A month spent travelling through Thailand inspired an unforgettable holiday wedding for London-based Lucy and Liam. “We were lucky enough to travel around Thailand in early 2020, and Koh Samui was our favourite island,” says Liam. “So, it was easy to choose Samui as the place to get married and create a week of precious memories with our loved ones.”
When it came to their guest list “we wanted something small and intimate,” explains Liam. “We worried about the stress of organising a big wedding and not being able to actually spend much time together enjoying the day.” With a ‘beach wedding’ on their priority list, the couple set out to find a boutique venue to host their 19 cherished guests in tropical Thai style. A few clicks later and they were smitten with the five-star Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui.
“We were blown away by the photos and the outstanding reviews from guests over the years,” says Liam. “We were instantly drawn in by comments about the incredible staff and private beach. By the time we enquired further, we were pretty much sold!” The clincher? “Another massive plus for us was the hotel’s Green Policy and the ethical values it follows.”
Everything aligned for the couple’s sun-drenched ceremony. With the whispering tide just steps away, vows were exchanged beneath an arbour of white blooms before a traditional Thai monk water blessing helped connect them with their chosen locale. The newlyweds and their guests then continued to enjoy the best of the toes-in-the-sand location with a lavish beach buffet.
“The sushi bar and barbeque (with fresh carved meats) were definitely favourites among our guests,” says Liam. “Our favourite memories are having our wedding breakfast under a full moon with all of our family and friends and then dancing the night away on the beachfront!” With a dazzling fire twirling display among other highlights, it sounds like the ultimate island soirée!
While the couple hadn’t visited Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui in person, they credit wedding planner Hiro with making the entire process feel effortless. “Hiro made all our fears and worries of planning an overseas wedding fall away with his amazing communication,” says the groom. “He constantly kept us updated, was super responsive, and he made so many helpful suggestions. No request was too big or too small!”
The hotel also helped the newlyweds share the love, as Liam explains. “Unfortunately, some of our immediate family was unable to travel but the hotel went out of their way to accommodate our live stream Zoom session back to the UK.”
Now back in England, the newlyweds have nothing but praise for their hotel dream team. “The staff are the most kind and genuine people,” says Liam. “They go out of their way every day to meet your every request and to ensure you are being cared for. We felt like part of the family when we were there.”
And they’re planning to return sooner rather than later. “The lovely thing about getting married at Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui is that we now have an excuse to return and visit this beautiful place many more times for anniversaries and other special occasions,” says Liam. “We can’t wait to go back!”
DREAM TEAM:
Photography: Anne Sophie Maestracci // Ceremony & reception venue: Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui // Planner: Hiro, Garrya Tongsai Bay Samui