This fun-loving couple embraced a sense of adventure for their magical island soirée.
Avid travellers, Hannah and Alan knew they wanted to experience their wedding in a new place. After falling for the idea of palm-fringed beaches, tropical weather, and rainforest-clad mountains, they chose the gorgeous island of Koh Samui, Thailand for their holiday-style celebration.
Kya Beach House was their perfect venue: a beachfront villa that served as ceremony site, dinner location, and party base all in one! The couple enjoyed an intimate ceremony in the sandy garden of the villa – complete with adorable bowties and suspenders for the boys and flirty floral dresses for the girls – surrounded by their nearest and dearest. Hannah was every bit the beautiful beach bride, with the eye-catching embroidery of her sublime Rue de Seine gown echoing the ocean waves beyond.
Post-ceremony, our lovebirds took off via scooter into the palm forests with their photographer and videographer. “Alan drove, and I was on the back of the scooter,” says Hannah of this memorable experience. “We just felt so free and happy riding around Koh Samui.”
After their photoshoot, the party really got started. “Our dinner area was lit up with festoon lighting and candles, and we had a sharing-style menu which was all local Thai food,” says Hannah. It was this ability to dive into the culture of a new place and keep the island vibes flowing that gave their guests an incredible time, too. “It felt like one big holiday with our closest friends and family,” Hannah says. “Everyone just seemed so happy and carefree. That’s what a holiday and a bit of sunshine does to people.”
And after the sun went down? Well, after his groomsmen tossed him in the pool, Alan made it his mission to toss everyone else in there too. Ever the gentleman, he saved his bride for last, even allowing a quick costume change before they jumped in together! The newlyweds and their guests then danced the night away to local band Baby Funk, capping off a truly glorious day.
While Hannah admits they had some initial concerns about virtual wedding planning, the couple put their trust in careful research, trusted sources, and a final leap of faith. “It all paid off,” she says. “We had our dream wedding in the most perfect venue … sometimes you just have to trust it’s all going to work out!”
And her advice for other travel ready couples? “Do it! It was worth every single penny we spent,” she says. “Keep guest numbers small if you can. It feels more intimate, and you spend less time worrying about trying to talk to everybody. It’s your wedding — you should be out dancing and having fun!”
The Details:
Ceremony & Reception: Kya Beach House, Koh Samui, Thailand // Wedding planner: Azure Weddings // Photography: Sarah Christensen // Videography: Joyride Weddings // Dress: Adara Gown by Rue de Seine // Honeymoon: Koh Samui, Phuket, Queenstown, NZ
