The Background…
Patrick and Anh lived less than a mile from one another in Smyrna, Georgia and never knew it until they met in high school. Pat attended Emory University and works as a business application analyst at Jones Lang LaSalle. Anh attended Georgia State and works at Eminence Salon in Atlanta.
The Meeting…
As a junior in High School, Anh served as a teacher’s assistant in Pat’s freshman class. “She always claimed to see me as a small nerdy boy with a big back pack,” Pat laughs. The pair maintained a close friendship for many years before they started dating. “She always had a secret crush on me,” Pat says.
The Proposal…
Pat planned a trip for the couple to Elizabeth Point Lodge, a bed and breakfast on Amelia Island. He went so far as to book the honeymoon suite; yet, Anh was still unaware of the impending engagement. On the night of the super moon, Pat invited Anh for a walk on the beach. “I was cold and tired and didn’t want to go,” she says. “He kept insisting and was a little pushy about it.” To help coerce his soon-to-be fiancé, Pat called the front desk for an extra blanket and a lantern. Anh says, “That was when I knew. I was a nervous wreck! I actually said “yes” before he asked me.” The couple spent the rest of the night on their balcony excitedly discussing their upcoming wedding and marriage.
Wedding Destination…
Early on, Pat and Anh agreed on a destination wedding for 60 guests. After weeks of research, they chose Dreams Cancun for their celebration. “We wanted a kid-friendly resort that had clear water, great views and wasn’t too expensive,” Anh says. Pat agrees, “Dreams was the best because it’s located on the tip of the peninsula with beaches on all sides. The resort is modern and has kid activities to keep everyone occupied.”
And the Bride wore…
Anh wore a Melissa Sweet strapless fit to flare wedding gown. The gorgeous silhouette features a sweetheart neckline with fabric petals adorning the skirt. “I chose it because I loved the feminine style and the petals. I felt like a princess!” Ahn says.
The Groom sported…
Pat chose a gray Armani custom-tailored suit with Burberry accessories and Hugo Boss shoes. “We chose light gray because we wanted a sophisticated look that wasn’t as traditional and formal as black,” Pat says.
The Feast…
reception featured a plated dinner of steak and lobster, grilled sea scallops and seafood chowder along with hors d’oeuvres of salmon, ceviche, beef kebob and tempura shrimp satay. For dessert, the party enjoyed Bella Alaska, cake stuffed with ice cream and tropical fresh fruits.
Unique Destination Wedding features…
Anh and her grandmother handmade 60 chair skirts for the reception, which the couple transported from the states. The duo also brought mock crystal chandelier centerpieces for each table.
The Honeymoon…
Pat and Anh extended their wedding celebration at Dreams Cancun a few extra days and have an official honeymoon to Paris planned for this spring.
Advice from the heart: a parting word from the bride…
“Keep it small and simple!” Anh says.