Jovan and Hiung met and grew close later in their schooling, but it wasn’t long after meeting that they realized they had been living parallel lives all along. “We went to the same primary school, same high school, and even shared the same school bus without realizing it,” the couple says. The two officially started dating in November of 2005 without knowing that in 14 years (plus one day), they would be tying the knot surrounded by loved ones in Phuket, Thailand on one of the most blessed days of the 2019 Thai calendar.

“Being married to each other in the presence of our closest family and friends would mean far greater to us than the massive ceremony we would have had otherwise,” the couple says. So, Thailand it was, and they decided to make sure everything was in their own unique style. 

From the get-go, Jovan and Hiung knew they wanted to marry in a location with vast, awe-inspiring views and an opportunity to capture sunset beach photos. They’d also had a date in mind for the wedding (the day after their 14th dating anniversary), and they were not willing to budge. Taking all of this into consideration, Phuket was the best fit. 

Wedding Boutique Phuket provided the couple’s planner who saved the couple a lot of time and eased their stress. “I am not going to say that it was all easy, but having a wedding planner whose views and aesthetics align to your hopes and visions does make it so much easier,” Hiung says.

The ceremony was held on the west side of Phuket just off a private beach that faced the Andaman sea. Opting for a circular seating arrangement, the couple wanted to ensure everyone was able to have a better view and felt included.

Nearby, the reception consisted of a clear marquee tent decorated with fairy lights, chandeliers, fabric draping and hanging flowers to mimic the flower markets the couple visited on a trip to the Netherlands. To finish the night off, the couple arranged a surprise for guests: a Fire Dance! “Needless to say, everyone was mesmerized and thoroughly enjoyed the show,” the bride says.

All-in-all, Jovan and Hiung’s Thailand wedding fit them to a tee, which Hiung credits to conducting thorough research and not being afraid to ask for help. “Don’t ever feel like you need to do everything by yourself,” she says. “Involve your family and your friends as the majority of the time you will find that many are more than willing to help.” 

Vendors: Photographer: Ken Tan Photo; Planner: Wedding Boutique Phuket; Ceremony/Reception Site: The Naka Phuket; Florist: Flower and Wedding Studio Phuket; Stationery: Wedding Boutique Phuket & LeighLouiseCreative; Gown Designer: Milla Nova & Morilee; Groom’s Clothing Designer: French Connection; Bridesmaids Clothing Designers: Sorella Vita, Lace & Beads and Anna Field; Veil: Britten Weddings; Videographer: Tichakorn Cinematography; Custom Vow Books: Jackie Chen Design; Custom Wedding Guest Book: Please + Thanks; Hair & Makeup: Lisa Allen; Wedding Cake: Passion Restaurant & Bakery; Entertainment: Plug N Play & Alex Grieg; Rentals: Charlie Lighting; Wedding Favor Cookies: My Sugar Bakes