John & Amy: Beachside Romance in Koh Samui

In March 2024, we arrived in New Delhi. I knew this was the perfect time to buy an engagement ring, so I slipped out of our hotel while Amy was at the spa and headed to Connaught Place in search of an Indian diamond. Once I secured the ring, it burned a hole in my pocket for ten anxious days as I tried to figure out the perfect proposal spot during our group trip across India. Eventually, our group reached Pushkar, Rajasthan, known for its vibrant markets and serene lake, a pilgrimage site for Indian Hindus. Before sunrise, we made our way to the lakeside. I had planned everything the night before with our tour guide, who pointed out a beautiful old temple on the riverbank, perfectly facing the sunrise over the mountains.

Finally, with birdsong in the background and the sun rising, I got down on one knee and asked Amy to marry me. She said yes, making that moment unforgettable.

For our wedding, we chose Odyssey Mansion Samui, a stunning island venue that balanced Western comforts with the natural beauty we envisioned as our backdrop. Finding Odyssey felt serendipitous as we needed a venue that could be ready in six weeks when family could attend, and it exceeded our expectations. The talented team at Lotus and Lace, along with our planner Alexa, simplified the styling process. We aimed for simplicity with vibrant Thai colors as a nod to the beautiful country hosting our celebration.

Given our beach setting, the traditional practice of staying in separate rooms didn’t make sense. The night before, I left my wedding attire in my best man’s room and vacated our shared space at dawn. My brilliant brother and best man helped calm my nerves with music and a small toast of whiskey before we got dressed.

Choosing my gown at Peter Choo bridal shop in Bangkok was nerve-wracking, especially waiting for last-minute alterations. Thankfully, the lace gown, complete with elegant sleeves and a semi-backless design, fit perfectly before our flight to Koh Samui.

Our cake, created by a local baker on Koh Samui, was a simple yet elegant lemon cake adorned with fresh local flowers instead of ornate decorations. The floral arrangements featured a stunning driftwood wedding arch adorned with white tropical flowers. For our evening celebration, we opted for vibrant table arrangements bursting with orange, red, pink, and yellow, which beautifully contrasted the white wedding ceremony and enhanced the festive atmosphere.