Couple’s dream beach wedding comes true
When this couple decided on a beach wedding they had only one destination in mind. In a nod to one of their first holidays together, the lovebirds jetted off to Bali to celebrate with friends and family.
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Lisa Peterson and Alex Bartzis chose Seminyak in Bali for their dream of an “on the beach wedding” because it was one of the first places they holidayed overseas together.
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“We love the people, the culture, the restaurants, the beach bars and the fact there are so many different areas to explore,” Lisa says.
“We were also mindful of asking so many people to travel; we wanted to keep it somewhere close enough that it would work with varying schedules.”
High school sweethearts, the newlyweds were friends for three years before romance blossomed. “It happened without us realising, but what’s the saying – marry your best friend? That’s exactly what we did. We were dating for 10 years when Alex proposed and 11½ by the time we got married.”
The couple, of Tarragindi, in Brisbane’s south, kept their wedding styling simple but romantic and colourful. They celebrated with a reception at Villa Atas Ombak for 110 guests, who enjoyed an alternate drop main course followed by an array of desserts.
How did Alex propose? I was gifted Murphy, our golden retriever, who came with a name tag that said, “Will you marry me?”
Hen’s night? A girls weekend in Redland Bay.
Buck’s night? Two weeks in Spain.
First dance? If I Ain’t Got You, by Alicia Keys.
What made this uniquely your wedding?
We were on one big holiday with all our favourite people celebrating a week of love. We wanted a week of fun so we partied all week and stayed with friends before and after the wedding.
Special memories? It was the most magical, relaxed day. We started with massages. I didn’t get hair and make up ready until midday so no one was in a rush. The live band, saxophone player and speeches were all terrific. Also a good friend arrived and surprised us with a custom surfboard, which was very special.
What would you have done differently? Having a late ceremony, (starting at 4.30pm) meant we were rushed to get photos before sunset. I would have loved more time for photos with guests but unfortunately we didn’t have the flexibility to include this in the schedule. I would give myself half an hour for this in hindsight.
What would you spend more/less on? Our wedding was beautiful but not extravagant. I prioritised the important things to me – great food, great entertainment and the venue. I worked backwards from there and really don’t think I would have changed the priorities.
Best advice for other couples planning a wedding?
Only you know what the original plan was, no one else is aware. Whatever happens, happens.
THE BRIDE
Lisa Peterson, 28
PROFESSION Dietitian
PARENTS Nick and Diane Peterson
BRIDESMAIDS Patricia Anastasas, Brigitte Monteverde. Stephanie James and Velecia Antonarakis
DRESS George Wu
HAIR & MAKEUP Did my own
FLOWERS Long Table Events
ENGAGEMENT RING White gold trilogy with a hidden base of rose gold and two hidden pink diamonds (ROCK Couture Jewellery)
THE GROOM
Alex Bartzis, 28
PROFESSION Property analyst
PARENTS Chris and Bettina Bartzis
GROOMSMEN Spero Comino, Georgie Katahanas, Tom Auger, Michael Grimley
SUIT M.J. Bale
TRANSPORT N/A
ENTERTAINMENT Lydia Rose Music
CAKE Long Table Events
PHOTOGRAPHY
Terralogical, Bali
CONTACT
hannah.davies@news.com.au
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