Eunice & Ryan — A White and Dusty Blue Wedding at Villa Aquila

Eunice and Ryan's wedding at Villa Aquila on 1 March 2020 was defined by meticulous planning, collaborative problem-solving and a resilient navigation of the unexpected challenges brought on by the earliest weeks of the pandemic. Over many months of work with Paul and Toom, they shaped a white and dusty blue evening around a pool-platform ceremony, a chef-led dinner and a firework close.

Initial planning and collaboration

The wedding planning began well in advance, with Eunice and Ryan working closely with Paul and Toom to shape their vision. The couple had a very clear aesthetic in mind — a white and dusty blue palette. Over the months leading up to the date we moved through detailed planning sessions, covering everything from the floral arrangements (including a specific request for a circular gold archway with airy floral designs) to more complex logistics: the seating chart, the menu selections and the table decor. A comprehensive wedding spreadsheet and itinerary carried the plan forward, refined at every step so the evening could unfold cleanly.

A Chinese tea ceremony to open the day

Before the Western ceremony, Eunice and Ryan held a traditional Chinese tea ceremony at the villa — a private morning moment with their parents, framed by the double-happiness character and Eunice in a red lace qipao. It set the tone for a day that carried both families' traditions with equal care.

Getting into the dress

The dress went on in the late morning — a fitted lace gown with an off-the-shoulder detail, finished with a hair-piece and delicate embroidered bridal shoes. Small, quiet acts among the bridesmaids in the villa suite.

Navigating the challenges

As the wedding date approached in early 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic introduced real uncertainty. The couple was deeply concerned about travel restrictions — particularly for guests travelling from China and Hong Kong — and about the health risks for family members. We stayed in constant contact, providing reassurances, updates on the situation in Phuket and clear communication on vendor and villa policies. Through transparent, frequent conversations the couple ultimately made the difficult decision to proceed, adjusting the guest count and menu logistics to fit the changing circumstances.

The ceremony on the pool platform

The ceremony itself was held on a platform set over the villa's infinity pool — the water mirroring the circular gold arch dressed in white blooms and pampas. Paul stood between them to officiate; the sea filled the frame behind.

Sunset on the rocks

Between the ceremony and the reception we walked Eunice and Ryan down to the water for a short sunset portrait session — the villa sits above its own private cove, and the light held long enough for a handful of frames on the rocks.

Refining the details

Despite the external pressures, the couple kept focus on the finer details of their perfect evening. The schedule was refined around the ceremony, a sparkler entrance, speeches and a 'shoe game' during dinner. Chef Daniel adapted the catering for a more intimate group, moving to a sophisticated 'combo' style plated main course. Eunice and Ryan brought their own personal touches — custom signage, photo frames and a neon sign for the frangipani tree — which we helped assemble and set on the evening.

Finalising the experience

After the celebration we facilitated the administrative wash-up, including the final balance payments — navigating some complications around international transfers as the global lockdown took hold. The journey concluded with the successful delivery of the wedding photographs in early April 2020, followed by the video highlights later that month. Throughout the experience the couple and the planning team held a professional, trusting and supportive partnership, and together brought their dream day to life during an exceptionally challenging time.