BRYNI & KEANE’S BALI ADVENTURE

You may remember Bryni and Keane who, last year, were featured in our #mydearrae love story on Instagram. The couple travelled to the magical island of Bali this year to tie the knot. And so we thought we’d spend some time chatting to Bryni about her dream destination wedding and ask her to share some insight on what a wedding overseas entails – for any of our #dearrae brides who might need the advice.

Images captured by Dearheart Photos

What made the two of you decide to get married in Bali?

Bali was the first place we ever explored together outside of the African continent and it was such a special trip for the two of us. It represents so much of what we love about life: beautiful nature, space to slow down and unwind, swim, bathe and explore together. We are also both vegan and Bali is plant based heaven. So it seemed like a perfect fit.

What was the most personal aspect of your wedding day that made it so special?

It was a very real and heartfelt wedding (lots of tears!). Over 60 of our friends and family travelled to be with us on the day and all the guests had spent the week together soaking up Bali magic – so everyone already felt very familiar and connected with each other by the time the wedding day came. It was intimate, to say the least. I guess the biggest plus is that you don’t have to spend time trying to do the ‘greeting rounds,’ because you’ve already spent time with everyone before the day. This means there’s more time to relax and enjoy each moment of the day together.

What was it like planning a wedding overseas?

The venue we chose, Komune Bali, pretty much handled everything – so it was actually very laid back. We didn’t want to get caught up in the pageantry of it all. It was important to both of us that the wedding focused on our union and sharing the day with our loved ones, rather than the stress of decor and material details. I would say that if possible, it helps to travel together to the venue beforehand – it really helps to get a clear idea of the space and day.

Top 4 takeaways from your wedding day that you would pass on as advice to future brides?

1. The number one piece of advice that everyone gave us was to ‘steal moments.’ Take little pockets of time alone to just appreciate each other and breathe away from the attention and people.
2. Don’t sweat the small stuff! Chances are things (or at least something) will go differently than planned or how you imagined it to be. And the truth is, it really doesn’t matter. Just go with it – it’s about you and your love, not about how the lanterns are hung or how the dessert came out.
3. Choose a photographer, DJ, jeweller, dressmaker and venue that you know and love. The wedding industry is huge and can feel very overwhelming, and at times impersonal. If someone doesn’t resonate with you or doesn’t make you feel heard, don’t spend another moment with them. Look elsewhere for someone who understands what you’re looking for.4. Don’t get caught up with doing anything on your day that doesn’t represent what you and your partner want. It’s your day. Not your parents’, friends’ or family’s. Invite who you want, dress the way you want and keep the traditions you want. Ditch the rest. You get one wedding, do it your way.