Surrounded by rice paddies, valley canopies and an intimate gathering of close family and friends. On April 25th Fanfan and I tied the knot in the beautiful Ubud region of Bali. After two years of living and travelling together, we had no hesitation or doubts on making the long term commitment. It was an easy decision. From the day I proposed to the moment we exchange rings things couldn’t have been any easier. We celebrated a simple yet perfect wedding in Bali.
Opportunities over Extravagance
On the month of our wedding we have a packed travel itinerary; 8 countries in 30 days including Rome, Paris, London and my Proposal in the Wicklow Mountains of Ireland. Not cheap. We were forced to squeeze the wedding budget and choose opportunities in travel over wedding extravagance. So, as a guy with little interest in shiny new attire I happily cut costs at my end. My tailor (Rajawongse) fixes one of my older suits (for free) and fits a new shirt and tie. Total $50US. Fanfan opted for trinket, shoe and accessory shopping at Bangkok’s Pratunam Mall and Little India’s Sampeng Market. Costs not even worth mentioning. The wedding dress bought and imported from China for cheaper than rentals in Bali. The bridesmaids all chip in with expertise photography, make-up and hair. The only remaining expense was the wedding venue. We opt for a ‘Simply for Two‘ wedding package and simple trimmings with one of our desired brands, Alila Ubud Resort. Roll costs together and total wedding expenditure was less than many wedding cakes. Results below.
Pre-Wedding Photo Shoot
Hiring photographers for rushed wedding and pre-wedding photography shoots would easily destroy our budget. Instead with photographer friends we have an entire weekend for photography and pay zero (Thanks Jibbie Jibs and Sor Kung). Not only did they photograph the wedding (above) they also join the island tours snapping at Bali’s iconic locations. Pre-wedding and post-wedding photo shoots. Great fun, relaxed and comfortable. No strangers poking us into uncomfortable positions.
Family and Friends
We owe so many thanks to family and friends; those who travelled to Bali and those who followed from back home. While my dad couldn’t make the ceremony he did join through Skype. We also had the opportunity earlier in the month for Fanfan to meet my family back in the UK (and their cats). Fanfan a Thai Buddhist and myself a British Presbyterian meant snubbing family traditions and choosing our own ceremony.
