Real Weddings
THE ENGLISH
When British workmates Jodie Howard and Stuart Couzens set out to travel the world together they knew they were in for a remarkable trip. But the best part of the voyage was their journey down the aisle together in Bali…. WORDS ebecca G ooch WORDS RRebecca Gooch
After secretly dating while working together in London, Jodie and Stuart decided to take the plunge, quit work and embark on a global adventure together. “Some say it’s a test of a relationship – make or break,” says 35-year-old business director Jodie. “We say it’s the best journey to make…” For as they travelled, their love deepened. After seven days of missed oppourtunities and one fine evening dining at La Lucchiola, the couple took a moonlit stroll along the beach and 31-year-old executive producer Stuart proposed. Of all the wonderful places they’d seen on their journey, they knew that Bali was the perfect place for their wedding, and chose the Morabito Art Villa at Canggu, set in a flowery one-hectare tropical park, facing the Indian Ocean. Although thousands of miles from home, they decided to bring a touch of their British roots to the occasion and themed their wedding as a colonial English country garden party, with exquisitely delicate bone china teacups in pretty pastels, country flowers tumbling from Alice in Wonderland teapots and lacy parasols for the three bridesmaids – whose dresses were designed by the couple and made in Bali. Despite a last minute panic when Jodie realised her Michelle Jank dress needed ironing just minutes before she was due down the aisle, the day was a glorious success, with their vows exchanged on a petal-strewn lawn. “The best part was repeating our nuptials in front of our family and friends who had travelled across the globe to join us, and looking around to see everyone’s smiling faces and knowing everyone was there to share the moment with us,” says Jodie. The 80 guests particularly appreciated the couple’s highenergy wedding dance, with multiple lifts and spins, to Goldfrapp’s fittingly titled ‘Happiness’. Although their love story has involved a lot of travel, they made a point of staying still, taking in everything going on around them and enjoying a quiet moment together during the day. “We did this a couple of times, and can still reflect on where we stood, what we said, and remember the image vividly,” says Jodie. It’s left them with memories they will cherish forever, as they embark on their exciting new journey through life together as husband and wife. 64 64| |bali-weddings-honeymoons.com bali-weddings-honeymoons.com
JEMMA & SABAK SURNAME February 9, 2009, Nusa Dua
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Jodie Howard & Stuart Couzens
October Canggu October24 242009, 2009, Canggu
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PEACH
Natasha Prasad &Natasha Scott Bales Prasad & Scott Bales March 6 2010, Jimbaran Bay
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PEACH
A twinkling river flowing under an illuminated glass aisle, an enchanted water garden reception and a funky poolside nightclub created just for them. Life is sure to run sweetly for Natasha Prasad and Scott Bales after a fluidlyplanned wedding like theirs… WORDS R ebecca G ooch
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Jemma Jackson & Sabak Taheri June 22 2009, Seminyak
THE PERSONAL
Brought together when their childhood best friends became an item, Jemma Jackson and Sabak Taheri found themselves sitting across the table from each other at a birthday dinner. They talked all night, a spark ignited, and love blossomed. WORDS  R ebecca  G ooch
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Vonny Halim & Bradley Surya July 4 2009, Nusa Dua
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FAIRYTALE When Bradley Surya and Vonny Halim chose Bali for their wedding, the key word they had in mind was ‘relaxing’. With 200 guests it was always going to be a big event, but luxury can be laid-back too as they were delighted to discover. WORDS Rebecca G ooch
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