Stephen and Suyin met in 2019 and bonded over their love for travel and photography. 3 years later they got engaged on the rooftop of The Banyan Tree hotel surrounded by close friends and family.
Naturally they envisioned a destination wedding and having been to Bali on numerous occasions planned for one to take place there. Then, the pandemic hit and a wedding closer to home was considered a more pragmatic option. Not wanting to give up on their dream of a beach wedding, the couple zero-ed in on Langkawi. Stephen, a wedding photographer himself and Suyin both, having a keen eye for details chose St Regis Langkawi in particular because of the coconut trees dotted garden with its panoramic seascape views where they envisioned the perfect mise-en-scène for their wedding ceremony.
The day of the wedding started off beautifully, the couple spent most of the morning doing their shoot where they got to enjoy some quality time to slow down and savour the moment, sharing heartfelt words of affection during their first look. Stephen opted to go with beach-friendly attire, rocking a sand-coloured double breasted suit sans tie. For a wedding dress that evoked this romantic yet chic milieu, Suyin went to Brian Khoo for a custom embellished corset look.
As with all outdoor weddings, the weather will always be a cause of concern. “As I was getting ready, our planners assured me that the weather looked fine. By the time I was ready and stepped outdoors, dark clouds were looming overhead. We took a ride in the buggy car and as I got out of it, drops of rain began to fall and so the ceremony had to be shortened.” recall the bride. “In hindsight, the rain proved to be a good distraction to me. Being an emotional person, I was afraid that given the chance, I would have been a sobbing mess.” Suyin recollects. After the ceremony, the reception, initial planned to be held by the beach was moved to the hotel ballroom which was put together to the nines at the shortest notice by Pretty Little Things and hotel staff.
Stephen and Suyin are big on food and drinks, especially cocktails! Having a smaller guest list meant they could go all out to spoil their guests. “We had approximately 70 guests and wanted to make sure that everyone got to mingle and enjoy themselves,” they shared. When it came to the cocktails, they looked to their favourite bar in KL for inspiration. Cocktails served were designed and personalised and the menu included the couple’s favourite drink – the butterfly pea flower pandas cocktail, secretly dubbed Mrs Yau.
Towards the end of our ceremony, the rain stopped and the after-party adjourned outdoors beneath fairy lights. The newlyweds were serenaded to a rendition of Fallen by Lauren Wood for their first dance. For the after-dinner festivities, DJ – got everyone grooving the night away.
“While it wasn’t what we expected, in all honesty, I wouldn’t have changed anything. Looking back, the rushed ceremony made for a memorable event and a good story to tell. Overall, we really enjoyed ourselves and I believe the calm, assurance and support that our vendors brought made all the difference. They were amazing.” Suyin says.
Vendor Credit:
Venue: St Regis, Langkawi
Photographer: MunKeat Photography
Videographer: The Subtle Film
Coordinator: Pretty Little Things
Florist: Darling Florist Langkawi
Bridal Gown: Brian Khoo
Bridal Shoes: Steve Madden
Engagement Ring: Dehres, Hong Kong
Wedding Band: lnrstories
Groom’s Suit: Jeremy Tok Tailor
Groom’s Shoes: Loake 1880
Groomsmen Attire: 19th stitch
Stationary and Invitation: Designed and printed by the bride
Band: David Soh & Crew
Bartender: Three X Co, KL
Wedding Cake: St Regis Langkawi