Real Wedding: Nicholas + Rian, Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, Koh Samui

A heartfelt tribute, a private clifftop setting, and four days of sun-soaked celebration – this unforgettable Thailand wedding was filled with love and meaning.

From the moment Nicholas and Rian arrived at Silavadee Pool Spa Resort on Koh Samui, they knew they’d found the perfect place to say ‘I do’. With 68 guests by their side, the couple celebrated in true destination style—poolside catch-ups, shared meals, and a night sky lit by fireworks in honour of Nicholas’s late brother.

Set on a secluded clifftop surrounded by lush tropical greenery and limestone boulders, Silavadee offered the kind of privacy and beauty the couple had been searching for. “A stunning natural holiday destination and not too far from Australia,” says Nicholas. And with everyone staying in one place, the atmosphere quickly became one of connection and ease. “Most of our guests stayed at the same place, so we spent our days eating together, chilling by the pool, and celebrating—turning the whole experience into one long, joyful celebration.”

The wedding itself was filled with standout details and joyful surprises—from a decadent white chocolate raspberry and lemon curd swirl wedding cake to the spirited Greek dancing that brought everyone to their feet. “We loved how the staff joined in and celebrated with us during the Greek dancing at the end of the night,” Nicholas shares.

Planning from afar brought the usual complexities, but the couple tackled it with structure and trust. “One of the biggest challenges we faced was coordinating everything from overseas,” says Nicholas. “But we overcame it through clear communication, trusting our vendors, and staying organised with shared checklists and regular calls.” Their planner also offered one tip that proved invaluable: “The best piece of advice our wedding planner gave us was to use a detailed checklist, which helped us visualise the timeline and stay on top of every part of the planning process.”

Rian was hands-on with the styling, creating visual mock-ups and design references to ensure their vision translated clearly. “I was very particular about how I wanted everything to look,” says Rian. “So I used lots of pictures and mock-up designs to communicate my vision. The language barrier was something we considered, so having clear visuals really helped with styling and setting up the wedding design.”

As the sun set on their celebration, the most meaningful moment unfolded—fireworks bursting above in tribute to Nicholas’s late brother, Ashton. “It was such a meaningful moment,” says Nicholas. “Seeing everyone’s faces light up while remembering him made it even more memorable.”

Guests left with full hearts and glowing reviews. “Many people mentioned how kind and respectful the staff were—they never said no to any request. They truly went above and beyond,” Nicholas shares. “Everyone also loved the personal details we added, along with all the extra bells and whistles, which made the whole experience feel like incredible value for money.”

After the festivities, Nicholas and Rian extended their stay on the island with a few days in a private villa. “It was so special to have our own space to relax, unwind, and reflect on how incredible the whole wedding weekend was,” says Nicholas. Their official honeymoon? A once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Antarctica.

And their advice to other couples planning a destination wedding? “Trust your gut and make quick decisions—there’s no need to constantly second-guess yourself,” says Rian.