When Farouk and Linda expressed their wish to have their beach wedding in Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi, I was thrilled! Tanjung Rhu which is located at the northernmost point of the island has the best beach in Langkawi. “Tanjung” means cape and “Rhu” means casuarina trees in Malay.
Farouk, who is a film producer, had shot a commercial at the beach many years back and was totally smitten with the place. The 2.5km white sandy beach is overlooking the Andaman Sea, nestled within the canopy of rhu trees. It has a perfect backdrop: aquamarine sea, blue sky and islets that guard the beach.
To complement the perfect venue, we had chosen a theme which revolved around rhu trees and its fruit. These graceful trees are in abundant along the beach and the road leading to Tanjung Rhu. The oval, woody fruit would became the emblem of the wedding, which was elegantly designed on stationeries and décors. The couple had also opted for a white and green palette, to signify elegance and simplicity.
Typical of any outdoor wedding, unpredictable weather is always a major concern. However, the sun shone brightly when the big day arrived. What a relief! The ceremony took place overlooking the islets. The chairs were arranged in a semi-circle to allow guests to have full view of the wedding. Each chair was adorned with a splayed of palm fronds and orchids, completed with organza ribbons. At the top of the aisle, a tropical floral chuppah was set up with a sheer white fabric draped above it, adorned with hand-strung white orchids and ivy leaves.
Linda glowed radiantly in her white cord lace gown and holding a bouquet of calla lilies. As she walked down the aisle with her father, the string quartet played a lovely rendition of Sting's Fields of Gold. Witnessed by close friends and family members, Farouk and Linda read out their vows promising to cherish each other forever. Later the vows were placed in a glass bottle filled with sand and rhu trees' fruits which will remind them of their commitment to each other.
The quartet serenaded the guests as they enjoyed cocktails: Moscato Rose Champagne, Strawberry spider (a signature strawberry concoction of Tanjung Rhu), and vegetables sticks in dips to stir their appetite. Farouk and Linda meanwhile grabbed the opportunity to capture few snapshots together.
As the moonlight started to shine, the couple led the guests into a lantern procession to the dining area. This gave the guests a little suspense as they were ushered away from the ceremonial area for dinner. Instead of hosting the dinner at the beach, the couple chose a jungle-luxe location for the wedding feast.
The guests were greeted by white floating lanterns and lush trees. Later they were seated at a rectangular table set-up surrounding a verdant tree. This reclining tree trunks with moss, wild leaves and flowers became the main attraction of the dining experience. The brilliant table set-up not only linked all the guests in adjoining tables, it also allowed them to face each other. As the evening breeze blown, the floating lanterns gave a magical effect as if balls of fire illuminated the whole area.
Tropical theme centrepieces were created to enhance the jungle-luxe experience. Round wire-mesh wrapped in Garland's Gold leaves and lemon grass were created to hold candles. Other hand-crafted centrepieces became conversation pieces: pineapple husks as candle holders, and carved banana trunks to hold orchids. To add beauty to these centrepieces, straw baskets were filled with roses, orchids and eustoma. For personal touch, Farouk and Linda had written personal messages to welcome each guest which were placed inside glass bottle place cards.
The dinner menu was impressive and a feast to the eye; Carpaccio of Venison Tenderloin, Lobster Bisque, Kalamansi Sorbet served in ice moulded bowls. The main courses were Roasted Lamb Rack and Pan Fried Salmon Fillet. To everyone's delight, Banana crème Brulee with orange mango salsa was served for dessert.
As the dinner progressed, toasts were made around the tables. Friends reminisced personal anecdotes about their friendship with the couple and this made the wedding almost as a celebration of their friendship. The master of ceremonies then invited the newlyweds for their first dance, luring the guests to the dance floor tucked at a corner amidst the trees.
When it comes to an outdoor destination wedding, it is important to look into the weather or season.
Langkawi is very dry in January and February and this period is perfect to hold an outdoor wedding in the island.
For an outdoor wedding, beware of insects – mosquitoes, ants, bugs. Have the venue fogged prior to the wedding to avoid unpleasant experience for everyone.