This couple loved their wedding location so much, they returned for their first anniversary.
“This is a Hollywood movie-star kind of wedding!” was just one of many compliments Pearl and Andrew received at their stunning seaside nuptials, hosted at Vietnam’s InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort. Little wonder they made a return trip for a romantic anniversary stay!
But let’s rewind to the moment the couple first laid eyes on their future happy place. “We travelled to Danang in March 2019 and had an opportunity to visit the InterContinental Danang for lunch,” says Pearl. “We were stunned at how beautiful this Bill Bensley-designed resort was and loved the privacy and exclusiveness of the location. In our hearts we knew we’d return but were unsure when!”
That ‘when’ soon revealed itself when the Australian-based couple started planning their wedding. They were drawn to Vietnam, where Pearl was born, and knew this would be their “special place” to host family and friends flying in from Australia and the USA. “Our guests were all really excited to join in a beautiful part of central Vietnam,” says Pearl. “They all loved that they got to have a holiday and were very relaxed before and after the wedding too.”
Surrounded by a showstopping floral display, the beachfront ceremony held several emotional highlights for the groom. “When Pearl stepped out, I started to cry,” he says of seeing his love in her breathtaking Mariana Hardwick gown. “And we had a singer perform our favourite song, Can’t Help Falling in Love” (Elvis) during the walk down the aisle.” A sweet tear-jerker if we ever heard one!
Celebrations made the most of the exquisite setting. “We chose four stunning locations around the resort,” Pearl explains. “We had the ceremony on the private beach, followed by cocktails, then dinner and dancing in the garden, and an after-party at the resort’s M Club.” The couple enjoyed a decadent five-course dinner menu, singling out the Green Asparagus Soup with Crab meat Cappalleti as a personal favourite.
When reflecting on planning a holiday wedding (rather than a ‘traditional’ wedding), Pearl says local expertise was key. “I could not have had such an amazing wedding if it wasn’t for the resort team who executed my dream to perfection,” she says. “It can be challenging to organise the perfect wedding, especially in a different country — and being a business owner, my time was very limited. It was great to have a strong team on the ground that only wanted the absolute best for me.”
This well-organised bride also has a few extra tips, especially for those combining a wedding with other commitments. “If possible, allow at least one year for preparations,” she says. “If you have a vision, create a mood board to share with your team. You need to be confident your vendors are on the same page. I researched online then followed up with online meetings, created an Excel spreadsheet to record important details, and went through the checklist each month until the wedding day. This kept me on track. And finally, take time to look after your mental and emotional health before travelling overseas.”
After the joyful excitement of their wedding, the newlyweds recharged with two days at the InterContinental Danang before an official honeymoon travelling around Vietnam. One year later, they were welcomed back to the resort, taking up residence in exactly the same villa. And here’s a special touch. When Pearl and Andrew’s morning cappuccinos arrived, they were topped with an image from the couple’s wedding in the foam. Awww!
Guests: 60 // Location: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort, Vietnam // Photography: KT Marry // Wedding planner: Pearl and onsite resort // Gown: Mariana Hardwick
