An Ethereal Wedding at La Chapelle in Bangkok

Soft textures and sculptural details adorned the otherworldly wedding of Celine and Reinhart, while La Chapelle — a venue chosen for its European character and ethereal elegance — held the occasion flawlessly. 

A garden ceremony unfolded beneath spilling rose lilies and diaphanous drapery, with guests seated on fabric-covered stools flanking the aisle.

For the reception, Saint Hall’s imposing ceilings and architectural symmetry were softened with gauzy fabrics and thousands of ivory blooms. Banquet tables formed a maze-like layout, lit by tapered candles wrapped in gathered fabric, creating an atmosphere both intimate and grand. The floral palette was composed of lilies, phalaenopsis, hyacinths, and lunarias, with jasmine garlands woven into the bridesmaids’ bouquets in a nod to Thai tradition.

The bride wore a Monique Lhuillier gown for the ceremony and later changed into a structured Vivienne Westwood silhouette, both with Jimmy Choo heels.

Our Story

Names / Reinhart Emmanuel and Celine Eka Widjaja

Location / Bangkok, Thailand

Wedding Date / May 25th 2025

Guest Numbers / 203

Budget / $180,000 – $200,000

How We Met

Celine and Reinhart’s story began quietly during the early days of the pandemic. They first met online when lockdowns made face-to-face meetings nearly impossible. Still, they found ways to stay connected by messaging, talking, and gradually getting to know each other during that strange, uncertain time. Their personalities didn’t always align, but their shared background in design (Celine working in interiors and Reinhart in architecture) gave them common ground and a way of seeing the world that just made sense together. From the start, the connection felt easy and real.

Our Engagement Story

The next chapter of their story came about unexpectedly, through Coldplay. When the band announced their first-ever concert in Indonesia in 2023, the tickets disappeared almost instantly. Celine had her heart set on seeing them live. On a whim, she bought tickets to their show in Bangkok the following year. Reinhart, who had been planning to propose, saw this as the perfect opportunity. He found a quiet, scenic spot in Khao Yai, just outside Bangkok. It was a peaceful fountain surrounded by hills. When he suggested a detour there before the concert, Celine was all in.

They made the three-hour drive from the city, and by the time they arrived, everything was in place. Reinhart had arranged for photographers to be discreetly waiting. He led Celine to the fountain, took a deep breath, and launched into a heartfelt (and admittedly nervous) seven-minute speech before getting down on one knee. Celine said yes through happy tears. The sun was setting, and for both of them, it was the kind of moment that lingers: quiet, meaningful, and exactly right.

What we love most about each other…

They share a deep passion for discovering new foods, exploring new places, and, admittedly, enjoying a good sleep.

The Setting

Wedding Location

As an interior designer, the bride felt a natural connection to La Chapelle. She was drawn to its European character, which is something rare in her country, and saw it as an opportunity to bring something fresh for their guests. She appreciated the clean lines (despite the European influence), textures, and the balance of the architecture. Choosing it felt straightforward. It made sense for the kind of atmosphere she and Reinhart wanted to create: timeless, understated, and distinct.

Aesthetic

The wedding’s theme was quiet elegance, drawing inspiration from soft, flowing fabrics and a refined monochromatic palette. It was an all-white celebration, with fabric details and rose lilies featured throughout, from the table settings to the reception’s focal backdrop. The overall feel was modern yet romantic, thoughtfully composed in every detail.

Preparation

We began our morning preparations at the hotel, in line with Chinese traditions where the groom picks up the bride from her place. The bridesmaids stayed with me the night before, which made the morning feel extra special and intimate. It was a lovely start to the day, filled with laughter, anticipation, and a few happy tears. We also took this opportunity to give our bridesmaids custom gifts as a token of appreciation for their love, support, and presence throughout the wedding journey.

Photography

Celine and Reinhart were drawn to Calia for their ability to capture unspoken emotion and the subtle, often unnoticed details that naturally emerged throughout the day. The photographs they received felt thoughtful and sincere, a reflection of what the day meant to them.

Videography

The couple wanted a wedding video that felt cinematic and honest. They hoped for something with mood, movement, and music that pulled you in. They wanted a film that didn’t just recall the day but drew them back into it each time they watched.

Style Notes

Ceremony Décor

The ceremony took place in the garden of Jardin De Juliet at La Chapelle. The holy matrimony was set against the textured stone of La Chapelle’s façade. Rose lilies cascaded from the upper terrace to the ground, entwined with sheer fabric drapes that added a soft, dreamlike quality to the setting. Guests were seated on stools fully draped in white fabric, with rose lilies lining the aisle to complete the scene.

Reception Décor

The dinner reception was held at Saint Hall, known for its high ceilings and striking architectural symmetry. Long tables were arranged in a maze-like layout, creating an intimate yet sculptural flow throughout the hall. The tables were adorned with long tapered candles, their bases wrapped in gathered fabric, alongside low arrangements of white rose lilies. Along the staircase and mezzanine, sheer fabric drapes were interlaced with thousands of rose lilies, softening the hall. From above, fabric fell gently toward the tables below and created a sense of continuity throughout the space.

Wedding Planner & Stylist

Poetyque Events handled the overall coordination of the wedding. Since this was a destination wedding and guests were flying in from Indonesia to Thailand, there were many logistical details to manage. Their team took care of everything, from guest transport and hotel bookings to wedding timelines, vendor communication, and making sure everything ran smoothly on the day.

For the wedding stylist, the couple engaged Tea Rose Wedding Designer. Tea Rose played an integral role in ensuring that every visual element remained cohesive and aligned with the overall theme. This included defining attire guidelines, designing all table stationery, collaborating with photographers, and coordinating with key aesthetic vendors such as the florist, decorator, and caterer.

Flowers

The bride carried an elegant all-white bouquet composed of lilies, phalaenopsis, hyacinths, and lunarias. For the bridesmaids, the couple chose to honor Thai culture by incorporating Phuang Malai, traditional jasmine floral garlands, into each bouquet.

Stationery

Celine and Reinhart’s stationery was thoughtfully shaped by the architecture of La Chapelle. They incorporated textures inspired by the building’s carved details, with subtle layers that felt tactile. Black and white images of the chapel’s interior served as quiet nods to the place. They kept the palette monochromatic, mostly white, so that everything matched the atmosphere they wanted to create.

Cake

They chose the famous 70 cm cotton cheesecake, topped with vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries. Since they both loved strawberries, it felt like the perfect fit. For a playful twist, they cut the cake using a champagne glass, which was something they had always wanted to do.

Food & Beverages

Guests were greeted with fresh coconuts — a perfect welcome in Bangkok’s heat. After the ceremony, they enjoyed cocktails, canapés, mocktails, and ice cream. The meal began with fresh bread, a feta and tuna salad, mushroom soup, and seared scallops with lemon butter. For mains, there was herb-roasted pork chop, pan-seared salmon, or lobster with seafood sauce. A rich chocolate lava cake ended the meal, with fine wine and water throughout. The after-party featured fun food stalls serving Indomie and mango sticky rice.

Favors

To make guests feel welcome, each received a hamper with local snacks, a mini fan, a first-aid kit, and a guidebook with personal tips. At the reception, silk-wrapped power banks with thank-you notes kept everyone connected through the night.

Fashion & Beauty Notes

Bride’s Dress & Shoes

For the Holy Matrimony, Celine wore the Alexandra Dress by Monique Lhuillier, a timeless ballgown with delicate lace detailing she had always imagined herself in. The drop waist offered a clean, elegant line that worked well with her shape, and the silhouette suited the garden setting without feeling overly formal.

For the reception, she switched to the Camille Dress by Vivienne Westwood. Structured and minimal, with a defined corset and low neckline, it offered a sharper contrast to her earlier look. The modern lines of the dress complemented the tone of the reception.

To tie everything together, she chose Jimmy Choo’s Satin Saeda heels with crystal-beaded ankle straps that added just enough detail without drawing too much attention.

Bridesmaids’ Dress & Shoes

Celine wanted her bridesmaids to feel comfortable and confident. With her stylist’s help, they chose custom mauve dresses that balanced cool and warm undertones beautifully. The flowy silhouette and layers of soft tulle gave an airy, elegant feel, while a silver buckle at the waist added a modern romantic look. Simple matching shoes completed the ensemble, perfect for moving with ease from ceremony to celebration.

Wedding Rings

The groom selected a matte silver band with a single emerald-cut diamond — a sleek, understated design that suited his style. The bride chose a band alternating emerald-cut and oval-cut diamonds, blending clean lines with brilliant sparkle for a modern romantic look. Both rings were engraved with their names and wedding date, adding a meaningful touch.

Jewelry & Accessories

For the morning look, Celine chose a classic V-shaped tennis necklace paired with rounded earrings. Simple and timeless, these pieces complemented the lace detail of her ceremony gown without drawing too much attention.

In the evening, she added a bit more edge to match the modern feel of her Vivienne Westwood reception dress. A pear-shaped pendant was added to the necklace, and she swapped the earrings for a pear-and-pearl combination. The changes were subtle but gave the overall look more presence while still keeping everything cohesive and refined.

Hair & Makeup

For the morning look, Celine took cues from traditional Thai makeup, using soft, natural tones that gently highlighted her features while keeping the overall feel fresh and refined. Her hair was styled in a classic updo, in line with the understated elegance of the ceremony.

For the reception, she went with a bolder makeup look that suited the shift in atmosphere. Her hair was styled in a half-up updo, neat but slightly more relaxed, which also let her statement earrings stand out and added a touch of glamour to the evening.

Groom’s Attire

For the morning ceremony, Reinhart wore an elegant ivory suit paired with classic brown pantofel shoes, striking the perfect balance between formal and fresh for the daytime setting. His groomsmen wore beige suits that complemented the bridesmaids’ mauve dresses, keeping the overall palette soft and cohesive.

For the reception, Reinhart changed into a full black tuxedo, embracing a more formal and timeless look for the evening.

The Details

Transport

To make things easier for their guests, they arranged vans and buses to handle transport between the hotel and the wedding venue. It took the pressure off navigating an unfamiliar city and let everyone settle in and enjoy the day without thinking about logistics.

Honeymoon

They haven’t settled on their honeymoon plans yet, as both are currently working full-time. Still, they’re looking forward to exploring a destination that’s new to both of them. South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Copenhagen are all on the list. Each offers something unique, from rich culture and history to striking landscapes and lively city scenes. When the time is right, they are excited to experience something entirely new together.

Gift Registry

Having their guests travel all the way to Bangkok to be part of this moment was already the greatest gift they could ask for. Their presence meant the world, and they truly saw it as an honor.

Wedding Songs

First Dance Song: All My Love – Coldplay
This song holds special meaning for them, as they got engaged in 2024 during their trip to Bangkok to see Coldplay live. Though it’s a relatively new release, they connected with it instantly. The lyrics and melody felt personal and reflective of their journey together. Choosing it for their first dance felt like a natural way to mark that moment and the start of this new chapter.

Entertainment

During the cocktail hour, a live trio of violin, piano, and bass played as guests mingled, creating an easy, elegant atmosphere. Their setlist included pieces like Fly Love and Fly Me to the Moon, setting a calm, refined tone to start the evening.

For the reception, a full band with two vocalists took over, performing jazz standards and familiar love songs with a subtle twist. It added energy to the night without feeling overdone.

Later, for the after-party, they handed a playlist of personal favorites to the DJ, giving him room to read the crowd and keep things going without a strict plan.

“Along the staircase and mezzanine, sheer fabric drapes were interlaced with thousands of rose lilies, softening the hall. From above, fabric fell gently toward the tables below and created a sense of continuity throughout the space.”

Our Advice

A memorable moment…

Weather was one of their biggest concerns, with the ceremony planned outdoors in Bangkok. They worried about heat and humidity, so they prepared with electric fans and prayed for cloudy skies. As the day approached, forecasts shifted to heavy rain, adding to their uncertainty.

On the wedding morning, sunshine gave them hope, but by early afternoon, a downpour hit just as they left for the venue. Miraculously, the rain stopped when they arrived, and the team worked quickly. An hour before the ceremony, the sky darkened again, and they had to decide whether to move indoors. They chose to stay outdoors and trust it would work out.

At 4 p.m., just as the ceremony began, the sun broke through the clouds. A perfect breeze kept everyone cool, and a rainbow appeared as they exchanged vows. It was a beautiful, unforgettable blessing.

One thing I wish I knew before I started my wedding plans…

From their experience, many wedding vendors tend to ramp up their work closer to the actual date. So, to any future brides feeling anxious, especially in the early stages when things may seem slow, there’s no need to worry. Trusting the process can be difficult, but most vendors are seasoned and truly show up when it matters most. Everything has a way of coming together beautifully in the end.

If I could give other couples one piece of advice…

They found it helpful to set aside an extra 10 to 20 percent of their budget for any unexpected expenses that came up along the way. It turned out to be a wise decision.

Sources of inspiration…

She spent a lot of time browsing Instagram and Pinterest for inspiration, which helped shape the overall aesthetic and direction of the wedding. Her stylist played a key role in refining those ideas, helping turn them into cohesive looks and grounded decisions. Since the wedding was held in Thailand and she wasn’t familiar with the local vendors, she leaned heavily on recommendations from previous brides, often scrolling through their posts to see which vendors they used and trusted. It became a surprisingly helpful and enjoyable way to discover talented professionals who ultimately brought everything together seamlessly.

Our Contacts

Wedding Venue / La Chapelle, Bangkok

Wedding Stylist / Tea Rose Wedding Designer

Wedding Decor & Flowers / PHKA

Wedding Planner / Poetyque Events

Photography / Calia & Clockwise Pictures

Videography / Calia

Bride’s Dress / Monique Lhuillier & Vivienne Westwood via Truly Enamoured

Bride’s Shoes / Jimmy Choo

Bridesmaids’ Dresses / Jesse Lim

Grooms Formal Wear / Agus Lim Tailor & Sas Design

Wedding Rings / Anda Jewelry

Jewelry & Accessories / Southeast Jewelry & Christinespearl

Hair & Makeup / Maiman and Earth

Stationery / Papeworks

Cake / SNP Cake Studio

Catering / Mongkol Catering

Celebrant / Michael Tjandra

Entertainment / Gsus2