IN Magazine: Feb 08 issue - spread

(photos: Edmon Leong, text: Jenn Chan Lyman)

IN Magazine: Feb 08 issue - text

Hedda and Leonard

More often than not, that special spark between two people ignies by accident. For Hedda and Leonard, the first flicker happened literally by means of an accident. The couple met at a dinner one night with mutual friends in San Francisco. As they parted, a taxi charged head-on into Leonard’s car at the intersection where they had just dined. Hedda rushed over to make sure he was all right. As Leonard recollects, it was her genuine concern that impacted [Editorial changed to “impressed”] him the most that night and continues to win him over even now.

Thailand is quite far away from their California home, but the isle of Phuket offered both familiarity and adventure for the couple’s nuptials. Hedda’s family had met there often for the holidays, while many other guests would be venturing to Thailand for the first time. Out of the many resorts situated in the Laguna cluster just bordering the Andaman Sea, the couple decided on the renowned Banyan Tree Phuket for their wedding ceremony.

[Natural adventure-seekers, even tsunami scares did not keep the down-to-earth couple from having a fabulous time as friends and family poured in with the wind and rain from around the world.] [Editorial deleted] The big day began with a few Herculean [Editorial changed to “crazy”] tasks for the groom as he arrived to pick up his bride. Leonard and his crew performed a fully-clothed, synchronized swimming version of a Jay Chou classic and gulped down a concoction of dried, whole wasps. When the bridesmaids were finally satisfied, Hedda stepped out, exquisite in a traditional two-piece “kwa”. After pouring tea for their elders, Hedda retired to don a deliciously crumpled cream gown of Thai silk designed by Barcelona’s Pronovias and prepare for their exchange of vows.

The Banyan Tree’s Glass Chapel provided shelter from intermittent sprinkles as well as a 360° view of the lush landscapes surrounding the congregation. Leonard was ready for action in a lightweight navy Ben Sherman suit, grinning as Hedda walked down the aisle towards him. After the ‘I-do’s’, guests took pictures with a baby elephant arranged by the couple as a surprise before the dinner reception. The night reached its zenith in a shower of fireworks, a gift to the newlyweds from Hedda’s brother and Leonard’s new brother-in-law, a perfect epilogue to a memorable day.