Despite meeting at just 10 years of age, Chrystal and Brett didn’t marry until almost 20 years later. But it was that year six crush that stayed with the bride, who remembers loving her now-husband from the day they met.
“Although the crush was instant for myself, I think it took a few years for Brett to notice me,” she recalls. “We went on a couple dates when we were 18 but it fizzled out. Eight or so years later we met up by chance and the rest is history. The feeling I had when I was a young teenager came rushing back and I knew it was trouble.”
The couple married in August of 2018, heading to Canggu in Bali for an intimate destination wedding complete with just their best friends. It was a celebration of their love for each other, the ocean and their families, with a ceremony on the water and the colour palette inspired by nature.
“We wanted a small wedding and we almost eloped but knew we would regret not having our family and friends with us to celebrate. When we were in Bali five months before the wedding we decided then that we would come back in August and have a small wedding,” Chrystal says.
Fast forward five months and the wedding was on. With the help of wedding planners Chimene and Uchee at Harperco Events and a lot of cross-country emailing, Chrystal and Brett were ready for the big day.
Chrystal chose her gown on impulse after visiting a bridal store one day after work. Opting for a simple Made with Love gown, she looked all the part a laid-back and elegant bride. Styled with a simple pair of chunky earrings and a pair of nude Windsor Smith heels, the overall look was minimal yet polished.
“I didn’t give myself much time to find a dress and two months before the wedding I was still looking. I wanted something simple and comfortable and I just wasn’t finding it. On my way home I saw a bridal store and went in. They had a simple white gown with a low back on a mannequin and I asked if I could get it in the next six weeks and they said yes! It was meant to be.”
Chrystal, who is a wedding hair stylist, did her own wavy locks for the big day and opted to go natural with her make-up, which was kept to a minimum.
Remembering one of their favourite moments from the day, Brett counts the experience of having their post-wedding photos taken on the beach as one of the most special. “The point that stands out for me was when it was just us down the beach taking photos after the ceremony. That was the moment it sort of sunk in what had just happened,” he shares. For Chrystal, it was all about the ceremony. “I guess I’m so used to being a guest it was a lot to take in knowing it was our turn.”
As for her advice to other brides? Chrystal confirms it’s all about being selfish — it is your big day, after all. “It’s your one time to be selfish, do what makes your soul happy. Make sure you’re doing it for you, don’t do it to suit everyone else.”
The hit list:
Dress: Made with Love
Shoes: Windsor Smith
Bridesmaids outfits: Bec & Bridge
Venue: Arnalaya Beach House, Canngu Bali
Hair: By the bride
Fragrance: Men, Jimmy Choo Man; Ladies, Flower Bomb by Viktor & Rolf
Grooms Suit: Politix
Cake: Butter Bali
Photographer: Jack Henry
Videographer: Morgan Dodson
Flowers: Anastasia Wolf Wonderland Bali Events
Event Planner: Chimene & Uchee at Harperco Events
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