An Open-Air Tea Ceremony at Rice Fields In Bali

Set on the fringe of a traditional Balinese village and surrounded by low-lying fields of rice lies an enchanting place: one that is a contemporary cabin retreat, animal sanctuary and sustainable farm. This secluded setting of lush greenery and vast open space provides a welcome respite from the hustle of city life and a palette of inspiration on this island paradise. Guests are encouraged to live in harmony with earth and animals, so a carefully curated team came together to create a wedding tea ceremony at Lodge in the Woods.

Maritha Mae, the photographer, excelled in capturing this magical day, masterfully using the sunset rays to enhance the ceremony’s atmosphere. The way she played with a golden light made the tables glow, the bride’s dress shimmer, and gave the skin a radiant, natural warmth. Moreover, Maritha’s skillful eye for detail highlighted the soft pink hues of the sunset created images that felt like a dream.

The tea ceremony for our couple took place in an open-air barn surrounded by rice fields. The structure, defined by a weathered timber frame, had a minimalism that felt refreshingly modern. This location provided an excellent opportunity to explore a contemporary approach to the traditional East Asian tea ceremony, for which we wanted to utilize rice as the central element in our styling.

Rice holds great significance beyond its culinary applications; it is deeply rooted in Asian cultures, and entwined with rituals, traditions, and festivities. To honor this cultural connection, This Humid House adorned the space with bundles of rice, arranged in large, antique round-bottomed metal works (or kuali), which were once used for communal cooking. For a touch of sparkle, the team suspended red Ixora flowers above the rice bowls, resembling red dragonflies that seem to gather for a blessing of good fortune.

The team was fortunate to acquire an abundance of red bixia orellana, a fruit that is often mistaken for rambutan in this region. Notably, its seeds are edible. In Central and South American cuisines they are known as Achiote, an equivalent to paprika in color and flavor. Captivated by this unique fruit, the team presented piles of bixia orellana alongside rice bowls during the tea ceremony.

These were also incorporated into a headdress for the bride, fashioning them atop a bowl interwoven with her hair, and accented with iconic red hibiscus. This glorious piece echoed the 3D floral motif on her bold modern take of a cheongsam, designed by Indonesian designer, Cinobi.

The cape gown, appliqued with red fluttery organza floral pieces, undulated in the wind as her cape formed a train. To mirror the color of red on the bride – a color synonymous with happiness, good fortune, and success in East Asia – This Humid House designed a boutonniere from baby yam leaves and baby tomatoes on the vine, which the groom wore with confidence.

The team at Papeworks added a modern touch to the papersuite through red and gold foil floral motifs and unique red embroidery finishing on the envelopes. Symbolizing the union of two families, the to-be weds offer tea in respect for their elders at the tea ceremony. In return, their elders offer blessing through the gift of red envelopes and gold jewelry, an act of welcoming either the bride or groom into the family.

The red bixia orellana was also showcased for an al fresco dinner reception table setting. It was bundled just like rambutans at the market and paired with scarlet Indian eggplant ripened on the vine, which was cut from the farm on the property just moments beforehand. This striking assemblage was meant to be a joyous tribute to the farm-to-table concept.