A Sacred Morning at Ratchaprapa Dam: A Wedding Above and Bee-Yond
Some days in my life feel more meaningful than others, and this day at Ratchaprapa dam was one of those unforgettable moments that reminded me why I do what I do. Helping couples create their dream wedding is not just my job—it is my passion, my heart, and my purpose. This story is about one beautiful morning, one loving couple, and one sacred Buddhist wedding ceremony surrounded by nature, peace, and blessings.
My day began very early, at 5:00 a.m., long before the sun rose over the limestone mountains of Ratchaprapa dam. I quietly got ready, knowing I had an important appointment at 6:00 a.m. with the bride and groom. Timing is everything for a wedding ceremony at the dam. We must begin early, before the crowds of tourists arrive, while the lake is still calm and the light is soft and magical.
The night before, I had carefully ordered fresh flowers to decorate the longtail boats. At Above & Bee-Yond Tours, details matter deeply to me. Flowers must be fresh, vibrant, and full of life, just like the love being celebrated. That is why all preparations have to be done the night before. By morning, everything was perfect. The longtail boat looked stunning, elegant, colorful, and harmonious with the natural beauty of Ratchaprapa dam.
One boat was specially prepared for the monk and his assistants, arranged respectfully and simply. Another boat was delicately decorated just for the bride and groom. I followed their color request precisely, ensuring every flower and detail reflected their vision. When I saw the finished boat floating gently at the pier, my heart smiled, it was beautiful.
By 6:00 a.m., everyone was ready. The bride stepped forward wearing a traditional Thai dress in white and pink. She looked breathtaking, graceful, charismatic, and glowing with happiness. Her presence felt calm yet powerful, like the morning mist floating above the water. The groom stood beside her wearing light blue shirt and brown trousers, looking smart, gentle, and confident. Together, they were a perfect match.
We departed by longtail boat, gliding slowly across the emerald waters of Ratchaprapa dam. The air was fresh, the lake was quiet, and the towering limestone cliffs reflected softly on the water. It took about 40 minutes to reach the small island where the ceremony would take place.
On the way, we made a special stop when the photographer noticed the light was just right. Early morning sunlight touched the water and cliffs in the most romantic way. The couple stood together on the boat as photos were taken, natural, intimate, and full of emotion. These are the moments that cannot be planned, only felt.
Once we arrived at the island, I immediately began preparing the ceremonial area. I arranged everything the monk needed for the Buddhist wedding ceremony with care and respect. Every offering, every detail was placed thoughtfully. When everything was ready, I invited the monk and the couple to take their seats.
As the monk began to chant prayers, time seemed to slow down. We were surrounded by water, ancient trees, and towering limestone formations. Nature itself felt like part of the ceremony. Above our heads, hornbills flew gracefully, their wings cutting through the morning sky. In Thai culture, this is a very auspicious sign. It felt as if the universe was witnessing and blessing this union. I was deeply moved, almost to tears. It made me want to get married all over again and have a ceremony just like this in this beautiful place.
The sound of the monk’s prayers echoed gently across the lake. The couple sat peacefully, hands together, hearts open. Everyone presents felt deeply moved. There was joy, serenity, and gratitude in the air. This was not just a wedding, it was a sacred moment, pure and timeless.
After the ceremony, we continued our journey by longtail boat, exploring more areas of Ratchaprapa dam for photos. The couple laughed, smiled, and embraced as the camera captured their love against one of Thailand’s most breathtaking landscapes. The dam revealed different moods, dramatic cliffs, quiet coves, and endless reflections on the water.
By 10:30 a.m., we returned to the pier. The couple thanked me warmly, telling me how much they appreciated my work. They said I truly went above and beyond, just like the name Above & Bee-Yond Tours. Hearing those words filled my heart completely.
At that moment, I felt deeply grateful. Grateful for the trust they placed in me, grateful for the beauty of Ratchaprapa dam, and grateful that I get to create meaningful experiences for couples from around the world. My heart was full of happiness and pride.
This was another wonderful day of my life, one that reminded me that love, nature, and devotion come together in the most beautiful ways. And I look forward to creating many more unforgettable wedding ceremonies at Ratchaprapa dam, always going above and beyond for every couple I serve.
