A Romantic Destination Wedding at Jivana Beach Villas in Phang Nga, Thailand

When families come together, no matter the distance

A wedding day is a celebration of two people choosing each other—but it’s also one of the special moments in life when families, cultures, and generations come together, in the same place, at the same time, to celebrate as one. And when your loved ones are scattered across the world, these gatherings become even rarer and more meaningful. 

With Zarah’s German heritage and Sam’s Indian background, and both currently living in Dubai, their love story already spans continents. Choosing Jivana Beach Villas in Phang Nga as the backdrop for their intimate destination wedding simply added the dreamiest tropical touch to this special chapter of their lives. 

It was genuinely such an honour to witness and document their day; the immense love and excitement surrounding them was palpable.

From Dubai to Thailand: Z & S’s Tropical Wedding in Phang Nga

Every detail—from the vibrant florals to the cultural performances—tied perfectly into their story, a day that was as much about their relationship as it was about their families and traditions.

Guest Arrival, Welcome Drinks & a Melodic Pre-Ceremony Surprise

Before I arrived, Zarah and Sam had shared a private, family-only Sikkimese Buddhist ceremony in the morning, honouring their blended cultural heritage. By the afternoon, guests began arriving at Jivana Beach Villas for welcome drinks and canapés, taking in the serene surroundings and the relaxed, tropical atmosphere.

Inviting just 38 of their closest friends and family, Zarah and Sam made their entrance in traditional Indian attire, personally welcoming each guest as they arrived.

As they mingled, Zarah surprised Sam with a pre-ceremony performance by a harpist—a soothing, melodic touch that perfectly set the tone for the day ahead.

Getting Ready for the Western Ceremony

Later in the afternoon, Zarah and Sam briefly parted ways to prepare for their Western-style ceremony in separate rooms.

Sam returned in a sharp tuxedo to join their guests for more drinks and photos, while guests left heartfelt messages and candid polaroids in the wedding guest book.

Meanwhile, Zarah enjoyed a quiet moment as she got ready in her boho-luxe Galia Lahav gown, paired with a delicate, trailing floral headpiece that perfectly complemented the ceremony’s elegant outdoor setting.

Intimate Wedding Ceremony at Villa Shanti, Jivani Beach Villas

Villa Shanti at Jivana Beach Villas overlooks Natai Beach, where calm waters and pristine white sands paint a serene setting. The team from IAMFLOWER created a stunning ceremony setup with an organic floral arch of trailing white blooms and greenery. Additional florals in bright orange and red hues added bold pops of colour against the lush green lawn and sparkling ocean views.

True to his fun personality, Sam made a memorable entrance, high-fiving and sashaying down the aisle, immediately bringing laughter and easing nerves. They chose not to do a first look, allowing Sam to see Zarah for the first time as she walked down the aisle, ever-so radiant in her gown and crowned with a delicate floral headpiece.

The ceremony was intimate and intentional, a perfect balance of calm, joy, and love, with their connection at the centre of the day.

Sunset Cocktail Hour & a Gollita Performance

After the ceremony, we captured group photos of Zarah and Sam with their friends and family—acknowledging the loved ones who had travelled from across the world to celebrate alongside them.

They then enjoyed a sunset cocktail hour with their guests, accompanied by a mesmerising Gollita show that delighted everyone, while the team finalised the reception details at Villa Ananda.

The outdoor reception dinner setup was nothing less than enchanting.

Long winding tables were adorned with lush arrangements of striking florals and flickering candles, creating a romantic, soft glow as the day turned into night. Above, floating crystal chandeliers added a touch of ethereal elegance, casting gentle light across the tables while forming a pathway.

Outdoor Wedding Reception at Villa Ananda, Jivani Beach Villas

As guests moved towards Villa Ananda for the reception, a live band set the mood with crowdpleasers. Zarah and Sam made their grand entrance halfway through a lively party song, immediately followed by a Bhangra dance group. Guests jumped to their feet, clapping and dancing along, before Sam invited Zarah to join in the middle of the performance. 

The energy in the air was electric, and personally, it was truly one of the most unforgettable highlights of the day.

Dinner was served in courses throughout the evening, accompanied by heartfelt speeches and toasts. Another Gollita show, this time featuring LED tricks, added a playful, hypnotic touch. 

Sam then surprised Zarah by performing a song on guitar—a deeply personal and emotional moment that had everyone smiling and teary-eyed.

Their first dance followed shortly after, and it was incredible, to say the least. You could tell how much time and practice they had put into it. 

After dessert, guests were invited onto the beach for the final Gollita fire-spinning show, a magical close to the night’s special performances.

The celebrations continued with cake-cutting and a champagne tower, before the afterparty kicked off, carrying the day’s joy and energy into the night.

A special shoutout to the amazing vendors who helped bring Z & S’s Phang Nga Wedding to Life

Venue: @elitehavens

Wedding Planner & Designer: @theweddingblissthailand

Wedding Photographer: @mamoristudio

Videography: @meryll_degordon

Florals: @iamflower.co

Live Band: @supergoods_bnd

Light & Sound: @phuketlighting

Catering: @suay_restaurant

Bar Catering: @bubbleblissbar

Performer: @gollitta

Planning a destination wedding in Phuket—or anywhere in the world—is such an exciting adventure, but it can feel tricky if you’re not sure where to start.

If you have a specific vision for your day and don’t want to rely solely on Google research or your chosen wedding venue’s recommendations, hiring a local wedding planner is an absolute game-changer. 

They know the area and the best vendors and can help bring your dream day to life seamlessly. This is the one piece of advice that almost all my couples have shared when planning a destination wedding. 

Learn more: Here’s a helpful blog with everything you need to know about Hiring a Wedding Planner for Your Destination Wedding.

My Personal Tips for Couples Planning a Phang Nga Wedding at Jivana Beach Villas

Having had the pleasure of shooting at Jivana Beach Villas a few times, I can confidently say it’s a gorgeous venue for those planning a destination wedding in Thailand. 

Located just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, it offers the flexibility of choosing two separate villas for different parts of your day. This setup keeps your day flowing, adds a sense of surprise, and allows the team to prepare the reception dinner in one villa while you and your guests enjoy the ceremony and cocktail hour in the other.

One key thing I’ve learned is that transitions between the villas need to be carefully timed, especially when guests move from one space to another. And as a Phuket-based wedding photographer, I have to mention that the natural light at Jivana is incredible, particularly during sunset, so I always recommend planning key portrait moments around golden hour if possible. Because it’s an outdoor tropical setting, the light shifts quickly, and having a well-structured timeline makes a huge difference in capturing everything beautifully and without stress.

I also suggest building in a little extra coverage time rather than squeezing everything into a tight schedule. There are so many gorgeous spots around the villas, and having that extra breathing room allows us to explore different locations and take our time with both individual and couple portraits. 

Hosting events with up to 150 guests, you can learn more about weddings at Jivana Beach Villas here. 

Want more venue ideas? Check out these 8 stunning destination wedding venues in Phuket, Thailand!

Memories to Come Home To, Again and Again

Having called Phuket home for the past five years, photographing destination weddings like Zarah and Sam’s never fails to touch me. It reminds me of my own family and friends back in Croatia, and how, no matter the distance, love has a way of bringing everyone together.

Long after the day has passed, photographs often become the enduring keepers of those moments—the people who showed up, the small and big gestures, and all the beautiful emotions that might otherwise fade with time. They hold space for the memories we return to, again and again, as life moves forward. 

Needless to say, I would be deeply honoured to document your wedding or elopement, wherever in the world your love takes you. Whether you’re celebrating in Phuket, elsewhere in Thailand, Europe, or somewhere else entirely, my approach remains the same: to preserve your day with intention, honesty, and editorial elegance. 

Please explore my wedding photography packages or get in touch, I’d love to hear all about your vision and celebrate by your side.