Joe and Brie met in high school, 14 years before they tied the knot in beautiful Thailand! Brie shared with us lots of insights into their very personal big day. “The wedding day was out of a dream for us. I travel to Thailand every few years. Learning the traditions of my father and his family. I knew at a young age that I wanted to incorporate parts of my culture in my wedding. Joseph’s family is originally from Vietnam. They moved to Kansas City shortly after the war. When we discussed possible locations we both agreed Thailand for the wedding and then Honeymoon in Vietnam so we could have aspects of both of our families.”
“Planning was an easier thing for me because I had travelled to Thailand the year before with my family and a close friend. We traveled to the island of Koh Samui and I knew instantly this place would be perfect for the wedding. Since we were there I spoke to a few wedding planners just to get information and tour the local beaches for possible locations. I found the wedding planning group that I knew would be able to execute on the big day and make sure it was everything he and I would want it to be.”
“The flowers were Orchids and flown in the day of the wedding and prepared by our wedding planners starting at 6am.”
“The ceremony included a sand ceremony which was a symbol of the joining of our families. We also had western vows so that we could modernize the day. After the ceremony ended we celebrated with a glass of champagne.”
“Our friends and family were given flower petals in leaf wrapped cones to shower us with as we went down the aisle.”
“Make sure your wedding incorporates who you and your groom are. It meant a lot to have family and friends there taking part in our families culture and history.”
“Our guests’ placements were little elephants. We thought it was a nice piece to include because elephants are big in both of our ancestors countries.”
“We had to have Thai Dancing of course. Joe and his brother David even did a dance into the venue with the music and dancers. We did the traditional Thai dance with long sticks which is a symbol of the types of combat typical in Thailand.”
“The food was also prepared bbq style which is a local tradition.”
“We also did the traditional wish lanterns with our guests. It represents our dreams and wishes for a prosperous marriage. We also included Thai music while guests enjoyed food like Thai curry to local fish from the area like squid and crabs.
From the Wish Lanterns to the Thai dancing it was just as I had imagined. We were able to have family members from both Thailand and Vietnam attend and share in our special day which was an incredible thing for both of us. It also touched us that our friends and family from all over the world attended the big event. From Australia, Singapore, Scotland, and of course the US, our friends and family traveled across the world to celebrate with us. I couldn’t have imagined it without them. They were able to take in where our families were from and enjoy the food and customs of our culture.”
Congratulations to the newlyweds!
Destination Wedding Photographer: Khun Weerayut (Dtoa)
Wedding Vendors: Caterer + Wedding Location + Flowers + Cake: Faraway Weddings, Best Man/Groom Suit: Banana Republic, Bridesmaid Dress: Monique Lhuillier, Hair Clip & Bracelet: Elizabeth Bower, Bridal Shoes: Via Spiga, Wedding Dress Designer: Ivy & Astor
