Ubud Wedding: Trevor & Polly

I cannot contain my excitement to present you a most extraordinary Bali wedding. As a Ubud Wedding Photographer, I see plenty of spectacular weddings. But this one was different and an absolute highlight of my career.

Trevor & Polly, both share a deep love for Bali, its people, and culture. So they decided that for their wedding they wanted to immerse themselves in Balinese culture and traditions.  Their families who came all the way from the USA and from Hong Kong, as well as other parts of the world, rented an entire resort.

Most amazingly this was a self-organized wedding, without a wedding planner.  And that was proly one of the reasons why this wedding was so spectacular.

Let me explain: The majority of Bali wedding planners are not a creative lot. One copies the other and so many weddings look like a clone of someone else’s wedding. Same decor, same schedule of events, same music, same same same….

But this Ubud wedding was very different. Picture this: The venue was a tiny island amid a wild river. Guests were seated on natural stones covered with cushions. Instead of standing on an altar the couple and the ministrant were placed on a large rock. One of the best venues I have seen in my career as a Ubud Wedding Photographer.

Instead of elaborate decor the venue was decorated just with gigantic dried leaves.

But let’s start at the beginning. The ceremonies for this wedding went over 2 days. On the first day, the couple had their wedding rings made right in front of them by a skilled goldsmith.

This was followed by a Chinese tea ceremony, whereby the couple paid their respects to their families. On that day we are also able to photograph some lovely relaxed images of Trevor & Polly having fun in the pool and enjoying their holiday in Bali.

The wedding day itself started with an elaborate traditional Balinese blessing ceremony. For this ceremony, not only the couple but also all their guests were dressed in beautiful Balinese attire. This ceremony went on for almost an hour. The guests in attendance very much enjoyed the experience of Balinese / Hindu ceremony.

The couple and their guests then enjoyed lunch together. And soon after that, the bride started her makeup and hair session. The actual wedding ceremony was a feast for the sense. And the most uncommon wedding venue I have ever seen.

The brides walk down to the wedding venue was the most beautiful I have ever seen.

The  wedding ceremony was officiated by the groom’s father who happened to be a ministrant.

After the ceremony concluded I had about 45 minutes to get some beautiful couple portraits in the lush greenery around the wedding venue. Shortly after sunset, the couple and their guests released balloons into the night sky. A truly magnificent sight.

The reception dinner was again a truly Balinese experience. Balinese culinary delights were served. And to top it all off the crowd then moved to the resort’s restaurant for dancing and partying.

It is very hard for me to describe this wedding because it was so different, so spectacular. And being a Ubud Wedding Photographer has definitely its merits.  So please see in the following my favorite impressions from this most uncommon Ubud wedding.