From best friends to husband and wife - Isabel and Axel have spent over a decade in each other's lives. The pair met in 2011 at age 14 and by the time they turned 17, they were inseparable. If you're planning an overseas wedding, keep reading to learn more about how Isabel & Axel planned their dream wedding in Thailand.
The Love Story
One of the things that stood out to us about Isabel and Axel was their friendship. "We are best friends and have been since we met," Isabel said. "Axel and I have the same values and ideas on what we want out of life. He's also an amazing cook so that definitely helps!"
The Proposal
Axel pulled off the surprise of Isabel's life when he got down on one knee at her mum's wedding. "I had absolutely no idea what he had planned," she said. "We were surrounded by 90 of our friends and family who all witnessed the proposal. Axel wanted to make sure I had my nails, hair, and makeup done for the proposal so doing this at my mum's wedding was perfect."
"Axel conspired with my mum and planned the whole thing. It all unfolded at the throwing of the bouquet which happened early at 4 pm. Instead of tossing the bouquet, she turned around and handed me the bouquet, Axel appeared and went down on one knee as 'our song' started playing. It was the most amazing proposal ever."
A Destination Wedding
Not only did the pair plan an overseas wedding, but they also planned to host their Hen's and Bucks night, a welcome dinner cruise, a beach after party, and the week of the wedding for 91 of their closest family and friends who were able to make the trip. The couple chose Thailand as their wedding destination as they had worked there together in 2018.
"We visited Thailand during August for 2 weeks so we could view our top 3 wedding venue choices and fell in love with the Pullman G Pattaya instantly," Isabel said. "We were so lucky to have such an organised team at the hotel, they even had their own in-house florist, and my father was hands-on too and organised the guest functions."
Isabel and Axel thought of everything! Right down to their guest's experience. "We planned and printed 'The Newly Wed Post'. This was our 8-page guest newspaper and had it placed into each guest's hotel room on their arrival which listed ALL of the plans for the week of celebrations. It also included 'our story', details of the functions, bridal party bios, local cultural traditions, places to visit, things to know and so much more."
Saying YES to the dress
"From the moment we walked through the door at White Lily, I felt like our group was being really looked after," Isabel said. "As soon as I walked out of the fitting room I knew it was 'the one', I loved it so much I wanted to walk in it, sit in it, twirl in it, I really didn't want to take it off, my heart was bursting, it was love at first sight."
Isabel said YES to the incredible ODYSSEY by Martina Liana.
"I had an idea of the style I wanted and had tried on a few in another and had actually decided on one already," Isabel explained. "My mum works in the wedding industry and had booked an appointment for us at White Lily Couture. She asked me not to make a decision until I'd seen the range at White Lily Couture."
As Isabel and her mum entered White Lily, her mum spotted a gown - a gown that was completely removed from what Isabel thought was her. "I was hesitant but I decided to try it on for mum, and wow! I had never felt that overwhelming feeling before, it absolutely hit me." 
The Finer Details
We asked Isabel to tell us the best thing about her special day to which she answered, "It has to be arriving with my dad and bridesmaids, the expectation just before the doors opened for us to walk down the aisle. I was so excited and nervous but the feeling of that walk with my dad and seeing all of our favorite friends and family there is something I'll never forget."
Isabel continued, "Axel smiling at the end of the aisle, it was the best. We were both overwhelmed and so grateful that so many of our family and friends made the trip and were there for us on our special day."
Post-Wedding Celebrations
Isabel and Axel kept the celebrations going having organised a family breakfast the next day at their Hotel. This was followed by a beach, pizza, cocktail, and pool party from midday for their guests at the hotel beach. Isabel's dad then organised a gorgeous yacht offshore which cruised their guests during the afternoon.
The couple visited Borneo for a four-day honeymoon where they stayed at Sukau Rainforest Lodge which is an incredible wild Organutan habitat.
Complete this Sentence
Being married means: "We're a team. We've always been completely committed to one another, but knowing that we've made it official, there is a real sense of future and togetherness."
The Vendors
Isabel couldn't have spoken more highly of each and every one of her vendors throughout their wedding experience however when we asked if she had anyone that she wanted to make a special mention of, her jewelers were the first thing that came to mind!
"We both absolutely love animals and have a special love for the Thai Elephants, we both incorporated elephant hair from our favourite elephant into our rings which are unique and so amazing. Thanks to Mouawad Jewellers designers for helping make our dream design a reality." She said.
The Dream Team (AKA Isabel & Axel's Vendors)
Wedding Dress: ODYSSEY by Martina Liana
Venue: Pullman G Pattaya
Photography: Smoothz Man Photography
Celebrant: Suzanne Riley Marriage Celebrant
Florist: Florist G at Pullman G Pattaya
Jewellery: Mouaward Jewellers
MC: Sophie Sophia the MC
