Vivian Nguyen
and
Steven Grover
Please join us for our wedding celebration on
Our Story
Steven and Vivian met on a classic foggy day in San Francisco in October 2013. They went on a few dates, traveled to even more places together, fell in love over bottomless mimosas, and the rest is history!
Thanks for joining us on our special adventure down the aisle. Pack your bags - we're going to Koh Samui, Thailand for a 3-day celebration from June 21-23 2019!
Cheers,
Vivian & Steven
(a.k.a. "Stevian")
Thanks for joining us on our special adventure down the aisle. Pack your bags - we're going to Koh Samui, Thailand for a 3-day celebration from June 21-23 2019!
Cheers,
Vivian & Steven
(a.k.a. "Stevian")
Destination
About Koh Samui, Thailand
About Koh Samui
Koh Samui is an island on the eastern coast of Thailand. Think: white sands, clear blue waters, swaying palm trees...and the perfect destination for this adventurous couple's wedding!
Weather
The island experiences hot and humid weather in June with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). Tropical storms may come and go (although the rain doesn't last for very long at all!)
Currency
The baht is the currency of Thailand. $1 USD is equal to 32 THB as of January 9th, 2019. We recommend bringing an ATM card and/or exchanging cash for baht at Foreign Exchange Booths which are located throughout the island (try not to exchange at the hotel - the rates are much lower). Our resort, Le Meridien, will allow you to expense all items purchased on-site to your room which can then be paid by credit card. Click here for more information about currency exchange.
Island Attractions
First time visiting Koh Samui? Here's a list of things to do while you're here:
Le Meridien Activities
Looking for fun things to do closer to home base? Le Meridien offers a range of onsite activities that you can do individually or as a group, including a cooking class, cocktail class and spa packages. Inquire about available activities - and reserve your spot! - during check-in.
Koh Samui is an island on the eastern coast of Thailand. Think: white sands, clear blue waters, swaying palm trees...and the perfect destination for this adventurous couple's wedding!
Weather
The island experiences hot and humid weather in June with an average temperature of 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). Tropical storms may come and go (although the rain doesn't last for very long at all!)
Currency
The baht is the currency of Thailand. $1 USD is equal to 32 THB as of January 9th, 2019. We recommend bringing an ATM card and/or exchanging cash for baht at Foreign Exchange Booths which are located throughout the island (try not to exchange at the hotel - the rates are much lower). Our resort, Le Meridien, will allow you to expense all items purchased on-site to your room which can then be paid by credit card. Click here for more information about currency exchange.
Island Attractions
First time visiting Koh Samui? Here's a list of things to do while you're here:
- Explore Angthong National Marine Park
- See the 12-meter golden Buddha at Big Buddha Shrine
- Shop and dine at Fisherman's Village in Bophut
- Pray at Wat Plai Laem
- Swim in the natural pool at the bottom of Namuang Waterfall
- Discover the Secret Buddha Garden tucked away in the Koh Samui hills
- Attend a Ladyboy Cabaret Show at Chaweng Beach - one of Koh Samui's most popular attractions!
Le Meridien Activities
Looking for fun things to do closer to home base? Le Meridien offers a range of onsite activities that you can do individually or as a group, including a cooking class, cocktail class and spa packages. Inquire about available activities - and reserve your spot! - during check-in.
Travel to Koh Samui
Thailand has 6 international airports located in: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Phuket, and Koh Samui. The cheapest way of getting to Koh Samui (airport code USM) is to buy a flight to Bangkok and then a separate domestic flight to Koh Samui. There are also direct flights to Koh Samui from Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lampur.
Passport & Visa Information
US citizens traveling to Thailand for under 30 days do not require a visa. Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your entry into Thailand. Click here for more information.
Non-US citizens traveling to Thailand may require a visa. Check with your passport country's state department for travel requirements and visa application information. Koh Samui airport has a "visa on arrival" option available to certain individuals.
Cost
The typical cost of a roundtrip flight from California ranges from $800-1200 USD. From New York to Koh Samui, the typical cost of a roundtrip flight ranges from $900-$1300 USD. Of course, the earlier you book your flights, the cheaper they will be - we've seen some round trip flights for as low as $600 USD during June!
Travel Time to Bangkok
Minimum flying time from New York to Bangkok is about 20 hours, including stopovers. Typical flight time from California to Bangkok is about 17 hours plus one stopover.
Bangkok to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airport offers over 20 flights per day to Koh Samui. Flight time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost is around $2800 THB ($100 US Dollars) for a one-way ticket.
Koh Samui Airport to Our Resort
The wedding will be held at Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa. The resort is a 20-30 min. car ride from Koh Samui Airport. Guests can arrange for a round-trip airport transfer through Le Meridien (~1800 THB round trip) or use a taxi (typically 700-800 THB/one-way; be sure to negotiate the price before getting in the taxi!).
Passport & Visa Information
US citizens traveling to Thailand for under 30 days do not require a visa. Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of your entry into Thailand. Click here for more information.
Non-US citizens traveling to Thailand may require a visa. Check with your passport country's state department for travel requirements and visa application information. Koh Samui airport has a "visa on arrival" option available to certain individuals.
Cost
The typical cost of a roundtrip flight from California ranges from $800-1200 USD. From New York to Koh Samui, the typical cost of a roundtrip flight ranges from $900-$1300 USD. Of course, the earlier you book your flights, the cheaper they will be - we've seen some round trip flights for as low as $600 USD during June!
Travel Time to Bangkok
Minimum flying time from New York to Bangkok is about 20 hours, including stopovers. Typical flight time from California to Bangkok is about 17 hours plus one stopover.
Bangkok to Koh Samui
Bangkok Airport offers over 20 flights per day to Koh Samui. Flight time is about 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost is around $2800 THB ($100 US Dollars) for a one-way ticket.
Koh Samui Airport to Our Resort
The wedding will be held at Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa. The resort is a 20-30 min. car ride from Koh Samui Airport. Guests can arrange for a round-trip airport transfer through Le Meridien (~1800 THB round trip) or use a taxi (typically 700-800 THB/one-way; be sure to negotiate the price before getting in the taxi!).
Accomodations
About Le Meridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa
Our wedding will be held at Le Meridien Koh Samui Reort & Spa located at 146/24 Moo 4, Lamai Beach, Maret, Surat Thani, Koh Samui 84310 Thailand.
Rooms
We have blocked off the following room types for the "Nguyen-Grover" wedding:
Verandah Suite (THB 6000/night) - Max 2 adults + 1 child
Terrace Suite (THB 6500/night) - Max 4 people
Plunge Pool Suite (THB 7000/night) - Max 3 people
Pool Access Suite (THB 8000/night) - Max 4 people
Pavilion Pool Villa (THB 10000/night) - Max 4 people
Ocean Front Pool Villa (THB 13000/night) - Max 4 people
**Note: for rooms with more than 2 guests, each additional adult willl be charged THB 2000/night and each additional child between 5-12 years old will be charged THB 1000/night. Children 0-4 years old stay for free.
These special rates can be redeemed 3 days prior to the wedding and up to 3 days after the wedding. Prices include breakfast every morning from 6-10:30 am.
Click here for more information on what is included in each room type.
To book your room at Le Meridien, email Steven (steven.grover3@gmail.com) for the proper form and further instructions. Thank you!
Schedule
Here's a detailed look at what to expect each day
Friday, June 21
*Please note that the schedule/locations are subject to change due to weather. Guests will be informed in advance of any changes*
- 6 pm - Welcome Party
- Attire: white beach casual
- Location: Beach Lawn
- 10 am - Vietnamese Tea Ceremony
- Attire: dressy casual or Vietnamese ceremony attire
- Location: Main Lobby
- Note: Guests may begin taking their seats at 9:45 am.
- 11 am - Thai Lunch Buffet
- Location: Latest Recipe Restaurant
- 12 pm - Thai Buddhist Monk Ceremony
- Attire: dressy casual or Vietnamese or Thai ceremony attire
- Location: Main Lobby
- 1 pm to 4 pm - Free Time
- Suggestions: explore the island, attend a Thai cooking class, get a massage, lounge by the pool!
- 4:45 pm - Western Ceremony
- Attire: beach formal
- Location: Ocean Pier
- Note: Please gather at the pool deck at 4:15 pm. Our officiant and planners will escort guests to the pier. If you arrive after the ceremony has begun, you will only be able to watch from the beach.
- 5:30 pm - Sunset Cocktail Hour
- Attire: beach formal
- Location: Pool Side
- 7 pm - Western Reception
- Attire: beach formal
- Location: Beach Lawn
- 9 am - Mehendi Brunch Party or Pool Party
- Attire: dressy casual or dressy Indian attire
- Location: Beach Lawn
- 1 to 4 pm - Free Time
- 4 pm - Photos with the Ceremonial Elephant
- 4:30 pm - Groom's Processional "Baraat" Ceremony
- Attire: beach formal/Indian wedding attire
- Location: Ocean front (sand)
- 5:30 pm - Sunset Cocktail Hour
- Attire: beach formal or Indian wedding attire
- Location: Pool Side
- 7 pm - Indian Reception
- Attire: beach formal or Indian wedding attire
- Location: Beach Lawn
- 11 pm - Indian Ceremony
- Attire: beach formal or Indian wedding attire
- Location: Main Lawn
- 10 am to 12 pm - Farewell Breakfast
- Attire: casual
- Location: Beach Lawn
*Please note that the schedule/locations are subject to change due to weather. Guests will be informed in advance of any changes*
Attire & Packing List
Types of Attire
Beach Formal
Leave the gowns and tuxedos at home! We recommend light fabrics and summery colors that are suitable for a warm tropical environment. Here's a helpful beach formal guide for gents and here's a helpful beach formal guide for ladies.
Vietnamese Tea Ceremony/Thai Buddhist Ceremony
The bride and groom will be dressed in traditional Vietnamese "ao dai" for the tea ceremony and traditional Thai wedding attire for the Buddhist ceremony. Guests may choose to wear dressy casual during these ceremonies or come dressed in their own ao dai's (find a suitable outfit on Etsy!). Stay away from black clothing (signals bad luck), shorts and flip-flops.
Indian Wedding Attire
The bride will be dressed in a wedding "lehenga" and the groom will be wearing a wedding "sherwani". Guests may choose to wear beach formal or come dressing in their own Punjabi wedding attire (check on Amazon for great deals on lehengas and sherwanis).
Packing List
Beach Formal
Leave the gowns and tuxedos at home! We recommend light fabrics and summery colors that are suitable for a warm tropical environment. Here's a helpful beach formal guide for gents and here's a helpful beach formal guide for ladies.
Vietnamese Tea Ceremony/Thai Buddhist Ceremony
The bride and groom will be dressed in traditional Vietnamese "ao dai" for the tea ceremony and traditional Thai wedding attire for the Buddhist ceremony. Guests may choose to wear dressy casual during these ceremonies or come dressed in their own ao dai's (find a suitable outfit on Etsy!). Stay away from black clothing (signals bad luck), shorts and flip-flops.
Indian Wedding Attire
The bride will be dressed in a wedding "lehenga" and the groom will be wearing a wedding "sherwani". Guests may choose to wear beach formal or come dressing in their own Punjabi wedding attire (check on Amazon for great deals on lehengas and sherwanis).
Packing List
- Passport & visa
- ATM card/credit card/cash
- Sunscreen (bring a large tube or many small tubes; sunscreen can be pricey in Thailand!)
- Bug repellent (for those staying at Le Meridien, there will be a repellent bottle in your room)
- Bathing suit (or three)
- Appropriate attire for each wedding function
- Appropriate shoes (formal, casual sneakers, beach-friendly wedges)
- Casual attire for exploring the island
- Ibuprofen - island hangovers can be a real pain
- Sunglasses
Wedding Party
Ai Hoang
Maid of Honor
- Hometown: Garden Grove, California
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Being Stevian's third-wheel at Yale parties.
Marianna Zbarskaya
Bridesmaid
- Hometown: Oakland, California
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Watching Stevian fall in love at Outside Lands to the sweet sweet summer tunes and vocals of B. FLOWERS!Â
Audrey Nguyen
Bridesmaid
- Hometown: Anaheim Hills, California
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Completing two escape rooms back-to-back in Chicago. Nothing tests family bonds better than extreme puzzle-solving!
Anna Tran
Bridesmaid
- Hometown: San Jose, California
- Favorite Stevian Moment: Taking Vivian to get her nails done as a "Christmas Gift" but really it was to prepare her for Steven's secret proposal.
Jonathan Nguyen
Gay of Honor
- Hometown: Chino Hills, California
- Favorite Stevian Moment: When Stevian came to my graduation party and really reached out to all of my guests because it made a lot of people feel comfortable. In that moment, I thought "ahh, those two are the best!" Because it really takes special people to connect so easily with others!
Ananya Aneja
Bridesmaid
- Hometown: New Delhi, India
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Riding in an e-rickshaw with Steven and Vivian through the chaos of Chandhi Chowk!
Thuy Nguyen
Mother of the Bride
- Hometown: Anaheim Hills, California
- Favorite Stevian Memory: When Steven invited me, Dad and Audrey out to dinner at a fancy restaurant to respectfully ask our permission to marry Vivian. Steven was in the hot seat with Dad drilling him with questions when Audrey dropped this bomb: "So...why Vivian?"
Son Nguyen
Father of the Bride
- Hometown: Anaheim Hills, California
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Receiving the photos of Steven kneeling down to propose to Vivian in the rain under an umbrella while the rest of us waited at the restaurant to surprise them.
Oliver Grover
Best Man
- Hometown: Staten Island, New York
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Stevian flipping over their kayak (almost twice) in the middle of the lake in the Poconos Mountains, Pennsylvania.
Kevin Towers
Groomsman
- Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Vivian "taking a nap" during a floating trip on the river - and then miraculously waking up. Also when Steven fended off unwanted suitors during the same floating trip.
Sameer Grover
Groomsman
- Hometown: Mountainside, New Jersey
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Steven is only 5 years younger than me. But that only really mattered when Steven turned 21 and joined me for my bachelor party. It was his first time to Vegas...After going a few strong days and nights in Vegas, we had one more evening out at XS which he thoroughly enjoyed...perhaps a bit too much. We got back around 2 or 3am and were planning to go out again, Steven was laid down on the floor with his spikey hair and cut sleeve shirt insisting that he could still go out with the rest of us. After he got up, he wobbled his way to the door and did a 180 directly to the bathroom slumped down on the floor next to the toilet and said f**k it, have fun, I'm done.
Josh Decker
Groomsman
- Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
- Favorite Stevian Memory: "Street tacos! The first time I met Vivian, we had dinner no. 1, a family dinner in San Francisco, and then Vivian and Steven took some of us to dinner no. 2: their favorite street taco truck! Carpe noctem!"
Aashay Desai
Groomsman
- Hometown: Redwood City, California
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Hijinx at 1105 Church Street, including when Steven and Vivian would scream "he's aliiiivveeee" every time I'd come out of my room (hungover) on a weekend. Also, "Steven Bingo".
Mohit Gulati
Groomsman
- Hometown: Gurgoan, India
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Car rides through the streets of New Delhi, endless wedding shopping trips, Vivian imitating an overeager cow (and Steven's reaction!).
Renu "Dolly" Grover
Mother of the Groom
- Hometown: Staten Island, New York
- Favorite Stevian Memory: 4 pm happy hour everyday at the swim-up bar in Aruba!
Nick Grover
Father of the Groom
- Hometown: Staten Island, New York
- Favorite Stevian Memory: Vivian accidentally calling Steven "pati bhai" instead of "pati dev" when she was learning Hindi
Photos
Registry
Make Our Dream Honeymoon A Reality
We are honored you will share in our special day. Your presence is our gift! We're lucky to already have a home full of everything we need, so please enjoy browsing this wish list, where you can contribute to our dream honeymoon in the Maldives!
FAQs
Questions? We've got answers!
Who should I contact if I have questions about the wedding?
You can always feel free to contact Steven or Vivian directly via phone. For email inquiries, contact Steven at steven.grover3@gmail.com
Questions about the venue/events themselves should be directed to our wedding planner via email or WhatsApp:
BLISS Events Thailand
CHATJUTA "CHAT" LIMAPANT
info@blisseventthailand.com
+66 89 725 8010
What's the best way to get real time information about the wedding?
Join the official Over To Grover WhatsApp group with this link HERE. Be sure to activiate your international data plan or connect to Le Meridien's WiFi in order to stay in the loop.
Can I bring a plus one to the wedding?
Yes, you can! Please be sure to include them in the RSVP form for your party by the April 15th deadline.
When should I plan to arrive/depart from Koh Samui?
Please arrive at in Koh Samui no later than 3 pm on Friday, June 21st (our Welcome BBQ will take place at 6 pm that evening!). Guests are welcome to depart Monday afternoon after the Farewell Breakfast ends on Monday, June 24th at 12 pm.
Do I have to stay at Le Meridien?
You are welcomed to stay at a nearby hotel/resort. However, keep in mind that all events will be onsite at Le Meridien so guests are strongly encouraged to stay there - plus, we've got a room block to fill!
Are there discounts on Le Meridien activities for guests?
All wedding guests who are staying at Le Meridien are eligible for 20% off activities at the resort, including spa packages, Muy Thai boxing classes, Thai cooking classes and more! Visit the front desk for more information and to make your reservations.
How much cash should I bring?
For any food and beverages (and activities) purchased outside of the wedding-related events, Le Meridien will typically charge those transactions back to the credit card you provide at the time of check-in.
As far as cash goes, while you will likely not need cash at the resort, we recommend having some cash for activities (tours/bars, etc.) outside of the resort. For example, we are planning to go to the Chaweng Beach bar district on Friday night after the Welcome Party. And while credit card may be used, it'd be useful to have some cash, but not too much.
The best way to withdraw cash is at Bangkok Airport, most of the banks at the airport charge no fees. For those not connecting through Bangkok, Koh Samui Airport does have a currency exchange counter for you to use.Â
Lastly, be sure to set travel notifications for your banks and credit cards!
What's the tipping policy?
As far as tipping, it is not customary/expected in Thailand, but should you choose to tip, we recommend around 10% (credit card or cash).
Am I expected to give a wedding gift?
We understand that this is a long journey for many of you and your presence at our destination wedding is truly the best gift! Wedding gifts are certainly not required, but if you'd like to make a small contribution to our dream honeymoon via Honeyfund, we'd greatly appreciate it!
You can always feel free to contact Steven or Vivian directly via phone. For email inquiries, contact Steven at steven.grover3@gmail.com
Questions about the venue/events themselves should be directed to our wedding planner via email or WhatsApp:
BLISS Events Thailand
CHATJUTA "CHAT" LIMAPANT
info@blisseventthailand.com
+66 89 725 8010
What's the best way to get real time information about the wedding?
Join the official Over To Grover WhatsApp group with this link HERE. Be sure to activiate your international data plan or connect to Le Meridien's WiFi in order to stay in the loop.
Can I bring a plus one to the wedding?
Yes, you can! Please be sure to include them in the RSVP form for your party by the April 15th deadline.
When should I plan to arrive/depart from Koh Samui?
Please arrive at in Koh Samui no later than 3 pm on Friday, June 21st (our Welcome BBQ will take place at 6 pm that evening!). Guests are welcome to depart Monday afternoon after the Farewell Breakfast ends on Monday, June 24th at 12 pm.
Do I have to stay at Le Meridien?
You are welcomed to stay at a nearby hotel/resort. However, keep in mind that all events will be onsite at Le Meridien so guests are strongly encouraged to stay there - plus, we've got a room block to fill!
Are there discounts on Le Meridien activities for guests?
All wedding guests who are staying at Le Meridien are eligible for 20% off activities at the resort, including spa packages, Muy Thai boxing classes, Thai cooking classes and more! Visit the front desk for more information and to make your reservations.
How much cash should I bring?
For any food and beverages (and activities) purchased outside of the wedding-related events, Le Meridien will typically charge those transactions back to the credit card you provide at the time of check-in.
As far as cash goes, while you will likely not need cash at the resort, we recommend having some cash for activities (tours/bars, etc.) outside of the resort. For example, we are planning to go to the Chaweng Beach bar district on Friday night after the Welcome Party. And while credit card may be used, it'd be useful to have some cash, but not too much.
The best way to withdraw cash is at Bangkok Airport, most of the banks at the airport charge no fees. For those not connecting through Bangkok, Koh Samui Airport does have a currency exchange counter for you to use.Â
Lastly, be sure to set travel notifications for your banks and credit cards!
What's the tipping policy?
As far as tipping, it is not customary/expected in Thailand, but should you choose to tip, we recommend around 10% (credit card or cash).
Am I expected to give a wedding gift?
We understand that this is a long journey for many of you and your presence at our destination wedding is truly the best gift! Wedding gifts are certainly not required, but if you'd like to make a small contribution to our dream honeymoon via Honeyfund, we'd greatly appreciate it!
RSVP
We truly hope you can join us!
We're making this step eco-friendly and easy!
RSVP online by Monday, April 15th 2019 at overtogrover.rsvpify.com!
RSVP online by Monday, April 15th 2019 at overtogrover.rsvpify.com!