From a High School crush to Clifftop Bali Wedding

July 10, 2022

Gotta love a surfer who proposes to a yogi, poolside in Bingin, right?

Yep, gorgeous Sophie was chilling happily by the infinity pool at Micks Place in Uluwatu when Bill produced a sparkling engagement ring. We can really picture this romantic scene… the pair high on a cliff top, overlooking the Indian ocean, with the soft waves rolling in and a surprise proposal. Heaven!

A destination Wedding in Bali was an obvious choice for the pair who have holidayed in beautiful Bali regularly for years so a date was set and the planning began.

In her own words, Sophie talks us through all the elements needed to create her spectacular Bali Wedding. Her dream Bali Wedding Villa, her Bali Wedding Planner, her Bali Wedding Florist, the best furniture rental on the island (us of course – ha ha!) and a whole list other elements which came together to make magic happen.

Oh… and we get to stare longingly at her TWO Pallas Couture dresses!

Enjoy xx

Tell us, how did you meet? Was it Love at first sight?
We’ve known each other since high school and I always had a big crush on Bill (along with the rest of the girls in high school – he was such a spunk). We dated briefly before I disappeared travelling for a year. Upon my return I had been warned by his friends that he had an eye on me, we started dating again and he made it very clear he wasn’t going to let me go. As much as I tried to stay away I couldn’t resist falling for him. And the rest is history!

What about the engagement story? Can you give us a snapshot?
We were actually in Bali, at our favourite place to stay, Mick’s Place in Bingin. We had the honeymoon suite (my random treat myself moment) and I was hanging by the infinity pool looking out to the ocean when Bill comes up beside me and pools a ring out of it his boardshorts. Could it get any more perfect? I of course said “Yes!!”

So you decided to become Mr & Mrs.. Why Bali?
We’ve always loved Bali, in particular Bingin is our happy place. Bill surfs and I do yoga and we couldn’t have picked a better place to celebrate our love with our nearest and dearest.

How did you choose your Bali wedding planner? What was her/his Super Power?
Ahhhh we had been to a wedding the previous year in Bali that Marita from Save the Date had planned, it was perfect so we didn’t hesitate in going with her.

Did you have a theme for the wedding? And was it a late night Pinterest obsession?!
Yes, simplistic romance. I didn’t want it to be too flashy because we had the most amazing view so stuck to neon lights, fairylights and cosy furniture so guests felt comfortable and would be encouraged to party all night long.

Did you sit down for a formal dinner or party the night away with canapés and cocktails?
We had food carts and cocktails. We felt that a sit down wasn’t very Bali and we wanted to encourage guests to mingle and dance

Did you have a special song to walk down the aisle to?
Yes, I surprised Bill with his favourite song after telling him I preferred another. Although, he thought the wedding planner mucked up on the day so the surprise didn’t work as well as I’d hoped! Woops!

What was the most challenging aspect about planning a destination wedding?
We didn’t make a special trip over to Bali to visit our venue and I wish I had. It would’ve given me a much better sense of the space.

If there was one piece of advice you could give a Bali bride planning their big day, what would it be?
Breathe and take your time to plan. I wish I’d spent more time picking and researching because it really goes by so quickly and it’s so much fun.

Talk to us about your hair and make up. Who was your muse?
I wanted to look like me! For the evening I added red lipstick to add a bit of fun. But I wish I’d put my hair up because it was soooooo hot!

Tell us about your D R E S S ?
I had 2 by the talented girls at Pallas Couture. My first dress was the centre of our romantic theme, with a long train it made me feel like an absolute princess. My second dress was a bit sexier and fun and was so comfy to dance the night away in.

What was THE most memorable part of your big day?
It was the moments where we got to pause and just soak it all in. I recommend trying to schedule these 15 min moments in so you can enjoy it with your hubby.

List of Loves

Cocktails or Bintangs? Cocktails all the way – espresso martinis were the guest favourite
Wedges, heels or Flats? Wedges!
Suntan. Fake it or bake it? Bake it baby – I was bronzed al naturale!
Hotel people watching or Villa alone time? Villa alone time, nothing better than chilling with a book poolside
Nails. Nude or bold? Nude, bold it up via jewelry and shoes
Sand between your toes or poolside fab? Poolside, a hard dancefloor is easier to dance on J
Nalu Bowl & Green Juice or Eggs & Coffee? Nalu bowl and green juice – yummmm
Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset with a Bali Cider by Micks Place pool, my favourite place on earth
Bikini or One piece? Bikini, those tan lines!
Favourite Instagram account? @balieventhire and @thebalibride and my personal bridal page @blasebride
What song makes you smile? Home by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

Suppliers

Wedding Planner: Save the Date Bali
Venue: Villa Bayuh Sabbah in Uluwatu
Florist: Silverbell
Photographer: Terralogical
Caterer: Oma Thias
Cake: We had a donut wall (everyone loved it!!!) by Dough Darlings
Furniture Rentals: Bali Event Hire – where else!?
Hair & Make up: The Queen – Ranny Bronzer, she’s absolutely amazing
Sound and Lighting: Azimuth
Bridal Dress: Pallas Couture
Bridal Shoes: Alias Mae
Jewellery: Adorn Me
Bridesmaid dress: Mix – Misha Collection, Bardot, Forever New, Santina Nicole
Grooms Suit: Industrie
Stationary: Paper Minx