written by Sonder Studio

There’s something magical about exploring somewhere new—you get to see the world through fresh eyes, collect moments that stay with you, and grow in ways you never expect. For David and Kay, travel isn’t just something they do together—it’s part of who they are. As an expat myself, I completely resonated with their love of exploration and felt incredibly lucky to document both their Jeju pre-wedding session and their Bali destination wedding. It was one of those experiences that reminded me why I do what I do, and the kind of wedding that fills you up long after it’s over.

Documenting David and Kay’s Pre-Wedding Shoot on Jeju Island

Before their destination wedding in Bali, David and Kay traveled to Korea for a traditional pre-wedding photoshoot on Jeju Island. Coming from the United States, they’ve always loved discovering new places, and Korea had long been at the top of their list.

Kay, being Vietnamese American, was already familiar with the pre-wedding culture and wanted to share that experience with David. We met before sunrise, the ocean still quiet and the sky slowly warming, and photographed their morning by the water. That quiet beginning on Jeju Island became the first chapter of their wedding story—one you can see more of here.

A Love That Travels: David & Kay’s Bali Destination Wedding

While David and Kay often travel by themselves, their Bali destination wedding gave them the rare chance to share their love of travel with their closest family and friends. They invited everyone into the world they’ve built together—a world filled with curiosity, laughter, and a sense of wonder. It was also a chance for their guests to all feel like they were on vacation together. For them, it wasn’t just about saying ‘I do’ in a beautiful place. It was about creating memories with the people they love in a place that spoke to their hearts.

Beautiful Aspects of This Bali Destination Wedding

A Celebration Rooted in Connection

One of the most moving parts of their celebration was witnessing just how loved David and Kay are. The night before the wedding, they hosted a welcome dinner where friends and family shared stories, laughter, and a few tears. Every speech spoke to who they are—steadfast, loyal, the kind of people who always show up for the ones they love. You could feel that same warmth and connection running through the entire weekend.

Savoring Island Life

One of the biggest draws to Bali for their destination wedding was its lush, tropical spirit. The gentle beaches and vibrant greenery created a sense of calm that flowed through every moment. At their welcome dinner, they asked their guests to dress in tropical attire, letting everyone step fully into the playful, sun-soaked energy of the celebration.

Honoring Location and Culture in Their Bali Destination Wedding

For their celebration, David and Kay wanted Bali to take center stage—to let its natural beauty and vibrant culture shine. Their wedding design reflected that beautifully. It was understated yet elegant, with soft white and green tones that blended seamlessly with the landscape. The florals were locally sourced and they included traditional Balinese cuisine in their menu, which was another thoughtful way to honor the place that hosted their story. They also included Indonesian performances, giving their guests a deeper appreciation for the culture that made their day so unforgettable.

Personal Touches That Made Their Bali Destination Wedding Uniquely Theirs

Every part of David and Kay’s destination wedding felt like an extension of who they are—thoughtful, intentional, and deeply connected. At their welcome dinner, they wore Áo dài outfits to honor Kay’s Vietnamese heritage, a beautiful nod to her roots. Her wedding dress also perfectly reflected her spirit—simple, graceful, and completely her own. She even did her own makeup, which felt so true to her easygoing nature. Each detail felt intentional, from the fans they gifted their guests with their names on it to the quiet way they moved through the day, fully present and savoring each moment.

Helping You Feel Completely at Ease During Your Destination Wedding

My biggest goal as your destination wedding photographer is to help you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself in front of the camera—especially when you’re far from home. Traveling for your wedding already takes you out of your comfort zone, and I want your time with me to feel like a breath of fresh air.

When I first met David and Kay for their Jeju pre-wedding session, David was a little more reserved. But as I took the time to truly connect with them, everything shifted. By the end, they were laughing, relaxed, and having fun together. Hearing later that David actually enjoyed the experience—and that they wanted me to join them again in Bali—was the biggest compliment I could ever receive.

For More Inspiration to Plan Your Unique Destination Wedding, Check Out These Post Below:

A Celebration of Connection and Heritage: Bellamy & Shanxi’s Korea Destination Wedding

Stone & Eunice’s Destination Wedding (on a boat)

Honoring Tradition: A Korean Wedding Tea Ceremony at a Seoul Elopement

The Joy of Capturing a Western-Style Wedding

In Korean weddings, couples often get ready at a studio. However, with David and Kay’s Western-style timeline, I was there from the very start—capturing the quiet hum of the morning, the delicate details, and the anticipation that grew with every passing moment. Their reception was also pure joy, filled with music, laughter, and dancing that no one wanted to end. Even after twelve hours in the Bali heat, I never once felt tired. When a day is overflowing with love and energy like that, it doesn’t feel like work. It feels like being swept up in a celebration.

For another look at a Western-style celebration abroad, you can read about Anne & Luca’s Micro Wedding at L’Escape Hotel.

David & Kay’s Kind Words About Their Bali Destination Wedding Photography Experience

From the very beginning, my goal is always to create space for you to simply breathe, be your full self, and document your story with care and intention. David and Kay were such a dream to work with, and I’m deeply grateful they shared a glimpse of what the journey felt like from their side.

“Being an all day event, she understood the different styles and mood throughout the day: from being calm and classy in our setup, to capturing the vibes at the reception… we were never worried about her throughout the day as we knew she would capture all of the special moments for us. It was to our surprise once we received the photos of some of the details we missed, but were lucky that Lorryn was able to capture. Some of the items we probably had forgotten or did not think to put together, she was able to capture. It was truly appreciated for her to pay attention to all of the details, big and small. She even went out of her way to get a drone for our event and take amazing overall shots of the venue. Lorryn has become more than just our photographer, she’s truly a good friend.”

If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding or elopement—get in touch. I’d love to be part of your story. Together, we can create something that feels as heartfelt and unforgettable as the place you choose to say ‘I do’.

Bali Destination Wedding Vendors:

Digital Photographer: Lorryn Smit

Venue: The Laguna Resort & Spa

Video: @riodalimonthephotography and @windudronevideography 

Hair: @paaaulaxoxo

Dj: @evie_marheni