Singaporebrides | Real Weddings
April 2026
Stelcya and Marcel’s Timeless and Classic Garden Wedding in Bali
Stelcya and Marcel brought their dream wedding to life in an intimate garden celebration in Bali, where they celebrated their nuptials in an outdoor celebration that was classic, timeless and understated.
Stelcya and Marcel’s story began quietly at an English course centre in Indonesia. Although the 31-year-old marketing manager and 37-year-old architect did not get off on the right foot, they became friends before eventually going their separate ways. Fate brought them back together years later, and through long, heartfelt conversations, their friendship blossomed into love. Six years on, Marcel proposed on a secluded stretch of Geger Beach in Bali, choosing a moment that was intimate, unplanned, and entirely their own. They celebrated their union with a timeless garden wedding in Bali, surrounded by nature and their loved ones—a day that felt as effortless and meaningful as the journey that led them there.
Share with us your story.How did the two of you meet?
Stelcya: We first met at English First—you know, that English course place in Indonesia with the bule teachers. And fun fact: Marcel didn’t like me at all in the beginning. He thought I was just a kid (we do have a 6-year age gap, to be fair).
At that time, I was very introverted—quiet and a bit aloof. So naturally, he assumed I was some kind of antisocial teenager. But somehow, we became friends. Life went on, and we didn’t see each other for years, though we stayed in touch occasionally. Then one day, we ended up working in the same area. Since we also lived nearby, I often hitched a ride with him to save on travel costs. Practical decision, and that’s where everything started.
Turns out, I wasn’t that “antisocial girl” anymore, and he wasn’t as judgmental as I first thought. We had both grown up. Those car rides slowly turned into long conversations about everything about life, interests, random thoughts. And somewhere along the way, we fell in love. Six years later, we finally felt ready for the next step.
What drew you to each other?
Stelcya: Honestly, great conversations. Marcel is incredibly smart, and very much a Gemini, so he needs someone to stimulate his mind. Luckily, I’m a deep thinker too and naturally curious, so we always have something to talk about. Our conversations go everywhere, from daily life and family dynamics to belief systems, religion, the state of the world and sometimes completely random topics like animal behaviour.
What I love most is how he challenges my thinking. He’ll bring up perspectives I’ve never considered before, and it constantly pushes me to see things differently. It keeps everything fresh, even when we’re talking about the same life problems. Beyond that, we just genuinely enjoy the same things. We love trying out new restaurants, going to the cinema, exploring new bars or hangout spots, basically finding little adventures in the city. It’s the simplest things in life, but somehow, they’re more fun just because we get to experience them together.
What is it about your partner that you love the most?
He has a way of seeing what I don’t, filling in the gaps in my thinking and offering perspectives I might have overlooked. It’s not about disagreeing, but complementing my thoughts in a way that makes everything feel more complete and balanced.
What was the moment that made you realise that he was the one for you?
It wasn’t one big dramatic moment, it was more in the everyday. Whenever something happened, good or bad, he was always the first person I wanted to tell. I realised I didn’t just want to share things with him, I needed his perspective. He’s the person I turn to when I’m figuring things out, the one I want to talk through problems with. And somehow, just having him there makes everything feel a little less overwhelming.
Tell us about your proposal. Did you know a proposal was coming before it happened, or were you taken completely by surprise?
The proposal happened at Geger Beach, a public beach, but somehow still a hidden gem. It felt like one of those places only locals know about. There were maybe four other people around, so it was quiet, intimate, and perfectly low-key. He led me to a more secluded corner and just casually pulled out the ring. No grand setup, no over-the-top theatrics, just the moment unfolding naturally. I loved that it felt private and unforced. Very us.
It wasn’t exactly a surprise because, well, I already knew. We had picked the ring together and talked about marriage beforehand. Marcel had also met my parents to ask for their blessing, and both families had already gotten to know each other. And let’s just say, Marcel isn’t exactly known for pulling off surprises. But somehow, even without the shock factor, it still felt incredibly special.
Take us back to your wedding day—What was your wedding planning like?
From the start, I had a very clear vision: an intimate garden wedding with around 150 guests. Think classic, timeless, and elegant—nothing too whimsical, nothing too maximalist. Just clean, beautiful, and understated. I knew I wanted an outdoor setting surrounded by nature, which made Bali the obvious choice. It simply feels more special than a ballroom; no matter how stunning the décor is, you can’t compete with real ocean views and fresh air.
I came prepared, with a full mood board, of course, and my wedding planner helped bring everything to life. She recommended vendors, shared pricing, and arranged meetings so I could really feel out who I clicked with. That said, I didn’t just sit back and relax. I did my own research, negotiated where I could, and stayed involved in every decision. I think that balance is important. Know what you want, but also know where your money is going.
Planning took about a year, and honestly, having that time made all the difference. No rushing, more options, better decisions. Most of it was actually fun! I met so many talented vendors and slowly watched everything come together. Of course, there were moments of stress (and second-guessing here and there), but towards the end, I realised the best thing I could do was trust the process. Let go of what I couldn’t control, say a little prayer, hand things over to the planner and day-of coordinator, and just believe everything would fall into place. And it did.
What was the day like and how were you feeling?
It was rainy season in Bali, so naturally, I was mentally preparing for the worst. But somehow, we got full sunshine. Not a single drop of rain. Honestly, that alone felt like a blessing. Emotionally, it was a bit of everything. I woke up at 7am for makeup feeling equal parts exhausted (thanks to a very restless night) and excited. It was surreal—after a year of planning, the day had finally arrived. Everything shifted once I was with my bridesmaids. They completely lifted my mood. Suddenly, the exhaustion disappeared and it was just pure excitement.
Then I saw my parents, and of course, I cried. It’s one of those moments you can’t really prepare for, knowing this is a big transition not just for you, but for them too. And then I saw Marcel. And just like that, everything felt right. I was just happy. Completely, genuinely happy. It already felt perfect from that moment on. The sunshine, the setting, the energy, and I just knew, whatever happened next, it would all be exactly as it should be.
What did your family/friends have to say about your wedding day?
I won’t lie; I was very worried about what people would think. Would it be boring? Would the food disappoint? Would something feel lacking? Thankfully, none of that happened. I made it a priority to choose one of the best caterers in Bali because let’s be honest, people remember the food. And it paid off. The fireworks were a huge highlight. Guests thought they were just watching a kecak fire dance, and then suddenly, fireworks. No one saw it coming, and everyone loved it.
The sing-along after-party was also a hit. Instead of the usual DJ set where people awkwardly dance, everyone got to belt out early 2000s songs together, which turns out, was way more fun. But the best feedback I got? That the flow of the event felt seamless and never boring. For me, that’s the highest compliment. Because yes, it’s our day, but I genuinely wanted everyone to have a great time. And hearing that they did made everything feel like a success.
Share with us the most memorable moment of your wedding.
One of the most memorable moments was walking down the aisle. I had already seen the ceremony setup from the master bedroom, and it was beautiful. But seeing it up close was something else entirely. Even more stunning than I imagined. It was emotional in the best way. After picturing that moment for so long, seeing it come to life, set against the ocean view, completely overwhelmed me. I actually teared up.
And during the praise song, it all hit even deeper. I just felt so much gratitude and love for God for allowing such a beautiful day to happen. Another unforgettable moment was the fireworks. I had never experienced fireworks at a wedding before, and no photo or video can truly capture how breathtaking it is in person. Seeing it online simply doesn’t compare to witnessing it live.
Even my dad, who is not easily impressed, was completely blown away. When we first told him we were getting married in Bali, his initial reaction was, “Why so far? Now everyone has to travel.” But after the wedding, and especially after the fireworks, he couldn’t stop talking about how incredible everything was. And coming from him, that’s basically a standing ovation.
What is one lesson you’ve learned from your wedding planning that you’d like to share with other couples?
As much as it’s your day, you have to think about the guest experience. People are spending time, money, and effort to celebrate with you. And trust me, no one is going to remember how intricate your dress was. They’ll remember the food, the flow, and how they felt. I’ve seen weddings where the bride spends a fortune on a designer gown, but the food is just average. That’s a risky trade-off.
Also, don’t overdo it. It’s one day. Don’t throw money around just because it’s a “once in a lifetime” event. Set a budget, stick to it, and focus on what actually matters. There are always smarter alternatives. For example, I skipped the passed canapés during cocktail hour and did a self-serve traditional snack bar instead—sweet and savoury kueh that guests could pick themselves. It was more interactive and cost-effective.
Instead of a pricey live wedding painter, I created a photobooth challenge with funny pose prompts. It cost almost nothing and turned out to be such a fun activity. At the end of the day, think like a guest at your own wedding. Would you enjoy it? Because a great experience doesn’t have to be expensive, it just has to be intentional. And one more thing: take breaks from social media. It’s great for inspiration, until it’s not. I remember once everything was already set, I kept scrolling through other weddings and started second-guessing everything. Should I change the décor? The photographer? It’s a dangerous spiral.
The Venue: Atma Sahita
Cost of Wedding: 1 Billion Indonesian Rupiah
Size of Wedding: 150 guests
The Gown: The Silk
The Bride’s Shoes: Sachlirene Tfota
The Suit: Wong Hang
The Wedding Photographer and Videographer:
The Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Gracecode
The Hairstylist and Makeup Artist: Stefany Layata
The Caterer: Bali Miracle
The Wedding Cake: Top of it
The Florist: Frans decor
The Wedding Planner: Varawedding, Jessica Maureen
The Photobooth: Photomatics, Aksa Moment
The Band & Fire Dance: Joshua Entertainment
The Souvenirs: Arumanis Gift
The Content Creator: The Wedding Day Press
The Wedding Emcee: Junior Latuheru
The Coconut Art: Bali Coconut Art
The Sound & Lighting: Bali Pyro
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