Featured in MunaLuchi Bride Magazine, Issue 31, Ray and Sidtia’s two-day wedding in California celebrates Cambodian culture with gorgeous cultural attire, colorful floral designs, and a stunning all-white wedding.
Their love story begins in high school. “Ray played for the basketball team at Modesto Christian and our high schools played each other,” Sidtia recalls. “Some of my friends from Ripon High knew Ray and we met at a friend’s house.”
That first interaction was just the first of many for these two. Love blossomed between them and when the timing was right, Ray planned the perfect surprise for his soon-to-be fiancée.
Disguised as a birthday party for Sidtia’s older cousin, the entire family was in on the secret! When Sidtia least expected it, they changed the photo backdrop from “Happy Birthday” to “Will You Marry Me?” and Ray popped the question. The “birthday” party then turned into a fabulous engagement party with their friends and family.
“There was a live singer and everything,” Sidtia shares. “It was beautiful.”
On June 30th and July 1st, 2023, the couple tied the knot in a two-day wedding celebration in California.
Starting with a Cambodian ceremony honoring Sidtia’s heritage, they had a 4-part ceremony including a Ring Exchange, Hair Cutting, Tie the Knot, and Honor the Parents at her parent’s home in Modesto, California.
This event consisted of four outfit changes for the couple, Cambodian food, and a groom procession. A love ceremony and an all-white reception followed at the Grand Island Mansion the next day on Saturday.
Of all the beautiful details, Ray and Sidtia’s favorite memory was walking down the aisle and sharing their vows. “It was everything I could have dreamed of and more,” Sidtia shares.
Keep reading below for more details on their love story (featuring expert planning and design by Coterie Member Denise Lillie Engagements and photos by JAO Photography).
*Purchase a copy of Issue 31 here!
- Couple: Raymond Bowles and Sidtia Sidtikun
- Occupations: Business Owner and Registered Nurse
- Wedding date: 6/30/2023 – 7/01/2023
- Wedding location: Modesto, CA / Grand Island Mansion, CA
Quick Facts:
- Wedding Style: Clean, Elegant, Elevated, Timeless
- What gifts did you give to your bridesmaids and groomsmen: The bridesmaids were gifted sweatsuits and perfume for the proposal. On the day of the wedding, their makeup service was taken care of by the bride. The groomsmen were gifted a flask, pocket knife, and a shot glass.
- Gifts for one another: We agreed not to! We often gift each other frequently, which is something we were okay with.
- Ceremony entrances: The groom entered to “All of Me” by John Legend and the Bride entered to “1+1” by Beyonce
- First dance song: “Rather Be” by HER
Day 1: Cambodian Culture + Traditions
We had a whole wedding day dedicated to my Cambodian culture. We did traditional ceremonies, wore Cambodian attire, and had Cambodian food.
How did you meet?
We met in high school through mutual friends. Ray played for the basketball team at Modesto Christian and our high schools played each other. Some of my friends from Ripon High knew Ray and we met at a friend’s house.
Slipping into something blue…
Tell us about the proposal.
Ray planned a surprise proposal. It was supposed to be a “birthday party” for the Sidtia’s older cousin but the cousin and the entire family were all in on it and the whole party was for the proposal/engagement party. They changed the photo backdrop from “Happy Birthday” to “Will you Marry Me?”. There was a live singer and everything. It was beautiful.
Day 2: Love Ceremony + White Wedding
Describe your wedding attire and shopping experience.
My dress was simple but sexy with long Sleeves, lace, and a classic all-white bottom. My shopping experience was so much fun! We started early, so I did not feel stressed. I love shopping, so I enjoyed being super thorough with what I wanted.
Bridal portraits…
Ray’s suit was traditional colors with an elevated twist with texture on the suit jacket.
First look…
Almost Mr. & Mrs…
The Ceremony…
Here comes the bride!
What is your best memory from your wedding?
The best memory from the wedding was walking down the aisle and sharing our personal vows. I think that is one moment you are always looking forward to and it was everything I could have dreamed of and more.
Mr. & Mrs…
What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples?
The best advice we can give is to do things how you want to do them. There are always other ways you can show people you love them. Don’t stress about the little things, everything will work out perfectly.
The reception…
And they lived happily ever after…
Looking for more weddings with Cambodian culture?
Click here.
Vendors:
- Wedding Planner & Designer: Denise Lillie Engagements
- Photography: Jao Photography
- Floral and Decor: AAB Creation
- Videography: Unleashed Vizuals
- DJ & Production: JustIntertainment
- Cambodian Home Rentals: Standard Event Rentals
- Cambodian Caterer: Meng Food
- Cambodian Dresses: Sofie Bridal
- Love Wedding Hair: Hair Styles By Lynette
- Love Wedding MUA: Looks By Kylee
- Love Wedding Party Makeup: Magda Alsamiri
- Officiant: Legendary Speaks
- Invitations: Minted
- Signage: JL Events
- Love Wedding Venue, Caterer & Cake: Grand Island Mansion
- Bride’s Wedding Gown: Elysee Bridal Design
- Bridal Salon: Miosa Salon
- Grooms Tux: Don Morphy
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