Set against the picturesque backdrop of Dreamland Beach and the azure waters beyond, the magic of Jumeirah Bali makes it one of the best hotels on the island to host an unforgettable wedding. Immerse yourself in the romance of our Javanese-Hindu water palace-inspired haven, featuring spacious villas and private pools for your guests to bask in moments of tranquillity amidst the celebrations. Hear from happy newlyweds Rozetta Naumoski and Mark Ackroyd as they share their incredible experience of planning a small, intimate wedding ceremony at our stunning alfresco venue on Bali's breathtaking southern coast. Embrace the beauty of Bali's agreeable weather and create memories that will last a lifetime.

1. What drew you to this destination and hotel?

Uluwatu has always been a special place for us. Undoubtedly Jumeirah Bali’s unique architecture initially attracted us, making it a one-of-a-kind resort in the most picturesque location. The resort was one of the most contemporary resorts that we saw, and once we discovered the hotel’s unique setting in one of our favourite locations, we were mesmerised by the destination. We used the fountain for our ceremony which created a setting that felt palatial, grand and elegant. The architecture is second to none and is unconventional Balinese. It truly feels as described a wedding within a ‘Javanese-Hindu Water Palace’. The location of ‘Akasa’ and the expansive balcony created a setting that felt as though we were overhanging the cliffs of the beautiful Dreamland beach, with the best sunset location available in Uluwatu.

2. What was your biggest inspiration when planning your wedding?

We chose a theme centred around an ‘enchanted floral wonderland’. This was carefully curated alongside our talented floral designer Sweet Bella Projects and wedding planner Glow Planner. It was important that the flowers were the focus of the décor – everything else fell seamlessly into place around them. Neutral colour tones and small hints of light pastels created a timeless and modern setting. The theme continued to incorporate; flower embroidery on the bridal dress, and we replicated the same pattern for the icing of the wedding cake. Our planners created a romantic setting with the use of ambient lighting; crystal chandeliers adorned the reception and lobby entrance. The reception was decorated with hundreds of candles and over 2000 blooming stem roses and imported orchids.

3. What was the most memorable moment during your wedding planning experience and was anyone at the hotel particularly helpful in the planning stages?

We found the team at Jumeirah Bali to be highly accommodating to our requests, with credit given to the event coordinator Mariska Angelina who worked closely with our wedding planners. There were many meetings that took place behind the scenes to enable the event to come together seamlessly. The head chef Joan Achour created some of the best dishes our guests had ever experienced, the food was definitely the highlight of the event. The team at Akasa worked tirelessly to deliver an ever-flowing array of beverages at the reception, and the service was impeccable. Contrary to most bride and grooms experiences with planning an overseas wedding, ours was such a positive and fun process. We designed every detail together with our wedding planning team.

4. How did our team of luxury wedding experts make your ceremony look special and unique?

The team at Jumeirah Bali definitely went out of their way to ensure great service was delivered throughout the wedding and our stay of 10 days. The small touches of setting up our room with rose petals, bubbles and celebratory cakes, made it even more special. The attention to detail with all our requests pertaining to our day made the event run smoothly. There was not an abundant list of rules that needed to be abided by, they were flexible with requests on every level.

5. Can you describe your big day from start to finish?

Our wedding day was magical, starting with the bridal party preparations within the 2-bedroom Ocean Villa overlooking the cliffs of Dreamland Beach. It created such a beautiful backdrop for our pre-wedding photos. We used the enchanting steps to the fountain as our aisle, this created a grand entrance for the bride. The emotions of seeing the fountain adorned with flowers and romantic music playing will live on in our memories forever. The tears of joy we cried as we entered Akasa will be unforgettable. We chose to enter our reception alone and have some sunset photos prior to the guests arriving. This moment…with the golden sunset setting over Dreamland Beach, ambient chandeliers, candles and just us dancing alone was the utmost best moment of our wedding day.

6. Did you stay in the hotel before/after the wedding and if so, what was the accommodation like?

Yes we stayed at the hotel for 10 days in the Panoramic Ocean Villa, we also had our children and family stay in the Garden Villas and Sunset Villas. This was our second stay with Jumeirah Bali. From the moment we were greeted at check in, the hotel was organised and accommodating. The rooms are designed to a high standard, with beautiful interiors – free flowing areas connected to a lounge room and outdoor private pool. Our villa had one of the best ocean views available at the resort. Gardens are manicured immaculately, with free-flowing fountains and pools throughout the resort. This resort has to be one of the newest and best maintained resorts that Bali has to offer. The staff at breakfast also remember your order every day, and spoil you for choice.

7. What was particularly special about your ceremony?

There were a few special events that were incorporated into the wedding, including the release of doves at our ceremony at the fountain. At the reception we were entertained by traditional Balinese fire dancers. We also incorporated 500 fireworks over Dreamland beach as a grand finale which was spectacular.

8. Did everything run smoothly?

Yes, the event ran smoothly – our wedding planners coordinated all aspects with the Jumeirah Bali team seamlessly which really helped us to enjoy the planning process and the day itself.

9. Which memories from your wedding will last forever in your hearts?

Our favourite memories of our wedding day would have to be the first look at the ceremony and the fountain adorned with flowers, followed by the sunset at Akasa and our first dance alone with just our photography team. Lastly, the fireworks that lit up the sky over Dreamland beach. It was truly one of those moments where you look around and think I will never forget this feeling for the rest of my life. We had such a beautiful group of family and friends that travelled from afar, and this made us feel incredibly grateful to be able to host our event in such a special location.

Speak to our luxury wedding experts to create the wedding package of your dreams at Jumeirah Bali, an unforgettable destination overlooking Dreamland Beach.

Photo credit: Sweet Bella photography