Location: The Samaya Seminyak Bali Guests: 42 Photography: The Marvellous Pictures
This delightful ‘I do’ celebrates the beauty of Bali with a dash of Scottish charm.
Bali has always been a special place for Australian-based Sophie and David — they celebrated their first overseas holiday together, their engagement, and, most recently, this gorgeous wedding on the Island of the Gods.
Rewind to the proposal and the couple had dressed up for a fancy dinner at NOAA Bistro in Seminyak. “When we arrived, there was a lovely entrance staircase leading to the restaurant,” says Sophie. “David allowed me to walk in first, and halfway up the stairs he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. It was the biggest surprise of my life and followed by a lovely three-course celebratory dinner. We just knew as soon as we started wedding planning that it would be a dream for a Bali wedding.”
The couple took a deep dive into Bali’s beautiful venues, reading countless reviews and eventually falling in love with The Samaya Seminyak during their online travels. One reconnaissance mission later and they were smitten. “As soon as we stepped foot into The Samaya, we knew it was the venue for us,” recalls Sophie. “It’s an absolutely beautiful beachfront luxury villa complex and the beachfront views, palm-fringed shoreline and unbeatable sunsets sold us.”
With 42 friends and family jetting in from as far away as Scotland, the couple knew this sublime escape would make the perfect holiday base, close to iconic shopping, beaches and attractions. And while they could only visit once in person, they made the most of the trip with menu tastings and venue tours.
“Not being there to discuss all details along the way can be hard,” admits Sophie. “However, The Samaya wedding team were amazing and very responsive and informative on email, constantly updating us. Our wedding planner told us: Communication is key! Be upfront with your requests so the team has time to accommodate and perfect the day on your behalf.”
The seaside ceremony was pure delight, adorned with masses of blooms and infused with love and emotion. Escorted by a Balinese flower girl, Sophie arrived on her father’s arm with her dad sporting a traditional kilt for the occasion: a moving moment for them both. The bride also shared her Scottish heritage through a hand-fasting ceremony, officiated by her father, during the couple’s heartfelt vows.
The newlyweds then grabbed a few precious moments to take it all in before hitting play on the party. Overlooking the beach for the best sunset views, the open-air reception carried a tropical charm, adorned with lanterns, festoon lighting and billowing Bali flags. Glasses were raised and spirits were high, carried along by island vibes and a delicious reception feast. The newlyweds are still revelling in the joy of “seeing our wedding vision come together in real life, as perfect as we had envisioned” … and swooning over the Angus beef and chocolate lava cake dessert!
Guests have also been gushing. “They commented on how perfect all the little details were — the quality of the food and flowers, the decoration of the tables, and even our wedding pictures and videos,” says Sophie. “They also loved the sunset views and the fire dance performances, the Samaya staff, and how well the wedding was organised with us being in Australia.”
And the best thing about a destination wedding? “It felt like a never-ending holiday and all our guests got to share in the love for Bali: our favourite place. Also, the value for money … the quality of everything was second to none! To other couples, we say go for it! It is the best decision you will ever make.”
The couple’s Balinese honeymoon sounds equally dreamy — three weeks of sun, fun, waterfalls, rice terraces, beaches, and more special moments with loved ones. Ah, Bali bliss.
DREAM TEAM
Location: The Samaya Seminyak Bali Wedding planner: Sri Virgayanthi and Rini Photographer: The Marvelous Pictures Videographer: The Marvelous Pictures / The Marvelous Film Bridal gown: ‘Ornela’ by Tania Olsen Groom’s attire: ‘Black Diamond’ suit by Connor Invitations: CitrusPressco – Tropical Palm Tree Template Entertainment: DJ – Denkerdeck Productions Florist: I amBali Florist
