Bride Arneta shares the darling details of her and Ross' multicultural Edinburgh celebration that included incredible custom outfits
Ross Hunter and Arneta Nathlya
21st June 2024
Venue | The Signet Library, Edinburgh
Photography | Sophie Alexandria Photography
Arneta and Ross' wedding was a beautiful blend of cultures: a real celebration of love, family and honouring heritage. Their dating journey began in Bourbon nightclub in Edinburgh, with the bride impressing her future husband dancing to the 'Macarena,' culminating in a romantic engagement atop Calton Hill in September 2023.
First step in wedding planning
"The first wedding planning decision we made was to include both our cultures, so an Indonesian ceremony followed by a Scottish wedding reception,” explains Arneta.
“When we first started looking at venues, we had no idea what we wanted, but then we saw content creator Social Brides Club covering a wedding at the Signet Library. We instantly booked a viewing and fell in love with the place. Everything about it was perfect."
Outfits for multicultural ceremony
“The colour gold is traditionally used in weddings in Indonesia, so that’s why we chose it for our ceremony outfits,” says Arneta, whose stunning kebaya, a traditional Indonesian garment, complemented the elegant venue perfectly.
“I actually bought the skirt I wore for the ceremony (it’s called a songket) in West Sumatra 15 years ago! It was beautifully handmade by an old lady and it took her around six months to create. I’ve known ever since that I’d wear it for my wedding. Everything for my ceremony outfit was bespoke, based around the skirt, and made in Indonesia.”
"I wanted it to be made in Indonesia which complicated things. Normally, an outfit like mine would take a least six fitting sessions, but I only had two. The whole dress took three months to create. Fanny Kartika did such an amazing job."
Arneta's intricately embroidered ceremony cape included West Sumatran details, the Signet Library, the monument on Calton Hill, the thistle and the couples initials.
Arneta is a fashion designer so, using the skirt as a springboard, worked with a Jakarta-based artisan to create the rest of her look, alongside designs for the bridesmaids, mother-of-the- bride and mother-of-the-groom.
The bride also hand-made and embroidered her own veil with an ‘AR’ logo and details from her and Ross’s love story.
Personal touches were woven elsewhere throughout the day too, thanks to the bride’s keen eye for detail. One way Arneta kept on top of plans? “I have always loved planning and organising, so I made a detailed wedding look book containing all our plans and supplier information,” she explains. “I’m a very visual person, so it was really convenient whenever we needed to refer back to it. We made an effort to update it every week.”
How to choose wedding suppliers
When it came to choosing a photographer, there was only ever one person for the job: “I’ve worked with Sophie Alexandria before for a photoshoot with Social Brides Club, and her images were just incredible. All of the photos are relaxed and so natural. She captured the most beautiful moments.”
Another top supplier duo who deserve a shout out? Hairstylist Georgia Peters, who nailed the challenge of helping the bride keep her traditional headpiece in place (“it was so tall I had to sit at an angle to fit it in a taxi,” laughs Arneta) and makeup artist Jenny Ross who both were like “wedding fairies” on the day.
Their roles on the wedding morning went beyond getting everyone glam too, as the bride explains: “The morning of the wedding was hectic as everyone from my side of the family got ready in the same flat.
“Ross also had to come over to get help from my brother putting on his elaborate ceremony outfit. So we had to keep trying not to look at each other.”
“I’d booked a cab for everyone to get to the venue, but then the company cancelled that morning without reason. With help from Georgia and Jenny, we managed to get everyone transportation in time, thankfully!” says Arneta.
"I'd wholeheartedly recommend booking a content creator. Social Brides Club was just amazing! We didn’t have to worry about missing any moments or details because we got all of the behind-the-scenes clips from our wedding the next day.”
After a busy morning, it was only natural that there were some butterflies: “It was a really weird feeling. Both of us were nervous but excited. Ross was definitely more nervous than I was because he had to memorise a sentence that was very important to the ceremony!”
The couple’s ceremony in front of 60 guests started traditionally, as the bride explains: “At the beginning of the ceremony, I thanked both of my parents and asked for my dad’s permission to marry the man of my choice before we walked down the aisle.
“After the ceremony, we both kneeled in front of our parents, in-laws and elders to ask for their blessings, so that we could have a successful and happy marriage. One of the best moments was when we walked out of the aisle together after the ceremony concluded,” Arneta recalls. “It was the moment when all the nerves were gone, and we were officially Mr and Mrs Hunter!”
The couple wanted a “different atmosphere” for the Scottish part of the day, which involved Ross changing into a dark grey kilt with fly plaid from McCalls Highlandwear and Arneta into a fairytale two-piece gown from Emma Roy of Edinburgh.
“Ross looked really smart in the dark tartan and dramatic furry sporran,” smiles Arneta. “We had a piper walk us in for our meal, then we had the incredible Astoria wedding band playing. The dancefloor was never empty.”
With multiple outfits, intricate details and a guest list reaching 100 in the evening, Arneta says keeping on top of planning decisions was crucial in pulling the day together: “I think the key is communication and dedicating some time to discuss everything with your partner. I’d suggest always double-checking everything with your vendors, so there are no misunderstandings or unexpected last-minute changes.”
Top tip for brides
Top tip: “Ask for help! I am blessed to have supportive and helpful family and friends who chipped in when needed. Also, it’s normal for some things not to go exactly to plan on the day. If that happens to you, try not to stress or worry about it too much. You and your other half are the only people who know exactly how things were meant to go – chances are no-one else will notice!”
Ross and Arneta's wedding highlight video by James Smith Wedding Films
Venue The Signet Library, Edinburgh
Photography Sophie Alexandria Photography
Second photographer Steph Nicol
Filmmaker James Smith Weddings
Officiant Mohammed Sohail, Blackhall Mosque|
Bride’s ceremony dress and mother of the bride outfit Designed by bride and Fanny Kartika
Bride’s reception dress Milla Nova from Emma Roy of Edinburgh
Bride’s shoes Christian Dior and Jimmy Choo
Bride’s veil Handmade by bride
Bridesmaid dresses Designed by bride
Hair Bridal Hair by Georgia Peters
Makeup Jenny Ross Makeup Artistry
Groom’s ceremony look “West Sumatra traditional suit by our tailor, Tisno”
Groom’s reception look and groomsmen McCalls Highlandwear
Mother of the groom outfit Designed by bride and made by Indonesian tailor Tina Rose
Flowers The Petal Shoppe
Catering Heritage Portfolio
Venue decor 88 Events
Engagement and wedding rings Goldsmiths
Cake A gift from Ross’ parents’ friend
Content creator Social Brides Club
Reception band Astoria Wedding Band
