One Big Party for these Gorgeous Bali Locals

July 10, 2022

So you’re watching the sun set over the Uluwatu cliff tops on the balcony of a tiny beach shack and your boyfriend gets down on one knee and proposes with a ring from a local stall. Your heart skips a beat and you say yes….obviously!

This fairytale moment belongs to the super fit and gorgeous couple Ali and Zanna – founders of the Bali fitness retreat www.activeescapes.com. For their wedding, this cruisey couple opted for one big party with lots of cocktails, canapés and music at a stunning private villa.

Ali used a local Canggu tailor to create her lace, backless wedding dress and a girlfriend sang her down the aisle. And then there were the incredible fireworks – all round Bali Wedding perfection. We asked Ali a few questions about planning her dream wedding in Bali. Enjoy!

Bride Name: Ali Dixon
Groom Name: Zanna Conlan
Where do you live? Bali / Noosa
Wedding Date: 2nd Sept 2017

Tell us, how did you meet? Was it Love at first sight?
A mutual friend put us in touch for business and we started working together. From day one we spent so much time together It wasn’t long before we ended up an item!!

What about the engagement story? Can you give us a snapshot
We had just rented a shack in Uluwatu for 2 years like I mean a falling down shack! But the best thing about it was you could watch the sun setting over the water from the balcony. So it was really casual he came home, we watched the sunset together and he dropped to his knee with this cute little wave ring.

So you decided to become Mr & Mrs… Why Bali?
We were already living there, we have a business there and we met there so it just made sense to share this special place with all our friends and family.

How did you choose your Bali wedding planner? What was her/his Super Power?
She was recommended by a friend. Her super power would have to be her calm, cool, collected attitude even when things were not so calm!

Did you have a theme for the wedding? And was it a late night Pinterest obsession?!
It was a beautiful villa wedding kind of classy and boho at the same time. It was so overwhelming with all the choice there is out there!!

Did you sit down for a formal dinner or party the night away with canapés and cocktails?
We wanted it to be just one big party so cocktails and canapés was our choice.

Did you have a special song to walk down the aisle to?
Our friend is a wedding singer in Bali and she was amazing to walk down the isle to.

What was the most challenging aspect about planning a destination wedding?
Organising your family and friends outside organising the wedding. I forgot because we have lived there so long how hard it is to understand the area and where to book accom, eat etc. when you haven’t been there before.

Talk to us about your hair and make up. Who was your muse?
I didn’t really have one, just pinterest and trusting my hair and make up artist.

Tell us about your D R E S S ?
It was a lacy low back dress I had made in Bali.

What was THE most memorable part of your big day?
The moment we had pyro fireworks go off during the first dance, from then on it was just a big party!

If there was one piece of advice you could give a Bali bride planning their big day, what would it be?
Seriously don’t stress the small stuff, no one cares!! As long as there is good music, food and drinks I think that is all that matters.

List of Loves

Cocktails or Bintangs? Mmmm Both on seperate occasions!
Wedges, heels or Flats? Wedges
Suntan. Fake it or bake it? Bake it
Hotel people watching or Villa alone time? Villa chill time Nails.
Nude or bold? Nude
Sand between your toes or poolside fab? Sandy
Nalu Bowl & Green Juice or Eggs & Coffee? Nalu Bowl
Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset
Bikini or One piece? Bikini
Favourite Instagram account? @activeescapes
What song makes you smile? Coldplay something just like this.

Suppliers

Wedding Planner: Jess from Q Events
Venue: Sinaran Surga
Florist: Bali Florista
Photographer: Tom Rawlins @tom.rawlins
Caterer: Annie from Sanur Deli
Cake: No cake, just popsicles!
Furniture Rentals: Bali Event Hire
Hair & Make up: Rannelle Chapman
Bridal Dress: Ayu Taylor in Bail
Bridal Shoes: Magali Pascal
Bridesmaid dress: Evolution from NZ