In this day and age, it’s rare to hear the term “high school sweethearts,” but for Catherine and Raymond, meeting at a high school dance some 11 years ago would be the night fate brought them together. The fairytale continued on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand where the couple made their eternal love official.

As a professional wedding planner, Catherine had a leg-up on most brides, but she still used the help of her own wedding planners to make sure the event went off without a hitch. “I knew I could depend on the two planners we flew to Thailand with us, and they allowed a planner person, like me, to be worry-free and able to enjoy every single moment,” recalls the bride.

The couple selected Thailand for a few reasons. Catherine’s aunt, who was like a second mother to her, had passed away a few years earlier and had her ashes spread in front of the ocean in Thailand. It was important to the bride to be as close to her as possible. The bride also has a Thai background, while the groom had fallen in love with the food, people and country on previous visits. Thailand seemed the perfect choice.

With 75 guests in attendance, the couple was exceedingly generous and covered all their guests’ expenses except the flights. “These people have been a huge part of our lives and we couldn’t have imagined the weekend without them,” says Catherine.

The only major aspect the couple was apprehensive about was the weather: “We were nervous, but God truly watched over our wedding and made the sun shine beautifully,” says the bride.

The ceremony was a standout moment for the couple when they gave emotional speeches to their families. “My dashing groom could barely hold in his tears with just the thought of having to thank his parents for everything they have done for him throughout the past 28 years. He was absolutely humbled and grateful.”

Their reception was a combination of fun design details, amazing food, dancing, laughter, sky lanterns and fireworks. “It was even more magical than I could ever have imagined,” says Catherine. “The last thing I said was ‘Thank you for the #BestWeekendEver,’ the guests cheered, the lights all went out, the song ‘This Is The New Year’ played over the speakers and the first fireworks blasted into the air.”

We couldn’t agree more…it all sounds pretty darn magical.

Vendors: Photographer:  Christine Farah Photography, Wedding Planner: CCL Weddings & Events – Gloria Lee and Gloria Yi, Ceremony/Reception Site: Villa Riva, Florist: O.K. Flower Samui, Stationery: Lani Choi Designs, Gown Designer: Watters, Groom’s Clothing Designer: J. Crew, Hand Lettering: Skye Cho, Hair and Makeup: Jessica Tu & Susan Schroeter, Videography: Studio 205 Films, Catering: Toast Catering, Fireworks:  The Firework Shop, Favors: Krazy Straws, Custom Toiletry Products: Dermaesthetics Beverly Hills, Officiant: Sarah Chang Lao, Hotel Accommodations: The Sea Koh Samui

This article first appeared in Destination I Do’s Fall/Winter 2015 issue. You can order a copy here.