WEDDING IDEAS

The centerpieces incorporated all of Ruby’s favorite blooms -- hydrangeas, peonies, and orchids -- tucked into vases that were made from giant seashells.

The reception took place in a cliff-side garden near the ocean. A rectangular steel frame, decorated with hanging garlands of white flowers, was constructed over the reception space.

At nightfall, lights began to wash the reception space in white, light blue, and green, keeping with the color scheme of the affair.

The day after the ceremony, Ruby and Charles took photos wearing traditional Balinese costumes. The regal apparel featured gold embroidery over vibrant fuchsia and violet fabrics. The opulent gold headpieces weighed more than 10 pounds each!

The flower girls wore traditional embroidered dresses and carried hanging blooms.

Banquet-style tables were lined with candles, seashells, and assorted vessels holding arrangements of hydrangeas, peonies, and cymbidium, dendrobium, and phalaenopsis orchids.

The day before the wedding, Ruby and Charles took part in a traditional Indonesian Javanese ceremony called “Siraman and Sungkeman,” which means to bathe and kneel down. As they both knelt and asked for forgiveness and blessings from their parents, they were bathed with rose petal water as a symbol of cleansing before they entered their new life together as husband and wife. The decorations consisted of white roses and fresh jasmine.

Number seven is an auspicious number in the Javanese culture. A large green jug held the water from seven different sources for the Siraman ceremony where water, mixed with perfumed oils and red rose petals, is used to shower the bride and groom. The ceremony is performed by seven elder family members from each side.

Traditional Javanese bride and groom figurines are a must in any traditional Siraman and Sungkeman ceremony. According to Javanese superstition, the couple must keep them in their house for at least the first year of their marriage to ensure happiness.

The water left after the Siraman ceremony was poured into seven small jars. According to old Javanese superstition, the jars must be given to seven single wedding guests. They’re instructed to bathe with the water, and then they’ll be able to find a soul mate of their own.

Ruby gave her bridesmaids the freedom to choose their own Lazaro gown style in one of four ocean-inspired hues.

The bale, decorated with orchids, peonies, hanging seashells, and jasmine, sat atop a cliff overlooking the ocean. Ruby and Charles walked down an aisle scattered with frangipani and lined with blue hydrangeas. Each chair was decorated with coordinating hydrangeas.

Printed on fans, the wedding programs were perfect for a tropical outdoor wedding.

In addition to the custom-made seashell vases, tables were decorated with tall centerpieces filled with hydrangeas, orchids, and peonies, and adorned with hanging crystal accents.

During the cocktail hour, guests watched as traditional Balinese dancers, accompanied by Rindik musicians, danced the Pendet dance.

Each place setting featured a sand dollar place card, a seashell-shaped menu, and a box of assorted chocolate seashells. The blue ribbons and glass tableware coordinated with the ocean-side theme.

The white, three-tiered cake was decorated with fresh cymbidium orchids and green hydrangeas, reflecting the tropical setting of the intimate affair.

Ruby & Charles in Bali, Indonesia

Ruby & Charles planned a cultural, outdoor wedding near the bride’s family’s homestead in Bali, Indonesia.

Photos By: Lilian Haidar Photography, New York, NY

Day-of Coordination: Imelda Purnama, Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia
Location: Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali, Indonesia

Ruby used to complain about her company’s software to one of its developers, her coworker, Charles. Luckily, he had a thick skin, and soon the New Yorkers were an office item.

The Bride Ruby Rudijono, 32, trade services representative
The Groom Charles Hartel, 30, product manager
The Date March 4

For the bride’s birthday, which also happens to be Valentine’s Day, the couple headed to Anguilla to celebrate. After dinner one night, the two returned to their hotel room to find it covered in roses. Charles popped the question, then the champagne. The couple later decided on a destination wedding in Bali because the bride’s big family lives in nearby Jakarta.

-- Meredith Bodgas