Sarah and Steele got married at The Royal Pita Maha in Kedewatan, Ubud, a resort overlooking the Ayung River. Their ceremony was at Ayung Water, one of the resort’s wedding venues, which is a different venue from the waterfall one in another wedding at The Royal Pita Maha. This time the story is a little different, because I want to talk about the most entertaining part of any wedding day: getting ready.
Same venue, same morning, two completely different worlds. The girls are busy making themselves beautiful. The boys are busy with a pool, beers and cigars. Let’s compare.
Fun fact: the girls need about 3 hours to get ready. The boys need about 30 minutes. ⏱️
GIRLS
The girls are busy, busy, busy, making themselves beautiful. Matching robes, a glass of bubbles, hair and makeup one chair after another, shoes posed in the plants, a little card for the bride (maybe with a happy tear), and a full cheering audience. Getting ready is half the party.
BOYS
The boys, on the other hand, are still in the pool. With beers. And cigars. The whole group sits in a row at the infinity pool with a jungle view, jumps in, climbs out, repeat. The suit hangs quietly in the bathroom, waiting for someone to remember it. Getting ready takes the boys about 30 minutes, so what’s the rush?
GIRLS
Back to the girls, who are still busy getting beautiful: more bubbles, more laughs, and a bridal party photo on the bed. Everyone is relaxed, and that always shows in the pictures.
BOYS
And the boys? Still no rush. Somehow they ended up in the bathtub, with beers and sunglasses. I didn’t ask, I just photographed it.
Then everyone finally gets serious. The dress gets closed up, a fan helps in the Bali heat, boutonnieres get pinned, ties get straightened and the groom gives me his best pose. The bride takes a quiet moment on the bed before the big walk.
Time to go! The groom and groomsmen head to the ceremony along the stone path by the pond.
The ceremony at Ayung Water was in a garden pavilion with white drapes, surrounded by the river and lush greenery. Sarah’s dad walked her through the garden, there was a big hug at the end, a very serious ring bearer (my favourite), vows, a kiss and flying petals. Afterwards the bridesmaids spread out Sarah’s train for a photo.
Then we slipped into the jungle gardens for a few couple portraits, with ferns, stone steps and an old gate.
And now, let the party begin!
The reception was full of lanterns, place cards and speeches among the carved stone gates.
Yes, it rained a little. A mild rain showed up during the reception, and out came the white umbrellas. The speeches continued, the drinks kept coming, and I kept shooting. Rain in Bali is usually short and soft, and honestly the umbrellas and lanterns made great photos.
Then came the cake, a few funny games, the first dance and a very full dance floor.
Tips for Getting Ready for a Wedding in Bali
Start the makeup early. Most makeup artists need about 2 hours, but I suggest starting 3 hours before, which is exactly how long the girls took here. That way there is no rush, and time is left for bubbles and photos. The boys, as you saw, need about 30 minutes.
Pack the details in one bag. Shoes, rings, invitations, cards and the suit on a hanger all make beautiful detail photos, but only if they are easy to find.
Give the boys a stop time. The pool is fun, but ties, jackets and boutonnieres need time too.
Bring a fan. Bali is warm, and a fan keeps everyone fresh while the makeup sets.
Pick a bright room. Soft window light makes the getting ready photos look so much better.
Keep a rain plan. Umbrellas saved this reception, and the party kept going.
Sarah and Steele, thank you so much for letting us be your wedding photographer. It was a joy to spend the day with you, your families and your very fun friends. May your marriage be full of laughter like that pool party, calm like the river beside your ceremony, and warm enough to keep dancing even when it rains. Congratulations, and all the very best!
Dreaming of a jungle wedding in Ubud? Read my Bali destination wedding guide, see packages and pricing, or learn more about me as a Bali wedding photographer.
