Location: Sydney, Australia.
Setting: University of Sydney, Pier One
Wedding season: Fall
How long did the couple plan the event: 10 months
The number of guests: 300 guests at the ceremony and 140 at the reception
Wedding theme/style: Simple, classic, fun, and intimate.
Dahee and Kevin met organically through a group of close friends. They clicked like best friends and fell in love like soulmates and very quickly developed into what they have today – a very happy marriage! Like any other couple, they hoped their wedding would leave an impression on all the guests, which allowed them to narrow down wedding venues to impressionable landmarks like the University of Sydney (which they both attended) and Pier One, right along the harbor bridge and the Sydney Opera House.
“To us, marriage means continuing to grow together and to build a beautiful, perfectly imperfect queer life together. To continue challenging each other, to show each other love through actions as well as words and feelings, to make each other laugh every day, and to continue breaking down our own and each other’s walls.”
Despite not having a traditional Korean wedding, the couple still wanted to honor Korean culture by incorporating various cultural aspects into their special day.
Dahee chose to do this by selecting a traditional Korean dress called hanbok.
Hanbok is typically made with natural fabrics such as silk, cotton, and ramie. It is valued for its elegance, beauty, and symbolism. This dress is a significant symbol of Korean heritage and has been worn for centuries during formal occasions and celebrations.
The couple’s decision to fly to Korea and have a hanbok specially designed and made for the bride as her ceremonial dress proved to be a resounding success among the guests, as it was so unique..
The groomsmen and bridesmaids were kept in black and navy fits to accentuate the simplicity and classiness. Their attires perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic of the wedding.
A good-looking bridal party pulled off the sleek look so well and helped the bride and groom stand out even more.
A deeply emotional ceremony took place at the University of Sydney, which held special significance for both the bride and groom. This choice of venue added an extra layer of sentiment and nostalgia to the occasion.
The wedding arc, adorned with abundant greenery, intertwined gracefully with the majestic blue delphinium flowers. At the same time, the ethereal beauty of white roses and the lovely spiraea bush blossoms add a touch of purity and elegance to the ensemble. The contrasting shades of white and blue intertwine harmoniously, painting a picture of elegance and grace. As the soft petals and lush greenery cascade down the arc, they seamlessly blend with the surrounding space of the ceremony venue, enhancing its natural charm and creating a captivating backdrop for a truly magical union.
Dahee reveals an interesting fact about the proposal and wedding: “Kevin cried way more at both the proposal and the wedding itself – he practically bawled at the ceremony, which made everyone laugh.”
When it came to the reception, the bride opted for a second dress.
Couple shares that their wedding day was made incredibly special by the remarkable vendors they had chosen. From the meticulous wedding planner Emily Jean Events to the talented photographer Oliver Hartley, the creative florist Medaline Anne Styling, and the lively DJs, each vendor went above and beyond to ensure that the day was unforgettable.
“They didn’t feel like our vendors but felt more like friends that were attending the wedding; they were so involved and streamlined the whole day. Oliver, our photographer, and his assistant were laughing and dancing with our guests till the very end! Our florist even made little bouquets out of our wedding florals so that our guests could take them home, and they didn’t go to waste.”
Oliver Hartley has a distinct approach that sets him apart from others in his field. Unlike photographers who sought to create big, flashy, and posed images, Oliver believes that a wedding day should not revolve solely around photographs or the photographer themselves. Instead, he is focused on the couple, their loved ones, and the genuine moments that unfolded throughout the day. Oliver has an eye for finding perfection within imperfection. He cherishes the raw and authentic interactions that occur naturally, without contrivances or artificiality.
Advice from the couple
• Take each day as it comes, because wedding planning can be very overwhelming. I found that planning and organizing the little things (such as name cards, menus, and table numbers) was more difficult than planning and booking the big-ticket items like the venue and catering, etc.
VENUES Ceremony: University of Sydney; Reception: Pier One | PHOTOGRAPHY Oliver Hartley | PLANNER Emily Jean Events | GROOM’S ATTIRE Luxius | MAKEUP Jihye Amy Chae | FLORIST Madeline Anne Styling | BRIDAL DRESS Blanche Bridal
