In a love story that blossomed since primary school, Lex and Mun Yee decided to take a break from their busy lives in Malaysia and celebrate their wedding in the beautiful setting of Bali, Indonesia and, more specifically, Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach!

Mun Yee had always dreamed of a Western-style destination wedding rather than a traditional Chinese ceremony. Bali seemed like the perfect choice, offering stunning views and a romantic ambiance.

Before finalizing Bali as their wedding destination, Lex and Mun Yee had considered a few other countries. They thought about Guam and Okinawa for their gorgeous glass chapels but ultimately ruled them out as they were too far for both families to travel hassle-free. Bali, just a three-hour direct flight from Kuala Lumpur and a place they had previously vacationed, was the ideal choice for everyone.

After exploring various options and touring the area, the couple chose the Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach as their wedding venue. The property had a warm and inviting atmosphere while still retaining its distinct Balinese charm. Upon entering the hotel’s secret garden, they were captivated by its clear blue pool and diverse foliage. The garden was adorned with large, towering, tropical trees that provided shade and created an intimate space for the ceremony. The hotel was also conveniently located near numerous shops, restaurants, and bars in the town, allowing their guests to experience the true allure of Bali throughout their trip.

Leading up to their magical weekend, Lex and Mun Yee visited the site a few times to properly plan out their festivities. They met with the site’s Assistant Director of Events, Pauline, who gave them a full rundown of their vendors and staff and discussed all intricate details as needed. “She did a great job, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of everything she did for us at our wedding,” Mun Yee adds.

The couple also worked with Pauline on their color scheme and decor. Drawing inspiration from Pinterest and Google, they transformed the venue, filling it with autumn shades and airy pampas beautifully scattered throughout the garden and reception. A large triangle arch met the end of the aisle, placed perfectly over the altar to highlight the couple. 

Before the ceremony, the couple prepared a large canvas at the entrance, featuring circles drawn on it. Acting as their guestbook, guests were asked to draw symbols or icons inside the circles that represented themselves. “It was such a special detail in recapping who was present on our special day,” the couple recalls.

The ceremony took place in the secret garden at Hotel Indigo Ball Seminyak Beach on a beautiful June morning. The couple walked down the aisle separately, exchanged rings, and read their vows, something they wouldn’t have been able to do in a traditional Chinese wedding. After the ceremony ended, the couple participated in a Chinese-style champagne-toasting tradition called Yam Seng, which translates from Cantonese to “drink to victory,” or commonly said in English, “cheers”. It’s tradition to shout, “Yammmmm seng” as loudly and for as long as possible before drinking. 

“We consider ourselves a modern couple and wanted to stand out from our peers. Being Buddhists, a traditional Chinese wedding would have been very exhausting in comparison to a destination wedding. It also would’ve prevented us from exchanging our vows, as this is not seen as customary in our culture,” says Mun Yee.

When asked for advice for our readers, the couple presented us with this helpful list to keep in mind:

1.  Choosing a good hotel with responsible and friendly staff or using a wedding planner will be ideal.
2.  Pre-wedding site visits are super important. Sometimes, things are not exactly as they appear on social media or the internet. Feel the environment, and feel the vibes.
3.  Don’t get stressed out; just remember to enjoy the moment, this is your wedding day!

Vendors: Photographer: Wilson.W Studio; Videographer: Frame by Frame Studio; Venue: Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach; Wedding Planner: Pauline at Hotel Indigo Ball Seminyak Beach; Florist: Bali Bless Florist; Hair & Makeup: Christ Lee