I’ve been so excited to share Emma + Rico’s stunning Rayavadee wedding in Krabi, Thailand. Partly because I get to open this story with monkeys but also because I absolutely loved being part of this experience.
I could’ve never dreamt in a million years that my ‘work’ would take me to Thailand. I’ve always wanted to see the textured limestone cliffs, picturesque forests + idyllic beaches so when Emma + Rico asked Alline + I to photograph their wedding, we could barely believe our luck.I wanted to share a huge “thank you” to Emma + Rico for letting us ‘in’ by being yourselves + for giving us so much creative freedom throughout the whole process. You took me to a part of the world that I’ve wanted to visit for *so* long + I’m genuinely so grateful that you trusted Alline + I to document this awesome wedding. Emma + Rico had two ceremonies. The day started in the Grotto at Rayavadee, which is basically this stunning cave that overlooks Phra Nang beach. We quickly found ourselves in the middle of a Buddhist blessing conducted by actual, real-life monks. Emma + Rico exchanged gifts with them for chants of ancient blessings on their marriage as they exchanged “I-don’t-know-what’s-happening-but-this-is-awesome” looks at each other. We took a short break for some portraits throughout the jungle that is …Rayavadee. Any venue that can arrange private boats, the worlds fastest golf buggy’s + multiple sea-tractors as transport is a winner in my eyes but Rayavadee is also sprawling with beautiful scenery. Within the same glance, the landscape can vary from idyllic beaches + secluded jungle habitats to awe-inspiring cliff faces + caves. It’s pretty rare that I’m overwhelmed by the number of potential places to photograph portraits but I could’ve easily photographed Emma + Rico there for at least the next 50 years + not get bored.
Once the sun had chilled out a bit, we moved onto the main ceremony in a forest clearing. Emma + Rico’s friends + family had travelled from Australia + England respectively + everyone was 100% emotionally invested in them as a couple. There wasn’t a single person who wasn’t on the verge of tears. As you might know, I’m incapable of crying at weddings because I’m a cold-hearted bisch …but even my eyeballs were kind of sweating. After the ceremony, we strolled through the grounds of Rayavadee for some final portraits by the sea before joining the rest of Emma + Rico’s family for drinks as the sun set over Phra Nang beach. Heartfelt, yet hilarious speeches echoed around the cave before that sound was replaced with the sound of 00’s alternative punk rock until the early hours of the morning. I vaguely remember almost dancing off the edge of a small cliff before somehow regaining my balance off a light stand…which is why I bring light stands.
One final quick shout out to my partner in crime, Alline for coming along with me for this crazy ride. I absolutely love sharing these experiences with you. Thank you being such a calming influence + for being such an amazing second brain. If you haven’t already checked it out then you can go see Emma + Rico’s Railay Beach engagement session by hitting the link. There’s also a whole series of behind-the-scenes videos over on IGTV where you can watch Alline + I location scout, eat all the food + basically prance around like fools. So that exists, if that’s what you’re into.Venue: Rayavadee Resort, KrabiFirst dress: Top by Match Made Bridal and skirt by Martina Liana. Second dress: By Martina Liana from The Wedding House DerbyBridesmaid dresses: By Jasmine Bridal, from The Wedding House DerbyFlower girl dress: By Emma Bridals, from The Wedding House DerbyVeil: by Richard DesignsFlower crowns: By Jo Beth Floral DesignFlorals and styling by Rayavadee
Fun. Relaxed. Unposed.
