This was truly a dream wedding where family and friends were all at Panchoran Retreat, Ubud, to prepare for the big day. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, smiles and love. The bride, Laura, DIY and custom-made most of the details and décor herself, including her dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, and even the beautiful hand-made tea towels for the guests to take home. It was a blessed day indeed with perfect weather.
Laura: “On the morning of our special day we woke to blue skies and the tweeting of birds throughout the valley – our very own ‘Love Wonderland’ was to become a reality. We created an intimate ceremony in a beautiful and special place surrounded by our most loved, and together, exchanged our written vows and made our promises to each other in the arms of the sacred Bodhi tree.
“As a couple, our commitment of love to each other was the most important part of the day, and as the heavens opened and the sun shone down, it couldn’t have been a more magical and perfect moment. That moment we were pronounced husband and wife!
“We turned around and everyone began to throw fresh rose petals as the Marvin Gaye song ‘You’re A Wonderful One’ started to play. It brings tears to my eyes even as I write about it, so thank you for making me go through it all again!
“A delicious banquet was served and all enjoyed many laughs and tears over stories of the bride and groom as we toasted to love and friendship. After dinner, guests were treated to an amazing Kecak fire dance performed by over 100 men from the local village. Wish lanterns were released into the darkness of the sky as many hoped for love and happiness in the years to come.
“The cake was a simple cake with white icing. The bride and groom cake topper was given to us by Dallas’ mother and father, having been bought in Germany on the announcement of our engagement, and there was also a silver shoe on there that had been on my grandmother’s wedding cake in the 1940’s.
“I drew and designed my bridal dress, then had a wonderful Italian lady make it for me in Brisbane. It is made of silk and chiffon. I hand-made the feather details on the hips and a feather headpiece to match the dress. I added a diamond vintage brooch to bring together the diamond cufflinks and the ring elements. The gold jewellery I am wearing on my head was made by one of my best friends, Tigerframe Jewellery, and I decided to wear it, as I liked the fact that it made me feel close to her as I took my final steps as a single woman.
“All the details were DIY by us and with the help of friends and family. It was beautiful to see the perfect setting we had imagined for so long created before our eyes. ‘A Love Wonderland’ – relaxed, festival vibe with a vintage and creative twist. Sentimental touches such as the photos of family and friends that couldn’t be there made it feel very special.”
LAURA & DALLAS {Indonesia}
Photography by Angga Permana / Venue Panchoran Retreat, Ubud, Bali / Number of Guests 45 / Bride’s Shoes by ALDO