The Tamesis
When deciding what to wear for their wedding weekend, Tara wanted to honor their Eastern roots in a way that was modern, intentional, and very personal. She drew inspiration from Her Majesty Queen Jetsun Pema of Bhutan and attended the welcome event wearing a look from the Bhutanese brand Chuni Dorji Privé. James is wearing Kraton by one of their favorite Indonesian designers, Auguste Soesastro, and the brooch was purchased by Tara on 1stDibs. “It was actually a vintage belt that I quickly turned into a brooch…and now I wear it all the time because I’m obsessed with it,” she said.
On their wedding day, Tara wore custom Hian Tjen and James wore Barney Cheng. “Barney is a true master of blending traditional art with modern craftsmanship, and his warm, witty personality was the cherry on top. Our lotus wedding logo was hand-embroidered in gold thread on the back of James’ mandarin jacket, with vintage engraved brass buttons providing the finishing touch.”
In Hong Kong, the couple discovered jade beads and asked designer Rinaldy Yunardi to make them into necklaces. But when Tara tried it on, it didn’t quite fit the necklace at first, so she wrapped it around her wrist as a makeshift bracelet.
On the wedding day, it rained, just like the name of this land. The scene was still shocking. Tara noted that “monks chanted the Tara incantation against a backdrop of Amankara pine forest, flaming amaranth and marigolds,” plus “there were some pretty transcendent trumpet instruments in the background, and a wonderful warmth as the sun decided to appear at the last moment.”
They exchanged rice wine that symbolized union, read out their vows, took photos, and hugged their loved ones. During the ceremony, only the couple sat in the aisle. “It was just us, walking our way. It felt good,” Tara said. “At the end of the vows, when I said ‘I see you, James Joseph, from the first moment we meet, I will see you for the rest of my life on this earth. Because when I see you, I feel me,'” Tara shared.
“This is something I’ve always been honest with James about,” she added. “But speaking those words during the ceremony, surrounded by all the beauty and intention in the world, only made it even more clear to me that James and I were together and that everything we worked so hard for was possible that day because James’ love helped me meet a version of myself that I knew was just the surface of my highest potential.”
“Finally, the sun dispersed the fog and revealed the snow-capped Himalayas,” Tara said. “Guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner while taking in the most breathtaking views, and I can honestly say I have never felt so close to God.”
“I’ve never had anything like this,” James said, recalling the ceremony.
For the reception dinner, Tara changed into a custom red Stella Rissa dress. “Just by pure chance, lo and behold, this dragon jade necklace fit perfectly around my neck during dinner! It was the most authentic cosmic moment and has actually become my favorite Bhutanese leg look because it’s the most authentic version of myself I’ve ever felt,” Tara said.
At the reception, guests surprised the couple with an impromptu karaoke session and asked the band to play backing tracks to sing along. The night “revolutionized live karaoke night”, with newlyweds also joining in the fun. “Everyone’s frequency is exactly right,” Tara said. “Everyone is celebrating coming to Bhutan.”
