NEWLY-WEDS Shan Wee & Artika Sulaiman CELEBRATION Celebration at Alila Villas Soori, Bali THEME Resort Fun PHOTOGRAPHY Axioo Photography WEDDING PLANNER Bali Taksu Wedding GOWN Pronovias & Johanna Johnson SUIT Kingsmen Shop FLOWERS Gloriosa Flower House, Bali
It was love at first trajectory for 987FM DJ Shan Wee, who met his bride Artika Sulaiman on a reverse bungee. Since then, the two have been on an adrenaline high fuelled by passionate love and true friendship.
Their wedding was a fun-filled three-day fiesta at Bali's luxurious Alila Villas Soori, which was fully booked up by their 180 guests. The celebrations kicked off with gatecrashing and a beach bonfire on day one; beach games, golf and a tour on day two; and a wedding ceremony with fireworks by Bali-based Focus Productions and after-party on day three.
"Some people consider their wedding an obligation, but I will always remember mine as the best day of my life so far," attests Shan.
He reminisces about the best moments.
Why choose this resort?
We toured several resorts in Bali and when we visited Alila Villas Soori, we thought only someone like JLo would get married here. Our guests took over the entire resort for three days, which made it a great opportunity for friends and family to get to know each other better.
What were the activities?
We made the weekend-long celebrations all about fun. At the beach, we erected a giant "road sign" with arrows pointing to the various cities guests had travelled from. There was a day of competitive beach games, such as constructing a three-metre tall Jenga tower.
Any cultural rituals unique to your Irish heritage?
Yes, it was an ancient Irish custom called "handfasting", where mothers from each side tie the bride's and groom's hands together with a piece of cloth, to symbolise an everlasting union.
Your favourite detail?
I was moved when my sister recited out a paragraph from a children's book called I Like You, by Sandol Stoddard Warburg. Artika enjoyed our first dance to the song Mario Kart Love Song, by Sam Hart, because it was the only time we spent time together, just the two of us clumsily dancing together and laughing like best friends.
Any other surprises?
During my speech, I played a video taken with a hidden camera of my proposal to Artika, which shocked her because it was early in the morning and she looked dazed and confused. To diffuse the situation, I presented her with a trophy with the title "Bride of the Year 2011".
