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This Ayana Resort Bali Wedding Went From Breezy Cliffside Ceremony to Retro Theater Reception

August 4, 2026 | justine

A cliffside ceremony overlooking Jimbaran Bay, colored smoke drifting into the sky after the first kiss, and a reception that swapped tropical scenery for a retro-inspired theater filled with red drapery and candlelight—this Ayana Resort Bali wedding balanced relaxed vacation energy with a party that kept guests dancing long after dinner.

Siri and Johnathan built an entire weekend around their guests, from encouraging everyone to embrace a dopamine-colored dress code to designing an interactive welcome area and choosing a resort where friends and family could easily turn the celebration into a vacation together.

What We Love About This Ayana Resort Bali Wedding

  • A cliffside ceremony followed by pink colored smoke with a volcano visible in the background
  • A retro theater-inspired reception complete with vintage film projections
  • Mystery favor boxes packed with different Bali-made keepsakes 
  • A welcome area featuring postcards, games, a photo booth, and even a bell-ringing station
  • A bouquet divided into four smaller arrangements for the friends who introduced the couple
  • A first dance that went delightfully off-script and became guests’ favorite moment

Featured Vendor:
Namasa Weddings

Making The Wedding Feel Interactive From The Start

Instead of asking guests to simply arrive before the ceremony, Siri and Johnathan created a welcome space that gradually eased everyone into the celebration.

Guests moved through a carefully planned sequence: a welcome mirror, mystery gift pickup, photo booth, bell-ringing station, postcard writing table, lounge seating, and games before taking their seats.

The mystery gift bags quickly became conversation starters. Each contained a different mix of locally sourced Bali souvenirs, including shell wind chimes, wood carvings, coffee, rock candy, and other small keepsakes, meaning no two guests received exactly the same collection.

The couple also asked guests to choose their favorite wedding portrait postcard and write a message on the back. Those postcards later became a keepsake album they could revisit long after the wedding.

Creating Two Completely Different Designs For One Wedding

For the ceremony, they paired natural wood, white florals, and greenery with their guests’ colorful attire. The clean color palette allowed the dopamine dress code to stand out while complementing the tropical ocean views.

Dinner was an entirely different scene. Rich red drapery, gerbera daisies, mirrored staging, glass candles, and vintage film projections transformed the reception into something resembling an old-fashioned theater. The bride changed into a champagne strapless gown while the groom swapped into a white satin dinner jacket, matching the dramatic setting.

That layered approach carried through every outfit change. Morning tea ceremonies referenced Southeast Asian courtyards and traditional Chinese elements, the ceremony embraced a soft retro island aesthetic, and the afterparty finished with colorful looks that echoed the celebration’s playful dress code.

A Cliffside Ceremony With One Very Colorful Finale

The couple chose a cliffside lawn with tiered seating that reminded them of a Wi-Fi signal. Standing at the beginning of that “signal,” they loved the symbolism of connecting the people from every stage of their lives in one place.

They also saved their first look until the ceremony. “The groom’s most unforgettable moment was watching the bride walk slowly down the aisle in her wedding gown toward him.”

Moments after their first kiss, clouds of pink smoke filled the air, one of the biggest reasons they had chosen their venue in the first place.

With bright sunshine, sparkling ocean views, and even a volcano appearing in the background of their portraits, the scene became one of the defining images of the entire weekend.

Choosing A Resort That Doubled As A Vacation Destination

Siri and Johnathan first met through their alumni network near the end of college. After spending their final months on campus together, they built a life that included internships in Shanghai, periods of long distance, overseas moves, and eventually settling down in the same city.

“There was no single dramatic turning point that sealed our love,” they shared. “Instead, we grew certain about each other little by little, through ordinary daily life.”

The way they built their relationship also influenced the kind of wedding they wanted. They wanted a destination celebration where everyone could spend quality time together beyond the ceremony itself, making Ayana Resort Bali the obvious choice.

The expansive resort meant guests could stay in one place, enjoy the restaurants and activities, and create their own holiday around the wedding weekend. Two weeks before everyone arrived, the couple even shared the resort app and travel tips so guests could plan everything from beach time to sightseeing before the festivities began.

Why An Imperfect First Dance Became Everyone’s Favorite Moment

Immediately after the ceremony, the newlyweds headed into their first dance. There was just one problem. They had never rehearsed while wearing the bride’s gown.

A quick practice session on the lawn revealed they would need to simplify parts of the choreography, and they ended up improvising during the performance. At one point, they were even facing the wrong direction.

“The dance did not turn out perfectly as we imagined, but it taught us to adapt on the spot.”

Ironically, several guests later told them the spontaneous version became one of their favorite moments because it felt so genuine.

That same mindset helped later in the evening when projector issues, missing place cards, and delayed introductions pushed dinner back by nearly an hour. While the couple worried behind the scenes, most guests never noticed.

Turning Dinner Into A Party That No One Wanted To Leave

The reception leaned fully into fun. A live band kept the dance floor busy while musically talented friends joined in with their own performances. Interactive kiss cam and drink cam games encouraged guests to participate throughout dinner, while handwritten memory cards became a guessing game during the afterparty.

Instead of tossing the bridal bouquet, Siri divided it into four smaller bouquets and presented them to the friends who had introduced the couple over the years. Their parents also participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the beginning of their married life.

Later in the evening, fireworks lit up the sky as everyone gathered outside. The party continued well beyond the official reception, with parents encouraging everyone to stay, friends refusing to leave the dance floor, and guests celebrating together late into the night.

Their Advice: Worry Less About The Timeline

Looking back, Siri and Johnathan say they spent far too much time worrying over timelines and tiny details that ultimately mattered very little.

“Our biggest tip for engaged couples: focus only on what truly matters to the two of you, and let go of the rest.”

Months of planning eventually gave way to the moments they remember most: sharing the day with family and friends, laughing through unexpected hiccups, and watching everyone enjoy the celebration they had built together at Ayana Resort Bali.

The Wedding Team:

Photography + Event Planning + Catering – Namasa Weddings
Wedding Design + Planning – Lotus Wedding
Venue – Ayana Resort Bali
Floral Design – Dada Island
Film Photographer – JoJo Image + Xiebaba
DJ + Live Music – WProduction
Makeup Artist – Xiaoyun Wang
Wedding Dress – Galia Lahav
Rings – Cartier

 

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Use This Wedding Flower Checklist to Incorporate Flowers Throughout Your Day

August 3, 2026 | justine
Bali elopement ceremony waterfall and lots of florals

Image provided by Wed Bali Agency

Flowers play a big role in shaping the look and feel of your wedding day. They can tie your color palette together, bring character to blank spaces, and add a splash of natural beauty to photos. Whether you’re envisioning lush arrangements or just a few thoughtful accents, it’s helpful to know where florals can be used and how to get the most out of them. For extra insights, we spoke with Kay Seehra, the founder of Amarante London, a luxury event and wedding florist whose team has styled venues including Kew Gardens, Syon Park and Claridges.

This wedding flower checklist is organized into five sections, guiding you from getting ready to the last dance. Even if you’ve never worked with a florist before, you’ll find clear ideas, optional extras, and practical tips to help you plan your blooms with confidence.

Wedding Flower Checklist

Wedding Party Flowers

These are the flowers you and your wedding party will hold or wear. They appear in most of your portraits and throughout the ceremony, so consider how they coordinate with your overall wedding style.

  • Bridal bouquet – Your main floral statement. Choose blooms that reflect your personal style and work with your dress and color palette.
  • Bridesmaids’ bouquets – Can be smaller versions of your bouquet or feature complementary blooms for variety.
  • Boutonnieres – Small accents for the groom, groomsmen, fathers, and grandfathers; opt for hardy flowers that won’t wilt quickly.
  • Corsages – Worn on the wrist or pinned, often for mothers, grandmothers, or other honored guests.
  • Flower girl flowers – Petals to toss, a mini bouquet, or a floral crown for a playful touch.
  • Ring bearer flowers – A boutonniere or small floral accent for the youngest members of your party.
  • Hair florals – Fresh blooms or greenery for the bride or attendants, secured by a hairstylist on the day.

JB Tip: Finalize your wedding party count early. The number of bouquets, boutonnieres, and corsages can be one of the biggest factors in your wedding flower checklist and budget.

 Image by Terralogical. See more of this Balinese wedding here.

Ceremony Florals

These flowers help frame your vows and create the backdrop for some of your most meaningful photos. Aim for arrangements that are easy to see from any seat while still keeping the focus on you.

  • Ceremony arch, chuppah, or backdrop – Frames you during vows and creates a focal point.
  • Grounded arrangements – Low, garden-style florals placed around the altar without blocking sightlines.
  • Aisle markers – Small floral or greenery accents at the end of each row of chairs.
  • Pew or chair flowers – Great for highlighting the first few rows or special family seating.
  • Entryway arrangements – Welcomes guests into the ceremony space.
  • Welcome sign florals – A small arrangement to tie your floral palette into your signage.

JB Tip: Kay shares, “Start with the framing: whatever is behind you is what your guests and photographer look at for the whole ceremony. Then design for reuse. Aisle arrangements can become table arrangements, and the urns or arch framing your altar can later frame the sweetheart table. It’s the easiest way to make a wedding flower budget go further.” Ask your florist or planner about repurposing ceremony arrangements for your reception or cocktail hour.

Cocktail Hour Florals

Cocktail hour is where guests mingle after the ceremony, often in a separate space. A few well-placed arrangements can keep the design flowing and make the area feel just as intentional as the rest of your day.

  • High-top table arrangements – Bud vases or small arrangements that don’t block conversation.
  • Bar florals – A fresh arrangement to make the drink station inviting.
  • Cocktail garnish station flowers – Edible flowers, herbs, or greenery to dress up drink displays.
  • Lounge seating flowers – Small arrangements for coffee or side tables in relaxed seating areas.
  • Welcome table or guestbook florals – Adds a decorative touch to interactive spots.

Florist Kay shared this helpful advice:  “It’s one hour, so don’t go crazy. A few touches where guests gather is plenty, and if you’re outdoors, landscaping is usually already there. There’s no need to pay to decorate a garden.”

Image by  Ashley Spangler

Reception Florals

“You and your guests spend most of the day here, so make it count,” says Kay of Amarante. Reception flowers bring your color palette and style into the space where guests will spend the most time. From centerpieces to accent pieces, they help create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Guest table centerpieces – The main floral decor for your dining space, from single stems to lush arrangements.
  • Sweetheart or head table flowers – More elaborate arrangements to set your table apart.
  • Table garlands or runners – Greenery or flowers running the length of rectangular tables.
  • Place setting florals – A single bloom, sprig of herbs, or greenery at each seat for a personal touch.
  • Lounge area flowers – Adds polish to relaxed seating areas.
  • Bar arrangement – A bold floral piece to make the bar a focal point.
  • Buffet or dessert table flowers – Adds color and style to your food displays.

JB Tip: If you’re using tall arrangements on guest tables, consider designs that sit high enough for guests to see and talk across the table comfortably.

Floral Finishing Touches

These smaller, unexpected details can make your wedding feel extra special. While not essential, they add charm and personality in ways guests will remember. Kay’s last piece of advice is to “put the last of your budget where feet and cameras actually go, the high-traffic and highly photographable spots. That’s what guests remember.”

  • Cake flowers – Fresh or dried blooms on the cake or cake table; ensure they’re food-safe or placed with floral picks.
  • Restroom arrangements – A thoughtful touch that makes guests feel cared for.
  • Getaway car flowers – Garlands or mini bouquets tied to your exit vehicle.
  • Favors with floral accents – A sprig of lavender or a dried bloom tied to each gift.
  • Staircase or railing flowers – Adds drama in grand venues.
  • Photo booth backdrop – Makes for more memorable guest photos.
  • Signage flowers – Floral accents for seating charts, directional signs, or welcome boards.

JB Tip: Some of these details can work well as DIY projects. Picking up flowers the day before and arranging them yourself can be a budget-friendly option.

Image by Fer de Jesus

Think of this wedding flower checklist as a helpful starting point rather than a list you have to complete. Choose the flowers that feel most meaningful to you, then add details that fit your budget, venue, and style. 

Pro Tip: Pin this checklist for quick reference as you plan, or download the spreadsheet to keep everything organized. With a clear plan, your flowers can do more than decorate—they can bring a sense of continuity and intention to every part of your day.

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When a Master Sommelier Gets Married in the Dolomites, the Wine List Is Just the Beginning

August 2, 2026 | justine

Melissa and Jim’s Hotel La Perla wedding managed to give the wine list equal billing with the mountains surrounding it. Hosted in Corvara with only 40 guests, the celebration traded elaborate themes for exceptional bottles, long meals, and a weekend that gave everyone time to slow down and enjoy the Dolomites.

Melissa, the Events Director at Verve Wine Chicago, and Jim, a Master Sommelier, planned the celebration around the things they care about most. Every decision, from the wine selection to the final course, reflected the couple’s shared passion for food, wine, and gathering people around the table.

What We Love About This Hotel La Perla Wedding

  • A celebration shaped by wine, food, and mountain views
  • Surprise guest sketches created live throughout the day by an artist
  • A quiet first look tucked into a hidden garden courtyard overlooking the village church
  • Reception tables layered with florals and seasonal fruit
  • A crisp mille-feuille replacing the traditional tiered wedding cake
  • An intimate guest list of just 40, giving the couple time to be fully present

Letting The Mountain Views Speak For Themselves

The ceremony was originally planned on a nearby golf course to take advantage of the sweeping mountain views, making the weather one of the biggest concerns leading up to the wedding. Thankfully, the forecast cooperated.

Earlier that day, Melissa and Jim shared a private first look in a quiet courtyard tucked inside the hotel gardens. Framed by flora with the village church in the distance, it offered a calm pause before family and friends gathered for the ceremony.

When it was finally time to walk down the aisle, the dramatic mountain scenery needed very little embellishment.

Finding A Venue That Took Wine As Seriously As They Did

Finding the right venue took more work than expected. One requirement kept narrowing the search: Melissa and Jim wanted a place where the wine program would be every bit as considered as the menu.

They initially expected to bring in bottles they already loved, but Hotel La Perla’s cellar quickly changed those plans. For a couple whose careers revolve around wine, discovering a collection that exceeded their expectations made the decision much easier. Combined with panoramic mountain views, a pool, and space for guests to gather before the wedding, it checked every box on their wishlist.

When Their Careers Influenced Their Wedding In The Best Way

Melissa and Jim both work professionally in wine, so it naturally influenced far more than the dinner menu.

Rather than beginning with a decorative theme, they made decisions based on what mattered most to them. Light greens, moss, merlot, and burgundy echoed the surrounding landscape, while thoughtful references to food and wine appeared throughout the celebration.

Even dessert reflected that approach. Instead of a traditional tiered cake, guests were served a crisp mille-feuille, adding another unexpected touch to a menu that was every bit as memorable as the wines poured alongside it.

Small Details That Kept Guests Looking Around

Rather than filling the schedule with elaborate entertainment, Melissa and Jim focused on thoughtful additions that suited the easy pace of their Hotel La Perla wedding.

One of the biggest surprises came from a live artist who moved quietly through the celebration, sketching guests as conversations unfolded. The finished illustrations became keepsakes that few people had encountered at a wedding before.

The reception tables were equally considered, combining florals with seasonal fruit instead of relying on flowers alone. The arrangements complemented the room without competing with the landscape visible just beyond the windows.

Why A Smaller Guest List Changed The Pace Of The Day

Keeping the guest list to just 40 changed the rhythm of the day in subtle but important ways. There was time to linger over dinner, settle into conversations, and enjoy each part of the celebration without constantly moving on to the next event.

It’s a good reminder that intimate weddings aren’t simply about inviting fewer people. They also create more room for the moments that often get squeezed out of larger celebrations.

Looking back, wine may have been the starting point, but it wasn’t the only thing that defined this Hotel La Perla wedding. Every choice—from the mountain setting and the live sketches to the fruit-filled tables and mille-feuille served after dinner—came from the couple’s own interests rather than wedding traditions. The result was a celebration that could only have belonged to Melissa and Jim.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Hakuna Matata Weddings + Anna Ascari
Event Planning – Makeda Wedding Planner
Venue – Hotel La Perla Corvara
Floral Design – Blumenkunst Edelweiss
Live Music – Tommaso Partesana + Salvatore Battaglia
Painter – Martin Cambriglia
Makeup + Hair Styling – Olga Myinia

 

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