Sarah and Mitch
CONRAD, KOH SAMUI, THAILAND
photos captured by: Ben Yew Photography
styling by: Flower Talk
Sarah and Mitch first met in Freemantle, Western Australia. “Our first date was a simple coffee on a Sunday afternoon. We had an instant connection and it felt like we’d known each other for years. Our second date was dinner that same evening! Mitch is my best friend and soul mate. I feel so lucky to have him in my life and I can’t wait to see what our future holds.”
THE SWEETEST QUESTION | “Mitch and I were on a cruise with his family when Mitch proposed.
It was Christmas Eve and we were enjoying a festive dinner. My dessert was placed in front of me in a heart shaped bowl. It was two petite cakes with the words, ‘Sarah will you marry me? Love Mitch’. I was so surprised and excited. I turned around and there was Mitch down on one knee. It was a beautiful moment and even more special to have shared it with family! Mitch had hand painted the bowl and brought it with him from Australia. It was such a romantic and thoughtful proposal!”
DESTINATION LOVE | “I have always wanted a small and intimate destination wedding. Mitch was supportive of this idea and we did a lot of research before finally settling on Koh Samui. Flights to Thailand are reasonably priced, it’s a destination not too far from home and it also offers many things to do. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Koh Samui with my mother-in-law Jappalin. She works in the wedding industry in Perth. Together we scouted the island for a wedding venue. I had shortlisted 6 resorts to visit over two days however it was the very first one called Conrad that took my breath away. We booked it there and then. The staff were so helpful throughout the entire planning process. Nothing was too much trouble and we organised the whole event via email from Australia!”
““For other brides-to-be planning a destination wedding, I recommend arriving at least three days beforehand to have some downtime and to relax.””
A hammock over the ocean made for some beautiful wedding portraits captured by Ben Yew Photography. “A Thai long boat was also brought in just for our photoshoot.” Sarah and Mitch joined their guests at the bar on the beach at sunset. “We enjoyed canapés and drinks. Some of our guests even took a moment to relax in the rows of hammocks suspended over the sand.”
FAMILY TRADITION | On the morning of the wedding Sarah dressed in a traditional cheongsam for the Chinese tea ceremony with Mitch’s family. “I arrived at their villa via a golf buggy that had been decorated with balloons! For this tradition tea is poured for your in-laws as a show of respect. It was a beautiful ceremony. I received pearl and diamond earrings in a teardrop shape as a symbol of welcome into the Manning family. Mitch was given a red ang pow meaning ‘red packet’ with money for good luck.”
The couple’s ceremony space was set on a glass stage over the resort’s infinity pool. The five islands and sprawling ocean made for a magical backdrop. “It was like a dream. I walked down the aisle to a rendition of Pachelbel’s Canon which suited the tranquil surrounds. I will never forget the look on Mitch’s face as I walked towards him. We also chose to write our own vows and I was overwhelmed with emotion when I heard what Mitch had written.”
THE SWEETNESS OF PASTELS | Pastel tones of pink, blue and lilac as well as cream and white came together to form the wedding colour palette. Pampas grass transported especially from Perth was added to the ceremony arrangements. Sarah’s bouquet featured anthuriums, phalaenopsis and mokara orchids as well as O’hara roses.
“One very special detail for me was a rose gold broach which was tied to my wedding bouquet. It had a picture of my mum who passed away 5 years prior to our wedding. This way I carried her memory with me.”
“I was very lucky to have the support of my mother-in-law Jappalin to assist in planning the wedding of our dreams. Jappalin was our planner, stylist and florist who worked tirelessly to create the most magical day. Jappalin’s creativity and style is second to none and we couldn’t have done it without her!”
DINE WITH ME | TThe wedding reception dinner was held outdoors. Sarah and Mitch dined with 43 of their closest friends and family. Custom-made white sequin tablecloths adorned the tables. “There was an abundance of candles and the styling featured gold accents. Gold cutlery, charger plates and tiffany chairs completed the look.”
“All the tables were on the deck facing the ocean. Above us fairy lights twinkled.” Behind the bridal table was a decorative arbour of white draped fabric and a chandelier. “The evening was colourful and magical. We organised fireworks as a surprise send off at the end of the night. It meant so much to us to see all our guests having a fabulous time.” Sarah and Mitch also hosted an after party for their friends in the resort’s library. “The library was converted into our very own nightclub with special lighting, DJ and a bar.”
CREDIT TO
gown: Theressa Designs, theressadesigns.com.au
veil: Denise McConnochie Veils, denisemcconnochieveilmaker.com
shoes: Anna Nucci, annanucci.com
photographer: Ben Yew Photography, benyew.com
wedding venue, caterer & cake: Conrad, conradhotels3.hilton.com
stylist & floral: FlowerTalk, flowertalk.net.au
stationery: The Tablescapers @thetablescapers
Whiteman Park Print Shop wpprint.com.au
groom: Parker & Co, parkerco.com.au
groomsmen: Wolf Kanat, wolfkanat.com.au
bridesmaids: Nora & Elle, noraandelle.com.au
rings: Sinclairs Jewellers, sinclairsjewellers.com.au
videographer: Orriss Films, orrissfilms.com
hair & make-up: Esta Hsu Makeup Artistry, estahsumakeup.com
additional suppliers: spkbakes Custom Cakery, @spkbakes
Bliss Events & Wedding blisseventthailand.com
