May 21, 2022 / Fulerton, California

How did your love story begin?: We first met in 2006 at Jordan Middle School in Burbank, California. Our paths crossed throughout the years through mutual classes, but we didn't start talking until the summer before high school. On the last day of 8th grade, Michael asked my friend, Gina (now a bridesmaid), for my phone number. The rest is history! We didn't officially start dating until three years later. Next, we weathered a long distance relationship throughout college. Finally, we packed our bags and moved across the country to the Washington D.C. area. We've been living up our east coast lives with our two kitties, Patty and Maisy, since 2017. I had wanted to go to a lantern festival since the first time I saw some pictures of one in 2014. When we moved out to the east coast in 2017 I surprised Michael with tickets to a lantern festival, only to have to cancel due to work conflicts. Then in 2019 he surprised me with tickets. I was so happy and excited to finally be going! It happened right after sunset when everyone was lighting and releasing their lanterns. Michael did the first one and I did the second one. As I let mine go and watched it float up into the night sky, I turned around to say to Michael “did you see that?!” and when I turned around, he was on his knee with the ring. I think he said “I think it’s been long enough. Will you marry me?” I was surprised and elated and absolutely said “yes!” A few people watching cheered and as he put the ring on my finger we were surrounded by floating lanterns and the song “Hallelujah” was playing. It was truly the most magical night of my life! In terms of wedding planning, I took the lead but Michael was there for support especially since I can be indecisive at times.

What was your vision for your wedding?: The vision for our wedding was ethereal, magical, garden. We both knew we wanted an outdoor wedding surrounded by greenery and nature. When we found out venue we fell in love with the wisteria covered arbor and waterfall backdrop- it was the perfect setting! We found most of our vendors through Instagram. One of the most important parts of our wedding was including a traditional Korean Tea Ceremony called Paebaek Ceremony. Here's some background on the significance: https://www.brides.com/paebaek-ceremony-5091739.

Tell us all about your wedding dress!: I found Alena Leena's Pansy gown online and immediately started looking for stores that carried the dress. I had seen one other square neckline dress online and knew I wanted a square neckline a-line dress and the Pansy gown ticked all the boxes for me. I wanted a tulle skirt and some type of appliqué or beading. I live in Virginia, my wedding was in California, and I can't believe I found my dress in Milwaukee of all places! My parents live in Chicago so I visited them and they drove me out to Strike Bridal to try on this dress. When I arrived I saw the dress hanging in the dressing area and I couldn't believe I loved it even more in person! Emily was helping me and my mom out that day and she couldn't have been sweeter!! We tried on Pansy first and I loved it!! From the cut to the delicate beading, it was stunning. We tried on a few other Alena Leena dresses just to make sure Pansy was the one but there was really no doubt in my mind. I was so happy I had found it! I FaceTimed my maid of honor to show her just before I said YES to the dress!! Emily and the team were so kind and made the celebration feel special. They brought out champagne and took a video of me popping a confetti popper :) Also, I tried on a veil with the dress before I said yes and we loved it so much we bought it as well. I absolutely loved how it was customized with our initials and wedding date- that made it so unique and special to me. I was so happy to check off my dress and veil in one amazing day at Strike Bridal Bar!

You planned and you planned, but how did the day ACTUALLY go?!: The entire day was incredible. It was so special seeing all of our family and friends come together to celebrate our love. I think for a lot of the guests the Korean Tea Ceremony was their favorite part because it was unexpected. For us, we reminisce back on the day and loved every moment. I wish we could relive that day over and over again!

What is your best advice for future brides-to-be?: My best advice for future brides-to-be is pretty similar to what a lot of people told me but stuck with me on the day of - be present and enjoy every moment the day of your wedding. I am a type A planner so up until the night before I was planning, planning, planning to make sure every detail was perfect but when I woke up in the morning I knew it was our special day and I didn't want it to happen in the blink of an eye while I was still stressed about details. I made a conscious effort to be present in every moment and have a great day and it really ended up being the best day of my life.