You in the most dramatic couture gowns and the majesty of Bhutan: a match made in heaven.
Photography; Skyy Woo Photography
Styling: Steve Thio
Styling assistant: Jimmy Tan
Hair & makeup: Khai Lee (HP: 9675-9639), using Bed Head by TIGI & ByTerry
Model: DJ/Mannequin
Headpieces: Gioielli
Special thanks to: Druk Asia Bhutan Travel Specialists (www.drukasia.com), Cipto and Joni, Drukair Singapore (www.drukair.con.sg), as well as Royal Bhutan Airline, our guide Chencho Bull & driver, Thinley Dorji,
Thanks also to the wonderful staff at Como Uma Paro and Como Uma Punakha hotels for their ownderful hospitality, attentive service and warm friendship.
Drukair Singapore flies to Bhutan three times a week from Singapore Changi Airport, with a 45-minute stopover at Kolkata .
This spread was originally published in Female Brides Lookbook Issue 13.
Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery overlooks the Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang valleys. The temple houses a 4m bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara (Chenrigzig chagtong chentong), which is one of the biggest in the country. Other statues include those of Guru Padmasambawa, Gautama Buddha and Tsepamay (Buddha of Longevity). The temple complex also houses a permanent high learning and meditation centre for nuns.
Beaded gown with sheer overlay, Dang Bridal.
Seen everywhere in in Bhutan, prayer wheels traditionally have the Buddhist mantra Om Mani Padme Hum in Sanskrit on the outside. Buddhists believe that spinning the wheel has the same meritorious effect as reciting the prayers.
Lace beaded gown with a sheer train by Galia Lahav from The Proposal.
The wonderful COMO Uma Paro villas offer cosy spaces with panoramic views of the Paro Valley. Besides luxurious interiors showcasing traditional Bhutanese craft and architecture, they also have an open courtyard with a fire pit to warm you up on colder days.
The villas at COMO Uma Paro are entirely private, with soul-stirring views of forests, mountains and the surrounding valley.
Love, Yu beaded chiffon dress, The Prelude Bridal.
Lace mermaid gown, Dang Bridal.
You can look beautiful and radiant even with smoky eyes. Makeup artist Khai kept the focus on dark, lined eyes. The cheeks are shimmery with dustings of blush pink.
Built by Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chu river and the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
Love, Yu chiffon gown with asymmetrical skirt, The Prelude Bridal.
Constructed by referencing Holy Scriptures, Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten took nine years to complete and is a wonderful example of traditional Bhutanese architecture and craft. Within the temple grounds are smaller chortens.
Galia Lahav lace gown, The Proposal.
The staircase leading to the temple’s main gateway in Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten is lined with these wonderful trees. Inside lies a feast for the eyes: stunning hand-painted murals, ornate brocades and towering carvings.
Galia Lahav beaded lace gown with low back, The Proposal.
A beautiful building inspired by traditional Bhutanese architecture, the COMO Uma Paro Hotel is a serene haven for couples seeking privacy.
Built on a hill, the hotel offers exclusivity as well as spacious patios and stunning views of the landscape from every room and villa.
Amsale gown beaded overlay, The Prelude Bridal.
Also known as the palace of great happiness or bliss, Punakha Dzong is the second largest and second oldest dzong in Bhutan. It is now the administrative centre of the Punakha district. Located along the Pho Chu (father) and Mo Chu (rivers, it is immense and houses numerous grand buildings with courtyards.
Love, Yu tulle gown, The Prelude Bridal.
Druk Wangyal Lhakhang Temple at the Dochula mountain pass has 108 memorial chortens or stupas. The pass is next to the Royal Botanical Park and is a popular destination for locals and tourists.
The temple was completed in 2008, and showcases beautiful examples of traditional Bhutanese architecture as well as colourful modern murals on the walls inside. They actually include images of airplanes and even a laptop! The surrounding area has smaller structures and amazing views.
Embroidered satin and tulle gown, Blush Blush Bridal Couture.
Love, Yu dress with beaded sleeves, The Prelude Bridal.
