Tanja Walsh

We wanted to be married abroad. Just the two of us. And that we did!

Bali is such an exotic destination to be married in. First off, it is best to start organizing at least a few months before hand due to sending documentation back and forth to the Canadian Embasssy in Jakarta. After all forms are signed (with the helping hands of the resort staff in Bali) the adventure begins!

We chose a lovely and authentically decorated Balinese resort in Nusa Dua called the Aston Bali. After a 17 hour flight we were greeted with private transfers and a welcome cocktail before settling into our suite.

Opening the door of our suite, we had a separate foyer, a dining and living space, large bedroom with balcony and an oversized bathroom with a spa tub. And there was chocolate cake awaiting our arrival with 'congratulations' written in icing on the plate. Never mind the fresh flowers arranged on the bed, the cake was fabulous! (I have never been keen of airplane food.)

The resort itself is very traditional, with daily breakfast served outside along a babbling pond. A large pool with fountain and swim up bar is the centre of attention and then there is the lovely beach with dark sand. Hammocks and shaded daybeds are available thoughout the property for your comfort as well. The food is Asian inspired and very, very good and reasonably priced, too.

Staff here cater to your every need. My husband and I finalized the last details of our outdoor wedding and we relaxed for a few days before the big day. We both went and tried out a Balinese facial one of those days for kicks!

Finally, the big day arrived. We awoke and sipped our morning coffee on our balcony and already we could see the resort staff decorating our gazebo. They start at 9 am and are done by 4 pm, at which time our ceremony began. Every detail is hand made, decorations are crafted from organic material and configured in such a way that still amazes me to this day.

In the early afternoon, I went to have my hair and make-up done, Balinese style. Returning to our suite, my lovely flower girls were waiting for me. These girls are Balinese sisters dressed in full ceremonial costume and ready to walk me down the aisle. They don't know English; however, I learned afterwards that they thought of me as 'Barbie' because they often don't see North Americans in their village. They were the sweetest girls!

Brian, my hubby was waiting for me at the alter in the gazebo and my flower girls and I walked down to meet him. Some guests from the resort were invited to attend, and the ceremony started. We were married first by a Protestant Pastor and then again by the state for legalization. So we got to kiss twice to seal the deal! No harm in that, I say!

Then, after champagne and more cake, we were serenaded by my young flower girls in the most mesmerising dance.

We had our photos taken and then we enjoyed dinner in our own private area lit only by candlelight.

Oh, and I have to say that it rained heavily that afternoon. It was dry for 4 pm though. That is good luck, right?

Getting married abroad, and being that it was only us was a very intimate experience. One that will never be forgotten. I am happy to have shared some of my memory with you!