A Chic & Spiritual Beach Wedding on the Tropical Shores of Bali

Hand-beaded couture, Middle Eastern mysticism, and golden light for a curated coastal ceremony

A Chic & Spiritual Bali Beach Wedding with Custom Couture and Cultural Touches

On the tranquil shores of Sanur, Bali’s East Coast played host to a beach wedding that felt less like a traditional celebration and more like an open-air art installation – raw and honest, ethereal, and threaded with personal meaning. Talitha and Larry, two creative spirits united by a deep connection and shared vision, curated every detail of their wedding with intentionality and love. From the custom décor that carried a whisper of Middle Eastern mysticism to Talitha’s breathtaking beaded veil embroidered with an ancient Persian star map, every element told a story. It was a day where the sacred met the stylish, where tradition danced with modernity, and where love took center stage – quiet, powerful, and full of light. Talitha and Larry’s Sanur wedding is an inspiring reminder that the most beautiful weddings are those that truly reflect who you are.

A Chic & Spiritual Bali Beach Wedding with Custom Couture and Cultural Touches

Our Love Story

^{The Day We Met}

We met twice! First, digitally during COVID—I was in France when I came across Talitha’s Instagram page through a mutual friend. She was exhibiting some of her art, and I was so amazed by her work that I followed her. We started talking, and our connection was obvious. Six months later, we met for the second time when I made the trip from France. It was a special moment to finally meet in person at Talitha’s studio in Jakarta! From the moment we met, it felt like we couldn’t be apart anymore—and the rest is history.

^{The Proposal}

Marriage was something we had already been discussing and planning for a while. We got engaged in 2024 at Tugu Kunstkring Palais in Jakarta—a historic building from the Dutch colonial era dating back to 1914. It used to be an art hall, then served as the immigration office, and now it’s a restaurant and gallery. Our engagement was a warm, love-filled lunch attended by our closest family and friends. It was very intimate—just like we wanted our wedding to be.

^{The Engagement Ring}

My engagement ring was love at first sight. We found it in a jewelry store in Jakarta. It’s a classic yet modern design with a striking rectangular-cut center diamond and a band adorned with sparkling diamonds. The band itself is lined with smaller pavé or channel-set diamonds on each side of the central stone. We love how timeless and elegant it feels. A treasure I hope to pass down to the next generation.

Our Wedding

^{The Vision}

We wanted a wedding that reflected who we are and what we love: an intimate and warm moment of sharing, surrounded by the people who matter to us. Simple yet curated, modern and artsy, while honoring Indonesia and its culture—which we admire so much—enhanced by the sound of our favorite songs, some of which hold a very meaningful place in our journey. I really wanted it to take place somewhere I felt personally connected to. We chose Sanur because of a spiritual experience I had there in 2020—watching a sunrise so profoundly moving it felt like witnessing the theater of God. That sacred, surreal feeling was exactly what we wanted to share with our loved ones on our wedding day.

We wanted everything—our decor, our outfits—to reflect that spirit. I wanted to bring a part of me as an artist. For the entire decor and design, I envisioned something raw and honest, ethereal, and a bit futuristic, with a touch of Middle Eastern mysticism. I created a full wedding mood board, covering everything from decor and attire themes to table setting details—every little detail—creating an experience for our guests that felt different from a typical wedding. More like an open-air installation that truly expressed who we are as a couple.

^{Our Team of Vendors}

We were lucky to be surrounded by vendors who truly helped bring our vision to life. For the wedding organizer, we worked with Varawedding. Jessica was incredibly patient—supporting us through every step, from preparation to the wedding day itself. All of our outfits were custom-made to reflect our personalities and vision. We entrusted everything to Indonesian designers: Larry wore an outfit designed by Jan Sober; my ceremony dress and veil were created by Hands by Jeje; and my reception dinner dress was made by TANGAN Privé. The decor was brought to life by Silver Dust Decor.

For makeup, I chose Emma Kristyono, who truly has magic hands. I wanted a natural look that could really last—and it absolutely did! My makeup stayed flawless all the way until the end of the event, without needing any touch-ups. Even after crying during my vows and with the beach air, it still looked beautiful. Our DJ, Rezha Noor—a friend of a friend—is truly talented. He created a vibe that was warm, lovely, and fun. The longest part of the process was finding the right photographer and videographer. Both of us—especially Larry—aren’t into posed photos, so we wanted someone who could capture moments naturally and honestly, in a style that matched our taste. Eventually, we found Hibiki Wedding, and their work resonated with us perfectly.

A Chic & Spiritual Bali Beach Wedding with Custom Couture and Cultural Touches

^{The Location}

We chose The Meru, a hotel on Bali’s East Coast. We loved the Balinese hospitality, the blend of modern architecture and Indonesian cultural references, and how the wooden building merged seamlessly with the lush tropical surroundings. It also has a beach area that faces nearby islands and offers views of the mountains from the shore. We chose the sunrise side of the beach because it felt like the perfect symbol for a new chapter—a new hope, a new life, beginning with beautiful light.

^{The Ceremony}

Although I felt calm, the ceremony was deeply emotional. The moment I arrived and met the eyes of our dearest friends and family, it began. Then came Talitha’s entrance, walking alongside her father to Spartacus: Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia. I had to fight back tears—overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment: Talitha’s presence, the moving music, and the realization that we were about to become husband and wife. The key moment of any wedding ceremony in Indonesia is the ijab kabul, which means "offer and acceptance." During this very codified tradition, the groom formally declares his intention to marry the bride, and the bride’s father gives his blessing.

^{The Cocktail Hour}

Instead of serving cocktails, we offered jamu—a traditional herbal drink from Java. It was paired with canapés blending Balinese cuisine and Western flavors. In the art installation area by the beach, guests enjoyed the sunset accompanied by our DJ's music.

A Chic & Spiritual Bali Beach Wedding with Custom Couture and Cultural Touches

^{The Reception}

Our reception took place in the evening by the beach. The decor was simple yet heartwarming. We used lighting to create a cozy, inviting vibe. We carefully curated the seating plan to encourage connection, pairing guests who had never met but we believed would get along. Looking back, we were deeply touched to see this intention come to life—some of our friends are still in touch today.

As we made our grand entrance, our family and friends were already gathered, holding sparklers. Lonnie Liston Smith’s My Love played as they welcomed us to continue the evening with an intimate dinner. Dinner was set right by the beach, featuring a simple decor with a chandelier and open skies under the stars. We wanted it to feel truly warm and inviting. We designed the lighting to be the central element, draping fabrics on the trees with light projected upward onto them—symbolizing love with deep roots, like trees wrapped in fabric, radiating light to represent the happiness and warmth that support our love as it continues to grow.

^{The Special Touches}

Our guests participated in our wishes tree. Each wrote a heartfelt note, which was then hung on the tree. We kept those notes and had the pleasure of reading them all again a few days after the wedding. For the ijab kabul ceremony, I wrote a short poem that we placed on each guest’s seat. Alongside it, we included a small arrangement of white rose petals atop a canang—a traditional Balinese daily offering expressing gratitude.

^{Our Favorite Moment}

Reading our vows to each other was one of the most emotional moments of our day. We opened our hearts and spoke about what we mean to each other and how we intend to nurture one another on this long, joyful journey. It was hard to hold back tears—and the same was true for our beloved guests.

Our Style

^{The Bridal Looks}

For the ceremony, I had long envisioned incorporating elements of an ancient Persian star map into my veil. I chose a veil that was more than just an adornment—it symbolized the universe I carried with me. I entrusted the custom embroidery and beading to Angelita from Hands by Jeje, because I love their signature hand embroidery. Starting from my own sketches, they stitched beads and pearls into the design. My dress was simple, structural, and comfortable for the beach. It was made of silk satin and sheer silk, with chrome silver beaded accents along the side openings, sleeves, and neckline. I tend to wear mostly silver jewelry, and silver chrome is a color I often use in my art—so it felt true to me.

For the dinner gown, I wanted something that truly represented me. It took time to find the right designer until I met Zico from TANGAN Privé. On my first visit, I showed him my mood board, and he immediately started sketching. He suggested collaborating with a jewelry designer to create custom body jewelry. I couldn’t say no. It was love at first sight with his sketch. The evening gown was inspired by Persian mythology, with futuristic and mystical elements. The most exciting part was the custom breastplate created by Mahija. I even flew to Yogyakarta to have a casting mold made of my torso. The whole process was incredibly fun, and I was thrilled with the result.

^{The Groom’s Looks}

Larry wanted a design that was simple and used materials comfortable for beach weather. His look was inspired by the traditional Indonesian beskap, but with a modern twist. Jan Sober created his custom look, including an abstract silver chain pin to match the silver beads on my gown. For the dinner reception, Larry wore a custom ivory white suit by Jan Sober. It matched beautifully with my silver gown and glowed under the warm evening lighting.

Our Advice

^{For the Planning Process}

Before choosing vendors, it’s important to be clear on what kind of wedding you want. Define your theme, guest count, and create a mood board for the overall vision. That makes it much easier to find vendors who truly fit. Whatever decisions you make, listen to your heart—but also be realistic about your budget. That’s often where creativity shines: finding ways to bring your vision to life without letting costs spiral out of control.

^{For the Wedding Day}

Have a restful night before and start the day relaxed. Wake up early, enjoy some nature if you can, eat lightly, and surround yourself with good vibes—music, close friends, or jokes to help you feel calm. Also, choosing the right wedding assistant is crucial to stay stress-free. Don’t over-plan; embrace the magic as it unfolds. Don’t overthink it—pray and just relax. On the wedding day, I was surprisingly calm. The day before, I got a massage. On the morning of, I woke early to catch the sunrise. As your big day approaches, connect with yourself and with nature.

^{For Post-Wedding}

Enjoy a slow morning with your partner—cuddle, be present. If family or friends came a long way, spend quality time with them. It’s heartwarming to hear their stories, see their photos and videos, and relive the magic through their eyes.

A Chic & Spiritual Bali Beach Wedding with Custom Couture and Cultural Touches