FEATURED FILM
In the Heart of Siam
PHUKET, THAILAND
Halfway around the world for a multi-day celebration in Phuket—temple visits, an elephant sanctuary, days by the sea, a heartfelt wedding, and a dance floor we’ll never forget.
I had just finished filming a wedding in Malibu when my assistant and good friend Michael and I headed directly to LAX for the long journey to Thailand. By the time we landed in Phuket, we were completely exhausted.
Still, I remember stepping outside the airport and feeling the warm, humid air for the first time. After so many hours inside airplanes and terminals, it felt strangely healing.
Even the drive toward Patong felt like part of the experience. As our shuttle passed through the quieter stretches of Thailand, I kept reaching for the little Fuji X100 I had brought with me, photographing whatever caught my attention through the window. Everything felt unfamiliar, vibrant, and alive.
Patong Beach, our home base for a few unforgettable days in Phuket.
Having Michael there made the trip even more memorable. Traveling for work is always a privilege, but sharing it with a close friend changes the way you remember it. Between filming, we explored the beaches, wandered through town, ate local food, and took tuk-tuks wherever we needed to go.
The reason we had traveled so far was especially meaningful to me. I had known Alesia of Alesia Films since early in her videography career and had watched her continue to grow, refine her voice, and build an incredible business of her own. Being invited to film her wedding felt like a full-circle moment—especially in a place that had already meant so much to her.
The celebration unfolded across several days, giving everyone the chance to experience Phuket together rather than rushing directly into the wedding. We visited temples, spent time by the sea, stopped for food, and joined the group for a welcome evening filled with music, dancing, performances, and just enough pyrotechnics to make the night unforgettable.
More than anything, it was simply fun to be welcomed into their circle. The weekend never felt like a list of scheduled events—it felt like a group of people discovering somewhere new together, with the wedding quietly at the heart of it all.
A behind the scenes look of this Thailand adventure!
BEHIND THE FILM
Rosewood Phuket was breathtaking. Reaching the rooms meant riding small carts through dense tropical greenery, with each suite tucked into its own private corner of the resort. The entire property felt immersive—quiet, luxurious, and surrounded by rainforest.
It reminded me a little of the Indiana Jones ride at Disneyland, but in the best possible way.
Working alongside photographer Kristen K. was another highlight. She brought such a calm and grounded presence to the weekend, and we shared the same priority: creating meaningful work while giving Alesia and James the space to remain present in everything they were experiencing.
By the time the wedding day arrived, everything seemed to fall naturally into place.
THE WEDDING DAY
There were only around twenty guests, which gave the ceremony an incredible sense of closeness. Nothing felt distant or performative. You could see the emotion on everyone’s faces as Alesia and James came down the aisle, exchanged their vows, and took in the significance of the moment.
The ceremony was intimate, but the reception was anything but quiet.
Despite the small guest count, the dance floor somehow felt as though it were packed with a hundred people. Between the lights, fog, music, and the energy in the room, it became one of the most visually exciting parts of the film—and one of the most fun parts of the entire weekend.
Everyone gave themselves completely to the celebration.
One final adventure after the wedding.
AFTER THE WEDDING
The following day, we visited an elephant sanctuary. We learned about the elephants and their individual stories, helped prepare food for them, fed them, and spent time with them in the water.
It was a moving experience and a meaningful way for everyone to share one final day together after the wedding.
There was so much life packed into those few days: temples, beaches, rainforest, tuk-tuks, quiet vows, loud music, new experiences, and old friendships coming full circle.
The trip ended much sooner than I would have liked, but perhaps that is part of why I remember it so clearly. We were tired, constantly moving, and trying to absorb everything at once.
It was a dream assignment, but not simply because it brought us to Thailand. What made it unforgettable was the company—the people we traveled with, collaborated with, celebrated with, and had the privilege of documenting.
LOOKING BACK
For a few short days, halfway around the world, we got to be part of something incredibly special.
THE DETAILS
September 2024
Phuket, Thailand
3 Days
9:24
4K
Licensed
3
Date
Location
Coverage
Film Length
Format
Music
Travel Days
THE VENDORS
@theweddingblissthailand
@kristakphotos
@iamflower.co
@mewmakeupartist
@rosewood_phuket
Planning
Photography
Florals
Hair & Makeup
Venue
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All things led to this moment.