It starts with a true love story – Thuy met her French husband Jonathan while in Paris, and they fell head over heels for one another. With family and friends all over the world, the couple chose Las Vegas to bring everyone together at the Springs Preserve for their wedding.
Their wedding mixed a number of different themes and styles, true to this jetsetting couple’s lives: desert garden combined with tropical Vietnam with a touch of European elegance. The ceremony featured floral details: a calla lily lined aisle, and an arbor strung with glass bubbles filled with chrysthanthemums. Thuy and Jonathan also provided a tea ceremony service for their guests.
The desert garden wedding transitioned into Paris in the jungle, with huge philodendron leaves and orchids at each table setting. Seafoam green and grey dominated, with white and silver to complement the palette. A photobooth with tonnes of fun props entertained guests and the bride and groom, and to end the evening, the newlyweds changed into traditional Vietnamese wedding attire!
Why Jonathan and Thuy Married in Las Vegas
We chose Las Vegas because it is a great city that is fun and tourist friendly. My husband is from France so we wanted to pick a place where his friends and family can easily entertain themselves, party to the wee hours of the morning, and for our guests to have a great vacation as well as joining our wedding. Also, Vegas has special meaning to us as it is the first place I took my husband to when he first visited me from France when we started dating. We picked Springs Preserve because it is such a beautiful venue that is not your typical idea of a Vegas wedding. Springs Preserve has a nice mix of modern, elegant, and natural elements that makes this venue truly unique.
Thuy’s Favorite Wedding Day Memory:
There were many stand out moments from our wedding day. We did our first look which I enjoyed very much because it allowed us to spend some alone time before the ceremony and seeing my husband’s reaction to seeing me for the first time was priceless. Another stand out moment was when my husband was trying to comfort me when I was crying during my father’s reading of his poem. It was a very emotional and fun ceremony that will forever be remembered. We also loved that we were able to get the Skyline Terrace Suite at the MGM Grand Hotel for our rehearsal dinner and after party, allowing us to spend more time with our friends and family in a relaxed setting with an amazing view.
The Ceremony — Gardens Arboretum at Springs Preserve
The ceremony was officiated by my sister’s husband who made it very personal and heartfelt. We incorporated the tea ceremony to honor my Vietnamese culture and parents. The purpose of the tea ceremony is for the bride and groom to honor our family elders and receive their blessings. During the ceremony, my father read a Vietnamese poem that he wrote in which it was translated in English and French. My bridesmaid read the English version of the poem and my mother-in-law read the French version. We thought it was a nice way to include our parents and friend into the ceremony.
The Reception — Gardens Terrace at Springs Preserve
There is a gorgeous view of the Vegas strip skyline at this reception site. My mother and her florist friends did an amazing job with the flowers and decorations. Our guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and open bar catered by Divine Events. We then danced the night away to the music provided by Elegant Entertainment.
DIY Details and Wedding Decor:
My mother and sister are very creative and talented people. They pretty much did everything themselves. My mother designed and did the flowers and decorations. The wedding favors/escort cards were made by my mom. My sister made the programs, menu, and designed the logos on the backdrop for the “red carpet†pictures. I made the table numbers incorporating our color theme of sea-foam green and silver.
Thuy and Jonathan’s Tips for Other Couples Marrying in Las Vegas
Do your research on your vendors to make sure they are reliable and professional. We would highly recommend reading the reviews. We heavily relied on our vendors since we are not from Las Vegas. Also, ask your vendors for recommendations for other vendors. Our photographer, Gaby J, was very helpful in recommending us to some great vendors. Try to plan multiple events for the wedding weekend in which Vegas is great place to allow that. We had multiple events like the rehearsal dinner, after party, a meet up in downtown Vegas, and a dim sum brunch after the wedding day to allow us to see our friends and family from near and far.
Thuy and Jonathan’s Guestcount + Budget
We had 90 guests with a budget of $25,000 for the wedding weekend celebration
VENDOR + VENUE DETAILS :
PHOTOGRAPHER gaby j photography, a LVWÂ photography directory member
CEREMONY VENUE . Gardens Arboretum at Springs Preserve
RECEPTION VENUE . Gardens Terrace at Springs Preserve
OFFICIANT . Bride’s brother-in-law / WEDDING DESIGNER . Bride’s Mother / FLORAL . Bride’s Mother, Assisted by Absolutely Flowers and Balloons / CATERING . Divine Events / CAKE . Retro Bakery / BRIDAL FASHION . dress - Augusta Jones, shoes – Nina, / HAIR AND MAKEUP . Cristophe Salon at MGM Grand / BRIDESMAIDS . Vera Wang / GROOM’S WEAR . Hugo Boss / LIGHTING . Elegant Entertainment / STATIONERY + PAPER GOODS . invitations – Indian Wedding Card, menus – DIY by bride’s sister / ENTERTAINMENT . Elegant Entertainment / PHOTO BOOTH . Elegant Entertainment / VIDEOGRAPHY . Neat Event Video