Rayavadee is a resort known for its unique positioning right on one of the most famous beaches in the world. This luxurious venue’s otherworldly grotto setting hosted high school sweethearts Heidi and Avadh’s wedding in Krabi, Thailand.

After traveling through Thailand, Heidi and Avadh fell in love with the culture, scenery and food the South Asian country had to offer. In fact, they adored the “Land of Smiles” so much that the couple opted to bring all their dear friends and family to the edge of the Andaman Sea to witness their vows.

Early on in the planning process, Heidi stumbled across Rayavadee online. Few other resorts seemed to compare to this one. So, the bride and Avadh jet set to Thailand, making sure what they witnessed on the web actually held up in real life.

“We visited the resort a year prior to the wedding to make sure we loved it in person as much as we did from the photos online,” Heidi explains. “We were able to meet with the resort’s wedding coordinator, Pin, and she took us through how it all worked and which venues at the resort were available for rehearsal/welcome dinners, the ceremony and the reception.”

Arguably, the most distinctive venue space on offer at Rayavadee is “The Grotto.” An ancient limestone cliff forms a rock overhanging right on Phranang Beach, creating a cave-like area where resort guests can dine and couples can say “I do.” Upon viewing the natural phenomena in real life, Avadh and Heidi had no doubts. They were getting married right there.

Moving forward with the planning process from thousands of miles away, the couple had to place their full trust in planner Pin Anong. With her knowledge and familiarity of the property and its surroundings, Heidi and Avadh had few worries.

As far as the decor was concerned, the couple took a hands-off approach, allowing Rayavadee’s signature boho vibe to rule the aesthetic of the day. Heidi had one request: for the bridesmaids to get paper parasols for a wedding day photo opp, “which made them feel extra special and elegant.”

On the road to their Thailand wedding, the couple did hit a few bumps, but nothing that couldn’t easily be tackled by the talented team of vendors on their side. For example, the bride had trouble finding a hair and makeup artist, but photographer Sheri McMahon gave her the best recommendation in Neil Donkin, as she had worked with him previously.

About a year after the couple’s initial visit to the Thailand property, the wedding day finally came around. Bridesmaids donned earth-toned satin gowns in chocolate brown, offering a grounding contrast to the light sand and white floral arrangements, while the groomsmen sported relaxed linen trousers with white shirts and suspenders for a coastal aesthetic.

The altar, draped in flowing white curtains, framed the couple on the beach and the view beyond of limestone karsts rising out of a turquoise sea. “The ceremony was short and sweet,” Heidi says, reminiscing on the moment she finally married her high school love.

Transitioning to the open-air reception, the sun dipped below the horizon as the party gathered under twinkling lights and a lush canopy of trees. Woven, oversized rattan pendant lanterns hung overhead. Tables were draped in crisp white linens paired with wooden director-style chairs.

At the end of it all, the couple says their best piece of advice for others is having a solid planner who is an expert in your destination.

Set between towering limestone cliffs and covered by dense jungle canopy, this destination celebration beautifully honored Heidi and Avadh’s awaited union.

Vendors: Photographer: Sheri McMahon Photography; Venue/Florist/Stationery/Cake: Rayavadee; Wedding Planner: Pin Anong from Rayavadee; Hair & Makeup: Neil Donkin; Grooms’ Clothing Designer: Suit Vault; Wedding Dress: Aston Bridal