In the heart of the lush jungles of Ubud, Bali, beneath the sprawling branches of ancient bamboo trees, love was celebrated in a grand spectacle of nature and romance. Kat and Ben, the dynamic duo whose love story began in the tranquil shores of Gili Meno, shared their joy with 80 cherished guests from around the globe. Their destination wedding came to life on the 22nd of July 2022 at the stunning Alila in Ubud.

The Proposal

Their journey to this magical day started with a vintage sapphire halo ring, a family heirloom that whispered of generations of love stories. Ben proposed to Kat with this precious gem, the same ring his uncle had used decades ago to propose to his own beloved. It was a symbol not just of their love, but also of timeless tradition and enduring commitment.

The Brides’ Wedding Gown

Kat, a talented fashion designer, pondered the age-old question: what does a fashion designer wear on her wedding day? The creative mind who not only crafted bespoke pre-ceremony robes for her bridesmaids and an elegant silk deux-piece for the officiant but also embarked on the journey of creating her own wedding gown. Teaming up with Vicky Chatzis from Vasiliki Couture, Kat delved into the world of design, sourcing exquisite deadstock French lace and Italian tulle. Together, they fashioned a stunning, long-sleeved dress paired with a delicate mantilla veil, embodying simplicity and grace. And for the afterparty, Kat dazzled in a chainmail dress courtesy of Paco Rabanne, showcasing her impeccable style and creativity.

The Venue

From the outset, it was clear to both Kat and Ben that their hearts were set on a destination wedding in Bali. Having called this enchanting island home for the past 10 years, they had cultivated profound connections here. 

With loved ones scattered across the globe—Ben hailing from the UK and Kat from Australia—the idea of bringing everyone together in a place they cherished deeply was irresistible. After weeks of exploring various venues in Bali, they stumbled upon Alila in Ubud, an eco-hotel nestled amidst lush jungle. 

Alila, became the canvas on which their dreams were painted. Its eco-friendly ambiance and accommodating staff allowed them to seamlessly transform different spaces for various wedding events, including their ceremony, cocktail party, reception dinner and after party, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for their guests.

The Wedding Styling Inspiration

The inspiration for the jungle theme was found in the very heart of Ubud itself. Alila, with its perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional Balinese architecture, was the ideal venue. Surrounded by lush greenery, the venue set the stage for the jungle-inspired celebration. Marigolds, a common ceremonial flower in both Bali and India, took center stage, as Kat and Ben had both lived in these two places together, symbolizing their shared history in these vibrant cultures.

All The Details Of Kat And Ben’s Bali Wedding

Under the canopy of majestic bamboo trees, a beautiful archway adorned with marigolds and white peacock flowers framed the garden pathway. Martha’s Florist Bali, the artistic geniuses behind the floral magic, created an ethereal atmosphere that perfectly blended with the natural surroundings. An intimate table of photographs and reserved seats stood as a tribute to departed family members, a poignant reminder of the love that endures beyond the realms of life.

What made this wedding truly unique was the couple’s desire for authenticity. They wanted their ceremony to reflect their personalities, so they crafted their own vows and ceremony. To officiate, they turned to their dear friend and bridesmaid, Izabela, who knew them both inside out. This personal touch added a layer of genuine emotion, making the ceremony an intimate and heartwarming affair.

The guest list was a testament to their global connections, with friends and family flying in from different corners of the world. In the days leading up to the wedding, the guests bonded, forging new friendships that added an extra layer of warmth to the celebrations.

The Wedding Vendors

Photographer @maeganbrownmoments

Videographer @jillianmchughphoto

Venue @alilaubud

Florist @martha_florist_bali_

Dress @vasilikicouture

Suit @jcrewmens

Getting Ready Outfits @palmswimwear

Hair and Makeup Artist @becwilsontheartof

Cake @butter_bali

READ MORE: 27 BALI WEDDING VENUES YOU NEED TO SEE IN 2023!

Wedded Wonderland is delighted to introduce the Get Wedded in Fiji 2023 digital magazine, showcasing the unparalleled beauty and allure of destination weddings in Fiji. This annual magazine is accessible to everyone at no cost, and it’s designed to inspire couples to bring their dream wedding to life in this tropical paradise.

Read the magazine below!