Your Dream Oberoi Celebration: Wai Kwan & Evan | Premier Wedding Photographer Lombok

Lombok. The name alone evokes images of pristine beaches, emerald volcanic hills, and an atmosphere of unparalleled serenity. It’s a jewel in the Indonesian archipelago, a place where time seems to gently pause, allowing nature’s breathtaking beauty to take centre stage. As a wedding photographer Lombok with years of experience capturing love stories here, returning to this island always feels like a cherished homecoming. It was amidst this idyllic setting that I had the profound honour of documenting Wai Kwan and Evan’s truly incredible wedding celebration at the magnificent The Oberoi, Lombok – a premier choice among Lombok wedding venues.

Their special day was the epitome of a dream Lombok destination wedding: brimming with heartfelt emotion, framed by stunning tropical backdrops, filled with genuine laughter, and all built around a love story that radiates pure joy. If you’re looking to find wedding photographer Lombok services that understand the unique magic of this island and the profound importance of capturing authentic, candid moments, then settle in. Let me share the beautiful, sun-kissed story of Wai Kwan and Evan, and perhaps inspire your own journey to get married in Lombok.

Meet Wai Kwan & Evan: From a Salsa Beat to a Snorkelling “Yes!”

Every couple’s journey to their wedding day is wonderfully unique, and Wai Kwan and Evan’s tale is one of delightful serendipity, thrilling adventures, and an endearing, playful affection. Their story began not in a quiet Melbourne café, but in the vibrant, rhythmic heart of a salsa dancing bar in Hong Kong back in March 2018. As Wai Kwan charmingly recounts, “Evan cannot actually dance salsa but he was there with a group of friends and I was there with a group of Latin American friends to dance.” It seems fate, and a good dance floor, have a wonderful sense of humour!

Their connection was immediate and undeniable. By November 2018, Evan had made the significant move from Hong Kong to Melbourne to be with Wai Kwan. Their life together quickly blossomed, filled with shared adventures that saw them travelling to around 15 countries and hiking diverse, breathtaking terrains. Wai Kwan beautifully encapsulates their dynamic: “I think we just love spending time together- we make each other laugh a lot. We tease each other. We annoy each other. We like going on adventures and we make our relationship fun.” It’s precisely this genuine, playful, and deeply connected spirit that I, as an Indonesia wedding photographer, always strive to capture.

The proposal story itself is pure Lombok magic, a testament to the island’s romantic allure. In April 2022, during an Indonesian holiday, they found themselves staying at the very same The Oberoi Resort on Lombok Island. While snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the resort’s reef, Evan surprised Wai Kwan with a proposal. “It was a shock and very wonderful surprise,” she recalls. What a perfectly romantic prelude to their eventual beach wedding Lombok celebration, held at the same cherished spot, expertly captured by their chosen Lombok beach wedding photographer – yours truly!

The Lombok Dream: Crafting a Paradise Wedding at The Oberoi with Your Wedding Photographer Lombok

When it came to envisioning their wedding day, Wai Kwan and Evan’s desire was simple yet deeply resonant: “We just wanted the wedding to be in paradise.” And what location could be more fitting than The Oberoi, Lombok, a venue already etched with such a special memory in their hearts? They chose it not only for its undeniable five-star beauty but because “the service and staff are so genuine.” This sentiment resonates profoundly with me; the inherent warmth and authenticity of the local people are a significant part of what makes any Lombok destination wedding so incredibly special. If you’re considering a luxury wedding Lombok, the service here is unparalleled.

They made the inspired choice of a hotel “buyout,” a fantastic option for destination weddings. By filling 80% of the rooms with their guests, they gained exclusive use of the entire resort. This transformed their wedding into an immersive, multi-day experience for their approximately 90 guests (75 adults and 15 children). While this represented a more significant investment, covering three days of exquisite meals and drinks—including a welcome dinner on the beach, the wedding dinner itself, and a relaxed recovery lunch—it cultivated an incredible sense of community and joyous, unhurried celebration. This is something I, as a Lombok resort wedding photographer, see creating truly unforgettable experiences.

Their inspiration for the decor was one of elegant simplicity, perfectly suited to the tropical locale: “We asked for local flowers to be used and just to capture the essence of being in the tropics.” The colour palette was thoughtfully chosen: natural greens reflecting the lush island vegetation, and rich golds reminiscent of the soft sand and iconic Lombok sunsets. Accents of orange, red, and rose in the floral arrangements added vibrant life to the setting. The entire aesthetic was about embracing the natural elements within a magnificent five-star resort by the sea. The decor was simple but meticulously curated, featuring colourful local flowers and special attention paid to every little detail. It was paramount to keep the spirit of the place where Evan proposed, with flowers chosen to “bring the right touch of colour and sparkle between pink, red and orange, without forgetting the green palms typical of Indonesian beaches.” Working with such a clear, nature-inspired vision is a genuine pleasure for any wedding photographer Lombok.

A Day of Tropical Elegance: The Story Unfolds, Moment by Moment

The 10th of June, 2023, dawned bright and beautiful over Lombok, carrying that unique wedding morning energy – a palpable blend of excitement, sweet anticipation, and serene joy, amplified by the paradise setting of The Oberoi.

The Bride’s Vision: A Gown Crafted for Paradise by a Discerning Bride

Wai Kwan poured her heart into designing her own wedding dress, a vision perfectly realized for the Indonesian climate and her distinct personal style. It was a gracefully flowing robe, distinguished by a chic Chinese-inspired choker and a dramatically beautiful large bare back, from which hung a magnificent back jewel. This stunning, unique creation was expertly brought to life by Brides of Armadale in Melbourne. Her elegant shoes were from Nine West, completing an ensemble of effortless sophistication – a dream for any wedding photographer Lombok to capture.

The bridesmaids were a vision of coordinated beauty in perfectly matched, flowing, form-fitting peach-pink dresses from BHLDN, exquisitely complementing the tropical wedding theme. In a testament to their relaxed approach, Wai Kwan and her bridesmaids did their own makeup, while their hair was beautifully and professionally styled by Bali Wedding Hair and Makeup.

The Groom and Groomsmen: Classic Style with a Tropical Flair

Evan looked exceptionally dapper in a finely tailored suit from P. Johnson Tailors Windsor, paired with stylish shoes by MORJAS. His groomsmen were impeccably dressed in classic grey-blue suits from M.J. Bale, each accented with a touch of colour in the buttonhole, subtly echoing the vibrant floral theme of the day.

The Ceremony: Sunset Vows Beneath a Majestic Tree – A Perfect Beach Wedding Lombok

The wedding ceremony itself unfolded on the soft sands of the beach at sunset, beneath the sheltering embrace of a large, majestic tree – an absolutely iconic beach wedding Lombok setting. As Wai Kwan gracefully walked down the aisle, the emotion in the air was tangible. This, she shared, was one of her “most beautiful memories of the day,” alongside the deeply personal act of reading their vows and hearing the heartfelt, moving speeches from their cherished friends and family. The choice of a Lombok beach wedding photographer who can capture these fleeting, precious moments is crucial.

And oh, those vows! Wai Kwan’s words to Evan were a profound testament to their unique, deeply intertwined bond, brimming with honesty, characteristic humour, and immeasurable love. She candidly confessed her initial skepticism about marriage, “I believed that marriage was an outdated practice… I would be the last person you’d see standing at the altar.” But meeting Evan, she shared, changed everything. “I met you and everything changed… I knew almost immediately that you were The One and that was terrifying.”

She celebrated Evan’s wonderfully adventurous spirit: “What I love about you is the way you think about the possibilities… And this is the quality I love most about you. That you are always trying to better the world and our experience of it.” Her promises were both deeply touching and wonderfully, uniquely quirky: “To be by your side, to cheer you on… to whisk you off on long tropical holidays… To love you fiercely, unapologetically and wholeheartedly. To care for you when you are sick, to order fried chicken in bed when we don’t want to face the world, and to hold the extinguisher when you want to set something on fire to test how flammable a material is.”

She concluded with a sentiment that beautifully captures the essence of seizing life together with gusto: “In the grand scheme of the universe, we exist for less than a cosmic second… We have just one life and I promise to make ours extraordinary.”

As their wedding photographer in Lombok, witnessing and discreetly capturing these deeply personal, unscripted moments is an immense privilege. The gentle caress of the sea breeze, the golden, painterly light of the setting sun, the glistening eyes, and radiant smiles – these are the invaluable snapshots of pure emotion that authentically narrate the true story of their wedding day. The ceremony décor itself, though an investment of around A$6000 (including the aisle, chairs, arch, and sound system), perfectly framed these priceless, unforgettable moments. A sunset wedding Lombok is truly magical.

Capturing the Magic: Candid Moments, Golden Hour Glow, and Natural Wedding Photography Lombok

One of the pivotal reasons Wai Kwan and Evan chose me, Sylvain Bouzat, as their wedding photographer Lombok was my dedicated approach to capturing authentic moments. As Wai Kwan so kindly shared, “We chose Sylvain as our photographer for our destination wedding because he was so genuine and so easy to connect with! He made everyone feel so at ease so that the photos came out very naturally. We wanted candid wedding photography Lombok rather than posed photos and Sylvain was perfect at capturing this.” This is why many couples hire wedding photographer Lombok services like mine.

This philosophy is the very heart of my work. For a Lombok destination wedding, or indeed any wedding, the most profoundly beautiful images are often the unscripted ones – that stolen, loving glance, the sudden burst of joyous laughter, the quiet, happy tear. My goal is to seamlessly blend into the fabric of the day, observing and anticipating, ensuring that the photographs are a genuine, luminous reflection of the couple and their unique celebration. This focus on natural wedding photography Lombok is key.

Following the heartfelt ceremony, as the Lombok sky transformed into a breathtaking canvas of orange, pink, and gold, we dedicated some time to portraits. This golden hour light in Lombok is simply unparalleled, casting a warm, deeply romantic glow that makes for absolutely stunning images. Wai Kwan and Evan, wonderfully relaxed and elated after exchanging their vows, were complete naturals, their profound love for each other radiating effortlessly.

The Celebration: A South East Asian Culinary Journey and an Epic Dancefloor Finale

With the formalities beautifully concluded, it was time to celebrate in grand style! The Oberoi, expertly handling the catering, presented an incredible, diverse culinary spread. Wai Kwan enthusiastically described “various stalls offering dishes from all over South East Asia. Traditional Chinese dishes, local Indonesian dishes, fragrant rice accompanied by tasty dishes with subtle smells. Japanese gyozas and ravioli, Vietnamese-style boeuf salad, pork stir-fried in sweet and sour sauce, classic Cantonese rice, a memorable pad Thai, ramen, and chicken stir-fried with vegetables and mushrooms in a wok.” What an extraordinary gastronomic journey for their delighted guests! This is a hallmark of many luxury wedding Lombok experiences.

The wedding cake was a masterpiece of understated simple elegance – all white with a “pretty glassy effect,” exquisitely adorned with gorgeous pink and orange local flowers, adding a distinct Indonesian flair. It was beautifully presented, served on a traditional palm leaf.

As evening descended, the atmosphere transitioned seamlessly from romantic and serene to absolutely electric. Wai Kwan vividly describes the evening as “epic, with the dancefloor ablaze and the bride drenched in champagne!” This stands out as another of her “most beautiful memories of the day,” and it’s easy to understand why. A lively, energetic dancefloor, filled with happy, celebrating guests, provides the perfect, joyous crescendo to a day steeped in love and happiness. Capturing this unbridled energy, the fluid movement, the infectious laughter, the uninhibited fun – that’s precisely what makes being a wedding photographer Lombok so incredibly rewarding.

More Than Just a Day: The Immersive Extended Lombok Wedding Experience

One of the truly wonderful and memorable aspects of Wai Kwan and Evan’s Lombok destination wedding was its extended nature, far beyond a single day. By opting for the resort buyout and generously hosting their guests for three days, they curated an immersive mini-holiday experience for everyone involved. This thoughtful planning included the delightful welcome dinner on the beach, the wedding day itself, and a wonderfully relaxed recovery lunch the following day.

Wai Kwan shared that they haven’t yet had a formal honeymoon, as they wisely “need something to look forward to after the wedding.” But her fondest memories from immediately after the wedding? “Probably staying at the resort with our friends and family and spending time together eating my wedding cake in the pool while watching the sunset and drinking cocktails.” Can you imagine a more perfectly relaxed, blissful end to a wedding celebration? This embodies the invaluable advice Wai Kwan offers to other couples considering their options: “Cannot recommend more to have a destination wedding- everyone was so happy and excited and relaxed because they were also on holiday.” Many couples find that a Lombok villa wedding photographer can also capture these extended, intimate moments if they opt for villa stays pre or post-resort.

Why Lombok is an Unforgettable Wedding Destination: Insights from Your Wedding Photographer Lombok

Having had the privilege of photographing countless weddings across the globe, I can tell you with heartfelt conviction that Lombok possesses a truly special, undeniable charm. It’s far more than just its stunning beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons why it’s one of the best places to get married in Lombok, or even Indonesia:

1. Unspoiled Natural Beauty: From the famed white sands of Selong Belanak to the vibrant turquoise waters encircling the Gili Islands (like Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno, just a short boat trip away), and the lush, verdant greenery of the island’s interior near areas like Senggigi or Kuta Lombok in South Lombok, this island offers incredibly diverse and breathtaking backdrops for any tropical wedding in Indonesia. Even near the main city of Mataram, you’ll find surprising beauty.
2. Authentic Culture & Genuine Warmth: The Sasak culture is rich, vibrant, and deeply fascinating, and the local people are renowned for being incredibly welcoming and kind. This genuine warmth adds a beautiful, enriching layer to the wedding experience, as Wai Kwan and Evan personally noted with The Oberoi staff.
3. Serenity and Exclusivity: Compared to its more bustling neighbour Bali, Lombok offers a more laid-back, refreshingly tranquil atmosphere. This allows for a more intimate, deeply personal, and relaxed wedding experience, perfect for couples wanting to truly escape and connect meaningfully with their guests. Esteemed venues like The Oberoi provide world-class luxury while meticulously maintaining this precious sense of peace. This makes it ideal for a luxury wedding Lombok or even a quiet elopement Lombok.
4. The Light – A Photographer’s Dream: As a visual storyteller, I must emphasize the light. Lombok’s sunsets are legendary, painting the sky with fiery, dramatic colours that create the most romantic, ethereal, and simply unforgettable wedding photos.
5. Adventure & Relaxation in Harmony: For couples and guests wishing to extend their stay, Lombok offers a perfect blend of activities – from exhilarating surfing and diving to challenging treks up Mount Rinjani, or simply unwinding in serene luxury. It’s a destination that truly caters to all tastes and desires.

Choosing Lombok for your wedding means choosing an immersive experience, not just a picturesque location. It’s about embracing the island’s unique spirit and allowing its profound beauty to become an integral, unforgettable part of your wedding story. And when you book wedding photographer Lombok services, you want someone who understands this deeply.

A Word from the Bride & Groom: Wai Kwan & Evan’s Lombok Wedding Photographer Review

It’s always the highest compliment and deepest affirmation when a couple absolutely loves their photos and, just as importantly, felt comfortable and at ease throughout the entire process. Wai Kwan’s kind words mean the world to me and serve as a wonderful example for those searching for Lombok wedding photographer reviews:

“We chose Sylvain as our photographer for our destination wedding because he was so genuine and so easy to connect with! He made everyone feel so at ease so that the photos came out very naturally. We wanted candid photos rather than posed photos and Sylvain was perfect at capturing this. We absolutely loved seeing our photos – it was wonderful to relive the day again and to see and feel the emotions captured in the pictures.”

Thank you, Wai Kwan and Evan, for entrusting me to be your wedding photographer Lombok. It was an absolute, unforgettable privilege to be part of your beautiful day.

Vendor Love: The Talented Team That Crafted the Magic

A seamless, magical wedding day is always the result of dedicated teamwork. Here are the talented vendors who helped bring Wai Kwan and Evan’s beautiful vision to life:

• Venue, Catering, Decor & Flowers Organization, Coordination (Michelle): The Oberoi Hotel Lombok
  • Website: https://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-lombok/
  • Instagram: @theoberoibeachresortlombok
  • Contact: tanmay.Vaidya@oberoihotels.com
• Hair: Bali Wedding Hair and Makeup
  • Website: https://baliweddinghair.com/
  • Instagram: @baliweddinghair
• Bride’s Dress (Designed by Bride, Made by): Brides of Armadale, Melbourne
  • Website: https://bridesofarmadale.com.au/
  • Instagram: @bridesofarmadale
  • Email: contact@bridesofarmadale.com.au
• Bride’s Shoes: Nine West
  • Website: https://ninewest.com/
  • Instagram: @ninewest
• Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN
  • Website: https://www.anthropologie.com/bhldn-weddings
  • Instagram: @anthropologieweddings
• Groomsmen Suits: M.J. Bale
  • Website: https://www.mjbale.com/
  • Instagram: @mjbale
• Groom’s Suit: P. Johnson Tailors Windsor
  • Website: https://pjt.com/
  • Instagram: @pjohnsontailors
  • Email: enquiries@pjt.com
• Groom’s Shoes: MORJAS
  • Website: https://www.morjas.com/
  • Instagram: @morjasshoes
• Rings: Frederic March Jewellers, Melbourne
  • Website: https://fredricmarchjewellers.com.au/
  • Instagram: @fredricmarchjewellers
• Makeup: Bride and Bridesmaids (DIY)

Your Dream Lombok Wedding Story Awaits | Book Your Wedding Photographer Lombok

Wai Kwan and Evan’s wedding at The Oberoi was a truly beautiful tapestry woven with threads of profound love, infectious laughter, effortless tropical elegance, and countless heartfelt moments. Their celebration perfectly showcased why Lombok stands out as such an incredible, memorable choice for a destination wedding photographer Indonesia to capture – offering not just a stunning scenic backdrop, but an entire immersive experience that you and your cherished guests will treasure for a lifetime.

As a wedding photographer Lombok, with experience capturing celebrations from Senggigi to Kuta Lombok, the Gili Islands and beyond, my passion is to tell your unique story through images that are as authentic, vibrant, and emotional as the day itself. If you’re dreaming of getting married in Lombok, perhaps at a stunning resort, a private villa (requiring a skilled Lombok villa wedding photographer), or on one of its famed beaches, and you resonate with a candid, natural, and heartfelt approach to photography, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear from you.

Let’s connect and chat about your vision, the magic you dream of creating, and how I can help you preserve those precious, fleeting memories for all the years to come. Explore my Lombok wedding photographer portfolio to see more and read other Lombok wedding photographer reviews.

When you’re ready to book wedding photographer Lombok services that truly understand the island and your desires, I’m here.

Thank you for journeying with me through Wai Kwan and Evan’s unforgettable Lombok destination wedding. I sincerely hope it has inspired you to consider the incredible possibilities that this enchanting island holds for your own special day.

Frequently Asked Questions: Your Luxury Wedding Photographer in Lombok

Lombok, an island paradise east of Bali, known for its pristine beaches, majestic Mount Rinjani, and tranquil, unspoiled beauty, offers a breathtaking and exclusive setting for a luxury destination wedding. Selecting the perfect wedding photographer Lombok offers is essential to artfully capture the unique essence of this island sanctuary and the intimate moments of your celebration.

Affluent couples understand that luxury wedding photography is an investment in timeless memories, demanding not only technical skill but also a deep appreciation for aesthetics, seamless service, and discretion. It’s about weaving the narrative of your day into the stunning natural tapestry of Lombok.

This FAQ section is curated to address the specific inquiries of couples seeking a distinguished, high-end photography experience for their Lombok wedding. We understand the nuances of shooting in this tropical paradise – from harnessing the soft island light and navigating logistics between stunning coastal resorts and lush inland locations, to collaborating effectively with top-tier planners and venues.

As your dedicated luxury wedding photographer Lombok, my aim is to provide an unparalleled, bespoke service that reflects the exclusivity and elegance of your event. Peruse these answers to find clarity and build confidence as you envision the beautiful, artistic documentation of your unique Lombok wedding story.

We cover key aspects like our signature style, approach to destination weddings, investment details, and ensuring a flawless experience from start to finish.