Michelle Munk and Riccardo Iacovantuono

Why did you choose a destination wedding?
We both love to travel and do so frequently from Dubai where we are living. A destination wedding suited who we are, and we wanted our family and friends to enjoy a holiday away from home and also be able to share our wedding day with us.

Why Bali?
We wanted to find a destination which was half way between both places. Bali is a gorgeous island and has many beautiful venues to choose from and we both love the island.

How did your friends and family react?
At first they were apprehensive but warmed to the idea of a wedding holiday. In the end they couldn’t wait to get to Bali.

How long did it take to plan?
About 12 months, with thousands of email correspondence to our wedding planner!

How did your venue help with your planning?
Bali Weddings International arranged everything for us including the venue, catering, decorations, flowers, ice carving, fire dancers, local musicians and flowergirls, band and the ceremony itself. We feel absolutely blessed to have found Katrina from BWI as our wedding planner. She was absolutely fantastic and super organised. She takes pride in her job and her commitment to our wedding was as if she was arranging her own!

How many guests and where did they stay?
Eighty guests in total, spread between Seminyak and Uluwatu.

Anything you would have done differently?
We may have started the ceremony earlier, as a little extra time would have been great and would have had photos at the villa rather than the beach as the tourists made it difficult.

Did you have any pre-ceremony entertainment or activities?
We arranged a week full of pre-wedding celebrations including a welcome dinner when guests arrived and hen and buck parties. On the day of the wedding, local Rindik musicians and Balinese girls in traditional dress greeted arriving guests.

Describe your reception ...
Absolutely magnificent location on the clifftop during sunset, the exclusive villa venue really set the mood for the party and was decorated beautifully, creating the perfect ambience.

Your wedding highlight?
Every part of the day was a highlight!

Any advice for couples planning a similar wedding?
Work closely with wedding planners and other people involved to get the result you want - then relax and enjoy.