A Dreamlike Wedding at Thailand’s Amanpuri

After a poetic proposal on a Hong Kong Island mountain peak, Jamie and Jon were wed at Amanpuri’s dreamlike beach on a tropical island in Thailand’s Phuket. Enveloped in a delicate sculpture of white flowers beneath the swaying palm trees, the couple held their ceremony with the turquoise ocean in the background. With the melodic sound of the Andaman Sea, the tranquil rehearsal dinner was held on the sand. At sunset, a single long table was artfully styled with glass vases of dusk-colored florals and flickering candlelight. For the reception, strings of lights adorned the Thai architecture while floating cloud-like florals illuminated the moonlight dinner.

The destination island wedding was captured by photographer ProudRad.

Our Story

Names / Jamie & Jon

Location / Amanpuri, Thailand

How We Met

Our story began in San Diego back in 2011. One night, we happened to be at the same bar and Jon was immediately drawn to Jamie. Despite her being surrounded by friends, he gathered the courage to approach her. They went on a few dates and formed a strong connection. However, their lives took them in different directions, and they went their separate ways. Fast forward to 2018, when Jamie was in New York and Jon was on the West Coast. Jon decided to reach out to Jamie on Instagram, and to his surprise, she responded. Their relationship quickly picked up where it left off, thriving despite the distance. Eventually, they decided to move together to San Francisco. And now, here they are, ready to embark on their forever journey—a testament to the power of love and the resilience of their connection.

Our Engagement Story

During a visit to Hong Kong, where Jamie reunited with her family after three years of COVID-related restrictions, a special moment unfolded. One morning, Jon, Jamie, and her mother went on a hike in the scenic south side of Hong Kong Island. As they reached the peak, Jon surprised Jamie by getting down on one knee, surrounded by breathtaking views. It was an intimate and heartfelt proposal, just as Jamie had always wished. Afterward, they celebrated with a seaside brunch, basking in the joy of their engagement.

“Our desire for a blend of beach resort and villa-style accommodations, while offering guests an exclusive and diverse experience, led us to Amanpuri.”

What we love most about each other…

Our love is a beautiful blend of growth, friendship, adventure, support, respect, and pure fun. We inspire each other to be the best versions of ourselves, embracing exciting challenges that push us beyond our comfort zones. As a city girl and a California native, we come from different backgrounds, but that hasn’t stopped us from finding immense joy in each other’s company. Despite our differences, we complement each other in extraordinary ways, forming an unbeatable team that brings out the best in one another. Together, we celebrate our unique qualities, offer unwavering support, and created a love story filled with endless joy and inspiration.

The Setting

Wedding Location

For our dream wedding, we sought a tropical destination that would capture the essence of love and offer breathtaking sea views. Amanpuri in Phuket, Thailand, emerged as the perfect choice. Situated in Southeast Asia, it provided convenient proximity to a lot of friends and family. Our desire for a blend of beach resort and villa-style accommodations, while offering guests an exclusive and diverse experience, led us to Amanpuri. With its renowned reputation for unparalleled service and top-tier hospitality, we knew the Aman group would take exceptional care of us, ensuring our special day would be nothing short of extraordinary.

Aesthetic

Our wedding aesthetic embraced simple elegance with a modern touch, complemented by lush greens, pale pinks, and soft tones of white. We wanted to highlight the surrounding environment and let nature shine, creating a harmonious balance between sophistication and natural beauty.

Preparation

In the tranquil serenity of our expansive villa overlooking the breathtaking Andaman Sea, we began our preparations for the highly anticipated day ahead. The bride and her bridesmaids shared joyful moments, dressed in matching gifted pajamas, while the groom readied himself in the company of his groomsmen in a separate villa. Just before walking down the aisle, the bride exchanged heartfelt written notes with her parents, capturing the depth of love and gratitude in her heart. It was a morning filled with cherished connections and quiet anticipation, setting the stage for a day that would forever hold a special place in our memories.

Photography

ProudRad was our photography company. We carefully selected a wedding photographer focusing on remarkable talent in capturing emotions and candid moments, as well as expertise in utilizing soft natural light to enhance the beauty of our surroundings. Proudrad’s ability to evoke genuine feelings through their artistry assured us that our wedding memories would be beautifully preserved, reflecting both the breathtaking scenery and the heartfelt moments of our special day.

Videography

We chose Leura Film as our wedding videographer because of their remarkable ability to capture the essence of our special day and weave it into a beautiful narrative. With their attention to detail and storytelling skills, they created a cinematic masterpiece that portrayed the emotions, key highlights, and the love and fun that filled our celebration. Their captivating footage made us feel like we were reliving the day, creating lasting memories that we will treasure forever.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

Our ceremony décor was thoughtfully designed to let the natural surroundings speak. Guests walked down an elegant stair aisle lined with flowers, leading to a circular terrace viewpoint. A non-traditional, semi-circle floor arch adorned with soft pink and white tones added a touch of elegance without overpowering the natural beauty. The overall design achieved a harmonious balance, allowing the surroundings to take center stage while creating an enchanting atmosphere for our celebration of love.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

We chose The Wedding Bliss Thailand as our wedding planners, and they proved to be the perfect team to bring our wedding vision to life. Despite the distance between us in San Francisco and the time difference, they fearlessly tackled every challenge with unwavering dedication. They understood my desire to be involved in the details, and we worked together on floor plans, color palettes, stationary and more. Their tireless efforts, including picking up our phone calls in the early hours of the morning or late at night, exemplified their commitment to ensuring our wedding was a success and that we were happy. With their expert touch and access to the best vendors, they seamlessly executed every aspect of our aesthetic. They were the ultimate partners in creating a wedding that surpassed our wildest dreams.

Flowers

For my wedding day, I chose soft and loose bouquets featuring delicate orchids, creating an effortless and romantic vibe. This aesthetic was carried throughout the floral decor, from the ceremony aisle and floral arch to the captivating table landscapes. Our florist was IAMFLOWER.

Stationery

In addition to the stunning floral décor, our wedding venue was aglow with the warm and romantic ambiance created by an abundance of candles. They adorned the pool area during welcome drinks, lined the pathways, illuminated the grand entrance staircase, and graced each table, creating an enchanting atmosphere that perfectly complemented the stunning floral décor.

Favors & Bonbonniere

To create a memorable experience for our guests, we made sure to include a late-night noodle station—a must-have for the bride. This station not only delighted everyone’s taste buds but also brought back cherished childhood memories of enjoying hawker stall food with family on holidays in Southeast Asia. The initialed chocolates and coconuts with our logo stamp added a personalized touch, reflecting our love for unique and meaningful details.

Cake

For our wedding, we moved away from tradition and opted for a champagne tower instead of a traditional cake, a choice that reflected our personalities. The tower, filled with sparkling champagne flutes, created an elegant centerpiece and was a fun way to get the party started! To top off the toast, we surprised everyone with a magical fireworks display which lit up over the Adaman Sea.

Food and Beverages

The culinary experience at our wedding was a true reflection of our love for food as self-proclaimed foodies. It was a delight to work with the exceptional culinary team at Amanpuri to craft the menu for our guests. We prioritized every detail, starting with the flavorful Thai BBQ served family-style at the rehearsal dinner, which featured locally caught grilled tiger prawns.

During the welcome drinks, guests savored delightful canapés paired with our personalized cocktails. The reception showcased an elevated six-course Thai menu, including a fragrant crab curry served in a coconut shell and a crowd-pleasing finale of mango sticky rice. Complemented by free-flowing drinks the entire weekend, our wedding celebration became a true feast for the senses, leaving lasting memories of delectable flavors and culinary indulgence.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

I wore the Tea ceremony dress by Galvan. I departed from tradition and embraced my personal style for the Chinese tea ceremony, opting for a Galvan high collar, bias cut midi dress in an elegant red satin. This modern dress choice reflected my individuality while still honoring the significance of the occasion.

I wore an Ines Di Santo gown for my ceremony. It was a strapless silk crepe gown, simple from the front with delicate lace beadwork on one side of the bodice. The back featured an asymmetric cutout which added an element of interest, while the one-sided bow train created a modern and unique touch, which was a replacement for opting out of the traditional veil. As I walked down the aisle, the train seemed to float behind me, enchanting from every angle. It perfectly embodied the balance of elegance and simplicity I desired, but still had unique subtle details that showcased my adventurous side, making it the dream dress for my special day.

My reception dress from Mira Zwillinger was a perfect blend of elegance and excitement. The strapless fit and flare silhouette provided a simple yet flattering design, while the beautifully handcrafted lace with intricate beaded floral appliqués added a touch of whimsy and fun. It was the perfect party dress!

My bridesmaids wore soft pale blush chiffon dresses from Birdy Grey, each choosing their own style and silhouette to reflect their personal taste. The cohesive fabric tied their looks together, while the individuality added a touch of uniqueness to the bridal party.

Wedding Rings, Jewelry & Accessories

The engagement ring was an elongated cushion on a simple thin gold band with white gold prongs. Jamie’s wedding was a small diamond pave whisper gold band. While Jon’s band was simple thick gold.

For jewelry, Jamie wore unique and one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry and hair pieces from Etsy ateliers.

Hair & Makeup

Hair and makeup was by Tina Derkse. For the tea ceremony, I embraced a softer and more youthful aesthetic for my hair and makeup. My makeup featured a light and natural look, with a touch of soft pink blush and lip color to enhance my features. To complement the look, my hair was styled in a chic high bun adorned with elegant pearl hair accessories, adding a touch of sophistication.

As the evening transitioned into the wedding reception, I opted for a more sultry and sculpted appearance. My makeup took on a bolder tone, with a darker bronze smokey eye that added depth and allure. To elevate the romantic ambiance, my hair was elegantly swept into a loose middle part bun, with delicate strands framing my face, exuding a sense of effortless charm and grace.

“We wanted to highlight the surrounding environment and let nature shine, creating a harmonious balance between sophistication and natural beauty.”

The Details

Honeymoon

After our unforgettable wedding at Amanpuri, we extended our stay to bask in a few extra days of pure relaxation. Seeking a change of pace, we embarked on an adventurous honeymoon in South Africa, exploring the vibrant streets of Cape Town and encountering thrilling wildlife on a safari in Kruger National Park. We created cherished memories filled with both serenity and exhilaration, making our honeymoon an unforgettable experience!

Wedding Songs

We chose “Lifetime” by Justin Bieber as our first dance song because its lyrics perfectly encapsulated our love story and the idea of perfect timing. It beautifully celebrates the significance of finding love at the right moment and cherishing it for a lifetime.

Entertainment

Our wedding reception was filled with unforgettable music as we had a live band, Project M, all the way from the Philippines and a talented local DJ. We personally curated the playlist, ensuring a perfect blend of crowd favorites like ABBA and hits like “Mr. Brightside” that got both the older and younger guests dancing on their feet and celebrating together all night!

Celebrant

Choosing Jon’s uncle, Raymond, as our celebrant added a personal touch to our wedding ceremony. His involvement created a heartfelt connection between our family and the sacredness of our union.

“For our wedding, we moved away from tradition and opted for a champagne tower instead of a traditional cake, a choice that reflected our personalities.”

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

One of the most memorable moments during my wedding was when my parents surprised me by singing “I Loved Her First” by Heartland. It was a heartfelt and touching gesture, made even more special by the fact that they had taken singing lessons for six weeks to prepare for this beautiful performance. Their heartfelt performance filled the room with love and there was not a dry eye in the house! I will remember this for the rest of my life.

A second memorable moment during our wedding, was when Jamie’s family surprised Jon with a special gift — a Liverpool Football Club jersey. It was meant as a lighthearted joke, but also served as a heartfelt symbol of welcoming him into our family, as we are passionate Liverpool FC fans. It brought smiles and laughter, adding an extra touch of fun and camaraderie to our celebration.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

One thing I wish I knew before starting my wedding plans is how fast it would go by. Prioritize what truly matters and remember you can’t please everyone!

Make sure to eat! On your wedding day, you’ll be caught up in conversations and mingling with guests, but don’t forget to enjoy your dinner you spent so much time planning and curating! I would also recommend prioritizing relaxation in the week leading up to your wedding. Take moments for yourself to unwind and destress, ensuring you’re at your best for the big day.

Plan an activity to bring your wedding party together, especially if you’re having a destination wedding. In our case, we organized a boat trip to the islands, which provided a fun and bonding experience for everyone. It’s a great way to create lasting memories and strengthen the connections among your loved ones. Last but not least, consider a farewell brunch to express gratitude and bid farewell to your guests, especially for a destination wedding. It’s a thoughtful gesture that allows you to personally thank everyone, exchange stories, and leave a lasting impression.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / Amanpuri

Wedding Planner / The Wedding Bliss Thailand 

Photography / ProudRad

Videography / Leura Film

Bride’s Dress / Galvan, Ines Di Santo, Mira Zwillinger

Bride’s Shoes / Badgeley Mischka

Makeup / Tina Derkse

Stationery / The Wedding Bliss Thailand

Florist / IAMFLOWER

Catering / Amanpuri