Afro-European Wedding With Tropical Bohemian Flair
Nabayet and Oskar’s Afro-European wedding celebration on a Thailand beach blended their four cultures in the most tropically fabulous way. Beachy bohemian design elements like a copper arch ceremony backdrop and silk chiffon draping for the chairs added an air of romance to the already adorable love story between Nabayet and Oskar. Always count on Wedding Boutique Phuket to create something jaw-dropping! Captured by Chang, this multicultural wedding day is replete with laughter, beauty and unforgettable moments. Read the full story of Nabayet and Oskar’s Afro-European wedding from the bride below!
From the bride: We were introduced through a mutual acquaintance who was an ex colleague of mine, and a then colleague of Oskar. We became friends who would meet and talk once in a long while, since Oskar worked and lived 800+ Kms from the capital of Ethiopia, where I lived. One fateful night in December 2016, I was showing Oskar around town when he came for a short trip to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where we went for a night out, and our fate was sealed with Rum and Coke, and a slice of lime!
It was love before we knew it. We had fallen in love with each other during those random ‘friendly’ conversations. We didn’t know there was a romantic attraction until we kissed for the first time and we lost consciousness for a split second ?(True story)
We knew we were going to end up together two months into the relationship and started talking about our wedding way before our official engagement. We decided to have our wedding in Phuket, Thailand, therefore, we took a trip to Phuket, where Oskar officially put the ring on it!
Phuket is also where we met our Destination Wedding Planner, Ilaire from WEDDING BOUTIQUE PHUKET. (A note from the Planner: Love before we knew it again! LOL)
We come from 4 different cultures. Oskar is Tanzanian- Swedish, and Nabayet Ethiopian-Eritrean. To have a bit of our traditions here and there was quite challenging but it all worked in the end. The music, the dresses, the dancing, the traditional meet and greet somehow incorporated all 4 cultures! It was amazing.
We included a tradition from Ethiopia where you greet and kiss the parents knees. It was so beautiful to watch my groom and mom, and the Photographer was able to captured it very well. So, having an African multicultural Wedding in Thailand, with an Italian Wedding Planner and a Swedish DJ turned out absolutely perfect!
We chose Phuket Marriot Resort and Spa, Nai Yang as our Wedding venue. We wanted to have the ceremony on the beach, at sunset. The theme was pastel peach with a glam touch of black and gold, designed by Wedding Boutique Phuket following our dreams.
Our Wedding Planner used a mix of tropical flowers and imported flowers to get a very natural bohemian chic effect. Look at my bouquet, it was huge! Full of Ruscus leaves, roses, amaryllis, tulips…
The Restaurant we chose was small, perfectly cozy for our small group. Wedding Boutique Phuket decorated the venue according to our theme. A curtain of fairy lights all around the table. Black and white stripped runners on the tables with pastel flowers centerpieces and… hundreds of romantic candles!
We had canapes and drinks served for an hour while we took portrait photos. And a sit-down meal/ buffet for dinner. It was a BBQ buffet with a live station for traditional Thai Pad Thai and Andaman Seafood grills.
Moreover, as we currently live in Rome, Italy, we went a bit Italian with our bonbonniere and had Confetti Bar with Italian typical Wedding candies in different flavors. Everybody really enjoyed this twist!
I decided to straighten my hair for that Day, just because I wanted it to look different from how I wear it every day, but now… I wish I wore my natural hair instead, as Ilaire tried to convince me until the very last moment. (She keeps saying she loves my curly hair!)
Last but not least… Advice to all Brides from a Bride – listen to your Wedding Planner! Haha
Oh how we’re loving the chic and moody aesthetic of Nabayet and Oskar’s Afro-European wedding on a glistening Thailand beach! If this style captivates your heart, you’ll want to see more tastefully glam wedding inspiration here next.
Wedding Vendors:
Wedding Stylist & Planner: Wedding Boutique Phuket
Photography: Chang
Videographer: Phuket Wedding Film
MUA: Phuket Duo Makeup
Florist: Oriental Flower Phuket
DJ: Endoo
Venue: Phuket Marriott Nai Yang
Bridal Boutique: Oleg Cassini
Bridal Gown: Viola Chan
Bridal Shoes: Jimmy Choo
Jewelry: Swarovski Crystals
Wedding Bands: Castaldi Gioielli
Groom Suit + Shoes: Boss
Suspenders and Bow Tie: Moreal Roma