Hearts Aligned: Annelise and Chris

Photography by LIAM COLLARD

Annelise and Chris Gath returned to where their love story first began for a wedding celebration that was both intimate and full of vibrant energy.

Thirteen years after they first met on the sun-drenched shores of Koh Samui, Annelise and Chris returned to Thailand to begin their next chapter as husband and wife.

Drawn to the allure of a destination wedding where they fell in love, the couple embraced forever against a backdrop of lush palm trees, cascading florals, and turquoise waters.

With the bride and bridal party adorned in Kerry Rocks, every element of this tropical celebration was infused with the energy of love, connection and authenticity.

Take a look inside Annelise and Chris’s enchanting wedding.

LOVE AND VOWS IN KOH SAMUI

For Annelise and Chris, returning to Koh Samui to say their vows was a dream come true.

"Choosing Koh Samui was such a natural decision; it was where we first met, and it felt like coming home,” Annelise reminisces.

Nestled on the island’s sunset shores, the luxury villa, Baan Kilee, offered an idyllic oasis for their sea-side ceremony, perfectly positioned to take in the enchanting sunsets that have become a cherished ritual for the couple.

They affirmed their vows surrounded by loved ones from across the globe.

“I’ve never experienced anything like it before. Having all our closest friends and family in one destination together to celebrate our next chapter was very special,” reflects Annelise.

THE DRESS

For the ceremony, Annelise embodied her ethos of style and sustainability with a stunning second-hand gown from Grace Loves Lace.

“I really wanted to buy my dress second-hand. It was important to me because they’re an investment, and I wanted to ensure I could give life to another dress, one which was classic and understated - so that the setting could take a larger focus.” she reveals.

Her intentional approach flowed into the second-hand Shona Joy dresses she carefully curated for her bridesmaids in a harmonising dusk-coloured palette.

“I wanted each dress to complement the others and allow my bridesmaids to express their unique energies,” she shares.

THE BRIDAL JEWELLERY: AN AUNT’S TOUCH

When it came to her wedding jewellery, Annelise knew she wanted to wear pieces designed by her aunt, Kerry Beard.

“There was no question I would be dressed in Kerry Rocks Jewellery,” she recounts.

“Kerry Rocks is part of my family’s story. Each design carries a touch of my aunt’s unique craftsmanship.

“Wearing her creations on the day felt like an extension of our bond, a way to carry her love and artistry with me.”

For Kerry, being part of Annelise’s wedding day meant everything.

“I’ve watched Annelise grow up, and we’ve worked together for 15 years, so in many ways she feels like a daughter to me,” she muses.

“The designs I chose for her wedding jewellery were deeply inspired by the love I have for her, and the sacred bond we’ve nurtured over the years.

“Each piece celebrates her graceful femininity and her vision for an exotic modern wedding.

“I designed the Cascading Soleid Stud to honour Annelise’s unique essence. It's a stunning style that beautifully accentuates her long, flowing hair and radiant spirit,” Kerry shares.

“To adorn Annelise’s hand, her Husband sought a meaningful gift to give on the day. I recommended the Victoria Ring in Green Tourmaline to eternalise her devotion to Chris. It’s a symbolic piece I know will be passed on to the next generation,” she added.

EVERLASTING GIFTS FOR THE BRIDAL PARTY

Annelise and Kerry collaborated to create enduring, wearable memories for the bridal party with mindfully curated jewellery gifts. The vision: classic, meaningful pieces with an exotic twist.

“I wanted my bridesmaids to feel truly special,” Annelise offers. “So, Kerry and I created moodboards to visualise each look and selected stones that resonated with my bridesmaids individual personalities and complexions.”

“We used unique gemstones to personalise the Twin Bracelet for each of the bridesmaids to symbolise the eternal bond they each share with Annelise,” Kerry adds. “For Sophia, the brunette, a vibrant peridot; for Tahlia, a delicate pearl charm to complement her fair skin tone; and for Vanessa, who has an olive complexion, we chose a stunning keshi pearl.”

Kerry also custom fitted a Twin Bracelet for the flower girl, and a Ios Chain Necklace for the Page Boy.

“Seeing their reactions when they opened a Kerry Rocks Jewellery box while we were getting ready was such a sweet moment and I know they are still wearing their pieces,” said Annelise.

Alongside the jewellery, Annelise gifted each bridesmaid a personalised card featuring sketches of their dresses, thoughtfully crafted by artists on Etsy.

REFLECTIONS OF THE HEART

Annelise and Kerry fused familial love and artistic vision to create an elevated bridal jewellery collection that radiates enduring energy and meaning beyond the wedding day.

“I felt incredibly supported throughout the process, it was all so personalised,” Annelise shares, reminiscing on her intimate collaboration with Kerry. “Kerry truly listened to my vision to ensure each piece evoked a vibration of authenticity and confidence.”

“It’s moments like these that highlight the significance of meaningful jewellery,” Kerry reflects. “It was such a joy to curate pieces that embody stories, energy and connection in celebration of these two hearts aligning.”