From Lukas, the groom: 

“I have been married to Serena for 4 years and traveling has always been an essential part of our relationship. We have visited more than 30 countries together and we have been increasingly looking for culturally rich destinations and hotels with a very strong sense of place.

For our 4th anniversary, I chose a short trip to Northern Thailand, which was our second visit to the region. The first time, we visited in Chiang Mai shortly after we met each other and we focused on exploring the city of Chiang Mai and the delicious local cuisine. This time, we chose to stay in the magical Raya Heritage hotel outside of Chiang Mai in a more rural setting along the peaceful Ping river.

Raya Heritage hotel reflects on the traditional Lanna culture of Northern Thailand. Lanna means “Land of a million rice fields”. Inspired by the art and craftsmanship of this ancient kingdom, which flourished from the 13th to 18th centuries across northern Thailand as well as northern Laos, Myanmar and also parts of Yunnan, China, Raya Heritage mixes the simple charm and character of the region’s history with discreet, personalized service in a relaxed, riverside setting.

For this special occasion, I prepared a little surprise for Serena and invited our wedding photographer Mr. Stepan Vrzala to do an improvised photoshoot in the hotel’s lush gardens along the Ping river. Stepan’s unique approach to fine art photography was a perfect fit for the place and occasion. We basically just had a fun afternoon with him and took some photographs that will make these special moments stay with us forever.”

Bride and Groom: Serena and Lukas | Photographer: Stepan Vrzala | Stylist/Planner: Lily Madonna | Venue: Raya Heritage

From the photographers: 

Inspired by soft femininity and sophistication, this elegant boudoir editorial embraces the refined sensibility of delicate silk and lace, swathed in gentle light and ivory florals. It is our desire that brides may view this boudoir editorial as an invitation to explore their own feminine charm and timeless beauty for their wedding day. Not just as a gift for their spouse-to-be but for their own cherished memories to forever be encapsulated.  Our day begins angelic and ethereal, with sweeping sheer robes and lingerie a featherlike kiss of detailed floral appliqué. Soft creamy skin, flushed cheeks, and loose chestnut waves are complimented with an arching backdrop of rustic greenery, sweet Lunaria petals and floating mounds of Baby’s-breath.

With demure eyes, our bride beckons, her movements beguiling of a woman’s elegance. For our second look, the ambiance of the set turns moody and captivating in its seduction. A mixture of confidence and longing settles upon our bride as she anticipates her beloved on their wedding day. Careless waves have been swept back in a sleek, low ponytail. The smooth lines of her décolletage are revealed bare, exalted by the plunging neckline of a silk romper and a corseted gown. As the fresh light of ethereal innocence begins to wane into a golden hour, the tone blurs into something alluring and dramatic. Black lace teases amongst slivers of shadows and flesh, fastened by taut silk as our bride lounges with glossy serenity against the humming stillness of a sunset glow.  

Photographer and Stylist/Planner: Jaylim Studio | Floral Designer: Botanique | Dresses & Veils: Gabriella New York | Makeup: Stacie Ford Weddings | Hair: Styles On B | Venue: Brooklyn Loft

From Betsy, the photographer: 

“It’s been a huge passion of mine, for as long as I can remember, to support and celebrate those who passionately pursue what they were uniquely made to do. Ryan Moon and his wife Janice, are a pair of those exceptional souls who are so immensely gifted…and yet are so incredibly humble about it all. Ryan’s gift for painting, especially portraiture, truly inspires the deepest artist within me. And his beautiful, vivacious wife Janice, can literally do ANYTHING. She is one of my very favorite natural makeup artists, but she also is so gifted with hair styling, floristry, ceramics, art…and generally just makes me stand back in wonder. Both are incredible parents, supportive partners to each other, and wonderful human beings…all while managing to support each other solely as artists. Now THAT, is something that brings me unending joy and stirs my soul to create.

I presented The Moons with the idea to shoot an Artist in Motion piece, wherein Janice would doll up one of my favorite muses, and I would photograph Ryan actually painting her portrait. What a dream team…some of my favorite people in the same room, just creating to create. Our hearts were so full by the time we were done, and to top it all off, my darling muse’s husband immediately purchased the featured art piece from Ryan. Heartbeat.  We as artists, seldom value our work for what it is truly worth. But we also seldom take the chance to just stand back and admire the process that is truly art, in itself. What a gift, what a treasure…to be surrounded by such joy-filled, humble artists, willing to share their many talents with me. I’m forever grateful for this life, and the opportunity we all have to find our calling and celebrate it together.”

Photographer, Stylist, and Planner: Betsy Blue Photography | Hair and Makeup: Janice Moon | Venue: 10 North Central | Art: Ryan Moon | Backdrop: Jessica Raye Dekker | Her Ring:  Susie Saltzman | Lab: PhotoVision Prints