I want to become a society lady Rockin' a new rock?!

Seri and Toan met in college and dated for 12 years before they married in Maui. “We’ve gone through every milestone in our lives together and were so happy to finally be able to share our love with everyone,” says Seri. They enlisted Maui’s Angels to help them plan their gorgeous day at Montage Kapalua filled with tropical florals by Mandy Grace, stationery by Anna Claire Calligraphy and signage by Miss B. Calligraphy. They also had Wendy Laurel behind the lens capturing their vibrant, island party in the way only Wendy can and we know you’ll love the photos as much as we do!

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Our wedding was an intimate affair with our most cherished family and friends sharing the special day with us.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

My beautiful ball gown dress was designed by Stella York. It was one of the two dresses I tried on in my search for the perfect dress at a cute little boutique called Lang’s bridal. I’ve always wanted to feel like a princess for my special day and it definitely made me feel so! I also had the added touch of a cathedral veil to tie the look together.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We wanted our guests to have some fun entertainment and loved the idea of having a cute photo-bus to entertain our guests.

What was the mostmemorable part of the day?

The best part of the day was when we finally had the chance to enjoy a few moments of the beautiful backdrop of Maui together. We held each other and just breathed in each other’s air and couldn’t believe we were finally there enjoying that moment together.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met in college and have been on our journey together for over 12 years.  We’ve gone through every milestone in our lives together and were so happy to finally be able to share our love with everyone.

Seriphone + Toan | Montage Kapalua from All Time Media II on Vimeo.

Wedding Planning & Design: Maui’s Angels // Photography: Wendy Laurel // Flowers: Mandy Grace // Stationery: Anna Claire Calligraphy // Venue, Catering & Bar Services: Montage Kapalua // Gown Designer: Stella York // Hair & Make-up: Meili Autumn Beauty // Signage: Miss B. Calligraphy // Video: All Time Media // Musician: Brian Santana // Linens: La Tavola // Place Settings: Set Maui // Rentals: Inspiration Events Hawaii // Officiate: Tino Rosete // Photobooth: Bamboo Shootz

 

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Villa Rusconi Clerici in Verbania, Italy offered a breathtaking backdrop on Lake Maggiore for Anastasia and Michele’s elopement. Edelweiss Weddings designed the day with a lemon yellow theme that carried through the florals and tablescape by Della Bella Fiori. We’re definitely loving the gorgeous views captured beautifully by Daria Lorman Photography along will all of the other cheery details.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

The venue the couple have chosen together with their planner Diana. Villa Rusconi Clerici is located in the small town of Pallanza on Lake Maggiore. Walking along its embankment, for a moment it may seem to you that you are on the French Riviera, and sea waves are beating on the shore. The villa was built in the late 1800s. It is impossible not to notice it from the water. Bright yellow color and stucco windows of this villa stand out among others. It is surrounded by a luxurious garden, has enviable and rare specimens of flowers of various kinds, such as rhododendron, azaleas, camellias, magnolias and others, some of which were planted for more than 200 years, even before the construction of the villa itself. This place is an endless source of inspiration for artists and poets, and for all beauty lovers. From the bride: “On this day, everything came together so that it is impossible to highlight some special part of the celebration, leaving others behind. Everything was beautiful, starting from a clear sunny morning, after a long rainy week.”

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I tried a lot of dresses, but still couldn’t choose just one. I had a dilemma between two completely different styles: sophisticated and luxury mermaid and more romantic dresses. So I got both of my favorites from two different designers in two boutiques. First, I felt in love with that beautiful sparkling lace dress from Honeymoon Sposa Italia, which was shining in the sun. I felt like this was my dream dress. And for the dancing part of the day I went with a light and airy organza dress from Cristian Spose, which was very comfortable but still exquisite as I didn’t want anything too simple either.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

We built our concept around such a simple element as lemon. On such a hot June day, which was June 12, 2019, a glass of cold lemonade came to everyone’s taste and was very welcomed. And it added that Italian touch to everything.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

Our ceremony was the most memorable part of the day and a couple of minutes right before it when we were both standing a couple of meters from each other and impatient to finally see each other. We also had lots of fun when trying to get those cute Pinterest photos with Baloo, the villa’s dog. Daria did her best trying to make the dog sit still and pose with us, while Baloo was clearly more interested in getting snacks.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

That day I had a big event planned at a restaurant, which I was supposed to attend in the company of my two friends. I definitely did not plan to meet my destiny – my future husband. He was in our big company at that restaurant. Nothing special, the usual acquaintance. Everyone was getting to know each other there, talking. The evening has passed. That evening we did not even talk a lot.

Some time later Michele started calling me, chatting on the phone. Later we saw each other a few more times at various events. Then he invited me on a date. I refused, and he had planned a trip to his homeland, Italy, for work, for a whole month. He flew away. He kept calling me the whole month, despite my refusal to go on that date. Apparently he decided not to give up! When he returned, he called me on a date again, this time I agreed.

After 1.5 years, he proposed to me. Now we are husband and wife. And three years ago, on one happy summer day, we first saw each other in that restaurant and I could not even imagine that I was sitting there and talking with my future husband.

Photography: Daria Lorman Photography // Planner & Organization: Edelweiss Weddings // Flowers & Décor: Della Bella Fiori // Stationery: Edelweiss Card Design // Venue: Villa Rusconi Clerici // Muah & Styling: Anna Poliakova // Wedding Dress #1: Honeymoon Sposa // Wedding Dress #2: Cristian Spose // Headpiece & Earrings: Della Bella Gioielli // Cake: LallabyCakes

 

Kate and Grant dated long distance in college and when Kate visited WestPoint, she would stay at the Thayer Hotel, so it it was a natural choice for the location of their reception following their traditional ceremony at the breathtaking Cadet Chapel. The couple enlisted the help of planners Table 6 Productions to create their stunning day filled with sentimental details in blue and bold, brilliant florals by Faye and Renee, vibrant watercolors by Bohemian Mint and a Momofuku Milk Bar cake that was shipped directly to the reception!! Loving all the joie de vivre in Kate and Grant’s day and it’s all captured here by Rodeo and Co.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

From the photographer: So many aspects! First of all, the cloche jar display wall for the escort cards is one of our favorites. But also the location was so unique! Getting married in the WestPoint Chapel is a super memorable setting because it’s a breathtaking chapel. The entire WestPoint grounds are gorgeous, and I think every guest appreciated just walking around and seeing the amazing views!

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Kate found her dress at Kleinfeld’s! She wanted something unique but that still had an elegance to it – just like her! I remember her sending us the picture of it, and we were BLOWN away. It is stunning and honestly no picture could do it justice! The beauty is in the details.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

Definitely the WestPoint Military traditions added such a personal touch. They sabered champagne for their toast, did a saber arch after exiting the ceremony, had an ice sculpture of the academy’s logo, had a table for their fallen soldiers, and so many other small things! It definitely made it feel super personal for both of them. Also, the Momofuku cake was a must for Kate – we literally used Fed Ex to ship the cake to the Thayer Hotel!!! It HAD to be the original Momofuku, and if you taste it you’ll realize why it’s totally worth it.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The band! They were AMAZING. We have used Hank Lane Music multiple times before, and we are continually impressed with the quality of their bands. Everyone was dancing ALL night and kept raving about them.

 

 

Photographer: Rodeo and Co // Planner: Table 6 Productions // Stationery: Bohemian Mint // Floral: Faye and Renee // Venue: WestPoint Military Academy and the Thayer Hotel // Videographer: Blue Moon Video // Dress: Isabelle Armstrong New York // Dress Store: Kleinfeld’s // Music: Hank Lane // Cake: Momofuku Milk Bar // Beauty: Beautini // Transportation: Peekskill Trolley Company // Live Painter: Peter Pluchino // Rentals: Durant Rentals // Velvet Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

 

Two worlds blended together English-born Paul wed his American bride, Sara, in a setting fit for royalty. Friends and family traveled from all over to a weekend of celebration planned and design by Chancey CharmDover Hall and its English Countryside vibes set the tone for the events which included a sophisticated rehearsal and elegant wedding celebration showcasing “the couple’s unbridled love and refined style.” So many gorgeous details and an emerald green palette delight in florals by Tierra Floral Events, custom printing by Minted and desserts by Sweet Fix. Indulge yourself in all the customized details and stunning setting in these gorgeous images by David Abel Weddings.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

Two worlds blended together as the English born groom wed his American bride in a setting fit for royalty. Friends and family traveled from all over to celebrate the union over a wedding weekend. The sophisticated rehearsal and wedding day were so beautifully designed and incorporated every element to showcase the couple’s unbridled love and refined style. The royal beauty of it all started with the elegantly appointed rehearsal dinner set in the Formal Dining Room of the Estate where guests shared an intimate dinner; enjoying wine and spirits all the while preparing to send the couple off to their wedding day with a gift of love and admiration. The wedding day was full of classic but modern English details. The couple had an unexpected second ceremony (that the bride describes below) with close family as well as a grand ceremony with all of their guests. The old world charm was beautifully curated in this wedding.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

I wanted a timeless gown that I would look back on 50 years from now and still find elegant and classic. The drama of the train, with the buttons all the way to the hem, is my favorite part of the dress. The off-the-shoulder sleeves felt romantic, and there was even a bit of architectural design in the boning that felt really beautiful. I hope it is a piece that I will be able to pass along to a daughter one day, should she want to wear it. The very first time that I went dress shopping with my Mom, we went to a sample sale, and my Martina Liana gown was actually the very the first dress that I pulled. I fell in love with the gown, but wanted to make sure that I tried on every silhouette and style so that I *knew* this was the one. We went to a couple of other DC based bridal boutiques, and finally decided to work with the team at Elegance by Roya Bridal Artelier in Tysons Corner, VA.

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

During our venue search, we decided not to do a British wedding in Paul’s home country of England, but we both absolutely fell in love with Dover Hall and its English Countryside vibes. We loved that guests would feel like they were being welcomed into our English country home (I wish!). We added little touches here & there that made the day feel more personal to us, our families, and our 6 year love story.

Between Paul and I, we only have 1 grandparent that is still with us, and he was unable to travel for the wedding from England, so it was important that we recognized our families past & present. We included wedding photos from both of our parents, and all 4 sets of grandparents, creating a family tree style display with everyone’s wedding photos.

Paul is a die-hard Tottenham Hotspur fan, so we had a custom wax seal created with their team logo for our escort cards. We utilized the Hotspur logo again in the bar area with custom gold mirrored drink stirrers as well. Anyone that knows Paul, knows that we would have some recognition of the Spurs! Paul & the rest of our male family members watched the team play that morning – thankfully they won!

Our two pups, Aspen & Karlos, mean the world to us, but they were unable to be at Dover Hall on our big day, so we included a custom cocktail napkins with their likenesses. I was really happy with how these turned out – they’re just so cute!

Instead of a traditional guest book, we had our friends and family sign a personalized globe that we can display in our home.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

We had a bit of a hiccup during the day where our officiant was held up in awful traffic. What could have been a big issue actually turned into a lovely situation where we had our big, indoor ballroom ceremony under the stunning fireplace with all of our guests, as well as a beautiful, intimate ceremony outside in the courtyard.

The owner of Dover Hall was so gracious and stepped up to read our ceremony script so that our timeline for the day was not drastically thrown off, and none of the guests had any clue! After the priest arrived, while our guests were enjoying cocktail hour, he performed the ceremony for us with just our immediate families outside in the courtyard. The weather was amazing for an August day in Virginia! There were fewer nerves the second time around! It was an lovely reiteration of our vows and special to have that moment with just our families as well. It’s a unique story to be able to say we were married twice in one day!

How we met.

We met on eHarmony, but neither of us actually made our own dating profiles. Both of us had friends make the profile for us, and I was Paul’s first date, and he was my second date. We’ll have been together for 5 years coming up on Nov 26. We’re both supportive of each other’s dreams and aspirations. We’re both close with our families. We have two dogs that we adore and we’re looking forward to starting our life as a married couple and building on this life that we have together.

How we became engaged.

We were in England for Paul’s family vacation at a place called CentreParcs. We were staying in little cabin homes by a lake and on the Saturday morning of Memorial Day weekend, we went for a walk around the lake. There’s a picturesque little bridge over one of the inlets of the lake & Paul proposed there. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. The he quickly ushered me off the bridge when other people were around because I was crying! We went back to the cabins & Paul’s whole family was there to celebrate with us.

Photography: David Abel Weddings// Professional Event Coordinator: Chancey Charm // Floral: Tierra Floral Events // Custom Printing: Minted // Venue & Catering: Dover Hall // Cinematographer: White Flair Productions // Hair: Amber Mortimer // Makeup: Katie Dietz // Bridal Gown: Martina Liana Elegance by Roya // Wedding Shoes: Jimmy Choo // Groom’s Suit: Indochino // Cake/Cupcakes: Sweet Fix // Celebrant: Father Jim Balija // Band: East Coast Entertainment Klaxton Brown // Ceremony Musician: RVA Harpist Christina Thomas // Transportation: Winn Bus // Ring Box: The Mrs. Box

 

Alison and Jonathan not only wanted to display their love for one another, but also wanted their wedding day to “be a time to honor our friends and family who have supported us through our entire journey.” The couple enlisted Ah Love Events to help them create a day filled with personalized touches and STUNNING details including florals by Emblem Flowers and calligraphy by Taingled Lettering while Maritha Mae was on hand to capture all the gorgeous moments in these images.

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What made the wedding special and unique?

For our wedding, Jonathan and I didn’t want to only display our love towards one another, but also wanted it to be a time to honor our friends and family who have supported us through our entire journey. One part that was really important for us was to appreciate our parents during the ceremony. We knew that no gift would be great enough to show how we truly feel, so we wanted to verbally thank them for their great love and influence on our lives. The entire room was in tears when Jonathan started off his appreciation by calling his mom, “Mommy…”. It was such a tender and real moment that showed the closeness of their relationship. Because my mom’s native tongue is Mandarin, I decided to muster up the courage to publicly speak to her in her native tongue, and as I looked into her eyes in that moment, I was just overwhelmed by the love and sacrifices she has shown me.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

Growing up, I knew my bridal style wasn’t the “strapless, sweetheart, tulle” type. I saw beauty in sleek lines and modern details, and that is why I completely fell in love with BHLDN’s “Estelle” gown by Jenny Yoo. I wanted to feel as completely myself as I could, well, besides the eyelash extensions, and wearing the Estelle gown made me feel bright and effortless. I loved how elegantly the thin straps crossed in the back, the bell shaped skirt that allowed my body to move, and how gracefully my cape/veil draped as I walked down the aisle. The most special part of this dress is that my sister gifted this to me on my birthday! Reading her birthday card for me brought tears to my eyes, knowing that she wanted to dress me on such a special moment!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

I love how weddings blend two people’s universes together. It was important for Jonathan and I to both feel that we were attending our own weddings, not one side more present than the other. I loved how during the planning process, Jonathan knew exactly which song he wanted to walk down the aisle to, and that was the theme song to one of his favorite video games, Legend of Zelda. The instrumental version was actually quite beautiful, and as Jonathan walked down with the biggest smile of his face, many of our guests smiled and rooted along because they knew exactly what was going on. Along with our music selection, I had the best time creating DIY elements to make our day feel more personal. One thing that I will forever treasure is my cape/veil that I made with tulle and some crystals. I love how it’s a unique take on the traditional veil and it totally made me feel like a goddess walking down the aisle.

What was the most memorable part of the day?

The ceremony was such a sweet moment for us. It was a time for us to express our love towards one another, our families, and to God. While planning, it felt like each part of the ceremony was just a check off list, but on the day of, the entire atmosphere was filled with so much joy and love, and that was so magical to experience. For our unity symbol, we decided to have communion together to start off our marriage with a clean beginning. It was such a powerful moment because as we stepped away from the guests and through the beautiful arch, we finally had a moment to ourselves to pray and hold each other. That was so special to experience because that marked the beginning to our new lives together!

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

Jonathan and I are blessed to have many mutual friends who helped form the start of our relationship. Most of our early times together were around our different church communities coming together to play sports or hangout at a friend’s house. After many laughs and some snapchat exchanges later, we decided to take the next steps to build a relationship together! During those times together, we would either find ourselves having picnics at parks, or Jonathan re-watching all the Marvel movies with me just because I didn’t grow up watching them. It was only natural that Jonathan chose a park that we would often visit after a trip to the theaters to propose at. Jonathan sang and played “You’ve Got a Friend In Me” on his ukulele, (which is something he does during every anniversary), got down on one knee, and made history for the both of us! We were able to celebrate with friends and family afterwards, and we are so thankful for that!

Jon + Alison from Memo Collective on Vimeo.

Photographer: Maritha Mae // Wedding Coordinator: Ah Love Events // Floral Design: Emblem Flowers // Videography: Memo Collective Films // Calligraphy: Taingled Lettering // Venue: Ebell Long Beach // Dress Designer: BHLDN // HMUA: Sharon Y. Park // Catering: Tres LA // Rentals: Stephanies Linens // Photobooth: Pixarity // DJ: Will Tseng