October 2, 2024

Travel In Bali

Travel & Tour Tips

A Garden Wedding in Bali Under the Frangipani Trees

A Garden Wedding in Bali Under the Frangipani Trees

Rei’s brother-in-law Arthur officiated the wedding. “We wanted someone who we knew personally to officiate the wedding and I wanted someone who could give Matt a few pointers on what it means to marry a Kawano Suliawan,” Rei says. “Arthur is a great public speaker and did a great job—it was personal, light-hearted, and funny—exactly what we were looking for.”

And when it came to the vows, Rei and Matt decided to write their own. “Unsurprisingly we both mentioned our dog, who we treasure dearly and was the centerpiece of our wedding paper goods,” Rei says. “I started crying as Matt began to read his vows, and I recall looking over to my sister Maiko hoping she’d have a tissue, only to find her balling and handing me a soaking wet tissue which I denied. It seemed she needed it more than I did!”

The couple also opted not to get wedding rings, as they both don’t like to wear accessories—so when it came time to do our ring exchange, Rei’s nephew Ayden handed them frangipani garlands to exchange. “I was in absolute bliss—everything felt so ethereal,” Rei says. “I remember looking up to see everyone we loved, all smiling in the place I love most. I felt so lucky. In the lead-up, we were worried about so many things: how hot it would be, if it would rain—but the Balinese gods were good to us and everything was so perfect.” 

After the ceremony, everyone migrated over to Champa Garden for the cocktails and reception. There was light jazz playing as the guests arrived at the garden covered in a sea of candles, while Proctor’s vision for the tent at the reception was executed flawlessly. “She understood my want for a clean and elegant look,” Rei says. “She designed a stunning tent that opened on two sides to blend seamlessly with the thousands of frangipani trees that surrounded the tent.”

Bows and Arrows Flowers brought Rei’s vision for an elegant, tropical garden wedding to life. “Alicia knew that I didn’t want the florals to be too white, so she blended in beautiful shades of cream and yellow into the arrangement,” Rei says. “My family also has an orchid and anthurium farm and she was sure to utilize them as the main ingredient in her floral arrangements. I’m so proud of my family business and of our products and services—it was so great seeing them showcased throughout the wedding.”

During dinner, speeches were given, before the newlyweds cut the cake and then Rei changed into a custom mesh dress from Indonesian designer Maison Met for the first dance. “Matt and I took dancing lessons at a studio in L.A. and practiced every weekend, and we were still so nervous!” Rei admits. “We danced to ‘You Make My Dreams Come True’ by Hall & Oates, which is one of my favorite songs. We made some mistakes, but Matt did a great job leading me—and right as we took our final dip, fireworks were released high above the frangipani trees.”