There was never any question that Amanda & Ephram were destined to be together. What began as a chance meeting quickly blossomed into a beautiful everlasting relationship. It is something so special that they celebrated twice having two weddings in the same year.
These two lovers celebrated their marriage in Bali at the awe-inspiring Wonderland Uluwatu on the 9th of November 2019 with the neverending Indian Ocean panorama as their backdrop. However, that wasn’t their original plan at all.
At only a few weeks prior to their wedding day their planned private villa wedding was up-ended and they were left to start all over again. Within two weeks Botanica with the help of Wonderland Uluwatu and all of the speedy suppliers, we pulled together a wedding day that exceeded their expectations.
Read on to find out more about this gorgeous couple’s story and their wedding day…
Photography by APPS
Tell us, how did you both meet?
“I had flown to Sydney for a trade show and met Ephram one evening after a long day. I was at a pub in North Sydney. We spoke at the bar, there was a spark but I was with work colleagues. Three days later after the show had finished I went to the Oak Hotel in North Sydney and ran into him again. There was something serendipitous about our second random run in and from there on in I extended my stay in Sydney for 11 days. I worked from his apartment through the day as he also went to work. But come 4-5pm, we spent hours and hours chatting over those 11 days..”
Tell us a little about yourselves…
“Ephram is originally from the UK, a place called Morecambe (Northern England) but has been living in Australia for 17 years. He has founded/ owned several successful recruitment companies. I was brought up in a small country town called Gunnedah, in rural NSW. I own a boutique cosmetic company stocking beauty & hair salons, day spas and boutiques. The company brand focuses on performance cosmetics done naturally. We also do a variety of trade shows & charity events with TK's products.”
The ceremony location at The Point at Wonderland Uluwatu
How did you know you had met ‘The One’?
“ Within those 11 days we were already finishing each others sentences which was the start of something I knew was going to be special. It was looking at a mirror image of myself. At the time we met I was living in QLD but each week one of us would fly to see the other for the coming months.”
Tell us about your proposal
“We were staying at a beautiful villa in Ubud with our own pool. Ephram had arranged for a tea lit dinner with our own butler for the evening. He had our favourite music on in the background. I had no idea - I just thought he was doing the 'romantic' thing and then just before our entree came the butler came to serve the champagne and left. Ephram got down on one knee and said the most sweetest and kindest words and asked me to marry him.”
What was the inspiration behind your wedding?
“ To get married on a cliff top somewhere in Uluwatu, that was to be an intimate but comfortable, fun and a unique memory for us and our guests. “
Why did you choose Bali as the location for your destination wedding?
“ We love Bali - together we have spent at least three months in Bali and also got engaged there. Uluwatu holds a special place in our heart.
Why did you choose Wonderland Uluwatu as your wedding venue?
“ It was on the clifftop of such an amazing view. The place was called Wonderland - which I guess was a good sign/vibe. But the venue also came with many different options and spaces that I can only describe as magical and unique.”
What was your favourite part of the day?
“ Too many - getting ready with the girls - seeing all the effort the team put in - walking down the isle with my Dad - the bridal crew all being introduced but most of all saying 'I do' in front of so many people we love.”
Did you follow any wedding traditions?
“ We had two weddings in the one year. Our first wedding was in August 2019 and that was slightly more traditional. I wore a 3 metre length cathedral vail and dress. Our Bali, destination wedding was defiantly less traditional in whole. However what made it 'traditional' was my father walked me down the isle in Bali and flew all the way from Canada which made it extra special.”
How did you find the perfect dress?
“In Melbourne, many rainy days and many boutiques but then out of the blue I found the perfect dress when I least expected it. I purchased it from Sarina Tavra Bridal Couture in Armadale, VIC. This designer was outstanding and went above and beyond in everyway.”
What were your favourite details that you chose for your day?
“PIC which was some signage the team brought it which meant so much to Ephram and I as we even have matching tattoos of it. It means ‘Partner in Crime’. ”
What were the most memorable moments for you?
“Too many - getting ready with the girls - seeing all the effort the team put in - walking down the aisle with my Dad - the bridal crew all being introduced but most of all saying 'I do' in front of so many people we love.
“How much effort went into every part of the prep/ organisation. Everything went seamlessly. My three favs - walking down the aisle with Dad and seeing the view, everyone so happy and Ephram tearing up. My dance with Eph, Dad & the dirty dance song and lastly how special we all felt when the wedding party was introduced.”
Father & Daughter Dance
Where did you splurge and where did you save?
“Splurge: Alcohol lol! and hard to say where I saved as I think the team went above and beyond considering our circumstances when we touched based with you guys. I know you guys went above and beyond.”
Any words of advice for future brides and grooms-to-be?
“ It's simple but challenges the best of us, but its's all about COMMUNICATION. Seems like a no brainer but it's so crucial.
My advice - enjoy every moment of the preparation of the wedding and celebrations. Don't look at it like a hindrance or too stressful - think this is a one of a life time opportunity don't rush in to making it perfect, just envision what you want and keep communicating. Remember what the big picture is; at the end of the day you get to marry your best friend. Forget everyones opinions....they can often cause issues, enjoy every moment as the day is almost like a fleeting moment.”
And finally, where did you honeymoon?
“ We stayed at the Ritz Carlton in Nusa Dua with our own private butler for 7 nights. It was beyond our wildest dreams. That place is magic. However noted this was done before we got married....we had guest come North America, UK & Aus so for the week after the wedding we wanted to spend time with everyone that had come so far to celebrate our marriage.”
All of the beautiful images were captured by APPS
Venue location Wonderland Uluwatu
Hair & Makeup by Fikri Halim
Lashes by TK’s Lashes & Cosmetics
The brides shoes are by Carvela by Kurt Geiger & Nine West
The Dress was by Savrina Tavra in Armadale, VIC
The boys were dressed by M.J. Bale
The girls wore Kate Spade
Catering by Amazing Bali Catering