On Christmas morning, as we walked on the South Bank of the Thames with Tower Bridge right behind us, I proposed.
Ning – About a year ago, we moved to San Francisco, where we first met. We’d been in Chicago for Irene to attend business school but ended up loving it so much that we stayed even after she graduated. We like to go on big and small adventures, enjoy old favourites, and try new things.
Irene – We had our first date at a San Francisco dive bar called The Page. It was around the corner from my apartment, so I knew I could escape if the date went sour. My first impression of Ning wasn’t the best. He was super shy and wouldn’t make eye contact. Not to be gauche, but he made a great decision to wear a fitted black T-shirt. It’s probably what got him the second date!
We had two beers, and I asked if he’d like to walk me home (a whole two blocks). I did the song and dance playing with my keys, giving him time to pluck up the courage to kiss me. He chickened out. After about five minutes of feigning a lack of coordination, I impatiently asked, “Are you going to kiss me or what?” With that push, he went for it. We went on three dates in one weekend.
Ning – We had our first date on a Thursday, and by the next Thursday, I knew this was it for me. A few years ago, we were spending the holidays in London. I had bought the engagement ring, and the setting felt perfect. On Christmas morning, as we walked on the South Bank of the Thames with Tower Bridge right behind us, I proposed.
We wanted people at our wedding to feel taken care of and to have a ceremony that celebrated love, its fragility and earnestness.
In design sessions with our florist and wedding planner, we often referenced ikebana and wabi-sabi aesthetics, arrangements and decor that felt organic, unfinished and alive. Both our vows acknowledged that love is rough, simple, and imperfect but beautiful.
Irene – Every wedding blog and influencer tells you not to splurge on wedding favours but we did!
We had an “open book bar” where guests were able to choose a book to take home. Since Ning and I are both from California, we picked authors and stories that celebrate our home state’s diverse culture and history. Good food and an open bar were also non-negotiables for us.
I got my dress from Cortana Brides. I booked an appointment at the Salamanca atelier in Madrid, and we were assisted by an amazing stylist, Bea. I picked my dress then and there, two years before our wedding. My shoes were from The Row, earrings from Mejuri, and my necklace was a birthday present from Ning. I wear it every day.
Ning – I wore a Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo with a Tom Ford bowtie. My wristwatch is a cherished gift from Irene. It was actually her father’s watch.
PHOTOGRAPHER Sincerely, Sini, @sincerelysini / VENUE Rancho Valencia, @ranchovalencia / PLANNER Spark Event Consulting, @sophiakimpark / WEDDING DRESS Cortana, @cortanabrides / SUIT Dolce Gabbana, @dolcegabbana / BRIDE’S RING Graff, @graff / BRIDE’S SHOES The Row, @therow / EARRINGS Mejuri, @mejuri / HAIR & MAKEUP Kohnur, @kohnur / STATIONERY Paper and Toys, @paperandtoys / FLORA Blooms by Melly, @bloomsbymelly / DJ DJ Peter Pop, @djpeterpop / VIDEOGRAPHER Cotton Love Studios, @cottonlovestudios
