Aside from being a 90% DIY wedding held at the stunning Secluded Garden Estate in Temecula, California, Alex + Emily wanted to host a wedding that was completely personal and would have guests commenting afterwards how much the wedding was “so them”. And that’s exactly what happened. By marrying (pun intended) and honoring their Chinese and Jewish traditions by having a tea ceremony, Hebrew vows, and the breaking of the glass, plus the help of lots of family & friends on deck, their wedding, captured fabulously by Rebecca of Birds of a Feather, was beautifully so them.
For wedding favors, I located a local honey farm and bought mini jars of orange blossom honey, which was in season. Our friend/coordinator designed personalized stickers that said “Love Is Sweet” for them, and I bought fabric and ribbon to top them off and created cute little take-home gifts so guests could bring a taste of local California honey back to the wintry East Coast.
Their music: We smashed a glass and walked down the aisle together to The Beach Boys’ “Wouldn’t It Be Nice”, and our first dance was Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together.”
Photography: Rebecca of Birds of a Feather Photography / Venue: Secluded Garden Estate / Videography: Carolin von Petzholdt at Love Story Production / Event Planner: Sara Rabstenek / Hair & Makeup: Denise from Kelly Zhang Studio / Florist: Jolene de Hoog Harris at The Dutch Flower / Cake: BoCakes Bakery / Catering Heirloom LA / Invitation, menu, & program designer: Sara Rabstenek / Rentals: Premier Party & Tent Rentals / Invitation Letterpress: Traction Press / Bride’s Dress: Marisa from Panache Bridal Beverly Hills / Shoes: Michael Kors & Corso Como / Veil: vintage from mother / Groom’s Suit: J. Lindeberg / Shoes: Paul Smith / Bridesmaid Dresses: Infinity Dresses from Etsy
