Eat, Pray, Love: The Traimas-Lustiva Wedding In Koh Samui, Thailand

By: Maria Girlie Pascual

Somehow, this writer knew that the Thailand born Executive Chef of the famed Cobalt Restaurant in Vero Beach Florida, Danny Traimas (37) was bound to fall in love with his new chef trainee, Melagros Lustiva (33) of Surigao, Philippines, even before he realized that he liked her that way. Call it the “Tita” hunch, but seven years after they met in 2017, it was time for their destination dream wedding in beautiful Koh Samui island in Thaliand held last March 9, 2024.

We flew in to Bangkok a few days before their nuptials with my son, Kristoffer Wildoer, the second Best Man leading the pack from Chicago which included part of the entourage, sponsors, and other guests who promised the happy couple that they will be there to witness this precious moment in their lives. Bangkok was exciting, fun and lively, but Koh Samui was breathtaking. The verdant green mountains, visible from the plane, parted just before we landed to reveal the thrilling blue shoreline of this island, an enticing invitation of things to come for its guests. We were shuttled to our hotel called the OUTRIGGER, but right after checking in, we all descended on the whitewater sand and took in the beachfront view, the surf, and definitely the libations. With the tropical heat building up towards the late morning hour, most of the wedding party jumped into the pool, the sea, the local party scene.

The reception was held Friday night, the wedding the following day, but the party atmosphere started a week back in Bangkok when the groomsmen took Danny out for a Michelin star dinner with local entertainment to follow. The ladies also had their time with the bride, and the Michelin starred restaurants we tried in Bangkok did not disappoint. Food, music, camaraderie and getting to know the guests was the theme of the welcome fete, as the bride and groom made sure that their family met their friends. That night, with its festive and lively mood, the evening’s atmosphere seemed to promise next day’s wedding to be what we all were expecting from this couple along with the five star Banyan Tree resort that they picked for their event—-perfection.

The bright sunshine was a good omen, and the few raindrops before the ceremony was the proverbial good luck for the ceremony. With just 47 guests total in attendance, the experience became more intimate, more sacred. The groom patiently waited at the dais perched high above the cliffside of the resort, along with his groomsmen, all looking handsome in their pale color palette of warm weather khaki and white, while the bridesmaids looked deliciously sexy and cool in their mint green gowns. We all waited for that moment when the bride finally appeared at the top pf the stairs, resplendent in white lace and pearls, slowly descending to join the groom at the base of the steps.

Short and sweet, the vows were recited by both with eyes locked on each other, hands clasping each other tightly, their words trembled with emotion. But when the Thai part of the ceremony started with the more formal, unfamiliar blessings for the couple by their family and friends together, Mel totally lost it and her tears flowed as freely as the pouring of the water on their hands, symbolizing how their married life will flow from that day forward, as husband and wife. It was a touching exchange of vows, a wonderful union celebrating both cultures, and a fitting start to their new life together. We were all moved by this intimate exchange and were happy to be their witnesses.

The reception that followed culminated in a celebration that by everyone’s standard, transcended all the usual expectations. The guests were transported from the wedding stage to the beachfront site by golf carts, where authentic Thai dancers welcomed everyone in full costume. The tables had fresh flowers, souvenirs, and lit votive candles that complemented the twinkling fairy lights that adorned the banyan trees on the beach. Even before the appetizers were served, a dance number set the mood for the night, where the performers were all in full Thai regalia, complete with headdress, jewelry, and eye catching colorful costumes depicting their rich culture. While the meal progressed, so did the entertainment, but we all had to complement Chef Danny the groom, for such a wonderful meal that could only happen that night because he orchestrated it. With Thai and Western influences on the plate, it was definitely one of the best banquet meals we ever had. More cultural performances, a fire show on the beach, but the performance of the night went to the groom serenading his bride to a “Boys to Men” love song. Truly a fitting end to a wonderful love match.

NOTES: Danny Traimas is currently the Executive Chef at THE KITCHEN in downtown Chicago, while Mel is a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty.

They would like to thank Danny’s parents Dirake and Pranee Traimas, sister Lisa and brother Tanee for being there for them. Mel would like to thank her mom Adelle for meeting them in Surigao after the wedding. They both would like to thank their entourage with my son Kris Wildoer, AJ Barlan, Krisada Daorerk, Jay Mendoza, Nino Noriega and Neil Roldan, along with the bridesmaids Leah Alicanda, Grace Pude, Kathleen Daorerk, Prince Chuenkamol, Lisa Traimas and Leah Abines, Ninong Brent Pascual and Sonny Madera, with Ninang Dodjie Pascual and Maria Girlie Pascual.

“Here Comes the Bride” Mel Lustiva Traimas waits for her groom

Mel & Daniel with Fam & Friends

The Thai wedding ritual with the Filipina bride MEL and Thai groom Danny Traimas and his parents Dirake & Pranee.

Congratulations Danny & Mel!

It’s Official ! Meet Mr and Mrs Daniel & Mel Traimas in Thailand after the wedding.

The special union of Danny & Mel, in the traditional Thai wedding attire was truly a wonderful celebration

A special moment at the wedding.

Dirake Traimas, Mel Lustiva, Daniel Traimas, Pranee Traimas

Ninong Brent Pascual with wife Dodjie, kids Miki and Mika.

Dirake Traimas, Tanee Traimas, Daniel Traimas, Mel Lustiva, Pranee Traimas, Lisa Traimas.

Siblings Tanee & Lisa Traimas with their brother Danny & wife Mel.

Mel, Lisa Traimas, Grace Pude, Leah Alicanda, Kathleen Daorerk, Print Chuenkamol, Leah Abines.

The Groomsmen literally carrying the groom to show they got him.

Handsome best men AJ Barlan and Kris Wildoer.

The beautiful backdrop of Koh Samui island for the Traimas-Lustiva nuptials was breathtaking.

Long live the newlyweds!

Boys and Girls at the wedding : Top to Bottom Grace & Kris, Leah & AJ, Lisa & Neil, Bride Mel with Groom Danny, Print & Nino, Kathleen & Jay, Leah & Prince.