3 cultures in 1 for Iphin & Sanjay’s beautiful Thai wedding, with Liam Collard Photography

Published by Claire Gould on

Today’s destination wedding is like a dream – or perhaps, three dreams in one! Iphin and Sanjay look incredible, the love around them is tangible, and the images are out of this world. Combining Thai, Chinese and Hindu elements made their wedding truly unique and a beauty to behold. There’s craftsmanship, joy and colour in this wedding, which has a relaxed vibe and details to fall head over heels in love with. Scroll slowly, enjoy the moments and then head over to our insta @englishweddingblog for more from our favourites.

Wedding photographer’s website

Liam & Stam – www.liamcollard.com

Wedding photographer review

We found Liam and Stam online and were immediately drawn to their wedding photography style. We wanted photos that felt natural and unposed, capturing the overall ambiance, setting, and the emotions of not just the bride and groom, but also our guests. For our original pre-COVID wedding plans, we envisioned two events: one in Huahin, Thailand, and another in London, where Sanjay and I live. It felt like serendipity when we discovered that Liam and Stam were based in both Thailand and the UK, making them the perfect choice for both celebrations.

When COVID hit, they were very understanding of the situation and willing to wait and see how things unfolded. In 2022, when we reached out again, they were incredibly accommodating, and we were relieved that they were still available. Fast forward to November 2023, and Liam and Stam made us feel so at ease throughout the wedding. Neither of us is used to being in the spotlight, but instead of feeling self-conscious, we were able to relax and enjoy the moments thanks to their calming presence.

Their connection with us went beyond just photography. They took the time to understand the significance of each cultural ceremony—whether it was the Hindu wedding, Chinese tea ceremony, or Thai water blessing—and this made the photos feel even more meaningful. They truly captured the spirit of each tradition, as well as those in-between moments, like the emotional exchange during the tea ceremony or the laughter shared with friends during the door games. Not only are they true professionals, but they also helped pace the day by coordinating with vendors to keep everything on schedule. When things got a bit hectic, they even whisked us away for some much-needed breaks, which we were so grateful for.

By the end of the wedding, we had complete trust in their ability to deliver stunning photos. Their dedication continued during the post-production process. Stam carefully curated the best photos for the album, but still made sure we were involved by asking for our input to ensure it captured our favorite memories. The results were incredible. When we saw the digital photos, we were blown away, and the hard-cover photo album was even more impressive. We love sharing it with anyone who visits. Since we opted not to have a videographer, these photos are even more precious to us, as they beautifully encapsulate the memories of our special day.

Your best wedding moment or memory

Our favorite memory has to be the finale to Saturday’s dinner. After a long day of traditional ceremonies, teary speeches, and champagne toasts, the night culminated in a moment that felt like pure magic. As we prepared to walk out from the dinner lawn, The Palayana’s beautifully landscaped path stretched out before us, leading from the beach to the hotel lobby.

Our guests—family and friends who had traveled from every corner of the world—lined the path, each holding a sparkler, their faces lit up with joy and love. As the opening notes of Banners’ ‘Someone to You’ played, Sanjay and I began our walk, hand in hand, up that sparkling pathway. It felt like time stood still. We took in every familiar face, overwhelmed with gratitude for each person who had come so far to be with us. Many of them we don’t get to see often, as life has scattered us across different cities and countries, yet here they were, united for us, in this beautiful place.

The air was filled with a mix of celebration and deep emotion, and we were flooded with the realisation of just how loved we are. Each step up the path felt like a reminder of the incredible support system we have, and how truly lucky we were to share this moment surrounded by the people who have shaped our lives. It was a moment of pure joy and gratitude—a feeling we will cherish forever.

Tell us anything you did differently – we love hearing about NEW traditions (or none at all!)

Our wedding was different in so many ways! We had the challenge — and joy — of blending three distinct cultures into a single celebration, so our guests essentially got a 3-in-1 experience.

With an Indian, Chinese, and Thai background between us, we aimed to honor each culture while keeping the day manageable. For instance, our Hindu wedding was much more concise than the traditional multi-day affair.

We were a bit apprehensive about this part since the rituals can often feel long and drawn out, but our Bangkok-based priest, Pandit Lalit, made it light-hearted and engaging, which turned it into a really fun experience.

Both families were also very involved in the Chinese and Thai ceremonies, which added to the sense of connection and unity. It was incredibly special to see everyone learning about each other’s cultures—many for the first time.

Our wedding didn’t just celebrate our love; it also became a celebration of the blending of our traditions, creating something truly unique and meaningful for all of us.

Venue name + review

We chose Hua Hin because it’s where Iphin’s parents live, offering a laid-back, chilled beach vibe compared to the more popular wedding destinations like Koh Samui or Phuket.

Iphin’s parents scouted several venues for us, and when we saw photos of The Palayana, we fell in love instantly. The lush landscaping, individual chalets, and charming Thai touches—like the Sala overlooking the beautiful pool—made it stand out.

When we arrived in Thailand for a tour and tasting in December 2019, it exceeded our expectations. The food was incredible. Shaun and his talented team are culinary magicians, blending innovative Indian and Thai flavors—perfect for our multicultural wedding. Our guests raved about the delicious cuisine throughout the celebration.

Sumeet, the owner, and his team were invaluable throughout the planning process. Despite hosting numerous weddings every year, they always made time for us and offered fantastic advice that helped shape our special day. We felt confident that our guests would be well taken care of, and they certainly were. From the service to the attention to detail, The Palayana made our wedding unforgettable.

Tell us a little about your outfits – both of you!

Where to start? We had quite a few outfit changes!

For the Hindu Ceremony: Sanjay wore a white embroidered kurta paired with gold trousers, embracing a traditional yet elegant look. Iphin wore a mint green lengha with pink accents, complete with a matching dupatta gifted by Sanjay’s grandmother. The outfit was complemented by gold jewelry, including necklaces and earrings gifted by Sanjay’s parents. The lengha and kurta were purchased in Brickfields, Bangsar, as a nod to our Malaysian roots.

For the Chinese Ceremony: Sanjay donned a traditional gold silk Chinese shirt and jacket that we found in Bangkok’s Chinatown (Yaowarat), perfectly suited for the occasion. Iphin wore her grandmother’s treasured silk bridal gown from the late 1950s, which was remarkably well-preserved. It needed only a few delicate repairs to the silk but no alterations. Wearing such a precious heirloom required extra care, especially since Iphin is known for being a bit accident-prone when it comes to clothing!


For the Thai Ceremony: Sanjay opted for a refined sand-colored linen-blend suit from Hawes & Curtis, giving a modern touch to the traditional setting. Iphin wore a beautiful ivory Thai dress with gold embellishments, custom-made by Alta Bridal at The Old Siam Plaza in Bangkok. The look was completed with a peacock brooch, a sentimental piece gifted by Iphin’s grandmother.


Dress or suit shop name + review

Rajwaada Royal Collections, Bangkok
Praveen Aunty and her team truly worked miracles for us! Due to a miscommunication, we realised just a week before the wedding that Iphin’s lengha wasn’t finished when she arrived in Bangkok. With no time to spare, we were in a mad rush to find a tailor who could complete the alterations in just 48 hours. Thankfully, we found Praveen Aunty, and the relief was palpable! Not only did her team expertly finish the lengha, but they also completed the blouse and added beautiful complementary adornments. Iphin’s sense of relief and gratitude at the end of it all cannot be understated; she was overjoyed with the final result, which truly captured her vision for the day.

Alta Bridal, Bangkok
Since Iphin lived in London, all her mom could provide Alta Bridal were some basic measurements. When we arrived for the fitting just a week before the wedding, we were holding our breath, hoping everything would fit. To our delight, it fit perfectly! The dress was absolutely breathtaking, with exquisite detailing that left us all in awe. Even Iphin’s dad, who isn’t one for compliments, was blown away and said Iphin should wear it every day! The craftsmanship and attention to detail from Alta Bridal made this dress not just fitting for the occasion but a cherished piece for years to come.

Stationery maker’s name + review

We didn’t have a separate stationery maker for our wedding, as Iphin designed all the cards herself. She created various pieces, including welcome cards and informational cards explaining each ceremony and its cultural significance. This approach allowed us to personalise our wedding materials while effectively communicating the different traditions to our guests.

Any crafty projects or homemade styling touches?

Iphin’s mum was the main florist for our wedding, and she took the phrase “keep it local” to a whole new level! Instead of using imported flowers, she decided to source decorations right from our community — because who needs a fancy florist when you have a pair of shears?

She spent weeks cruising around town, charmingly asking residents and shop owners if she could cut their bushes for cuttings. We like to think she became the neighborhood’s unofficial “flower thief!” A significant portion of the hand-arranged bouquets came from her own beloved garden, which made the arrangements not only beautiful but also deeply personal. Her hard work was no joke! She spent countless hours experimenting with different arrangements, creating a rough map of where to snip as the wedding date approached — because, let’s be real, those cuttings wouldn’t survive more than a few days in the tropical heat. In the late nights leading up to the wedding, she was busy preparing and arranging the bouquets, all while trying to keep them fresh in the sweltering weather. Her commitment to “keeping it local” turned out to be a labor of love that made our wedding uniquely special.

Wedding readings?

We didn’t have traditional readings at our wedding. Instead, our siblings and close friends took the stage to deliver some truly amazing speeches

First dance song? Playlist recommendations?

For our final dinner, we had the incredible jazz trio, Siam Live Music Band, who set the perfect mood for the evening.

In a classic case of “how did I let him talk me into this?” Sanjay managed to persuade Iphin to enter the dinner to the Star Wars theme song — talk about making an entrance!

After much bickering and negotiating (let’s just say there were some strong opinions on both sides), we finally settled on an acapella version of Ellie Goulding’s “Love Me Like You Do” for our first dance, beautifully delivered by the jazz band. But before we could take the plunge into our first dance, Sanjay’s guitar teacher cousin, Vishaal, surprised us with an impromptu performance of Green Day’s “Time of Your Life.” It was such a touching moment that it had us on the dance floor before we even got to our song.

As for playlist recommendations, if you want to keep the vibe lively, I’d suggest mixing in some jazz classics, heartfelt ballads, and a few cheeky surprises that reflect your personalities—like the Star Wars theme for the laughs!

Wedding planner name + review

Bliss Events – www.blisseventthailand.com

From the very beginning, Chat of Bliss Events impressed us with her dedication and professionalism. She made the long nine-hour drive from Koh Samui to Hua Hin in the early hours of the morning back in December 2019 to meet us at The Palayana for our tasting and tour. At that moment, we knew she was the right fit for us, and we were never disappointed.

Being remote, it must have been challenging for Chat and her team to coordinate with us due to the time difference and our work commitments. However, they ensured we stayed on track by prompting us to make decisions and advising us on the best course of action.

Sanjay and I were adamant that we didn’t want anything lavish; we desired a laid-back, authentic wedding that truly reflected who we are. This may not be the typical dream brief for most wedding planners, who often aim for extravagant settings, but it didn’t stop Chat and Wann from delivering something absolutely magical while staying within budget.

They also had an amazing network of vendors, including our band and makeup artist, which made the planning process seamless. Throughout the wedding, they were incredibly helpful, and we knew we could trust them with every detail.

Hair + makeup name + review

Phuri Makeup
We chose Phuri Makeup based on high recommendations from Chat of Bliss Events, and we were not disappointed. Due to our tight schedule, we didn’t have time for a bridal makeup trial, so the first time Khun Phuri saw Iphin was literally the morning of the wedding. With the Hindu ceremony starting at 7 AM, Iphin was up and ready for makeup by 4 AM. Phuri and his team made the long overnight drive from Bangkok just to be there for us.

When Iphin arrived at the makeup room, she was truly overwhelmed by the professional setup—a dining table full of makeup and lights everywhere. For someone who doesn’t usually wear makeup, Khun Phuri made her feel at ease right away. He prepared three different looks for the various ceremonies and seamlessly transitioned her hair and makeup from one look to another, ensuring they were distinct yet complementary to each outfit.

Despite the long day, the team maintained a high level of professionalism throughout. Friends and family were surprised to see Iphin, who typically has a very casual style. Khun Phuri accentuated her features beautifully, and the results were stunning both in person and in photographs.

 

 

portraits


Claire Gould

Claire spends her days writing - either in beautiful calligraphy or online. She lives on the edge of the English Lake District only minutes away from the beach, where she loves to escape and unwind. Claire's calligraphy can be found at www.byMoonandTide.com. Claire launched the English Wedding Blog in November 2009 - it's been a top 10 UK wedding blog ever since, with a regional focus we hope you LOVE.

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