A Chic, Buddhist-Inspired Wedding at Gramercy Park Hotel in New York, New York

In 2002, David had moved south from a regional post in hospitality and hotels in northern Queensland, while Linh had just completed his studies at Sydney University and was starting his career in the travel industry. Fast forward 15 years, and the two former models found themselves living in Vietnam – Linh, working as the Group Managing Director of ASIA DMC, and David being an antique trader and team room founder of Villa Royale in Ho Chi Ming City.

As their lives progressed together, Linh and David agreed they would only get married when their union would be legally recognized in their home country of Australia. Once the amendment was finally made, the couple chose to have a destination wedding in Manhattan that would double as David’s 50th birthday party. 

With its central location and pop cultural charm, the grooms-to-be selected the historic Gramercy Park Hotel as their wedding venue. As a special surprise, the guests (who had traveled from across the globe) were not informed about the wedding until they arrived. After the announcement, a distinguished ceremony was held at the Universal Life Church, officiated by Minister Zane Rhodes.

Towards the end of the Buddhist-inspired ceremony, the grooms lit an eternal candle together before celebrating with their guests over an incredible reception dinner. A locally sourced menu was designed by Linh and the Gramercy Park Hotel team, and 4 Eyes Photography captured the day’s events.