Shooting a Wedding on Bali - A dream Come True
Being passionate about surfing, traveling and nature, Indonesia has been on the top of my wish list for so many years. When we finally booked our tickets, it was like two dreams coming true at the same time. Shooting a wedding on bali and surfing the perfect reefs of the island was beyond imagination and anything I had ever hoped for. In terms of the wedding, I really didn't know what to expect but since the wedding planning was done by Luxury Weddings Indonesia, I wasn't worried that it would be any less than perfect.
Looking down at the beautiful breaks of Nusa Dua from the wedding venue on the 24th of February 2018.
The Wedding Venue Bali - Amanusa Resort
The first time I "googeled" the wedding location my jaw dropped instantly. I was expecting awesome but this was just *speechless*. As I learned, it was the last event ever to be held at Amanusa as the resort was closing it's doors a couple days after the wedding. I spoke with one of the employees, who was really heartbroken about the situation. He told me that it didn't matter for him that much, as he was almost ready for pension, however, he was sad for many of his younger colleagues losing their jobs (the outburst of the Vulkano is still challenging the Indonesian tourism industry). Experiencing the vibe of the location, it's a shame that it go closed down.
First Look Shooting - Meet Azza & Waseem
When I met Azza & Waseem for the first time face to face during the meeting for the wedding run-down, my excitement levels rose even more. Besides being an extremely handsome couple, both of them had such a natural and authentic way of being. They were super relaxed and polite, making it easy to get along from the get-go. Azza was born in Indonesia and met Waseem on her studies abroad in Australia. After loosing track of each other for a couple of years they reunited and fell in love.
Getting Ready - for another beautiful day in their lives
I always tell my couple that shooting the getting ready is one of my most favourite parts of a wedding. Endless possibilities to capture raw, authentic and pure moments. From a story-telling perspective it's THE perfect entry to a reportage. It' like the first act in play, setting the stage with all the little details and nuances that bring out emotional memories. Azza and Waseem's rooms were filled with pure excitement. They had been anticipating this day for such a long time and even though you could feel some tension, both of them kept really cool and calm. All their families, groomsman and bridesmaids were there to support them along their journey. Shooting their getting ready was the best way to start telling their story.
The Rainmaker - learning about traditions and customs
"There is another event a couple hundred meters away and they have a rainmaker as well, pushing the clouds back over here" said one of the girls from Luxury Weddings Bali just after it started raining. Besides Azza and Waseem, the rainmaker was one of my personal highlights and encounters of the wedding. One of the kindest souls I have met, he's probably got the toughest job, negotiating with the weather gods and making sure it stays dry. Even if I wouldn't like swapping shoes with him, it was exciting talking to him and getting a richer understanding of the Balinese culture and believes. I guess, all of us have a bad day sometimes and even though it didn't stay completely dry, the wedding team did an excellent job of making the best of the situation.
Wedding Ceremony & Reception
Wedding Dinner
Bridal Shooting - Saving the best for last
Thanks to Azza & Waseem....
.... for letting me be part of such a wonderful day filled with happiness and love!
Thanks for taking the time to read and scroll through this reportage! If you enjoyed reading, I would appreciate a like, comment or a share! Thank you so much! All the best,
Constantin
