wedding dresses that will never go out of style.
Never let photo ops go to waste. Here, the bride’s dainty heels were shot against extra lace or ribbons. Here’s a checklist of must-have photos for your photographer.
Looking forward to the ceremony already! See 10 tips when working with your wedding photographer to get these lovely shots.
“Our romance started when I spotted him trying to skip class and tried to convince him not to do it,” says Melissa.
The ceremony had distinct native elements, like these Balinese umbrellas.
Even if you don’t have a lengthy guest list, a seating chart is still useful to have. See other ideas for your place cards and seating charts here.
Melissa’s bridesmaids wore dove grey frocks in different styles. (See 15 reasons why you should have your bridesmaids wear dresses similar to yours, as well as tips on dressing your best girls while still standing out at your own wedding).
Not having a VIP or sweetheart table? Let guests know where you’re sitting with swags of blooms. See other ways to dress your bridal chairs here.
CHECKLIST
Venue
Como Shambala Estate, Bali (www.comohotels.com/comoshambhalaestate)
Photography
Erich McVey (www.erichmcvey.com)
Videography
Amy McVey (www.amymcvey.com)
Wedding planning & design
Joy Proctor Design (www.joyproctor.com)
Decor
Matrimonial arch, tables and chairs: Bali Event Hire (www.balieventhire.com); linens: La Tavola Fine Linen (www.latavolalinen.com); flowers: Gloriosa Flower House Bali (www.gloriosabali.com); stationery: Written Word Calligraphy (www.writtenwordcalligraphy.com)