The Meet Cute : Garrett was one of Marina ’ s older brother ’ s best friends , and Marina ’ s brother relegated them to the “ friend zone ” when they met in 2010 . It wasn ’ t until years later , after her brother lost his life in a car accident , that Garrett and Marina grieved together and formed their relationship a year or so after his death . Turns out Marina ’ s brother had actually given his blessing for their relationship several years beforehand , saying , “ If my sister were to date any of my friends , I ’ d want it to be Garrett .”
The Engagement : During the pandemic , the couple took up hiking . “ Hiking was our safe haven , and we tried to explore different paths each time ,” Marina says . Garrett set up a beach picnic at one of her favorite hiking paths with the help of Marina ’ s younger siblings . Marina walked straight past the picnic during their romantic stroll — she urged Garrett to move away from “ someone else ’ s beautiful picnic setup ,” only to find him waiting for her by the picnic after she turned around . The couple enjoyed the picnic spread and reminisced on their relationship before Garrett asked , “ So , you never answered me . Will you marry me ?” “ Of course I said yes ,” says Marina .
The First Look : After tapping him on the shoulder for the reveal , “ Garrett turned around and it was bliss ,” Marina says . He leaned in for a kiss and the couple ended up banging each other ’ s teeth , “ As if it were our first time ,” she says .
The Traditions : The couple celebrated two different wedding ceremonies in June and September . During the June wedding , Marina and Garrett engaged in many Cambodian wedding traditions , like the soat mun , or the monk ’ s blessing ceremony ; the groom ’ s processional ; the knot tying ceremony and other traditions . The couple celebrated their June wedding with 300 guests at Marina ’ s parents ’ house . During the September wedding , Marina and Garrett had two traditional Khmer dancers bless their wedding with the robam jun por , which translates to “ blessing dance ” and symbolizes health , wealth and prosperity for the couple .
September 17 , 2022
CAITLIN KERSHAW PHOTOGRAPHY @ CAITLINKERSHAWPHOTO
The Highlights : Marina and Garrett ’ s wedding was a family affair , and one of the main highlights for the couple was the incorporation of family into the celebrations . Marina and Garrett were married by Marina ’ s cousin , who became ordained to officiate the marriage . Other cousins of Marina also showcased musical talents during the day , and her nephew walked down the aisle as the ring bearer . Another favorite moment was getting showered with flower petals as they exited the ceremony .
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