A wedding in Bali was an easy choice for Rika and Reza. The island is a meet-point between Melbourne and Jakarta, where the two are based, and has always had a special place in this couple's heart. It is too, the place where the two were supposed to be engaged before a family emergency changed the entire plan and he finally popped the question in Jakarta. "Reza contacted all my best friends to ask me out for a girls' night in La Vue, The Hermitage. Then he came out of nowhere with flowers and a box of wooden puzzle that says, you are the pieces that complete me," the bride recalled.
Despite the long-distance relationship between the now-wedded couple, the bride described the wedding planning to be almost effortless. She admitted that they share similar taste in making the wedding one with understated elegance and inspired by nature. "We always wanted an intimate outdoor wedding, so naturally we wrapped the planning around that idea. We also wanted the day to be warm and as relaxed as possible," Rika said.
Every element of the wedding, from the graceful hand-illustrated invitation suite by the bride to the radiant Pronovias wedding gown, shows a great deal of sophistication. The wedding day started off with a first look and continued to the Cathedral where the Holy Matrimony took place. The bride wore a beautiful white mermaid, embroidered dress with long train and lace applique which she fell in love with in an instant when she first saw it. The reception didn't start until 7 PM, giving the two a chance to have tea ceremony and a couple session around Plenilunio Villa. Approaching the sunset, the Rika and Reza spent time with their guests during cocktail hour, before finally stepping onto a glass stage where they were greeted by sparklers to start the reception.
The party, beautified with wooden elements and natural decoration, was a delightful occasion filled with memorable toasts and touching speeches. The 200 guests were spoiled with delicious Balinese food to accompany their dinner in this rustic white wooden villa. Then come the first dance, the steps of the newlyweds synchronized to the oozing tune of Banda Neira's 'Sampai Jadi Debu'. The night ended in colorful fireworks under which Rika and Reza sealed lips to open a brand new life ahead of them.
In this moment of a lifetime, the one thing that leaves an endearing memory to the bride is how they were blessed to have friends that took part in making the dream come true. "My florist friend from Atelier Fleuri, who has been 'flowering' our relationship for more than 2 years, was the one making my wedding bouquets. My reception dress was also created by one of my close friends, Jessica Tjiptoning. Also, one of my best friends almost missed the wedding, but he finally showed up and at the end of his speech, sang 'Love is Here to Stay' for us. Reza's dad also surprised us by singing 'Wonderful Tonight'," Rika shared. She also shared a word of wisdom for brides-to-be everywhere, "Don't sweat the small stuff because everything has a way of falling into place perfectly."
Take another look at the beautiful photos taken by Dikha Dheansa and Gusde Photography, and add them to your inspiration board as you go along!
