Love knows no boundaries, and Alyssa and Tamrat's enchanting wedding at Tanah Gajah Ubud was a perfect testament to that. Their union was not just a celebration of two hearts coming together, but also a beautiful blend of cultures that spanned continents. 








Alyssa, a Hong Kong native with family ties to Malaysia, and Tamrat, a fusion of Indian and Ethiopian roots, found each other in the bustling streets of the UK. Their love story was an intercontinental journey that led them to the serene embrace of Tanah Gajah Ubud, a magical resort that resonates with the beauty of their diverse backgrounds.

To mark this special occasion, Alyssa and Tamrat decided to have a two-night buyout of the entire resort, allowing them to immerse themselves and their guests in an exclusive experience. The festivities commenced with a vibrant Mehendi Ceremony at the charming Bale Dedari, overlooking serene swan ponds. It set the tone for the multicultural celebration that was about to unfold.


"Bali is such a unique place, and there are many aspects of the culture, food, and people that feel very familiar to both of us - almost like the perfect blend of our ethnic backgrounds," shared Alyssa.
 
"The language, traditional clothing, and food are very similar to what is found in Malaysia, and the spirituality, art, and architecture in Bali has a lot of Indian and Hindu roots," added Tamrat.

"Tanah Gajah Ubud embodies all these influences in a very authentic way, and you can tell the design and decoration of the resort is a product of much care and love. With only around 60 guests, we loved that the resort is small enough that we could do a full buyout and enjoy the intimacy of having everyone in one place, and yet the grounds are large enough to provide multiple beautiful event venues. We didn’t use the same space twice! " said the couple














The first evening was a magical Sangeet event barbecue dinner and drinks, where the massive lawn near the lobby transformed into a cozy, informal gathering space. Sofas, carpets, lounge chairs, and dining tables adorned the venue, while an iconic Indian Bharat architecture stage added a burst of vibrant colors. Heartfelt speeches and performances by family members added a touch of emotional warmth to the evening.

 
"When we first visited Bali to look for wedding venues, like most couples dreaming of a Bali wedding, we thought we would find a place near the sea - either a beach or cliff-edge destination" said the couple. 

"There’s certainly no shortage of venues in those areas! And while they are all breath-takingly gorgeous, there was something special about our experience and stay at Tanah Gajah Ubud that made us change our minds. We fell in love with the more cultural and spiritual atmosphere in Ubud, the cooler climate, and the lush landscapes. The resort feels purpose-built for special events with close family and friends, and the spaces naturally flow from one to the other with beautiful scenery at every turn," they added.





















The wedding day dawned with a burst of excitement as Tamrat and his family arrived at Tanah Gajah in a gorgeously adorned buggy to pick up the bride. Amidst colorful flowers, Saris, and Sarong-Kebaya dresses, Tamrat embarked on his journey to the majestic Hadiprana Estate where he faced traditional Chinese ‘door games’ to prove his love for the bride. The day unfolded with a traditional Chinese Tea Pai ceremony at the exquisitely decorated Bird Lounge, adorned with auspicious red hues and oriental accents.






































As the sun began to gracefully set, the main wedding ceremony took center stage at the resort's amphitheater. Wooden chairs draped in ethereal white fabrics and delicate blooms framed the scene. Balinese umbul-umbul swayed with the gentle Ubud breeze, creating a mesmerizing sight. Against this enchanting backdrop, Alyssa and Tamrat's union was celebrated with grace and beauty, witnessed by their loved ones.


























The festivities continued with a pre-dinner cocktail by the main swimming pool, followed by a magical dinner reception at The Tempayan restaurant. Under the culinary wizardry of Executive Chef Dean, an enticing buffet spread awaited the guests, creating a culinary journey to complement the magical moments.

"I remember, a year before the wedding, we were on our way to Tanah Gajah to do a tasting of the menu. We had rented a scooter but hadn’t prepared for the torrential rain that day, so we arrived completely soaked! Without hesitation, Tam was ushered to the spa to change into a dry robe and slippers while his clothes were taken to dry. This is just an example of the thoughtfulness and level of service at Tanah Gajah Ubud." said Alyssa.

"Everyone is so friendly, thoughtful, and sincerely kind," shared the couple. "None more so than the General Manager, Ms. Deasy Swandarini, whose genuine and personable nature carries through the rest of the staff," they couple added.















Beyond the vibrant cultures, Alyssa and Tamrat's wedding was a testament to love transcending boundaries. Their special day mirrored the very essence of Tanah Gajah, a place founded on love. The same love that brought Mr. and Mrs. Hadiprana to Ubud on their honeymoon in the 1960s now embraced Alyssa and Tamrat in a heartfelt, multicultural celebration.

As their love story graced Tanah Gajah, it left behind not just memories but also an inspiration for couples seeking an enchanting blend of heritage, beauty, and love. Your wedding or honeymoon at Tanah Gajah Ubud awaits, ready to create a magical journey uniquely yours.