An International Love Story Accented With Pampas Grass at Trisara in Phuket, Thailand
The concept of fate is deeply ingrained in Greek Mythology. Even in our modern times, there is something so mystical and magical about the country, especially regarding love connections. Elly Kappatos and Kais Khoury's love story began with an unexpected, clandestine encounter off the coast of Greece. "The universe had something special in store for us," Elly reminisces. They locked eyes on a boat near Cyprus: a chance meeting that defied the odds. "Neither of us was meant to be there that day!" she adds. Their connection blossomed into a relationship that spanned countries (between New Zealand and Jordan) and, eventually, crescendoed into an engagement. "Our adventure continued when Kais proposed underwater during a scuba dive in the Red Sea," the bride explains. "It was my first dive, actually.... and I was close to drowning, but said yes!"
The pair envisioned an elegant wedding with a breathtaking vista. They knew they had found the perfect location when they discovered the beautiful private villa at Trisara, Phuket. "We wanted an elegant wedding in neutral tones with pampas grass, filled with white dried flowers and golden vintage decor," explains Elly. "Overall, our theme was simple: pampas, pampas and more pampas!" As the planning unfolded, the couple focused on personalizing their big day. "Everything about our wedding was personal," she says. "Our planner custom designed everything we had dreamed." As a cherry on top, knowing their closest family and friends were joining them in such a spectacular location added a layer of significance to their celebration. "It was incredibly special."
Fashion played a crucial role in making the day uniquely theirs. "Everything was custom-made for us," the bride details. "This is the one day where it truly matters to have everything exactly as we envisaged." Her gown—by Cypriot designer Anice—featured a flowing A-line silhouette with a champagne-toned underlay, complemented by her red, special-edition Christian Dior shoes and a Grecian tiara wreath (handmade in Jordan) celebrating her heritage. Kais looked dashing in a sage suit with personalized, printed lining with unique wolf-shaped cuffs, while his best man's light-toned formalwear sported his favorite comics in the lining. Elly's maid of honor donned a silk cocktail dress by Lorna Jane with a rose gold necklace to complete her elegant look.
Prior to their wedding day, Elly and Kais hosted a welcome cocktail party at their venue. "Our wedding really started the day before with a sunset cocktail party on the Trisara deck... Thai beach crabs and all!" she exclaims.
On the sunny morning of the wedding, Elly relished in her peaceful, getting-ready process. "One of my favorite parts was the morning spent with my best friend from childhood and maid of honor as we drank Champagne and got ready." Guests gathered at the private villa, eagerly anticipating the ceremony. Gold chairs with plush white cushions sat on either side of the lantern-lined aisle, leading to a raised stage altar overlooking the ocean.
Kais awaited his beloved against the breathtaking backdrop of ample pampas grass. "Our planner designed a full pampas-ground growing arrangement on a round pool platform for our ceremony because the symbol of a circle is the most powerful way of portraying infinity," notes the bride. "This is why we have wedding rings, no?" Elly carried a bridal bouquet of dried lunaria and gypsophila down the aisle. "It was exactly how I imagined florals in a garden fairytale," she describes. Their first kiss as husband and wife stands out as the most memorable aspect of the entire day.
Following the ceremony, the couple and their guests enjoyed a refreshing cocktail hour that seamlessly transitioned into a lively reception. "Our pampas grass aesthetic continued along the cocktail and reception dinner, with a mix of modern details such as geometric lanterns, acrylic signs and place cards and vintage decors like the antique candle sticks," recounts Elly. "We also had the most dramatic golden chandeliers over our dining table!" Champagne flowed as attendees mingled and munched, staying cool between bites with sophisticated wicker fans provided by the newlyweds. The festivities extended well into the night under swaying palm trees and a star-lit sky.
Elly and Kais advise brides and grooms to slow down and enjoy the process. "It is so easy to get caught up with thousands of inspiration boards and Instagram pages... everything becomes overwhelming, so trust in the process and make decisions based on what makes your heart sing!" Elly adds, "seeing the scene as I arrived at the top of the stairs felt like an absolute dream, and I get butterflies each time I look at photos and relive the moment." She reminds couples to "take in every moment and toast with Champagne!"