An Atmospheric Engagement Album Inspired by Old Portraits

Before deciding to get married later this month, Ade and Rama had steadily grown a relationship for 12 years. "We shared a class in cram school, back in our junior high school days. Strangely, we strongly noticed each other from the very first day. I guess it was destiny," Ade reminisced, "We became the best of friends since then, until we finally started dating seven years later."

It's only fitting that such a lasting relationship included a romantic wedding proposal, in Monte Carlo no less. "I'm an ardent admirer of the late Grace Kelly, so we decided to visit her grave while on holiday. As the day was coming to an end, Rama took me to a spot in the Jardin de La Exotique," Ade recalled. There, he got down on one knee and popped the question. "I immediately burst into tears of joy," she continued.

Inspired by vintage portraits of their ancestors, Ade and Rama wanted to have simple yet timeless pre-wedding photos that their grandchildren would still appreciate many years from now. Along with talented photographer, Raditya Bramantya, they headed to an antique private residence in Yogyakarta. "Most of the shots were taken outdoors, so we had to wake up very early to get enough natural light. Instead of pretty, blushing makeup, we aimed for an ashen complexion and even got faux tans to look like Javanese and Tapanulian couples of the 1800s," explained Ade.

The pair have also decided to pay tribute to their cultural heritage through an upcoming Javanese wedding ceremony and Tapanulian reception. "A traditional wedding involves so many different people and cultures, so it is pretty tough to plan. But once we realized that what matters is our life together that comes after the wedding day, we've become quite calm in planning every step," shared Ade.

Seeing how mesmerizing their pre-wedding album is, we can't wait to find out how beautiful their wedding will be. Do you love this engagement session as much as we do? Tell us in the comments section below!