Although Asri is from Indoonesia, her love story with Josh started in the Bay Area in California.
After meeting on a dating app, they quickly realized the other was for real, & spent a few years growing their relationship. When it came time for them to get married, they opted to get married in Indonesia, since they would be living in California once married, they wanted to make it as easy as possible for Asri’s side of the guest list to experience their union.
Hiring film photographers was not at top of mind as they planned their wedding,
but after hiring a local team to handle digital photography, they started throwing around the idea of hiring an additional team to shoot analog only.
That’s where Viet & I come in.
We flew from JFK to Singapore on a 19 hour flight, then connected over to Bali to spend Thursday evening-Sunday evening in Indonesia before flying back to New York City, so we could capture Asri & Josh’s special day completely on film.
Do we recommend 48 hours of travel for 72 hours of being in a country? No, not necessarily. Was it worth it? Absolutely, yes.
From the details we saw as the couple got ready,
to the precious moments exchanged between them, their friends, & their family, pre ceremony, we were so honored to be flown to the other side of the world to capture the most amazing beachside event.
Despite the jet lag, we were running on pure adrenaline,
bouncing from getting ready, to the veiling ceremony, to the first look, then it was time to observe the guests as they anticipated the main event. The moment many California based friends & family flew 20+ hours to witness.
The ceremony was pure emotion.
From Josh greeting friends as he walked down the aisle, to Asri elegantly walking herself down the aisle, to tears of joy flowing during their personal written vows, to their families joining them at the altar to bless their marriage right before the pronouncement, to the ultimate recessional filled with pure joy as their guests showered them in flower petals. It was perfect.
The aftermath of recessional left clues to the joy that was felt.
Then, guests were off to enjoy cocktail hour, with stunning views of the beach & fresh coconut, cocktails, & mocktails.
The beach made for the perfect backdrop with fresh coconuts,
cocktails, & mocktails as they all greeted one another in the light of an official & beautiful union between Asri & Josh.
Speaking of the beach,
It was only right that the couple wanted to take advantage of golden hour amidst the horses & waves.
Before those couples portraits, I was sure to get some details photos of the reception space in daylight,
but was completely unprepared for how breathtaking it would all be once dusk hit as well. My jaw was on the floor.
Their reception was filled with uncontrollable laughter,
cheersing shared with each table, heartfelt toasts, & the utmost hospitality as the guests enjoyed their food & drink.
As 11pm grew closer, it was time for Asri & Josh to open up the dance floor with their first dance,
& let’s just say – not a single person held back once the DJ took over the speakers.
Energy started to dip as the clock passed September 9, & September 10 made itself known,
but Josh wasn’t ready to let the night end. Instead, he led groups of people for the ultimate way to end out the night.
Jumping into the venue’s pool.
As I snapped my final exposure, Viet & I knew what needed to be done.
We packed up our gear, & followed suit right into the depths of the warm pool & left this 72 hours in Bali with no regrets.
What an honor it was to be entrusted with such a stunning day, on such a risky medium. I am so grateful for the experience & hopeful for more days where we get to lean into our favorite medium – film & all things analog.