Hope and Jaime’s wedding took place on a tiny Thai island they already knew well, rather than on some brand-new exotic location. By the time they tied the knot, they had traveled together to nearly 40 countries. But for their celebration, Koh Tao, a small island in Thailand where they had spent extended holidays between yacht seasons, felt like the right place to bring their families together.
The couple’s story began in Newport, Rhode Island, in 2020, when Jaime’s yacht docked in Hope’s hometown during the pandemic. Two weeks after their first date, they became a couple, and just two months later, Hope left her apartment to join Jaime at sea. Over five years, sailing and travel became central to their life, with Koh Tao becoming more than a stopover — it became part of their story.
When it came time to plan the wedding, the question wasn’t about finding an uncharted destination but about returning to a place that already held meaning. View Point Resort on Koh Tao was where they decided to host their ceremony and celebration. The wedding was notable for uniting Hope’s family from the United States and Jaime’s family from Australia for the first time.
Guests arrived on their own schedules, some coming up to a week early, others arriving just the day before the wedding. Rather than trying to herd everyone into a strict itinerary, the couple welcomed the staggered arrivals as part of the experience. This approach avoided the usual packed destination wedding calendar. Instead, it left room for guests to explore the island, relax, and spend time together at their own pace.
This laid-back style fit the vibe of Koh Tao itself, where Hope and Jaime had spent many quiet months away from the yacht seasons. The weddings did not feel like a series of events to be checked off but more like an invitation to share a place they loved. The design was part of this simplicity. Photographer Kim Raaf captured a wedding aesthetic that leaned into the natural surroundings rather than trying to overshadow them.
Local orchids and palm leaves formed the core of the floral arrangements, sourced from the island. The flowers added texture and a sense of place without competing with the landscape. The couple chose an island-chic look, letting the environment speak for itself.
Hope and Jaime’s wedding was less about elaborate staging and more about sharing a meaningful destination with loved ones from opposite sides of the world. The couple’s travels had introduced them to many places, but for their wedding, they picked the island they wanted to come back to. Their approach gave everyone the space to experience Koh Tao as the couple had — without rushing or a rigid plan.
Nearly 40 countries had been part of their journey, but Koh Tao was the place where they brought their families together for the first time. With the natural decor, flexible schedule, and the blending of American and Australian family members, the island became more than a backdrop. It was a shared experience in a place that already felt like home for Hope and Jaime.
According to Wedding Chicks.
