This one ought to get you planning your next getaway… A + J are owners of Cleobella, a stellar women’s brand influenced by the heritage + traditions of Bali. With their products being handmade in Bali, they split their time between there and CA. What’s more, they had a relaxed ceremony at Nihiwatu on Sumba island in Indonesia to celebrate their 10 years of marriage (congrats guys!). Jim got to hit up the waves and Angela relaxed on the beach while the kids got to know the culture. Talk about paradise!
Thanks to Taryn Kent for capturing their day. PS: Taryn photographs Cleobella’s brand imagery too!
Angela says, I designed my dress. A version of it will be available in our upcoming Holiday collection which launches on Cleobella.com in October, as well as in an upcoming Free People catalog. However, for the wedding, my beautiful Bali family made this style feel a little bit more special, adding hand beading in the lace detail, and we made a matching mini version for our daughter.
More words on the big day, via Angela…
Sumba is an untouched, remote paradise. We feel so fortunate to have had the opportunity to renew our vows on the beach at Nihiwatu. Being surrounded by that kind of wild beauty, feeling so far removed from our daily lives, made the ceremony that much more intimate and special. Also, Sumba is known for their incredible textiles, specifically a rare and intricate type of weave called double ikat. Celebrating the beautiful creative traditions of Indonesia is central to Cleobella; my designs are handmade by artisans in Bali using traditional techniques like hand tooling and beading, so the centuries-old artistic heritage of the island really spoke to us.
Before the ceremony, my son Keenan and I walked along the beach collecting rocks to place in the shape of a heart, representing family members and loved ones that could not be present with us on that day. As we picked up a couple rocks, naming who they would represent, a beautiful yellow butterfly suddenly began swirling over our heads. I knew instantly that the butterfly was my brother Casey’s spirit, reminding us that even though he is no longer in our physical lives, he is always with us in spirit.
Their big goal? To focus on what matters: their family, the rewriting of their vows, reflecting on their past, and sharing dreams of the future. Beautiful!
So happy we could share in the joy. Wishing you both the best, Angela and Jim!
Photographer: Taryn Kent / Venue: Nihiwatu Resort on Sumba Island, Indonesia / Event Coordinator: Nihiwatu Resort & Bride / Dress: Designed by Bride, Angela O’Brien, for Cleobella (available October 2015) / Suit: Zuttion in Bali
