We’ve read many tips from brides over the years, but this stands out as one of the most thoughtful and well reasoned – it’s definitely worth your time to read it. Throughout her wedding planning, she was able to give and take in all aspects, from in laws and guests to vendors. It’s easy to see how she managed to pull everything off for a really enjoyable wedding. She looked gorgeous in both her dresses, but more importantly, we feel she’s got an even more beautiful heart! Thanks for sharing this lovely couple’s story with us, Axioo.
Tips from the bride:
1. Browse and browse. Always use Pinterest. I didn’t share it with a lot of people, as I wanted our guests to be surprised.
2. If your in-laws/parents want to be involved, let them. Don’t argue with them; it’s not worth it. A good wedding organiser will be able to incorporate their ideas with yours so that both sides get some of what they want. The key is to discuss everything openly, especially with your future spouse.
3. Be humble with all your friends and vendors. I know we pay the vendors to do their job, but it doesn’t mean that you can do whatever you wish impolitely. I wanted everyone, including the vendors, to enjoy my wedding so I tried to be nice to them all and put myself in their shoes. It’s a give and take relationship.
4. Don’t be a bridezilla. Choose the right wedding planner, and they will be really helpful and give you less stress.
5. Be happy and enjoy everything.
Chintania: “While we were doing our pre-wedding photoshoot in Nusa Lembongan (30 mins from Bali), a huge wave hit us and swept us against the coral. It was crazy; I cut my knee and got six stitches. I couldn’t walk properly or wear anything but slippers for two weeks. I was grateful that I didn’t injure my face or hands at all.
“Other than the drama of our photoshoot, I was a very relaxed bride, although very particular with flowers, the dress, and little things like the invitations, stationery and décor. I loved my Holy Matrimony; it was intimate and had beautiful décor. I started to tear when I heard the band practicing, and cried throughout the ceremony. They were happy tears. I felt that finally, Randy and I could stand at the altar and say our lifetime vows in front of everyone.
“We had our reception only on the following day. Our entrance was pretty unusual – we danced all the way to the main stage to the song ‘Love Never Felt So Good’. After that, we did our appreciation speech and toast, and started the dinner with beautiful songs performed by Andrew Lee Entertainment as well as our close friends – Alfred, Ivan and Wilgo. Then I did the father daughter dance, followed by our first dance and a flash mob item. The flash mob was amazing; everyone was surprised!
“We wanted it to be fun yet elegant. So we had a proper seated dinner but with a fun programme. For the venue, Randy wanted it outdoors but I wanted it indoor to avoid [having to deal with] wind, sun or rain. We both got what we wanted: St Regis Bali for our Holy Matrimony, and The Mulia Bali for the reception.
“For the décor, I love natural colours and random arrangements as I didn’t want something too proper or tidy. Even for our invitations, the flowers and laser cut elements were randomly drawn and cut. I was very particular about the DIY, especially for the Holy Matrimony and the stationery.
“To help with the sun and wind, we provided guests with sunnies and an umbrella tagged with ‘Fifty Shades of Guan’ (I liked the Fifty Shades of Grey movie) and ‘You Can Stand Under My Umbrella’ respectively. I always get bitten by mosquitoes/bugs so I provided bug repellent with the tag ‘Be Smitten Not Bitten’. I also had blankets with ‘Just In Case You Feel Cold’, and napkins with quotes on them! I tried to imagine what I would need if I were to attend a garden party.
“As for the wedding souvenirs, again we wanted something that everyone could use, so we chose to give our guests black travel adaptors with our initials on them. Both my wedding gowns were beautiful – I wanted something feminine yet fun for my Holy Matrimony so I had Elly Be Gorgeous make my dress, whereas for the reception I wanted something glam so I chose Tex Saverio.”
CHINTANIA & RANDY {Indonesia}
Photography by Ivan Mario of Axioo / Videography by Jimmy Indra of Axioo / Ceremony Venue St Regis Bali / Reception Venue The Mulia Bali / Number of Guests 250 (ceremony), 650 (reception) / Wedding Planning by
